JJ Watt Wills Texans To Victory

The Sultan of  JJ Swatt

No one is going to argue against the following statement:  JJ Watt (or JJ Swatt as Wade Phillips refers to him) single handedly lead the Texans to victory.  Two crucial pass deflections late in the second half lead to interceptions by Kareem Jackson and Brian Cushing.  Those interceptions turned into 14 points.  For the game, Watt tallied 1.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections and 2 tackles.

With the game tied 3-3, Watt turned the tide in a bigger fashion that his TD grab versus Cincy in the playoffs.  When the clock read zero to end the half, the Texans held a 24-3 advantage.

If there is one analysis I can take away from the game it is this:  JJ Watt has done something, twice, that Mario Williams never did.  Watt turned the tide of the game when things were uneasy and in doubt.  In the playoffs, with the Texans and Bengals knotted up at 10, Watt snagged an Andy Dalton pass out of midair to give the Texans a 17-10 half time lead.  The TD not only ignited an uneasy home crowd but swung the momentum undoubtedly toward the Texans.  Sunday, we again witnessed the awesomeness that is JJ Watt.

While I was a big Mario Williams fan, I'll be the first to admit he never lived up to the top draft pick billing.  The Texans did the right thing in letting him walk in free agency.  Watt's performance only makes that move look the more brilliant.  For the record, Williams debut stat line in Buffalo was one tackle.

Offensive Woes?

I'm not as down on the offense as most fans are.  Matt Schaub was an efficient 20 of 31 (64.5%) for 266 yards and one TD.  Just as important, Schaub committed no turnovers.

Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 85 yards.  Foster churned out TD runs of 2 and 14 yards.  The offensive line failed to open up big holes for Foster.  The Texans resorted to several toss plays trying to loosen up the Dolphins defense.  Another factor was the rebuilt right side of the line.  One game is to small a sample size to see how new full time starters RT Derek Newton and RG Antoine Caldwell hold up.

With the run game stalled, the Texans passing game carried the load.  Andre Johnson makes it look easy grabbing 119 yards on 8 receptions and a TD.  His touchdown was a beautiful fade pass to close out the 21 point half ending flurry.  I haven't seen the replay yet but from my seats his footwork to stay in bounds was a work of beauty.

TE Owen Daniels made the Dolphins pay for doubling up on Johnson.  Twice Schaub found Daniels completely uncovered to in the middle of the field for big gains.  Daniels ended the game with 87 yards and 4 catches.

Far From Perfection

Despite the victory, plenty of issues need work.

Trindon Holliday, watch your back.  Gary Kubiak hates using a roster spot on a return specialist.  Holliday pretty much forced the Texans to keep him on the roster after his preseason performance.  His pro performance leaves a lot to be desired.  If nothing else, take a knee and get the Texans to the 20.  None of his returns went that far and his bobble on one kick off left the Texans inside the 5.  Face it, Kubiak will trot anyone out there with orders to take a knee and cut Holliday if this keeps up.

Coverage teams need to tighten up too.  Giving up a touchdown on punt return is unacceptable.  It's free points with no time consumed.  You want to keep the foot on the Dolphins throat.  Giving them a quick TD is a way that could spark the other team.  

If the Texans are going to make teams pay for doubling Johnson, other receivers besides Daniels will have to step up.  Keyshawn Martin had an opportunity to early but dropped an easy pass.  As far as I could tell he rode the bench the rest of the game.  Lestar Jean also had a chance to make a play.  He ended up not able to hold onto the ball in what may have been a touchdown.  I say may because even if he controlled it may have been out of bounds.  Regardless, others need to step up when called upon.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Texans won a game they had no business losing.  Things were tight for a half.  Then a good defense does what it is supposed to.  They kept the 'phins out of the endzone and gave the offense chances to score.  In turn the offense maximized those opportunities.  Some gripe about the offense not going the length of the field to score.  I say so what?  They sliced the Dolphins throat open when the defense gave them the knife.  THAT is what good teams do.

Instead of player of the game or game MVP, I like using the soccer term Man of the Match.  How can it be anyone else than JJ Watt. 3 pass deflections leading to two interceptions which in turn lead to two TDs.  

Bring on the Jags!

Preseason Post - Offensive Depth Chart Edition

The Texans released the depth chart from the Mothership last night.  I didn't find to many surprises as it is the first heading into the preseason.  Also, as always at this time of year, position battles will lead to more changes.  The depth chart will remain in a state of flux until the final roster is set before week one.

