November 8, 2024 • 30 mins
On this episode of Twentyman in the Huddle podcast presented by Microsoft, Tim Twentyman is joined by Colton Pouncy, Brock Wright and Drew Dougherty, previewing the Detroit Lions’ second Sunday Night Football matchup of the season against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Looking for him. Welcome to Week ten of the NFL season.
Week Tens Flying, Isn't that crazy? This is the twenty
in the Huddle podcast. I am Tim Twentyman, your host
and joining me this week for the Keys to the
(00:21):
Game element is Colton Pouncy does a great job the
Lions beat writer for the Athletic. Thanks for joining me.
I appreciate it absolutely.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Yeah, so the.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Three keys every week to what's expected be really a
great game in Houston. I mean, you look at the
Texans six and three, and a lot of similarities Colton,
between these teams when I look at your coaches who
are former players, have that kind of players coach, you know, mentality,
(00:50):
young rosters that are up and coming. Two teams that
look like they're gonna be good for a long time.
You excited about Sunday Night.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Absolutely, this would be a good matchup. I'll love the
way these teams are kind of built through the draft.
Like you mentioned, the young rosters, the.
Speaker 4 (01:02):
Young top they have.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
They play hard, and they play for their head coaches,
and I think they kind of take on the identity
of you know, Nico Ryans over there and Dan Campbell
here in Detroit, So yeah, they definitely kind of take
after these teams.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
Well, Demigo Ryans the defensive coordinator obviously Dan Campbell with
that offensive mindset, and that really leads to the first
key for this one. I think what's going to be
a terrific matchup is Detroit's number one ranked offense against
the number two ranked overall defense in Houston. What a
terrific matchup to strength on strengths.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Yeah, absolutely, you know, we'll see if will Anderson is
able to go. I think he's been kind of missed
in practice, but they got some studs over there on
that defense man. They do a really good job defending
the run, t fighting the pass.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
I think they only allowed to.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Eighty one yards per game something like that, so there's
still any defense man that's gonna be tough to score
against them. At the same time, I think this line's offense,
I mean, the weapons they have. Jamison Williams is gonna
be back, obviously, I'm Roussaint Brown, San la Porta, the
running backs, so Ben Johnson's really doing a great job
in this offense. And I mean, if the lines, I
think you feel confident going against any defense in this
league right now.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Yeah, and Jared Goss on some kind of heater obviously,
you know, number one in the league in completion percent,
second totally Lamar Jackson in passer rating. But just some
of the numbers for this, this Houston defense second in
total yards allowed, third in passing d first in yards
allowed per play, second in tackles for lost with fifty nine.
They're fourth in sacks with twenty nine. They've defended fifty
(02:23):
nine passes, that second most. I mean, they are an
aggressive wide nine defense, and I thought it was interesting
when Ben Johnson talked this week that they haven't faced
a scheme like this with how they're wide nine with
Danelle Hunter and Anderson that you talked about what a
terrific duo. But they've got guys inside that you know,
have got a bunch of sacks, a bunch of tackles
for lost. They're aggressive at the linebackers spot, they're aggressive
(02:44):
the sector. It's really a fun defense to watch, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
It really is. I mean, I think it starts with
those two defensive ends when they're healthy and just peeling
back and getting out of the quarterback. They're a lot
of fun to watch. But I think the linebackers are
really good, good job quing stuff up in the second level.
They've got some really good cornerbacks. I love Stanley over there.
He was a really good pick for them a couple
of years ago. Kamart last year, the rookie that's kind
of stepped in from Georgia. I like them coming out
of the draft this past April, so they got a
(03:08):
lot of talent over there. They play hard, they played
the whistle, and it's gonna be really tough matchup for sure.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Indoors, I think they have their their you know, red
out there. It's gonna be a crazy environment. It's going
to be loud, But I love those strengths on strength matchups,
and I think this is gonna be, to me, the
toughest test. Last week was a good test against a
Green Bay defense. In those elements, Detroit obviously passed the test.
I think they've got a really big one this week too.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Yeah, for sure. You know, last week it felt like
the game plan was to be a little bit more conservative,
take care of the football, don't beat yourself essentially in
a game like that with you know, the elements not
really working your favor in a game like that. But
this week. You know they'll have their their full assortment
of talent. You know Jame's gonna come back for this one.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
I think they take a shot.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
I think so.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
I think so too. I think you know, yeah, Ben
always has something it's national TV. And when it's National
TV and all the eyes are watching, those are the
games that I love to go into with Ben because
you know he's gonna have something, some gadget play, some trick,
plays something up asleep and he's gonna take a couple
of shots to do.
Speaker 5 (04:03):
It.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Should be fun. Absolutely, all right, let's move over to
the other side of the bond. It comes to the
second key and it's really a pass rush for Detroit Lions.
We didn't see it last week obviously. This week huge
news made the trade for Zidarius Smith now at thirty
two years old. Zadarius was supposed to be on his
bye week in Cleveland this week, so Detroit's given him
a couple of days off. He won't be at the
(04:24):
Mior Performance Center until Friday. Is that enough time to
turn around and play? I will see. I don't know
if it is. What do you think? What's your thoughts?
Speaker 3 (04:34):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (04:35):
I mean, first of all, I think credit the lines
for you know, giving him some time off, because that's
it's tough to come in. You know, he was supposed
to have to buy and then I got traded obviously,
so I mean love the move to kind of it
was a class move to kind of give him some
time off there. But you know, he is a veteran.
He's played a lot of football in this league. I
think for a position ninety plays, which is just you know,
after the quarterback, I think maybe you don't need the
full assortment of the playbook yet you can kind of
(04:55):
come in and do some damage just on a limited base.
If they want to just tosk him out there for
a few plays. But if not, they want to give
him the full week off the rest, I would understand
that too. But if they do put him out there,
I think he can have an impact because he's a
really productive player and he has been in this league
for a long time. He's a guy that I always
thought would be a good fit for the same when
hutchesone down, you're kind of looking for some trade options
and they're able to get it done and bringing a
(05:16):
guy like that that can help you for the stretch run.
So if he plays, I think he can kind of
do some damage.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
But I guess we'll see, you know, and you look
at this Houston team and you look at what the
New York Jets were able to do them to them
last week Thursday, eight sacks on CJ. Stroud eleven times
they hit him. You look at Houston's offensive line overall
and just their offense thirty one sacks allowed. That's second
most in the NFL. So the Lions get you know,
Josh Pascal back. I think that's huge this week. And
(05:41):
I think even if they don't have Zadarius, I would
fully expect Colton. Now don't know if you agree that
that we'll see much more from this Lion's pass rush
against the Texans team that struggled to protect DJ Stroud
really all year.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Yeah, for sure. I mean Aaron glenn Is, you know,
he loves the blitz. I think since Hutchinson went down,
they rank towards the top of the league and blitz right,
so they don't really need the defensive you know, the
whole defensive line to create pressure and get after the quarterback.
Alan McNeil had seven pressures against the Yeah, the Packers
last week, so he can get it done. Any point
you did readers to strop them there, Levi, the linebackers
(06:14):
Treuvin O'watski's kind of giving them some juice there. And
then the secondary with Brian Branch, you can come off
the edge and kind of blitz for you too, so
you can do some some cool things with this this
defense that Aaron Glenn has right.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Now, and you can cover behind it. And that's the key, right,
I mean, this secondary is so improved that safety duel
of Brian Branch and Kirby Joseph is to me the
best in the league right now. So that's the important thing.
You don't just blitz the blitz. You blitz knowing that
you can cover behind it. And I think Aaron Glen's
in a good job of masking some of the deficiencies
that they've had in the pass rush without eight hutches
(06:44):
sound without Marcus Daviport, and he's been creative blitzing that way.
It's been it's been a good duel.
