Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Blaine Gabbert making his triumphant return to starting quarterback-hood! This time it’s for the Arizona Cardinals (4-5) as they travel to NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans (3-6) who are dealing with their own ass of a quarterback situation.
If you hate yourself or need to make penance from some grievous sin, you can tune into your local FOX station and watch it at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: Arizona Cardinals at Houston Texans (-1.5)
O/U: 38.5
The History
The Cardinals and Texans have played just three times with Arizona holding a 2-1 lead in the all time series.
They last matched up on November 10, 2013 with the Cardinals winning 27-24. Carson Palmer out-dueled Case Keenum with a 20 of 32 passing day for 241 yards, two touchdowns and one pick. Keenum was 22 of 43 for 2-1 yards and three touchdowns.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-5)
No, that’s not Blaine Gabbert’s music. It’s somebody farting into a vavuzela. But that zippy effluvium does announce his coming as he takes the field in command of what was already one of the most boring, plodding offenses in the league.
Gabbert hasn’t played since the preseason and he’s not seen action in a meaningful game since last year. In six games with the 49ers, Gabbert completed 56.9 percent of his passes for 925 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. On the bright side, he did look legitimately competent in the preseason. There’s no question that Bruce Arians is the best head coach and playcaller for which he’s ever suited up.
Still, the Gabbster will need all the help he can get. Adrian Peterson was a no-show again last week, carrying the ball 21 times for 29 yards. He seems to play well every other week, so maybe he can relieve a little of the pressure from Gabbert.
Last week Larry Fitzgerald caught 10 passes for 113 yards. This week he signed a one year contract extension, so if he doesn’t retire he’ll be back with Arizona next year. If that was something weighing on his mind, it’s off it now.
Corey Peters is out for this game. John Brown is questionable, but he practiced Friday.
HOUSTON TEXANS (3-6)
The Texans roll into this game on a three game losing streak. Last week they dropped a 33-7 game against the Los Angeles Rams where nothing worked right on either side of the ball in the second half. Now, the first half was a different story. Houston held the Rams to just nine points and out of the end zone for two quarters.
Tom Savage was 18 of 36 for 221 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked three times. Lamar Miller carried the ball 11 times for 60 yards. DeAndre Hopkins did have a solid game, catching seven passes for 11 yards. Bruce Ellington caught four for 41 yards and a touchdown.
The defense recorded three sacks and 10 stops in the backfield, but still gave up 33 points and 443 yards. They won’t be facing an offense as potent as L.A.’s. Frankly, it won’t be anything close. But Gabbert is better than anyone gives him credit for and Arizona should be able to move the ball and score against a suddenly welcoming Texans defense.
Jadeveon Clowney is a man alone on defense. He had three tackles for a loss against the Rams. This year, in spite of being the focus of every opponent’s gameplan, has 25 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defended.
Houston will be missing linebacker Dylan Cole, offensive tackle Julien Davenport and wide receiver Will Fullur V, which will be a blow to the offense.
The Pick
Say what you will about Gabbert, and I often do, he’s certainly a better starting QB option than Tom Savage. Houston has been in complete disarray since Watson went down. Arizona is a mediocre team when everybody’s healthy, so there’s some hope here with their No. 3 quarterback under center. Just not enough. Cardinals 20, Texans 13
This week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 9-5
Against the spread: 6-8
Season
Straight up: 87-59
Against the spread: 75-70
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