game 15
VIKINGS
AT HOUSTON
Noon Sunday
Reliant Stadium
TV: Ch. 9
(100.3-FM, 1130-AM)
Line: Texans by 7 1/2
ABOUT HOUSTON
RECORD: 12-2
• The Texans can clinch home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a victory Sunday.
• In a matchup of strengths, the Texans have the fifth-best rushing defense and have allowed a league-low three rushing TDs. But Houston did allow Indianapolis to rush for 4.96 yards per attempt last week.
• A victory would give the Texans a 7-1 home record, a franchise best.
• Houston RB Arian Foster is fourth in the NFL in rushing, and the Texans have the fifth-ranked rushing game, just behind No. 4 Minnesota.
PLAYER TALK DEFENSIVE ENd J.J. WATT
Watt is redefining what a defensive end can do in a 3-4 scheme. He is tied for the league lead with 19.5 sacks, and is the only player to record 15 sacks and 15 passes defensed in the same season since the stat was first tracked in 1991.
• On almost being a Golden Gopher: "I was committed to Central Michigan, then Brian Kelly left, so I committed to Minnesota. Then Glen Mason was relieved, so I ended up back at Central Michigan." Watt transferred to Wisconsin in 2008.
• On chasing the NFL single-season sack record of 22 1/2: "Obviously it's a goal of mine. But No. 1 is winning a Super Bowl. [But] if you're not trying to break it, what's the point?"
COACH SPEAK
GARY KUBIAK
• On the two teams' similar offensive styles: "They're a very physical team, and [they] pride themselves on being able to run the football. In a lot of ways, we're the same way."
• On Adrian Peterson: "He's not one of those guys you chart and say, 'Well, he runs between the tackles or runs the edges.' This guy runs successfully all over the field. And the home run ability is what scares the hell out of you."
• On Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, who played for Kubiak: "I have a lot of respect for Billy. He was one of the smartest players I've ever coached. I think he's doing a great job. They've got a strength to what they're doing."
KENT YOUNGBLOOD
