Reasons the Texans will repeat....

[thunderkyss]

or do better.

So I'm driving home from work today & a caller informs Charlie Pallilo that teams that go from 6-10 or worse to 10-6 or better are 1-21 to do as well or better the following season. Think Kansas City Cheifs & Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I said, prior to the season, that the Bucs were a paper tiger. Their schedule the previous year was so weak, it wasn't funny.

This year, we had a weak schedule. You know it.... you know we did.

So.

What makes you think we will have a 10 win or better season next year.

 

[JCTexan]

or do better.

So I'm driving home from work today & a caller informs Charlie Pallilo that teams that go from 6-10 or worse to 10-6 or better are 1-21 to do as well or better the following season. Think Kansas City Cheifs & Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I said, prior to the season, that the Bucs were a paper tiger. Their schedule the previous year was so weak, it wasn't funny.

This year, we had a weak schedule. You know it.... you know we did.

So.

What makes you think we will have a 10 win or better season next year.

A top five defense, a top five rushing attack, a healthy Matt Schaub. This is one of the most balanced teams in the league, and I don't feel like a homer saying it.

 

[TexanSam]

One difference between the 2010 Bucs and our team is that the Bucs did not beat one team with a winning record that year. We beat the Steelers, Bengals, Titans, and Falcons.

 

[cbs1507]

or do better.

So I'm driving home from work today & a caller informs Charlie Pallilo that teams that go from 6-10 or worse to 10-6 or better are 1-21 to do as well or better the following season. Think Kansas City Cheifs & Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I said, prior to the season, that the Bucs were a paper tiger. Their schedule the previous year was so weak, it wasn't funny.

This year, we had a weak schedule. You know it.... you know we did.

So.

What makes you think we will have a 10 win or better season next year.

Because unlike those teams you've mentioned we have always competed against good teams. We've always had a good offense, but now we have a defense that makes us a well rounded team.

 

[run-david-run]

We are the most balanced team in the NFL, period. If, and this is obviously a very big if, our players stay reasonably healthy, we will have a legitimate shot to have a top 5 offense and defense. Based on the way the top teams performed this year, they were all very lopsided (New England, Green Bay, NO all offense, San Fran, Baltimore all defense).

We will be one of the few teams that can pitch a shut out or come back from a 14 point deficit. We should be able to outscore teams and grind out ugly wins. That's a recipe for a lot of sustained success. (And it seems we're only going to get better from here).

Good enough?

 

[Rey]

I think that the team will be better next year. We actually beat some quality opponents and we did it with a rookie qb (insert tj yates storyline/bio here).

I also think that our defense is legit with Wade at the helm. Our offense will hopefully e better with a healthy Schaub or a more seasoned Yates. Add another quality receiver...a real off-season for the young guys to go through...

I think we are in good shape although our schedule is not going to be a punk. We will have to bring it for sure.

 

[santo]

We almost beat a top defense in the second round of the playoffs with a third string quarterback.

I think we can repeat if they get rid of JJones and add another playmaker on the offense, like the pats do every year. We have the defense to do it, we just need another WR, hopefully that will turn into another playmaker like OD, AJ or Foster.

 

[ChampionTexan]

or do better.

So I'm driving home from work today & a caller informs Charlie Pallilo that teams that go from 6-10 or worse to 10-6 or better are 1-21 to do as well or better the following season. Think Kansas City Cheifs & Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I said, prior to the season, that the Bucs were a paper tiger. Their schedule the previous year was so weak, it wasn't funny.

This year, we had a weak schedule. You know it.... you know we did.

So.

What makes you think we will have a 10 win or better season next year.

And with most of those teams (as you say, think Chiefs and Bengals) it was pretty well realized that the teams weren't as good as the results said they were (with apologies to Bill Parcells). I'm from KC, and even before the Charles and Berry injury, most Chiefs fans I know weren't particularly optimistic about 2011. I think due to injuries, most folks (including me) feel the Texans are actually better than the results indicated.

