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Mike Francesa on New York's 660 WFAN, Texans are a good coach away from 11 or 12 wins

Hookem Horns

Hookem Horns

Texans Talk Bartender
Staff member
I was just streaming his show and have been listening to this guy for years. WFAN is the local New York City sports station and they mainly talk NY area sports. However after he was breaking down the Jets & Giants he started talking about other teams.

He said if he were a head coach considering a job the first place he would want to go is Houston. He said the Texans are loaded with young talent and are a good coach away from a 11 or 12 win season. He said place Bill Cowher or Mike Shanahan in Houston and they are an instant contender.

He also said he thinks Kubiak isn't going to take the team any further and that he needs to go back to being what he is good at, being a solid offensive coordinator because he doesn't have the other intagibles needed to be a good head coach. He also placed the blame on not closing out games on Kubiak.

It's interesting to hear what other respected people are saying outside of the Houston market.
 
Well that just makes Mr. Francesa pretty cool to me. Seems he knows what he is talking about, but not too sure why you would listen to New York's sports station but whatever...anythings better than whats going on here in Houston right now...:spin:
 
Imatexanfan said:
Well that just makes Mr. Carolla pretty cool to me. Seems he knows what he is talking about, but not too sure why you would listen to New York's sports station but whatever...anythings better than whats going on here in Houston right now...:spin:
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I used to live up there and it is still my favorite sports station. I am a fan of the NY Rangers and Giants and personally can't stand Jim Rome (which is what is on in Houston right now).

The NYC area gets the best radio talent because it's NYC. Mike Francesa is one the the best sports radio talking heads in the business IMO.
 
Hookem Horns said:
I used to live up there and it is still my favorite sports station. I am a fan of the NY Rangers and Giants and personally can't stand Jim Rome (which is what is on in Houston right now).

The NYC area gets the best radio talent because it's NYC. Mike Francesa is one the the best sports radio talking heads in the business IMO.
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Oh I understand I just rather listen to John Madden all day instead of Jim Rome that guy's voice gets on my nerves...:choke:
 
Khari said:
the only Adam Carolla i know is the one from loveline with dr. drew :thinking:
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LOL, sorry I meant Mike Francesa. There was an ad for Adam Carolla that was sitting there on the WFAN logo and I had a brain freeze moment.
 
Anway, what stood out to me is him saying Houston should be the most attractive job in the NFL.

Would the best available coach come here because of the talent pool he would have to work with?
 
I didn't know anybody in NYC knew there was more than one NFL franchise in Texas ?
But seriously people think the Texans get lousy media coverage, if they get any coverage at all. Well if you happened to watch and listen to yesterdays TV coverage, you know that CBSs Dan Dierdorf was very complimentary and even gracious in his remarks about the Texans, and you could tell he'd done his homework. But as ususal, our guys fall flat on their collective face and
missed the opportunity to take advantage of it.
 
Hookem Horns said:
Anway, what stood out to me is him saying Houston should be the most attractive job in the NFL.

Would the best available coach come here because of the talent pool he would have to work with?
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of course he would. we also have our full allotment of picks next year with a serviceable offense and defense relatively intact due to our ability to use RFA status on some of our more coveted players like DeMeco because of the uncapped year rules.

We have some talent to work with. We need a FS, C, DT, and some OL depth like every team always does.

The cupboard isn't bare and we aren't in cap hell either. We are one of the few markets with an economy that isn't completely in the tank and we have no state income tax. In my book Texas >> Carolina
 
nunusguy said:
I didn't know anybody in NYC knew there was more than one NFL franchise in Texas ?
But seriously people think the Texans get lousy media coverage, if they get any coverage at all. Well if you happened to watch and listen to yesterdays TV coverage, you know that CBSs Dan Dierdorf was very complimentary and even gracious in his remarks about the Texans, and you could tell he'd done his homework. But as ususal, our guys fall flat on their collective face and
missed the opportunity to take advantage of it.
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Dan Dierdorf is the most nauseating Mr. Sunshine in the biz. He would find great things to say about the Lions franchise. I wouldn't count anything positive he has to say about anyone.
 
Hookem Horns said:
Dan Dierdorf is the most nauseating Mr. Sunshine in the biz. He would find great things to say about the Lions franchise. I wouldn't count anything positive he has to say about anyone.
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Maybe it was "nauseating Sunshine", but it sounded good to me, but then of course I'm an avid fan of the team. But everything Dierdorf said was basically factual, basically true. And we don't get the word about our team out there much beyond the city limits, so I was very grateful for his kind remarks. BTW, there's positives things to say about Detroit to.
 