Speaker 4 (06:48):
And all right.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
Our third key is something that you talked about that
the kind of you mentioned you wanted to talk about
is the red zone. And I think to me, in football,
there are three statistics that are more important than anything else, turnovers,
red zone and third down and when this red zone
and when this red zone when you look at it,
and we talked about the numbers for this Houston defense,
right they jump out, they're terrific, But there's an anomaly.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
There isn't it there really is.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
They're second in yards per game allowed, but I think
their thirtieth the third worst than the league in terms
of red zone defense and giving up touchdowns.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
How does that even make sense? Are you good at
everything else and then you're giving touchdowns away in the
red zone at a seventy percent clip Colton.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
Yeah, it's pretty odd. You don't really see that too much.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Whereas the Lions they do go from the yards, but
they really tighten up and that the fourth best red
zone defense. So kind of flipped a little bit in
a weird way. But in terms of the Texans defense,
like I think it really depends on your cornerbacks and
can you challenge in that area of the field because
you really have to play a lot of man coverage.
It's one on one, So can you win your responsibilities?
I think the Lions have done that defensively. Texans, they
(07:48):
kind of win, you know, outside of the twenties, but
they've been beat there inside the twenty and it seems
like the Lions obviously are really productive red zone offense
can take advantage of that if you're not careful there.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Yeah, to your point, I saw this on X from
one of the Houston guys. I think they've allowed nineteen
passing touchdowns this year. They allowed seventeen all of last year.
And so I mean, despite the numbers and despite them
being third in passing airs the touchdowns, the red zone,
to your point, is where they're giving up a lot
of those scores. Detroit sixty three point three percent inside
(08:19):
the red zone and that includes that one for seven
in Tampa Bay. So I think it's a good point
by you is to watch what happens in the red zone.
That's going to be the key. That's where Houston's allowed
some opportunities. Detroit's obviously been really good there in seven
of their eight games, and that's going to be huge.
Can you convert those plays? Can you get those four
extra points? You know, whoever's forced to kick field goals
(08:41):
is probably in this kind of game against this offense
is probably going to be behind the eight. Also, I
think it's a good point by you, big key to
this one. Those are the three keys to Sunday Nights game,
which should be fun. He is Colton Pountcy. Thanks so
much for joining me. You can follow your stuff on
Twitter at Cold Underscore, Coulton Underscore Ponzi.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
There it is.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
We'll be back. Welcome back to the twenty in the
Huddle podcast, and I am very happy to welcome in
Brock right tight end. I figured it was Houston week,
so why not get a Houston native? Right, Cyprus, Texas?
How far is that from Houston?
Speaker 4 (09:18):
About thirty minutes from downtown.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
Okay, so suburb of Houston. You grew up a giant
Texans fan.
Speaker 5 (09:23):
Yeah that's right. Yeah, whole childhood, love going to games
growing up.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
So the family at your Sunday night is prime time?
How many family you got going here? Your dad got
a suite, I.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
Hear, Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
So though my parents are gonna be hosting probably about
twenty people, and then who knows how many more are
gonna be there, you probably know over one hundred people
at the game.
Speaker 4 (09:44):
So it's gonna be really cool.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
How fun is that going to be? Obviously just getting
there now, you guys have commitments at the hotel, but
you guys get a little bit of a window there
to see family and stuff. Is always fun for players
going back home and seeing family and friends, people you
don't get a whole lot of time to see during
the season. Just how fun are the these types of
weekends for you guys.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
It's really fun.
Speaker 5 (10:02):
I think it's more fun for my parents because they
traveled every game, and so when we get ones like
these where they can just drive to it, it's so
much easier on them. But we're staying real close to
where my brother and his wife lives, so we'll be
able to see them, and my parents are gonna come
down and just get to spend time with them. So
it's really special.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
And just playing on Sunday night football. Obviously, you guys
are seven and one. You're talked about this team as
you know, favors for you know, the super Bowl in
the NFC, the greatest show on turf since the greatest
show on turf. How much do you guys do you
love these night primetime games or is it tough as
a player because you've got to wait around, sit around,
do all that stuff, or do you as a player
(10:40):
like these opportunities.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
Yeah, the waiting and the waiting is the hardest part.
But I think when you get to the pre game,
you kind of feel the energy of those night games
and it's something special. I think there's a little bit
more energy in the stadium. You kind of get a
sense that there's a little bit more to it. So
there's always a little bit more juice beyd.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Those So, how much of the family are going to
be Lions fans? How much of the family are going
to be Texans fans? Is there is there any all
lies all Lions fans.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
That's good.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
There's no rogue uncle that's a die hard.
Speaker 4 (11:11):
No, no, not a chance.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
So you were, you know, one of the top tight
ends in the country coming out obviously went to Notre Dame,
had a terrific career there. I'm just curious, do you
guys now who kind of missed out on the nil stuff?
Do you look back and you're like, holy cow, if
I was playing college football nowadays, like cause you were,
you know, one of the elite tight ends in that class.
I'm curious you guys think back of what it could
(11:33):
be like in college now.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
Kind of funny, but I don't know.
Speaker 5 (11:36):
It seemed like our stipend back then was more money
than we knew what to do with.
Speaker 4 (11:40):
So I don't know.
Speaker 5 (11:42):
Maybe you know, money would have corrupted us a little bit.
So I'm kind of glad I didn't have to deal
with all that nonsense.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
I want to take you back to the off season.
You know, obviously you restricted free agent and San Francisco
comes coling right, you sign, you know, a restricted deal
there three years, twelve million dollars. Did you think at
that point that that you were heading out west, that
you were a forty nine er?
Speaker 5 (12:03):
No, I mean I had hopes that I would stay here,
and I felt confident that the team wanted me enough back,
wanted me back enough, and you know, I was able
to talk to coach and he asked if I wanted
to stay here, and that was always the goal. So
but you know, when it when it came down to
the last day and it was kind of clock was ticking,
you know, started thinking, oh, this could be a real deal.
(12:24):
So but no, I'm happy with how it turned out.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
Obviously, obviously playing in the top offense in the league,
what is it like playing under Ben Johnson as an
offensive coordinator?
Speaker 4 (12:35):
It's great.
Speaker 5 (12:36):
I mean every week he comes up with something fun
and just getting to learn from him and see how
he attacks defenses a weekend in and out is it's cool.
I think it helps all of us learn grow us players,
and uh, and just it's fun to be a part
of this offense. We get to do a lot of
(12:56):
a lot of fun, cool stuff. So yeah, it's special.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
And there's a prerequisite to play in this offense and
no block, no rock. You hear that term for the
wide receivers, But guys like aman Ra yourself, Sam, I mean,
do you love playing with a group of guys that
it just seems like such an unselfish bunch. I've never
heard guys talking about get.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
Me the rock?
Speaker 1 (13:18):
I need it. You've got wide receivers blocking for running backs.
You got two running backs who respect each other and
could probably be number one running backs on twenty eight
other teams in this league. But are here and love
being Do you love that aspect of it? And how
much is important? Like if you don't block in this offense,
you're not playing, are you?
Speaker 5 (13:36):
And that's a prerequisitedna, right, But I think that's what
sets really good offenses apart that's how you create explosives
with people blocking downfield after catch and the receivers getting
involved in the run game. Our receivers are the best
at that, so it's fun to see them do that,
and it kind of just it elevates everyone else's game too.
You want to play harder for the guy next to you,
So I think that's what it takes to be really
good offense.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
Steve Hyden seems like a pretty serious dude. I mean,
that's what he did too, Like he was that blocking
type tight end. What's it like being in that room
and how much has he helped your game?
Speaker 5 (14:07):
He's helped my game tremendously when it comes to technique
and just learning from a guy who did it for
so long. He's helped the whole group. And we've grown
a lot together. Love our group of guys, so it's
a lot of fun working with them.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
This just seems like it's such a fun offense to
be a part of. Right now. Have you ever been
around a quarterback that's as hot as Jared Goff is
right now? It just looks he has such an understanding
of Ben's system. It seems like knows where guys are,
doesn't force the football finds the open guy. Have you
ever been part of kind of a quarterback who's been
on a streak like this.
Speaker 5 (14:38):
No, it's fun, It's it's cool to watch. It's when
everything's clicking for for them, it's something special.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
And just that tight end room too, seems like a
really close knit kind of group. You know, Sam obviously
had a terrific you know, rookie season. You've been a
huge part of this offense now for a few years.
