Panic. Fear. What the hell is going on? Why pray tell is Arian Foster on the sidelines? Holy Mother of God, is he hurt? Is Gary Kubiak going Bill Belichick and hiding an injury? Why oh why is Foster on the bench?
Those were my first thoughts when I noticed Derrick Ward and Steve Slaton getting the opening carries. The camera flashed to Foster. He looked healthy. He was in uniform. Something was amiss.
Word finally made its way to the broadcast booth that Kubiak benched Foster for an undisclosed infraction. Late meetings? Late to practice? Arrested? What? What?
Foster finally made an appearance late in the second quarter with the Texans clinging to a 14-14 tie.
Ah, the Raidahs
Make no mistake, the Raidah's are not on decline but don't seem to be on the way up. Jason Campbell typifies all that's wrong with RaidHers. The Rahders made an off season trade for Campbell. With the acquisition of Donovan McNabb, Campbell was expendable. Can you think of a worse fate than exile to the Black Hole? Within the first game, Campbell went to the bench and Bruce Gradkowski regained the starting job.
So if you are going to miss your best player to injury (Andre Johnson), left tackle Duane Brown out to suspension, the last game of Defensive Rookie Player of the Year Brian Cushing's suspension and bench your starting running back, this is a team to do it against.
Sending a Message?
How long a leash should a player have? When does a player's punishment become a detriment to the team? Is this an escalation in punishment? Was Foster punished and again committed an offense?
I wonder how much of a message was actually sent to Foster? To me, the look on Foster's face and his body language told the tale. He was chomping at the bit. He didn't like sitting on the sideline watching the game. He wanted in. More over, the team didn't suffer due to his benching. Ward and Slaton moved the ball effectively in the first half.
After the game, Foster owned up to his mistakes and apologized but didn't delve into details. He said, as is the Texans custom, everything was handled in house. No need to air the team's dirty laundry in public.
Vonta Leach, Jacoby Jones and Ward all stated in interviews that they had a talk with Foster about discipline and doing what is expected. Ward stated that he likes playing with Slaton and Foster. He's experienced the highs in his career and wants the two younger backs to experience the same things.
Foster responded on his second carry of the second half with a 74 yard TD run. For basically half a game, Foster racked up 131 yards on 16 carries. Foster stated he wanted to show off his receiving skills too. So far so good. He contributed 56 yards and a TD on 3 receptions. Not bad for a half.
Interesting note, only three players have over 500 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving: Arian Foster, Billy Sims and Emmitt Smith. Not bad company but let's wait an entire season before we start making Hall of Fame comparisons.
Wow - The Defense?
The defense was a mixed bag at best. Four sacks, three turnovers but giving up 27 points and letting tight end Zach Miller abuse them down the middle for 122 yards. Darren McFadden had 82 yards on 6 catches with a long of 43 yards.
I like that the defense pressured the quarterback. Antonio Smith had a monster day along with Troy Nolan. Smith brought Gradkowski down twice and Nolan picked of Gradkowski twice. Keeping the theme of twice, Bernard Pollard brought the lumber twice when Gradkowski scrambled. The first time Gradkowski was fine but you don't go back for more. The second time Pollard rung his bell and Gradkowski staggered back to the huddle.
Nolan's big day came after starter Eugene Wilson sat out hurt. Nolan came in to replace Wilson's substitute Dominique Barber. Hopefully the Texans finally are starting to solidify the safety position. A hard hitter like Pollard paired with a play maker would be a nice combo.
The N-Y-Football-Giant
My keys to the Texans success for the season was a good start and improve the division record. Those two aspects are vital to playoff contention. Through four games, obviously a small sample, they are on target. A 3-1 start for first time in team history. A rousing opening day win over the nemesis Colts started off the division campaign right.
With all the remaining division games coming after the week seven open date, it's essential to keep the good start going.
There is no rest for the Texans. The Giants roll into town coming off a ten sack performance against the Chicago Bears. The Giants knocked out starter Jay Cutler and back up Todd Collins. The Giants reduced the Bears to the emergency back up second string clipboard holder at quarterback. The Texans offensive line needs to keep Matt Schaub healthy and upright. If both Dan Orlovsky and Matt Leinhart make an appearance...you know what just hit the fan.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Texans Week 3 - Rolled at Home by the Cowboys
Embarrassing. Weak. Unforgivable. Sickening. Troubling.
Pick your favorite word to describe the Texans performance against the Dallas Cowboys. The Texans blew a perfect chance to announce they are for real. The Cowboys were hurting and desperate. The Texans had some swagger after beating the Colts and the Redskins. The Cowboys came in and knocked that swagger right off the Texans walk.
What went wrong? Everything. Roy Williams went off. Williams usually only puts on the Cowboys uniform and isn't heard from again. Not on Sunday. He torched, I'm using that word way to often this season, the young secondary for 117 yards and 2 TDs.
The front seven failed to get much pressure on Tony Romo.
The offense failed to put TDs on the board when in the red zone.
In what was a common theme last year, the offensive play calling was terrible. Arian Foster was under used. He broke off a couple of nice runs but his number was called only 17 times for 106 yards. Yes I said he was under utilized. He was hurting the Cowboys. Let him do what he does best. Matt Schaub was running for his life at times. Let Foster help keep Schaub up right by running the ball between the tackles.
Again, Schaub threw an interception on the same play he threw one against the Colts and Redskins. Whatever it is about that play, it's not working. This time instead of throwing into double coverage, Schaub overthrew Andre Johnson and the defender easily picked off the pass.
My biggest bone of contention though is the second field goal drive. The Texans tried to punch it in on a couple of the plays. Dallas read it each time. At one point they Texans should have tried a toss sweep left. The ball was on the right hash mark. The Cowboys were crowding the line. A toss to Foster running left would have seen nothing but green between him and the endzone. It's lack of creativity or fundamental analysis that drives me crazy.
I'm not hitting the panic button. There are still 13 games left to play. The Texans need to remember that Foster is a really good running back. The game wasn't out of hand but they went to the air more often than they should have.
Sunday they face the Raiders. This is a vital game. The Texans, Titans and Colts are tied at 2-1 in the AFC South. The Texans need to stay even with the Titans and Colts. It's a weird schedule this year. The Texans opened division play with the Colts and will face the Colts coming out of the open date in week seven. They are done with the Colts before they even get a shot at Tennessee or Jacksonville.
