Monday Night Meltdown
It's not often you can say the Texans choked. They choke on national TV on Monday Night Football.
This city has a love/hate relationship with Vince Young. The locals either love him, hate him or love to hate him. It makes the Texans-Titans game that much more volatile.
Personally I don't care one way or the other. What I care about are the results on the field and the final score. Unfortunately the Texans came up short...Again.
This time you couldn't blame it on the slow start. They managed to put up 17 first half points. They finished slow instead by managing only three second half points.
The Obvious
Young is going to run if you give him room. The Texans aren't familiar with the concept. Young repeatedly ran for first downs on third down conversions. The defense didn't do anything to attempt to slow him down until late in the game. Nobody stayed home to try and contain. As the pocket collapsed around Young, the field opened up and off he went. First down. It's not like anyone hasn't seen that happen before. Basically it was pretty disgusting to see it happen so often in a game.
The Offense
This is just a lost season for the running game. Nothing this year, with the notable exception of the Bills, will improve the run game this year. Anything else I write about the run game will be bitching. Why bother anymore?
The loss of Owen Daniels took a big dimension away from the offense. Why the team doesn't try to incorporate rookie James Casey stumps me. He might not be Daniels but you have to continue to try and run your playbook and offense. By all reports, Casey catches everything thrown his way. Time for him to prove it on game day.
Kris Brown, Kris Brown, Wherefore Art Thou?
At this point it has to be mental. Two misses at the closing seconds that could have forced overtime.
Someone mentioned to me that maybe Brown is hurt. Huh? No way. Either that or Gary Kubiak is as stupid as some think. I shot down the theory though. Brown still has his distance and placement on kick offs. If he were hurt, more than likely, his kick offs would be terrible too. I'm not buying that theory.
Give The Kid a Shot
I kid...sorta.
Call up University of Houston Cougar redshirt freshman kicker Matt Hogan and make a proposition. "Hey kid, why don't you come kick for us? Look you're a redshirt walk on. Come kick for us and earn a paycheck. Hell if it don't work out we'll pick up the tab for you to finish school. Who knows, maybe a scouting job too if we cut you? What dah yah say?"
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Houston Texans Week Ten – Open Date Edition
Through nine games the Texans are sporting a 5-4 record. The best record they’ve had this late in the season. Better yet, they are still in the hunt for that elusive playoff berth.
I’m not going to review the midseason and cry over what could have been. Fans and media make a big deal that the Texans could be 7-2 or 8-1 if this, that or the other happened. Two things come to mind. Those things didn’t happen. It’s called reality. Why fans and media obsess over the past boggles my mind. Also, fans like to point out the close losses to the Colts, Cardinals and Jaguars as possible victories. I’d like to point out that the Texans could easily be 4-5 if they lose the shoot out with the Titans. The fact remains that they are 5-4 and not crying or wishing about the past is going to change a thing.
Focus, Focus and More Focus
What is needed by the team and coaches is focus. Focus on the upcoming opponents and the remainder of the season. Play each game like it’s the last. It’s that point in the season where games start becoming elimination games for the playoffs.
It is going to be a dog fight down to the line for that last wildcard spot. Right now Denver and Pittsburgh have the lead. Denver needs to correct a sinking ship. Their division is still for them to take but then that leaves San Diego as the other wildcard.
Right behind the 6-3 teams are the Texans and Jaguars at 5-4. And below them waiting for them to stumble are the Ravens, Jets and Dolphins. The Texans don’t play the Ravens this year. They’ve already lost to the Jets giving them the tiebreaker and still face the Dolphins on the road.
The focus this week though should be the resurgent Titans and Vince Young. This next three game stretch will be crucial for the playoff and tiebreakers. The Colts and Jags loom after the Monday nighter against the Titans. The Jags currently have one win in the head to head game. A loss virtually puts the Texans two games behind them in a tie for the wildcard.
One game at a time though. If they remain focused, try to eliminate some of the mental mistakes and slow starts, this January we just might see the first ever Houston Texans playoff game.
I’m not going to review the midseason and cry over what could have been. Fans and media make a big deal that the Texans could be 7-2 or 8-1 if this, that or the other happened. Two things come to mind. Those things didn’t happen. It’s called reality. Why fans and media obsess over the past boggles my mind. Also, fans like to point out the close losses to the Colts, Cardinals and Jaguars as possible victories. I’d like to point out that the Texans could easily be 4-5 if they lose the shoot out with the Titans. The fact remains that they are 5-4 and not crying or wishing about the past is going to change a thing.
Focus, Focus and More Focus
What is needed by the team and coaches is focus. Focus on the upcoming opponents and the remainder of the season. Play each game like it’s the last. It’s that point in the season where games start becoming elimination games for the playoffs.
It is going to be a dog fight down to the line for that last wildcard spot. Right now Denver and Pittsburgh have the lead. Denver needs to correct a sinking ship. Their division is still for them to take but then that leaves San Diego as the other wildcard.
Right behind the 6-3 teams are the Texans and Jaguars at 5-4. And below them waiting for them to stumble are the Ravens, Jets and Dolphins. The Texans don’t play the Ravens this year. They’ve already lost to the Jets giving them the tiebreaker and still face the Dolphins on the road.
