Can Leinart Lead texans to the play-offs ?

[EllisUnit]

A pretty good video by the NFL Network.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/houston-texans/09000d5d8246a237/Can-Leinart-lead-Texans-to-playoffs

 

[EllisUnit]

Warren Sapp who is usually really positive about the texans, sure dont sound very confident about Leinart.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

None of those guys believe that Leinart is a guy who can come in and win games. They don't think that Leinart is a QB that can carry a team.

Kurt Warner didn't want to come out and diss Leinart. But all he gave him was "he can be a game manager."

Sapp got totally ticked off that people seemed to think that was a good idea. But Sapp's problem is that he thinks you've got to be Brett Favre to win a SB. How many SBs did Brett Favre win? How many did Trent Dilfer win? How many did Marino win?

You can win a SB as a game manager. It's been done. The whole Dolphin approach to football back in the 70's with Griese at the helm was about managing the game. Brady started off as a game manager. Aikman's approach was more as a game manager.

We haven't seen Leinart do anything in this offense, yet. Maybe he will suck and cost us games. Maybe he'll kick ass and be better than Schaub. It's all speculation until we see him on the field. And not just in his first game. We've got to see him play a few before we'll know what we have with him.

 

[TdotTexas2Step]

You can't really blame the lack of confidence people have in Leinart. There's a number of people on this board - dedicated fans who are emotionally invested in the group - who aren't comfortable at all with the idea of Matt taking the reins, so I can only imagine it's not difficult for others to not really have faith either.

Media members doubted this team before the season started (justified) and we managed to show them otherwise, it's Leinart's turn now.

 

[Pantherstang84]

You can't really blame the lack of confidence people have in Leinart. There's a number of people on this board - dedicated fans who are too emotionally invested in the group - who aren't comfortable at all with the idea of Matt taking the reins, so I can only imagine it's not difficult for others to not really have faith either.

Media members doubted this team before the season started (justified) and we managed to show them otherwise, it's Leinart's turn now.

FIFY There isn't anything fans can do about the QB situation. What's done is done. Leinart is now the Texans QB. He'll either sink or swim and worrying about it won't affect the situation at all.

 

[steelbtexan]

None of those guys believe that Leinart is a guy who can come in and win games. They don't think that Leinart is a QB that can carry a team.

Kurt Warner didn't want to come out and diss Leinart. But all he gave him was "he can be a game manager."

Sapp got totally ticked off that people seemed to think that was a good idea. But Sapp's problem is that he thinks you've got to be Brett Favre to win a SB. How many SBs did Brett Favre win? How many did Trent Dilfer win? How many did Marino win?

You can win a SB as a game manager. It's been done. The whole Dolphin approach to football back in the 70's with Griese at the helm was about managing the game. Brady started off as a game manager. Aikman's approach was more as a game manager.

We haven't seen Leinart do anything in this offense, yet. Maybe he will suck and cost us games. Maybe he'll kick ass and be better than Schaub. It's all speculation until we see him on the field. And not just in his first game. We've got to see him play a few before we'll know what we have with him.

Yeah, but Warner not really supporting Leinart really bothers me, that and the fact that when Carroll needed a starting QB he chose Jackson over Leinhart in FA. Who knows Leinhart could've really improved in the last 1.5 yrs under Gary. We know that Leinhart has performed excellently in big games at USC. So the stage wont be to big for him.

There is hope, but as was said before the season started, if Schaub goes down the Texans are in trouble, just like the other 31 teams in the NFL losing their starting QB. But the bright side is the Texans have already played the tough part of their schedule and will make the playoffs. The sad thing is that with Schaub they had an outside chance of winning a SB.

Now not quite so much

 

[ObsiWan]

Warren Sapp who is usually really positive about the texans, sure dont sound very confident about Leinart.

You can't really blame the lack of confidence people have in Leinart. There's a number of people on this board - dedicated fans who are emotionally invested in the group - who aren't comfortable at all with the idea of Matt taking the reins, so I can only imagine it's not difficult for others to not really have faith either.

Media members doubted this team before the season started (justified) and we managed to show them otherwise, it's Leinart's turn now.

There's nothing new here. They're saying the same thing a lot of posters are saying: "Show me what you got, Mr. Leinart. You busted out of AZ, have you learned and grown as a QB or are you the same guy who Whisenhut hated and tried at every turn to replace?"

Three more days and we all find out.

 

[SheTexan]

Just keep on believing in our TEAM my friends!! It takes a TEAM to win a game, not just one player. Kubes will send in a play, ML will have to execute it, and our players will have to follow through. They ALL do their job we will be fine. We don't need hero's (Payton Manning) we just need our boys to do what they have done best so far, play the game of football with their heart, soul, and every fiber of their poor beat up bodies!!!

It's not over till it's over guys!! We ain't done yet!!