You know, Zolstra's you know, come up, been doing some
good things. Do you like that room? It seems like
it's got a lot of versatility to it.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
Yeah, it's great. I mean, Shane and I came in.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
We're the same rookie class, and so it's great having
him back after he was injured last year, and I'm
geting to see him out on the field and contribute,
and then James coming in that following year, and then Sam.
I mean, it's just an awesome group of guys and
we all e love at each other's game a bit
so and also just good guys to hang out with.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
What jumps out about Houston? You know, do you look
at some of the numbers, Number two defensive number three
against the past, limiting teams under two hundred passing yards
per game. Just what's the challenge Sunday night.
Speaker 5 (15:36):
Yeah, they have a great defense, They're good at holding
teams to a few points.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
So got great edge guys who are going to be
matched up with a lot.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
So just one of those games, you know, on the
road you have to be really technically sound. Just focus
in on the fundamentals because it's a little bit harder
with noise and things like that. So just hone in
on that stuff, be clean, on our game plan, and
I think things will take care of themselves.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
How big was a game like last week outdoors and
on was made of that? I didn't really think too
much of it, but you know, the rain and everything else,
and just to handle it the way you guys did.
Was that just a kind of another notch for this offense?
Like we can play anywhere. I think Jared had the
chameleon comment, which is probably gonna be a shirt somewhere
at some point. But it just to play a game,
it's such a clean game like that outdoors. Is it
(16:19):
just kind of another notch? Like, hey, if we got
to go somewhere in January, you know that we can
handle this. We can do it and it's no big deal.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
Yeah, I think that's the perfect way to put it.
It's Camillion. You just have to be able to adapt.
You know, if you got to be able to run
the ball, you can run the ball, throw the ball
when you can throw the ball. So, like we said,
that's what takes offenses to the next level is being
able to do it all. And so I think no
matter where you're playing with elements, you got to figure out,
you know, how to get after that defense.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
So we've seen a Monra throw a touchdown pass. We
have seen David Montgomery throw a touchdown pass. Who's got
the best arm in that tight end room that you?
Speaker 4 (16:56):
Is it Sam? It's it's not you, it's probably Sam?
Is it probably Sam? Or Shane? No?
Speaker 1 (17:02):
What were you growing up? Were you always a tight end?
Were you always a.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
I started playing tight end in middle school? Okay, Yeah,
played running back and full back growing up.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
Fun.
Speaker 5 (17:11):
Is that that's the best I mean, those are the
best memories little league football.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Yeah, getting around at every play.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
So well, it looks like everybody's having fun in this offense.
You guys are off to a terrific start seven to one,
big game national TV audience Sunday night at in your hometown,
in front of your home fans hoping to get a
touchdown in front of the home that it seems to work.
That kind of stuff in too, though, you know, there's nothing,
nothing special plan, nothing.
Speaker 4 (17:37):
I don't know yet. I don't know.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Stayinkoy, I like it. Don't go away with the plan.
But something tells me you will be part of a
big play Sunday night in your hometown. It should be
fun to watch. It'll be a great matchup. Good luck
to you. Thanks for joining the podcast.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
Appreciate it.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
Thank you, appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
Welcome back to the Twin the Huddle podcast. And now
we are going to venture out into Houston and get
a close up look at the Houston Texans. I'm joined
by Drew Dowd. He does a great job. He's been
covering the Texans since two thousand and nine. Their TV host.
You can catch him on Texas dot com. He is
very well connected everything Houston. Drew, thanks for taking the time.
I appreciate it.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
Thanks a lot. Tim, good to see again. Hope you're
doing great. And boy, you guys are coming to town
with a football team.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
That's a's a joke.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
We're coming to town with a football team. But you've
got a football team too, with obviously the additions that
you made last year with CJ. Shroud and Will Anderson
and and you know, making the playoffs. This is a fun,
fun matchup. It's two young teams, mostly young that that
are kind of up and coming in this league. But Drew,
let's start with the injuries because I think that's a
(18:44):
big storyline there in Houston heading into this one. Obviously,
Nico Collins has been out for a couple of weeks.
He's eligible to come back, what's the status of him?
And then the other big one is probably Will Anderson.
Will Anderson Junior dealing with that ankle injury misspractice Wednesday.
What what's that looking at looking like on the injury
front with Houston.
Speaker 6 (19:01):
Yeah, you know, the two big names you just brought up.
You've heard good things externally about Nico Collins, but you
always wonder, well, the guy didn't practice on Wednesday, so
what will it be. You think he's gonna be out
there Sunday, but you don't know, So you always hold
reserve and reserve judgment for that one and then Will Anderson.
We saw him get banged up with the ankle on
(19:21):
Thursday Night Football about a week ago, so we'll see
on those two. But we did see limited participation from
linebacker Aziz al Shire. He is a captain. He is
a real motor on this defense. It's a big, big returnee.
He had been out for a few weeks, so that's
a good thing that he's back. You also have Jimmy Ward.
He's a safety, he's a captain. He practiced as well
(19:43):
as a limited participant on Wednesday. He missed a lot
of time with a groin. So you get those two
back coming off of IR at least designated to return.
They sort of got their window activated. Was defensive end
Jerry Hughes. He's a complimentary piece. He can still give
you some juice here and there, and this pass rush
is gonna need it if Will Anderton is not able
to go. And then you got some more cornerback depth
(20:05):
with the guy you guys are familiar with in Jeff Okuda.
So there's been some good news, but you really want
the great news with those two names that you start with,
and we'll see on them, but yeah, don't don't cry
for the Texans because it's that time of year. As
you know, everybody's injured. You guys can talk Aden Hutchinson.
I mean, that's everybody's going through it in their own
form or fashion.
Speaker 3 (20:25):
So it's the league.
Speaker 6 (20:26):
It's what you got to do, and nobody's gonna be
using injuries as an excuse for what happens.
Speaker 1 (20:31):
You know, a lot of those names on the defensive
side of the ball, and credit to Demiko Ryans and
what the guys have done who've stepped into that role.
I mean the number two total defense are number three
against the past. They've really maintained through those injuries. And
and you know, obviously Lions fans know Danell Hunter, you
know very well from his time with Minnesota. He's been
(20:51):
a great addition to just what is it about that defense?
What is it? That is it? Demiko Ryan's scheme?
Speaker 4 (20:58):
Is it just?
Speaker 1 (20:58):
You know, why is that side of the football been
so consistently good? Really all year long.
Speaker 3 (21:03):
Drew, They've been excellent up front. They really have. You
brought up to Neil Hunter.
Speaker 6 (21:07):
He leaves the NFL and pressures he's getting to the
quarterback and his sack totals have gone up a little
bit over the last few weeks, but he's been everything
that the Texans have wanted and how they signed him
this year, You guys, they'll know all about him after
all those years in Minnesota and seeing him twice a season.
He's been excellent Will Anderson. I mean, he was the
defensive player of the month and then he gets injured.
(21:28):
You know the night that he gets named defensive player
of the month. But then on the interior names you
don't hear about as much. Tackles like Tim Settle. He's
been excellent since he came here, fully thought a Cossi,
he's been doing some nice things.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
And then behind those two big guns.
Speaker 6 (21:43):
At defensive end, he got a guy in Denico Autrey
who had eleven and a half sacks last year. He
missed the first six games of the season with a suspension,
came back, has settled in and then he has the
two sacks the other night. That's his third game back.
