On June 1^st, BBVA Compass stadium was host to a “friendly” soccer match between Honduras and Israel. Both countries have the same national colors and a similar look to their flags. I am a big fan of futbol and I went eagerly to the match with my alt family from Honduras. I wore a Honduras jersey and was eager to cheer on this team, dressed to represent Honduras. To represent my own heritage as a Palestinian-American, I also brought my Palestinian flag. I made sure my flag was allowed (based on the size, etc.) and I was all ready to go. For the first 15 minutes of the match I stood up and cheered and stomped my feet with the rest of the crowd chanting “HON-DU-RAS” and waving my Palestinian flag, my colors vibrant and loud against a sea of blue and white…and apparently also racist. I was told I had to sit down, which I did, only to be told to get back up again and follow the manager of security away from the stadium seats and into the concession area. I followed, and there waiting for me were three more BBVA security personnel and four police officers. When I asked them what was wrong, the manager of security, Nathan Buchanan, told me I am not allowed to carry this flag because it implies a “racial slur” and it is in BBVA Compass Stadium violation. I asked him to show me evidence of his accusations and asked him how my flag, a part of my identity as a Palestinian-American, implies a racial slur. He could not answer whether he did not know or could not articulate why he was ordered to remove my flag and me from my seat. I was getting very emotional at this point, I had my flag wrapped around my neck like a scarf, and he said he would take my flag and “check it in” for me, that I was not permitted to return to my seat until I surrendered my flag. The Israeli government has banned Palestinians from hanging their flags outside their home, and arrests the occupants of the home for having it on display on their own land. Every day, in Occupied Palestine, Palestinians are denied entry to neighboring villages, to schools or their family’s home and in many cases to hospitals thanks to Israel’s apartheid state. Yes “apartheid,” that word implies racism, yet my flag implies a racial slur? I asked him several times if I could go back to my seat and he would spread his arms out to create a blockade with his body and his arms so I could not pass. “This is private property,” he said. I told him I paid for a ticket to enter. I could not keep my eyes from gathering tears, but forced myself from letting them fall. “What country are we in again?” I asked. “Just because Israel is playing a match, does that mean you should treat me this way? Because of my Palestinian identity? I am a U.S. Citizen!” I have attended many soccer matches, many of which at the Dynamo stadium, and I have worn a different national jersey every time. Why was I pulled away that day? Who ordered this singling-out and on what grounds? When I asked him if he would feel comfortable with his actions once my treatment became public, he offered a compromise which was that I could keep my flag as long as I did not wave it. The first half was nearly over; they were extended three minutes when I was finally able to return to my seat. I had spent over 15 minutes defending myself from being bullied. I missed the first half because I waved a Palestinian flag at an international match in my hometown. I am proud and honored to be an American, to be able to enjoy the civil liberties that people in many countries are not afforded, but I would have never thought that the influence of an Israeli soccer team on U.S. soil would compromise our most basic liberties.

I asked BBVA Compass Stadium to clarify their flag policy, to explain how a flag could be “racist.”  (I suppose you could say that all flags are “racist,” but still, why single out this one?)  This is what Houston Dynamo [parent corporation] spokesperson Gina Rotolo had to say:

The decision to not allow the Palestinian flag to be displayed during the game was based on the sole intention of maintaining the safety of those in attendance. The flag bearer was instigating the crowd, and we felt it was important to diffuse a potentially volatile situation as emotions began to escalate.

Of course safety comes first, so I asked Ms. Rotolo how exactly was Hammad  “instigating the crowd?” Did she threaten anybody or called for violence? Rotolo replied:

This patron instigated the crowd by waving the Palestinian flag in front of Israeli supporters.  Given that her actions caused emotions to escalate, the appropriate course of action, in our eyes, was to ask her to please refrain from waving the flag.

So…there you have it.  “This patron instigated the crowd by waving the Palestinian flag in front of Israeli supporters.” It is now considered “racist” for an American of Palestinian descent to wave her flag at fans of the Israeli soccer team.  The First Amendment can be suspended in a stadium built with taxpayer money because some Israeli soccer fans might be moved to violence by the mere sight of the Palestinian flag.  The good people of the Houston Dynamo Organization think that it is “racist” to merely remind Israeli soccer fans that Palestine exists. I am trying to imagine what the complaint sounded like.  “Excuse me, Mr. Buchanan, that flag over there is really pissing me off–causing emotional distress–and I might have to hurt the lady holding it so you better get four cops to impound that flag or else I’m going to beat her up and it will be all her fault.”