 

[KA4Texan]

None of those guys believe that Leinart is a guy who can come in and win games. They don't think that Leinart is a QB that can carry a team.

Kurt Warner didn't want to come out and diss Leinart. But all he gave him was "he can be a game manager."

Sapp got totally ticked off that people seemed to think that was a good idea. But Sapp's problem is that he thinks you've got to be Brett Favre to win a SB. How many SBs did Brett Favre win? How many did Trent Dilfer win? How many did Marino win?

You can win a SB as a game manager. It's been done. The whole Dolphin approach to football back in the 70's with Griese at the helm was about managing the game. Brady started off as a game manager. Aikman's approach was more as a game manager.

We haven't seen Leinart do anything in this offense, yet. Maybe he will suck and cost us games. Maybe he'll kick ass and be better than Schaub. It's all speculation until we see him on the field. And not just in his first game. We've got to see him play a few before we'll know what we have with him.

Lucky for us, our team doesn't need carrying by one man.

IF our team had a white helmet with a blue horseshoe and our QB was #18 I would worry, but we aren't the Colts, Schaub is not PM and our team is NOT focused solely on him.

THIS is why I am not saying we are doomed, as long as Foster and Tate stay healthy and as long as the spot holder we place at QB isnt being paid to throw the game and Kubiak stays out of his own way, we should be fine.

I could be wrong, but I refuse to believe otherwise until I at least see him play.

 

[DX-TEX]

After 10 years of a nervous twitch with this team I find it funny that RIGHT NOW I have absolute confidence Leinart will be fine and actually show some "experts" up.

Matt is saying the right things, carrying himself properly and has an air of confidence.

That or:

 

[thunderkyss]

Warren Sapp who is usually really positive about the texans, sure dont sound very confident about Leinart.

I don't think Sapp has any real feelings either way about Leinart or the Texans. He usually takes the opposite stance, I think, to add balance to the conversation.

Though we probably would prefer a Texans sunshine conference, most viewers probably appreciate the opposing view.

Sapp is correct though, Leinart is going to have to make plays. While Jacksonville's offense makes this the "perfect" game to start Leinart's resurrected career, their defense is going to test him.

Our run game is most likely not going to control this game. No run, makes the boots "dangerous" to run...... all they have to do is keep their backside contain honest, wait for the cutback or get upfield.

So while many think a play similar to the opening play against Tampa Bay is the way to go, I think a traditional PA from the pocket would be the way to go.

 

[thunderkyss]

You can win a SB as a game manager. It's been done. The whole Dolphin approach to football back in the 70's with Griese at the helm was about managing the game. Brady started off as a game manager. Aikman's approach was more as a game manager.

Add Rothlisberger(sp) to the list. Sanchez managed his team to the AFC Championship game twice. & Alex Smith is taking the 49ers where we want to go as a manager.

Schaub got us to 7-3 as a game manager.

 

[thunderkyss]

Yeah, but Warner not really supporting Leinart really bothers me, that and the fact that when Carroll needed a starting QB he chose Jackson over Leinhart in FA. Who knows Leinhart could've really improved in the last 1.5 yrs under Gary. We know that Leinhart has performed excellently in big games at USC. So the stage wont be to big for him.

Who knows what happened with Seattle. Right now, the story is that Matt chose Houston over Seattle. Carroll may have been playing mind games telling Leinart he was going to have to compete & Matt decided he'd rather play Kubiak's mind games instead of Carroll's. He may have never liked Carroll to begin with.

There is hope, but as was said before the season started, if Schaub goes down the Texans are in trouble, just like the other 31 teams in the NFL losing their starting QB. But the bright side is the Texans have already played the tough part of their schedule and will make the playoffs. The sad thing is that with Schaub they had an outside chance of winning a SB.

Now not quite so much

Now, it's up in the air. This team is a lot better than any of us thought it would be at this time. #1 defense in the NFL & that's after going head to head with the #2, 3, & 5 defenses.

Arian Foster & Ben Tate..... we had hopes, but damn!!!!

The offensive line is flat out balling.

& Andre is coming back.

Mark Sanchez took his team to the AFC Championship game twice & the AFC doesn't look quite as formidable as it once had. There isn't one team going to the AFC play-offs that is hands down better than the Texans assuming Leinart isn't the absolute worse QB to ever play the game.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Who knows what happened with Seattle. Right now, the story is that Matt chose Houston over Seattle. Carroll may have been playing mind games telling Leinart he was going to have to compete & Matt decided he'd rather play Kubiak's mind games instead of Carroll's. He may have never liked Carroll to begin with.

The Eisen Podcast had some stuff on this that was very revealing that I hadn't thought about.

Leinart said that with the old Viking's offensive coordinator coming in, he (Matt) would have to learn a completely new offense. And the fact that the lockout was making this an offseason where he wouldn't have as much opportunity to learn that offense bothered him. Combine that to the fact that they were getting Tarvaris Jackson who already knew the offense and Matt didn't think he had much of a shot of winning the job.