The Texans have three winnable games in front of them before the bye week. They could easily enter a showdown with the Colts in week 8 for division lead with a 5-1 record.
Let's not get to far ahead though and take care of the Raiders on Sunday first.
Man of the Match
Roy Williams with 117 yards on 5 receptions and 2 TDs with the last one putting a dagger in the hearts of Texans fans every where. Who said the Man of the Match had to be a Texan?
Pick your favorite word to describe the Texans performance against the Dallas Cowboys. The Texans blew a perfect chance to announce they are for real. The Cowboys were hurting and desperate. The Texans had some swagger after beating the Colts and the Redskins. The Cowboys came in and knocked that swagger right off the Texans walk.
What went wrong? Everything. Roy Williams went off. Williams usually only puts on the Cowboys uniform and isn't heard from again. Not on Sunday. He torched, I'm using that word way to often this season, the young secondary for 117 yards and 2 TDs.
The front seven failed to get much pressure on Tony Romo.
The offense failed to put TDs on the board when in the red zone.
In what was a common theme last year, the offensive play calling was terrible. Arian Foster was under used. He broke off a couple of nice runs but his number was called only 17 times for 106 yards. Yes I said he was under utilized. He was hurting the Cowboys. Let him do what he does best. Matt Schaub was running for his life at times. Let Foster help keep Schaub up right by running the ball between the tackles.
Again, Schaub threw an interception on the same play he threw one against the Colts and Redskins. Whatever it is about that play, it's not working. This time instead of throwing into double coverage, Schaub overthrew Andre Johnson and the defender easily picked off the pass.
My biggest bone of contention though is the second field goal drive. The Texans tried to punch it in on a couple of the plays. Dallas read it each time. At one point they Texans should have tried a toss sweep left. The ball was on the right hash mark. The Cowboys were crowding the line. A toss to Foster running left would have seen nothing but green between him and the endzone. It's lack of creativity or fundamental analysis that drives me crazy.
I'm not hitting the panic button. There are still 13 games left to play. The Texans need to remember that Foster is a really good running back. The game wasn't out of hand but they went to the air more often than they should have.
Sunday they face the Raiders. This is a vital game. The Texans, Titans and Colts are tied at 2-1 in the AFC South. The Texans need to stay even with the Titans and Colts. It's a weird schedule this year. The Texans opened division play with the Colts and will face the Colts coming out of the open date in week seven. They are done with the Colts before they even get a shot at Tennessee or Jacksonville.
The Texans have three winnable games in front of them before the bye week. They could easily enter a showdown with the Colts in week 8 for division lead with a 5-1 record.
Let's not get to far ahead though and take care of the Raiders on Sunday first.
Man of the Match
Roy Williams with 117 yards on 5 receptions and 2 TDs with the last one putting a dagger in the hearts of Texans fans every where. Who said the Man of the Match had to be a Texan?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Texans Week 2 - McNabb Gets Nasty, Schaub Gets Nastier
A short post this week. I really didn't have time to delve deep into the game like I usually try to do. Work sometimes gets in the way.
A big opening home win against archrival (only to the Texans, Colts could care less) Indianapolis Colts could only lead to the inevitable let down, kick to the gut road loss. Fortunately the let down only lasted the first half. The Texans rallied from 17 down to defeat the Washington Redskins 30-27 at FedEx Field.
Uh-oh Here We Go Again!
Yup, that kick to the gonads the Texans seem to frequently deliver. Donovan McNabb threw the ball at will and opened up a can of whip ass on the Texans in the first half. I swear I saw McNabb back there heating up some Chunky Campbell's Soup, eating it, drinking a beer and then throwing for a long bomb. On the same play.
I think at one point the Redskins had three rush attempts. Of course two of them are on the goal line and go for TDs. Of course, I could have just imagined that stat but it sure feels right.
No matter, the defense was no existent, the offense sputtered and that warm fuzzy feeling of a good start went out the window. The 'skins went up 20-7 at the half.
Dad, I Don't Want To...Shut Up, It Builds Character
I might be wrong but did we see our little Texans take a big step forward? In the recent past (there is no ancient in this team yet), didn't the Texans fold up and call it a game at half when far behind?
Whatever coach Gary Kubiak yelled at them during the half it worked. The Texans scored 20 second half points to the Redskins 7. McNabb finally felt the heat of the Texans defense as they pitched a shut out in the fourth to give the team a fighting chance to tie or win.
Defense and the Scorched Turf Policy
Mario Williams exploded for 3 sacks in the game. Bernard Pollard made a huge block on a field goal attempt. The defensive line kept the run game 18 net rushing yards.
The young defensive backfield played like a young defensive back field. They were burned by six pass plays of 20 or more yards. Judging from the Tweets of some bloggers I follow, safety Eugene Wilson and linebacker Xavier Adibi were no better. Since I didn't review the game and I trust the bloggers opinion, I'll go with it.
Regardless of stats, the defense made key stops and kept the Redskins from opening a bigger lead and allowed Matt Schaub and the offense the opportunities to win.
Man of the Match (I'm using soccer's term for the rest of the season)
Matt Schaub
38 of 52 passing for 497 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT
One note about the offense. Please, please, please Ricky Dennison and Kubiak tear that page out of the play book where Schaub threw the pick. It looked like the exact same formation in which he threw the pick against the Colts. Everybody lines up at the line except one wide out. In both plays, the wide out was doubled and Schaub forced the throw. Get rid of the play, no one is biting on it.
A big opening home win against archrival (only to the Texans, Colts could care less) Indianapolis Colts could only lead to the inevitable let down, kick to the gut road loss. Fortunately the let down only lasted the first half. The Texans rallied from 17 down to defeat the Washington Redskins 30-27 at FedEx Field.
Uh-oh Here We Go Again!
Yup, that kick to the gonads the Texans seem to frequently deliver. Donovan McNabb threw the ball at will and opened up a can of whip ass on the Texans in the first half. I swear I saw McNabb back there heating up some Chunky Campbell's Soup, eating it, drinking a beer and then throwing for a long bomb. On the same play.
I think at one point the Redskins had three rush attempts. Of course two of them are on the goal line and go for TDs. Of course, I could have just imagined that stat but it sure feels right.