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK

Rotolo did not answer my questions about who complained, nor would she clarify the stadium policy on flags or how this flag violates that policy. She did not answer questions about which other flags are banned. According to Hammad, Honduras fans were shouting “faggots” and “motherfuckers” at Israel fans, and a fight between an Israel fan and a Honduras fan was going on just a few rows behind her, at the very time that she was removed from her seat…yet she was the one singled out for “instigating violence.”  Go figure.   [UPDATE: A previous version of this story implied that the head of security at BBVA Compass Stadium, Nathan Buchanan, reports to the Dynamo Organization. This is incorrect. Mr. Buchanan, in fact, reports the the Dynamo's parent corporation, the Anschutz Entertainment Group.  My apologies. -HS]

By Rad Rich

After a holiday break I am back with the sports brief.

Its marathon weekend in Houston as it is the 42 running of the Houston Marathon on Sunday. Over 250,000 will be on the streets of Houston Sunday morning  either participating, spectating or volunteering. This is Houston’s largest one day sporting event of the year. In the elite field the Ethiopia will be well represented in the men and women’s  field.  Defending champion Bazu Worku of Ethiopia is back again after setting a personal record at the Paris Marathon with a 2.05.25.  He will have more of his countrymen to keep him company as Debebe Tolossa,  Dadi Yami, and Gebretsadik Adhana, who have run sub 2:06 and 2:07. Dominic Ondoro of Kenya along with the two Americans  Patrick Rizzo and Scott Wietecha will have their hands full keeping the Ethiopians from setting up there game plan and setting the pace. In the women’s race it still looks like a Ethiopian dominance as 6 of the top 10 runners are from Ethiopia. 2024 Chevron Houston Marathon third-place finisher Meskerem Assefa of Ethiopia returns to Houston hoping to improve upon her personal best 2:25:17 that she set here last year. She is followed by countrymen   Abebech Afework Bekele who  is the fastest in the field as she set a personal best at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon  with a time of 2.23.59. Other outside favorites are  Sarah Kiptoo of Kenya who has run her best in the last season in the half and full marathon.  Also outside chance but watch for Tatyana Aryasova of Russia.  This is also the United States Half Marathon Championships and will bring some of the top runners representing the United States in the distance running.  Meb Keflezighi returns to Houston looking to win his second national half marathon title. The 2024 Olympic Marathon silver medalist, Keflezighi first won in Houston in 2024 and finished as the runner-up in 2024. Also look for Shadrack Biwott and Josphat Boit, both newly minted American citizens who finished third and fifth respectively, in the field. On the women’s side look for 2024 USA Half Marathon champion Adriana Nelson leads the women’s field and will be challenged by Serena Burla, who will be looking to improve on her two runner-up finishes at these Championships in Houston in 2024 and 2024. Steeplechaser Sara Hall, who debuted at the half marathon distance in October with a win at the Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon, should be in the mix. 2024 Olympic 10,000m runner Lisa Uhl, who set her personal best 1:13:28 with her sixth-place finish at the 2024 Aramco Houston Half Marathon, and Renee Baillie, who last ran a half marathon when she finished fourth at the 2024 USA Half Marathon Championships in Houston, are also entered.  The USA  Half Marathon starts on Sunday at 6:55. The wheelchair race starts at 6:45 and the Marathon and half marathon for the non-elite starts at7:00. The start line is on Avenidas de las Americas in downtown Houston by the George R Brown Convention center.  The Houston Marathon Expo will open today Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. The expo is free to the public and will have plenty of free goodies as well as tips from athletics.  Remember the roads will closed in downtown and around the Heights, Montrose, Uptown, and Washington. To find out what areas will be effected and for a map of the race, click here. 

In football (soccer) news the Houston Dynamo selected defender AJ Cochran and forward Mark  Sherrod in the 2024 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.  The 20 year old  6-foot 3 center back Cochran played 3 seasons at the University of Wisconsin where he was named Big Ten Defensive player of the year for 2024. “AJ was a player we had on our list.” Said Houston Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear,” He is a very good center back and is going to provide some good competition.  Sherrod is a 20 year old coming from the University of Memphis where he scored 42 career goals in four seasons.