The circumstances just conspired against him or he would have gone.

I think that was a very mature and studied way to look at it.

 

[thunderkyss]

The Eisen Podcast had some stuff on this that was very revealing that I hadn't thought about.

Leinart said that with the old Viking's offensive coordinator coming in, he (Matt) would have to learn a completely new offense. And the fact that the lockout was making this an offseason where he wouldn't have as much opportunity to learn that offense bothered him. Combine that to the fact that they were getting Tarvaris Jackson who already knew the offense and Matt didn't think he had much of a shot of winning the job.

The circumstances just conspired against him or he would have gone.

I think that was a very mature and studied way to look at it.

So it was Matt's decision & not Carroll chosing another "QB" over him.

I think that is an important distinction here.

 

[EllisUnit]

Who knows what happened with Seattle. Right now, the story is that Matt chose Houston over Seattle. Carroll may have been playing mind games telling Leinart he was going to have to compete & Matt decided he'd rather play Kubiak's mind games instead of Carroll's. He may have never liked Carroll to begin with.



Now, it's up in the air. This team is a lot better than any of us thought it would be at this time. #1 defense in the NFL & that's after going head to head with the #2, 3, & 5 defenses.

Arian Foster & Ben Tate..... we had hopes, but damn!!!!

The offensive line is flat out balling.

& Andre is coming back.

Mark Sanchez took his team to the AFC Championship game twice & the AFC doesn't look quite as formidable as it once had. There isn't one team going to the AFC play-offs that is hands down better than the Texans assuming Leinart isn't the absolute worse QB to ever play the game.

I def have to agree with this. I think when we had Schaub we were for sure the #1 AFC team, even with Leinart i think we're still close. Hopefully our running game and defense can carry us to a lombardi trophy

 

[b0ng]

I think Leinart's decision to stick with Houston in the offseason rather than go to Seattle doesn't bother me. That team is just not nearly as good as the Texans, and while he may have familiarity with the coach up there it might be just as well for him that he didn't take that job. What if he did win the starters position? He might fail just by the team that's around him, I mean who is Seattle's best WR, Sydney Rice? What's their running game made up of, Marshawn Lynch?

Leinart's past history in AZ? Yeah that bothers me a whole lot, and I just hope that he can overcome it.

 

[TexanSam]

None of those guys believe that Leinart is a guy who can come in and win games. They don't think that Leinart is a QB that can carry a team.

Kurt Warner didn't want to come out and diss Leinart. But all he gave him was "he can be a game manager."

That kinda bugs me because Kurt Warner knows Leinart from their days in Arizona. Sapp and the others never played with Leinart so they're judging him based on his past experience.

But no one, not even Warner though, can know how he's going to do. He's been with us for a year and a half now, so the only ones who know if he's matured as a player are the guys in our locker room. They know what kind of work ethic he has. They know if he's put in the extra time. All we can do is hope that he has and show it on the field the next six weeks. Kubiak didn't go out and get another backup to replace Leinart so I think that's a positive sign. We just gotta hope he's right. I'm excited and anxious about Sunday.

 

[DocBar]

That kinda bugs me because Kurt Warner knows Leinart from their days in Arizona. Sapp and the others never played with Leinart so they're judging him based on his past experience.

But no one, not even Warner though, can know how he's going to do. He's been with us for a year and a half now, so the only ones who know if he's matured as a player are the guys in our locker room. They know what kind of work ethic he has. They know if he's put in the extra time. All we can do is hope that he has and show it on the field the next six weeks. Kubiak didn't go out and get another backup to replace Leinart so I think that's a positive sign. We just gotta hope he's right. I'm excited and anxious about Sunday.

Warner knows Leinart as a pretty boy jock who was owed everything while Warner took a rather circuitious route to the NFL. There's more dynamics between the two than their time in Arizona. Warner is pretty much a poster child for UDFA's making good, but I believe that also colors his opinions to some degree. "I was a stocker in a grocery store, you were a top 10 pick and now I'm a Hall of Famer!" comes into play.
Warner wasn't around for Leinart's epiphone and subsequent dedication to his craft. I believe that Schaub deliverd that epiphone and took the time to show Leinart how to prepare as an NFL QB. Warner was too worried about his own career to do that. Schaub knew he had the support of the franchise, so he wasn't threatened by Leinart. Hopefully that changes over the next 8 or so weeks while we're on our inaugeral Super Bowl run.