As far as schedule goes, first, who knows how easy or difficult next years schedule will truly end up being. Teams surprise - both positively and negatively - all the time (which is kind of the underlying premise of this thread). When you look at a how it shapes up on paper, the divisional teams are obviously the same, and while I see the Colts being better if Peyton comes back, unless they work lots of other magic on that roster, I don't see them as a playoff team. I don't see the Titans or Jaguars being much different than this year. We're trading the AFC North for the AFC East. Three playoff teams for one. We're trading the NFC South for the NFC East. The Broncos could easily end up being an easier game than if we'd finished second or third in the division, and as to the Ravens - well, there's no denying they look like a tough opponent, but maybe it's just our time to beat them. Two playoff teams for one. This is assuming that all significant FA's are retained - and while Mario may be the exception to that, it's not like he was a linchpin to the 2011 season (although I will say I hope very much they figure out a way to keep him).

 

[run-david-run]

And with most of those teams (as you say, think Chiefs and Bengals) it was pretty well realized that the teams weren't as good as the results said they were (with apologies to Bill Parcells). I'm from KC, and even before the Charles and Berry injury, most Chiefs fans I know weren't particularly optimistic about 2011. I think due to injuries, most folks (including me) feel the Texans are actually better than the results indicated.

As far as schedule goes, first, who knows how easy or difficult next years schedule will truly end up being. Teams surprise - both positively and negatively - all the time (which is kind of the underlying premise of this thread). When you look at a how it shapes up on paper, the divisional teams are obviously the same, and while I see the Colts being better if Peyton comes back, unless they work lots of other magic on that roster, I don't see them as a playoff team. I don't see the Titans or Jaguars being much different than this year. We're trading the AFC North for the AFC East. Three playoff teams for one. We're trading the NFC South for the NFC East. Two playoff teams for one. This is assuming that all significant FA's are retained - and while Mario may be the exception to that, it's not like he was a linchpin to the 2011 season (although I will say I hope very much they figure out a way to keep him).

Agree with everything you said, but we're trading the NFC South for the North (Pack, Lions, Bears, Vikes), so 2 playoff teams and probably a third if the Bears didn't do their best Texans impression with injuries.

 

[ChampionTexan]

Agree with everything you said, but we're trading the NFC South for the North (Pack, Lions, Bears, Vikes), so 2 playoff teams and probably a third if the Bears didn't do their best Texans impression with injuries.

Clearly a mistake on my part - thanks for correcting it.

 

[Thorn]

A top five defense, a top five rushing attack, a healthy Matt Schaub. This is one of the most balanced teams in the league, and I don't feel like a homer saying it.

I couldn't have said it any better than that.

 

[HJam72]

It took us playing in Baltimore without our starting QB to knock us out of the playoffs by 3 points.

It took 3 Ints. by Yates and a fumbled punt to keep them ahead of us.

Their offense could hardly score without said turnovers.

Foster put up 150+ against them, and it could have been more if we hadn't been playing from behind....because of turnovers.

This off-season, we prepare for a possible Superbowl.

 

[Bulls on Parade]

Even with the tough schedule a healthy Texans team should go at least 11-5 or 12-4 next season. It's very important for Matt Schaub to play in all 16 games and throughout the playoffs if this team has any Super Bowl aspirations.

I'm feeling really good about the defense being just as good if not better. I want Mario Williams to be a big part of the team's success next year. He should be our anchor on defense.

Just curious guys, why are there no Johnathan Joseph forum signatures anywhere to be found? I've browsed all over and no luck. I would certainly wear one if I saw it. He's my favorite player and one of the top shutdown corners in the game. A well deserved Pro Bowl selection.

 

[Texan_Bill]

Reasons????

In no particular order (and not all inclusive):
Cushing
Joseph
Watt
Ryans
Smith
Barwin
Reed
Johnson
Foster
The O-line
Schaub
Daniels
ETC........

Shall I keep going?

 

[76Texan]

Reasons????

In no particular order (and not all inclusive):
Cushing
Joseph
Watt
Ryans
Smith
Barwin
Reed
Johnson
Foster
The O-line
Schaub
Daniels
ETC........

Shall I keep going?

Bro, you just need to add Kareem Jackson to that list!
You, my good friend and my brother-in-law would make a fine pair; both of you still think that Allen is better than Jackson; neither of you like Myers all that much either. See what I have to deal with??? LOL!)

Actually, we really need to add the entire secondary to it.
They were the MOST IMPROVED UNIT on the team.
Not counting the addition of JJo and Manning, the other guys also made good strides; there's no denying it.

 

[thunderkyss]

Actually, we really need to add the entire secondary to it.
They were the MOST IMPROVED UNIT on the team.
Not counting the addition of JJo and Manning, the other guys also made good strides; there's no denying it.