Battle of the Right Offensive Line

Pre-camp pundits predicted a battle along the right side of the offensive line.  RT Eric Winston was released and RG Mike Brisiel signed for more money with the Raiders.  Going with what they have, the Texans penciled in Rashard Butler at tackle and Antoine Caldwell at guard.  Butler started four games at left tackle in 2010 during Duane Brown's suspension.  Caldwell rotated for a while in 2010 with Brisiel before losing outright to Brisiel.  Caldwell then started a few games while Brisiel recovered from injury.

Butler showed he could handle the day in and day out of starting.  He accounted for himself very well in his four starts.  There was talk he would leave after the 2010 season to seek a starting job elsewhere.  With the short window to sign before the lockout, Butler chose to stay with the Texans.

Caldwell is more likely to lose his job again play from the last few years is any indication.  Caldwell does not thrive in the zone block scheme.  He doesn't make strong blocks and I've seen him whiff entirely on blocks.  Reportedly, some of his issues last year were due to leg injuries.

In the linked article, Gary Kubiak stated:

“They’re doing a good job. They’re being pushed really hard. Brooks and Smith are pushing Caldwell. Newton’s pushing the heck out of Butler. It’s going to be a tough call. I couldn’t make that call today.”

 In other words, Butler and Caldwell have the jobs for now but no guarantee they will be starting opening day.

My gut feeling is that Butler will start but Caldwell is in danger.

Brief Look at the Other Battles

In other positional battles, the back up receiver spots looks intriguing.  We all know Andre Johnson and Kevin Walters, barring injury, are the starters.  The battle for back up and 3rd/slot is where the fight will occur.  According to various camp reports, Keshawn Martin is developing a nice connection with Matt Schaub.  Word also is Martin gives the Texans something they never really had before...a true slot man.  Johnson's lined up in the slot and so did David Anderson.  Other than that sometimes the TE line up in a slot spot or outside with Walters/Johnson inside.  If Martin continues his reported pace, Texans can expect to see true three receiver sets with Johnson & Walters outside and Martin in the slot.

The question becomes how many receivers do the Texans keep.  I say it's a minimum of five and maybe six.  Barring injury or a surprising training camp cut by another team, the top four are the two obvious and the two draft picks.  That leaves Lestar Jean, Bryant Johnson, Jeff Maehl and Trindon  Holliday battling for one or two spots.  Jean reportedly had a good week of practice but apparently he didn't do enough to separate himself from Johnson.  Johnson is ahead of Jean on the depth chart.  Maehl and Holliday really haven't made much noise this camp.  Holliday is viewed as a return specialist and has been lackluster in previous camps.  Kubiak has said he needs to learn to play receiver better as Kubes doesn't want to tie up one spot for a return specialist.

No surprise at the quarterback spot.  It's Matt Schaub's team without question.  TJ Yates proved he can lead the team to playoffs. Unless Schaub gets injured, Yates won't see the field but maybe in mop up duty.  John Beck and Houston Cougar rookie Case Keenum will battle it out for 3rd and final spot.

Tight end and fullback also are in open competition.  Owen Daniels is the starting TE but depth drops off after that.  Fullback James Casey also plays TE and there is two others battling for FB time.  All told, it's a mish mash at fullback right now.  I'd like to see Casey moved more to TE/pass catching FB/HB type player.  He is so athletic it's a sin to only use him to block and maybe catch a few passes out of the back field. Coaches need to find ways to get him the ball and create match up problems.

Well that does it for the way I see things shaking out so far on the offensive side.  Let's see how things go against the Carolina Panthers in the first preseason game.

DeMeco Be Gone - Purge of 2006 Class Continues

Eric Winston
Mario Williams
DeMeco Ryans

Owen Daniels watch your ass.

Once the serious side concerning DeMeco Ryans, the Texans had three options: 1. Restructure 2. Trade 3. Outright Release.

Considering the Texans options, that they found a trade partner entails a minor miracle.  To wit, the Texan are up against the cap.  Further, other teams are well aware of the Texans cap situation.  Given the facts, why would any team offer the Texans trade value?

So another option is for Ryans to restructure his current contract.  The Texans may have approached Ryans with,"Well, you're a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.........but injuries, part time player, $7 million on the cap...wanna renegotiate?"  Ryans' agent,"NO!"

Finally Texans GM Rick Smith has no choice.  He hits the speed dial  Ferris, Ferris, Ferris..any takers for DeMeco?  Oh we have the Eagles..LMAO, you guys had Vince Young as the back up QB.

The Texans lost Eric Winston to outright release.  Mario Williams gone to free agency was a foregone conclusion.  Another 20% of the offensive line was lost when Mike Brisiel left to Oakland. 