 

[TexanSam]

Warner knows Leinart as a pretty boy jock who was owed everything while Warner took a rather circuitious route to the NFL. There's more dynamics between the two than their time in Arizona. Warner is pretty much a poster child for UDFA's making good, but I believe that also colors his opinions to some degree. "I was a stocker in a grocery store, you were a top 10 pick and now I'm a Hall of Famer!" comes into play.
Warner wasn't around for Leinart's epiphone and subsequent dedication to his craft. I believe that Schaub deliverd that epiphone and took the time to show Leinart how to prepare as an NFL QB. Warner was too worried about his own career to do that. Schaub knew he had the support of the franchise, so he wasn't threatened by Leinart. Hopefully that changes over the next 8 or so weeks while we're on our inaugeral Super Bowl run.

I don't remember where I read or heard this, but someone said that Leinart had already started developing good work habits while in Arizona. I'll see if I can dig up the source. That may be what bothers me more about Warner's comments. If he started to pick up good habits while with the Cards and Warner still think he can be a game manager at best then does that mean he's not any good? Or maybe Warner just doesn't like Leinart for personal reasons? It's all guessing games at this point. I just want Sunday to get here so we can start to find out one way or another!

 

[thunderkyss]

Leinart's past history in AZ? Yeah that bothers me a whole lot, and I just hope that he can overcome it.

What happened in Arizona doesn't bother me at all. That team had/has more wholes than they realized. I think Warner was able to overcome all the deficiencies, which says more about Warner than it does about Leinart.

He performed as well as anyone could have expected him to his rookie season, then broke his collar bone his sophomore season.

Warner came in & stole the job (not in a bad way on Warner's part). Then when Warner left, everyone expected Leinart to step in & keep it going.

Leinart isn't Warner & never will be, totally different type of QB. He's more like Schaub & this team is better suited for him than AZ...

I'm genuinely anxious to see Leinart this Sunday. I think he's going to shock the world.

 

[b0ng]

I don't remember where I read or heard this, but someone said that Leinart had already started developing good work habits while in Arizona. I'll see if I can dig up the source. That may be what bothers me more about Warner's comments. If he started to pick up good habits while with the Cards and Warner still think he can be a game manager at best then does that mean he's not any good? Or maybe Warner just doesn't like Leinart for personal reasons? It's all guessing games at this point. I just want Sunday to get here so we can start to find out one way or another!

Who knows what Warner has going through his head. With his words he is implying that the Texans don't need to make Leinart into a franchise QB, and that Leinart isn't going to turn into one of those either. Not everybody can be a competent game manager, and really I don't think Leinart would be better off trying to make plays. Now whether Warners interactions with Leinart have shaped his opinion in a way that can't be turned until he sees improvement on the field is another matter, but I don't think Warner was going out of his way to break Leinart down on that segment.

My big concern with Leinart has to do with turnovers. Maybe he threw those interceptions because it was on him to make plays with those WR's. Maybe he won't have as many INT's because the plays will be made more by the offensive line and RB's, maybe he will have many INT's. Really though the speculation about whether he can be a game manager, or a high level pro is just that, speculation. We probably won't really know what we have under center until he's played a few games.

One thing we do know, is that he will probably throw a pass on his first snap, cause that's just how Gary K. rolls.

What happened in Arizona doesn't bother me at all. That team had/has more wholes than they realized. I think Warner was able to overcome all the deficiencies, which says more about Warner than it does about Leinart.

He performed as well as anyone could have expected him to his rookie season, then broke his collar bone his sophomore season.

Warner came in & stole the job (not in a bad way on Warner's part). Then when Warner left, everyone expected Leinart to step in & keep it going.

Leinart isn't Warner & never will be, totally different type of QB. He's more like Schaub & this team is better suited for him than AZ...

I'm genuinely anxious to see Leinart this Sunday. I think he's going to shock the world.

Meh, I'm kind of a believer that if you have true talent you can make bad situations work somewhat, and Leinart didn't seem to be making AZ work for him. Whether his coach hated him, or he was in the wrong system or what have you, I think he was a bad QB in Arizona. Now we've seen players have strong second acts on different teams, so it's not out of this realm that he is a really talented QB that was just in a bad situation. However, his first act was pretty bad, and that's what kind of worries me, especially all the INT's.

I tell you who is a lot more anxious than I am to watch the game on Sunday: Every female family member of mine that watches football. Apparently he uses the same number as Brad Ausmas who was also, a bit of a heart throb.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

People throw around the "game manager" tag like it's a bad thing. I don't see that it is. A game manager takes what the defense is giving him and doesn't make any stupid plays to turn the ball over. I don't see that as a sin.

I don't know what happened in Arizona. I don't think Wisenhunt really wanted Leinart. I don't think Warner ever personally liked Leinart. And I think when Leinart was with Wisenhunt (and Warner), he had a bad attitude and he didn't study enough. But I don't know.

But I think that Leinart has learned a lot from working with Schaub. Eric Winston has said that Leinart has pretty much been following Schaub around like a little brother, doing everything he does. And that includes coming in at 6AM to study tape... something Leinart DIDN'T do in Arizona.