The focus this week though should be the resurgent Titans and Vince Young. This next three game stretch will be crucial for the playoff and tiebreakers. The Colts and Jags loom after the Monday nighter against the Titans. The Jags currently have one win in the head to head game. A loss virtually puts the Texans two games behind them in a tie for the wildcard.
One game at a time though. If they remain focused, try to eliminate some of the mental mistakes and slow starts, this January we just might see the first ever Houston Texans playoff game.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Week 8 - Whoaaaa, Not So Fast!
Hey, I was on vacation last week. I turned off all computers, phones and relaxed in the great outdoors for four days. But I'm back to the rat race and my favorite hobby...The Houston Texans.
Week 7 Quick Thoughts
I watched the replay of the 49er game when I got back from vacation. I was there and it was nerve racking. I didn't realize until I read the report that it was TE Vernon Davis that scorched the Texans for the Niner's three TDs. The same play that split the zone seam.
Again it was a tale of two halves. The Texans were on the way to a blowout win leading 21-0 at half time. Yet I had that nervous feeling that something would give.
Mike Singletary pulled starter Shaun Hill and inserted former 1st overall pick Alex Smith. It proved to be a spark for the 49ers and a bane to the Texans. In the end, the Texans survived on a Kris Brown FG.
One quick thought. The players said after the game that they didn't prepare for Smith so that threw them off their game plan. I find that a bit troubling. You prepare to take the field and defend no matter who is at quarterback. You have to. Injury could have forced Smith into the game and you are telling me they weren't prepared for him? Regardless, the coaches could have tried to make some adjustments. It's inexcusable to get beat on the same play three times for TDs. It almost cost the game. It didn't and I enjoyed my vacation.
Now to the headliner.....Week 8
I say not so fast. Ryan Moats ran for 126 yards and three 4th quarter touchdowns to lead the Texans to a 31-10 rout of the Buffalo Bills. He replaced Steve Slaton who once again fumbled. Slaton has lost 5 of 7 fumbles and ominously leads the league in that category.
Slaton supposedly worked all week on learning to secure the ball. On the play, the defender hit Slaton who had the ball exposed. Instead of securing the ball against his body, Slaton held the ball with one hand and exposed. I can't even imagine the thought process. He and Kubiak both claimed he worked on securing the ball all week. Yet he comes out and repeats his mistake again.
Kubiak had no choice but to send Slaton to the pine. The game was early and still very much in doubt. Matt Schaub had already thrown one pick. The team might have been on the verge of imploding...something they've done in the past. The benching for the whole game was the right thing to do. Kubiak tried benching him for a series or two but always let him back in. I thought after his late game fumble against the Niners he should have been bench for the game. He had the short leash this game though.
Now the question is who starts next week against the Indianapolis Colts?
Moats vs. Slaton
In the euphoria of the post game celebrations, everybody I listened to on TV and radio declared Moats the starter next week. The late afternoon radio host on Sports Radio 610, not John Lopez, was the only one I heard put the Moats' game in perspective and was thinking exactly what I was preaching.
Like I stated after the Raider game, this was the freakin' Bills. The Bills boast the worst run defense in the NFL and probably college too. I'm not taking anything away from Moats. He still had to go on the field and earn his yards. Still, it was the Bills. Nothing to get to excited about.
The Case for Ryan Moats
He doesn't fumble. That pretty much sums it up. He runs hard down field. He doesn't jitter bug looking for a hole. He just puts it in gear and goes.
The Case Against Ryan Moats
He doesn't have break away speed. He's not as effective a receiver out of the backfield or on screens. Some talking heads say he isn't an effective on picking up the blitz.
The Case for Steve Slaton
Slaton is pretty much the polar opposite of Moats. He dances looking for a hole and fumbles to much. Wait this supposed to be the case for Slaton.
Slaton can run off a big play anytime he touches the ball. Unfortunately that hasn't been the case on run plays but as a motion player out of the backfield and screen receiver he is lethal. To wit the Bengals game: 102 yards and 2 TDs receiving. He's a play maker. Add in the season ending injury to TE Owen Daniels and the Texans need all the weapons they can muster.
The Case Against Steve Slaton
Fumbles. He regressed to his junior year at West Virginia where he earned the reputation as a fumbler. He fixed it his senior year and his rookie season. Now the fumblitis is back.
Part of this is on the offensive line but also on Slaton, he struggling in the run game. Contrary to popular belief, currently the Texans aren't an exclusive zone blocking team anymore. The season ending injuries to guards Mike Brisel and Chester Pitts forced the Texans to abandon the scheme for now. According to Profootball Weekly, the Texans are using more a straight on scheme with three new line players in Chris White, Kasey Studdard and rookie Antoine Caldwell.
Before the injuries the run game struggled and I was putting it all on the offensive line. Now the scheme has changed and so has personal. Now I'm wondering if Slaton just can't adjust to the straight on scheme and still looks for the one cut back. Maybe the scheme is better suited to Moats style of downhill running.
And The Winner Is?
Despite his big day against the defenseless Bills, Moats will start. My reasoning? It's a big game. It's against a divisional rival who has only lost once to the Texans. Ever. The Texans can ill afford to let Slaton fumble against Payton Manning. That's just giving Manning and Co. free air time.
So what then with Slaton? Time for Gary Kubiak and Kyle Shanahan to drink coffee, stay up into the early morning hours, break out the crayons and get creative with the play book. Utilizes his strength as a receiver off screens and motion.
