Just a magnificent blocking performance!!!

[Marcus]

It's been a long time since I've seen a defense get so consistently gashed play after play after play.

I know Foster is going to get all the accolades this week, but I saw him just patiently following this beast named Vonta Leach into holes wide enough to drive a truck through by tackles Eric Winston and Duane Brown, center Chris Myers, left guard Wade Smith and right guards Antoine Caldwell and Mike Brisiel. I know that Kubiak worked hard on the running game during offseason and TC, but if what we saw on Sunday was something that he'd been keeping under wraps until opening day, then he deserves a lot of credit.

I know that the offensive line has got to be brimming with confidence right now, and that alone makes all the difference in the world.

Boy, if we only had a halfway decent passing game to go along with the running game, we might be pretty good.

[BullNation4Life]

Originally Posted by Marcus

It's been a long time since I've seen a defense get so consistently gashed play after play after play.

I know Foster is going to get all the accolades this week, but I saw him just patiently following this beast named Vonta Leach into holes wide enough to drive a truck through by tackles Eric Winston and Duane Brown, center Chris Myers, left guard Wade Smith and right guards Antoine Caldwell and Mike Brisiel. I know that Kubiak worked hard on the running game during offseason and TC, but if what we saw on Sunday was something that he'd been keeping under wraps until opening day, then he deserves a lot of credit.

I know that the offensive line has got to be brimming with confidence right now, and that alone makes all the difference in the world.

Boy, if we only had a halfway decent passing game to go along with the running game, we might be pretty good.

Tell me about it. I mean how in the world can a team expect to win games with a QB that throws for 4700+ yards and 29 TDs. That is absurd...

*I can't wait when both are clicking at the same time...Foster for 100+ and Schaub with 300+...*

[CDNTexansFan]

Great thread.

The line + Vonta were absolutely stellar. Not only were the holes huge but you rarely saw a lineman standing around with no one to block, everyone was putting a hat on someone and Arian was able to slip tackles and consistently pickup an extra few yards because of the collective effort. If they play with that level of passion and attitude next week, we just might have the beginning of something very, very nice.

[kwayshauntay]

No running back has seen holes that big since Emmitt Smith, when he had Larry Allen and Erik Williams clearing out 8 lane highways for him.

[hradhak]

I would love to start seeing us put up 14 and 21 point leads on teams and then running the ball and the clock out. The O line and the coaches deserve all the credit for Foster's performance.

I imagine that we won't be able to average 5+ yards per carry against teams with bigger D lines, but it's good to know that we can have a balanced offense.

[ESAD2-14]

Originally Posted by Marcus

It's been a long time since I've seen a defense get so consistently gashed play after play after play.

I know Foster is going to get all the accolades this week, but I saw him just patiently following this beast named Vonta Leach into holes wide enough to drive a truck through by tackles Eric Winston and Duane Brown, center Chris Myers, left guard Wade Smith and right guards Antoine Caldwell and Mike Brisiel. I know that Kubiak worked hard on the running game during offseason and TC, but if what we saw on Sunday was something that he'd been keeping under wraps until opening day, then he deserves a lot of credit.

I know that the offensive line has got to be brimming with confidence right now, and that alone makes all the difference in the world.

Boy, if we only had a halfway decent passing game to go along with the running game, we might be pretty good.

I 100% agree, but my favorite thing to see was Colt's defenders running the opposite direction from Vontae Leach towards the end of the game. They wanted no part of what he was offering. I think V. Leach was a large part of Arian's success today, he (VL) was making the first Colt to pop his head in the running lane pay, all day long. Leach is my unsung hero of the day for the Texans (and Neal Rackers: "Personal Foul #4! LOL)

[Ole Miss Texan]

To me it always starts up front. Our OL and Leach both did a hell of a job opening up holes and getting to the 2nd level. They did an outstanding job.

Still can't discount ANYTHING Foster did. He read the holes very well, made those reads and cuts backs like a champ and showed EXCELLENT acceleration through them. That 4th down too - he was all blocked up and had to push it to the outside and made it!!


