The Matt Schaub Compendium

[Texans_Chick]

The Matt Schaub Compendium

Basically, my recent blog post is a collection of what is known and unknown about Schaub as he ended 2012.

Contains data. Contains known info. Contains speculation.

Frames the issue, puts the end of 2012 into a larger context.

Think it is fair. Not really interested in neener neener talk about Schaub because I think that is a distraction from just looking at what the knowns and unknowns are. That often pejoratives and tone people use detracts from just talking the football stuff.

It was a hard post to put together but I'm happy that I did. I learned things putting it together, and usually those are the best posts.

 

[thunderkyss]

Wow.... lots of info. I like this chart:

Shows Matt was pretty hot in 2009, had a down year in 2010, got hot again for 2011, down again for 2012....... If this is a trend.....

 

[76Texan]

You must have spent a lot of time on that piece, TC.

Good job as usual; I enjoyed reading it.
Will have to come back to read it again later.
Thanks.

 

[thunderkyss]

They're going to cover Stephanie Stradley's piece in the Chronicle on Matt Radio (610) at 12:45

So they said.

 

[Brisco_County]

Great work, Stephanie. This is an excellent resource.

You're spoiling us with stuff like this. Keep it up.

 

[Double Barrel]

“He’s got to step up his game when we get on the big stage. There’s no room for mental errors."

McNair really framed it with this quote.

Schaub has the talent, potential, and physical tools needed to win it all.

What will stop him from doing so is between his ears, which is exactly what McNair is talking about.

If you believe Schaub will or will not is subjective. We all have our opinions on it.

But he certainly has the potential to do it, just has to actually do it now.

 

[JimBaker488]

Lot of info there, appreciate the effort T_C.

 

[bobbeaux]

nice post, steph . . . and it seems very fair to me . . .

 

[Texans_Chick]

You must have spent a lot of time on that piece, TC.

Good job as usual; I enjoyed reading it.
Will have to come back to read it again later.
Thanks.

Actually, the thought time about the piece took longer than the actual writing. I had a hard time figuring out how to organize it. Probably was the hardest piece of writing I've done in a few years but I figured it was worth doing. So much of the commentary conflates facts with speculation, and it got really emotional, and so I wanted to separate those things a bit.

We felt that the end of 2012 was weird. And it was weird, not just for the team but for Schaub and for Kubiak's offense.

And I think it is important to look at the run trends too. I didn't pull those figures out separately, but the short distance run blocking went very south this season--that to me was a bigger concern than the over run numbers, which by conventional measurement numbers looked OK.

 

[Texans_Chick]

McNair really framed it with this quote.

Schaub has the talent, potential, and physical tools needed to win it all.

What will stop him from doing so is between his ears, which is exactly what McNair is talking about.

If you believe Schaub will or will not is subjective. We all have our opinions on it.

But he certainly has the potential to do it, just has to actually do it now.

And the thing is, I wish it was just something where it was mental and with more experience he gets over it. But mental stuff doesn't always work that way.

And McNair's odd comment about footspeed makes it sound partly a matter of trust, but partially also a physical thing. I watched his off-season rehab where he was working on a lot of footwork speed stuff. Was there a physical issue part of the season, the whole season? He didn't have to do much most of the early season because the defense was good then.

From a subjective eye-test view, the things I think that Schaub is normally pretty good with were things he didn't look good at by the end of the season. For whatever reasons. The question is whether this is a temp thing or things to come. End of season Schaub did not look like the whole "Same Ole Schaub" stuff that fans say every time there is a loss over the years. The numbers showed that there was something markedly different for him and the offense as a group.

 

[76Texan]

I think the whole team just lost some of their edges toward the end of the season. I didn't see the same confident group I saw before Cushing got hurt.

 

[deucetx]

Shows Matt was pretty hot in 2009, had a down year in 2010, got hot again for 2011, down again for 2012....... If this is a trend.....

LOL I like that thought! I hope you're right, man. He does seem to have that pattern, doesn't he?

Interesting thoughts about the mental issue. I guess when I think about Schaub and that Patriots game the thing that continues to pop in my head first is when he was under pressure, escapes to the right and is completely free and then throws the ball away. That play definitely could point to a mental aspect that was at issue during the tail end of our season.