On the plus side, Arian Foster and Chris Myers re-upped with the club.

Given the options, the Texans made the right moves.  Foster is probably the best running back in the NFL. Myers is probably the best center to run the zone block scheme.

Williams, under the best circumstances, wouldn't be retained.  Ryans' injury made him expendable.

The mission remains the same: Win A Super Bowl.

Next posts:  I can justify all the moves and even do a draft projection!

Free Agency Edition - Sigh of Relief....A Small One

Panic attacks, anxiety, worries, bed wetting and chronic masturbation.  I have issues.  That's besides the point.  My bed wetting and masturbation were cruelly interrupted by lack of Texans movement on the free agency market.  Call it masturbari interruptus.

Setting my issues aside, I worried (see the theme here?) about the Texans issues.  I won't rehash my thoughts on Arian Foster and the other moves.  At this point the losses and lack of re-signings were beat more than a red headed step rented mule child.

Mario Williams signed with Buffalo.  Mike Brisiel signed with Oakland.  Joel Dreessen is still out there.  Lawrence Vickers signed with Dallas.

So what?  My panic was at rebuilding 60% of the offensive line.  The alleged best line in football.  Uh oh.

Football is a team sport.  A team definitely needs players at the so called skills positions to be successful.  QB, WR and RB are the perceived skill positions.  In my opinion, the maulers and protectors upfront are just as skilled and important.

An offensive line needs time to jell and grow together.  Many teams build from the outside in and make the left tackle a priority.  While protecting the quarterback's blindside is crucial, protecting his field of vision is just as important.  The hit from the blindside can kill him...the potential hit he sees barreling down on him is just as nasty.  He can see that and panic.  A quarterback needs a line he can trust from left to right. 

Just as important, the center is the captain of the line.  He calls out the blocking assignments.  The quarterback and coaches call the plays.  The center looks the defense over and tells his line mates what to do.  All these calls happen in under the time allotted on the play clock.  It's not easy.

So I was panicked when center Chris Myers hit the open market.  A couple of years ago, most fans were critical of Myers' play.  He had trouble handling big 3-4 nose tackles.  I was among those critics.  Two years later, he played well enough to earn a Pro Bowl berth.  In my book, he went from a must replace to a must keep. 


At one point, I resigned to the fact that Myers was gone to the Packers or Titans.  With a collective sigh of relief in Texans fandom,. Myers agreed to a new contract with the Texans.

From left to right the new line is Duane Brown, Wade Smith, Myers, Caldwell and Rashad Butler.  Butler filled in for during Brown's suspension in 2010 adequately.  I trust him more on the right than the left.  I have zero confidence in Caldwell.  I was scratching my head when the Texans drafted him out of Alabama.  I was even less impressed with his scouting reports that said he had no lateral movement...which is critical in the zone blocking scheme.  After watching him start ten games, I don't believe he is starter material.  A couple of years ago, the Texans brain trust handed him the starting job in camp.  He couldn't win it...enough said.

I'm not sure what's left out there in terms of guards.  The position might have to be addressed in the draft.

So have the dynamics of the Texans draft changed?  That's a post for another day.

Near Hysterics, Denial, Acceptance...Whatever

I received a minor in psychology only because a minor was required to graduate. As a Texans fan, I've been able to use my easy B minor to various degrees.

Usually I apply my psychology knowledge to myself as I got through mental anguish, pain, joy, bed wetting, chronic masturbation and occasional enjoyment of the Texans.

Allow me to reach into my bag of self analysis again as it pertains to the Houston Texans and free agency. In the last entry, I talked myself out of a mental breakdown.  This entry I move on to the next stages.

Hysterics
I worked the graveyard shift last night.  When I woke up this afternoon, I eagerly jumped on the internet in hopes of reading that Chris Myers and/or Mike Brisiel re-signed. NO! They hadn't. Worse news that Myers scheduled a visit with the hated Titans and Brisiel with the inept Raiders.


Denial 
Next came denial. It's a negotiation ploy. Myers thinks highly of himself and will return with tail between his legs. Brisiel has connections to the Raiders staff. I'm came up with reasons to justify the visits. I wanted to deny they would dare leave. I wanted to justify my feelings of near panic. I didn't want to face reality.

In psychology that is called a defense mechanism. Basically it's a technical way to say I'm burying my head in the sand.

Acceptance
Finally, it started to set in that three fifths of maybe the best offensive line in football was breaking up. I further tried to convince myself that Rashard Butler and Antoine Caldwell will be adequate replacements. I have to believe that because right now it's the reality of the situation.

