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Texan weaknesses

badboy

Hall of Fame
Titans will place us 1/4 thru schedule and should be a win. Hopefully, we will see some backups with Texans getting quality minutes. This team should only get better but I'm interested in what position(s) you think team is weak.

The battle at right guard has me optimistic and Harris may push Newton at right tackle. I still am a bit concerned who steps up if Quin does not re-sign at safety.

I hope we blow up Tennessee and Kubes allows yates to get some playing time second half. Your thoughts?
 

Vinnie

with an I E
SPECIAL TEAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need to get this fixed ASAP, or we're in for a huge bite in the ass.
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
I wonder if they will activate Carmichael or Brandon Harris.
Neither have suited up for us.

I did see McCain at outside CB here and there, especially in the second game (third quarter.)
Even Ball was in there a snap or two.

Maybe we can try Ball at safety; after all, he did play there for Wade before.
 

gtexan02

Working?
Our defense didn't look very good against the hurry up offense, especially down the middle of the field, the past few weeks
 

paycheck71

Hall of Fame
SPECIAL TEAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need to get this fixed ASAP, or we're in for a huge bite in the ass.
Exactly. Football Outsiders has the Texans ranked dead last in special teams through 3 games, and mentions that as the only reason the Texans aren't #1 overall in their rankings.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
I wonder if they will activate Carmichael or Brandon Harris.
Neither have suited up for us.

I did see McCain at outside CB here and there, especially in the second game (third quarter.)
Even Ball was in there a snap or two.

Maybe we can try Ball at safety; after all, he did play there for Wade before.
This would be a good game to see Harris and Roc but I think Wade wants Ball on field more. Harris needs to get some time to see if he will be Brice's replacement 2013.
 

buddyboy

Rookie
-Special teams NEED to get better if we're hoping for a deep playoff run this season.

-Being able to pound the ball late in games with the lead, even when other teams know it's coming and are keying in on it is something we haven't showed yet. This could, and most likely is, a weakness of the offensive line.

-Pass rush from our outside line backers and production from Antonio will elevate this defense even higher than it is.
 

Hervoyel

BUENO!
I just want us to win the game. I don't care if we don't get to see a single backup. I think the Titans are going to be very up for this game and we better be too. When you're on top everybody gives you their best game.
 

Scooter

Funky
-Special teams NEED to get better if we're hoping for a deep playoff run this season.

-Being able to pound the ball late in games with the lead, even when other teams know it's coming and are keying in on it is something we haven't showed yet. This could, and most likely is, a weakness of the offensive line.

-Pass rush from our outside line backers and production from Antonio will elevate this defense even higher than it is.
read my mind.
 

Thorn

Dirty Old Man
We can't beat anyone by 70 points yet. If we can't beat anyone by at least 70 points the Texans are losers. We need to trade away everyone on the team for draft choices, and then fire all the coaches and staff. That'll show 'em. :bat:
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
We haven't yet proven ourselves to be able to avoid a loss in a trap game. I don't know if this is a weakness that we will show this year (as we have shown it in years past) since this last game against Peyton is really the first real high that we've come off of. But I am hoping that this will not be a problem.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
We haven't yet proven ourselves to be able to avoid a loss in a trap game. I don't know if this is a weakness that we will show this year (as we have shown it in years past) since this last game against Peyton is really the first real high that we've come off of. But I am hoping that this will not be a problem.
I want to see cold determination in all aspects of teams. If Titans score, Texans then march right down field and score. This is a game to dominate and in doing so allow some backups to taste a bit of the wine.
 

Double Barrel

Texans Talk Admin
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Give Schaub more protection. Dude won't make it 16 games if he keeps taking a beating like he did last game.

This team has not been tested enough to really determine all of their weaknesses. We have yet to see them dig themselves out of a deficit, especially late in games.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Give Schaub more protection. Dude won't make it 16 games if he keeps taking a beating like he did last game.

This team has not been tested enough to really determine all of their weaknesses. We have yet to see them dig themselves out of a deficit, especially late in games.
Although we did see them almost dig themselves into a loss.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Dont have to.

Didnt say they were strengths.

Do you have to be strong not to be weak, or can you just be average?
Sure you can and you may be. Most of us are interested in our team getting better and that is why we discuss things like this. Your first post was insulting and you seem to have little to contribute. You could have said you were okay with the team and left it at that.
 