He's a very very important piece and you're so happy
to see him come back when you know there is
some uncertainty up front. And then I didn't even mention
(22:05):
Derek Barnette. The guy's a former first round pick. He's
been excellent with the Texans since they claimed him off
waivers late in the season from Philadelphia last year. So
they've been able to get out of the quarterback and
win those one on one matchups. They'll blitz of times, obviously,
but they're not relying solely on the blitz to cause
those pressures. So they've really been kind of the driving
(22:26):
engine of this defense, and especially so in home games
this year.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
We can get into that a little bit later if
you want.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
Yeah, And that's gonna be such a huge matchup because
obviously Detroit comes to town with one of the best
offensive lines in football. Penney Suel Taylor Deck are really
too great bookend. Obviously, Frank Ragan is one of the
best centers in the league. So that should be a
terrific matchup from everything you've talked about with the depth
and talent that the Texans have up front. But over
on the other side of the football and you talk
(22:53):
about the offensive line with the Texans, you know, I
saw some of the you know, press conferences with Demiko
you know, early this season, and I think the first
three questions were about the offensive line, and obviously, with
the loss of the Jets last week eight sacks allowed,
eleven hits on CJ. Stroud, their second in the NFL
in sacks allowed with thirty one. What's just really been
(23:13):
the issue there, and is that the concern heading into
this week and really the last two months of the season,
is getting better play out of that offensive line.
Speaker 6 (23:22):
Yeah, you said it, and so has Demiko Ryan, So
is CJ.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
Stroud.
Speaker 6 (23:26):
So of all those guys on the line, the rest
of the offense, they've got to protect better. You know,
that's no secret. Nobody's speaking out of turn here. You
can't allow your quarterback, especially one like c J. Stroud
is still young, to get hit the way he's been hit.
So one of the guys who was playing left guard,
Kenyon Green, he started the season there. He's a former
first round pick. He's out for a while, maybe even
(23:47):
the season, we don't know, but he's not practiced. He
has the shoulder injury. He left the game. In his place,
we saw Kendrick Green, but also a guy who had
started to take some more reps there at the left
guard spot.
Speaker 3 (24:00):
Atterson.
Speaker 6 (24:00):
He was a rookie last year out of Notre Dame
and he started the first seven games at center in
twenty twenty three before he got injured and had to
hang it up for the rest of the season. But
he's he filled in pretty capably at left guard when
we saw him, and then he got concussed, so he's
coming back from concussion. But he was a full participant
on Wednesday. So whether it's him, whether it's Kendrick Green,
(24:21):
it's gonna be somebody different upfront. But it's got to change,
no matter whether it's just the left guard or the
rest of the whole unit, and not just the offensive line.
Everybody's got to be better because.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
You can't sustain.
Speaker 6 (24:33):
You can't just keep crossing your fingers and thinking something
the good is gonna happen when your quarterback is getting
battered like he's been.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
You mentioned Texans and playing at home. The Lions are
obviously excited to get back indoors after playing in the
rain and the cold and the wet in Green Bay.
I see the picture behind you there of the guys
decked out in the red. It's gonna be a red out.
What's the atmosphere going to be like there? At the
NRG Stadium in Houston Sunday night for a NASH TV game.
Speaker 6 (25:01):
They'll be amped up. It's gonna be a lot of fun.
I know there will be a lot of Detroit Lion
fans there as well. They travel well, especially lately. But
they're gonna be pumped up. Like you mentioned, it's battle
Red Day or battle Red Night, and they'll have the
new helmets that's got the horns instead of the regular bullhead.
Speaker 3 (25:17):
But they're gonna be pumped up.
Speaker 6 (25:19):
I mean, this defense has been so much better at
home through the four games now, they haven't seen an
offense of the calibers of Detroit's. But if you look
at what they've done to opposing quarterbacks, they've held them
to about forty five percent completion rate. They're averaging about
three and a half sacks a game the Texans are
(25:39):
so they've done a really good job. And yes they
haven't played you know, the best of quarterbacks, but think
about who they have gone against. Trevor Lawrence was the
first overall pick. They had him completing less than fifty
the last time out. Anthony Richardson, they broke him. I
mean he tapped out. We saw the national news last week.
He got benched right after that, and he was having
(25:59):
a tough time. But you also went against Josh Allen,
the guy's a perennial MVP candidate, and you held him
to nine to thirty passing. So they've done good work
against quarterbacks. Now it's different. I'll give you all that.
I mean, that's a good Lions defense coming to the offense,
coming to town and defense. But the Texans defense, I
think is going to be ready to rock and they'll
(26:21):
be up for the challenge.
Speaker 3 (26:21):
And it's a mighty one for sure.
Speaker 1 (26:24):
One or two guys, I know you've already mentioned a couple,
but maybe that that Lions fans aren't familiar with who
could really impact this game come Sunday night.
Speaker 6 (26:33):
Yeah, keep your eyes on tight end Dalton Schultz. You
know he's kind of starting to heap back up. A
lot of the early targets this season went to Nico Collins, justifiably,
so he was leading the NFL in receiving yards. Stefan
Diggs was getting you know, implemented and integrated into the offense.
He's out for the rest of the season, so you
won't see him. So we've seen Dalton Schultz get his chances,
(26:55):
so he's he's a guy on offense. I'd keep your
eyes on. And I mentioned Autrey earlier in the watch
out for him. He can play, he's nasty, He's a
guy that general manager executive vice president Nick Cassio this
offseason during the season when he was coming back, he
labeled him a real pain in the ass, an ass kicker.
It's pretty strident words from Cassio and and Autrey he's
(27:17):
a good one.
Speaker 3 (27:18):
I can't wait to see what he does.
Speaker 1 (27:20):
You know, is this big too? Just because the losses
to Green Bay Minnesota obviously beat Chicago, but you don't
want to go one in three against the North obviously.
It's it's the division, you know, is key for any team.
And I know these are interconfidence so you know, interconference,
so's it's you know, it doesn't it's not huge in
the grand scheme of things. But is there anything to that,
(27:40):
you know, you know, not wanting to lose, you know,
three times within one division.
Speaker 3 (27:44):
There might be something to that.
Speaker 6 (27:46):
I think on a grander scale, it's that awful taste
they've got in their mouth after last week on national TV,
looking so poorly and knowing that they're not that team.
You know, they're better than what they put out there
the other night. Now, they they gotta fix things and
they got to play better, and I think they think
they can. I know they think they can. So they
get a second chance. They get to do it on
(28:06):
Sunday Night football. And yeah, they want to beat a
good team. They just want to get back down the winning,
winning track. But I think, yeah, sure, they probably want
to do better against the AFC North than they have them.
Speaker 3 (28:17):
It's a it's a.
Speaker 6 (28:17):
Rough tumble division and uh man, that's some pretty serious stuff.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
But they're six and three.
Speaker 6 (28:24):
They want to get to seven and three and kind
of keep that stranglehold on their own division, the AFC South,
because you know, you saw the Colts and what they've
been doing, and a couple of weeks ago when the
Colts came to town that the Colts won that game.
Technically the Texans and Colts would have been tied atop
the AFC South. But that win and then everything we've
seen since, it's kept that little gap in between the two.
Speaker 1 (28:44):
All right, final one here is is, you know, the
Texans stay at top the AFC North, they get to
seven and three, they really control their own destiny. And
by beating Detroit, if what happens, what's the biggest key
for Drew Doherty for the Texas to come away with
a win at home Sunday night in front of a
national audience.
Speaker 6 (29:05):
Got to be able to run, and they have been
able to run with Joe Mixon. You got to keep
getting turnovers and takeaways and limittures. But you know, you're
tied for eighth in the NFL and turnover to Frenchell.
Lions are tied for first, so you got to be
better than them, and that's a tough task. But above
all else, you've been solid in the first half as far.
Speaker 3 (29:24):
As scoring points.
Speaker 6 (29:26):
You got to get way better after the intermission, because
aside from the win over New England a few months
or a few weeks back, the Texans have basically averaged
about six to seven points in the second half of
games this year.
Speaker 3 (29:37):
You can't do that against a team like this.
Speaker 6 (29:39):
You've got to score more and you got to limit them,
and you got to make things tough on.
Speaker 1 (29:43):
Jared goff oh Drew, what a fun matchup. Who would
have thought at the beginning of the year, like Houston
and Detroit to first place teams, huge matchup, maybe two
teams that could meet in the Super Bowl in February.
There really are that good. It should be a fun
matchup strength on strength offense versus this tourn a big defense.
It'll be a fun matchup, a redout national TV. I'm
(30:03):
looking forward to it. I'm sure you are too. Thanks
for joining me so much. I appreciate the time, and
I'll look look for you in the press box.