Could it be Kubiak not trusting in Matt's ability to stay alive...umm...healthy? Never really thought about it honestly. I was thinking Matt was trying to protect himself toward the end so he could be part of the playoff push but then once there...he still kind of looked the same so my theory was crap lol.

I think the whole team just lost some of their edges toward the end of the season. I didn't see the same confident group I saw before Cushing got hurt.

Yeah definitely seemed the overall edge was gone. Not everyone of course but generally it just didn't seem the same group. Need more leadership to step up in my opinion. I will give credit to Dre though. Don't think he ever talked so much in a season lol.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

TC,

Excellent well-balanced analysis to a very difficult and controversial subject. I suspect most of the questions will be answered in the upcoming preseason/season.

 

[Texans_Chick]

I think the whole team just lost some of their edges toward the end of the season. I didn't see the same confident group I saw before Cushing got hurt.

Check out the injury reports over the course of the season. Normal, normal, then explodes after the Detroit game. Too many quarters of football in too few days. We can say, hey, dude, it is your job, tough that out, but JAX/DET is some big boy football even if they aren't the greatest teams.

The snap counts after that are scary. Like seeing how many snaps Andrew Gardner got in the Patriots game. You can go all, next man up and all, but hard to see that after you have been used to your offensive linemen being inked into the lineup.

Brandon Brooks snap counts went up which was good and bad. Good in getting real game experience, bad in having to rely on a noob in key spots.

Will be VERY interested to see his progress from year 1 to 2. When he came to the Texans, he didn't know he'd be not playing for a road grader team. So for a big boy, he really needed to transform his body into a fitter dude.

He probably struggled in camp more than any player I can recall. You know, having to leave the field right before a play because he puked while in his stance.

Offensive lineman can't be that guy because they can't tap out no matter how long the drive. Rotational oline is not the ideal.

So it will be interesting to see his fitness this off-season. /Also interesting to see if the Texans finally cave in bringing a higher pick big boy DT into camp. Saints have those cheeseburger guys in their hot camps, but the Texans haven't had good fortune with them or made it a priority.

/a digression

 

[TexanSam]

Check out the injury reports over the course of the season. Normal, normal, then explodes after the Detroit game. Too many quarters of football in too few days. We can say, hey, dude, it is your job, tough that out, but JAX/DET is some big boy football even if they aren't the greatest teams.

The snap counts after that are scary. Like seeing how many snaps Andrew Gardner got in the Patriots game. You can go all, next man up and all, but hard to see that after you have been used to your offensive linemen being inked into the lineup.

Brandon Brooks snap counts went up which was good and bad. Good in getting real game experience, bad in having to rely on a noob in key spots.

Will be VERY interested to see his progress from year 1 to 2. When he came to the Texans, he didn't know he'd be not playing for a road grader team. So for a big boy, he really needed to transform his body into a fitter dude.

He probably struggled in camp more than any player I can recall. You know, having to leave the field right before a play because he puked while in his stance.

Offensive lineman can't be that guy because they can't tap out no matter how long the drive. Rotational oline is not the ideal.

So it will be interesting to see his fitness this off-season. /Also interesting to see if the Texans finally cave in bringing a higher pick big boy DT into camp. Saints have those cheeseburger guys in their hot camps, but the Texans haven't had good fortune with them or made it a priority.

/a digression

I wonder if there's a trend like this with other teams as well? Every team plays one Thursday game a year, but I wonder if those that had a Thursday game late in the season suffered more injuries than those who had it earlier? None of them played two OT games in a row though. May try to do some research on this topic this weekend if I have the chance.

 

[badboy]

Check out the injury reports over the course of the season. Normal, normal, then explodes after the Detroit game. Too many quarters of football in too few days. We can say, hey, dude, it is your job, tough that out, but JAX/DET is some big boy football even if they aren't the greatest teams.

The snap counts after that are scary. Like seeing how many snaps Andrew Gardner got in the Patriots game. You can go all, next man up and all, but hard to see that after you have been used to your offensive linemen being inked into the lineup.

Brandon Brooks snap counts went up which was good and bad. Good in getting real game experience, bad in having to rely on a noob in key spots.

Will be VERY interested to see his progress from year 1 to 2. When he came to the Texans, he didn't know he'd be not playing for a road grader team. So for a big boy, he really needed to transform his body into a fitter dude.