Hookem Horns said:
Dan Dierdorf is the most nauseating Mr. Sunshine in the biz. He would find great things to say about the Lions franchise. I wouldn't count anything positive he has to say about anyone.
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Damn. I like Dierdorf and it was a breath of fresh air with such a competent broadcast team as we had yesterday. No more Wilcots, or Tasker, or Beasley Reese.

He is a bit sunny, but I like that because its normally spot on and at least giving some credit where credit is due and not just looking at stat sheets. He had some nice things to say about our stadium and that is appreciated because it is nice and even though its not one of the new toys on the block, it is one of the best in the league behind only Seahawks Stadium (my fave) and Jerry's Taj Mahal.

Remember when Todd Christensen used to call so many of our old Oiler games? Man that guys perm alone made me hate him...then he would open his mouth and it just made you hate him that much more. Wilcots, Tasker, and Reese make Christensen look like the best in the biz. Collinsworth sure is horrible too. They need to have a mute button on guys like him.
 
As much of a Kubiak supporter I've been in the past, I'm willing to make a change at this time. After all our previous failures, this season hurts the most. We had enough talent, we had the schedule and we failed yet again. I still like Kubiak, but it's getting very hard to support him when his team continues to find ways to screw up and lose games.

I mean, what freakin team false starts that many times.....at home?!!

This team needs an enema.....again!
 
Second Honeymoon said:
Damn. I like Dierdorf and it was a breath of fresh air with such a competent broadcast team as we had yesterday. No more Wilcots, or Tasker, or Beasley Reese.

He is a bit sunny, but I like that because its normally spot on and at least giving some credit where credit is due and not just looking at stat sheets. He had some nice things to say about our stadium and that is appreciated because it is nice and even though its not one of the new toys on the block, it is one of the best in the league behind only Seahawks Stadium (my fave) and Jerry's Taj Mahal.

Remember when Todd Christensen used to call so many of our old Oiler games? Man that guys perm alone made me hate him...then he would open his mouth and it just made you hate him that much more. Wilcots, Tasker, and Reese make Christensen look like the best in the biz. Collinsworth sure is horrible too. They need to have a mute button on guys like him.
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I didn't hear what Dierdorf said because I couldn't see the game live. We had an engagement that I couldn't get away from so I had to DVR the game. I was actually on my way home a little after 3PM excited that I was successful in not seeing any NFL scores all day and was home free to watch everything like it was live. About 3:15 as I was almost home I get a text from Vinny saying "Texans fell apart like a cheap suit". I was like damn, why did I look down at my phone?...lol. Anyway, Vinny did me a HUGE favor because I knew what I was getting into before I started it and didn't suffer the let down you guys did. I just fast forwarded to each play and as the Texans were dominating I kept wondering if I misread Vinny's text. However I knew I had not and the shoe was going to drop.

As far as Dierdorf goes I couldn't stand him on MNF. He just buttkissed everyone he talked about to the point it would get disgusting at times. It was definitely at the point where you could not take his compliments seriously.
 
I still think we have a situation where we have a bunch of young guys learning to play football at an NFL level, and we have a buncyh of guys learning to coach at an NFL level.

I knew that 4 years ago, & even though the last two weeks hurt, I'm willing to stick with what we've got.

I know there are no excuses, & I'm not trying to make any, but I think the last two weeks have gone a long way teaching our guys what it's like to play in "Big Games", what it's like to coach in "Big Games".

I don't think we're going to make the Bill Parcells bar of play-offs in 4 years, but I feel good about playing for the division next year. Maybe even hosting a play-off game.

I'd also like to get one more draft out of these guys before we ship them off.
 
thunderkyss said:
I still think we have a situation where we have a bunch of young guys learning to play football at an NFL level, and we have a buncyh of guys learning to coach at an NFL level.

I knew that 4 years ago, & even though the last two weeks hurt, I'm willing to stick with what we've got.

I know there are no excuses, & I'm not trying to make any, but I think the last two weeks have gone a long way teaching our guys what it's like to play in "Big Games", what it's like to coach in "Big Games".

I don't think we're going to make the Bill Parcells bar of play-offs in 4 years, but I feel good about playing for the division next year. Maybe even hosting a play-off game.

I'd also like to get one more draft out of these guys before we ship them off.
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IMO, using the age excuse is just a scapegoat for poor coaching. Teams age from oldest to youngest.