But here is where I kind of have some reservations. Those that watched closely and know their X's and O's and defensive schemes can help me out. It just seemed to me that Indy's defense actually had a "pretty smart" game plan. I say that b/c we were the top Passing team last year, we're a very very very very dangerous passing team. And what did they do? It looked to me that they wanted to shut us down and force us to run the ball. Our rushing game is the weakest (30th in nfl last year?)... they wanted to make us beat them by running the ball, they weren't going to let Schaub beat them.

So, it kinda seems with their defensive strategy that they were willing to give up some rushing yards to us. The good news is we ran with it (pun intended) and capitalized on this. Again, I don't want to discount anything our offense did, but I wouldn't count on 231 yard rushing games every week.

The good news: After today all the other teams know that we've got a ground attack. If the let us run on them... we can and we will. This is only going to open up the passing attack more.

[DexmanC]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

To me it always starts up front. Our OL and Leach both did a hell of a job opening up holes and getting to the 2nd level. They did an outstanding job.

Still can't discount ANYTHING Foster did. He read the holes very well, made those reads and cuts backs like a champ and showed EXCELLENT acceleration through them. That 4th down too - he was all blocked up and had to push it to the outside and made it!!


But here is where I kind of have some reservations. Those that watched closely and know their X's and O's and defensive schemes can help me out. It just seemed to me that Indy's defense actually had a "pretty smart" game plan. I say that b/c we were the top Passing team last year, we're a very very very very dangerous passing team. And what did they do? It looked to me that they wanted to shut us down and force us to run the ball. Our rushing game is the weakest (30th in nfl last year?)... they wanted to make us beat them by running the ball, they weren't going to let Schaub beat them.

So, it kinda seems with their defensive strategy that they were willing to give up some rushing yards to us. The good news is we ran with it (pun intended) and capitalized on this. Again, I don't want to discount anything our offense did, but I wouldn't count on 231 yard rushing games every week.

The good news: After today all the other teams know that we've got a ground attack. If the let us run on them... we can and we will. This is only going to open up the passing attack more.

I saw a lot of what you saw. The Colts defensive backs REFUSED to
help in the run game; thus, there was no biting on our playaction. Rick
Dennison just decided late in the game to run the ball right at them for
the rest of the night.

[HTown2ATX]

O line did a hell of a job. Now I only hope they stay hungry and aggressive week after week and do not allow a let down the next game which they are unfortunately known for sometimes.

My friends finally convinced me to do fantasy this year and all scoffed at me for taking Arian in the 1st round and starting him. Lol @ them. I tried to tell them all but they wouldn't listen and the ironic thing is they know how much I know about football and that is why they kept trying to get me to join and STILL wouldn't listen.

Foster is the man right now and that O line is primed!!!

[gtexan02]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

To me it always starts up front. Our OL and Leach both did a hell of a job opening up holes and getting to the 2nd level. They did an outstanding job.

Still can't discount ANYTHING Foster did. He read the holes very well, made those reads and cuts backs like a champ and showed EXCELLENT acceleration through them. That 4th down too - he was all blocked up and had to push it to the outside and made it!!


But here is where I kind of have some reservations. Those that watched closely and know their X's and O's and defensive schemes can help me out. It just seemed to me that Indy's defense actually had a "pretty smart" game plan. I say that b/c we were the top Passing team last year, we're a very very very very dangerous passing team. And what did they do? It looked to me that they wanted to shut us down and force us to run the ball. Our rushing game is the weakest (30th in nfl last year?)... they wanted to make us beat them by running the ball, they weren't going to let Schaub beat them.

So, it kinda seems with their defensive strategy that they were willing to give up some rushing yards to us. The good news is we ran with it (pun intended) and capitalized on this. Again, I don't want to discount anything our offense did, but I wouldn't count on 231 yard rushing games every week.

The good news: After today all the other teams know that we've got a ground attack. If the let us run on them... we can and we will. This is only going to open up the passing attack more.

It also showed that Kubiak outcoached the Colts. A nice change

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

To me it always starts up front. Our OL and Leach both did a hell of a job opening up holes and getting to the 2nd level. They did an outstanding job.

Still can't discount ANYTHING Foster did. He read the holes very well, made those reads and cuts backs like a champ and showed EXCELLENT acceleration through them. That 4th down too - he was all blocked up and had to push it to the outside and made it!!