Double Barrel

Texans Talk Admin
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Whats insulting to me is to be 3-0 and have people starting threads about our team being weak.

But, to each his own ...
Are you really, honestly insulted by that or is this just hyperbole?

Two resolutions for you: 1) don't click the thread, or 2) get thicker skin and save being insulted for something that really matters.
 
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The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
What's scary is that we're 3-0 and we have so many areas we can improve.

On defense, our outside linebackers haven't been getting sacks. They've been getting pressure but they could stand to get a few more sacks.

We looked human against the rush at times. But that was against Reggie Bush and Maurice Jones-Drew and we were able to take the ball out of their hands in other ways. We're only allowing 3.8 yards per rush at this point but if we get into a situation where we've got to stop the run against a good running back, we could have some issues.

We've gotten lucky with opponent receivers dropping balls against us or we might look worse against the pass than we do now.

On offense, we're not putting up pinball types of stats. Although we're 5th in Net Yards per Pass Attempt (which includes sack yardage), we really haven't thrown the ball that much OR tried to go long that much (except for the last game.) Our running game right now is a bit down and the yards per attempt isn't where I'd like it. We need to run more effectively against stacked boxes to close out the games.

That's actually a kind of a nice place to be.

The only phase that is scary is our Special Teams. We haven't gotten the production out of Holliday that we were expecting. We've gotten into a lot of long-field situations with the ball deep in our own territory... otoh, we've forced some turnovers and gotten some short fields, too.

But our ST needs to show up more. And we'll be tested on ST against the Titans.
 

Thorn

Dirty Old Man
The Texans are a fairly good balanced team with no horrible glaring weaknesses. Which isn't to say they don't have some soft spots, because they do. It's just they are the most balanced they have ever been in all the years we've been watching them.

You could count on one hand the number of NFL teams that are this balanced. Right now we should be happy considering what we've had to endure in the past with this team.

But, I wouldn't mind them spending a few high draft choices on the O line. :)
 

drs23

Veteran
What's scary is that we're 3-0 and we have so many areas we can improve.

On defense, our outside linebackers haven't been getting sacks. They've been getting pressure but they could stand to get a few more sacks.

We looked human against the rush at times. But that was against Reggie Bush and Maurice Jones-Drew and we were able to take the ball out of their hands in other ways. We're only allowing 3.8 yards per rush at this point but if we get into a situation where we've got to stop the run against a good running back, we could have some issues.

We've gotten lucky with opponent receivers dropping balls against us or we might look worse against the pass than we do now.

On offense, we're not putting up pinball types of stats. Although we're 5th in Net Yards per Pass Attempt (which includes sack yardage), we really haven't thrown the ball that much OR tried to go long that much (except for the last game.) Our running game right now is a bit down and the yards per attempt isn't where I'd like it. We need to run more effectively against stacked boxes to close out the games.

That's actually a kind of a nice place to be.

The only phase that is scary is our Special Teams. We haven't gotten the production out of Holliday that we were expecting. We've gotten into a lot of long-field situations with the ball deep in our own territory... otoh, we've forced some turnovers and gotten some short fields, too.

But our ST needs to show up more. And we'll be tested on ST against the Titans.
Dinger for TNP's assertation.

The bolded is my contribution, but he beat me to it. Gotta do something to tighten up Coach Joe's teams. They haven't looked sharp at all to me. Granted, it's tough to follow on TV but the rusults aren't. I will say I think Merciles has been doing a pretty good job as has Braman.

Edit: MSR :mad:
 

HJam72

Hall of Fame
Used to think I'd never say it, but I wonder if Coach Joe could use replacing. I know it's been said that he's never adjusted from not being able to use "the wedge" anymore, and that very much seems to be the case.
 

drs23

Veteran
The Texans are a fairly good balanced team with no horrible glaring weaknesses. Which isn't to say they don't have some soft spots, because they do. It's just they are the most balanced they have ever been in all the years we've been watching them.

You could count on one hand the number of NFL teams that are this balanced. Right now we should be happy considering what we've had to endure in the past with this team.

But, I wouldn't mind them spending a few high draft choices on the O line. :)
To the bolded: I think you can count them on one 'finger'. The Texans are the most balance team in the NFL. Just as they were last year.

