Eight Is Not Enough

[CloakNNNdagger]

Another .500 season won't get it done for Texans

Think double digits

These Texans won't have to apologize for going 9-7 because it would represent improvement, but they know they'll have a better shot at the playoffs if they can post double-digit wins.

Only four AFC teams have reached the playoffs with fewer than 10 victories — two as division champions and two as wild cards — since the NFL realigned in 2002 to accommodate the Texans.

In turn, just three 10-6 or better teams have been shut out of the postseason during the same span.

“For us, 10 wins might look unreachable because we've never done it, but it's definitely doable,” tight end Owen Daniels said. “And, in the grand scheme of things, you can do a whole lot more with 10 wins than you can with eight.

“Ten wins sounds like a good season. It would be hard to be upset with that.”

[Wolf]

McNair expects better from Texans in 2009

Bob McNair is a Gary Kubiak fan.

But McNair, the owner, expects more out of Kubiak, his coach, and the Texans this season — beginning with Sunday's game against the New York Jets at Reliant Stadium.

“It's an important time for us to make that move and wind up in the winning column,” McNair said. “I think this is the year we push it over the top. I hope we have the intestinal fortitude to make it happen.”

Kubiak, who is in the fourth year of a five-year contract, is hoping to lead the Texans to their first winning record and their first playoff appearance.

If the Texans perform to McNair's expectations this season, expect him to reward Kubiak with a contract extension.

If the Texans don't meet the owner's expectations, Kubiak could be a lame-duck coach in 2010. Because McNair likes and respects Kubiak, the Texans would have to bomb out for him to get fired.

“I think Gary's a good coach,” McNair said. “I want to see him become a great coach. Great coaches don't go 8-8. He knows that. That's not his goal. Nobody wants to win more than he does.

“He knows how important this season is to us. He knows how much the city is looking forward to having a winner. He's a Houstonian, so it's a little different for him. He knows that his hometown has this great longing for a team they can latch on to and be proud of.”

McNair is trying to temper his enthusiasm and be as realistic as possible.

“I expect us to be a better team,” he said. “Are we going to be the best team in the league? I think that's asking too much. Are we going to be better than when we were right in the middle? Yes, I think we will be better, but I try to be reasonable and as objective as possible about it.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/6609017.html

[CloakNNNdagger]

This simply sounds like a tepid play to the fans not to drop out of the equation. He knows that though he may play the part of the patient owner, being able to be patient to a fault as he watches the money flow in, Texans fans are very likely to walk after just another season of promises and little to show for it.

[Hustler]

A double digit in the W column would definitely make for a very entertaining season.

I'm all for it.

LOL

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

Texans fans are very likely to walk after just another season of promises and little to show for it.

Really? Seems like I have heard that before most Texans seasons.

I know one thing - winning at home helps. I certainly have enjoyed only walking away 4 times in the last two years from Reliant stadium unhappy. Can I cancel my away game tickets?

[NitroGSXR]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

Really? Seems like I have heard that before most Texans seasons.

I know one thing - winning at home helps. I certainly have enjoyed only walking away 4 times in the last two years from Reliant stadium unhappy. Can I cancel my away game tickets?

On the same level... as a new season ticket holder in this economy... I've walked away unhappy twice thus far this preseason. We've lost both games at home.

I understand preseason is preseason but it's still a football game and only one team will emerge victorious. I've heard all the but that's our second string yadayadda. Our team is only as good as our backups. I believe that. If our backups can't win...

On the other hand, our road record looks pretty good though. That's a change... but not really a fun one for a new season ticket holder.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

Really? Seems like I have heard that before most Texans seasons.
I know one thing - winning at home helps. I certainly have enjoyed only walking away 4 times in the last two years from Reliant stadium unhappy. Can I cancel my away game tickets?

There always seems to be that carrot around each corner to try to make more palatable the shortcomings of the ultimate product delivered. In this economy, though, the product will mean a lot more to fans deciding whether they buy tickets or not.........you are already seeing some of it. Expect that if we go 8-8 or less again, you'll be seeing more and more of the pretty colored Reliant seats during games.

We're all hoping for some tangible improvement this year. But if this doesn't occur, the time will be close where the suggestion will be made as to where management will be able to place their next carrot.

