It's official...the 2010 Houston Texans season is dead.
Like the Oilers of yore, the Texans find new and interesting ways to lose.
The team reached the pinnacle in game one versus the Colts. After that it's been down hill.
The team is at a cross roads and choices, hard ones, must be made.
The main choice rests with owner Bob McNair. Does he want to keep the Smithiak Regime? Or does he clean house? Or does he issue a mandate to GM Rick Smith to straighten out the product on the field by any means necessary?
Time for Smith to Play GM
Rick Smith is one of the rare GMs in the NFL that was hired basically by his coach. Charlie Casserly, though on his way out, worked through the transition bringing in Gary Kubiak and helping with the 2006 draft. Smith was hired on the suggestion of his buddy Kubiak. They worked together in Denver.
Now is the time for Smith to sit down with McNair and start evaluating options, the team and coaches. Smith and Kubiak might be best friends but it's time for Smith to put that aside.
My guess is, barring an order from McNair, Smith won't fire Kubiak.
The first order of business for Smith then is to shake up the defensive coaching staff and remove Kubiak from any input on the defensive coaching hires. Just remove Kubiak from the equation and look for the best candidate to for the job. No Denver connections or familiarity. Kubiak brought in the last two coordinators Richard Smith and Frank Bush. Time to let someone else make the choice.
Right now Smith doesn't have free hand in personnel or coaching decisions. Most hires and signings must run through Kubiak first. That must also change.
I'm all for a coach and GM working together. In fact I'd prefer it. I think Kubiak and Smith will continue to work together in making decisions. However the current dynamic isn't working.
I'll have more thoughts on the changes and critical juncture that this franchise faces in the days ahead. My thoughts are still to scattered from last night's game and beer to focus.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Holy Crap! Texans Can Still Make Playoffs But
So what would it take for the Texans to make the playoffs? First and foremost, winning the last four games of the season. That’s a tall order considering that the Baltimore Ravens roll into town for a Monday night match up.
The premise here is that the Texans win out.
The Colts losing to the Cowboys on Sunday shifted things in favor of the Texans.
Texans remaining schedule:
Vs. Baltimore
@ Tennessee
@ Denver
Vs. Jacksonville
Winning the four remaining games give the Texans a 9-7 record and a 4-2 division record.
Jacksonville remaining games: vs. Oakland, @ Indianapolis, vs. Washington, @ Houston
Indianapolis remaining games: @ Tennessee, vs. Jacksonville, @ Oakland, vs. Tennessee
Tennessee remaining games: vs. Indianapolis, vs. Houston, @ Kansas City, @ Indianapolis
The Texans need Jacksonville and Indianapolis to lose one more game. That throws the AFC South into chaos with three teams tied at 9-7. The best case scenario is for Colts to lose one of the Tennessee games and the Jags to lose to the Colts. A loss to the Titans assures the Colts of three division losses and out of the running for the division title. In the same best case, the Jags lose to the Colts and that tags them with a second division loss.
What that best case scenario sets up is a showdown on the final game of the year for the last playoff spot between the Texans and Jags. A Texans win ties them with a 9-7 record and evens the head to head play at 1-1. The next tie breaker is division record. A Texans win coupled with the Jags hopefully earlier loss to the Colts gives Houston a 4-2 division record but the Jags a 3-3 record. Texans would advance to playoffs.
The scenarios get even wilder because of the remaining schedule. Unless I miscalculated, everybody can still end up at 8-8.
The premise here is that the Texans win out.
The Colts losing to the Cowboys on Sunday shifted things in favor of the Texans.
Texans remaining schedule:
Vs. Baltimore
@ Tennessee
@ Denver
Vs. Jacksonville
Winning the four remaining games give the Texans a 9-7 record and a 4-2 division record.
Jacksonville remaining games: vs. Oakland, @ Indianapolis, vs. Washington, @ Houston
Indianapolis remaining games: @ Tennessee, vs. Jacksonville, @ Oakland, vs. Tennessee
Tennessee remaining games: vs. Indianapolis, vs. Houston, @ Kansas City, @ Indianapolis
The Texans need Jacksonville and Indianapolis to lose one more game. That throws the AFC South into chaos with three teams tied at 9-7. The best case scenario is for Colts to lose one of the Tennessee games and the Jags to lose to the Colts. A loss to the Titans assures the Colts of three division losses and out of the running for the division title. In the same best case, the Jags lose to the Colts and that tags them with a second division loss.