1 Redskins 28.02
2 Saints 27.99
3 Cardinals 27.74
3 Patriots 27.74
5 Lions 27.62
6 49ers 27.51
7 Steelers 27.50
8 Vikings 27.48
9 Seahawks 27.41
10 Falcons 27.39
11 Titans 27.29
12 Browns 27.18
13 Jets 27.16
13 Broncos 27.16
15 Bears 27.02
16 Cowboys 26.93
17 Bills 26.93
18 Chargers 26.93
19 Texans 26.89
20 Giants 26.88
21 Ravens 26.83
22 Raiders 26.82
23 Eagles 26.81
24 Rams 26.73
25 Jaguars 26.61
26 Bengals 26.60
27 Dolphins 26.47
28 Bucs 26.46
29 Panthers 26.39
30 Chiefs 26.36
31 Colts 26.34
32 Packers 26.16
 
HOU-TEX said:
IMO, using the age excuse is just a scapegoat for poor coaching. Teams age from oldest to youngest.

1 Redskins 28.02
2 Saints 27.99
3 Cardinals 27.74
3 Patriots 27.74
5 Lions 27.62
6 49ers 27.51
7 Steelers 27.50
8 Vikings 27.48
9 Seahawks 27.41
10 Falcons 27.39
11 Titans 27.29
12 Browns 27.18
13 Jets 27.16
13 Broncos 27.16
15 Bears 27.02
16 Cowboys 26.93
17 Bills 26.93
18 Chargers 26.93
19 Texans 26.89
20 Giants 26.88
21 Ravens 26.83
22 Raiders 26.82
23 Eagles 26.81
24 Rams 26.73
25 Jaguars 26.61
26 Bengals 26.60
27 Dolphins 26.47
28 Bucs 26.46
29 Panthers 26.39
30 Chiefs 26.36
31 Colts 26.34
32 Packers 26.16
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IIRC, TC wrote that the Texans had the youngest starting lineup in the league.

I'll try to find the link.

*EDIT*
3. The Houston Texans are young. I know that. You know that. But commenter "ironic" shared a link in the last post that shows that the Texans have the youngest starting lineup in the league. Thought I'd highlight that link in case people missed it.

Lots of mistake prone teams in that grouping of young teams. The old teams have some problems too.

Interesting seeing that list, especially looking at the number of players in their 30s. Contrast that with this interesting link that talks about how teams might best prepare for the uncapped year--collecting good young players for the 2010-2011 seasons.

Just something to think about. Your thoughts?
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Texans are No. 1 ... well, sorta
 
Texan_Bill said:
IIRC, TC wrote that the Texans had the youngest starting lineup in the league.

I'll try to find the link.
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That might very well be true, but are we willing to pardon the coaching as a result? I don't want to manufacture excuses anymore.
 
Give me Dierdorf any day over Ian Eagle and whoever the hell they have teamed with that guy. He's covered more Texans broadcasts than just about anyone and he still can't pronounce players' names. The last Texans game he covered, he called Leach Vonta Davis. And this is after he has covered easily a dozen Texans games.

Plus, he's a jackass.
 
nunusguy said:
I didn't know anybody in NYC knew there was more than one NFL franchise in Texas ?
But seriously people think the Texans get lousy media coverage, if they get any coverage at all. Well if you happened to watch and listen to yesterdays TV coverage, you know that CBSs Dan Dierdorf was very complimentary and even gracious in his remarks about the Texans, and you could tell he'd done his homework. But as ususal, our guys fall flat on their collective face and
missed the opportunity to take advantage of it.
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The NY media won't give you love unless you matter. The Texans don't matter. Once this team is good and they are perceived as a threat to a local (NY area) football franchise as a playoff contender then they start to matter. Until then why would some guy living in New Jersey give a crap about a mediocre team from the south that has never had a winning season? The media will cover the Texans more comprehensively when they are worth more than crap on a National level.
 
HOU-TEX said:
IMO, using the age excuse is just a scapegoat for poor coaching. Teams age from oldest to youngest.