He probably struggled in camp more than any player I can recall. You know, having to leave the field right before a play because he puked while in his stance.

Offensive lineman can't be that guy because they can't tap out no matter how long the drive. Rotational oline is not the ideal.

So it will be interesting to see his fitness this off-season. /Also interesting to see if the Texans finally cave in bringing a higher pick big boy DT into camp. Saints have those cheeseburger guys in their hot camps, but the Texans haven't had good fortune with them or made it a priority.

/a digression

Steph best work you've ever done! I wished you had included some of the info in the post I quote on your blog piece. Newton's injury + shuffle at right guard are rarely mentioned; some don't know about Derek and some had forgotten when I mentioned it. What you did not mention was Matt seemed to totally "lose it" in GB game when he threw the INT. He psyched out. That play may have been "mental" as McNair mentions but that just means he over looked something or should have held on to the ball or thrown it away. What I am talking about is after that play he just looked shell shocked. IMO, the weight of being so close and then seeing things spiral out of control zoned him out. I have never been one to give QB glory he does not earn or blame when game is an L. We've seen too many WRs and TEs drop passes or OL like Brown miss a block or Wade Smith get spun round like a record baby right round. It is not all on Matt but he carries our pride in his hands and feet. I don't buy any physical left overs from Lizzy Francis as Matt looked great too much of year for that. Bad news is too many little things went squirrely. Good news is Texans should have another very good season. Great? That depends on how the off season goes.


Josh Eye knees? Kiss our Heinees!

 

[steelbtexan]

I wonder if there's a trend like this with other teams as well? Every team plays one Thursday game a year, but I wonder if those that had a Thursday game late in the season suffered more injuries than those who had it earlier? None of them played two OT games in a row though. May try to do some research on this topic this weekend if I have the chance.

This couldn't be, God'ell care about player saftey. (Sarcasm///)

I believe Schaub's foot started really bothering him towards the end of last yr, causing mobility/accuracy issues. But next season will tell the tale. Unfortunately if it doesn't work out it looks like Schaub will be a 10.5 mil cap hit if he's cut. Somebody deserves to be fired if it doesn't work out and the Texans lose the ability to re-sign Watt after this yr when you could probably sign him for less $$$$.

 

[GP]

For me, it comes down to him being off his feet from December of 2011 through the playoffs of that year....then the slow build-up to make it back to the field.

IMO, he missed most of December 2011 and the playoffs, he had to have been weakened in terms of stamina and strength due to his type of injury.

His drop-off in December 2012, IMO, was mental AND physical. He was chartering waters he hadn't been in since two years prior in 2010. Athletes have a routine, they have rhythm. You get them off that, for whatever reason, and they can have a hard time remembering what it's like to play in certain times of year. Mental aspect AND physical aspect is what got the guy, IMO.

Have no issue with him as a leader, nor as a person. Think the world of him, actually, because he has his locker room in order there. Kubiak, though, I just cannot get behind the guy as our HC. He's lost GP. GP is writing messages on the sides of his shoes.

 

[badboy]

For me, it comes down to him being off his feet from December of 2011 through the playoffs of that year....then the slow build-up to make it back to the field.

IMO, he missed most of December 2011 and the playoffs, he had to have been weakened in terms of stamina and strength due to his type of injury.

His drop-off in December 2012, IMO, was mental AND physical. He was chartering waters he hadn't been in since two years prior in 2010. Athletes have a routine, they have rhythm. You get them off that, for whatever reason, and they can have a hard time remembering what it's like to play in certain times of year. Mental aspect AND physical aspect is what got the guy, IMO.

Have no issue with him as a leader, nor as a person. Think the world of him, actually, because he has his locker room in order there. Kubiak, though, I just cannot get behind the guy as our HC. He's lost GP. GP is writing messages on the sides of his shoes.

Guess you will be on Atlanta's MB soon?

 

[GP]

Guess you will be on Atlanta's MB soon?

I'm getting franchise tagged, though. I got one more year on TexansTalk.

I promise I will give a full effort, though--Dunta style.

 

[Texans_Chick]

I wonder if there's a trend like this with other teams as well? Every team plays one Thursday game a year, but I wonder if those that had a Thursday game late in the season suffered more injuries than those who had it earlier? None of them played two OT games in a row though. May try to do some research on this topic this weekend if I have the chance.