What that best case scenario sets up is a showdown on the final game of the year for the last playoff spot between the Texans and Jags. A Texans win ties them with a 9-7 record and evens the head to head play at 1-1. The next tie breaker is division record. A Texans win coupled with the Jags hopefully earlier loss to the Colts gives Houston a 4-2 division record but the Jags a 3-3 record. Texans would advance to playoffs.
The scenarios get even wilder because of the remaining schedule. Unless I miscalculated, everybody can still end up at 8-8.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Funk Over - For Now
The Texans, and I, broke out of a four game funk. I was so distraught that I'm openly advocating for the end of the Kubiak Era.
The game against the Titans had the ingredients for another Texans gaffe and embarrassment. Third string rookie quarterback Rusty Smith started with Chris Johnson in the backfield.
The Titans are a team in disarray. Vince Young and Jeff Fisher are feuding. The question remains as to who will be back with the team next year. The relationship is beyond repair in my opinion. Either Young or Fisher will exit and my money is on Fisher leaving.
I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst. It's been that kind of season.
I should have taken the first play from scrimmage, Mario Williams sacking Smith, as a good sign.
The defense played well enough for the shut out in a 20-0 game.
During the game, I thought Amobi Okoye played well. He seemed to be in on multiple plays clogging the middle, exploding plays with penetration or taking up blockers. Yes I can actually see that on some plays live. I try to watch the defenses very close. More times than not though I end up following the ball or the action.
Lance Zierlein, a Houston radio host and Houston Chronicle blogger, did an outstanding break down of film on Okoye's day.
The most important thing of the day for the Texans was holding Chris Johnson in check. Johnson has run wild on the Texans before and I figured he would have a decent day despite the rookie quarterback. Wrong. He had five yards on seven carries along with two receptions for two yards. A very off day for a top, if not the top, running back in the NFL.
Factoring the rookie QB, the Texans defense still shined. Brian Cushing played very aggressive and his best game of the year. Grover Quin atoned for being the victim of the last two losses at the last second. Quin had a hat trick of interceptions including two in the Titans red zone.
One the offensive side of the ball, Arian Foster continued his assault on the ground. He ran for 143 yards on 30 carries and added 75 yards on 9 catches. He totaled 218 yards of total offense.
Of course the highlight of the game was the Andre Johnson vs. Cortland Finnegan Brawl. I think I'll save that commentary for my somewhat weekly NFL column.
Man of the Match
For once, the Man of the Match goes to a former goat. Grover Quin rebounded from twice being on the wrong end of game winning touchdowns. He snared three interceptions from Rusty Smith. Two game when the Titans were driving to score. Both interceptions preserved the shut out.
The game against the Titans had the ingredients for another Texans gaffe and embarrassment. Third string rookie quarterback Rusty Smith started with Chris Johnson in the backfield.
The Titans are a team in disarray. Vince Young and Jeff Fisher are feuding. The question remains as to who will be back with the team next year. The relationship is beyond repair in my opinion. Either Young or Fisher will exit and my money is on Fisher leaving.
I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst. It's been that kind of season.
I should have taken the first play from scrimmage, Mario Williams sacking Smith, as a good sign.
The defense played well enough for the shut out in a 20-0 game.
During the game, I thought Amobi Okoye played well. He seemed to be in on multiple plays clogging the middle, exploding plays with penetration or taking up blockers. Yes I can actually see that on some plays live. I try to watch the defenses very close. More times than not though I end up following the ball or the action.
Lance Zierlein, a Houston radio host and Houston Chronicle blogger, did an outstanding break down of film on Okoye's day.
The most important thing of the day for the Texans was holding Chris Johnson in check. Johnson has run wild on the Texans before and I figured he would have a decent day despite the rookie quarterback. Wrong. He had five yards on seven carries along with two receptions for two yards. A very off day for a top, if not the top, running back in the NFL.