Speaker 6 (30:10):
Make sure I say hello. Hen't wait, Tim, good to
see it. Travel safe and we'll see a Sunday night
Man
Looking for him. Welcome to Week ten of the NFL season.
Week Tens Flying, Isn't that crazy? This is the twenty
in the Huddle podcast. I am Tim Twentyman, your host
and joining me this week for the Keys to the
(00:21):
Game element is Colton Pouncy does a great job the
Lions beat writer for the Athletic. Thanks for joining me.
I appreciate it absolutely.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Yeah, so the.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Three keys every week to what's expected be really a
great game in Houston. I mean, you look at the
Texans six and three, and a lot of similarities Colton,
between these teams when I look at your coaches who
are former players, have that kind of players coach, you know, mentality,
(00:50):
young rosters that are up and coming. Two teams that
look like they're gonna be good for a long time.
You excited about Sunday Night.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Absolutely, this would be a good matchup. I'll love the
way these teams are kind of built through the draft.
Like you mentioned, the young rosters, the.
Speaker 4 (01:02):
Young top they have.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
They play hard, and they play for their head coaches,
and I think they kind of take on the identity
of you know, Nico Ryans over there and Dan Campbell
here in Detroit, So yeah, they definitely kind of take
after these teams.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
Well, Demigo Ryans the defensive coordinator obviously Dan Campbell with
that offensive mindset, and that really leads to the first
key for this one. I think what's going to be
a terrific matchup is Detroit's number one ranked offense against
the number two ranked overall defense in Houston. What a
terrific matchup to strength on strengths.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Yeah, absolutely, you know, we'll see if will Anderson is
able to go. I think he's been kind of missed
in practice, but they got some studs over there on
that defense man. They do a really good job defending
the run, t fighting the pass.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
I think they only allowed to.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Eighty one yards per game something like that, so there's
still any defense man that's gonna be tough to score
against them. At the same time, I think this line's offense,
I mean, the weapons they have. Jamison Williams is gonna
be back, obviously, I'm Roussaint Brown, San la Porta, the
running backs, so Ben Johnson's really doing a great job
in this offense. And I mean, if the lines, I
think you feel confident going against any defense in this
league right now.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Yeah, and Jared Goss on some kind of heater obviously,
you know, number one in the league in completion percent,
second totally Lamar Jackson in passer rating. But just some
of the numbers for this, this Houston defense second in
total yards allowed, third in passing d first in yards
allowed per play, second in tackles for lost with fifty nine.
They're fourth in sacks with twenty nine. They've defended fifty
(02:23):
nine passes, that second most. I mean, they are an
aggressive wide nine defense, and I thought it was interesting
when Ben Johnson talked this week that they haven't faced
a scheme like this with how they're wide nine with
Danelle Hunter and Anderson that you talked about what a
terrific duo. But they've got guys inside that you know,
have got a bunch of sacks, a bunch of tackles
for lost. They're aggressive at the linebackers spot, they're aggressive
(02:44):
the sector. It's really a fun defense to watch, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
It really is. I mean, I think it starts with
those two defensive ends when they're healthy and just peeling
back and getting out of the quarterback. They're a lot
of fun to watch. But I think the linebackers are
really good, good job quing stuff up in the second level.
They've got some really good cornerbacks. I love Stanley over there.
He was a really good pick for them a couple
of years ago. Kamart last year, the rookie that's kind
of stepped in from Georgia. I like them coming out
of the draft this past April, so they got a
(03:08):
lot of talent over there. They play hard, they played
the whistle, and it's gonna be really tough matchup for sure.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Indoors, I think they have their their you know, red
out there. It's gonna be a crazy environment. It's going
to be loud, But I love those strengths on strength matchups,
and I think this is gonna be, to me, the
toughest test. Last week was a good test against a
Green Bay defense. In those elements, Detroit obviously passed the test.
I think they've got a really big one this week too.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Yeah, for sure. You know, last week it felt like
the game plan was to be a little bit more conservative,
take care of the football, don't beat yourself essentially in
a game like that with you know, the elements not
really working your favor in a game like that. But
this week. You know they'll have their their full assortment
of talent. You know Jame's gonna come back for this one.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
I think they take a shot.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
I think so.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
I think so too. I think you know, yeah, Ben
always has something it's national TV. And when it's National
TV and all the eyes are watching, those are the
games that I love to go into with Ben because
you know he's gonna have something, some gadget play, some trick,
plays something up asleep and he's gonna take a couple
of shots to do.
Speaker 5 (04:03):
It.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Should be fun. Absolutely, all right, let's move over to
the other side of the bond. It comes to the
second key and it's really a pass rush for Detroit Lions.
We didn't see it last week obviously. This week huge
news made the trade for Zidarius Smith now at thirty
two years old. Zadarius was supposed to be on his
bye week in Cleveland this week, so Detroit's given him
a couple of days off. He won't be at the
(04:24):
Mior Performance Center until Friday. Is that enough time to
turn around and play? I will see. I don't know
if it is. What do you think? What's your thoughts?
Speaker 3 (04:34):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (04:35):
I mean, first of all, I think credit the lines
for you know, giving him some time off, because that's
it's tough to come in. You know, he was supposed
to have to buy and then I got traded obviously,
so I mean love the move to kind of it
was a class move to kind of give him some
time off there. But you know, he is a veteran.
He's played a lot of football in this league. I
think for a position ninety plays, which is just you know,
after the quarterback, I think maybe you don't need the
full assortment of the playbook yet you can kind of
(04:55):
come in and do some damage just on a limited base.
If they want to just tosk him out there for
a few plays. But if not, they want to give
him the full week off the rest, I would understand
that too. But if they do put him out there,
I think he can have an impact because he's a
really productive player and he has been in this league
for a long time. He's a guy that I always
thought would be a good fit for the same when
hutchesone down, you're kind of looking for some trade options
and they're able to get it done and bringing a
(05:16):
guy like that that can help you for the stretch run.
So if he plays, I think he can kind of
do some damage.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
But I guess we'll see, you know, and you look
at this Houston team and you look at what the
New York Jets were able to do them to them
last week Thursday, eight sacks on CJ. Stroud eleven times
they hit him. You look at Houston's offensive line overall
and just their offense thirty one sacks allowed. That's second
most in the NFL. So the Lions get you know,
Josh Pascal back. I think that's huge this week. And
(05:41):
I think even if they don't have Zadarius, I would
fully expect Colton. Now don't know if you agree that
that we'll see much more from this Lion's pass rush
against the Texans team that struggled to protect DJ Stroud
really all year.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Yeah, for sure. I mean Aaron glenn Is, you know,
he loves the blitz. I think since Hutchinson went down,
they rank towards the top of the league and blitz right,
so they don't really need the defensive you know, the
whole defensive line to create pressure and get after the quarterback.
Alan McNeil had seven pressures against the Yeah, the Packers
last week, so he can get it done. Any point
you did readers to strop them there, Levi, the linebackers
(06:14):
Treuvin O'watski's kind of giving them some juice there. And
then the secondary with Brian Branch, you can come off
the edge and kind of blitz for you too, so
you can do some some cool things with this this
defense that Aaron Glenn has right.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Now, and you can cover behind it. And that's the key, right,
I mean, this secondary is so improved that safety duel
of Brian Branch and Kirby Joseph is to me the
best in the league right now. So that's the important thing.
You don't just blitz the blitz. You blitz knowing that
you can cover behind it. And I think Aaron Glen's
in a good job of masking some of the deficiencies
that they've had in the pass rush without eight hutches
(06:44):
sound without Marcus Daviport, and he's been creative blitzing that way.
It's been it's been a good duel.