No matter, the defense was no existent, the offense sputtered and that warm fuzzy feeling of a good start went out the window. The 'skins went up 20-7 at the half.
Dad, I Don't Want To...Shut Up, It Builds Character
I might be wrong but did we see our little Texans take a big step forward? In the recent past (there is no ancient in this team yet), didn't the Texans fold up and call it a game at half when far behind?
Whatever coach Gary Kubiak yelled at them during the half it worked. The Texans scored 20 second half points to the Redskins 7. McNabb finally felt the heat of the Texans defense as they pitched a shut out in the fourth to give the team a fighting chance to tie or win.
Defense and the Scorched Turf Policy
Mario Williams exploded for 3 sacks in the game. Bernard Pollard made a huge block on a field goal attempt. The defensive line kept the run game 18 net rushing yards.
The young defensive backfield played like a young defensive back field. They were burned by six pass plays of 20 or more yards. Judging from the Tweets of some bloggers I follow, safety Eugene Wilson and linebacker Xavier Adibi were no better. Since I didn't review the game and I trust the bloggers opinion, I'll go with it.
Regardless of stats, the defense made key stops and kept the Redskins from opening a bigger lead and allowed Matt Schaub and the offense the opportunities to win.
Man of the Match (I'm using soccer's term for the rest of the season)
Matt Schaub
38 of 52 passing for 497 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT
One note about the offense. Please, please, please Ricky Dennison and Kubiak tear that page out of the play book where Schaub threw the pick. It looked like the exact same formation in which he threw the pick against the Colts. Everybody lines up at the line except one wide out. In both plays, the wide out was doubled and Schaub forced the throw. Get rid of the play, no one is biting on it.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Texans Week 1 - One Week Wonders or For Real?
The only way to answer the question is to play the season out. 16 games to will eventually show who the real Texans are. For week one, they took the glove and slapped the Colts across the face and the proceeded to stomp the defense into submission.
Repeating recent history, the Texans jumped to an early lead. Again repeating history, the Texans started to squander the 13-0 lead with a Matt Schaub interception that lead to an eventual Colts touchdown.
Right before halftime I sent a text to my fellow fans,"Getting that sinking feeling yet?"
The Manliest Drive in Texans History?
How the Texans responded was manly in every sense of the word. They came out to start the second half and ran the ball down the Colts throats. They held the ball for 7:57, kept Payton Manning on the bench and scored a touchdown not a field goal.
Then they came out and did it again. And again. Two more run dominated drives of 91 and 41 yards. They milked the clock, telegraphed exactly what they were going to do and did it. The only reason the time of possession wasn't higher is cause the Colts couldn't stop the Texans at all. Running big chunks of real estate off at one time allows for quicker scoring and less time off the clock. As long as they scored TDs and not FGs, the strategy is fine.
The drive alleviated that sinking feeling that ended the first half.
Scripted Plays Out the Window
The fans around me during the game theorized that the Texans coaches tore up the second half game plan and decided run. During his radio show yesterday, coach Gary Kubiak admitted as much. He said they normally script 8 or 9 plays to start the second half. After a couple of plays he and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison decided to just run.
Manning Being Manning
Manning threw for an obscene amount of yards. He set new personal records of pass attempts and completions. Those stats happen when a team is playing from behind the whole game. The ground game for the Colts was ineffective since start. As the game progressed, passing remained the only option.
Manning did pay for his yards with constant hits, hurries, pressure and two sacks from the Texans front seven. At one point he stayed on the turf as if he didn't want to get up. Looking back on that play, I think he was trying to buy his team an extra few seconds. Either way, it wasn't a good day to be Payton Manning.
John McClain's Report Card
Normally McClain nails his post game report card accurately. This week I think he was a bit of his rocker. He graded Matt Schaub a C and the receiving corp a C+. Sure they didn't put up big numbers but that alone shouldn't give them average grades. I guess handing off the ball without fumbling snaps or dropped exchanges is just average. One TD pass also made the stat sheet. Granted Schaub threw one interception against a low number of pass attempts. I'll give him a C+ rather than a C. He was a game manager for once and did what he the coaches asked him to do.
I'll quibble a little more about the C+ on the WRs and TEs. Again, they didn't put up numbers due to the nature of the game plan. They still blocked down field to help Foster post his numbers. Kevin Walters split the defense on the lone touchdown pass of the game. Owen Daniels, not know for his blocking, bounced back from last years season ending injury and helped open holes for Foster. Daniels had a key seal block when the Texans allowed the Texans to convert a 4th and 1. Daniels doesn't make the block, the Colts get the ball. Right tackle Eric Winston commented on Walters down field blocking. The win was a team effort and the receivers did their part. Stats be damned...I give them at least a B-.
Man of the Match
I like the other football term for player of the game. This week's Man of the Match is obviously running back Arian Foster. Foster ran for 231 yards on 33 carries for a gut kicking average of 7 yards per rush. Sick. He added three touchdowns including a one yard plunge that chased away last year's one yard nightmares away.
Overall the line did a beautiful job of paving the way for Foster's franchise record setting day. Full back Vonta Leach was a one man wrecking crew. Leach was a blocking machine looking for someone to knock out of Foster's way. During the game, the man next to said in awe,"Leach is having a magnificent game." I had started to notice it too. Everyone noticed. Again, stats be damned. Leach had a career day like Foster and the rest of the offensive line.
Key Stat
Going into the 4th quarter, the Colts had eight possessions. The results of those eight possessions? Punt, punt, punt, punt, TD, FG, punt, fumble. The defense gave up some big chunks of green with a majority coming with Colts in chasing mode.
In the end, this was the result players, coaches and fans wanted. The bullies of the division vanquished for once. The kings of the hill knocked down for once. Hope and optimism of the offseason rewarded for once.
The Texans took the right step in what I see as key to a playoff run. A good start and a improvement to the divisional record are the key. A big first hurdle has been crossed.
Nice game but there are fifteen more on the schedule. Next week they absolutely must take advantage of the momentum and snag a road win. Don't read the press clippings Texans...you can still go 1-15.
Repeating recent history, the Texans jumped to an early lead. Again repeating history, the Texans started to squander the 13-0 lead with a Matt Schaub interception that lead to an eventual Colts touchdown.