Factoring the rookie QB, the Texans defense still shined. Brian Cushing played very aggressive and his best game of the year. Grover Quin atoned for being the victim of the last two losses at the last second. Quin had a hat trick of interceptions including two in the Titans red zone.
One the offensive side of the ball, Arian Foster continued his assault on the ground. He ran for 143 yards on 30 carries and added 75 yards on 9 catches. He totaled 218 yards of total offense.
Of course the highlight of the game was the Andre Johnson vs. Cortland Finnegan Brawl. I think I'll save that commentary for my somewhat weekly NFL column.
Man of the Match
For once, the Man of the Match goes to a former goat. Grover Quin rebounded from twice being on the wrong end of game winning touchdowns. He snared three interceptions from Rusty Smith. Two game when the Titans were driving to score. Both interceptions preserved the shut out.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Case Against Keeping Gary Kubiak
It's long so read if you dare.
I've always believed that unless the coach is a complete disaster (Cam Cameron in Miami for example), a coach needs 4-5 seasons to get his team, players and system fully implemented. Gary Kubiak is in the midst of his fifth season and it doesn't look very good.
If you look up the Texans record under Kubiak, you'd see the very model on consistency....consistently mediocre. Through four full seasons, Kubiak's record has been 6-10, 8-8, 8-8, 9-7. That's incremental improvement at best.
Kubiak and GM Rick Smith were definitely a step up over the Dom Capers/Charlie Casserly regime. Kubiak and Smith basically had to burn the franchise to the ground and rebuild.
Despite a complete roster turn over and high draft picks invested on defense, a serious regression in defense continues. Mario Williams, Omobi Okeye, Brian Cushing, Kareem Jackson...all first round draft picks in the Smithiak era. Mix those players in with Demeco Ryans, Troy Nolan, Brice McCain, Connor Barwin and Zac Diles and the core of the Texans defense is all Smithiak picks. Bernard Pollard, Antonio Smith and Shaun Cody were significant free agents. Frank Bush took over last year as defensive coordinator after Richard Smith was fired. All the picks and coaching changes are resulting in a defense on pace to be the worst defense in NFL
history. Not one of the worst but the worst in terms of yardage allowed..
For all the high draft picks, free agents and young players starting, there
is simply no excuse not to improve. Instead the team took a major step
back.
Adding fuel to the Fire Kubiak is his playcalling. Kubiak, like many coaches today, are married to their philosophy and won't change game plan or tactics to suit the situation or opponent. In the opener against the Colts, the Texans unleashed Arian Foster and dominated the Colts defense. Post game, the players said they had to beg Kubiak to keep running the ball. In the second game, Kubiak didn't try to dominate the Colts like in the first game. When asked why, Kubiak stated that he wanted to keep the offense balanced. The object of the game is to win. Screw the "balanced
attack" and look to exploit a flaw in the other team. The Texans have a front row seat on how to exploit. Rookie corner Kareem Jackson is tested and burned often in a game. Teams know the Texans can't stop the pass so they consistently throw. Kansas City, a power running team, didn't stick to running because it's team philosophy. Despite a bad season thus far for Matt Cassel, the Chiefs game planned to put the ball in the air to augment their rushing attack. It worked as Cassel had his best game of the season to that point.
The scripted playcalling is another boatload of nonsense. Kubiak scripts the first 15 or so plays of the game. Why? What's the point? Another example of Kubiak's controlling nature is the quarterback doesn't audible. Kubiak sends in the play and that's what is run. Matt Schaub has the freedom to call a check down play based on the defensive formation. Schaub doesn't have the freedom to change the play completely no matter the situation.
Substitution patterns also make no sense. When Foster appears to get into a groove, Kubiak strangely takes him out. Case in point, the Texans are driving late in the first half against the Chiefs. Foster is easily running through the defense. On a third and one with 30 seconds left, Kubiak yanks out Foster and subs in Derrick Ward. Ward is stopped at the line and the Texans settle for a field goal. Why take Foster out? Is the idea to rest him? I think he can play another 30 seconds before half without dropping dead.