Hell put him and Moats on the field at the same time. Limit Slaton's touches some to decrease the fumble problem but enough to keep the Colts wary of him. Despite the fumbles, defenses still have to account for his play making ability. If the Texans can establish a run game with Moats and it may open things up for Slaton receiving...and like I said before, someone needs to step up for Daniels.
Final Thoughts
In a way, the running back problem highlights how far the Texans have progressed. This time last year they were 3-5 and not looking like a playoff team. Had Slaton shown his fumble problem at this point last year I doubt he would have been benched as long as he was on Sunday. This year at the halfway point, the team is still in competition for the wild card spot. It's the first time the Texans will try to play meaningful games late into the season. If that means Slaton needs to sit in order to advance then so be it.
I'm glad I'm not Kubiak.
Week 7 Quick Thoughts
I watched the replay of the 49er game when I got back from vacation. I was there and it was nerve racking. I didn't realize until I read the report that it was TE Vernon Davis that scorched the Texans for the Niner's three TDs. The same play that split the zone seam.
Again it was a tale of two halves. The Texans were on the way to a blowout win leading 21-0 at half time. Yet I had that nervous feeling that something would give.
Mike Singletary pulled starter Shaun Hill and inserted former 1st overall pick Alex Smith. It proved to be a spark for the 49ers and a bane to the Texans. In the end, the Texans survived on a Kris Brown FG.
One quick thought. The players said after the game that they didn't prepare for Smith so that threw them off their game plan. I find that a bit troubling. You prepare to take the field and defend no matter who is at quarterback. You have to. Injury could have forced Smith into the game and you are telling me they weren't prepared for him? Regardless, the coaches could have tried to make some adjustments. It's inexcusable to get beat on the same play three times for TDs. It almost cost the game. It didn't and I enjoyed my vacation.
Now to the headliner.....Week 8
I say not so fast. Ryan Moats ran for 126 yards and three 4th quarter touchdowns to lead the Texans to a 31-10 rout of the Buffalo Bills. He replaced Steve Slaton who once again fumbled. Slaton has lost 5 of 7 fumbles and ominously leads the league in that category.
Slaton supposedly worked all week on learning to secure the ball. On the play, the defender hit Slaton who had the ball exposed. Instead of securing the ball against his body, Slaton held the ball with one hand and exposed. I can't even imagine the thought process. He and Kubiak both claimed he worked on securing the ball all week. Yet he comes out and repeats his mistake again.
Kubiak had no choice but to send Slaton to the pine. The game was early and still very much in doubt. Matt Schaub had already thrown one pick. The team might have been on the verge of imploding...something they've done in the past. The benching for the whole game was the right thing to do. Kubiak tried benching him for a series or two but always let him back in. I thought after his late game fumble against the Niners he should have been bench for the game. He had the short leash this game though.
Now the question is who starts next week against the Indianapolis Colts?
Moats vs. Slaton
In the euphoria of the post game celebrations, everybody I listened to on TV and radio declared Moats the starter next week. The late afternoon radio host on Sports Radio 610, not John Lopez, was the only one I heard put the Moats' game in perspective and was thinking exactly what I was preaching.
Like I stated after the Raider game, this was the freakin' Bills. The Bills boast the worst run defense in the NFL and probably college too. I'm not taking anything away from Moats. He still had to go on the field and earn his yards. Still, it was the Bills. Nothing to get to excited about.
The Case for Ryan Moats
He doesn't fumble. That pretty much sums it up. He runs hard down field. He doesn't jitter bug looking for a hole. He just puts it in gear and goes.
The Case Against Ryan Moats
He doesn't have break away speed. He's not as effective a receiver out of the backfield or on screens. Some talking heads say he isn't an effective on picking up the blitz.
The Case for Steve Slaton
Slaton is pretty much the polar opposite of Moats. He dances looking for a hole and fumbles to much. Wait this supposed to be the case for Slaton.
Slaton can run off a big play anytime he touches the ball. Unfortunately that hasn't been the case on run plays but as a motion player out of the backfield and screen receiver he is lethal. To wit the Bengals game: 102 yards and 2 TDs receiving. He's a play maker. Add in the season ending injury to TE Owen Daniels and the Texans need all the weapons they can muster.
The Case Against Steve Slaton
Fumbles. He regressed to his junior year at West Virginia where he earned the reputation as a fumbler. He fixed it his senior year and his rookie season. Now the fumblitis is back.
Part of this is on the offensive line but also on Slaton, he struggling in the run game. Contrary to popular belief, currently the Texans aren't an exclusive zone blocking team anymore. The season ending injuries to guards Mike Brisel and Chester Pitts forced the Texans to abandon the scheme for now. According to Profootball Weekly, the Texans are using more a straight on scheme with three new line players in Chris White, Kasey Studdard and rookie Antoine Caldwell.
Before the injuries the run game struggled and I was putting it all on the offensive line. Now the scheme has changed and so has personal. Now I'm wondering if Slaton just can't adjust to the straight on scheme and still looks for the one cut back. Maybe the scheme is better suited to Moats style of downhill running.
And The Winner Is?