Right before halftime I sent a text to my fellow fans,"Getting that sinking feeling yet?"
The Manliest Drive in Texans History?
How the Texans responded was manly in every sense of the word. They came out to start the second half and ran the ball down the Colts throats. They held the ball for 7:57, kept Payton Manning on the bench and scored a touchdown not a field goal.
Then they came out and did it again. And again. Two more run dominated drives of 91 and 41 yards. They milked the clock, telegraphed exactly what they were going to do and did it. The only reason the time of possession wasn't higher is cause the Colts couldn't stop the Texans at all. Running big chunks of real estate off at one time allows for quicker scoring and less time off the clock. As long as they scored TDs and not FGs, the strategy is fine.
The drive alleviated that sinking feeling that ended the first half.
Scripted Plays Out the Window
The fans around me during the game theorized that the Texans coaches tore up the second half game plan and decided run. During his radio show yesterday, coach Gary Kubiak admitted as much. He said they normally script 8 or 9 plays to start the second half. After a couple of plays he and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison decided to just run.
Manning Being Manning
Manning threw for an obscene amount of yards. He set new personal records of pass attempts and completions. Those stats happen when a team is playing from behind the whole game. The ground game for the Colts was ineffective since start. As the game progressed, passing remained the only option.
Manning did pay for his yards with constant hits, hurries, pressure and two sacks from the Texans front seven. At one point he stayed on the turf as if he didn't want to get up. Looking back on that play, I think he was trying to buy his team an extra few seconds. Either way, it wasn't a good day to be Payton Manning.
John McClain's Report Card
Normally McClain nails his post game report card accurately. This week I think he was a bit of his rocker. He graded Matt Schaub a C and the receiving corp a C+. Sure they didn't put up big numbers but that alone shouldn't give them average grades. I guess handing off the ball without fumbling snaps or dropped exchanges is just average. One TD pass also made the stat sheet. Granted Schaub threw one interception against a low number of pass attempts. I'll give him a C+ rather than a C. He was a game manager for once and did what he the coaches asked him to do.
I'll quibble a little more about the C+ on the WRs and TEs. Again, they didn't put up numbers due to the nature of the game plan. They still blocked down field to help Foster post his numbers. Kevin Walters split the defense on the lone touchdown pass of the game. Owen Daniels, not know for his blocking, bounced back from last years season ending injury and helped open holes for Foster. Daniels had a key seal block when the Texans allowed the Texans to convert a 4th and 1. Daniels doesn't make the block, the Colts get the ball. Right tackle Eric Winston commented on Walters down field blocking. The win was a team effort and the receivers did their part. Stats be damned...I give them at least a B-.
Man of the Match
I like the other football term for player of the game. This week's Man of the Match is obviously running back Arian Foster. Foster ran for 231 yards on 33 carries for a gut kicking average of 7 yards per rush. Sick. He added three touchdowns including a one yard plunge that chased away last year's one yard nightmares away.
Overall the line did a beautiful job of paving the way for Foster's franchise record setting day. Full back Vonta Leach was a one man wrecking crew. Leach was a blocking machine looking for someone to knock out of Foster's way. During the game, the man next to said in awe,"Leach is having a magnificent game." I had started to notice it too. Everyone noticed. Again, stats be damned. Leach had a career day like Foster and the rest of the offensive line.
Key Stat
Going into the 4th quarter, the Colts had eight possessions. The results of those eight possessions? Punt, punt, punt, punt, TD, FG, punt, fumble. The defense gave up some big chunks of green with a majority coming with Colts in chasing mode.
In the end, this was the result players, coaches and fans wanted. The bullies of the division vanquished for once. The kings of the hill knocked down for once. Hope and optimism of the offseason rewarded for once.
The Texans took the right step in what I see as key to a playoff run. A good start and a improvement to the divisional record are the key. A big first hurdle has been crossed.
Nice game but there are fifteen more on the schedule. Next week they absolutely must take advantage of the momentum and snag a road win. Don't read the press clippings Texans...you can still go 1-15.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Oh Boy...Name Change?
I found a website/blog with a similar name. Trying to be original, I'm thinking of a name change for the blog...again. They call their site Texans Bull Blog. To close to my title. Maybe a temp name of Pure Bull Site - Texans Style will serve as my interim name until I can get more creative and some separation. Ah, who knows...I just don't want to steal someone's original idea even if I came up with my my blog title on my own.
With that out of the way, I move onto the football field.
In 2008 I did a game by game prediction. I won't bother this year. Sean Pendergast of the Houston Press did a fine piece call Our Year.
The only assessment I disagree with Pendergast on is Jack Del Rio's "crazy eyes" with nothing to lose mode on the Texans vs. Jags for the last game of the year. Post Herm Edwards and until the emergence of Josh McDaniels, Del Rio held the title of worst coach in the NFL. Now supplanted with a free falling team and ticket sales falling, I doubt Del Rio lives to see the last game of the season. That scenario plays to the Texans favor with Del Rio owning Gary Kubiak 4-2. Yikes, what does that say about Kubes?
My Keys to the Season
It's a tie since both issues are Texans bugaboos.
All together now...groupthink...channel your inner conscience....get that hoodoo voodoo going...division games matter...division games matter...division games matter.
In 2008, the Texans were 8-8 overall and 2-4 in the division. In 2009 the 9-7 overall winning record was nice but the division record fell to 1-5. We can play the woulda, shoulda, coulda game all day long but the fact remains that division games are crucial. Split the division 3-3 both years and the Texans might be 9-7 and 10-6 in 08 and 09 respectively. Guess what, they get in the playoffs last year with a division split. Again, division games matter.
No refocus...it's just as important...hamalamalama...raji rajo rujo ruju...take a deep breath...all together...get off to a good start...get off to a good start.
2008, Hurricane Ike, damaged stadium...whatever...last year Jets kicked Texans ass whatever...shake it off. Move on...one game at a time....crap I slipped into Coach's Speak.
The point is the Texans start off with four of six at home. I don't think the the schedule makers did the Texans any favors besides giving them Indy at home. With the rotating schedule set up, Dallas and New York were due this time around. So they were slotted as home games no matter what. Having no say in the schedule, the Texans must take care of business. Anything less than a 4-2 start puts them in a big hole.
