Some bad news for Houston HC Demeco Ryans: The Texans (0-3 but competitive in every game) face the toughest schedule in the NFL per coaching stats. These figures will change a little, but usually not much. Houston’s schedule is 2.64% more difficult than average. It is followed the slates facing the Steelers (2.05%), Eagles (1.74%), Titans (1.33%), and Colts (1.32%). Buffalo (-2.91%) and its fellow AFC rivals, the Patriots (-2.84%) and Jets (-2.69%) face the easiest slates followed by the Chargers (-1.38%) and Packers (-1.375).

MrsQC and I are Cincinnati people. Before the Bengals faced Minnesota, she asked me how they would be without Joe Burrow. I said it could be anything from “pleasant surprise” to “total collapse.” After the Vikings 48-10 wipeout, I think we have our answer. The Bengals fumbled 5 times, lost 3, and backup QB Jake Browning threw 2 interceptions. Browning is averaging 2.5 interceptions + fumbles per game. A study showed that turnovers occur most frequently on first down and after incomplete passes. Hence, the antidote is run the ball. But HC Zac Taylor has only called 23, 17, and 21 rushes and the Bengals are averaging 2.41 yards per carry. They are last in the NFL in rushing yards (147). This could spiral out of control quickly.

Tennesse fans are understandably out of patience with HC Brian Callahan. He has a 3-20 record in his 1+ years, and the team has failed to cover 10 straight at home after suffering a 41-20 blowout loss to Indianapolis. The Titans sacked Ken Whisenhunt with the same 3-20 record in 2015. Incredibly, neither is the worst coach in franchise history. In 1972-1973, Bill Peterson put up a 1-18 record when the team was the Houston Oilers. Callahan faces the winless Texans this week followed by the Cardinals, Raiders, Patriots, Colts (again), and Chargers before Tennessee gets to its bye. It probably will be a bye-bye week. If Callahan can survive that long.

Followers of QC know you have to be solid on special teams. The Rams, Packers, and Buccaneers all suffered blocked field goals that were returned for TDs or set up a game-winning field goal. In Week 2, the Broncos blocked a Colts’ field goal to preserve victor only to have the officials flag them for leveraging and Indy a second chance which it made the most of. Field goal block teams clearly have learned something over the off-season and are exploiting it. I bet the NFL has a meeting and you will see more leveraging penalties on successful field goals to try to slow down the blockers.