Texans Potent Offense Will Keep Vikings on Their Heels

Dec 16, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) and wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) do an interview after a game against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Colts 29-17. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

This week the Vikings will face one of the top Super Bowl contending teams when they go up against the potent Houston Texan Offense. The Texans feature pro-bowl caliber players on both sides of the ball. Arian Foster has 1,313 yards and if Adrian Peterson wasn’t having such a great year, Foster would have a shot at this seasons rushing title. The Vikings are not what they used to be on defense when it comes to rush defense. Once inpenetrable, the Vikings now ranked 13th in rush defense. Despite the drop in rank, the Vikings D-line has the talent to stop the run. With help from run stoppers like Antoine Winfield and the impressive Harrison Smith, the Vikings have a chance at containing Foster. Foster is a definite threat though and will be only a small part of the headache that the Texans present. Another huge player that proves to me problematic for the Vikings is Andre Johnson. Johnson is probably one of the biggest, fastest and strongest receivers in the NFL. Johnson has 1,360 receiving yards on the season and is 7 receptions away from hitting 100 catches on the year. Johnson is a huge body at 6’3″ and 230 lbs that likes to use his body to shield defenders. Johnson makes a play when it looks like no play is to be made. It has been reported that Vikings starting cornerback, Chris Cook will be able to play, however, he was on the IR most of the season and will more than likely not be matched up against Johnson because of conditioning. The 6’2″ Cook would be ideal for covering Johnson, but the duty will probably fall on A.J. Jefferson. The Texans have the best play action quarterback in Matt Schaub and the combination of Foster and Johnson is the reason. The rest of the Texans offense consist of important role players like TE Owen Daniels who is more than capable of making plays. The Vikings will have their hands full with the Texans offense and will need to look at what the Patriots did against the Texans when Tom Brady and Co. held the the Texans to two second half TDs in a 42-14 domination. the Vikings defense will need to stay discipline and opportunistic. When there is a play to be made, the Viking defenders must make them to win this game.