At this point in time, I'd like a MLB to replace James, an NT/DT, and then another guy for the OL.
I agree about Bradie James. He seems to be a weak link but I've also watched him make a few plays. Less than I've seen him give up though. He often looks out of place. And he's Wade's guy?? :thinking:

In regards to nose tackle, I was damn impressed with Mitchell VS. the Donks. He was in or around a butt load of plays Sunday.
 

infantrycak

Hall of Fame
Several people have mentioned run D. Obviously want to improve anywhere possible and run D is very important. I think it is useful to compare how we have done compared to other teams average performances.

Rushing ypc against us v. their overall average.

Miami 4.2 ypc v. 5.0 ypc
Jacksonville 4.6 ypc v. 4.5 ypc
Denver 2.8 ypc v. 3.6 ypc (4.0 before they played us)

So last year's rushing title holder had an average day against us. Miami and last year's #1 rushing team had significantly below average days playing the Texans.

I think the biggest need right now is improved special teams play.
 

Fili

Rookie
Weaknesses:
Special teams need to get it together, that safety was just unnecessary.
Our secondary showed a little weakness against an elite quarterback.
 

EllisUnit

Vote RED!!!
Biggest weakness i see

hmm we could use a newer nicer trophy case to hold the lombardi trophy, we will SOON recieve,,,,, that greatly concerns me.

And the price of beer in the stadium.

And the fact that the local SA stations have to show every overtime game in the world before getting to the texans game.

Yeah guys i feel ya gigantic weaknesses that need to seriously be addressed :truck:
 

Texan_Bill

Hall of Fame
The Texans only weakness, are weak fans who believe the Texans have a weakness.
I get what you're saying, especially when the Texans are gonna go 19-0 and all, but there can still be some weaknesses. For example, it took the trainers 2.1 seconds to get to Schaub after he was "Holyfield"... The trainers need to get that cleaned up. It should've taken them 1.6 seconds.

Another thing is the cheerleaders! Where is Lindsay (aka Lil'Red), Celina and the original "twins"? Whatup with that, yo??

There are plenty of weaknesses if you truly want to be objective!!!
 

gtexan02

Working?
Football Outsiders does a really nice job rating teams on efficiency. We're rated 3rd overall. Want to know why? Because we are rated 32/32 on special teams. Yup, 32/32. Ouch
 

The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
It takes into account touchback percentage (Graham doesn't kick a lot of TBs)
I'm starting to think that might be by design. Graham could, and did, kick some out of the end-zone in Denver but it looked like he purposefully tried to put several right at the end-line.

CnD mentioned he thought it might be a Coach Joe call and he may be right.
 

Wolf6151

All Pro
Weaknesses:

RT, neither Newton (7th rounder in his 2nd season) or Harris (extensive injury history) thrill me with confidence. The rotation of them at the position seems to be working but I don't see either of them at this point being the long term solution to the position. Maybe Newton improves with experience, but he was a 7th round pick for a reason.

DT/NT, we've all noticed the Texans weakness in run defense up the middle. Cody will be a FA at the end of the year and Mitchell doesn't seem to be great, though I think he works well in a rotation at DT. I think Cody leaves at the end of the season and DT/NT should be a high priority in the 2013 draft. We both like the same guys here.

CB, McCain will be a FA at the end of this season and although he's only an average CB, even mediocre CB's can be expensive in FA. I think McCain will be gone at the end of the season and we still don't know what we have in Harris and Carmichael. I think we could use a talent upgrade at CB. You can never have to many good CB's.

WR, even with Jean and Martin I think we could get better at WR. It's a possibility that Walter could be a salary cap cut at the end of the season and even if he's not some better talent to be the future #2 WR with possibility of becoming the future #1 WR would sure be nice.

RG, I think this is currently a slight weakness since Caldwell has been disappointing but I think we've got the talent already on the team to fill the RG spot for years to come. Either Brooks or Jones will most likely be the future of the position.

P, Donnie Jones has been decent but not great and he's 32 yoa. and not getting any younger. Also field position is so important in the NFL so an upgrade seems to be in order here.

FB, I'd like to see us find a real full time FB for those obvious short yardage/goal line situations where Vonta was so valuable. I like Casey's versatility but he's not a real FB when you need to pound the ball in and I haven't paid any attention to Clutts.

