X-factor's Against the Bears

From the dismal things I've seen over the past 8 weeks, I have decided that there is a few players that can maximize the offense and defense against the Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday.

James Casey can make a big influence out of the FB/TE spot with a bunch of versatility. We have seen the offense over the last few weeks tend to sputter but they made plays to Casey when it matters. I will always say that James is the most athletic player in Houston with his unique ability to stretch the field and make defenders rely on him. I'm not saying he is the best player on the team but the offense tends to work a little easier when he is coming out on play-actions or in the flat waiting to make a play. The reason I picked him for the x-factor this week is simple; Owen Daniels is a game-time decision which means that Casey will likely get some good time at the TE spot. On the year Casey has been thrown to 26 times and he has reeled in 21 of those for 211 yards and a TD. Pretty mediocre stats for the year but in the balance of the offense he isn't going to be catching 7 passes a game. The real stat that stuck out with me is yards-after-catch which Casey has 128 of his 211 receiving yards. He is able to get on the move after the catch and make plays with his feet which is not what you normally see from a FB/TE, although the tight ends in the NFL are becoming more versatile as you see with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans, Gronk in New England and Gates in San Diego. We will just have to wait and see how they plan to use him tonight. Back-up tight end Garrett Graham will also get some time tonight where he can show his versatility and hopefully make some plays when he gets his chances tonight.

Whitney Mercilus is my pick to be the defensive x-factor for tonight's game. I picked Mercilus simply because the involvement in Wade Phillips scheme and the plays he has been making in the last two games against Buffalo and Baltimore. Three weeks ago against the Ravens we all saw how effective Whitney is as he made one of the plays of the day in my opinion when he came off the edge and sacked Flacco and caused a fumble. Although the Ravens got it back it was one of the many hits we got on the Flac-daddy that day which led to one of his worst days as a QB since he came in to the NFL. Last week against the Bills he got his opportunity again and took full advantage by sacking Ryan Fitzpatrick 2 times and also knocking down a pass which has seemingly become part of the defensive scheme as well. His stellar performance over the last two games has given me confidence in selecting him as the x-factor the game against the Bears. With that weak offensive line the Chicago is throwing out there look for Mercilus and the rest of the solid Texans LB's to get to Cutler early and often in this showdown. I also think that with Connor Barwin heating up, there is a good chance the Bulls on Parade are going to be pounding the offensive line of the Bears.

This game tonight should be a true test for the Texans defensive unit that gets another chance to show up on Sunday Night Football and redeem themselves for the beat-down they suffered from the Green Bay Packers in week 6. Let's hope Schaub and CO. bring it tonight.