1 Redskins 28.02
2 Saints 27.99
3 Cardinals 27.74
3 Patriots 27.74
5 Lions 27.62
6 49ers 27.51
7 Steelers 27.50
8 Vikings 27.48
9 Seahawks 27.41
10 Falcons 27.39
11 Titans 27.29
12 Browns 27.18
13 Jets 27.16
13 Broncos 27.16
15 Bears 27.02
16 Cowboys 26.93
17 Bills 26.93
18 Chargers 26.93
19 Texans 26.89
20 Giants 26.88
21 Ravens 26.83
22 Raiders 26.82
23 Eagles 26.81
24 Rams 26.73
25 Jaguars 26.61
26 Bengals 26.60
27 Dolphins 26.47
28 Bucs 26.46
29 Panthers 26.39
30 Chiefs 26.36
31 Colts 26.34
32 Packers 26.16
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We have the youngest starting lineup in the NFL
http://blogs.chron.com/texanschick/2009/10/more_on_the_houston_texans_as.html

guys like zgonina bring up our average, but arent starters
 
Hookem Horns said:
As far as Dierdorf goes I couldn't stand him on MNF. He just buttkissed everyone he talked about to the point it would get disgusting at times. It was definitely at the point where you could not take his compliments seriously.
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AGREED. We used to laugh at how every player was the "best of the last decade" at their position. He annoys me to no end. I'll take super excitable Gus Johnson every day!:)

As far as the thread....agree with the premise that a stronger coach is needed/
 
HOU-TEX said:
I hear ya, bro. It's just getting so damned tiresome watching the same BS every game.
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No ****ing doubt, man!! Then add insult to injury by calculating ticket costs, parking costs, food / tailgate costs and $7.00 per adult beverage in the stadium. I'm pissed. The Texans should be indicted for theft.
 
Texan_Bill said:
IIRC, TC wrote that the Texans had the youngest starting lineup in the league.
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Some folks use that as a reason/excuse for losing...not me...I look at that fact and think..."what kind of dufu HC wants to have the youngest starting lineup in this league???!"...experience matters, from the GM, HC, and on down! :shades:
 
HOU-TEX said:
I hear ya, bro. It's just getting so damned tiresome watching the same BS every game.
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Yep

Beating the Rams,Seahawks etc.... isn't going to help this feeling at all.

I wonder what will the fan base have to say if the Texans blow another lead at Jax this Sunday?
 
I have a feeling things will start moving in the front office if we lose to Jacksonville.
 
HOU-TEX said:
IMO, using the age excuse is just a scapegoat for poor coaching. Teams age from oldest to youngest.

1 Redskins 28.02
2 Saints 27.99
3 Cardinals 27.74
3 Patriots 27.74
5 Lions 27.62
6 49ers 27.51
7 Steelers 27.50
8 Vikings 27.48
9 Seahawks 27.41
10 Falcons 27.39
11 Titans 27.29
12 Browns 27.18
13 Jets 27.16
13 Broncos 27.16
15 Bears 27.02
16 Cowboys 26.93
17 Bills 26.93
18 Chargers 26.93
19 Texans 26.89
20 Giants 26.88
21 Ravens 26.83
22 Raiders 26.82
23 Eagles 26.81
24 Rams 26.73
25 Jaguars 26.61
26 Bengals 26.60
27 Dolphins 26.47
28 Bucs 26.46
29 Panthers 26.39
30 Chiefs 26.36
31 Colts 26.34
32 Packers 26.16
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I'm not sure age averages shows the whole picture here. We do have two 40 year olds playing for this team.

Just realized like 5 people beat me to this.
 
A couple of thoughts.

1. I could give a crap what Mike Francesa thinks given that he has likely not watched many Texans games.

2. Here's the link on the youngest starters which was part of a Rick Gosselin column in the DMN:

YOUNG AT HEART

Here's the roll call of NFL starting lineups, listing the average age and the number of starters over the age of 30:

Teams Age 30s
Houston 26.04 3
Philadelphia 26.50 4
Jacksonville 26.54 6
Kansas City 26.63 4
Buffalo 26.68 3
Oakland 26.81 5
Detroit 26.95 6
San Diego 26.95 5
St. Louis 26.95 4
Cincinnati 27.04 4
Atlanta 27.09 5
NY Giants 27.13 6
Tampa Bay 27.13 3
Indianapolis 27.18 6
New Orleans 27.22 5
Baltimore 27.40 6
Chicago 27.45 7
Seattle 27.45 5
San Francisco 27.54 4
Arizona 27.68 5
Carolina 27.72 7
Miami 27.77 7
Green Bay 27.81 4
NY Jets 27.81 8
Cleveland 27.90 10
Pittsburgh 28.18 7
Denver 28.22 11
Minnesota 28.27 7
Dallas 28.36 8
Washington 28.59 9
New England 28.95 10
Tennessee 29.09 8
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My views on what is happening right now is here.