ILB, Bradie James has been unimpressive and I'd like to see Dobbins get a shot at being the starter. Dobbins looked real good in preseason. Both James and Dobbins might be one year rentals anyway.
 

Wolf6151

All Pro
Whats insulting to me is to be 3-0 and have people starting threads about our team being weak.

But, to each his own ...
:kubepalm:

No one said anything about our team being weak, on the contrary we all know that the Texans are one of the best teams in the NFL but even the best teams still have weaknesses that can get better. If your truly insulted by the idea of a good team trying to get better then you shouldn't follow any team sports.
 

BattleRedToro

Thread Killer
Weaknesses:

RT, neither Newton (7th rounder in his 2nd season) or Harris (extensive injury history) thrill me with confidence. The rotation of them at the position seems to be working but I don't see either of them at this point being the long term solution to the position. Maybe Newton improves with experience, but he was a 7th round pick for a reason.

DT/NT, we've all noticed the Texans weakness in run defense up the middle. Cody will be a FA at the end of the year and Mitchell doesn't seem to be great, though I think he works well in a rotation at DT. I think Cody leaves at the end of the season and DT/NT should be a high priority in the 2013 draft. We both like the same guys here.

CB, McCain will be a FA at the end of this season and although he's only an average CB, even mediocre CB's can be expensive in FA. I think McCain will be gone at the end of the season and we still don't know what we have in Harris and Carmichael. I think we could use a talent upgrade at CB. You can never have to many good CB's.

WR, even with Jean and Martin I think we could get better at WR. It's a possibility that Walter could be a salary cap cut at the end of the season and even if he's not some better talent to be the future #2 WR with possibility of becoming the future #1 WR would sure be nice.

RG, I think this is currently a slight weakness since Caldwell has been disappointing but I think we've got the talent already on the team to fill the RG spot for years to come. Either Brooks or Jones will most likely be the future of the position.

P, Donnie Jones has been decent but not great and he's 32 yoa. and not getting any younger. Also field position is so important in the NFL so an upgrade seems to be in order here.

FB, I'd like to see us find a real full time FB for those obvious short yardage/goal line situations where Vonta was so valuable. I like Casey's versatility but he's not a real FB when you need to pound the ball in and I haven't paid any attention to Clutts.

ILB, Bradie James has been unimpressive and I'd like to see Dobbins get a shot at being the starter. Dobbins looked real good in preseason. Both James and Dobbins might be one year rentals anyway.
RT, Will be addressed in the draft, possibly in the first 3 rounds, if we don't see improved play at that position this year.

NT, Could also be addressed in the draft, but it will be a lower priority.

RG, We will see Jones take over this position at some point this season. Brooks is the likely future replacement for LG if that happens. Wade Smith is 31.

ILB, is the weakest link on the defense, and will be addressed in the draft, possibly as early as the first 3 rounds. We may see an improvement here if Sharpton returns from the PUP list.
 

Double Barrel

Texans Talk Admin
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Or in the spirit of every message board ever ... have an opinion on the topic and or debate or discussion about said topic. Just because I dont agree with a post doesnt mean I have to auto-bypass making a comment.

I wasnt actually insulted but because I voiced my opinion the other poster said it was insulting so I was showing how it could work both ways.

Do I think it is premature to start talking about weakness after three games? Without a doubt. Some of these supposedly weak players are young and given time my prove to be great assests (see Chris Myers).
I understand the spirit of your perspective. But, we live in a sports culture and this is what fans do. Watching NFL Playbook, All Access, NFL Tonight, talk radio, etc., and it's a lot of stuff about breaking down strengths and weaknesses of teams.

As fans, it doesn't mean we are somehow against our team or anything. I have always thought of the forum as being a virtual bar where friends can sit around and shoot the shit about something we all share a passion for, and these kinds of threads reflect that sort of attitude.

If anything, I think this type of thread results from a fan being excited about the team and wanting more conversation about the team. But, I can remember years ago when the entire forum was depressing and every thread was mostly negative because there was nothing positive to talk about. It is nice these days to have threads devoted to analysis instead of bitchfests, if ya' know what I mean.
 

Big Lou

Hall of Fame
I understand that ST isn't a team strength right now, but I don't see it as bad as some make it out to be.


