By Michael Quagliana
Monday night’s contest between the New England Patriots and
the Houston Texans is without a doubt the biggest game on the schedule this weekend,
and perhaps of the year. Not for playoff implications (both teams have already
clinched), but for outright control of the AFC. Forget the wins and losses; the
Patriots and the Texans are the two best teams in the conference.
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| (AP Courtesy of ESPN.com) |
The Patriots hold the throne. They have been on top for over
a decade now. Tom Brady hasn’t lost a step, Bill Billichik is still as
brilliant as he is monotonous, and the under-the-radar talent continues to pile
into their lap.
With tight end Rob Gronkowski on track for a playoff return
from his forearm injury, he would return to the lineup with fellow tight end
Aaron Hernandez when it matters most. A combination not yet healthy enough to
share roles this season, they are two of the most athletic tight ends ever to
play in the league, and strength matched with agility wreak havoc on defenses.
In the absence of the tight ends, wide receiver Wes Welker
managed to do more than pick up the slack. The eight-year vet has already
pulled in more than 1,000 yards on the season and caught 92 passes. Brady, with
3,537 yards, 25 touchdowns, only four interceptions, is flying under the radar
for what could potentially be his third NFL MVP award.
Not to go unmentioned, the Patriots have found a big-time
running back in Stevan Ridley. The second-year back out of LSU has already
rushed for 1,010 yards this season; a rare accomplishment in New England. Ridley’s
strength and production at the positioned has garnered even more balance for
the New England’s offense, and his nine touchdowns only trail Houston’s Arian
Foster’s 13 for most in the league.
Monday will be the toughest test yet for the Patriots, as
the 11-1 Texans come to town. Everything the Pats have going for them, the
Texans can counteract. Arian Foster has been one of the most dominant running
back of 2012. He breaks tackles and keeps the chains moving and give way to an
exceptional play action passing game led by the lethal combination of
quarterback Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Johnson has caught for more than
1,000 yards in sixth seasons now, and has caught for more than 180 yards in two
of the last three games.
The Patriots hold control and the up-and-coming Texans are
looking to take it away. This matchup is more than just Monday Night Football.
It is about the Texans, poised with talent and excellence for years and just
now nearing the pinnacle, look to take down the old, witty Patriots. It’s new
school versus old school. It’s the new kid on the block versus the big bully.
If the Texans pull off the win in Foxboro, it will make a
statement that will resonate for a long time and potentially give the Texans
the confidence to carry their season all the way to New Orleans. If the
Patriots win, it’ll seem fairly clear: New England is still getting it done and
has no signs of slowing down. The throne is for the taking.
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