Roger Goodell was recently asked about the injury effects of Thursday games. He said it wasn't a problem.

So no need to look into it because the Rog says it is so.

 

[amazing80]

The problem with Schaub IMO is simple. When the run game is shut down he can not succeed. He may pull one out occasionally but at the end of the day, if Foster isn't carrying this team Schaub folds like a cheap lawn chair.

 

[thunderkyss]

The problem with Schaub IMO is simple. When the run game is shut down he can not succeed. He may pull one out occasionally but at the end of the day, if Foster isn't carrying this team Schaub folds like a cheap lawn chair.

Then they need to get Foster involved in the passing game.

 

[amazing80]

Then they need to get Foster involved in the passing game.

I agree, the lack of production in that area was disgusting this season. IDK why Gary felt the need to increase his run shares and decrease his passes.....

 

[infantrycak]

The problem with Schaub IMO is simple. When the run game is shut down he can not succeed. He may pull one out occasionally but at the end of the day, if Foster isn't carrying this team Schaub folds like a cheap lawn chair.

Yeah that must be why he was the league's leading passer when the Texans had no rushing game.

 

[GP]

Roger Goodell was recently asked about the injury effects of Thursday games. He said it wasn't a problem.

So no need to look into it because the Rog says it is so.

That's my number 1 problem with the esteemed Commissioner: If he says something is so, it is Gospel truth and that's that.

Does he not see the hypocrisy of citing his #1 priority is player safety....but he wants to do away with some preseason games if it means adding two more reg season games (two more chances for guys who are playing all-out to get hurt)?

So it's no shock that he thinks Thursday games don't pose a problem.

It's not like he's going to do away with a revenue stream named Thursday Night Football.

This league is worrying me. There's some buzz about maybe doing away with kickoffs after scores and resorting to giving the scoring team a 4th down play or punt the ball. LOL. If they do away with kickoffs, just do away with kickers altogether and make it a forced 2-pt conversion after each score. Then, the other team gets the ball on their own 20. Simple solution. But giving the scoring team the option to have the ball after having just scored??? Insane.

/Off-topic Rant

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Roger Goodell was recently asked about the injury effects of Thursday games. He said it wasn't a problem.

So no need to look into it because the Rog says it is so.

The rule changes?......they're all about putting up a facade defense against lawsuits...........it has nothing to do with sincerely wanting to prevent player injuries........for the players' sake. If a player is saved an injury........that's just gravy.

 

[amazing80]

Yeah that must be why he was the league's leading passer when the Texans had no rushing game.

Times change, teams no our bread and butter. And sorry to burst your bubble, we were still an above average run team when we had Slaton.

 

[infantrycak]

Times change, teams no our bread and butter. And sorry to burst your bubble, we were still an above average run team when we had Slaton.

LOL - hard to burst my bubble when you don't have a clue. We were 30th in the league in rushing. Slaton averaged 3.3 ypc and didn't even have 450 yards on the season. Now work your magic on spinning that into above average.

 

[Texans_Chick]

LOL - hard to burst my bubble when you don't have a clue. We were 30th in the league in rushing. Slaton averaged 3.3 ypc and didn't even have 450 yards on the season. Now work your magic on spinning that into above average.

Yeah, look at the first chart on my Schaub post that shows Kubiak offense. The pre-2010 run numbers were so bleak. So bleak in fact, they actually drafted skill position RB high with Tate. /didn't really pan out yet, but showed some urgency. //think improvement on run is partially due to Dennison because he made that his #1 priority when he came to the team.

Basically, Schaub's best QB years were wasted to when the Texans had no consistent running game and terrible, terrible defenses.

 

[GP]

The rule changes?......they're all about putting up a facade defense against lawsuits...........it has nothing to do with sincerely wanting to prevent player injuries........for the players' sake. If a player is saved an injury........that's just gravy.

Partially agree here.

I think he has a bit of a savior complex. If he becomes the commissioner who is remembered for saving the health of NFL players, going against the grain of most fans' desire to let the game stay edgy, he solidifies himself as a pioneer.

A person obsessed with "legacy" will do anything to get there. It is my opinion that he is, as you say, "Putting up a legal strategy," but I also think he really thinks this is his ticket to hero status.