Kick offs are a little weak, but teams are only averaging just under 25 yards per return, the D can mop that up.

Kick Returns need some work. Joe needs to tell Holliday when you catch the ball in the parking it take a knee and get the ball at the 20 for crying out loud. We are averaging a 17 yard return, which the vast majority of teams are in the low to mid 20's. There are some teams well above that number, but they have a long return or two skewing the average from a small sample size.

Punt Returns are middle of the pack at 10 yards. In three games we played in Denver (Hello 30 second hang time!!!), and a punter drafted in the 3rd round. Holliday needs to get better or put Martin in there, not a huge concern.

Punting distance is in the top third of the NFL, coverage is a little sketchy, as we are in the bottom third. We are giving up about 15 yards per return. I haven't paid attention to DJ's hang time, perhaps he is giving up hang time for distance.

This doesn't look like most of this can't be fixed. These are the kinds of issues where little improvements pay huge dividends. I'm not concerned, other than Holliday makes me a little nervous at times. I sure would like to know if they have someone else that they know will field the ball 100% of the time and hold on to it that they can put in when warranted and justifiably give up the deep return threat.
 

amazing80

Hall of Fame
I still think a good passing team could carve us up, unless our front 7 continues to dominate....

I think our oline (in turn our run game) is a major question mark. Foster seems to be able to hold his own, but there is a noticeable difference from last season. The right side is a disaster still.

Bradie James is terrible.

Our special teams needs to get a few guys back then prove the pre-season was legit.
 

Titans Sux 72

Waterboy
Are you really, honestly insulted by that or is this just hyperbole?

Two resolutions for you: 1) don't click the thread, or 2) get thicker skin and save being insulted for something that really matters.
Probably really insulted. It chaps my azzz when people become complacent. This team is not perfect and does have weaknesses. As many have said The run D is not as solid as it can be (ie Reggie Bush, MJD). And like everybody else said Special teams (return teams).

These are the same fans when or if the Texans lose cry bloody murder and call for Kube's head for 1 freaking loss. Play it one game at a time and get better every game. That is One of the main strengths this team does have. Correcting problems mid game and week to week.

1-0!
 

powda

The bridge between stupid and useless is short.
Texans weaknesses:

Salary cap
Bradie James
T Holliday
Right tackle (I think the future rg is on the roster now and will improve enough to be considered a solid player/strength)
Goal line offense play calling
Is Earl Mitchell a solid nose tackle if cody goes down? (Nt depth)
Finally, we are the hunted instead of the hunter.
 

76Texan

Hall of Fame
I still think a good passing team could carve us up, unless our front 7 continues to dominate....

I think our oline (in turn our run game) is a major question mark. Foster seems to be able to hold his own, but there is a noticeable difference from last season. The right side is a disaster still.

Bradie James is terrible.

Our special teams needs to get a few guys back then prove the pre-season was legit.
Texans weaknesses:

Salary cap
Bradie James
T Holliday
Right tackle (I think the future rg is on the roster now and will improve enough to be considered a solid player/strength)
Goal line offense play calling
Is Earl Mitchell a solid nose tackle if cody goes down? (Nt depth)
Finally, we are the hunted instead of the hunter.
From a couple of other threads:

Texans averaged 0.51 yards off LT (ranked 31st) and 4.73 off RT (ranked 10th).

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol

It's not clear how the players were involved, but the difference is big enough to at least show that Newton has been effective in the run game.

I've been saying that there were more poor running plays to the left side and it seems like quite a few people didn't want to believe me.

Also, look at the last table where it shows we ran 6% of the time off LT and 10% of the time off RT.

They did not break down the runs off RG and LG, so on that part, we don't have separate numbers.

....

There are only 10 teams that allowed fewer QB hits and sacks combined than the Texans.

We allowed 3 sacks and 11 hits (for a total of 14).

Of those 10 teams, 3 allowed 13, 2 allowed 12, 2 allowed 11, and 2 allowed 10.

Buffalo is leading with just 5 QB Hits and zero sack.

I don't know how many of those QB Hits were due to a blitz where the QB did not have enough men to block, but for the Texans, there were a few times that Schaub decided to take to make a play; ie. there was a free blitzer that Schaub is responsible for.

So it's not like we're weak at protecting the QB as compared to the rest of the league.
 
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