Despite his big day against the defenseless Bills, Moats will start. My reasoning? It's a big game. It's against a divisional rival who has only lost once to the Texans. Ever. The Texans can ill afford to let Slaton fumble against Payton Manning. That's just giving Manning and Co. free air time.
So what then with Slaton? Time for Gary Kubiak and Kyle Shanahan to drink coffee, stay up into the early morning hours, break out the crayons and get creative with the play book. Utilizes his strength as a receiver off screens and motion.
Hell put him and Moats on the field at the same time. Limit Slaton's touches some to decrease the fumble problem but enough to keep the Colts wary of him. Despite the fumbles, defenses still have to account for his play making ability. If the Texans can establish a run game with Moats and it may open things up for Slaton receiving...and like I said before, someone needs to step up for Daniels.
Final Thoughts
In a way, the running back problem highlights how far the Texans have progressed. This time last year they were 3-5 and not looking like a playoff team. Had Slaton shown his fumble problem at this point last year I doubt he would have been benched as long as he was on Sunday. This year at the halfway point, the team is still in competition for the wild card spot. It's the first time the Texans will try to play meaningful games late into the season. If that means Slaton needs to sit in order to advance then so be it.
I'm glad I'm not Kubiak.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Week 6 - Total Football
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Houston Texans played a total team game on Sunday. The very first offensive play from scrimmage was a sign of things to come. The play that finished that drive is usually a sign of things to come.
What to Like about this game? Just about everything.
The defense held Cedric Benson, the NFL leading rusher going into the game, to 44 yards on 16 carries and one TD. Not bad for a team that gave up 531 rushing yards in its first three games. The Texans held the previous two opponents to similar yardage but those two teams were the Cardinals and Raiders. Two teams not known for their rushing prowess. So holding Benson to low yardage is a big accomplishment for the Texans.
Offensively, they played efficient and killed the clock at the end with first downs.
Matt Schaub now leads the NFL in touchdown passes with 18. He is second only to Fat Ben (no longer called Big Ben by this blog) in passing yardage but still trails by two in the sexual allegations department. Come on, Matt, work on that.
Andre Johnson continues to be Angry 'dre.
The passing game excelled with Angry 'dre (135 yards), Owen Daniels (78, 2TDs) and Steve Slaton using screens (102, 1 TD).
The rushing game was adequate with 87 yards on 31 carries. Slaton and Chris Brown were interchangeable through the game. Slaton ran for 43 yard on 19 attempts while it took less than half as many carries for Brown to exceed Slaton (45 yards on 9 carries).
Miss Leading Stat?
I think Slaton's rushing stats are misleading for a few reasons. First, I don't care how my running back gets his yards as long as he gets them. Slaton is a play maker and he needs to be heavily involved in the game plan. Gary Kubiak and Kyle Shanahan decided to get Slaton involved by throwing the ball to him six times. So while he gained only 43 yards rushing, he gained 102 yards on pass plays including his second receiving touchdown of the year on a screen. Slaton accounted for 31% of the offense's yards and averaged 5.8 yards when he touched the ball. Nothing to sneeze at my friends.
Another reason I think his rushing stats is misleading is penalties. On the second to last drive Slaton had three good runs wiped out by holding penalties. The most costly perhaps was when he ran to the Bengals two and Daniels was called for holding. I didn't add up the lost yardage but it was significant. The other thing to note about those holding calls is they were not on offensive linemen. The offenders were FB Vonta Leach, TE Daniels and WR Kevin Walters.
The Center Doesn't Hold
Fans have been piling scorn on center Chris Meyers this season. I made it a point to watch his play in particular and the line play. I used rewind and slow motion plenty of times in my watching.
This game may have been an anomaly for Meyers (Spaz an anomaly is an unusual occurrence, thought I'd save you a trip to the dictionary). I'll pay more attention in future games. That disclaimer out of the way, he played well on Sunday. I paid particular attention from the middle of the second quarter on. Not once did he get blown up on a play or pushed back. In some plays he was the only lineman down field looking to block on the secondary.
Evidently Lance Zierlien, one of the few analysts I respect, agrees:
The Rest of the Line
I'm concerned with the guard play. Kasey Studdard started at left guard and Chris White started at right. On several plays Studdard was pushed back. When they did get down field they whiffed on blocks on linebackers. Eric Winston at right tackle had his moments to. He had gained a reputation as being a nasty mauler but I don't see it this year. He missed way to many blocks this game.
One thing I like about left tackle Duane Brown is that you are not hearing his name called often. For a lineman that's good. Otherwise it means he is giving up penalties or allowing sacks. Brown gave up one sack in the game. The defender beat him on a stunt and went straight for Schaub. Brown made up for in the next play. On a screen to Slaton, Brown was down field and to the left. He blocked a would be tackler and it sprang Slaton for his TD.
Rookie Antoine Caldwell split time with White at right guard. Like the other two guards, I was less than impressed with his run blocking. I did like his pass protection though. On two plays he just stood up his defender and didn't budge an inch. He's true to the scouting report I read...he's a great blocker but don't ask him to move.
The Beast
It's official. Brian Cushing is a beast. A defense know for Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Dunta Robinson can now add Cushing to the list. He forced two fumbles and made interception at a critical time in the game. An receiver who made a catch like Cushing's interception would be proud.
Others are noticing. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week and Pro Football Weekly also picked him as one of their Players of the Week. Cushing also jumped to the top of PFW's Rookie of the Year Meter.