On the women’s side. The Houston DASH announced that they will have a open tryout for the new team on February 15 at the Houston Sports Park.  Any female soccer player born in 1996 and older will be able to try out which consist of a fitness test, small sided games and a game against a premier local women’s team.  From the initial tryout 20 will be invited the following day for a game against an opponent to be determined. From there Head coach Randy Waldrum and  managing director Brian Ching will evaluate and pick 10 players who will be given an invitation to participate with the team during the pre-season which starts March 10. Registration for the tryout is $50 which includes a shirt and a ticket voucher to the first ever home game. Register online @ http:/www.houstondashsoccer.com/tryouts. In international news, Cristiano Ronaldo has won the 2024 Fifa Ballon d’Or, ( Player of the Year) ending Lionel Messi’s four-year reign as holder of the crown. Real Madrid forward Ronaldo clinched the prize for the world’s best player for the second time in his career after finishing ahead of Barcelona playmaker Messi and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery in the voting. Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer was named the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year on Monday just hours after announcing she had signed with Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. She beat out the United States’ Abby Wambach – the 2024 winner – and Brazil’s Marta, who won the award five straight times from 2024-2010.

In Rugby news, The International Rugby Board announced the pools and match schedule for the second stop of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series. Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University will host Atlanta 7s Feb. 15-16, where the Women’s Eagles Sevens will hope to best a second-place finish at last year’s U.S. leg of the Women’s Sevens World Series.“We are very excited to hold the premier women’s sevens rugby event in North America at a fantastic facility like Fifth Third Bank Stadium,” Atlanta 7s Tournament Director and USA Rugby Events Director Jen Gray said. “The United States has proven to be a hotbed for women’s rugby in the past and we are set to prove it once again next month.” The Eagles are in Pool A with Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens-winner Australia, Canada and China. They have not faced any of their pool opponents this season nor at the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens last June, where they placed third.

Atlanta 7s | Pool A

Australia

Canada

Women’s Eagles Sevens

China

Atlanta 7s | Pool B

New Zealand

England

Ireland

Netherlands

Atlanta 7s | Pool C

Russia

Spain

Brazil

Japan

USA Rugby also released details Tuesday for the updated American Rugby Model (ARM), a long-term player development program providing an integrated framework through which rugby players can be developed at all levels of participation and experience. The ARM is player-centered in that specific characteristics to each development stage are based on the particular capacities of players at each stage of their development. That’s it for now.

Richard Hanna

For some reason, Major League Soccer does not recognize the international World Cup Qualifying break. Montreal will play New England this weekend; Philadelphia will also play DC United. In the western conference, the Real Salt Lake still leads with 52 points followed close by  Seattle with 51 points and the Portland Timber with 50 points. LA are 2 points behind with 48 points tied with the Colorado Rapids.  Before leaving, MLS news Houston Star forward Brian Ching announced his retirement from the game after this season. He looks to go into the front office of working with the Dynamo.

Well it is the international break as there is world cup qualifying all over the world. The United States added Houston Dynamo Brad Davis to there roaster. The US team plays Jamaica tonight at Sporting Park in Kansas City. They then play Panama on the 15^th in Panama at the Estadio Rommel Fernández. Landon Donavon is in for tonight’s game but questions on if he will play on Tuesday are still in the air with a battle between national team commitment and club. He has stated that he would rather play on the national team. It’s also a big night for Mexico as they are close to being out the door as for qualifying. Tonight they play Panama at the Azteca in Mexico City. They are in fifth place in the Hexagonal CONCACAF region of world cup qualifying. Panama are ahead of Mexico on goal scored. Both teams are fighting to play New Zealand in the last chance qualifier. Mexico has fired its old coach and now relies on the former Monterey boss Victor Manuel Vucetich. The former Monterrey boss has bought goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa back onto the team as well as brought back Rafa Márquez to help out the defensive side of the squad.