I've been begging the Texans for a coverage sack for the last 6 years.

I've been singing Halleluiah for 18 weeks.

 

[dsorc]

I think there are three reasons the Texans will be back in the playoffs next year: Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, and Andrew Luck. Not sure we will be back at 10-11 wins but the division looks to be a lot weaker than it has been in the past.

 

[Texanmike02]

This team is a good mix of youth and veteran presence. That is one of the reasons I think we have a nice window of opportunity. I think we will be better next year because we are in an almost Pittsburgh situation. We have a ton of talent and are drafting mostly to add depth (of course a WR would be a wonderful pick too). As for next year? We have a balanced offense, depth at running back, qb and OL. On defense we have depth all over the place. We also have a great mix of a ball control offense that can also score points in spurts. In this case our 6-10 season was more of a let down from a team on the way up than a team overachieving. I think that is one of the biggest things. This team didn't overachieve last year, they under achieved. This year they overachieved a little but if we were healthy this team should have been a 12-14 win team.

Mike

 

[76Texan]

This team is a good mix of youth and veteran presence. That is one of the reasons I think we have a nice window of opportunity. I think we will be better next year because we are in an almost Pittsburgh situation. We have a ton of talent and are drafting mostly to add depth (of course a WR would be a wonderful pick too). As for next year? We have a balanced offense, depth at running back, qb and OL. On defense we have depth all over the place. We also have a great mix of a ball control offense that can also score points in spurts. In this case our 6-10 season was more of a let down from a team on the way up than a team overachieving. I think that is one of the biggest things. This team didn't overachieve last year, they under achieved. This year they overachieved a little but if we were healthy this team should have been a 12-14 win team.

Mike

I forgot to mention it Mike.
On the way home from the Bengals game, I heard you calling into one of the radio stations.
Your voice was already so hoarse, they thought you were "sentimental" because of the win.

I thought that was funny as hell, LOL!

 

[ObsiWan]

Next season's opponents
HOME:
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Tennessee
Buffalo
Miami
Baltimore
Green Bay
Minnesota

AWAY:
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Tennessee
New England
New York Jerks
Denver
Chicago
Detroit

Hmmm... Sorry, but I don't see anyone on this list that is an automatic loss as they would have been in past years.

Our running game and swarming/attacking defense travels well. Although New England and maaaybe Detroit will be a challenge on the road.

I see no real threats at home. The only real toughies at home are the Ravens (why didn't we get them here?) and maybe Rodgers and the Pack. But the Giants showed he's susceptable to a pressure defense. We have a pressure defense.

And I see no reason why we cannot go 4-2 or better in the division again.

With a healthy Schaub and some upgrades in our WR group, 10-6, 11-5 is totally doable.


...or course, I still have an off-season koolaid buzz, soooo...

 

[Texan_Bill]

Bro, you just need to add Kareem Jackson to that list!
You, my good friend and my brother-in-law would make a fine pair; both of you still think that Allen is better than Jackson; neither of you like Myers all that much either. See what I have to deal with??? LOL!)

Actually, we really need to add the entire secondary to it.
They were the MOST IMPROVED UNIT on the team.
Not counting the addition of JJo and Manning, the other guys also made good strides; there's no denying it.

I admit that I used to give Myers the business, but over the last two years I've eaten plenty of crow on Myers and have come to appreciate him.

Jackson...... Not so much. As bad as Jason Allen is, he's better.

 

[HOU-TEX]

I admit that I used to give Myers the business, but over the last two years I've eaten plenty of crow on Myers and have come to appreciate him.

Jackson...... Not so much. As bad as Jason Allen is, he's better.

I'm right there with ya. I've admitted it since

He still gets rag-dolled every now and then but makes up for it with the ability to easily reach the second level.

 

[Double Barrel]

A top five defense, a top five rushing attack, a healthy Matt Schaub. This is one of the most balanced teams in the league, and I don't feel like a homer saying it.

QFT. I agree completely and instead of just repeating what you wrote, I'd rather just give you props for a great point.

I think the 'strength of schedule' approach to seasonal predictions can be overrated. Obviously, it should be a factor in evaluation, but in the end, what really matters is the divisional race. And right now, the AFCS is clearly the Texans to own. Matter-of-fact, I'll go out on a limb right now and say we should expect 5-1, if not 6-0, in our division in 2012.