Personally, I do not see this as a "talented" team that is underachieving. I saw them before the season as a team that was thin, and that still had significant holes in the starting lineup that couldn't be filled for various reasons. Plus they've lost 2/5s of their starting offensive line and their second receiving option in OD.

Schaub hasn't had a ton of NFL starts, and most of the players on this team haven't. They don't know how to hold a lead because they have rarely been in that situation. Basically, they have youngins leading youngins--the leaders on this team have never played better than .500 ball.

The Football Outsider numbers on this team have shown continuous improvement on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Those numbers look at opponent strength and on a snap by snap basis--they try to take the luck component out of the numbers that occurs over the course of a 16 game season. Last year, the total offense numbers for the Texans looked good but their FO numbers looked middle of the road. This year, by week 12, they are ranked 5th in the NFL in FO numbers, despite their lagging run game.

No way in hades does Shanahan supplant Kubiak. I just can't see that at all and anyone talking that way I don't think knows the relationship between Shanahan and Kubiak--they've worked closely together since 49er days. I'm not sure Cowher wins in Houston--the roster is not his kinda roster, all of his key assistants wouldn't be with him, and he doesn't get the benefit of the travelling always have a home game Steeler crowd. Besides, he has no connections in this part of the world and I think the Texans are only mentioned in the context of driving up his price to Carolina.
 
Texans_Chick said:
Personally, I do not see this as a "talented" team that is underachieving.
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So, do you see this team as young, inexperienced...but untalented? The Texans are "thin", but they have been rebuilding for 4 years? In attempting to make a case for Gary Kubiak the head coach, you are diminishing the efforts of Kubiak and Smith, the talent evaluators.

Either way, something's amiss. Maybe it is all smoke and mirrors by Kubiak when the Texans play well for a half. If Kubiak is doing such a great job of preparing this team to win, only to have his efforts undermined by untalented, inexperienced, undisiplined players, maybe it's time to bring in a proven NFL winner with a track record of finding and developing talent.

The bottom line is that the Texans haven't improved on the bottom line. They are mediocre in a different way than in '06-'08. But, mediocre is mediocre. You can't blame David Carr. Or Sage Rosenfels. Or Hurricane Ike. You can get rid of the players. But, it's a lot easier to get rid of the coach.
 
I think the danger here is that all HCs make some stupid decisions, the Texans have played the last 3 games against 2 of the 4 or so toughest teams in the NFL to beat right now and Kubiak has run into a buzzsaw, and we are (or could be) scrutinizing him exceedingly. BUT, I will still drop all pretense of defending him if we lose this Sunday. He's gotta beat some winning teams do be defendable at this point and Jax is definitely beatable.

As for this year's record, as I've said, 9 wins or show him the door. I still expect improvement.
 
Lucky said:
So, do you see this team as young, inexperienced...but untalented? The Texans are "thin", but they have been rebuilding for 4 years? In attempting to make a case for Gary Kubiak the head coach, you are diminishing the efforts of Kubiak and Smith, the talent evaluators.

Either way, something's amiss. Maybe it is all smoke and mirrors by Kubiak when the Texans play well for a half. If Kubiak is doing such a great job of preparing this team to win, only to have his efforts undermined by untalented, inexperienced, undisiplined players, maybe it's time to bring in a proven NFL winner with a track record of finding and developing talent.

The bottom line is that the Texans haven't improved on the bottom line. They are mediocre in a different way than in '06-'08. But, mediocre is mediocre. You can't blame David Carr. Or Sage Rosenfels. Or Hurricane Ike. You can get rid of the players. But, it's a lot easier to get rid of the coach.
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The Smithiak era really hasn't brought in a ton of talent. Schaub and Cushing will probably be the only players brought in since Asserly was fired to make a probowl in their career. He's found some quality players in Slaton, Diles, Jones, and Reeves, but overall I would say Smith has been a poor GM.

I'm all about giving the axe to Rick Smith, and bringing in a guy who has more than 1 hit every year.
 
Who gets credit for OD and Ryans? I mean I know Smith wasn't here, but is that Kubiak or Casserly?
 
HJam72 said:
Who gets credit for OD and Ryans? I mean I know Smith wasn't here, but is that Kubiak or Casserly?
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Well, we know Asserly fought to convince Kubes to draft OD, but I've never read anything about who decided on Ryans except the general amazement that he was still available.