So he's compelled to do it AND he wants to do it. A dangerous combination. Then he extends this line of thinking to other areas: His obscene "player fines and suspension" system, the toying with the concept if kickoff changes, the idea of more reg season games, on and on....

And just last year I thought people were being overly harsh in regards to their criticism of him. I've come around.

 

[Texans_Chick]

Then they need to get Foster involved in the passing game.

The efficiency numbers on his catches have gone down. Had some drops but not way out of line.

Part of that is teams focusing on stopping him I think. In 2009, running game/runner as pass catcher really wasn't the most credible threat.

2010 was a revelation to teams for the Texans to go to one of the worst running teams to one of the most dominant. So then teams adjust to that.

Don't know if his finger was bothering him any with catches either. Was a little oof seeing him pop his finger back in mid-season.

 

[Texans_Chick]

Yeah that must be why he was the league's leading passer when the Texans had no rushing game.

Also worth noting is the YPA numbers. Some people think, maybe given this season, that Schaub has been all dink and dunk. As the 2nd chart shows, Schaub has been in the top 6 QBs in the NFL in YPA for all of his career EXCEPT last year where he was 10th, and the last month number was super low.

And that includes some years where Andre Johnson was hurt, and they were depending on WRs that aren't particularly household names.

Lots of factors could go into that 2012 number, but I think it is a mistake to think of 2012, especially the end of 2012 as Same Old Schaub because really the 2012 numbers are sort of weird.

 

[Double Barrel]

Yeah that must be why he was the league's leading passer when the Texans had no rushing game.

We try to avoid letting facts get in the way of a good argument around here. Get with the program, man!

 

[steelbtexan]

Bottom line: is Schaub a guy that can come up clutch in the playoffs and WIN a SB?

My answer is no, his best yrs are behind him. Others think differently, time will tell.

 

[76Texan]

Then they need to get Foster involved in the passing game.

The efficiency numbers on his catches have gone down. Had some drops but not way out of line.

Part of that is teams focusing on stopping him I think. In 2009, running game/runner as pass catcher really wasn't the most credible threat.

2010 was a revelation to teams for the Texans to go to one of the worst running teams to one of the most dominant. So then teams adjust to that.

Don't know if his finger was bothering him any with catches either. Was a little oof seeing him pop his finger back in mid-season.

Sometimes ago, I took a "not-so-in-depth" study on ball distribution, and I found that it's rather consistent through the years - if you take into account the health of AJ.

Basically, we all know that Kubiak likes to balance the running game with the passing game. When the Texans get behind in the second half, they open it up more; when they are up, they run more. That's par for the course with most teams.

In the passing game; it's AJ first, without forcing it too much.
If AJ is out, the load is spread somewhat evenly.

The TEs group, the other receivers, the guys out of the backfield all get their share.

It just so happened that the opponents went to sleep on Foster here and there, and with Casey also out for a good period of time, that he saw more balls.

This year, Foster was targeted 22 times fewer.
Basically, that's only about 1.375 per game.
With AJ and Casey healthy; I don't see anything wrong with it.

 

[ObsiWan]

Roger Goodell was recently asked about the injury effects of Thursday games. He said it wasn't a problem.

So no need to look into it because the Rog says it is so.

 

[ObsiWan]

The rule changes?......they're all about putting up a facade defense against lawsuits...........it has nothing to do with sincerely wanting to prevent player injuries........for the players' sake. If a player is saved an injury........that's just gravy.

Blasphemer!!
How DARE you bring an alternate reality (i.e., Truth) into this discussion!


Did you not see that Steph brought us the Word from The Rog??
Show him the stone tablets Steph.

 

[thunderkyss]

The rule changes?......they're all about putting up a facade defense against lawsuits...........it has nothing to do with sincerely wanting to prevent player injuries........for the players' sake. If a player is saved an injury........that's just gravy.

It's not like we want a safer game, not like we care about their long term health. NoFunLeague & "might as well make it flag football"

That tells you how much we care.

Goodell & the former players are playing with us to get what they want.

 

[thunderkyss]

Bottom line: is Schaub a guy that can come up clutch in the playoffs and WIN a SB?

My answer is no, his best yrs are behind him. Others think differently, time will tell.

Just 9 weeks ago most people said the same thing about Flacco.