Closing Thoughts
The Texans return to Reliant Stadium next week and they need to defend it. Through three games they've already lost as many they did last year at home. Fortunately they've matched the road victory total of last year so things are even at 3-3.
An even record isn't good enough any more. Fans want wins and playoffs. Coming up short, like at Arizona and with the Jaguars, doesn't cut it.
For now they are still in the thick of the wildcard race. Now is the time to put a win streak together and for once remain competitive well into the season.
The Houston Texans played a total team game on Sunday. The very first offensive play from scrimmage was a sign of things to come. The play that finished that drive is usually a sign of things to come.
What to Like about this game? Just about everything.
The defense held Cedric Benson, the NFL leading rusher going into the game, to 44 yards on 16 carries and one TD. Not bad for a team that gave up 531 rushing yards in its first three games. The Texans held the previous two opponents to similar yardage but those two teams were the Cardinals and Raiders. Two teams not known for their rushing prowess. So holding Benson to low yardage is a big accomplishment for the Texans.
Offensively, they played efficient and killed the clock at the end with first downs.
Matt Schaub now leads the NFL in touchdown passes with 18. He is second only to Fat Ben (no longer called Big Ben by this blog) in passing yardage but still trails by two in the sexual allegations department. Come on, Matt, work on that.
Andre Johnson continues to be Angry 'dre.
The passing game excelled with Angry 'dre (135 yards), Owen Daniels (78, 2TDs) and Steve Slaton using screens (102, 1 TD).
The rushing game was adequate with 87 yards on 31 carries. Slaton and Chris Brown were interchangeable through the game. Slaton ran for 43 yard on 19 attempts while it took less than half as many carries for Brown to exceed Slaton (45 yards on 9 carries).
Miss Leading Stat?
I think Slaton's rushing stats are misleading for a few reasons. First, I don't care how my running back gets his yards as long as he gets them. Slaton is a play maker and he needs to be heavily involved in the game plan. Gary Kubiak and Kyle Shanahan decided to get Slaton involved by throwing the ball to him six times. So while he gained only 43 yards rushing, he gained 102 yards on pass plays including his second receiving touchdown of the year on a screen. Slaton accounted for 31% of the offense's yards and averaged 5.8 yards when he touched the ball. Nothing to sneeze at my friends.
Another reason I think his rushing stats is misleading is penalties. On the second to last drive Slaton had three good runs wiped out by holding penalties. The most costly perhaps was when he ran to the Bengals two and Daniels was called for holding. I didn't add up the lost yardage but it was significant. The other thing to note about those holding calls is they were not on offensive linemen. The offenders were FB Vonta Leach, TE Daniels and WR Kevin Walters.
The Center Doesn't Hold
Fans have been piling scorn on center Chris Meyers this season. I made it a point to watch his play in particular and the line play. I used rewind and slow motion plenty of times in my watching.
This game may have been an anomaly for Meyers (Spaz an anomaly is an unusual occurrence, thought I'd save you a trip to the dictionary). I'll pay more attention in future games. That disclaimer out of the way, he played well on Sunday. I paid particular attention from the middle of the second quarter on. Not once did he get blown up on a play or pushed back. In some plays he was the only lineman down field looking to block on the secondary.
Evidently Lance Zierlien, one of the few analysts I respect, agrees:
Chris Meyers had his best game of the year for the Texans and Studdard and Chris White played better as well.
The Rest of the Line
I'm concerned with the guard play. Kasey Studdard started at left guard and Chris White started at right. On several plays Studdard was pushed back. When they did get down field they whiffed on blocks on linebackers. Eric Winston at right tackle had his moments to. He had gained a reputation as being a nasty mauler but I don't see it this year. He missed way to many blocks this game.
One thing I like about left tackle Duane Brown is that you are not hearing his name called often. For a lineman that's good. Otherwise it means he is giving up penalties or allowing sacks. Brown gave up one sack in the game. The defender beat him on a stunt and went straight for Schaub. Brown made up for in the next play. On a screen to Slaton, Brown was down field and to the left. He blocked a would be tackler and it sprang Slaton for his TD.
Rookie Antoine Caldwell split time with White at right guard. Like the other two guards, I was less than impressed with his run blocking. I did like his pass protection though. On two plays he just stood up his defender and didn't budge an inch. He's true to the scouting report I read...he's a great blocker but don't ask him to move.
The Beast
It's official. Brian Cushing is a beast. A defense know for Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Dunta Robinson can now add Cushing to the list. He forced two fumbles and made interception at a critical time in the game. An receiver who made a catch like Cushing's interception would be proud.
Others are noticing. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week and Pro Football Weekly also picked him as one of their Players of the Week. Cushing also jumped to the top of PFW's Rookie of the Year Meter.
Closing Thoughts
The Texans return to Reliant Stadium next week and they need to defend it. Through three games they've already lost as many they did last year at home. Fortunately they've matched the road victory total of last year so things are even at 3-3.
An even record isn't good enough any more. Fans want wins and playoffs. Coming up short, like at Arizona and with the Jaguars, doesn't cut it.
For now they are still in the thick of the wildcard race. Now is the time to put a win streak together and for once remain competitive well into the season.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Week 5 - AAAAaaarrgghhhh
The home stand with 3 out of 4 at Reliant didn't go well. A dismal 1-2 record at home.