Speaker 4 (06:48):
And all right.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
Our third key is something that you talked about that
the kind of you mentioned you wanted to talk about
is the red zone. And I think to me, in football,
there are three statistics that are more important than anything else, turnovers,
red zone and third down and when this red zone
and when this red zone when you look at it,
and we talked about the numbers for this Houston defense,
right they jump out, they're terrific, But there's an anomaly.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
There isn't it there really is.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
They're second in yards per game allowed, but I think
their thirtieth the third worst than the league in terms
of red zone defense and giving up touchdowns.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
How does that even make sense? Are you good at
everything else and then you're giving touchdowns away in the
red zone at a seventy percent clip Colton.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
Yeah, it's pretty odd. You don't really see that too much.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Whereas the Lions they do go from the yards, but
they really tighten up and that the fourth best red
zone defense. So kind of flipped a little bit in
a weird way. But in terms of the Texans defense,
like I think it really depends on your cornerbacks and
can you challenge in that area of the field because
you really have to play a lot of man coverage.
It's one on one, So can you win your responsibilities?
I think the Lions have done that defensively. Texans, they
(07:48):
kind of win, you know, outside of the twenties, but
they've been beat there inside the twenty and it seems
like the Lions obviously are really productive red zone offense
can take advantage of that if you're not careful there.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Yeah, to your point, I saw this on X from
one of the Houston guys. I think they've allowed nineteen
passing touchdowns this year. They allowed seventeen all of last year.
And so I mean, despite the numbers and despite them
being third in passing airs the touchdowns, the red zone,
to your point, is where they're giving up a lot
of those scores. Detroit sixty three point three percent inside
(08:19):
the red zone and that includes that one for seven
in Tampa Bay. So I think it's a good point
by you is to watch what happens in the red zone.
That's going to be the key. That's where Houston's allowed
some opportunities. Detroit's obviously been really good there in seven
of their eight games, and that's going to be huge.
Can you convert those plays? Can you get those four
extra points? You know, whoever's forced to kick field goals
(08:41):
is probably in this kind of game against this offense
is probably going to be behind the eight. Also, I
think it's a good point by you, big key to
this one. Those are the three keys to Sunday Nights game,
which should be fun. He is Colton Pountcy. Thanks so
much for joining me. You can follow your stuff on
Twitter at Cold Underscore, Coulton Underscore Ponzi.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
There it is.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
We'll be back. Welcome back to the twenty in the
Huddle podcast, and I am very happy to welcome in
Brock right tight end. I figured it was Houston week,
so why not get a Houston native? Right, Cyprus, Texas?
How far is that from Houston?
Speaker 4 (09:18):
About thirty minutes from downtown.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
Okay, so suburb of Houston. You grew up a giant
Texans fan.
Speaker 5 (09:23):
Yeah that's right. Yeah, whole childhood, love going to games
growing up.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
So the family at your Sunday night is prime time?
How many family you got going here? Your dad got
a suite, I.
Speaker 4 (09:35):
Hear, Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
So though my parents are gonna be hosting probably about
twenty people, and then who knows how many more are
gonna be there, you probably know over one hundred people
at the game.
Speaker 4 (09:44):
So it's gonna be really cool.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
How fun is that going to be? Obviously just getting
there now, you guys have commitments at the hotel, but
you guys get a little bit of a window there
to see family and stuff. Is always fun for players
going back home and seeing family and friends, people you
don't get a whole lot of time to see during
the season. Just how fun are the these types of
weekends for you guys.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
It's really fun.
Speaker 5 (10:02):
I think it's more fun for my parents because they
traveled every game, and so when we get ones like
these where they can just drive to it, it's so
much easier on them. But we're staying real close to
where my brother and his wife lives, so we'll be
able to see them, and my parents are gonna come
down and just get to spend time with them. So
it's really special.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
And just playing on Sunday night football. Obviously, you guys
are seven and one. You're talked about this team as
you know, favors for you know, the super Bowl in
the NFC, the greatest show on turf since the greatest
show on turf. How much do you guys do you
love these night primetime games or is it tough as
a player because you've got to wait around, sit around,
do all that stuff, or do you as a player
(10:40):
like these opportunities.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
Yeah, the waiting and the waiting is the hardest part.
But I think when you get to the pre game,
you kind of feel the energy of those night games
and it's something special. I think there's a little bit
more energy in the stadium. You kind of get a
sense that there's a little bit more to it. So
there's always a little bit more juice beyd.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Those So, how much of the family are going to
be Lions fans? How much of the family are going
to be Texans fans? Is there is there any all
lies all Lions fans.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
That's good.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
There's no rogue uncle that's a die hard.
Speaker 4 (11:11):
No, no, not a chance.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
So you were, you know, one of the top tight
ends in the country coming out obviously went to Notre Dame,
had a terrific career there. I'm just curious, do you
guys now who kind of missed out on the nil stuff?
Do you look back and you're like, holy cow, if
I was playing college football nowadays, like cause you were,
you know, one of the elite tight ends in that class.
I'm curious you guys think back of what it could
(11:33):
be like in college now.
Speaker 4 (11:35):
Kind of funny, but I don't know.
Speaker 5 (11:36):
It seemed like our stipend back then was more money
than we knew what to do with.
Speaker 4 (11:40):
So I don't know.
Speaker 5 (11:42):
Maybe you know, money would have corrupted us a little bit.
So I'm kind of glad I didn't have to deal
with all that nonsense.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
I want to take you back to the off season.
You know, obviously you restricted free agent and San Francisco
comes coling right, you sign, you know, a restricted deal
there three years, twelve million dollars. Did you think at
that point that that you were heading out west, that
you were a forty nine er?
Speaker 5 (12:03):
No, I mean I had hopes that I would stay here,
and I felt confident that the team wanted me enough back,
wanted me back enough, and you know, I was able
to talk to coach and he asked if I wanted
to stay here, and that was always the goal. So
but you know, when it when it came down to
the last day and it was kind of clock was ticking,
you know, started thinking, oh, this could be a real deal.
(12:24):
So but no, I'm happy with how it turned out.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
Obviously, obviously playing in the top offense in the league,
what is it like playing under Ben Johnson as an
offensive coordinator?
Speaker 4 (12:35):
It's great.
Speaker 5 (12:36):
I mean every week he comes up with something fun
and just getting to learn from him and see how
he attacks defenses a weekend in and out is it's cool.
I think it helps all of us learn grow us players,
and uh, and just it's fun to be a part
of this offense. We get to do a lot of
(12:56):
a lot of fun, cool stuff. So yeah, it's special.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
And there's a prerequisite to play in this offense and
no block, no rock. You hear that term for the
wide receivers, But guys like aman Ra yourself, Sam, I mean,
do you love playing with a group of guys that
it just seems like such an unselfish bunch. I've never
heard guys talking about get.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
Me the rock?
Speaker 1 (13:18):
I need it. You've got wide receivers blocking for running backs.
You got two running backs who respect each other and
could probably be number one running backs on twenty eight
other teams in this league. But are here and love
being Do you love that aspect of it? And how
much is important? Like if you don't block in this offense,
you're not playing, are you?
Speaker 5 (13:36):
And that's a prerequisitedna, right, But I think that's what
sets really good offenses apart that's how you create explosives
with people blocking downfield after catch and the receivers getting
involved in the run game. Our receivers are the best
at that, so it's fun to see them do that,
and it kind of just it elevates everyone else's game too.
You want to play harder for the guy next to you,
So I think that's what it takes to be really
good offense.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
Steve Hyden seems like a pretty serious dude. I mean,
that's what he did too, Like he was that blocking
type tight end. What's it like being in that room
and how much has he helped your game?
Speaker 5 (14:07):
He's helped my game tremendously when it comes to technique
and just learning from a guy who did it for
so long. He's helped the whole group. And we've grown
a lot together. Love our group of guys, so it's
a lot of fun working with them.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
This just seems like it's such a fun offense to
be a part of. Right now. Have you ever been
around a quarterback that's as hot as Jared Goff is
right now? It just looks he has such an understanding
of Ben's system. It seems like knows where guys are,
doesn't force the football finds the open guy. Have you
ever been part of kind of a quarterback who's been
on a streak like this.
Speaker 5 (14:38):
No, it's fun, It's it's cool to watch. It's when
everything's clicking for for them, it's something special.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
And just that tight end room too, seems like a
really close knit kind of group. You know, Sam obviously
had a terrific you know, rookie season. You've been a
huge part of this offense now for a few years.
