Countdown To Kickoff: Houston Texans v. Carolina Panthers

This man probably has a learned view on BBQ. - Scott Halleran/Getty ImagesMorning, peoples. Let's spend those last few hours, minutes, and seconds before the Texans' game against the Panthers together on Battle Red Blog.

The Texans are in the Carolinas today to visit Lowe's and Huggy, and to show people what real barbecue is supposed to taste like. They're also going to play a football game, but that's just details.

Today we're hoping our team improves to 1-1 as they face the Panthers. We already know we're down four guys and hoping our All-Pro left tackle Duane Brown feels his thumb is healthy enough to go today, (though if Carolina's defense is missing its star, Luke Kuechly, it becomes a…