So the Texans took their Dog & Pony Show on the road where surprisingly they had a 1-0 record (until you consider the Titans are now 0-5).
The Usual Suspects
Once again the Texans came out ill prepared and out of sync. They committed a penalty on the opening kick off and fumbled the opening snap. Three and out.
On defense, Arizona sliced through the Texans and built a 21-0 lead.
The worst part of the deal? Despite playing terrible in the first half it looked like it would only be a 7-0 game at halftime.
Then the wheels came off in the last two minutes. Arizona scored two quick touchdowns and the game took on a different persona. 21-0.
The Other Texans Show Up For a While and Then The Real Ones Came Back
In the second half the defense held Kurt Warner in check and the offense battled back to tie the score. Only they couldn't seal the deal. David RosenSchaub threw a late interception for a TD and then RB Chris Brown again failed to find the endzone.
The Blame Game
There is plenty of blame to go around.
The coaches once again had the team unprepared for what was going to be thrown at them.
The offense was inept in the first half and inept when it counted at the end.
The defense gave up two quick scores to dig a bigger hole in the last two minutes.
The defense failed to harass Kurt Warner much until the second half. Warner was finally frustrated and out of sync when the Texans got pressure on him.
One board poster exclaimed that the only reason the Texans put any second half pressure on Warner was because the Texans started sending LBs Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans. He further went on to complain it was because the Cardinals had no run game but if it were any other team they would have run roughshod over the Texans. Here's a clue genius. It's called an in game adjustment. That thing people like you bitch about the Texans don't do. Here is a prime example of a game adjustment and you bitch about it?
Future of Kubiak
I'm not easily frustrated as a fan. After this week I am.
Is it time for Kubiak and staff to go? Really can't make that evaluation until the end of the season. Five games in and some dweebs are calling for their heads already.
I'm sure owner Bob McNair is sick of the mediocrity. Another 8-8 season full of close losses will probably keep Kubiak around for another year. If the season and players get away from Kubiak then he'll be gone.
Final Thoughts
It's very frustrating to watch the Texans lose two games at the one yard line in the closing minutes. I'm tired of it.
On the other hand, if a change is made, McNair must choose wisely. Some folks are pining for Bill Cowher or some other 3-4 coach. That's at least a two year building project. Who are the linebackers? What do you do with Mario Williams? I just don't see something that drastic happening.
See you at the same time, same bad channel.
So the Texans took their Dog & Pony Show on the road where surprisingly they had a 1-0 record (until you consider the Titans are now 0-5).
The Usual Suspects
Once again the Texans came out ill prepared and out of sync. They committed a penalty on the opening kick off and fumbled the opening snap. Three and out.
On defense, Arizona sliced through the Texans and built a 21-0 lead.
The worst part of the deal? Despite playing terrible in the first half it looked like it would only be a 7-0 game at halftime.
Then the wheels came off in the last two minutes. Arizona scored two quick touchdowns and the game took on a different persona. 21-0.
The Other Texans Show Up For a While and Then The Real Ones Came Back
In the second half the defense held Kurt Warner in check and the offense battled back to tie the score. Only they couldn't seal the deal. David RosenSchaub threw a late interception for a TD and then RB Chris Brown again failed to find the endzone.
The Blame Game
There is plenty of blame to go around.
The coaches once again had the team unprepared for what was going to be thrown at them.
The offense was inept in the first half and inept when it counted at the end.
The defense gave up two quick scores to dig a bigger hole in the last two minutes.
The defense failed to harass Kurt Warner much until the second half. Warner was finally frustrated and out of sync when the Texans got pressure on him.
One board poster exclaimed that the only reason the Texans put any second half pressure on Warner was because the Texans started sending LBs Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans. He further went on to complain it was because the Cardinals had no run game but if it were any other team they would have run roughshod over the Texans. Here's a clue genius. It's called an in game adjustment. That thing people like you bitch about the Texans don't do. Here is a prime example of a game adjustment and you bitch about it?
Future of Kubiak
I'm not easily frustrated as a fan. After this week I am.
Is it time for Kubiak and staff to go? Really can't make that evaluation until the end of the season. Five games in and some dweebs are calling for their heads already.
I'm sure owner Bob McNair is sick of the mediocrity. Another 8-8 season full of close losses will probably keep Kubiak around for another year. If the season and players get away from Kubiak then he'll be gone.
Final Thoughts
It's very frustrating to watch the Texans lose two games at the one yard line in the closing minutes. I'm tired of it.
On the other hand, if a change is made, McNair must choose wisely. Some folks are pining for Bill Cowher or some other 3-4 coach. That's at least a two year building project. Who are the linebackers? What do you do with Mario Williams? I just don't see something that drastic happening.
See you at the same time, same bad channel.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Week 4 - It Was the Freaking Raiders!
I'd be impressed by the win but for one thing. It was the freaking Raiders. The Raiders!!!! The organization that brought us a real life Seinfeld episode. George Costanza (played by Lane Kiffin) keeps showing up for work even though Emperor Palpatine (played by Al Davis) tries to get him to quit by doing everything but barring Costanza from the team facilities.