One more item for concern is Kubiak's failure to make progress in the division or down the stretch. In November under Kubiak, the Texans are 5-13 overall and 2-12 on divisional road games. Again, Kubiak is consistent...a consistent failure in November.
So the question remains: is it time for a change? No doubt about it. The five season window is closing. This team and coaching staff haven't shown they can get the job done. Fortunately, unlike the Capers/Casserly Clowns, the team isn't lacking in talent. A new coach and/or GM won't have to gut the franchise and start over. The pieces are in place...Owner Bob McNair is going to have to make his coaching decision carefully though. The wrong coach can set the franchise back another five years and by then the fans will be ready to burn Reliant to the ground.
I've always believed that unless the coach is a complete disaster (Cam Cameron in Miami for example), a coach needs 4-5 seasons to get his team, players and system fully implemented. Gary Kubiak is in the midst of his fifth season and it doesn't look very good.
If you look up the Texans record under Kubiak, you'd see the very model on consistency....consistently mediocre. Through four full seasons, Kubiak's record has been 6-10, 8-8, 8-8, 9-7. That's incremental improvement at best.
Kubiak and GM Rick Smith were definitely a step up over the Dom Capers/Charlie Casserly regime. Kubiak and Smith basically had to burn the franchise to the ground and rebuild.
Despite a complete roster turn over and high draft picks invested on defense, a serious regression in defense continues. Mario Williams, Omobi Okeye, Brian Cushing, Kareem Jackson...all first round draft picks in the Smithiak era. Mix those players in with Demeco Ryans, Troy Nolan, Brice McCain, Connor Barwin and Zac Diles and the core of the Texans defense is all Smithiak picks. Bernard Pollard, Antonio Smith and Shaun Cody were significant free agents. Frank Bush took over last year as defensive coordinator after Richard Smith was fired. All the picks and coaching changes are resulting in a defense on pace to be the worst defense in NFL
history. Not one of the worst but the worst in terms of yardage allowed..
For all the high draft picks, free agents and young players starting, there
is simply no excuse not to improve. Instead the team took a major step
back.
Adding fuel to the Fire Kubiak is his playcalling. Kubiak, like many coaches today, are married to their philosophy and won't change game plan or tactics to suit the situation or opponent. In the opener against the Colts, the Texans unleashed Arian Foster and dominated the Colts defense. Post game, the players said they had to beg Kubiak to keep running the ball. In the second game, Kubiak didn't try to dominate the Colts like in the first game. When asked why, Kubiak stated that he wanted to keep the offense balanced. The object of the game is to win. Screw the "balanced
attack" and look to exploit a flaw in the other team. The Texans have a front row seat on how to exploit. Rookie corner Kareem Jackson is tested and burned often in a game. Teams know the Texans can't stop the pass so they consistently throw. Kansas City, a power running team, didn't stick to running because it's team philosophy. Despite a bad season thus far for Matt Cassel, the Chiefs game planned to put the ball in the air to augment their rushing attack. It worked as Cassel had his best game of the season to that point.
The scripted playcalling is another boatload of nonsense. Kubiak scripts the first 15 or so plays of the game. Why? What's the point? Another example of Kubiak's controlling nature is the quarterback doesn't audible. Kubiak sends in the play and that's what is run. Matt Schaub has the freedom to call a check down play based on the defensive formation. Schaub doesn't have the freedom to change the play completely no matter the situation.
Substitution patterns also make no sense. When Foster appears to get into a groove, Kubiak strangely takes him out. Case in point, the Texans are driving late in the first half against the Chiefs. Foster is easily running through the defense. On a third and one with 30 seconds left, Kubiak yanks out Foster and subs in Derrick Ward. Ward is stopped at the line and the Texans settle for a field goal. Why take Foster out? Is the idea to rest him? I think he can play another 30 seconds before half without dropping dead.
One more item for concern is Kubiak's failure to make progress in the division or down the stretch. In November under Kubiak, the Texans are 5-13 overall and 2-12 on divisional road games. Again, Kubiak is consistent...a consistent failure in November.