 

[sandman]

For the record, looking at the Strength of Schedule in the draft order, the Texans at .516 ranked 11th out of the 28 teams not still in the playoffs.

Surprisingly, of all the playoff teams that have been knocked out, only Denver at .520 and Detroit at .536 had a higher strength of schedule.

Not saying it was the toughest schedule, but if it almost breaks the top 10, I don't know that I would call it weak. We played five teams that made the playoffs and had a winning record against them.

 

[thunderkyss]

Not trying to be Debbie Downer or anything, you guys have made some excellent posts.

However, in addition to that stat I heard on the radio, only 1 of 21 teams that went 10-6 or better after finishing 6-10 the previous season matched or bettered the 10 win performance the following year, there is also a bit of an elephant or 300lb gorilla, if you will, sitting in the middle of the room.

Remember the end of the 2004 season, the optimism we shared about this team ?

Remember the end of the 2009 season, the optimism we shared about this team ?

2004 we finish 7-9, 2005 2-14.

2009 we finished 9-7, 2011 6-10.

2011 we finished 10-6, 2012 ??

 

[Vinny]

We'll be good, but projecting anything in the NFL is tenuous at best. According to conventional logic the Packers should still be playing since they went to the SB last year and were almost undefeated this season...but that's why they play the games.

 

[Double Barrel]

Not trying to be Debbie Downer or anything, you guys have made some excellent posts.

However, in addition to that stat I heard on the radio, only 1 of 21 teams that went 10-6 or better after finishing 6-10 the previous season matched or bettered the 10 win performance the following year, there is also a bit of an elephant or 300lb gorilla, if you will, sitting in the middle of the room.

Remember the end of the 2004 season, the optimism we shared about this team ?

Remember the end of the 2009 season, the optimism we shared about this team ?

2004 we finish 7-9, 2005 2-14.

2009 we finished 9-7, 2011 6-10.

2011 we finished 10-6, 2012 ??

hmmmm...interesting points of trends...

Dang it, TK! You're supposed to be refilling everyone's cup with koolaide, not giving us Alka-Seltzer for the heartburn!

 

[JCTexan]

Not trying to be Debbie Downer or anything, you guys have made some excellent posts.

However, in addition to that stat I heard on the radio, only 1 of 21 teams that went 10-6 or better after finishing 6-10 the previous season matched or bettered the 10 win performance the following year, there is also a bit of an elephant or 300lb gorilla, if you will, sitting in the middle of the room.

Remember the end of the 2004 season, the optimism we shared about this team ?

Remember the end of the 2009 season, the optimism we shared about this team ?

2004 we finish 7-9, 2005 2-14.

2009 we finished 9-7, 2011 6-10.

2011 we finished 10-6, 2012 ??

What is the achilles heel of this team? In 2005 the whole team was awful and in 2010 the defense was awful. What part of the 2012 team looks to be a weakness? Houston has a solid running game (#2 in the league), a solid defense (#2 in the league) and should have a solid passing attack with Schaub back. I see no weaknesses in this team to think they will regress next year.

 

[BullBlitz]

I think there are three reasons the Texans will be back in the playoffs next year: Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, and Andrew Luck. Not sure we will be back at 10-11 wins but the division looks to be a lot weaker than it has been in the past.

Yes, the reason we got in this year. Weak division.

 

[dream_team]

Not trying to be Debbie Downer or anything, you guys have made some excellent posts.

However, in addition to that stat I heard on the radio, only 1 of 21 teams that went 10-6 or better after finishing 6-10 the previous season matched or bettered the 10 win performance the following year, there is also a bit of an elephant or 300lb gorilla, if you will, sitting in the middle of the room.

Remember the end of the 2004 season, the optimism we shared about this team ?

Remember the end of the 2009 season, the optimism we shared about this team ?

2004 we finish 7-9, 2005 2-14.

2009 we finished 9-7, 2011 6-10.

2011 we finished 10-6, 2012 ??

I think the big difference is we weren't your usual 6-10 team in 2010. We lost 5 games by 7 points or less. We all know we heavily underachieved. Fred Jackson even picked us to go to the Super Bowl that season. We had the #3 offense in the league, as well as talent on defense (injuries & coaching killed us).

So what happened in 2011 made perfect sense... same offense, new personnel on defense, and a new defensive coach equals a lot more wins! We beat some good teams, and were right there in it in until the end in all of our losses.