You know, Zolstra's you know, come up, been doing some
good things. Do you like that room? It seems like
it's got a lot of versatility to it.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
Yeah, it's great. I mean, Shane and I came in.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
We're the same rookie class, and so it's great having
him back after he was injured last year, and I'm
geting to see him out on the field and contribute,
and then James coming in that following year, and then Sam.
I mean, it's just an awesome group of guys and
we all e love at each other's game a bit
so and also just good guys to hang out with.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
What jumps out about Houston? You know, do you look
at some of the numbers, Number two defensive number three
against the past, limiting teams under two hundred passing yards
per game. Just what's the challenge Sunday night.
Speaker 5 (15:36):
Yeah, they have a great defense, They're good at holding
teams to a few points.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
So got great edge guys who are going to be
matched up with a lot.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
So just one of those games, you know, on the
road you have to be really technically sound. Just focus
in on the fundamentals because it's a little bit harder
with noise and things like that. So just hone in
on that stuff, be clean, on our game plan, and
I think things will take care of themselves.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
How big was a game like last week outdoors and
on was made of that? I didn't really think too
much of it, but you know, the rain and everything else,
and just to handle it the way you guys did.
Was that just a kind of another notch for this offense?
Like we can play anywhere. I think Jared had the
chameleon comment, which is probably gonna be a shirt somewhere
at some point. But it just to play a game,
it's such a clean game like that outdoors. Is it
(16:19):
just kind of another notch? Like, hey, if we got
to go somewhere in January, you know that we can
handle this. We can do it and it's no big deal.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
Yeah, I think that's the perfect way to put it.
It's Camillion. You just have to be able to adapt.
You know, if you got to be able to run
the ball, you can run the ball, throw the ball
when you can throw the ball. So, like we said,
that's what takes offenses to the next level is being
able to do it all. And so I think no
matter where you're playing with elements, you got to figure out,
you know, how to get after that defense.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
So we've seen a Monra throw a touchdown pass. We
have seen David Montgomery throw a touchdown pass. Who's got
the best arm in that tight end room that you?
Speaker 4 (16:56):
Is it Sam? It's it's not you, it's probably Sam?
Is it probably Sam? Or Shane? No?
Speaker 1 (17:02):
What were you growing up? Were you always a tight end?
Were you always a.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
I started playing tight end in middle school? Okay, Yeah,
played running back and full back growing up.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
Fun.
Speaker 5 (17:11):
Is that that's the best I mean, those are the
best memories little league football.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Yeah, getting around at every play.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
So well, it looks like everybody's having fun in this offense.
You guys are off to a terrific start seven to one,
big game national TV audience Sunday night at in your hometown,
in front of your home fans hoping to get a
touchdown in front of the home that it seems to work.
That kind of stuff in too, though, you know, there's nothing,
nothing special plan, nothing.
Speaker 4 (17:37):
I don't know yet. I don't know.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Stayinkoy, I like it. Don't go away with the plan.
But something tells me you will be part of a
big play Sunday night in your hometown. It should be
fun to watch. It'll be a great matchup. Good luck
to you. Thanks for joining the podcast.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
Appreciate it.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
Thank you, appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
Welcome back to the Twin the Huddle podcast. And now
we are going to venture out into Houston and get
a close up look at the Houston Texans. I'm joined
by Drew Dowd. He does a great job. He's been
covering the Texans since two thousand and nine. Their TV host.
You can catch him on Texas dot com. He is
very well connected everything Houston. Drew, thanks for taking the time.
I appreciate it.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
Thanks a lot. Tim, good to see again. Hope you're
doing great. And boy, you guys are coming to town
with a football team.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
That's a's a joke.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
We're coming to town with a football team. But you've
got a football team too, with obviously the additions that
you made last year with CJ. Shroud and Will Anderson
and and you know, making the playoffs. This is a fun,
fun matchup. It's two young teams, mostly young that that
are kind of up and coming in this league. But Drew,
let's start with the injuries because I think that's a
(18:44):
big storyline there in Houston heading into this one. Obviously,
Nico Collins has been out for a couple of weeks.
He's eligible to come back, what's the status of him?
And then the other big one is probably Will Anderson.
Will Anderson Junior dealing with that ankle injury misspractice Wednesday.
What what's that looking at looking like on the injury
front with Houston.
Speaker 6 (19:01):
Yeah, you know, the two big names you just brought up.
You've heard good things externally about Nico Collins, but you
always wonder, well, the guy didn't practice on Wednesday, so
what will it be. You think he's gonna be out
there Sunday, but you don't know, So you always hold
reserve and reserve judgment for that one and then Will Anderson.
We saw him get banged up with the ankle on
(19:21):
Thursday Night Football about a week ago, so we'll see
on those two. But we did see limited participation from
linebacker Aziz al Shire. He is a captain. He is
a real motor on this defense. It's a big, big returnee.
He had been out for a few weeks, so that's
a good thing that he's back. You also have Jimmy Ward.
He's a safety, he's a captain. He practiced as well
(19:43):
as a limited participant on Wednesday. He missed a lot
of time with a groin. So you get those two
back coming off of IR at least designated to return.
They sort of got their window activated. Was defensive end
Jerry Hughes. He's a complimentary piece. He can still give
you some juice here and there, and this pass rush
is gonna need it if Will Anderton is not able
to go. And then you got some more cornerback depth
(20:05):
with the guy you guys are familiar with in Jeff Okuda.
So there's been some good news, but you really want
the great news with those two names that you start with,
and we'll see on them, but yeah, don't don't cry
for the Texans because it's that time of year. As
you know, everybody's injured. You guys can talk Aden Hutchinson.
I mean, that's everybody's going through it in their own
form or fashion.
Speaker 3 (20:25):
So it's the league.
Speaker 6 (20:26):
It's what you got to do, and nobody's gonna be
using injuries as an excuse for what happens.
Speaker 1 (20:31):
You know, a lot of those names on the defensive
side of the ball, and credit to Demiko Ryans and
what the guys have done who've stepped into that role.
I mean the number two total defense are number three
against the past. They've really maintained through those injuries. And
and you know, obviously Lions fans know Danell Hunter, you
know very well from his time with Minnesota. He's been
(20:51):
a great addition to just what is it about that defense?
What is it? That is it? Demiko Ryan's scheme?
Speaker 4 (20:58):
Is it just?
Speaker 1 (20:58):
You know, why is that side of the football been
so consistently good? Really all year long.
Speaker 3 (21:03):
Drew, They've been excellent up front. They really have. You
brought up to Neil Hunter.
Speaker 6 (21:07):
He leaves the NFL and pressures he's getting to the
quarterback and his sack totals have gone up a little
bit over the last few weeks, but he's been everything
that the Texans have wanted and how they signed him
this year, You guys, they'll know all about him after
all those years in Minnesota and seeing him twice a season.
He's been excellent Will Anderson. I mean, he was the
defensive player of the month and then he gets injured.
(21:28):
You know the night that he gets named defensive player
of the month. But then on the interior names you
don't hear about as much. Tackles like Tim Settle. He's
been excellent since he came here, fully thought a Cossi,
he's been doing some nice things.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
And then behind those two big guns.
Speaker 6 (21:43):
At defensive end, he got a guy in Denico Autrey
who had eleven and a half sacks last year. He
missed the first six games of the season with a suspension,
came back, has settled in and then he has the
two sacks the other night. That's his third game back.
He's a very very important piece and you're so happy
to see him come back when you know there is
some uncertainty up front. And then I didn't even mention
(22:05):
Derek Barnette. The guy's a former first round pick. He's
been excellent with the Texans since they claimed him off
waivers late in the season from Philadelphia last year. So
they've been able to get out of the quarterback and
win those one on one matchups. They'll blitz of times, obviously,
but they're not relying solely on the blitz to cause
those pressures. So they've really been kind of the driving
(22:26):
engine of this defense, and especially so in home games
this year.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
We can get into that a little bit later if
you want.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
Yeah, And that's gonna be such a huge matchup because
obviously Detroit comes to town with one of the best
offensive lines in football. Penney Suel Taylor Deck are really
too great bookend. Obviously, Frank Ragan is one of the
best centers in the league. So that should be a
terrific matchup from everything you've talked about with the depth
and talent that the Texans have up front. But over
on the other side of the football and you talk
(22:53):
about the offensive line with the Texans, you know, I
saw some of the you know, press conferences with Demiko
you know, early this season, and I think the first
three questions were about the offensive line, and obviously, with
the loss of the Jets last week eight sacks allowed,
eleven hits on CJ. Stroud, their second in the NFL
in sacks allowed with thirty one. What's just really been
(23:13):
the issue there, and is that the concern heading into
this week and really the last two months of the season,
is getting better play out of that offensive line.
