Postgame thoughts after DVR review of Oakland game

[dalemurphy]

I got in trouble with Barrett when I declared the game over at 31-14 only to see things get a little hairy in the fourth quarter. Overall, though, I was happy with the performance and I think the Texans showed their versatility and mental toughness. Here are some thoughts:

1. Rashod Butler is a highly servicable backup tackle. He doesn’t excel at anything. However, he also is never beat badly. Schaub never has to worry about getting hit from the blind side before his internal clock alerts him with Butler at LT. After about 3 seconds then he can pretty much expect Butler’s man to be slowly collapsing the pocket but probably still engaged with Rashad. Can’t ask for more than that from a backup! Also, Butler had a couple key back side cut blocks on some of the big zone runs, particularly on the 74 yard TD. On that play, both he and Wade Smith, cut the entire back side of the D-Line, allowing Foster and Leach a lot of room to operate in.

2. Great guard play yesterday! Wade Smith was excellent and Caldwell/Brisiel combined to have an absolutely dominate performance at RG.

3. Amobi Okoye’s ankle is healthy. CONTINUE READING

[NitroGSXR]

Pollard needs to stop hitting QBs so danged hard!

[Houston_Fanatic]

Great analysis, as usual dalemurphy.

I liked how we came out throwing (didn't know at the time Foster had been benched). It seems like it takes Schaub some time to find a rhythm and when they start out with runnign the ball a lot at first he doesn't get that chance.

I also liked some of the offensive plays I saw. I heard they had to use some different plays because of missing some key players but I think they should do that more often.

[Houston_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by NitroHonda

Pollard needs to stop hitting QBs so danged hard!

I disagree. I want opposing QB's to be worried about Pollard back there and get into their heads.

[m5kwatts]

I think you're understating Antonio's performance. Wow. I must've rewatched his first sack of the game 10 times. He beats Loper off the line before Loper can even lift up his head. Literally, Antonio was tackling Gradkowski as Loper finally raised his head. That's called 5yr/$35 million dollar $12.5 million guaranteed burst off the line.

Also for as bad as Diles was, particularly vs. the tight end, he made a key play coming free on a blitz in the 2nd half. I remember it being a crucial forced incompletion.

[Hardcore Texan]

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

I got in trouble with Barrett when I declared the game over at 31-14 only to see things get a little hairy in the fourth quarter. Overall, though, I was happy with the performance and I think the Texans showed their versatility and mental toughness. Here are some thoughts:

1. Rashod Butler is a highly servicable backup tackle. He doesn’t excel at anything. However, he also is never beat badly. Schaub never has to worry about getting hit from the blind side before his internal clock alerts him with Butler at LT. After about 3 seconds then he can pretty much expect Butler’s man to be slowly collapsing the pocket but probably still engaged with Rashad. Can’t ask for more than that from a backup! Also, Butler had a couple key back side cut blocks on some of the big zone runs, particularly on the 74 yard TD. On that play, both he and Wade Smith, cut the entire back side of the D-Line, allowing Foster and Leach a lot of room to operate in.

2. Great guard play yesterday! Wade Smith was excellent and Caldwell/Brisiel combined to have an absolutely dominate performance at RG.

3. Amobi Okoye’s ankle is healthy. CONTINUE READING

I enjoyed reading that. I added your blog to my favorites.

[El Tejano]

Was Ogunleye on the opposite sides when Mario and Smith lined up on the same side?

[El Tejano]

Originally Posted by Houston_Fanatic

I disagree. I want opposing QB's to be worried about Pollard back there and get into their heads.

Especially ones that like to take off and run it...hint hint!

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by El Tejano

Was Ogunleye on the opposite sides when Mario and Smith lined up on the same side?

Yes, both times Ogunleye was on the opposite side.

[silvrhand]

Originally Posted by m5kwatts

I think you're understating Antonio's performance. Wow. I must've rewatched his first sack of the game 10 times. He beats Loper off the line before Loper can even lift up his head. Literally, Antonio was tackling Gradkowski as Loper finally raised his head. That's called 5yr/$35 million dollar $12.5 million guaranteed burst off the line.