The Texans didn't come out of no where and shock the league (like the Chiefs and Bucs of 2010).

The teamd most likely to regress next season are the Broncos and Bengals. Broncos barely won their division (by one game), and they won a lot of games due to fluke plays. Bengals are in a tough division, and they didn't beat any teams with a winning record (don't say the Tits).

 

[Textan]

Minor tweaks in the punt return game......this team has it all.
See no reason why we can't go even further next year.

 

[burro]

These "trends" don't mean a thing at the end of the day, we have the talent to go all the way next season and if we don't make the playoffs it's entirely on us.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

First of all, are we really 10-6 team? I think we are at least 11-5 as we did not really try to win the last game to keep our guys healthy for post season.

With healthy #8 and Wade(this is key here), we should be in the playoffs again next year.

GoTexans!!!

 

[thunderkyss]

First of all, are we really 10-6 team? I think we are at least 11-5 as we did not really try to win the last game to keep our guys healthy for post season.

With healthy #8 and Wade(this is key here), we should be in the playoffs again next year.

GoTexans!!!

Since 1 of 21 teams that went 10-6 or better after going 6-10 the previous season performed as well or better the following season, it would be better if we weren't really a 6-10 team in 2010.

To me, that stat is saying whatever improvement the 10-6 (or better) team appeared to have made, it wasn't real. Like Tampa Bay's weak schedule was the reason for their 10-6. Or, KC's unusually healthy season was the reason for theirs.

We can assume it wasn't better coaching or talent since both were intact for the 6-10 season, the 10-6 season & the following sub-10 win season.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

Since 1 of 21 teams that went 10-6 or better after going 6-10 the previous season performed as well or better the following season, it would be better if we weren't really a 6-10 team in 2010.

To me, that stat is saying whatever improvement the 10-6 (or better) team appeared to have made, it wasn't real. Like Tampa Bay's weak schedule was the reason for their 10-6. Or, KC's unusually healthy season was the reason for theirs.

We can assume it wasn't better coaching or talent since both were intact for the 6-10 season, the 10-6 season & the following sub-10 win season.

TK, I understand how you feel and concern about our team as fellow Texans' fan. You may be right about TB and KC situation in the past. However, you may be looking into too hard about the past history and perhaps some cases, you are onto something.

However, when you look at our improvement of our D with Wade, most of us expected better things for the Texans in 2011. Yes, we did have a weaker schedule than usual in 2011 but, we need to see how much of our D improved with Wade as well. We signed right FA and hit jack pot on our 1 and 2 rd.(Likely, Wade told FO to draft these guys)

So when you look at our current roster which includes Joseph, Manning, Watt and, Reed. Wouldn't you say we are much much better than our 2010 roster? Not to mentioned better D scheme?

With these players and coaches, I am confident that we will be one of strong playoffs teams candidate. Heck, media likely to put us one of favorite to go SB next year.

Go Texans!!!

 

[Scooter]

because i said so.

 

[thunderkyss]

However, when you look at our improvement of our D with Wade, most of us expected better things for the Texans in 2011. Yes, we did have a weaker schedule than usual in 2011 but, we need to see how much of our D improved with Wade as well. We signed right FA and hit jack pot on our 1 and 2 rd.(Likely, Wade told FO to draft these guys)

So when you look at our current roster which includes Joseph, Manning, Watt and, Reed. Wouldn't you say we are much much better than our 2010 roster? Not to mentioned better D scheme?

With these players and coaches, I am confident that we will be one of strong playoffs teams candidate. Heck, media likely to put us one of favorite to go SB next year.

Go Texans!!!

Jacksonville's defense made the same jump as ours.

Is it coincidence that our schedules are nearly identical?

Green Bay had the #2 defense last year....... they don't look so hot now.... mostly the same roster & coaches.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

Jacksonville's defense made the same jump as ours.

Is it coincidence that our schedules are nearly identical?

Green Bay had the #2 defense last year....... they don't look so hot now.... mostly the same roster & coaches.

TK, all I'm saying is that schedules may look similar and talents may seems to be similar as well. However, they are not the same individual nor same era/year.(our opponents ain't same either) So, it is very difficult to compare with the other teams in the past.

Based on how we performed during 2011 season and post season, I am expecting more good things for Texans next year. Let us be more of a glass half full kinda way. I think, we need #2WR and back up depth in a few spot (OG,ILB and, NT) should be enough to lead us to better result next year.