Speaker 6 (23:22):
Yeah, you said it, and so has Demiko Ryan, So
is CJ.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
Stroud.
Speaker 6 (23:26):
So of all those guys on the line, the rest
of the offense, they've got to protect better. You know,
that's no secret. Nobody's speaking out of turn here. You
can't allow your quarterback, especially one like c J. Stroud
is still young, to get hit the way he's been hit.
So one of the guys who was playing left guard,
Kenyon Green, he started the season there. He's a former
first round pick. He's out for a while, maybe even
(23:47):
the season, we don't know, but he's not practiced. He
has the shoulder injury. He left the game. In his place,
we saw Kendrick Green, but also a guy who had
started to take some more reps there at the left
guard spot.
Speaker 3 (24:00):
Atterson.
Speaker 6 (24:00):
He was a rookie last year out of Notre Dame
and he started the first seven games at center in
twenty twenty three before he got injured and had to
hang it up for the rest of the season. But
he's he filled in pretty capably at left guard when
we saw him, and then he got concussed, so he's
coming back from concussion. But he was a full participant
on Wednesday. So whether it's him, whether it's Kendrick Green,
(24:21):
it's gonna be somebody different upfront. But it's got to change,
no matter whether it's just the left guard or the
rest of the whole unit, and not just the offensive line.
Everybody's got to be better because.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
You can't sustain.
Speaker 6 (24:33):
You can't just keep crossing your fingers and thinking something
the good is gonna happen when your quarterback is getting
battered like he's been.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
You mentioned Texans and playing at home. The Lions are
obviously excited to get back indoors after playing in the
rain and the cold and the wet in Green Bay.
I see the picture behind you there of the guys
decked out in the red. It's gonna be a red out.
What's the atmosphere going to be like there? At the
NRG Stadium in Houston Sunday night for a NASH TV game.
Speaker 6 (25:01):
They'll be amped up. It's gonna be a lot of fun.
I know there will be a lot of Detroit Lion
fans there as well. They travel well, especially lately. But
they're gonna be pumped up. Like you mentioned, it's battle
Red Day or battle Red Night, and they'll have the
new helmets that's got the horns instead of the regular bullhead.
Speaker 3 (25:17):
But they're gonna be pumped up.
Speaker 6 (25:19):
I mean, this defense has been so much better at
home through the four games now, they haven't seen an
offense of the calibers of Detroit's. But if you look
at what they've done to opposing quarterbacks, they've held them
to about forty five percent completion rate. They're averaging about
three and a half sacks a game the Texans are
(25:39):
so they've done a really good job. And yes they
haven't played you know, the best of quarterbacks, but think
about who they have gone against. Trevor Lawrence was the
first overall pick. They had him completing less than fifty
the last time out. Anthony Richardson, they broke him. I
mean he tapped out. We saw the national news last week.
He got benched right after that, and he was having
(25:59):
a tough time. But you also went against Josh Allen,
the guy's a perennial MVP candidate, and you held him
to nine to thirty passing. So they've done good work
against quarterbacks. Now it's different. I'll give you all that.
I mean, that's a good Lions defense coming to the offense,
coming to town and defense. But the Texans defense, I
think is going to be ready to rock and they'll
(26:21):
be up for the challenge.
Speaker 3 (26:21):
And it's a mighty one for sure.
Speaker 1 (26:24):
One or two guys, I know you've already mentioned a couple,
but maybe that that Lions fans aren't familiar with who
could really impact this game come Sunday night.
Speaker 6 (26:33):
Yeah, keep your eyes on tight end Dalton Schultz. You
know he's kind of starting to heap back up. A
lot of the early targets this season went to Nico Collins, justifiably,
so he was leading the NFL in receiving yards. Stefan
Diggs was getting you know, implemented and integrated into the offense.
He's out for the rest of the season, so you
won't see him. So we've seen Dalton Schultz get his chances,
(26:55):
so he's he's a guy on offense. I'd keep your
eyes on. And I mentioned Autrey earlier in the watch
out for him. He can play, he's nasty, He's a
guy that general manager executive vice president Nick Cassio this
offseason during the season when he was coming back, he
labeled him a real pain in the ass, an ass kicker.
It's pretty strident words from Cassio and and Autrey he's
(27:17):
a good one.
Speaker 3 (27:18):
I can't wait to see what he does.
Speaker 1 (27:20):
You know, is this big too? Just because the losses
to Green Bay Minnesota obviously beat Chicago, but you don't
want to go one in three against the North obviously.
It's it's the division, you know, is key for any team.
And I know these are interconfidence so you know, interconference,
so's it's you know, it doesn't it's not huge in
the grand scheme of things. But is there anything to that,
(27:40):
you know, you know, not wanting to lose, you know,
three times within one division.
Speaker 3 (27:44):
There might be something to that.
Speaker 6 (27:46):
I think on a grander scale, it's that awful taste
they've got in their mouth after last week on national TV,
looking so poorly and knowing that they're not that team.
You know, they're better than what they put out there
the other night. Now, they they gotta fix things and
they got to play better, and I think they think
they can. I know they think they can. So they
get a second chance. They get to do it on
(28:06):
Sunday Night football. And yeah, they want to beat a
good team. They just want to get back down the winning,
winning track. But I think, yeah, sure, they probably want
to do better against the AFC North than they have them.
Speaker 3 (28:17):
It's a it's a.
Speaker 6 (28:17):
Rough tumble division and uh man, that's some pretty serious stuff.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
But they're six and three.
Speaker 6 (28:24):
They want to get to seven and three and kind
of keep that stranglehold on their own division, the AFC South,
because you know, you saw the Colts and what they've
been doing, and a couple of weeks ago when the
Colts came to town that the Colts won that game.
Technically the Texans and Colts would have been tied atop
the AFC South. But that win and then everything we've
seen since, it's kept that little gap in between the two.
Speaker 1 (28:44):
All right, final one here is is, you know, the
Texans stay at top the AFC North, they get to
seven and three, they really control their own destiny. And
by beating Detroit, if what happens, what's the biggest key
for Drew Doherty for the Texas to come away with
a win at home Sunday night in front of a
national audience.
Speaker 6 (29:05):
Got to be able to run, and they have been
able to run with Joe Mixon. You got to keep
getting turnovers and takeaways and limittures. But you know, you're
tied for eighth in the NFL and turnover to Frenchell.
Lions are tied for first, so you got to be
better than them, and that's a tough task. But above
all else, you've been solid in the first half as far.
Speaker 3 (29:24):
As scoring points.
Speaker 6 (29:26):
You got to get way better after the intermission, because
aside from the win over New England a few months
or a few weeks back, the Texans have basically averaged
about six to seven points in the second half of
games this year.
Speaker 3 (29:37):
You can't do that against a team like this.
Speaker 6 (29:39):
You've got to score more and you got to limit them,
and you got to make things tough on.
Speaker 1 (29:43):
Jared goff oh Drew, what a fun matchup. Who would
have thought at the beginning of the year, like Houston
and Detroit to first place teams, huge matchup, maybe two
teams that could meet in the Super Bowl in February.
There really are that good. It should be a fun
matchup strength on strength offense versus this tourn a big defense.
It'll be a fun matchup, a redout national TV. I'm
(30:03):
looking forward to it. I'm sure you are too. Thanks
for joining me so much. I appreciate the time, and
I'll look look for you in the press box.
Speaker 6 (30:10):
Make sure I say hello. Hen't wait, Tim, good to
see it. Travel safe and we'll see a Sunday night
Man
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