And I really get the feeling that the players are expecting Leinart to come in and kick ass. Not just be a game manager, but to rekindle that USC magic.

 

[b0ng]

People throw around the "game manager" tag like it's a bad thing. I don't see that it is. A game manager takes what the defense is giving him and doesn't make any stupid plays to turn the ball over. I don't see that as a sin.

I don't know what happened in Arizona. I don't think Wisenhunt really wanted Leinart. I don't think Warner ever personally liked Leinart. And I think when Leinart was with Wisenhunt (and Warner), he had a bad attitude and he didn't study enough. But I don't know.

But I think that Leinart has learned a lot from working with Schaub. Eric Winston has said that Leinart has pretty much been following Schaub around like a little brother, doing everything he does. And that includes coming in at 6AM to study tape... something Leinart DIDN'T do in Arizona.

And I really get the feeling that the players are expecting Leinart to come in and kick ass. Not just be a game manager, but to rekindle that USC magic.

Well I think that if the said player (Matt Leinart) actually shows some good habits while working with the rest of the offense, then that gives a better overall feeling to the rest of the offense. Judging from quotes from various Texans, that's what is happening, however none of this garuntees heisman-winner Leinart for the Texans. Eric Winston could be just as surprised as us if Leinart has a multi-turnover game.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

People throw around the "game manager" tag like it's a bad thing. I don't see that it is. A game manager takes what the defense is giving him and doesn't make any stupid plays to turn the ball over. I don't see that as a sin.

I don't know what happened in Arizona. I don't think Wisenhunt really wanted Leinart. I don't think Warner ever personally liked Leinart. And I think when Leinart was with Wisenhunt (and Warner), he had a bad attitude and he didn't study enough. But I don't know.

But I think that Leinart has learned a lot from working with Schaub. Eric Winston has said that Leinart has pretty much been following Schaub around like a little brother, doing everything he does. And that includes coming in at 6AM to study tape... something Leinart DIDN'T do in Arizona.

And I really get the feeling that the players are expecting Leinart to come in and kick ass. Not just be a game manager, but to rekindle that USC magic.

I kinda want to add to this that if you look at the 6 or so weeks, Schuab largley has been a "game manager." The Texans have won mostly because of defense and the running game with a key throw here or there. IMO, Leinert at his best is no different that Schaub at his best. Now, can we get the out Leinert is a real, legitimate question.

In terms of making the playoffs, the Texans probably need to win 3 more since I don't see Tennessee winning 10, especially the Tacks have already lost 5 (and are behind on the tie-breakers at the moment).

 

[Grams]

My first throught after hearing that Schaub was probably out for the rest of the season is "We're Screwed".

I am not now, nor have I ever been a Leinart fan. I was not impressed by his showing in pre-season. I think Yates has more upside and will be better at some point.

But the more I read and think about this, I think Leinart can do the job. This is not last years Texans. We are not asking him to be Brady or Manning. We just need him to be himself. We have the team around him on both sides of the ball. If there is one thing that Kubiak does very, very well is training QB's and designing an offensive system that they work in very well. If Kubiak did not see something in Leinart, they probably would not have re-signed him this year. If Leinart did not see something in Kubiak and the Texans, he probably would not have come back.

This is Leinart's oportunity to show the world that he is not the bust most people think. As long as he keeps his head in the game and does not pull a "Rosencopter" he can do that. He has the physical tools, he just needs to keep his head on straight and we will be just fine.

 

[Thorn]

Of course Leinart can lead the Texans to the play offs. A monkey handing the ball off can lead the Texans to the playoffs because all we have to do is win a few games against the worthless teams left on our schedule. With our RBs and defense we can do that with Leinart or Yates or what-his-name we just signed.

The real question is what can Leinart do for us once we get into the playoffs. Buy that time he'll have six games under his belt, has shaken the rust off, and is ready for a playoff run. If not, Yates or that other guy will our QB by then.

For now, I'm mixing the kool aid with my coffee and cheering on Matty Hot Tub as our future. In any case we'll have a lot of questions answered this Sunday.

 

[ObsiWan]

The Eisen Podcast had some stuff on this that was very revealing that I hadn't thought about.

Leinart said that with the old Viking's offensive coordinator coming in, he (Matt) would have to learn a completely new offense. And the fact that the lockout was making this an offseason where he wouldn't have as much opportunity to learn that offense bothered him. Combine that to the fact that they were getting Tarvaris Jackson who already knew the offense and Matt didn't think he had much of a shot of winning the job.

The circumstances just conspired against him or he would have gone.

I think that was a very mature and studied way to look at it.

Given those factors, I'm pretty sure I would have made the same call Leinart did. To go to Seattle and start over learning a completely new offense would have probably amounted to a set back. He already had a year under his belt with Kubiak's offense, why waste it by going to Seattle? And on top of that, we have a much better team? I see very few positives for Leinart to going to Seattle.