So the question remains: is it time for a change? No doubt about it. The five season window is closing. This team and coaching staff haven't shown they can get the job done. Fortunately, unlike the Capers/Casserly Clowns, the team isn't lacking in talent. A new coach and/or GM won't have to gut the franchise and start over. The pieces are in place...Owner Bob McNair is going to have to make his coaching decision carefully though. The wrong coach can set the franchise back another five years and by then the fans will be ready to burn Reliant to the ground.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Texas Week 6 - Hot Offense Saves Swiss Cheese Defense
I took it as a harbinger of things to come. I was already sweating a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. I planned on 5-1 record at the break before the Giants left town. Now I was planning on a 4-2 mark but was nervous about 3-3 instead.
I kept telling myself the Kansas City Chiefs aren't that good. I tried to ignore the one loss record. I tried to ignore the fact that the pretty much stood toe to toe with the Colts.
I also tried to deny Matt Cassel could do any damage. I though the Texans defense couldn't possibly be that bad to let even the Chiefs rip them.
Then I pulled my head out of the sand and faced reality. That reality said hat 3-3 was a possibility. The fan in me still denied 3-3 and hoped for 4-2. Thank God I have the faith of a die hard fan.
The Opening Drive
The Chiefs took the opening drive and manhandled the Texans defense. The Chiefs did exactly what the Texans did to the Colts to close out the game.
Matt Cassel and company engineered a dominant 15 play 74 yard drive. The KC offense converted two forth downs. They kept the ball for over eight minutes. 7-0.
I viewed the opening drive as a harbinger of things to come. The Texans didn't help my gloom and doom mood with a very short opening drive.
The Texans managed to score a second quarter TD. Mostly likely the game would have been tied at half if not for the generous Texans defense. 14-7.
Despite the poor play of the defense, the Texans did well get hold KC to 14. It could have bee a lot worse.
Again, That Defense
The defense continued their generous ways through the second half. They allowed a third TD in the third but also held the Chiefs to a field goal.
The offense managed their own TD and the Texans were still very much in it at the end of three.
It was at this point where the game changed. The Texans responded to the KC field goal with their own touchdown drive. KC got the TD back and regained a 10 point lead.
The Texans then took their last two possessions and turned them into touchdowns and victory.
In between the two Texans touchdowns, the defense finally showed up. They held the Chiefs to a three and out.
Matt Schaub went right to work on the game winning drive. The first two plays saw TE Owen Daniels break free for big gains. The Texans first positioned themselves to make the field goal if needed to force overtime. From there they went to work on ending the game in regulation. With 28 seconds left in the game, Schaub found Andre Johnson open in the back of the endzone for the game winner. Schaub put the ball where only Johnson could catch it and Johnson hauled it in and made sure he took small steps to ensure he was in bounds.
Key Stat of the Game
No field goals for the Texans. They scored 5 touchdowns with 4 from inside the red zone. Only Derrick Ward's 36 yard scamper came from outside the red zone. Definitely nice to see the Texans finish drives with seven instead of three.
A close second key stat was no turnovers. No one put the ball on the ground and Schaub didn't throw a pick. The way the defense played turnovers would have been killers.
Player of the Game
Matt Schaub by far is Texans player of the week. He calmly lead the comeback. The fans were frustrated and antsy. The defense played terrible. Schaub didn't let any of that affect him. He played perfectly on the two drives. He didn't panic when flushed out of the pocket. He simply put the ball in the air where the best player on the team could do his thing.
The Linebacker Situation
Time for some linebackers to heal. The Texans only had four healthy linebackers for Sunday's game. Xavier Adibi, Kevin Bentley and Darryl Sharpton were all inactive due to injuries. A season ending injury to DeMeco Ryans forced second year man David Nixon into action. Zac Diles slid over to Ryans' middle spot and Nixon took Diles slot. I noticed during the game that strong side LB Brian Cushing called the plays.
If all the remaining LBs are good to go, Cushing and Diles remain at their positions with Bentley taking over in the middle. Diles can play all three spots and can Bentley. Bentley, however, is the primary back up at MLB. Although, like Diles, Bentley can play all three spots.
More than likely, the Texans will try add another LB to fill out the roster spot left open by Ryans.