Other matches for tonight Costa Rica will play Honduras. Honduras is looking for its second straight qualification for the world cup but play a tough Costa Rican side. “We know Costa Rica very well,” Stoke City midfielder Wilson Palacios said who has emerged as the key player for Honduras in Brazil 2024 qualifying. There standings in qualifications are as followed as the United States are in first with 16 points followed by Costa Rica with 15, Honduras with 11, Panama as stated lead Mexico even though tied with 8 points. Jamaica are in last with 4 points. In other qualifying across the world, Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has been ruled out of England’s final two FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland with a calf injury, the Football Association have announced.

England plays Friday afternoon at 2 pm as it’s do or die time for England and their chance of qualifying. In African qualifying, Samuel Eto is back for Cameroon as they play Tunisia for there qualifying. Tunisia only made it as Cape Verde forfeited their match as they fielded an ineligible player. My hope is for Ethiopia to qualify. They have never been to a world cup, despite being one of the oldest federations on the continent of Africa. They have to get over the top team in Africa, Nigeria. The Super Eagles as the Nigerian team is called are the current Africans Nations Cup winners and are ranked fourth in the current FIFA rankings. Looking at other matches Sunday Ivory Coast will play Senegal, Bukini Faso will have there hands full playing Algeria.

Ghana will play Egypt in what will be a interesting match on that side. Over in South America qualifying things are also getting interesting. Argentina still leads by 29 points, followed by Columbia with 26, Chile 24, Ecuador 22 tied with Uruguay. Venezuela with 19 with Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay are at the bottom. Ecuador vs. Uruguay is one of the important matches of the night in Quito. Also Columbia will play Chile in Barranquilla.  Both teams have a chance to clinch their spot in the next year’s world cup. Also, tonight could Peru upset top of the table Argentina? Not likely as Argentina has been in top form in the qualifying matches. Also, Argentina has not lost at home ever to Peru. Good Luck!

Will have more on all the news from qualifying next week.  You can watch most of the matches all day long on BEIN Sport, Gol TV, FOX1, and ESPN.  Watch online using wiziwig or vipboxonline.eu.

-Rad Rich

It’s a New Year and there is a lot going on in sports in and around the Houston area.

In the National Football League, the Houston Texans are getting ready for their big playoff game after their 19-13 win at home  last weekend. They now go to New England and play the Patriots and the cold. The last time the Texans were there they suffered a devastating loss at 14-42. This time though, coach Gary Kubiak stated that  New England may have been on this level for a long time but the Texans earned the right to be here. This time, Houston hopes for better success. Their matchup will be on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.  Other playoff games include:  Baltimore vs. Denver on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.; Green Bay vs. San Francisco at 7 p.m.; and  Seattle vs. Atlanta at noon.

Well, there is plenty going on over the weekend as the 40th running of the Chevron Houston Marathon takes place this Sunday. The race starts downtown and runs through the Heights, the Montrose, Rice University, Uptown, and back down Allen Parkway to the George R. Brown for the finish. It is one of the few races in Houston that is free, and it is the biggest sporting event  in Houston all year.  Over 13,000 participants will run the marathon this year as they now have a cap on entrance. 12,000 will run the half marathon which starts separately but merges after mile 2. The weather will be a factor on Sunday as the forecast calls for rain and cold. The cold weather is great for running , but the rain will make it hard on the runners. To check out a map of the course, click here. The city raises millions of dollars for charities in and around Houston from this race.

This year is going to be very competitive amongst male and female runners as Ethiopian runner Alemitu Abera comes to Houston with a record  personal best of 22:6.33.  She looks to improve on her third place Houston Marathon time. Benita Willis aims to be the first Australian to win the Houston Marathon with a personal record of 23:6.22. The 32-year-old has a great chance of winning this year but how she competes with the Ethiopians is going to be a challenge for her as they usually run as a team. On the men’s side, 28-year-old Canadian Simon Bairu will try to break the African dominance in the marathon. This will be his first marathon as he tries to qualify for the Canadian National Team. He is the Canadian record holder in the 10,000m with a 27:23.63 and has run a half marathon with a time of 1:02.08. How he is able to handle the last leg of the race is going to be the test for him though. If he is able to run his own race and not that of the other runners he has a chance. He will have to deal with Demessew Tsega, 23, and Debebe Tolossa, 31 who have both run sub-2:10 marathons. This adds to an already very exciting race even if you don’t like running.  Lastly, check out the 2013 Ironman Sports Medicine Institute at Memorial Hermann EXPO that will be held Friday and Saturday at the George R. Brown Convention Center. It’s  free and open to the public.