Now, don't get me wrong about the above contents TK.

You are concern because you care for Texans as fan.

Go Texans!!!

 

[thunderkyss]

Another little tidbit..... The Atlanta Falcons were established in 1966. They didn't have their fist back to back winning season until the 2008-2009 seasons.

Maybe we learned how to win... maybe we've become a winning franchise.....



maybe not.

 

[ChampionTexan]

Another little tidbit..... The Atlanta Falcons were established in 1966. They didn't have their fist back to back winning season until the 2008-2009 seasons.

Maybe we learned how to win... maybe we've become a winning franchise.....



maybe not.

Well, to go back to your original statistic, (1 of 21...),

1998 St. Louis Rams 4-12
1999 St. Louis Rams 13-3
2000 St. Louis Rams 10-6

2003 Pittsburgh Steelers 6-10
2004 Pittsburgh Steelers 15-1
2005 Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5

I don't know if this means your statistic is innaccurate, or just kind of meaningless.

 

[thunderkyss]

Well, to go back to your original statistic, (1 of 21...),

1998 St. Louis Rams 4-12
1999 St. Louis Rams 13-3
2000 St. Louis Rams 10-6

2003 Pittsburgh Steelers 6-10
2004 Pittsburgh Steelers 15-1
2005 Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5

I don't know if this means your statistic is innaccurate, or just kind of meaningless.

Actually, I think they said since 2002. 21 teams since 2002...

that's a lot of teams since 2002 for only one to follow up with 10+ win season.

By the way, all stats are meaningless. Just a point for discussion.

 

[Thorn]

There are so many factors that go into a playoff season, that almost all stats to predict the playoffs are questionable.

If Big Ben and Schaub were healthy, the AFC title game would have looked a lot different.

 

[Texanmike02]

I forgot to mention it Mike.
On the way home from the Bengals game, I heard you calling into one of the radio stations.
Your voice was already so hoarse, they thought you were "sentimental" because of the win.

I thought that was funny as hell, LOL!

LOL. The guy sent me the audio.
He got my name wrong though. Its Texanmike not texansmike but my throat was so sore I wasn't going to argue.
Mike

 

[Texanmike02]

Another little tidbit..... The Atlanta Falcons were established in 1966. They didn't have their fist back to back winning season until the 2008-2009 seasons.

Maybe we learned how to win... maybe we've become a winning franchise.....



maybe not.

The Falcons were never as balanced as we are on both sides of the ball.

Another thing to think about. You will see a lot of times that teams will have 3 or 4 guys have "career" years. That's not the case with the Texans. I don't look at anyone (that was actually healthy) and think "man, they can't repeat that performance".

I just don't think we're built like that.

Mike

 

[b0ng]

Can our offense withetand a defensive regression back to the mean?

 

[thunderkyss]

Fast-forward to now... The Jets aren't going anywhere with that lockerroom, they think offense is offensive and didn't make the playoffs... The Chiefs axed the HC that took 'em to the playoff mid-season because the team sucked, the Bucs went from 10-Six to sucky quick and axed their HC as well, and AZ was terrible... All of those teams i was so envious of are in bad spots just one year later, while i can look at the Texans and honestly say things should be real good for a while, not just a year or even two...

Maybe there IS something to that whole patience thing, and not going for the quick, short-lived success... The jury is still out in SF...

I thought this belonged in this coversation. If not this post, surely my reply.

I think if we look at each of the teams you mentioned, maybe we can see how our team looks in contrast.

The NYJets. That team had it all. Great defense. Good enough offense. This past offseason, they added some great talent through FA. Did those FA kill the locker room or did they not have a locker room to begin with?

That team looked just like this years Ravens in years past. Just like this years Texans...... with Tj Yates.

There is no doubt in my mind that Kubiak has this locker room, so I don't believe we'll suffer the same fate as NYJets....

The Chiefs... I think it's obvious their problem was depth. I personally would not have fired the coach. Get Jamal Charles back, maybe add a couple of guards in the offseason, Cassell & the offense could do their job & keep the defense off the field... allowing them to do what they do.

While I'd love to say, "the Texans are the most balanced team" blah, blah, blah..... I don't know that I trust it. One year it's the running game, then it's injuries to the QB, then it's a historically bad secondary (which is now #3 on the all-time worse list thanks to this years Packers & Patriots), then it's the pass rush.....

