I'm very interested in seeing how Tomlin/Smith/Rodgers decide to attack the Houston defense.
If it were me, I would start out by setting up in heavy packages. Run the ball straight at Anderson and Hunter. Double team them with huge blockers (TE eligible). Get them moving backwards/sideways. Then peel off one blocker and crack the incoming linebacker.
What does that accomplish? ... 1) It slows down the penetration of their elite edges. 2) It forces their defense into heavier packages. 3) It encourages their second level to start crashing down and attacking the box.
THEN we play action. Look to the TE (peeling off the double team, matched up against a LB). Or look to DK or Calvin deep (1-on-1 with the CB, wherever the safety is not over the top).
It's kind of "old school" football, but that's the safest smartest strategy in cold weather against an aggressive defense. We MUST establish the run first. Use our staunch OL (that we've poured so much resources into) to dominate the line of scrimmage. That's what Arthur Smith (supposedly) does best.
This is not going to be a shoot out. Have patience. Wear them down. Take what they give you. No turnovers. Win the field position battle. Win the time of possession battle. Let Stroud make the mistakes (and he will).
If we win this game 16-12, that is perfectly fine by me.
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