But here is where I kind of have some reservations. Those that watched closely and know their X's and O's and defensive schemes can help me out. It just seemed to me that Indy's defense actually had a "pretty smart" game plan. I say that b/c we were the top Passing team last year, we're a very very very very dangerous passing team. And what did they do? It looked to me that they wanted to shut us down and force us to run the ball. Our rushing game is the weakest (30th in nfl last year?)... they wanted to make us beat them by running the ball, they weren't going to let Schaub beat them.

So, it kinda seems with their defensive strategy that they were willing to give up some rushing yards to us. The good news is we ran with it (pun intended) and capitalized on this. Again, I don't want to discount anything our offense did, but I wouldn't count on 231 yard rushing games every week.

The good news: After today all the other teams know that we've got a ground attack. If the let us run on them... we can and we will. This is only going to open up the passing attack more.

I think you called it correctly and who could blame the Colts? My plan for them would have been the same: shut down Schaub and AJ and hope the TEs don't beat you. Foster ran through some very big holes because he was quick enough and powerful enough. As much as I enjoyed watching him, the game ball for offensive player goes to Leach. As always a workhorse, he simply gutted it out and outplayed even his usual good performance. He had great blocks and it seemed as if he was mentally reaching back and pulling Foster behind him. This could be a very productive pair. I like Slaton for bringing that change of pace. He only had 6 rushe but averaged 4.8. I hope Vontae is not too sore for SUnday.

[Ole Miss Texan]

Originally Posted by gtexan02

It also showed that Kubiak outcoached the Colts. A nice change

So true. That's great to see. I heard Schaub on the radio this morning and it sounded like we were going to come out the 2nd Half getting the ball and were planning on passing more but Indy kept giving them the run so they went with it. I like the fact that this occurred. Too many times last year did we try to "run to set up the pass" when we're not that team. We're a "pass to set up the run" kind of team. Take what the other team gives you and capitalize.

Originally Posted by badboy

I think you called it correctly and who could blame the Colts? My plan for them would have been the same: shut down Schaub and AJ and hope the TEs don't beat you.

Exactly, it's the same in most sports. basketball? Shut down the star player, double team him, make the supporting cast beat you. What do teams try to do against running QB's like Vince Young? Limit his running, Make him beat you by throwing the ball. That's his weakness, make him use it. Same with us running the ball.

[hradhak]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

Exactly, it's the same in most sports. basketball? Shut down the star player, double team him, make the supporting cast beat you. What do teams try to do against running QB's like Vince Young? Limit his running, Make him beat you by throwing the ball. That's his weakness, make him use it. Same with us running the ball.

Man, I hope our weakness continues to be running the ball. We kick some serious ass with it.

[TheCD]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

Exactly, it's the same in most sports. basketball? Shut down the star player, double team him, make the supporting cast beat you. What do teams try to do against running QB's like Vince Young? Limit his running, Make him beat you by throwing the ball. That's his weakness, make him use it. Same with us running the ball.

I'm not a very big basketball fan, but I've got a friend who's a Bulls fan and eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. He always tells me that the way you stop Kobe is by letting him score his points. If you shut down his supporting cast, he'll get stats that look good, but he won't score enough points on his own to beat you.

My biggest concern yesterday was with the pass protection. Matt was lucky he didn't turn the ball over twice, and he was getting blasted. That has me a little worried because most (if not almost all) of the defense we face the rest of the year will be much bigger than the Colts. The Colts are built for speed and can be manhandled by our small line. I don't think others can so easily.

[Double Barrel]

Originally Posted by Marcus

It's been a long time since I've seen a defense get so consistently gashed play after play after play.

I know Foster is going to get all the accolades this week, but I saw him just patiently following this beast named Vonta Leach into holes wide enough to drive a truck through by tackles Eric Winston and Duane Brown, center Chris Myers, left guard Wade Smith and right guards Antoine Caldwell and Mike Brisiel. I know that Kubiak worked hard on the running game during offseason and TC, but if what we saw on Sunday was something that he'd been keeping under wraps until opening day, then he deserves a lot of credit.

I know that the offensive line has got to be brimming with confidence right now, and that alone makes all the difference in the world.