What's it going to be next year?

But we've got depth.... we trust Rick Smith now right?

Tampa Bay.... while they won 10 games in 2010, I watched a few of their games & it didn't look like they were playing good football.. in any phase. Things were just happening. I wasn't impressed with Freeman, not impressed with Blount..... not much on that team looked impressive. They just played some bad teams. Well, Talib is impressive.

We've got real playmakers, & we're playing very solid football. We beat some bad teams, but we dominated them. We also played well against some good teams.

 

[76Texan]

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/All-signs-point-to-an-even-better-Texans-defense-in-2012/10a3b4d1-08c9-4515-996b-cbe7d37b3de2

All signs point to an even better Texans defense in 2012

By Nick Scurfield
Posted Jan 24, 2012


Every one of the Texans’ end-of-season defensive starters is under contract for next season. The average age of those players is 27.

...

“We should be able to hold the group together,” head coach Gary Kubiak said a day after the Texans’ season ended at Baltimore on Jan. 15. “They should only get better under Wade’s scheme and the coaches as we move forward. We get an offseason with them. It’s exciting across the board, and probably the biggest thing is the young influence that’s been on our football team.”

“Obviously, Mario is a tremendous player,” Kubiak said. “He’s done a great job here. Those things will work themselves out. I know Mario wants to be with this organization and this football team. That’s part of the process. We’ll get going with the process, but Mario has always worked extremely hard and been a very positive influence with this organization and this team.”

...

Phillips installed his playbook in gradual, simple phases, even as the season progressed. In the week before the Texans’ Division Round playoff game at Baltimore, Phillips said the Texans probably had about 30 percent more of their playbook down than when they had faced the Ravens in Week 6. It’s unclear if the entirety of Phillips’ scheme was ever even implemented this season.

“I was still learning a lot as we were going on, just with little wrinkles here and there, and I’m sure a lot of other guys were as well – and we still were playing lights out,” Pro Bowl cornerback Johnathan Joseph said after the season. “So if we can get a full offseason in together and understand everything more collectively as a defense, I think it’ll be just be even better for us.”

Joseph said 90-95 percent of the defensive players plan to stay in Houston and train together for the bulk of the offseason. Players decided that in the locker room at M&T Bank Stadium after their playoff loss at Baltimore at the urging of Smith, Ryans and other veteran leaders.

“I think that speaks tremendous volumes about the guys, because you can have a full offseason and do anything you want to do,” Joseph said. “Everybody wants to push each other, stay here together this offseason, learn from it. We can only get better. It’s a big family here, so guys don’t want to take off the offseason and do their own thing. We kind of want to stay here together, bond and just move forward.”

....

“They’re relentless,” Texans quarterback Matt Schaub said. “Our guys up front, they create a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. On the run game, we’re physical. Those guys inside played outstanding stuffing other teams’ run games, so they force them to throw. Then our cover guys, the guys we brought in, Johnathan Joseph, Manning coming in, Kareem (Jackson) played really well this year, GQ (Quin) going to safety and what he did for us.

"We just had every piece of the puzzle working in concert, and the pressures that we would bring on third down, it just makes life miserable on opposing offenses.”

.......

All signs point to plenty more misery for opposing offenses in 2012.

 

[thunderkyss]

Joseph said 90-95 percent of the defensive players plan to stay in Houston and train together for the bulk of the offseason. Players decided that in the locker room at M&T Bank Stadium after their playoff loss at Baltimore at the urging of Smith, Ryans and other veteran leaders.

“I think that speaks tremendous volumes about the guys, because you can have a full offseason and do anything you want to do,” Joseph said. “Everybody wants to push each other, stay here together this offseason, learn from it. We can only get better. It’s a big family here, so guys don’t want to take off the offseason and do their own thing. We kind of want to stay here together, bond and just move forward.”

....

Still playing Devil's advocate..... but what if they peak too early? What if they burn out too soon?

 

[76Texan]

Still playing Devil's advocate..... but what if they peak too early? What if they burn out too soon?

Unlikely, IMO.

It's a young group that hasn't really won anything.
If anything, they should be more hungry... a good recipe for success, wouldn't you say?

 

[drs23]

Still playing Devil's advocate..... but what if they peak too early? What if they burn out too soon?

1 & 0. Every week. We'll all really enjoy next season. Hide-N-Watch.