 

[thunderkyss]

Of course Leinart can lead the Texans to the play offs. A monkey handing the ball off can lead the Texans to the playoffs because all we have to do is win a few games against the worthless teams left on our schedule. With our RBs and defense we can do that with Leinart or Yates or what-his-name we just signed.

Rushing Defense ypa

1. Baltimore
2. Cincinnati
3. San Francisco
4. Seattle
5. Miami
6. Minnesota
7. Atlanta
8. Denver
9. Arizona
10. New York Jets
11. Jacksonville

Our remaining schedule

1. Jacksonville
2. Atlanta
3. Cincinnati
4. Carolina
5. Indianapolis
6. Tennessee

At home, we had trouble running against Jacksonville. Now we're going to have to do it on the road.

We're going to need our QB to make a few plays.

 

[Thorn]

At home, we had trouble running against Jacksonville. Now we're going to have to do it on the road.

We're going to need our QB to make a few plays.

At the most extreme example possible, let's say the Titans go 5-1 the rest of the season, their only loss being to the Texans in the final game. That puts them at 10-6 for the year with the Texans holding the tie breaker. All the Texans have to do is win 3 of 6, one of those being the Titans.

But the Titans aren't going to go 5-1 over their last 6 games. More than likely, they'll go 3-3 at best. If they go 3-3 making them 8-8 for the season, all the Texans have to do is lose the next five games but beat the Titans in the final for an 8-8 owning the tie breaker.

The Texans are going to the playoffs no matter who the QB is.

 

[ObsiWan]

At home, we had trouble running against Jacksonville. Now we're going to have to do it on the road.

We're going to need our QB to make a few plays.

Actually, I wouldn't be at all surprised if we didn't start out attacking them thru the air with WR and/or TE screens and some quick slants to AJ to keep them from stacking 8 in the box; especially with their secondary being somewhat depleted. Should those be successful, the running game will open up.

 

[ubecool454]

Warren Sapp who is usually really positive about the texans, sure dont sound very confident about Leinart.

Don't listen to Sapp etc because Leinhart doesn't relly have to "carry" this team. Schaub didn"t "carry" this team. Leinhart is not going to be put in a position by the coaching staff to fail. I liked this guy when he was at USC and I'm confident that he will be just fine with all the talent he has around him.

 

[ubecool454]

My first throught after hearing that Schaub was probably out for the rest of the season is "We're Screwed".

I am not now, nor have I ever been a Leinart fan. I was not impressed by his showing in pre-season. I think Yates has more upside and will be better at some point.

But the more I read and think about this, I think Leinart can do the job. This is not last years Texans. We are not asking him to be Brady or Manning. We just need him to be himself. We have the team around him on both sides of the ball. If there is one thing that Kubiak does very, very well is training QB's and designing an offensive system that they work in very well. If Kubiak did not see something in Leinart, they probably would not have re-signed him this year. If Leinart did not see something in Kubiak and the Texans, he probably would not have come back.

This is Leinart's oportunity to show the world that he is not the bust most people think. As long as he keeps his head in the game and does not pull a "Rosencopter" he can do that. He has the physical tools, he just needs to keep his head on straight and we will be just fine.

Yates?.......Man if my brother who is a big UNC Tarheels fan and goes to most of there games was to hear you speak highly of Yates he might just start laughing. Yates needs some time to learn and thats not saying he is not going to be a good QB but right now I don't want to even find out if he is ready.

 

[Vinny]

3rd and long is the key. I think Leinart can do the stretch play action stuff as well as Schaub, can manage the game as well as Schaub and will do quite well when in normal down and distance situations. However, every game has 2nd and 3rd and long. Leinart has to be able to stand in the pocket in a hot rush and make cool, level headed decisions. This is what will tell us how much of a factor the Texans will be against the better teams in the league (playoffs). If Leinart can handle unfavorable down and distance situations, this team can go a long way. If not, we're likely one and done in the playoffs.

 

[Double Barrel]

After 10 years of a nervous twitch with this team I find it funny that RIGHT NOW I have absolute confidence Leinart will be fine and actually show some "experts" up.

I agree with this take. I am usually fairly cynical about these things, but for some odd reason, I'm not sweating Leinart taking the reigns at QB. With our D and running game, dude just has to avoid costly mistakes and make a play here and there to convert.

I think Leinart's decision to stick with Houston in the offseason rather than go to Seattle doesn't bother me. That team is just not nearly as good as the Texans, and while he may have familiarity with the coach up there it might be just as well for him that he didn't take that job. What if he did win the starters position? He might fail just by the team that's around him, I mean who is Seattle's best WR, Sydney Rice? What's their running game made up of, Marshawn Lynch?

