KC Chiefs: Getting to know Houston Texans before Divisional Round

Somewhat along the same lines: how much faith do you have in Bill O’Brien right now?

Brian: It has always been a love/hate relationship with Bill O’Brien. Had the Texans lost that game, there would’ve been calls for his firing but I think he would’ve survived nonetheless. With this impressive win, his job is safe and his seat has cooled tremendously. Watson has bailed O’Brien out so many times when his play calls would break down and I could make a case that he wouldn’t have a job without Watson’s vote of confidence. I think O’Brien would’ve been gone in 2017 after going 4-12 but Watson went out of his way to endorse O’Brien and I’d expect the same at this point as well. If that support ever wanes, so will O’Brien’s chances of coaching this team. Bill is a smart man — he went to Brown U by the way where he was two-year letterman and started his coaching career there — and he has changed the culture of the locker room but your career is measured by wins and losses and he doesn’t have too many in the postseason so far through his six seasons of work. I question his judgment at times but there’s a lot more good than bad that he does for the Houston Texans. You can obviously tell that he loves coaching this team. If he were fired today, another NFL team would pick him up in heartbeat so you might as well keep him around.

Aside from Watt, who on the defense needs to step it up against the Chiefs?

Brian: This team is lacking a pass rush outside of what Watt did and that’s obviously because Jadeveon Clowney is no longer here. I’d like to see Whitney Mercilus step in and get to Mahomes but I’d love even more for Angelo Blackson, Brennan Scarlett and Brandon Dunn to get involved. Jacob Martin, part of the assets sent back in the Clowney trade has been a tremendous help as the season has progressed and I hope he can make some plays as well. Linebacker Charles Omenihu, their 5th rounder out of the University of Texans this season, has really come on strong and I wouldn’t be surprised if he made some plays as well. I’d also like to see more out of Gareon Conley and Vernon Hargreaves in the secondary against the Chiefs as well. Although Bradley Roby’s day was mixed against the Bills, he still was the best corner out there and I hope that they re-sign him this offseason.

Lastly, who wins on Sunday and by what score?

Brian: I think the Texans can win Sunday but it will be close, with the Texans winning 35-27. Fairbairn will likely be busy. It looks like the forecasted snow showers will roll-in Saturday instead of Sunday so with that out of the way, this game is going to be explosive in what will likely be a sunny and extremely cold day.

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And there you have it from a Houston writer’s point of view. Again, a big thanks to Brian for taking the time to answer my questions. And definitely check out House of Houston before the game for more insight on the Texans.