Somehow, Texans quarterback Matt Schaub scored a contract extension early in the season. Somehow, he landed in the Pro Bowl above Andrew Luck, who had much less around him on both sides of the ball.
Somehow, the Texans will have to try to win one or more playoff games with Schaub as their quarterback.
I write these words knowing full well that I’ll now be accused of “hating” the Texans, Matt Schaub, and/or his dog. But even his dog would admit that there are more than a few better quarterbacks in the NFL.
As previously pointed out, Schaub has not shown up this year in high-profile games. More recently, in eight quarters of action on which the No. 1 seed in the AFC was riding, Schaub threw a grand total of zero touchdown passes. His passer rating against the Vikings in Week 16 was a measly 72.1, which actually looks good in comparison to the 66.3 generated against the Colts in Week 17.
After starting 11-1, the Texans have now lost three of four. And now come the overachieving Bengals, who have won seven of eight games and who have a defense that will make it even harder for Schaub in his career debut as a postseason starter.
That’s right, Schaub has no playoff experience on which to draw as he prepares to face Cincinnati, whose second-year quarterback played in a playoff game last year on Schaub’s home field.
Though I’ll likely pick the Texans to win the game, it won’t happen because of Schaub, but in spite of him. And if I pick the Texans to hold serve at home, there’s no way they’ll be the selection when they return to New England.