I'm finally starting to accept the fact that I'm going to be a chronic masturbating, bed wetting Houston Texans.

Off Season Edition - Not Surprised and Surprised

I'm not in panic mode yet. Breathing unevenly and on set of irregular heart beat is evident though.

I was happy when Arian Foster re-upped.
I was not surprised that Mario Williams didn't re-sign. In fact before off season, I was resigned to the fact he was leaving.

Eric Winston's release caught me off guard but really didn't surprise me. I criticized he play often.

That both Chris Myers and Mike Brisiel hit the open market surprised me. 

Matt Leinhart released didn't surprise me.

Lawrence Vickers release kind of surprised me.

How the hell is Jacoby Jones still employed by my beloved Texans? Now I'm very f**king surprised. Add to the fact the Texans might have a few cap issues....why for the love of God is Jones still under contract?

Damn, I feel that panic attack coming on after all.

Off Season Edition - Arian Foster Signed, Williams, Brisiel, Meyers Remain Unsigned

Yesterday, the Houston Texans announced Arian Foster agreed to a new contract.  The signing removes the possibility of Foster becoming a restricted free agent or the club franchise tagging him.  The value of the contract is $43.5 million over five years.  The terms guarantee $20.75 million and include $12.5 million signing bonus.  The linked article breaks down the contract in more detail.

The Remaining Free Agents 
Mario Williams, Chris Meyers, Mike Brisiel and Joel Dreessen remain potential free agents.

The Texans previously stated that signing Williams was the priority.  I didn't believe that for a second.  I figured that Arian Foster was the priority.  Today's signing only bolsters my line of thinking.

What I think they have in mind for Williams is a very basic negotiations with him.  The Texans brain trust already has a max number in mind they can pay Williams without blowing up the cap or hurting the ability to re-sign the others.  In the end, the Texans will tell Williams is a best, last and final offer. 

The ball will be in Williams court.  Williams knows what is at stake here.  It is not just the money.  The Texans are building something special and took a giant step last season toward it.  The emergence of Brooks Reed made Williams somewhat expendable.  Despite Reed's play, Williams allows a quality rotation of himself, Connor Barwin and Reed at the outside linebacker spot. 

That leaves Meyers, Brisiel and Dreessen still to sign.  To make more moves, some contracts will need restructuring along with cutting some players.  Candidates for restructured deals are DeMeco Ryan, Andre Johnson and Kevin Walters. Recovering from injury, Ryan played 58% of the time so I can see management approaching him to restructure.  Johnson just recently signed a big deal.  The Texans might ask him to restructure also and maybe shift some of the money to a later year.  Kevin Walters also might be asked to take a smaller deal or risk being cut.  Jacoby Jones is a prime candidate to hit the street.  He's not living up to the potential Gary Kubiak has for him.  Last year's playoff gaff doesn't help his case.  Back up quarterbak Matt Leinart probably is on the cutting block too.  TJ Yate's play vaulted him over Leinart.  Maybe Leinart comes back at reduced pay.

Williams aside, Meyers and Brisiel should be high priorities.  They are the strength of the interior line.  Paul Kuharsky writes the AFC South Blog for ESPN.com.  In an article, he gives his opinion on what he'd do if running the Texans.  On Meyers and Brisiel, Kuharsky states that he'd sign Meyers and that Antonio Caldwell can take over for Brisiel.  Unfortunately I don't agree with that assessment.  In his four starts last year, Caldwell did nothing to impress.  He can't simply replace Brisiel.  Caldwell isn't good enough to be a full time starter.  A good swing guard/center for spot starts only.  Early in his career Kubiak practically handed him the guard starting spot and Caldwell was never able to keep it.

Dreessen is a #2 tight end but I believe he is expendable if it came down to losing him.  James Casey can play tight end and is much more gifted athletically.  As for Casey, I'd like to see the coaches use him more creatively.

Final Thoughts
With success comes difficult decisions.  Success also means there are quality players up and down the roster.  The salary cap forces those difficult decisions.  Sometimes the cap numbers force a team to part ways with a player that was a foundation of the team.  If the Texans can't get Williams to agree to a cap friendly deal, he's gone.

Getting Meyers and Brisiel signed remains the two highest priorities.  The line is crucial to the success of teams and the Texans have one of the best.  No need to break it up and try to work in a new lineman cause I don't think Caldwell can get the job done.

With the Texans busy signing their own potential free agents, don't expect them to be active like last year.  They might be able to get some quality back ups in free agency. However I don't see any Daniel Manning or Johnathan Joseph caliber starters signing with Texans this off season.

Next issue: A look at what the Texans draft needs.