Why a big hole? Indy is the only divisional opponent in the first six games...make that seven games. That's right. The Texans are done with the Colts after seven games.
So getting off to a bad start puts them in the position of more must win games within the division.
Put history, trends and the Texans in a bag, mix them up and you have a recipe for disaster. Does history repeat itself? Not at all. I'm just pointing out that the Texans cannot hope to once again overcome the traditional trends of the team.
Any Positives?
So Mr. Doom & Gloom, you might ask, why even play the season?
Many reasons.
First, it's 2010, not 2008, Hurricane Ike or 2009. Kubiak and GM Rick Smith finally have every player they want on the team. Only Andre Johnson remains from the Charlie Casserly/Dom Capers era. Thank God they got that one right.
Second reason? Andre, the reigning Baddest Man in the NFL, Matt Schaub and the Texans offense remain in tact. As long as the Schaub and Johnson Show live in Houston, the Texans remain a threat. Aside from the NY Jet opener, the Texans were in every game in no small part to the offense.
Third reason? Defense, Defense, Defense. Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Bernard Pollard and Brian Cushing. Cushing is gone for the first four and it makes the games that much more crucial. The Texans weather the Cushing suspension and the defense looks that much stronger when he returns.
Need another? That's not yo' daddies zone block scheme you see out there anymore. I missed the NO Saints game, but I saw the other two. Against Arizona I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. The Dallas game confirmed my disbelief. Media outlets bolstered my new found faith.
What I saw were pulling guards and maybe a counter or two. Ricky Dennison, the new offensive coordinator, jettisoned the part of the offense that just does ZBS. Teams learned how to wait for the blocks to develop and take the lanes away. So instead of always straight up ZBS, the Texans mix up the blocking scheme to keep defenses honest.
One new tidbit emerged over the week after the Dallas game. Unlike under Baby Shanahan, the running backs have more freedom to react to the defense. If the blocking doesn't develop fast enough or the back sees an open lane outside the play, he is free to take it.
I wish I could diagram it but I'll try to give the gist of the play. Long story short. In the old system, the way I understand it, the back must wait for a crack int he blocking to run through. No freedom to do otherwise. What defenses were doing was bring up the linebacker from the long side of the field to sit and wait for the running back. Now if the running back sees the linebacker cheating and has open field, the running back has freedom to hit the open field and force the cheating linebacker to make the play.
I have more thoughts rambling through my head but that's it for tonight.
My next post probably won't be until after the opener against the Colts.
With that out of the way, I move onto the football field.
In 2008 I did a game by game prediction. I won't bother this year. Sean Pendergast of the Houston Press did a fine piece call Our Year.
The only assessment I disagree with Pendergast on is Jack Del Rio's "crazy eyes" with nothing to lose mode on the Texans vs. Jags for the last game of the year. Post Herm Edwards and until the emergence of Josh McDaniels, Del Rio held the title of worst coach in the NFL. Now supplanted with a free falling team and ticket sales falling, I doubt Del Rio lives to see the last game of the season. That scenario plays to the Texans favor with Del Rio owning Gary Kubiak 4-2. Yikes, what does that say about Kubes?
My Keys to the Season
It's a tie since both issues are Texans bugaboos.
All together now...groupthink...channel your inner conscience....get that hoodoo voodoo going...division games matter...division games matter...division games matter.
In 2008, the Texans were 8-8 overall and 2-4 in the division. In 2009 the 9-7 overall winning record was nice but the division record fell to 1-5. We can play the woulda, shoulda, coulda game all day long but the fact remains that division games are crucial. Split the division 3-3 both years and the Texans might be 9-7 and 10-6 in 08 and 09 respectively. Guess what, they get in the playoffs last year with a division split. Again, division games matter.
No refocus...it's just as important...hamalamalama...raji rajo rujo ruju...take a deep breath...all together...get off to a good start...get off to a good start.
2008, Hurricane Ike, damaged stadium...whatever...last year Jets kicked Texans ass whatever...shake it off. Move on...one game at a time....crap I slipped into Coach's Speak.
The point is the Texans start off with four of six at home. I don't think the the schedule makers did the Texans any favors besides giving them Indy at home. With the rotating schedule set up, Dallas and New York were due this time around. So they were slotted as home games no matter what. Having no say in the schedule, the Texans must take care of business. Anything less than a 4-2 start puts them in a big hole.
Why a big hole? Indy is the only divisional opponent in the first six games...make that seven games. That's right. The Texans are done with the Colts after seven games.
So getting off to a bad start puts them in the position of more must win games within the division.
Put history, trends and the Texans in a bag, mix them up and you have a recipe for disaster. Does history repeat itself? Not at all. I'm just pointing out that the Texans cannot hope to once again overcome the traditional trends of the team.
Any Positives?
So Mr. Doom & Gloom, you might ask, why even play the season?
Many reasons.
First, it's 2010, not 2008, Hurricane Ike or 2009. Kubiak and GM Rick Smith finally have every player they want on the team. Only Andre Johnson remains from the Charlie Casserly/Dom Capers era. Thank God they got that one right.
Second reason? Andre, the reigning Baddest Man in the NFL, Matt Schaub and the Texans offense remain in tact. As long as the Schaub and Johnson Show live in Houston, the Texans remain a threat. Aside from the NY Jet opener, the Texans were in every game in no small part to the offense.
Third reason? Defense, Defense, Defense. Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Bernard Pollard and Brian Cushing. Cushing is gone for the first four and it makes the games that much more crucial. The Texans weather the Cushing suspension and the defense looks that much stronger when he returns.
Need another? That's not yo' daddies zone block scheme you see out there anymore. I missed the NO Saints game, but I saw the other two. Against Arizona I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. The Dallas game confirmed my disbelief. Media outlets bolstered my new found faith.
What I saw were pulling guards and maybe a counter or two. Ricky Dennison, the new offensive coordinator, jettisoned the part of the offense that just does ZBS. Teams learned how to wait for the blocks to develop and take the lanes away. So instead of always straight up ZBS, the Texans mix up the blocking scheme to keep defenses honest.
One new tidbit emerged over the week after the Dallas game. Unlike under Baby Shanahan, the running backs have more freedom to react to the defense. If the blocking doesn't develop fast enough or the back sees an open lane outside the play, he is free to take it.