The Interference Call
Brandon Flowers was seething after a pass interference was called on him on an Andre Johnson 36 yard pass. Flowers felt that Johnson interfered with him and should have been flagged. SI.com hack Peter King thinks the replay clearly shows Johnson interfered.
Johnson didn't interfere and neither did Flowers. It should have been a no call. Despite what King the Hack things, the replay clearly shows nothing. No flag should have been thrown. On top of all that, Johnson caught the ball with no interference so result is moot.
If Kansas City fans want to complain about something then they need to complain about the decision to pass late in the game on 3rd down. With the clock running and the Texans defense giving up big yards on the ground, Cassel overthrew the tight end. The play was boneheaded on many levels. First, even if the run doesn't succeed, Houston must burn a time out. A run play ticks even a few more seconds off the clock until time out is called. The Texans defensive line seemed pretty tired at the end. Also with Ryans out, the middle would be more vulnerable to the run. It was a gusty call but the wrong one.
Go cry somewhere else KC.
Texans enter the bye week hoping to try something with the defense. Anything at this point would help.
They also have two weeks to hopefully mend up a couple of linebackers and add one soon.
See you on Monday night in Indy...signing off for my own bye week and two weeks off work...
I kept telling myself the Kansas City Chiefs aren't that good. I tried to ignore the one loss record. I tried to ignore the fact that the pretty much stood toe to toe with the Colts.
I also tried to deny Matt Cassel could do any damage. I though the Texans defense couldn't possibly be that bad to let even the Chiefs rip them.
Then I pulled my head out of the sand and faced reality. That reality said hat 3-3 was a possibility. The fan in me still denied 3-3 and hoped for 4-2. Thank God I have the faith of a die hard fan.
The Opening Drive
The Chiefs took the opening drive and manhandled the Texans defense. The Chiefs did exactly what the Texans did to the Colts to close out the game.
Matt Cassel and company engineered a dominant 15 play 74 yard drive. The KC offense converted two forth downs. They kept the ball for over eight minutes. 7-0.
I viewed the opening drive as a harbinger of things to come. The Texans didn't help my gloom and doom mood with a very short opening drive.
The Texans managed to score a second quarter TD. Mostly likely the game would have been tied at half if not for the generous Texans defense. 14-7.
Despite the poor play of the defense, the Texans did well get hold KC to 14. It could have bee a lot worse.
Again, That Defense
The defense continued their generous ways through the second half. They allowed a third TD in the third but also held the Chiefs to a field goal.
The offense managed their own TD and the Texans were still very much in it at the end of three.
It was at this point where the game changed. The Texans responded to the KC field goal with their own touchdown drive. KC got the TD back and regained a 10 point lead.
The Texans then took their last two possessions and turned them into touchdowns and victory.
In between the two Texans touchdowns, the defense finally showed up. They held the Chiefs to a three and out.
Matt Schaub went right to work on the game winning drive. The first two plays saw TE Owen Daniels break free for big gains. The Texans first positioned themselves to make the field goal if needed to force overtime. From there they went to work on ending the game in regulation. With 28 seconds left in the game, Schaub found Andre Johnson open in the back of the endzone for the game winner. Schaub put the ball where only Johnson could catch it and Johnson hauled it in and made sure he took small steps to ensure he was in bounds.
Key Stat of the Game
No field goals for the Texans. They scored 5 touchdowns with 4 from inside the red zone. Only Derrick Ward's 36 yard scamper came from outside the red zone. Definitely nice to see the Texans finish drives with seven instead of three.
A close second key stat was no turnovers. No one put the ball on the ground and Schaub didn't throw a pick. The way the defense played turnovers would have been killers.
Player of the Game
Matt Schaub by far is Texans player of the week. He calmly lead the comeback. The fans were frustrated and antsy. The defense played terrible. Schaub didn't let any of that affect him. He played perfectly on the two drives. He didn't panic when flushed out of the pocket. He simply put the ball in the air where the best player on the team could do his thing.
The Linebacker Situation
Time for some linebackers to heal. The Texans only had four healthy linebackers for Sunday's game. Xavier Adibi, Kevin Bentley and Darryl Sharpton were all inactive due to injuries. A season ending injury to DeMeco Ryans forced second year man David Nixon into action. Zac Diles slid over to Ryans' middle spot and Nixon took Diles slot. I noticed during the game that strong side LB Brian Cushing called the plays.