For one week at least, the Texans stopped the oppositions run game. After being gashed and gored for three games, the defense manned up. But it's the Raiders. One of the things I like watching during the game is how the Texans defense lines up before a play. In the first two home games, one thing that stood out was the misalignment of the deep safety (for lack of a better term since the Texans call them both safeties and don't distinguish between free and strong). The deep safety would move in to support the run. Nice idea if he would stay at home on his assignment. What the Jags did was a thing of beauty. Their line sold the play going to the Texans right, faked an end around to the left that the safety and corner bought and then sprang a counter play to the left. The defense had over pursued to the right and the fake cleared out the corner and safety on the left side leaving a gaping hole for Drew-Jones to dance to the endzone.
Against the Raiders, the Texans made three changes in the secondary. Fred Bennett found a very nice spot on the bench. He receiver was David Garrad's favorite target. This week one of the rookies (Quin or McCain, I'll have to double check) took all the reps in Bennett's place. He did a nice job (against the Raiders). Bennett came on one play that I was told about. I never saw him. He came on in a nickel package and promptly gave up the first down yardage. I did spot him on special teams. The other major change was at safety. Bernard Pollard, the player who ruined Tom Brady last season, started. If nothing else I didn't notice him line up out of position. Which was nice to see.
Offensively the Texans had a very questionable second half. Like John McClain wrote,"...who told the offense they could leave at halftime?"
The plays called were horrible. I'll need to look at a play diagram but it appeared that the Texans decided to abandon the short to medium passes and go deep. I understand trying to go for the jugular. However each time the offense went deep they never connected. I remember one play distinctly the typified the half. Schaub dropped back to pass. He kept looking down field for someone to open up. About 15 yards in the middle Steve Slaton was uncovered with plenty of room to run after the catch. Schaub ended up throwing the ball incomplete.
Gary Kubiak stated in the post game press conference that they ran several run plays just for film study. I can kind of see where he's coming from on this point. They are playing the JV Raiders and needed to work on a few things. So why not take advantage and use a semi-pro team to work rather than going through the motions in practice.
Through four games some disturbing trends are developing.
First is the use of Andre Johnson. There are two All-Universe caliber receivers in the NFL....Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. He is the Texans deadliest weapon. He makes defensive coordinators cry at night. According to ESPN poll of coordinators, Johnson is one of the few players in the league that defenses must game plan completely around. The trend this year has just been to line Johnson up and WR and run his routes. Last year Kyle Shanahan and Kubiak line Johnson up all over the place...in the slot, out of the backfield, in motion. It worked beautifully. Defenses have to account for him and moving him around puts the defense on their heels. By lining him almost exclusively at WR, the defense can roll the coverage his
direction and account for him almost from the time Schaub goes under center. Shanahan needs to return to last year's strategy.
Second thing that is bothersome is the lack of a running game. I see two things developing in the case. First is the offensive line is getting beat at the point of attack. Most zone blocking scheme are designed to push a defense out of the way in one direction and allow the running back to cut back against the play. This season the offensive line has had problems getting the play flowing in the direction they want. The defenses are either holding the point or pushing the offense back. When Steve Slaton hits the area he's supposed to cut there is no place to go. The defense is there waiting for him for minimal gain or caught behind the line of scrimmage.
The other thing affecting the running game has been Slaton's hesitation. I wonder if he's not seeing the hole to cut back to cause their isn't anywhere to go. On a message board some where, I think it was DGDB&D, said he thinks Slaton has been to impatient to see the flow of the play. Even if the line is getting held at the point, a direction of the play develops. The poster wondered if maybe Slaton was too impatient to let play and flow. There could be some merit to that point.
Coming up next is the Arizona Cardinals. Maybe, if I have time, I will try a brief preview and my prediction.
For one week at least, the Texans stopped the oppositions run game. After being gashed and gored for three games, the defense manned up. But it's the Raiders. One of the things I like watching during the game is how the Texans defense lines up before a play. In the first two home games, one thing that stood out was the misalignment of the deep safety (for lack of a better term since the Texans call them both safeties and don't distinguish between free and strong). The deep safety would move in to support the run. Nice idea if he would stay at home on his assignment. What the Jags did was a thing of beauty. Their line sold the play going to the Texans right, faked an end around to the left that the safety and corner bought and then sprang a counter play to the left. The defense had over pursued to the right and the fake cleared out the corner and safety on the left side leaving a gaping hole for Drew-Jones to dance to the endzone.
Against the Raiders, the Texans made three changes in the secondary. Fred Bennett found a very nice spot on the bench. He receiver was David Garrad's favorite target. This week one of the rookies (Quin or McCain, I'll have to double check) took all the reps in Bennett's place. He did a nice job (against the Raiders). Bennett came on one play that I was told about. I never saw him. He came on in a nickel package and promptly gave up the first down yardage. I did spot him on special teams. The other major change was at safety. Bernard Pollard, the player who ruined Tom Brady last season, started. If nothing else I didn't notice him line up out of position. Which was nice to see.
Offensively the Texans had a very questionable second half. Like John McClain wrote,"...who told the offense they could leave at halftime?"
The plays called were horrible. I'll need to look at a play diagram but it appeared that the Texans decided to abandon the short to medium passes and go deep. I understand trying to go for the jugular. However each time the offense went deep they never connected. I remember one play distinctly the typified the half. Schaub dropped back to pass. He kept looking down field for someone to open up. About 15 yards in the middle Steve Slaton was uncovered with plenty of room to run after the catch. Schaub ended up throwing the ball incomplete.