Also for as bad as Diles was, particularly vs. the tight end, he made a key play coming free on a blitz in the 2nd half. I remember it being a crucial forced incompletion.

In my opinion Antonio Smith is the most consistent player on the DL right now.

[Section516]

MW has been pretty money to date..

[silvrhand]

Originally Posted by Section516

MW has been pretty money to date..

Not going to get into this, but sorry Mario needs to learn how to bring his A game every game then I'll be glad to give him his props.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Nice analysis and observations as usual.

[Section516]

Originally Posted by silvrhand

Not going to get into this, but sorry Mario needs to learn how to bring his A game every game then I'll be glad to give him his props.

This Season he seems to be bringing it every game so far...Sack per game (intentional grounding by Romo avoiding his in that game)

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by Section516

This Season he seems to be bringing it every game so far...Sack per game (intentional grounding by Romo avoiding his in that game)

I'm not attempting to discount Mario. That being said, A. Smith's energy is consistently higher and his ability and willingness to move around the entire d-line, allows Frank Bush to scheme pressure. Many of Mario's sacks this season are largely due to Antonio Smith's pressure when he lines up at DT.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

I'm not attempting to discount Mario. That being said, A. Smith's energy is consistently higher and his ability and willingness to move around the entire d-line, allows Frank Bush to scheme pressure. Many of Mario's sacks this season are largely due to Antonio Smith's pressure when he lines up at DT.

I think effort is very difficult for fans to judge. Smith looks peripatetic out there but that doesn't necessarily translate to a higher effort. He isn't as naturally gifted as Mario and uses a more hurried style to achieve what he does. Definitely agree Smith's performance helps Mario (and vice versa).

[DexmanC]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

I think effort is very difficult for fans to judge. Smith looks peripatetic out there but that doesn't necessarily translate to a higher effort. He isn't as naturally gifted as Mario and uses a more hurried style to achieve what he does. Definitely agree Smith's performance helps Mario (and vice versa).

This is definitely the case. Get two people to perform an activity. The guy
with high talent will be more productive, while looking like he's not trying at all.

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by DexmanC

This is definitely the case. Get two people to perform an activity. The guy
with high talent will be more productive, while looking like he's not trying at all.

I understand the point but do not entirely agree with it. I'm not comparing Mario's good plays with Smith's good plays. I'm referencing the plays where Mario is content to hand slap a TE or tackle while Smith is constantly working for an advantage on almost every play. That is what I'm referring to when I say "consistent energy". I'm not trying to bash Mario, though. Genuinely, it is an attempt to accomodate A.Smith.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

I'm not comparing Mario's good plays with Smith's good plays. I'm referencing the plays where Mario is content to hand slap a TE or tackle while Smith is constantly working for an advantage on almost every play.

When Mario sees that he's not going to get to the QB he tends to start playing the scramble or trying to get into position to jump up and possibly tip a ball.

I am almost positive that if the coaches told Mario to relentlessly go after the QB on every play he would play a bit differently.

But Mario is better against the run and he recognizes screens better than Smith.

If you look at the long screen pass that McFadden had early in the game (may have been their first drive) Mario feels McFadden release and he almost gets there to stop the play.

Basically, I think that Mario is a little more cerebral while Smith is a go, go, go guy.

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by Rey

When Mario sees that he's not going to get to the QB he tends to start playing the scramble or trying to get into position to jump up and possibly tip a ball.

I am almost positive that if the coaches told Mario to relentlessly go after the QB on every play he would play a bit differently.

But Mario is better against the run and he recognizes screens better than Smith.

If you look at the long screen pass that McFadden had early in the game (may have been their first drive) Mario feels McFadden release and he almost gets there to stop the play.

Basically, I think that Mario is a little more cerebral while Smith is a go, go, go guy.

I agree with basically all you are saying, but I think I am being misunderstood a little bit. I'm not suggesting that Smith is a better pass rusher. I am suggesting that through the first month, the combination of Smith's versatility (moving him all over the line) and his relentlessness has been the biggest key to the improvement of the pass defense.