Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

To me it's a no-brainer in what is now a basically a meaningless game from the Texans perspective - pull the starters early, sometime in the first half, so they are reasonable fresh for the big playoff game the next Sunday in Reliant. Plus the less they are on the field the less likely they get injured in a game which means nothing to us.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

In our situation I disagree. We are brutal on offense and they need to get another game under their belts with yates at the helm. You play to win this game (injuries are a part of the game, you don't coach scarred). Our secondary needs to show they are back to form, basically the whole team NEEDS more game time together....

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

Win Sunday with the starters all the way if necessary. I would not want to go into the playoffs with three straight losses.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

Seeing how the Titans are still alive for a playoff spot, I say you rid yourself of them when you have a chance. Step on their throats and squash them like a bug.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

They'll be playing on a short week more than likely.

Play them a half. I want TEN out too, but still.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

Really ? A game which will change nothing about our #3 seed for the playoffs and is about as meaningful as a preseason exhibition game ? If there was nothing to gain by holding out players, especially key players like a Cushing who is "beat-up" by his own HCs admission, I'd play them but getting them well and having them rested for the 17th game of the season is top priority.
In the long offseason nobody will be talking about what the Texans did in the last regular season game of the year because all they will be talking about what our playoff performance was. I say play this game like its the last preseason game of the year as we get ready for our season-opener, ah our playoff-opener.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

I'm okay with either scenario (play starters the whole game or half) and I kinda lean toward letting them play but...the field is gonna suck due to the college game the day prior so the chances of loosing someone (see AJ) is higher.

The field is the X-factor in my mind...that's what I'm most nervous about.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

This is preseason for the postseason. Get the starters out early. And, the Titans would be a dream opponent for the Texans initial playoff game.

Remember when Belichick got cute in '09 finale here, and Welker wiped out his knee in a meaningless game? Kubiak surely does.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

We are so short handed that you won't be able to pull the starters per se. I do think resting Arian would be a good idea and conversely, I'd really like Andre to get some more time on the field with Yates.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

Last I checked, there were 16 regular season games... so you play them. Honestly? I'd like to bench our defense and intentionally allow the Titans to score as quickly as they can, one play-90 yard TDs. Give our offense as many reps as they can possibly get.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

No way they play Andre. And while you can't sit everyone because of roster limitations, guys like Maehl, Ward, Delhomme, Newton, Braman, Dobbins, and Harris can get plenty of snaps. And besides, it doesn't mean the the Texans can't win. Just another form of "Next man up".

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

This.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

I think we tried to win the Carolina game until... the 2nd interception inside the 20... Kubiak has put the kid gloves on Yates since.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

Here's the problem with that. The players know this game is meaningless in regards to the playoffs. Kubiak can't play mind games and convince them otherwise. The starters will be concerned about injury. The reserves will actually play harder, knowing this is a chance for them ti shine on tape. The Texans best chance of winning this game might be with the backups.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

Be selective. Allow players like Caldwell, Tate, Ward, B/up QBs, Bryant Johnson etc get reps. Rest your Cushings, Ryans, etc.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

I don't care HOW THEY FRIGGIN have to do it, just WIN on Sunday!!! If it takes playing the starters then put their butts out there and PLAY THEM!! It's flippin football, that's what they're suppose to do, PLAY the damn game to WIN!! Every game, not just pick and choose games!!

It really tickes me off to read "this is just a meaningless game" sort of crap. NO!!!!!! It is NOT a meaningless game! Playing for pride, and closing out the season with a sweep over the hated Titans IS a game with meaning!!

If Cush, and some of the other players, are so beat up, let them take turns in Cush's hyperbaric chamber, or sit their butts in a hot tub (without Matt #2) and get them mentally ready to play some football! Sorry, you play EVERY game to WIN, regardless!! JMO!!

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

I think we need some moooooo--mentum.

Kubiak oughtta be breathing fire down the necks of these guys.

I'm okay with resting/protecting as needed, but I'd prep the entire team as if we're going to war.

Put a skirt on the Titans and send them home for the winter.

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

It's a NO BRAINER...You rest the team as much as possible. We are still trying to win a Superbowl and a beat up defense and offensive line are not the best way to do that...

Re: Kubiaks top Priority Sunday: Beat Titans or rest Starters for W-C Playoff game ?
 

I say play all the starters like a regular game. No need to sit anyone one, we need to go into the playoffs with a win instead of another lose which would make it 3 in a row. Seems like after we clinched it has not gone our way. Let's beat the crap out of the Titans and go into the playoffs with confidence!!