 

[ObsiWan]

Lots of Schaub data compiled in one place. Thoroughly enjoyed going through it all.
So what's the answer? The data tells me that Schaub has been a pretty decent QB for us but picked the worse time ever (Dec. 2012) to have a drop off in performance/have a slump/run out of gas/have a lisfranc setback/suffer a bad bio-rhythm month/whatever.
Hell, what was the question?

 

[thunderkyss]

QB for us but picked the worse time ever (Dec. 2012) to have a drop off in performance/have a slump/run out of gas/have a lisfranc setback/suffer a bad bio-rhythm month/whatever.
Hell, what was the question?

Too much credit & too much blame. That's what I think the problem is. Every team that made it past us in the play offs had several players who had exceptional games..... Wes Welker, Steven Ridley, Shane Vareen, Torey Smith, Anquan Boldin, Jacoby Jones, Tony Gonzales, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Jaquis Rogers, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore.... all in addition to the QB, but we didn't.

I understand the train of thought, that it starts with the QB. But what if Andre caught that TD vs Atlanta, what if he'd have stopped & caught that one that Matt threw behind him in New England... what if OD, or Walter would have caught the ones they dropped for sure first downs, what if LeStar Caught that one to extend the drive vs New England.... what if we got on a roll by completing these passes?

Matt has to play better, I'm not denying that in any way. But we were seeing great play from TEs, WRs, & RBs from WildCard weekend to the Super Bowl, from all but two teams (imo) the Texans & the Bengals.

 

[steelbtexan]

Just 9 weeks ago most people said the same thing about Flacco.

I must not be most, I've always thought Flacco could lead a team to the SB. 2 yrs ago he was a dropped pass or a missed FG from playing in the SB.

Schaub after 6 yrs? Remember I used to be a Schaub guy and think he's a great person/leader etc.... but SB winning QB= doubtful. Seems we were having this discussion about HWNSNBM a few yrs ago. Whenever this discussion is being had chances are the QB being discussed will never lead their team to a SB. (Excrption being Flacco)

Looks like Gary picked the wrong QB to lead the Texans to a SB. He should pay for that decision with his job.IMHO However BoB would never do anything that traumatic. How could the Texans ever find a HC that could replace Gary and still be able to run the WC system? Isit impossible? 7 yrs and counting? I really feel for guys like AJ.

 

[thunderkyss]

I must not be most, I've always thought Flacco could lead a team to the SB. 2 yrs ago he was a dropped pass or a missed FG from playing in the SB.

Alex Smith was in a similar situation, yet most people are convinced he can't take his team to a Super Bowl, much less win one.

Schaub after 6 yrs? Remember I used to be a Schaub guy and think he's a great person/leader etc.... but SB winning QB= doubtful. Seems we were having this discussion about HWNSNBM a few yrs ago. Whenever this discussion is being had chances are the QB being discussed will never lead their team to a SB. (Excrption being Flacco)

I am not a Schaub fan. My comments lately come from the increased negativity. He's being criticized about things that have been part of his game for a long time, yet he manages to be successful despite them.

Right now, imo, the only thing he should be criticized about is his ability to lead the team, that's the only thing that he's not demonstrated to be able to do at a high level (& the evidence is so subjective anyway, you won't know until he wins one so it's pointless to even argue).

People putting Schaub in the same category as Carr just don't know what they're talking about. 6 years into his career, he was still working on footwork & throwing through ladders. There was a basic understanding of the game that was missing.... Schaub doesn't have that problem. He's smart enough to make the most of his capabilities & minimize his limitations.

 

[steelbtexan]

Alex Smith was in the process of leading his team to the SB last yr before he suffered the concussion and lost his job. He was in the same situation as Flacco 2 yrs ago, a couple of fumbles away from being in the SB.

Now that he's with the Chiefs the chances of him winning a SB are slim. I mean if Montana couldn't win a SB with the Chiefs it is doubtful Alex Smith will.

 

[TXAg14]

I say give Schaub one more year before we throw him under the bus. Yes, he faded down the stretch against some teams the Texans should have beat. But dang, the dude led us to a 11-1 record at one point. He's got some work to do, like his deep throws. He got picked off too many times this last year trying to throw a bomb. But I still remember the Denver game where he beat Peyton Manning at his own game. How about the butt-whooping of the Super Bowl Champs? There was lots of good last season, on top of the bad at the end.