Boy, if we only had a halfway decent passing game to go along with the running game, we might be pretty good.

It was amazing, man, and I cannot deny that tiny part of me kept waiting for the proverbial "other shoe to fall". But that shoe ended up being a boot planted firmly in Indy's behind.

It was a game that has been a long time coming and one that we have waited for as Texans fans for many years. I saw an attitude in this team's spirit that I have never seen with this franchise. They had swagger, grit, and sheer determination to impose their will on a team that has been their master for far too long. And it all started in the trenches.

And in honor of that performance, and giving props where it is due, I am taking the time in your thread to tell you (Marcus) that I am not going to mutter the term milquetoast in relation to our head coach again. I know it is a term that you've had issues with, so out of respect and honor for this team's performance, the rest of the season, and yourself, I wanted to extend this peace pipe. We witnessed something yesterday that is truly a new level for this franchise, and that comes from the top. Kubiak's strategy, gutsy fourth down call, and feistiness on the sideline was a sight to behold. The sky is the limit for this team this season. I respect and acknowledge that accordingly. I sincerely hope that my message is received with the same positive attitude that wrote it.

[Ole Miss Texan]

Originally Posted by TheCD

I'm not a very big basketball fan, but I've got a friend who's a Bulls fan and eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. He always tells me that the way you stop Kobe is by letting him score his points. If you shut down his supporting cast, he'll get stats that look good, but he won't score enough points on his own to beat you.

I think there's a difference between knowing an All-Star like Kobe is "going to get his points" vs. "letting him score". I totally get what your saying, but the fine line I'm getting at is like knowing Peyton is going to pass the ball for a lot of yards. Knowing he will "get his yards" and "letting him get his yards" are like playing/defending the pass and limiting them as much as possible vs. playing the run and letting him go wild.

[Koolaid Time]

Anyone notice that our offensive line opened those holes the week after Alex Gibbs retired?

[HJam72]

Go Milquetoast!!!

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

But here is where I kind of have some reservations. Those that watched closely and know their X's and O's and defensive schemes can help me out. It just seemed to me that Indy's defense actually had a "pretty smart" game plan. I say that b/c we were the top Passing team last year, we're a very very very very dangerous passing team. And what did they do? It looked to me that they wanted to shut us down and force us to run the ball. Our rushing game is the weakest (30th in nfl last year?)... they wanted to make us beat them by running the ball, they weren't going to let Schaub beat them.

So, it kinda seems with their defensive strategy that they were willing to give up some rushing yards to us. The good news is we ran with it (pun intended) and capitalized on this. Again, I don't want to discount anything our offense did, but I wouldn't count on 231 yard rushing games every week.

The good news: After today all the other teams know that we've got a ground attack. If the let us run on them... we can and we will. This is only going to open up the passing attack more.

Definitely. The Colts looked at the tape on us and their plan was to "give" us the run and focus everything on getting after Schaub and taking AJ away. That was a big reason why the INT happened. Dennison expected the Colts to start honoring the run more but they didn't and they left that safety back.

So, Dennison and Kubes came up with the perfect counter strategy: take what they're giving. They gave us the run, so we took it.

We probably won't see that sort of defense again because we've shown everyone that if you load up against our pass, we'll kill you with the run. This is going to be keeping a lot of teams a lot more honest against us and this should only be good for us. We probably won't run for another 200 yards but, otoh, we probably won't throw for only 100 yards again. Schaub's probably not going to throw for 4770 yards again this year, but he's probably not going to have to.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by TheCD

I'm not a very big basketball fan, but I've got a friend who's a Bulls fan and eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. He always tells me that the way you stop Kobe is by letting him score his points. If you shut down his supporting cast, he'll get stats that look good, but he won't score enough points on his own to beat you.

My biggest concern yesterday was with the pass protection. Matt was lucky he didn't turn the ball over twice, and he was getting blasted. That has me a little worried because most (if not almost all) of the defense we face the rest of the year will be much bigger than the Colts. The Colts are built for speed and can be manhandled by our small line. I don't think others can so easily.

The sack Dwight F. got was all on Duane Brown. He was just caught napping I guess but it happens. Freek has made many guys look like they were home asleep in their bed. Over all I was very impressed by our Oline.