Leinart's past history in AZ? Yeah that bothers me a whole lot, and I just hope that he can overcome it.

Seattle sucks. I don't blame Leinart for avoiding that franchise right now. And like has been said, without an off-season, it was a situation that was setting him up to fail. His best option was to stay in H-town and learn under Kubiak/Schaub and be ready if/when he got the chance to play.

That kinda bugs me because Kurt Warner knows Leinart from their days in Arizona. Sapp and the others never played with Leinart so they're judging him based on his past experience.

But no one, not even Warner though, can know how he's going to do. He's been with us for a year and a half now, so the only ones who know if he's matured as a player are the guys in our locker room. They know what kind of work ethic he has. They know if he's put in the extra time. All we can do is hope that he has and show it on the field the next six weeks. Kubiak didn't go out and get another backup to replace Leinart so I think that's a positive sign. We just gotta hope he's right. I'm excited and anxious about Sunday.

Warner is talking out of both sides of his mouth now. Last week he had some really positive things to say about Leinart, in terms of maturing and learning how to prepare as a QB.

To hear him be so wishy-washy now makes me wonder about Warner as an analyst...

 

[thunderkyss]

If not, we're likely one and done in the playoffs.

Just out of curiosity, does it make a difference between one & done in the wild-card round & one & done in the divisional round?

or is one & done, one & done?

 

[GP]

I'll be watching THIS guy from here on out. I like his toughness, his ability to take a hit but still deliver the ball on time and on target...and then to scrape himself up off the turf and do it all over again on the next snap.

Just don't know if he'll come out as a Junior, or stay one more year.

Keep Your Eye on #8 Today vs. LSU...

 

[ObsiWan]

I'll be watching THIS guy from here on out. I like his toughness, his ability to take a hit but still deliver the ball on time and on target...and then to scrape himself up off the turf and do it all over again on the next snap.

Just don't know if he'll come out as a Junior, or stay one more year.

Keep Your Eye on #8 Today vs. LSU...

Looks like he could use that additional year of experience.
Or maybe LSU is just >>>> than Ark.

 

[HJam72]

Just out of curiosity, does it make a difference between one & done in the wild-card round & one & done in the divisional round?

or is one & done, one & done?

I guess it does if you play well enough in the divisional round and barely lose. I mean you are losing to a better team that way. Otherwise, it's pretty much the same. For us, it would be nice that, if we get a bye, they let us play the Colts or somebody in Houston in the wild card round, LOL.

 

[Vinny]

Just out of curiosity, does it make a difference between one & done in the wild-card round & one & done in the divisional round?

or is one & done, one & done?

Not sure if I understand the question but isn't the purpose of the playoffs to determine the best team in the Conference? 12 teams get into the playoffs every year so if that makes your hat propeller twirl, it should be spinning like mad this season. If you want this team to be able to say its one of the top teams in the AFC then you have to beat someone in the playoffs. Anyone really. Other than that, eh...everyone gets into the playoffs here and there. Heck the Browns went one and done a few years ago...so what did that get them?

 

[thunderkyss]

Not sure if I understand the question but isn't the purpose of the playoffs to determine the best team in the Conference? 12 teams get into the playoffs every year so if that makes your hat propeller twirl, it should be spinning like mad this season. If you want this team to be able to say its one of the top teams in the AFC then you have to beat someone in the playoffs. Anyone really. Other than that, eh...everyone gets into the playoffs here and there. Heck the Browns went one and done a few years ago...so what did that get them?

I'm just asking a question Vinny, haven't said how I felt.

I thought the question was worth discussing. In your mind (& I'm sure several others) a win in the play-offs is the only thing that would make this season relevant.

I personally don't see how that tells us anything if we win in the Wild-Card round & lose in the divisional round. At least I don't see how it is any different than securing the first week bye (as the second seed) & losing that game.

My opinion, anything short of a strong AFC Championship appearance is underachieving for this team.

Am I deluded?

Let's just say it's been said before.

 

[ObsiWan]

Or it could mean that you ran into a hot team. Atlanta finished with the best record in the NFC last season (13-3) but were crushed, at home, by a hot GB squad.

Conversely, the Saints were beat by a 7-9 Seattle team who a lot of folks were saying shouldn't have been allowed in the playoffs with a below .500 record. Do you really think the Seahawks were a better team than the Saints?

That's the trouble, and the beauty, of the playoffs. You can limp in and catch fire and find yourself with a Super Bowl trophy or storm in with the best reg. season record but have a subpar day and get beat and end up going home.

 

[gary]

Or it could mean that you ran into a hot team. Atlanta finished with the best record in the NFC last season (13-3) but were crushed, at home, by a hot GB squad.

Conversely, the Saints were beat by a 7-9 Seattle team who a lot of folks were saying shouldn't have been allowed in the playoffs with a below .500 record. Do you really think the Seahawks were a better team than the Saints?