In soccer news, at the end of the month, the U.S.  National Men’s team will play an international-friendly game in Houston at the BBVA Compass Stadium against Canada on Tuesday, January 29. After a 8-1 defeat at the hands of Honduras in a World Cup qualifying match, the Canadian National men’s team look to reconfigure their whole national program. They have no permanent national coach but the Canadian Soccer Association(CSA) is ready to regroup and fast. They play Denmark in Arizona on January 26 before playing the U.S. the following Tuesday night. They then go to Qatar and play Japan in March. It is clear the CSA are trying to get there younger players more focused and used to international play.

For the American team,  they are in the heat of a World Cup qualifying match that will begin in February. The U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said that this camp  is all about preparation as they head for an important World Cup qualifier  in Honduras on Febuary 6. Houston Dynamos goalkeeper Tally Hall, forward Will Bruin, and midfielder Brad Davis were added to the U.S. National Team training camp. Hall and Bruin join the U.S. men’s team for the first time.”I am grateful to have this opportunity and I am going to make he most of it,” Davis said about making the team.

In Houston Dynamo news, they have re-signed forward Cam Weaver and look forward to a 2024 season where  they will have a better home schedule. The Dynamo spent a great deal of the beginning of last year on the road as the new stadium was being prepared. This year, with the stadium ready, the team will not have travel as often and start their 2024 campaign at home with a rematch of the 2024 eastern Conference matchup against DC United on March 2 at 7 p.m.

And to round off this week’s sports brief, we hope to see the NHL begin training camp by the end of the weekend. We are all eagerly  waiting for the players to ratify the new agreement with the owners.

By Maxwell Morgan

Sunday, the Texans hosted the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars in what would turn into an overtime thriller capped by a game winning touchdown reception for Andre Johnson. The Jags (aka Glitter Kitties) are one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Texans are one of the best. Everyone, including myself, had the glitter kitties written off. This game was going to be a blowout, right? Wrong! The Jags came to play and had the Texans up against the ropes much of the second half. Still, The Texans showed tremendous grit battling back to erase a 14 point fourth quarter deficit to win 43-37 in overtime to improve to 9-1 on the season.

It was a beautiful day and perfect conditions for tailgating. Fans were relaxed, expecting an easy victory, and Jaguars fans were non-existent. Well, there are always a couple. Go figure, this being one of the largest cities in the country. Jacksonville has been a mistake of an NFL franchise. I say this because they can’t sell out their stadium, they often have games blacked out locally in Jacksonville, and Jacksonville is not a proper NFL city. Jacksonville is the third Florida NFL team and plays in a market full of college football fanatics known as “Gator Country” (for the University of Florida Gators). The Gators have been wildly successful. The Glitter Kitties have not. Either way, the Jaguars have a new owner who has remained verbally committed to staying in Jacksonville, so they are there to stay for now.

As one radio analyst proclaimed pre-game, “There’s just no way Jacksonville can put up enough points to win.” He was undoubtedly “eating crow” this afternoon as the Jags lit up the Texans with their passing attack putting up 37 points by the final whistle. Their first round pick from last year, Justin Blackmon, had the biggest day of his career recording 236 yards and a touchdown. The TD was a crucial 81 yard reception to put the Jags up 14 points in the fourth quarter.

The Texans scored a touchdown on their first drive with ease, but after that they weren’t able to muster the same success limping into halftime with an unexpected 17-17 tie. After going down 14 points at the start of the fourth, Matt Schaub turned it on to throw for over 500 yards on a day which he suffered some uncharacteristic interceptions. Andre Johnson was huge all day long. He also had an amazing day recording 273 yards receiving on 14 receptions. The latter part of the fourth quarter was all Texans as Schaub looked like he couldn’t miss a pass. The Texans even had the chance win in regulation, but shanked the game winning field goal.