I wish I could diagram it but I'll try to give the gist of the play. Long story short. In the old system, the way I understand it, the back must wait for a crack int he blocking to run through. No freedom to do otherwise. What defenses were doing was bring up the linebacker from the long side of the field to sit and wait for the running back. Now if the running back sees the linebacker cheating and has open field, the running back has freedom to hit the open field and force the cheating linebacker to make the play.
I have more thoughts rambling through my head but that's it for tonight.
My next post probably won't be until after the opener against the Colts.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
NFL Calendar 2010 Dates
Paul Kuharsky copied and pasted from the official NFL site so I have no problem doing the same. This post is mainly for my tracking purposes.
Here’s the league’s official calendar looking ahead all the way through the 2010 season and into 2011. Please spend the rest of the day getting it all into your Outlook calendar:
June 27-30 -- Rookie Symposium, LaCosta Hotel and Conference Center, Carlsbad, Calif., Attendance is mandatory for all drafted rookies. Such players are unavailable for offseason workouts, OTA days, and minicamps during this period.
July 15 -- Supplemental Draft
July 15 -- Deadline at 4 p.m., New York time, for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club for the 2010 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular-season game.
July 22 -- Signing period ends for transition players with outstanding tenders. Old club has exclusive negotiating rights to these players until the Tuesday after the 10th regular season weekend.
Late-July -- Preseason training camps open. Clubs not permitted to open official preseason camp earlier than July 5. Veteran players cannot be required to report earlier than 15 days prior to club’s first preseason game or July 15, whichever is later. The July 15 date is not applicable to clubs playing five preseason games. Except for quarterbacks and “injured” players, veterans cannot participate in any organized football activity for 10 days prior to mandatory reporting date.
July 26 -- Signing period ends for unrestricted free agents to whom a June 1 tender was made by Old Club. Old club has exclusive negotiating rights to these players until the Tuesday after the 10th regular season weekend.
July 31 -- During the two weekends preceding the first full weekend of preseason games, waivers requested on Friday will expire at 4 p.m., New York time, on Saturday; waivers requested on Saturday will expire at 4 p.m., New York time, on Sunday; and waivers requested on Sunday will expire at 4 p.m., New York time, on Monday.
August 6-8 -- Hall of Fame Weekend, Canton, Ohio.
August 8 -- Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio (Cincinnati vs. Dallas).
August 10 -- Deadline for players under contract to report to earn a season of free agency credit.
August 12-16 -- First preseason weekend.
August 13 -- If a drafted rookie has not signed with his club by this date, he may not be traded to any other club in 2010.
August 14-18 -- Each club has until five days prior to its second preseason game to provide any tendered but unsigned exclusive rights player or restricted free agent with written notice of the club’s intent to place the player on the exempt list if the player fails to report at least the day before the club’s second preseason game. Such notice must also be sent to the NFLPA. Once such notice has been provided, the club must place the player on the exempt list. While on the Exempt List, the player will not be entitled to compensation for up to three regular-season games, depending upon the date the player reports to the club. Any such player who fails to report prior to the deadline will be ineligible to play or receive compensation for at least three games (preseason or regular season) from the time that he reports.
August 19-23 -- Second preseason weekend.
August 26-29 -- Third preseason weekend.
August 31 -- Roster cut-down to maximum of 75 players on active list prior to 4 p.m., New York time.
September 1 -- All tryouts on this date and for the remainder of the season must be reported to the league office.
September 2 -- Fourth preseason weekend.
September 4 -- Roster cut-down to maximum of 53 players on active/inactive list prior to 6 p.m., New York time. Clubs may dress minimum of 42 and maximum of 45 players and third quarterback for each regular season and postseason game.
September 4 -- Simultaneously with the cut-down to 53, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must take one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; ask waivers; terminate; trade; or continue to count him on Active List.
September 5 -- Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at noon, New York time.
September 5 -- Beginning at 12 noon, New York time, clubs may establish a Practice Squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular season games during each of any accrued seasons. A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons.
September 9-13 -- Regular season opens.
September 10-14 -- Beginning on these dates vested veterans terminated from the Active List or Inactive List (and from Reserve/Injured if the player is placed on Reserve/Injured after the beginning of the regular season) are entitled to receive, after the end of the regular-season schedule, Termination Pay pursuant to the terms of the 2006 CBA.
September 28 -- Priority on multiple waiver claims is now based on the current season’s standing.
October 11-14 -- NFL Fall League Meeting
October 19 -- Beginning the day after the conclusion of the sixth regular season weekend and continuing through the day after the conclusion of the ninth regular season weekend, clubs are permitted to begin practicing players on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform and Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness for a period not to exceed 21 days. Players may be activated during the 21-day practice period or prior to 4 p.m., New York time, on the day after the conclusion of the 21-day period.
October 19 -- All trading ends at 4 p.m., New York time.
October 20 -- Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons are subject to the waiver system for the remainder of the regular season and postseason.
November 16 -- Signing period ends at 4 p.m., New York time, for franchise players who are eligible to receive offer sheets.
November 16 -- Deadline for clubs to sign prior to 4 p.m., New York time, their unsigned franchise and transition players, including franchise players who were eligible to receive offer sheets until this date. If still unsigned after this date, such players are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2010.
November 16 -- Deadline for clubs to sign prior to 4 p.m., New York time, their unrestricted free agents to whom June 1 tender was made. If still unsigned after this deadline, such players are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2010.
November 16 -- Deadline for clubs to sign prior to 4 p.m., New York time, their restricted free agents to whom June 1 tender was made. If such players remain unsigned after this date, they are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2010.
November 16 -- Deadline for clubs to sign drafted players prior to 4 p.m., New York time. If such players remain unsigned after this date, they are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2010.
December 31 -- Deadline at 4 p.m., New York time, for waiver requests in 2010, except for “special waiver requests” which have a 10-day claiming period, with termination or assignment delayed until after the Super Bowl.
2011
January 3 -- Clubs may begin signing free-agent players for the 2011 season.
January 8-9 -- Wild Card playoff games.
January 9 -- Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that have byes in the wild card weekend may be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of the wild card games.
January 15-16 -- Divisional playoff games.
January 23 -- AFC and NFC Championship Games.
January 29 -- Senior Bowl, Mobile, Ala.
January 30 -- AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii.
