Should Gary Kubiak give Matt Schaub more freedom at QB

[b0ng]

After seeing a lot of discussion of a certain non-play (Colts vs Texans near 2 minute warning at half time), the idea that Schaub does not have enough control over the offense has come up.

I agree. I think Schaub proved he was a decent QB (Who has some decision making problems), who generally knows whats going on in a game. Should Schaub be allowed to audible out of a play at the line of scrimmage? Absolutely. Does Kubiak allow this? As far as I know, he doesn't. He calls the plays and they run what he calls.

What do you guys think?

[TexansBlood]

Yes he should be able to call audibles at times, especially when he sees and all out blitz coming!

[m5kwatts]

The Texans offense isn't designed to allow audibles. The first 15-20 plays are scripted to begin with. And in the Denver ZBS WCO offense, each play called is designed to affect the next one. So two runs for 3 yards may look like failure, but it is called with purpose to set up play-action down the line. Allowing audibles would defeat this purpose.

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by m5kwatts

The Texans offense isn't designed to allow audibles. The first 15-20 plays are scripted to begin with. And in the Denver ZBS WCO offense, each play called is designed to affect the next one. So two runs for 3 yards may look like failure, but it is called with purpose to set up play-action down the line. Allowing audibles would defeat this purpose.

I think having a design for each game offensively is fine, but I think that allowing one of the top passing QB's to be able to audible out of what looks like a potential sack or broken play would give the Texans offense some elasticity and not be so predictable.

[Dutchrudder]

I am pro-choice when it comes to Shaub running the offense from the line.

[m5kwatts]

Originally Posted by b0ng

I think having a design for each game offensively is fine, but I think that allowing one of the top passing QB's to be able to audible out of what looks like a potential sack or broken play would give the Texans offense some elasticity and not be so predictable.

I agree, I'm just doing my best to mimic what the powers-that-be would say.

[Ole Miss Texan]

I think if Schaub sees a mismatch, he has the ability to capitalize on it. I forget which game it was but Schaub saw a mismatch with Andre Johnson, called an audible and hit a strike for a huge gain.

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

I think if Schaub sees a mismatch, he has the ability to capitalize on it. I forget which game it was but Schaub saw a mismatch with Andre Johnson, called an audible and hit a strike for a huge gain.

So Schaub is allowed to audible during games?

[m5kwatts]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

I think if Schaub sees a mismatch, he has the ability to capitalize on it. I forget which game it was but Schaub saw a mismatch with Andre Johnson, called an audible and hit a strike for a huge gain.

Are you sure he was calling for an audible or was he motioning some one? I'm guessing its the latter, the Texans have someone in motion before every snap, another reason why they don't audible. This tells Schaub whose in man or zone coverage.

[barrett]

Considering that it's one of the top passing offenses in the NLF I think we should change everything about it. Clearly it's not working.

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by barrett

Considering that it's one of the top passing offenses in the NLF I think we should change everything about it. Clearly it's not working.

Are you saying that the QB not having the ability to call a different play at the line is the lynchpin of our offense and we should keep it exactly the same as we had last season because that was most Schaub has ever passed for? I don't think anybody is calling to scrap the play-action pass, but would our offense be really hampered that much with Schaub having access to audibles?

I guess what we're really asking is, Is Schaub smart enough to have that responsibility?

[badboy]

My understanding of Kubiak's comments on this is, if every player does what he is supposed to do, there would be no need for an audible. Well, yeah, but you can not let your QB get killed as few plays are ran perfectly.

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by b0ng

So Schaub is allowed to audible during games?

My observation is that Schaub started making those kinds of decisions, regardless of what Kubiak wanted over the last 6 weeks of the season. He really took over that offense.

[wagonhed]

How do you even script 15-20 plays in the first place when you don't know what the down and distance will be?

[DexmanC]

With the "Murderer's Row" of a schedule, Kubiak BETTER make damn sure
this team plays with urgency at the start of the season. If that means
letting Schaub lead this team, then so be it.

Good luck Texans fans. We're gonna need it.

......that schedule.

(Let's pray.)
Please, God. Please let the schedule mean we make the post season, without
anybody discrediting our path to the playoffs!

[sbalderrama]

I seem to remember a quote from Gary in some interview where he said that multiple methods of execution are available in their offensive formations; so while it may not look like Schaub is calling audibles in the vein of Peyton histrionics, I don't think he's completely set in stone on every play.

[thunderkyss]

Maybe Schaub did so well, because he didn't have to do a lot of thinking.

I'm trusting Kubiak, I'm sure when Schaub is ready, he'll let him do whatever. If I were a QB guru, I could tell you when that will be.


As it is now, let him continue to successfully coach Matt to a successful season, and let's question the decisions that don't help our team become the most prolific passing attack in the NFL.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by wagonhed

How do you even script 15-20 plays in the first place when you don't know what the down and distance will be?

They have a play for all situations.
John Madden wrote in a book that Bill Wash (former Niners coach) scripted 3 quarters every game toward the end of his career.
And the PC wasn't anything quike like today in the late 80s.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

I think if Schaub sees a mismatch, he has the ability to capitalize on it. I forget which game it was but Schaub saw a mismatch with Andre Johnson, called an audible and hit a strike for a huge gain.

That MS had become quite good against the blitz probably indicates that the hot routes quickly became the priority; ie. there must be some sort of preset signals???

[u_got_stomped]

I heard on The Blitz that Schuab actually goes to the line with more than one play and then picks a play from what he sees the opp defense is doing