In overtime both teams traded field goals, as the new overtime rules are not sudden death any more. After the field goals the tension was palpable being that any score would decide the game. The breakthrough to seal victory fir the Texans was Andre Johnson’s 48 yard touchdown catch and run, and the crowd went wild. For neutrals, it was by far the most exciting game they’ve played this year. Texans fans would like to them to win more handily, but it is always impressive to see your team display the determination and will-to-win the Texans displayed this week. The Texans are now 9-1 for the first time ever, tied for the best in the NFL, and look prime to lock up a playoff spot by early December.

NEXT GAME: THANKSGIVING DAY!!! 11:30am @ The Detroit Lions on CBS.

I’ve long wished that the Texans play a Thanksgiving Day game, but I’ve also been fearful to have my favorite holiday ruined with a Texans loss. Detroit started the whole “Thanksgiving Day football feast” long ago(all the way back in 1934), and they always host a home game on the day. After the Texans defensive performance you have to be concerned because they face a much better passing attack Thursday. Also, it’s a shortened week, so they won’t have the same preparation, and they are coming off of an exhausting overtime battle. I really don’t know what to expect, but Detroit has always gotten their ass whooped on turkey day for as long as I can remember. So, be sure to tune in before turkey time for a hearty serving of Texans football. After all, what is Thanksgiving without football?

Side Note: THE DYNAMO ADVANCE TO THE MLS CUP FINALS in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 1st, as they take on David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and the rest of the evil empire that is the LA Galaxy in a rematch of last years MLS Cup. The Dynamo lost 1-0. I’ll be flying out there to give you guys the lowdown. Congratulations are in order to the whole Dynamo organization, as they prove year in and year out they are a class organization that knows how to get it done when it counts the most. I think our team is much improved this year with the addition of Boniek Garcia, and I’m feeling lucky. I think we’ll get revenge and beat “Goliath” in LA. (finger crossed)

By Maxwell Morgan

Sunday marked another sports feast for the Houston sports fan, as the Texans and Dynamo both squared off in pivotal match-ups. The Texans travelled to Chicago to battle the one loss Bears, while the Dynamo hosted DC United in the Eastern Conference Finals of the MLS Playoffs. And what a day it was! The Dynamo kicked it off with a 3-1 victory, and the Texans capped the night pounding out a 13-6 victory.

Things were looking shaky at first for the Dynamo letting in a first half goal and not producing much on the offensive side of the ball. The second half was quite the opposite, as the game would turn into a tale of two halves.

First Brad Davis scored from point blank range off a nice cross inside the box. Then striker Will Bruin squeezed a slow roller across the goal line for the second Dynamo goal of the second half. Lastly, youngin’ right back Kofi Sarkodie blasted the biggest goal of his career with a beauty across the keeper from the right side of the box to seal a first leg 3-1 victory from the Dynamo.

The crowd was raucous, as usual. It was the last home game of the season in which our beloved orange went undefeated at home. The second leg of the series resumes next Sunday in DC at 3 pm. DC will have to beat the Dynamo by 2 goals in order to force overtime and 3 to win and advance to the MLS Cup Final. The Dynamo are clearly in command of the series and 90 minutes away from advancing to likely face the LA Galaxy in a rematch of last years final.

The Dynamo game ended with plenty of time to spare for fans to get home for the Texans marquee matchup on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

The Texans squared off against the Bears Sunday night in what was touted as a defensive heavy-weight bout. It was classic Chicago Bear weather. Cold and Rainy. Not good for the Texans, right? They’re a dome team, right?

No sweat.

Ok, thats being arrogant. It was an edge of your seat game for the die-hard, and a really boring game for a neutral. One play could have easily swung the game into the favor of either team, but play was so sloppy at times that explosive offense seemed impossible. The only touchdown was scored by Arian Foster, and it was the difference in the 13-6 slugfest victory for the Texans.

The fireworks were all on the defensive side of the ball.

Danieal Manning set the tone for the Texans forcing a fumble and getting an interception against his former team. The most pivotal play on defense was just before half when Cutler was clobbered by linebacker Tim Dobbins. Cutler would not return after halftime due to concussion.

“Sweet commercial brah.”

The Texans would not be denied.

This was as hostile of a road game as there is. To battle the conditions and once again keep our opponent out of the end zone was almost too much too ask for. Nevertheless, the Texans stepped up and delivered the kind of win that makes you believe.

