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Texans sneer at momentum: Arian Foster, Johnathan Joseph & Owen Daniels allinactive for finale

Johnathan Joseph
Photo by Dennis M. Ayotte Jr
Arian Foster
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

So much for the Houston Texans' commitment to treating their regular-season finale as a momentum builder.

The Texans are treating Sunday's game with the Tennessee Titans like the meaningless game it is (as far as their playoff future), electing to rest Pro Bowl tailback Arian Foster, Pro Bowl cornerback Johnathan Joseph and tight end Owen Daniels. All three of those stars are inactive for the game — one that will have no bearing on Houston's playoff positioning (the AFC South champions are locked into the No. 3 seed).

After talking all week about how important this game is to restore the confidence of a 10-5 team that's lost two straight, coach Gary Kubiak decided that having his stars completely healthy for the playoffs means even more.

A Titans team (8-7) fighting for its playoff life, one that has a chance to be back at Reliant Stadium for the playoffs next week with a win and some help, gets to take on a Texans team without its leading rusher, top cornerback or best tight end. Houston could rest other starters during the game as well.

After talking all week about how important this game is to restore the confidence of a 10-5 team, Kubiak decided that having his stars completely healthy for the playoffs means even more.

Maybe, the Texans really don't want to play the New York Jets (one of the requirements of New York sneaking into the playoffs as the No. 6 seed — and Texans' first-round opponent — is a Titans' loss). OK, this is most likely strictly a Houston thing. Kubiak's long noted that how you play in the playoffs when you're there is what's important. Though, he also talked about the advantage of playing well going into the postseason, arguing that often means more than having a bye or not.

On this Sunday, the Texans will try to play well without three stars — including arguably their best player on both offense and defense.

Wideout Andre Johnson will play about 20 snaps as he returns from his second leg injury of the season.

unspecified

chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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