If Schaub comes out and has a poor season, then it's time to re-evaluate our options. But in the meantime, let's see what the Texans can do by addressing some of the holes on the team that currently exist...like the fact that Schaub only has ONE player he can throw the ball to for passes greater than 15 yards, where as guys like Brady have Welker, Hernandez, Gronkowski, etc. Also, let's shore up a defense that had some big gaps. They can't just rely on JJ Watt to get pressure every down. Brian Cushing's return will help, but the defense needs depth that wasn't there last season. Granted, how many ILBs were hurt?

If Schaub gets upgrades to his offense and still can't perform, then it's time to head into next offseason with a QB in mind. But give the guy one more season to lead the team.

 

[76Texan]

Alex Smith was in the process of leading his team to the SB last yr before he suffered the concussion and lost his job. He was in the same situation as Flacco 2 yrs ago, a couple of fumbles away from being in the SB.

Now that he's with the Chiefs the chances of him winning a SB are slim. I mean if Montana couldn't win a SB with the Chiefs it is doubtful Alex Smith will.

Well, Matt Schaub was on the way to lead the Texans to the SB in 2011, too ... until he suffered that injury.
Don't you think the Texans would have beaten the Ravens with Schaub instead of the rookie?

Can Schaub carry a team?
Heck, NO!

Can the Texans go to the SB with Schaub?
Yes, they have a good chance with him if all the pieces come together (like the Ravens did for Flacco, and like the Pats did for Brady - their defenses played well in the play-offs.)

The better question is does the Texans get value out of the money they spent on Schaub last year?

Did the Broncos get it's worth from Manning?
No, he performed at least as poorly as Schaub did in their play-off loss.

Did the Pats get it from Brady? No, they didn't either.
Brady didn't play well, especially considering the money.

You have the same amount of cap space as other teams to build a football team.
Those that spend more on their QB should expect better results.

If you dig deep into all the contracts; considering the cost of acquisition (draft, trade), the value of the contract, the real money depending on the year of the contract, the hidden cost, the year of service (a younger guy may earn a little less, but only because he might be only in his second contract - Kelvin Kolb for example.)

Look at this long list: Eli Manning, Carlson Palmer, Tony Romo, Mark Sanchez, Jay Cutler, Matt Stafford, Sam Bradford, Phillip Rivers, and on and on.
Not very many team get more value out of their QB as the Texans did with Schaub.

But the rest of the guys had to contribute. We pay a lot of money for those other guys; they need to figure into the blame game as well.

 

[Lucky]

If Schaub gets upgrades to his offense and still can't perform, then it's time to head into next offseason with a QB in mind. But give the guy one more season to lead the team.

There's no other choice. The Texans can't afford to bring in veteran competition. It's unlikely that the backups improve enough to challenge for the starting job. It's not a good rookie crop of QBs (supposedly), and it's rare that a rookie QB makes an impact (well, it used to be rare). It's Schaub or bust.

 

[beerlover]

There's no other choice. The Texans can't afford to bring in veteran competition. It's unlikely that the backups improve enough to challenge for the starting job. It's not a good rookie crop of QBs (supposedly), and it's rare that a rookie QB makes an impact (well, it used to be rare). It's Schaub or bust.

there will be more than one QB coming out of this draft who will produce @ the next level sooner than later, it usually happens just a matter of Luck or Skill during evaluation process. Our central issue is Kubiak & his spotty resume considering his "QB Guru" status as coach. That is the conundrum :kubepalm:

 

[Goldensilence]

I guess I am in the mindset if guys like Brad Johnson and Trent Dilfer can win ring with a team that Matt Schaub can. I think he's easily better than both.

I think the differentiation that should be made here is can Matt LEAD the team to a SB or can he win one. I tend to fall more in the later.

Offensively my bigger concern is not necessarily having a guy on offense that the rest of the team can feed off like the defense has with Cushing, Smith, and of course Watt.

AJ has shown that he is still more than capable of being that guy on this offense several times this season. Butt, it just annoys me to no end sometimes to not see Gary or Matt make the call to just start feeding him the ball when this offense struggles. There's nothing wrong sometimes with just simplifying the game and just getting the ball to your best player.