At 8-1, over half the season played, our hometown team is undeniably the best in the AFC, and a legitimate Superbowl team. Obviously, the team has to stay healthy, particularly in key areas like quarterback, but if things continue the way they have we’ll have a first round bye locked up not too long after Thanksgiving.

Next week vs. The Jacksonville Jaguars @ 12pm Sunday

The Jaguars are one of the worst teams in the NFL, and to be quite frank, probably the worst franchise in the NFL altogether. Playing them at Reliant Stadium should be a breeze. Seriously, I’m hoping we beat the pants off em by halftime, so I can get home to watch the Dynamo close out the second leg of their playoff series out. Needless to say, we got championship caliber teams around, and Sundays when both the Dynamo and Texans play are truly a sports feast.

After taking a week off for their bye week, the Texans were back Sunday to host the 3-4 Buffalo Bills. Poor Buffalo, it’s so damn cold, and they’ve been so mediocre/bad for so long. The Buffalo fans were a nice bunch though. Very friendly and humble. They’d try to throw the miraculous comeback all those years ago against the Oilers in our face, but like I mentioned earlier in the season, screw the Oilers, different team. These ain’t the damn “spOilers” either, as the Texans handled the Bills 21-9 in a game that they didn’t quite dominate like many would have liked.

At times the Texans looked rusty, having a field goal blocked, missing on a head scratching fourth down try, and putting themselves in 3rd and long all day. Despite the off week rust, Matt Schaub was a field general, controlling the offense, throwing on the run, and making solid throws downfield. His finest was to Owen Daniels across his body and field for a beautiful touchdown. Schaub showed he hasn’t forgot about Dre, finding the big Johnson for 8 catches and 118 yards. Foster and the running game didn’t have its usual impact, but it was enough to balance the offense and buy Schaub some time.

The Texans defense were the biggest stars today. They allowed a measly 9 points on 3 field goals. Any time the defense shuts their opposition out of the endzone you should expect a victory. The Texans were gashed on some dink and dunk passes, but the defense held tight bending but not breaking. JJ Watt recorded another sack to maintain his league lead. Meanwhile, Connor Barwin had to have been feeling all the positive vibes from his chicken suit he wore all Halloween. He had another impact day with another sack and four tackles, three of them being solo tackles. Shaun Cody got in on the action today as he joined the 2024 JJ Watt block party. It was just another solid performance from the whole unit.

Mario Williams made his return to Reliant Stadium after signing his huge contract with Buffalo in the summer. He’s had a slow start to his season, but looked fresh today after undergoing minor surgery 2 weeks ago. He was able to get to Schaub for a sack and menaced offensive lineman Derek Newton all game. Mario stated earlier on in the week that he wanted to stay in Houston, but was shown the door by the organization. Duh, you were good bro, but business is business, and we wanted to keep a bunch of good players not one. Take that money and run… to cold ass Buffalo, but thanks for being better than Reggie Bush and Vince Young!

It was nice seeing lots of orange on a day in which the Texans and Dynamo had overlapping games. The Dynamo playoff game’s 2:30 kickoff was a bummer for fans of both kinds of football. DVR’s were crucial. The Dynamo crushed it, beating Sporting KC 2-0 in the first leg of their series. It was a huge victory that capped a great day for the Houston sports fan. Next time the MLS needs to have a better kickoff time, so we can really double up on the sports feast that was today.

Tune in Wednesday at 8 (on some channel) to catch the second leg of the Dynamo’s playoff run in Kansas City.

Next Week: @ The Chicago Bears on NBC’s Sunday Night Football at 7:25 pm

Get yer grills ready H-town. Whether it be in ya mouth or in ya backyard. Cause the Texans are playing under the lights at historic Soldier Field in Chi-town. Everyone should have plenty of time to grill and chill to get ready for a heavy weight bout versus one of the NFL’s best. Chicago put the hurt on Tennessee today racking up 51 points. They have a stout defense and an explosive offense. Their receiver Brandon Marshall is a beast. He only caught 3 touchdowns today…

I’m not really sure which way to go this game, but I’ll say the Texans lose a tough one. That NFC North is tough this year, and the Bears are playing lights out. The Texans will need to get to Jay Cutler, and frustrate that lil baby frat boy QB. They’ll also need to hold Brandon Marshall. If the Texans go there and win this city will be flying real high.

We feel pretty damn good today too.