February 6 -- Super Bowl XLV, North Texas.
February 7 -- Waiver system begins for 2011. A 24-hour claiming period will be in effect through the Friday prior to the last regular season game (waivers requests made on Friday and Saturday of each week will expire at 4 p.m., New York time, on the following Monday.) Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons that a club desires to terminate are not subject to the waiver system until after the trading deadline.
February 23- March 1 -- Combine Timing and Testing, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.
Here’s the league’s official calendar looking ahead all the way through the 2010 season and into 2011. Please spend the rest of the day getting it all into your Outlook calendar:
June 27-30 -- Rookie Symposium, LaCosta Hotel and Conference Center, Carlsbad, Calif., Attendance is mandatory for all drafted rookies. Such players are unavailable for offseason workouts, OTA days, and minicamps during this period.
July 15 -- Supplemental Draft
July 15 -- Deadline at 4 p.m., New York time, for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club for the 2010 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular-season game.
July 22 -- Signing period ends for transition players with outstanding tenders. Old club has exclusive negotiating rights to these players until the Tuesday after the 10th regular season weekend.
Late-July -- Preseason training camps open. Clubs not permitted to open official preseason camp earlier than July 5. Veteran players cannot be required to report earlier than 15 days prior to club’s first preseason game or July 15, whichever is later. The July 15 date is not applicable to clubs playing five preseason games. Except for quarterbacks and “injured” players, veterans cannot participate in any organized football activity for 10 days prior to mandatory reporting date.
July 26 -- Signing period ends for unrestricted free agents to whom a June 1 tender was made by Old Club. Old club has exclusive negotiating rights to these players until the Tuesday after the 10th regular season weekend.
July 31 -- During the two weekends preceding the first full weekend of preseason games, waivers requested on Friday will expire at 4 p.m., New York time, on Saturday; waivers requested on Saturday will expire at 4 p.m., New York time, on Sunday; and waivers requested on Sunday will expire at 4 p.m., New York time, on Monday.
August 6-8 -- Hall of Fame Weekend, Canton, Ohio.
August 8 -- Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio (Cincinnati vs. Dallas).
August 10 -- Deadline for players under contract to report to earn a season of free agency credit.
August 12-16 -- First preseason weekend.
August 13 -- If a drafted rookie has not signed with his club by this date, he may not be traded to any other club in 2010.
August 14-18 -- Each club has until five days prior to its second preseason game to provide any tendered but unsigned exclusive rights player or restricted free agent with written notice of the club’s intent to place the player on the exempt list if the player fails to report at least the day before the club’s second preseason game. Such notice must also be sent to the NFLPA. Once such notice has been provided, the club must place the player on the exempt list. While on the Exempt List, the player will not be entitled to compensation for up to three regular-season games, depending upon the date the player reports to the club. Any such player who fails to report prior to the deadline will be ineligible to play or receive compensation for at least three games (preseason or regular season) from the time that he reports.
August 19-23 -- Second preseason weekend.
August 26-29 -- Third preseason weekend.
August 31 -- Roster cut-down to maximum of 75 players on active list prior to 4 p.m., New York time.
September 1 -- All tryouts on this date and for the remainder of the season must be reported to the league office.
September 2 -- Fourth preseason weekend.
September 4 -- Roster cut-down to maximum of 53 players on active/inactive list prior to 6 p.m., New York time. Clubs may dress minimum of 42 and maximum of 45 players and third quarterback for each regular season and postseason game.
September 4 -- Simultaneously with the cut-down to 53, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must take one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; ask waivers; terminate; trade; or continue to count him on Active List.
September 5 -- Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at noon, New York time.
September 5 -- Beginning at 12 noon, New York time, clubs may establish a Practice Squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular season games during each of any accrued seasons. A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons.
September 9-13 -- Regular season opens.
September 10-14 -- Beginning on these dates vested veterans terminated from the Active List or Inactive List (and from Reserve/Injured if the player is placed on Reserve/Injured after the beginning of the regular season) are entitled to receive, after the end of the regular-season schedule, Termination Pay pursuant to the terms of the 2006 CBA.
September 28 -- Priority on multiple waiver claims is now based on the current season’s standing.
October 11-14 -- NFL Fall League Meeting
October 19 -- Beginning the day after the conclusion of the sixth regular season weekend and continuing through the day after the conclusion of the ninth regular season weekend, clubs are permitted to begin practicing players on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform and Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness for a period not to exceed 21 days. Players may be activated during the 21-day practice period or prior to 4 p.m., New York time, on the day after the conclusion of the 21-day period.
October 19 -- All trading ends at 4 p.m., New York time.
October 20 -- Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons are subject to the waiver system for the remainder of the regular season and postseason.
November 16 -- Signing period ends at 4 p.m., New York time, for franchise players who are eligible to receive offer sheets.
November 16 -- Deadline for clubs to sign prior to 4 p.m., New York time, their unsigned franchise and transition players, including franchise players who were eligible to receive offer sheets until this date. If still unsigned after this date, such players are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2010.
November 16 -- Deadline for clubs to sign prior to 4 p.m., New York time, their unrestricted free agents to whom June 1 tender was made. If still unsigned after this deadline, such players are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2010.
November 16 -- Deadline for clubs to sign prior to 4 p.m., New York time, their restricted free agents to whom June 1 tender was made. If such players remain unsigned after this date, they are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2010.
November 16 -- Deadline for clubs to sign drafted players prior to 4 p.m., New York time. If such players remain unsigned after this date, they are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2010.
December 31 -- Deadline at 4 p.m., New York time, for waiver requests in 2010, except for “special waiver requests” which have a 10-day claiming period, with termination or assignment delayed until after the Super Bowl.
2011
January 3 -- Clubs may begin signing free-agent players for the 2011 season.
January 8-9 -- Wild Card playoff games.
January 9 -- Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that have byes in the wild card weekend may be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of the wild card games.
January 15-16 -- Divisional playoff games.
January 23 -- AFC and NFC Championship Games.
January 29 -- Senior Bowl, Mobile, Ala.
January 30 -- AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii.
February 6 -- Super Bowl XLV, North Texas.
February 7 -- Waiver system begins for 2011. A 24-hour claiming period will be in effect through the Friday prior to the last regular season game (waivers requests made on Friday and Saturday of each week will expire at 4 p.m., New York time, on the following Monday.) Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons that a club desires to terminate are not subject to the waiver system until after the trading deadline.