If all the remaining LBs are good to go, Cushing and Diles remain at their positions with Bentley taking over in the middle. Diles can play all three spots and can Bentley. Bentley, however, is the primary back up at MLB. Although, like Diles, Bentley can play all three spots.
More than likely, the Texans will try add another LB to fill out the roster spot left open by Ryans.
The Interference Call
Brandon Flowers was seething after a pass interference was called on him on an Andre Johnson 36 yard pass. Flowers felt that Johnson interfered with him and should have been flagged. SI.com hack Peter King thinks the replay clearly shows Johnson interfered.
Johnson didn't interfere and neither did Flowers. It should have been a no call. Despite what King the Hack things, the replay clearly shows nothing. No flag should have been thrown. On top of all that, Johnson caught the ball with no interference so result is moot.
If Kansas City fans want to complain about something then they need to complain about the decision to pass late in the game on 3rd down. With the clock running and the Texans defense giving up big yards on the ground, Cassel overthrew the tight end. The play was boneheaded on many levels. First, even if the run doesn't succeed, Houston must burn a time out. A run play ticks even a few more seconds off the clock until time out is called. The Texans defensive line seemed pretty tired at the end. Also with Ryans out, the middle would be more vulnerable to the run. It was a gusty call but the wrong one.
Go cry somewhere else KC.
Texans enter the bye week hoping to try something with the defense. Anything at this point would help.
They also have two weeks to hopefully mend up a couple of linebackers and add one soon.
See you on Monday night in Indy...signing off for my own bye week and two weeks off work...
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Houston Texas Week 5 - Giant Manhandling
This is very brief cause I really don't have the words to describe the levels of ineptness the Texans showed last Sunday.
The Texans played another bad home game. Not even close. The NY Giants owned the Texans from the start and never looked back.
Offense - awful. Putrid. Horrible. The couldn't run, pass or block. WR dropped passes. Matt Schaub had at least three passes batted down at the line. I can see one or two tips. Three or more means you need to make an adjustment passing with a little more air under the ball.
Defense - read above. The return of Brian Cushing didn't make one bit a difference. The safeties were terrible. The coverages called were mind boggling. To much zone 5 yards off the ball. No pass rush to speak of. I'm starting to doubt Frank Bush as the defensive coordinator.
Special teams were special all right. Especially bad. Three holdings on a return only dug deeper holes for the struggling offense to dig out of. An offside on a field goal attempt gave the Giants a first down. The Giants went onto score a TD instead of three on that drive. And is Steve Slaton really the best option for returning kick offs?
In a nut shell, the Texans are regressing during the season instead of improving. That's not a good sign of things go come.
I hate to say it but next week's game against the Chiefs is a must win. A 4-2 start is better looking than the usual 3-3 mediocrity. They can the try and regroup during the open week.
The Texans played another bad home game. Not even close. The NY Giants owned the Texans from the start and never looked back.
Offense - awful. Putrid. Horrible. The couldn't run, pass or block. WR dropped passes. Matt Schaub had at least three passes batted down at the line. I can see one or two tips. Three or more means you need to make an adjustment passing with a little more air under the ball.
Defense - read above. The return of Brian Cushing didn't make one bit a difference. The safeties were terrible. The coverages called were mind boggling. To much zone 5 yards off the ball. No pass rush to speak of. I'm starting to doubt Frank Bush as the defensive coordinator.
Special teams were special all right. Especially bad. Three holdings on a return only dug deeper holes for the struggling offense to dig out of. An offside on a field goal attempt gave the Giants a first down. The Giants went onto score a TD instead of three on that drive. And is Steve Slaton really the best option for returning kick offs?
In a nut shell, the Texans are regressing during the season instead of improving. That's not a good sign of things go come.
I hate to say it but next week's game against the Chiefs is a must win. A 4-2 start is better looking than the usual 3-3 mediocrity. They can the try and regroup during the open week.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Texans Week 4 - Aristotle Sits, Aristotle Runs Wild
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.
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.
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