The Texans return to the playoffs for the second straight year when they face the Bengals on Saturday in Houston, but QB Matt Schaub will be making his playoff debut.
Schaub missed the final eight games of the 2011 season due to a foot injury. His healthy return this year was a big reason the Texans were considered Super Bowl contenders.
However, Schaub’s play recently as the Texans lost three of their last four games to slide to the No. 3 seed in the AFC has been cause for concern.
“Certainly he’s made some plays, he just hasn’t made all the plays,” offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said. “And we expect him to make all the plays.”
In the three losses, Houston is averaging just 12 points per game, and Schaub has thrown no touchdowns with three interceptions. In fact, he hasn’t thrown a touchdown in any of Houston’s four losses.
“I’ve just got to play a little more consistent,” Schaub said. “I definitely know when things aren’t going well to look at myself first because I’m the one that’s putting everyone in position and trying to make the plays. I’ve got to play better. Our whole team, everyone across the board has got to pick their game up, especially this time of year, but I definitely do.”
Coaches and teammates have insisted this week they needs to do a better job of helping Schaub. That can start up front where he has been sacked 12 times in the four losses compared to 15 in the team’s 12 wins.
“I think it’s a combination of things that we can help him with,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “Obviously, I’ve got a job to do with him, how we’re playing, our style of football can sure help him if we’re playing our type of football. We’ve been in some tough situations playing from down a bunch three out of the last four weeks so that’s been difficult. I know there are some things he can do better, but we can obviously all help him, too.”
Saturday’s game with the Bengals will provide a stiff test. Cincinnati has been playing very well defensively, giving up 20 points just once in its last eight games.
The Bengals are 7-1 over the last half of the season and are giving up just 12.8 points per game in that stretch. Cincinnati also has 51 sacks on the year, ranking third in the NFL.
“They do bring a bunch of pressure,” Schaub said. “So, it’s all about recognition and where they’re bringing it from. They can at times just bring their front four and create a lot of problems for you.”
If the Texans lose, Schaub will undoubtedly receive a lot of the blame. That comes with the territory considering his position and that Schaub signed a four-year contract extension back in September with $30 million guaranteed.
“When the team is not playing well, the quarterback is going to take most of the criticism,” WR Andre Johnson said. “It’s all about how you respond. We have another game Saturday. So, however he goes out and plays Saturday, that’s what people will talk about.”
Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter, @CBSTexans.