That's the trouble, and the beauty, of the playoffs. You can limp in and catch fire and find yourself with a Super Bowl trophy or storm in with the best reg. season record but have a subpar day and get beat and end up going home.

Ain't that the beauty of the playoffs?

 

[ObsiWan]

I'm just asking a question Vinny, haven't said how I felt.

I thought the question was worth discussing. In your mind (& I'm sure several others) a win in the play-offs is the only thing that would make this season relevant.

I personally don't see how that tells us anything if we win in the Wild-Card round & lose in the divisional round. At least I don't see how it is any different than securing the first week bye (as the second seed) & losing that game.

My opinion, anything short of a strong AFC Championship appearance is underachieving for this team.

Am I deluded?

Let's just say it's been said before.

Yes, you are. Especially since we have yet to see how this offense operates with Leinart at the controls. It's one thing to say Leinart can function in this offense, it's quite a leap to think he will be as proficient in it as the guy who has been running it for most of the past four years and has taken every snap and made every read for the past two and a half years.

Okay, maybe not deluded, but at least premature. Leinart hasn't taken a snap yet and you are insisting he produce a "strong AFC championship appearance".

 

[GP]

Looks like he could use that additional year of experience.
Or maybe LSU is just >>>> than Ark.

I think LSU looks like men among children out there. Right now, I think they're national champs unless some team can out-gameplan them AND catch them snoozing on their laurels.

Oklahoma State has come down to earth. Arkansas was #3 until they lost to LSU yesterday. And LSU has already beaten 'Bama.

I don't see anybody being able to beat them, but that's why they play the games and blah blah blah, etc., etc.

When Arkansas picked up the weird fumble that popped into the air, and took it to the house for a 14-0 lead on LSU, I thought it was Arkansas' day out there. It took one punt return to change the whole game. LSU is legit.

Or it could mean that you ran into a hot team. Atlanta finished with the best record in the NFC last season (13-3) but were crushed, at home, by a hot GB squad.

Conversely, the Saints were beat by a 7-9 Seattle team who a lot of folks were saying shouldn't have been allowed in the playoffs with a below .500 record. Do you really think the Seahawks were a better team than the Saints?

That's the trouble, and the beauty, of the playoffs. You can limp in and catch fire and find yourself with a Super Bowl trophy or storm in with the best reg. season record but have a subpar day and get beat and end up going home.

So true. So. True.

Outside of Green Bay, San Francisco (a team playing outside of their minds right now!) and maybe Ravens/Steelers, I don't see any other NFL team that the Texans would be challenged by.

A lot of football left to be played, and even hitting the playoffs the landscape can change dramatically...as you pointed out with the Seahawks upsetting the Saints last year. Anything is possible.

 

[pirbroke]

A Arizona forum perspective of the Leinart situation. A intersting read with fans and haters of the QB. They like to call him Mr checkdown.

http://forums.azcardinals.com/showthread.php?t=58990

 

[Thorn]

A Arizona forum perspective of the Leinart situation. A intersting read with fans and haters of the QB. They like to call him Mr checkdown.

http://forums.azcardinals.com/showthread.php?t=58990

Thanks for posting that link, it was a very interesting read. Below is one of the better posts IMO.

Whatever Matt does in Houston, he would not have been able to do it here. The O-Lines are a world apart, the play calling and schemes better, the running back duo is the best in the league, the Defense is tops in the NFL.

Matt is in a great situation now...too bad it had to come by injury but that was realistically the only way he was going to get another chance. I wish him well and am very curious to see how he does, but I won't compare what he does there to what could have been here.

 

[thunderkyss]

Found this from a poster with almost 11,000 posts.

DarthLlama
I bet he doesn't play long, if he doesn't get hurt he'll fake an injury.

It's pretty clear to me that Matt doesn't want to play, he wants to watch and get paid.

I found it interesting, as I've never heard anything like this about Matt before. He also said:

DarthLlama
Still, I'm anxious to see how he plays. My guess is he'll make short safe throws, have a high completion percentage with low yards, and their offense won't turn it over but they won't score either.
__________________

Everything but the "won't score either." thing...... isn't that what we're wanting him to do? Help us move down the field, give us a chance on 3rd down, help us win games, don't lose them.

But how is the rest of the country going to "judge" him? Are they waiting for him to be the next Brady (who was the ultimate game manager his first 2 or 3 years in that system)?

 

[EllisUnit]

A Arizona forum perspective of the Leinart situation. A intersting read with fans and haters of the QB. They like to call him Mr checkdown.

http://forums.azcardinals.com/showthread.php?t=58990

rightfully so, i went backed and watched all his pre season play and he is the check down king, the RB Chris O, caught like 90% of his passes. I hope he does a little more than that for us.

But its hard to imagine especially with all the talent he had at WR in Arizona.

 

[Texan_Bill]