February 23- March 1 -- Combine Timing and Testing, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Post Cushing OTA Edition
Pure Texans Bull
Post Cushing OTA Edition
5-18-2010
Update: Angry 'dre joined the Texans in OTAs. So I'm a little behind. Bite me.
Brian Cushing
My quick take on Cushing? Not much. After reading a few articles and reading Cushing’s statement, I’m going to give him the benefit of doubt. For now.
I didn’t watch his press conference but most media thought it was insincere and that Cushing raised more questions than answered. I didn’t watch so I can’t make a call. I am a media basher so I take what they say and write with a grain of salt.
As for Cushing’s medical excuse, I admit it is plausible. The NFL and its specialists know significantly more than me about the substance. For whatever reason, Roger Goodell didn’t buy Cushing’s reasoning and suspended Cushing four games. Four big games at that. Cushing is going to miss the crucial opener against the Colts as well as the Cowboys game. Not good.
Pressure to Succeed
Players are under tremendous pressure coming into the NFL. Some cope with it better than others. Some players believe they are to good and don’t need to put in much effort. Some, Vernon Davis comes to mind, have natural God given talent but want to try and get by on talent alone. Mike Singletary was the best thing to ever happen to Davis. Singletary put his foot up Davis’ ass and woke him up. Davis is pretty much a model citizen and a damn good tight end. Other players fear they won’t succeed and look for any advantage they can find.
Some players hire personal trainers and work their butts off.
Other players juice up despite the testing and health risks. They know it’s wrong and dangerous. Yet the pressure to make the team, start or contribute right away is tremendous. So with their livelihood likely on the line they resort to any advantage they can get. Without being in their shoes, I can’t exactly bash them. I don’t understand the pressure they are under. Sure, it’s not right. It’s flat out wrong and it is cheating. All I’m saying is that I can understand why a young man or woman would resort to steroids or other performance enhancers.
Cushing played under the spot lights at Southern Cal. He came into the NFL with the Texans expecting him to start from day one. Despite his marquee college team, he still faced men much stronger and faster than him in college. He was expected to be their equal when the Texans penciled him in at strong side linebacker. The pressure was there for him to succeed right off the bat.
We’ll never know for certain whether or not he really used a PDE or that his explanation is true. If he did use then perhaps this serves as a wake up call and he quits. If he didn’t, hopefully he presents more information to build a more solid case if it comes up again. For now, I feel it’s best to move on and forget the issue. His loss for four games is significant. However it’s best for the team and media to give it a rest and focus on moving forward.
OTA
I’m not a big fan of following OTAs. Player contact isn’t allowed. Basically OTAs serve as workout session for players. The Texans don’t require players to attend. They are just glorified work outs and not much else.
This year Andre Johnson is sitting out. He wants a new contract. I don’t blame him but at the same time I question why did he sign such a long contract? This thing probably gets resolved sooner than later. The Texans have playoff aspirations. Kind of hard to have lofty expectations if your best player, maybe best in the league at any position, isn’t around. I doubt Angry ‘dre sits out summer camp, which is required, but I’d rather pay him and have him happy. Angry ‘dre lining up angry at the defense and not the Texans makes for a good day.
Post Cushing OTA Edition
5-18-2010
Update: Angry 'dre joined the Texans in OTAs. So I'm a little behind. Bite me.
Brian Cushing
My quick take on Cushing? Not much. After reading a few articles and reading Cushing’s statement, I’m going to give him the benefit of doubt. For now.
I didn’t watch his press conference but most media thought it was insincere and that Cushing raised more questions than answered. I didn’t watch so I can’t make a call. I am a media basher so I take what they say and write with a grain of salt.
As for Cushing’s medical excuse, I admit it is plausible. The NFL and its specialists know significantly more than me about the substance. For whatever reason, Roger Goodell didn’t buy Cushing’s reasoning and suspended Cushing four games. Four big games at that. Cushing is going to miss the crucial opener against the Colts as well as the Cowboys game. Not good.
Pressure to Succeed
Players are under tremendous pressure coming into the NFL. Some cope with it better than others. Some players believe they are to good and don’t need to put in much effort. Some, Vernon Davis comes to mind, have natural God given talent but want to try and get by on talent alone. Mike Singletary was the best thing to ever happen to Davis. Singletary put his foot up Davis’ ass and woke him up. Davis is pretty much a model citizen and a damn good tight end. Other players fear they won’t succeed and look for any advantage they can find.
Some players hire personal trainers and work their butts off.
Other players juice up despite the testing and health risks. They know it’s wrong and dangerous. Yet the pressure to make the team, start or contribute right away is tremendous. So with their livelihood likely on the line they resort to any advantage they can get. Without being in their shoes, I can’t exactly bash them. I don’t understand the pressure they are under. Sure, it’s not right. It’s flat out wrong and it is cheating. All I’m saying is that I can understand why a young man or woman would resort to steroids or other performance enhancers.
Cushing played under the spot lights at Southern Cal. He came into the NFL with the Texans expecting him to start from day one. Despite his marquee college team, he still faced men much stronger and faster than him in college. He was expected to be their equal when the Texans penciled him in at strong side linebacker. The pressure was there for him to succeed right off the bat.
We’ll never know for certain whether or not he really used a PDE or that his explanation is true. If he did use then perhaps this serves as a wake up call and he quits. If he didn’t, hopefully he presents more information to build a more solid case if it comes up again. For now, I feel it’s best to move on and forget the issue. His loss for four games is significant. However it’s best for the team and media to give it a rest and focus on moving forward.
OTA
I’m not a big fan of following OTAs. Player contact isn’t allowed. Basically OTAs serve as workout session for players. The Texans don’t require players to attend. They are just glorified work outs and not much else.
This year Andre Johnson is sitting out. He wants a new contract. I don’t blame him but at the same time I question why did he sign such a long contract? This thing probably gets resolved sooner than later. The Texans have playoff aspirations. Kind of hard to have lofty expectations if your best player, maybe best in the league at any position, isn’t around. I doubt Angry ‘dre sits out summer camp, which is required, but I’d rather pay him and have him happy. Angry ‘dre lining up angry at the defense and not the Texans makes for a good day.
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