[ObsiWan]

We'd really have to be awful for the fanbase to walk away from the team. What else ya gonna do, root for the Cowboys?
please

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

We'd really have to be awful for the fanbase to walk away from the team. What else ya gonna do, root for the Cowboys?
please

No, but watching from the TV or listening on the radio will become more popular.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

In this economy, though...

I agree about the economy. I suspect if you survey people who didn't re-up this year or don't do so next year you will find that is more of a factor than going 8-8.

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

We'd really have to be awful for the fanbase to walk away from the team. What else ya gonna do, root for the Cowboys?
please

Yup. I suffered through 2-14 when we were lucky to get the 2. I'm not giving up on them because I only got to see 6 wins live last year at home.

[ObsiWan]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

No, but watching from the TV or listening on the radio will become more popular.

I agree with Infantry, that'll be more a function of how many folk still have disposable income as much as whether the team makes the playoffs. That may tip the scales for the bandwagoners or borderline fans but not us crazy diehards.

[Texaninlild]

Oh wow! I thought this was some kinky sex thread.

[Wolf]

Originally Posted by Texaninlild

Oh wow! I thought this was some kinky sex thread.

Kate ?

[Texaninlild]

Originally Posted by Wolf

Kate ?

Jon ?

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

I agree with Infantry, that'll be more a function of how many folk still have disposable income as much as whether the team makes the playoffs. That may tip the scales for the bandwagoners or borderline fans but not us crazy diehards.

I guess nobody noticed how many empty non-club seats there were during several of the games last year. Paid for, possibly........but, wasted if so, some hanging onto season tickets, not wanting to be locked out if and when things turn around. In a poor economy, there will be less people paying for tickets and not showing up, for whatever reason.

And, BTW, I am a diehard. I just don't believe that while the team is making a fortune, the fans should be satisfied with left overs. JMHO

[Norg]

Wow to me its AFC final Round or BUST thats how i see it

[ObsiWan]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

I guess nobody noticed how many empty non-club seats there were during several of the games last year. Paid for, possibly........but, wasted if so, some hanging onto season tickets, not wanting to be locked out if and when things turn around. In a poor economy, there will be less people paying for tickets and not showing up, for whatever reason.

And, BTW, I am a diehard. I just don't believe that while the team is making a fortune, the fans should be satisfied with left overs. JMHO

I understand where you're coming from. We've been waiting to get back on the NFL map for going on two decades. And if we don't post a winning season this year, I'll be disappointed. Definitely. Further, I think McNair will be very disappointed also.

But I won't desert the team.

But I guess my allegiance is tied more to the effort I see from the team and the decisions made by the front office than whether we make the playoffs. Sometimes the breaks just don't go your way.

Now If McNair starts to gut the team like Bud did when the Oilers didn't make the Super Bowl in 92/93 then they may lose me. Say he gives the order to trade A.J. and Mario and DeMeco to "rebuild" or cut salaries I'll find me another team. But I don't think McNair is that impatient or stupid.

[CloakNNNdagger]

You know how "family" (eg., you, Cak, me and the other board members) can disagree............even sometimes arguing like mad dogs? But let some "outsider" say just one inappropriate disparaging remark about our Texans..........just see how long he's left alive and standing.

[DexmanC]

I just did a little arguing on the Jets' board right here.

They REALLY don't have a clue as to how dominant AJ is. They were
comparing him to Randy Moss, who Revis "shut down." Moss is good,
but he seems to mainly run fly and go routes, with the occasional fade
thrown in. AJ DOMINATES at EVERY route, but their ignorance is gonna
make tomorrow all-the-more sweeter.

I'm encouraged by what the players have to say about Frank Bush, and now
I guess all units now have coaches they want to run through a brick wall
for (ST-Marciano, Defense-Bush, Offense-Kubes/Shanahan.) Enough talk.
Time to get this **** DONE!!

[Second Honeymoon]

why does Gary being from Houston have anything to do with anything, Bob?

I don't care if Kubiak is from Moscow or Beijing as long as he can get a team prepared. This whole Houston Local Product stuff is so stupid and overblown. Bob needs to sthu about Gary being from Houston. I really don't care.

Stop getting embarassed, get your team prepared, and start winning meaningful games, Gary.