Gary Kubiak stated in the post game press conference that they ran several run plays just for film study. I can kind of see where he's coming from on this point. They are playing the JV Raiders and needed to work on a few things. So why not take advantage and use a semi-pro team to work rather than going through the motions in practice.
Through four games some disturbing trends are developing.
First is the use of Andre Johnson. There are two All-Universe caliber receivers in the NFL....Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. He is the Texans deadliest weapon. He makes defensive coordinators cry at night. According to ESPN poll of coordinators, Johnson is one of the few players in the league that defenses must game plan completely around. The trend this year has just been to line Johnson up and WR and run his routes. Last year Kyle Shanahan and Kubiak line Johnson up all over the place...in the slot, out of the backfield, in motion. It worked beautifully. Defenses have to account for him and moving him around puts the defense on their heels. By lining him almost exclusively at WR, the defense can roll the coverage his
direction and account for him almost from the time Schaub goes under center. Shanahan needs to return to last year's strategy.
Second thing that is bothersome is the lack of a running game. I see two things developing in the case. First is the offensive line is getting beat at the point of attack. Most zone blocking scheme are designed to push a defense out of the way in one direction and allow the running back to cut back against the play. This season the offensive line has had problems getting the play flowing in the direction they want. The defenses are either holding the point or pushing the offense back. When Steve Slaton hits the area he's supposed to cut there is no place to go. The defense is there waiting for him for minimal gain or caught behind the line of scrimmage.
The other thing affecting the running game has been Slaton's hesitation. I wonder if he's not seeing the hole to cut back to cause their isn't anywhere to go. On a message board some where, I think it was DGDB&D, said he thinks Slaton has been to impatient to see the flow of the play. Even if the line is getting held at the point, a direction of the play develops. The poster wondered if maybe Slaton was too impatient to let play and flow. There could be some merit to that point.
Coming up next is the Arizona Cardinals. Maybe, if I have time, I will try a brief preview and my prediction.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Dear Oakland Raider Fan
Dear Oakland Raider Fan,
Obviously you don't realize what an embarrassment you actually are. While you walked and strutted around Reliant Stadium everybody was laughing at you.
I'm not talking about the fans that showed up in Raider black to cheer their team. Those fans were pretty cool and I admire anyone who shows up to cheer their favorite team. It's part of the NFL experience.
I'm talking about the Raider fans that strut like they just won the Super Bowl and dress like it's Halloween every Sunday.
For starters, you aren't a street gang. Throwing up signs to each other as you pass other Raider fans is lame.
You are not in the military so why do you salute each other? You can't possibly be imitating the hated Denver Broncos and the Mile High Salute.
You are not on the field so fist bumps aren't necessary when you pass each other in the concourse.
You are not a motorcycle gang so you don't have to WALK two side by side in a line.
When the score is 29-6, you don't have to yell at the Texans fans that "they aren't shit...you're nobody."
When Texans fans reply to your smack talk, replying the following repeatedly isn't considered a witty reply: "I'm getting the last word. I'm getting the last word. I'm getting the last word."
In fact that reply is a two year old's...oh wait I'm talking about Raider fan.
After the game as everyone is headed to the parking lots, every Raider fan that passed another said,"We still got it." If by "still got it" you mean you still suck then congratulations. At least you can acknowledge to each other how bad your team is. If you are referring to the mythical Raider Mystique then I remind you of the the unofficial team motto: Commitment to Excrement.
And to all those pretend Raider fans that try to look tough, old ladies that sit in the Black Hole would kick your ass and make you cry.
Sincerely,
Houston Texans fans...as we point to the scoreboard one last time...29-6
Obviously you don't realize what an embarrassment you actually are. While you walked and strutted around Reliant Stadium everybody was laughing at you.
I'm not talking about the fans that showed up in Raider black to cheer their team. Those fans were pretty cool and I admire anyone who shows up to cheer their favorite team. It's part of the NFL experience.
I'm talking about the Raider fans that strut like they just won the Super Bowl and dress like it's Halloween every Sunday.
For starters, you aren't a street gang. Throwing up signs to each other as you pass other Raider fans is lame.
You are not in the military so why do you salute each other? You can't possibly be imitating the hated Denver Broncos and the Mile High Salute.
You are not on the field so fist bumps aren't necessary when you pass each other in the concourse.
You are not a motorcycle gang so you don't have to WALK two side by side in a line.
When the score is 29-6, you don't have to yell at the Texans fans that "they aren't shit...you're nobody."
When Texans fans reply to your smack talk, replying the following repeatedly isn't considered a witty reply: "I'm getting the last word. I'm getting the last word. I'm getting the last word."
In fact that reply is a two year old's...oh wait I'm talking about Raider fan.
After the game as everyone is headed to the parking lots, every Raider fan that passed another said,"We still got it." If by "still got it" you mean you still suck then congratulations. At least you can acknowledge to each other how bad your team is. If you are referring to the mythical Raider Mystique then I remind you of the the unofficial team motto: Commitment to Excrement.
And to all those pretend Raider fans that try to look tough, old ladies that sit in the Black Hole would kick your ass and make you cry.
Sincerely,
Houston Texans fans...as we point to the scoreboard one last time...29-6
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