Either way, the important thing is that it wasn't Rick Smith. :spin:
 
HJam72 said:
Who gets credit for OD and Ryans? I mean I know Smith wasn't here, but is that Kubiak or Casserly?
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Johnny Holland was adamant that they pick Ryans. Richard Smith was equally adamant that would be a mistake. Gary Kubiak sided with Holland.
 
Lucky said:
So, do you see this team as young, inexperienced...but untalented? The Texans are "thin", but they have been rebuilding for 4 years? In attempting to make a case for Gary Kubiak the head coach, you are diminishing the efforts of Kubiak and Smith, the talent evaluators.

Either way, something's amiss. Maybe it is all smoke and mirrors by Kubiak when the Texans play well for a half. If Kubiak is doing such a great job of preparing this team to win, only to have his efforts undermined by untalented, inexperienced, undisiplined players, maybe it's time to bring in a proven NFL winner with a track record of finding and developing talent.

The bottom line is that the Texans haven't improved on the bottom line. They are mediocre in a different way than in '06-'08. But, mediocre is mediocre. You can't blame David Carr. Or Sage Rosenfels. Or Hurricane Ike. You can get rid of the players. But, it's a lot easier to get rid of the coach.
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Exactly. No matter how you trace the picture, it still forms an arrow that points directly to Kubiak and Smith.

Four years is enough time to evaluate a head coach. Other HCs have done more with less in a shorter period of time, but for whatever reason, Kubiak needs 5-6 years before making that judgment call.
 
I said this in aother thread but Im gonna post it here as well -

The coaches job is to get the team prepared , to put them in a position to win.

Its pretty obvious to me that the coaches have put the players in a position to win - how many of the games they lost have the been in position to win or tie on the final possession ? All but the first against the Jets and the last against the Dolts and that game they probably should have won , the offense just couldnt do anything right in the second half.

I think more of this falls on the players than on the coaches. They have been put in position to succeed and just havent gotten the job done.
 
Lucky said:
So, do you see this team as young, inexperienced...but untalented? The Texans are "thin", but they have been rebuilding for 4 years? In attempting to make a case for Gary Kubiak the head coach, you are diminishing the efforts of Kubiak and Smith, the talent evaluators.

Either way, something's amiss. Maybe it is all smoke and mirrors by Kubiak when the Texans play well for a half. If Kubiak is doing such a great job of preparing this team to win, only to have his efforts undermined by untalented, inexperienced, undisiplined players, maybe it's time to bring in a proven NFL winner with a track record of finding and developing talent.

The bottom line is that the Texans haven't improved on the bottom line. They are mediocre in a different way than in '06-'08. But, mediocre is mediocre. You can't blame David Carr. Or Sage Rosenfels. Or Hurricane Ike. You can get rid of the players. But, it's a lot easier to get rid of the coach.
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Brian Cushing has talent. He is also a rookie who admits he still has a ton to learn about the game and leans on DeMeco Ryans a lot who was drafted 4 years ago.

Each position has a prime--where there is an intersection of both talent and experience. There are very few Casserly drafts where a player stayed with the Texans and developed into their prime years. It also didn't help with the salary cap situation Casserly left, and some mistakes that the current regime had.

For some premium positions,it's hard to acquire good ones through free agency because the price is too prohibitive and/or teams don't let them hit the free agent market. Left tackle, defensive end, quarterback. Typically, you have to develop them yourself.

They've developed their lower picks because 1. that's what good teams try to do who don't throw away picks like Casserly did; 2. they haven't had many options. And I think they have done a nice job developing these picks.

But there hasn't been a single Kubiak year where I said from top to bottom that is a talented team. They have have players and a lot of make dos. They have some talented players--but they are still depending on a lot of inexperienced people--from the quarterback on down.

The Chronicle can write 10 million "Schaub is a leader" stories before he played a down, and write a song called Big Bad Schaub, but until you start having success on the field, you can't really lead. You can develop those skills, but you don't have that belief in you.

In other words, I didn't believe the Texans are a playoff team hype. I still saw this as a team that needed some help, and needed to learn to play together--think of how different the starting defense looks now compared to the preseason. That they could make the postseason but they needed some breaks. I was surprised at the injured 8-8 they had in 2007, and the 8-8 they put together after their ghastly early season schedule last year. And I am waiting and seeing for this year.
 
Double Barrel said:
Exactly. No matter how you trace the picture, it still forms an arrow that points directly to Kubiak and Smith.

Four years is enough time to evaluate a head coach. Other HCs have done more with less in a shorter period of time, but for whatever reason, Kubiak needs 5-6 years before making that judgment call.
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Then why don't we wait 4 years?
 
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