For instance, McNair wasn't told Buchanon didn't like tackling people. Because his football staff apparently didn't know or didn't think it was worth mentioning.
At least that's what McNair was told. Had Casserly and his people taken the time to read Bay Area newspapers, they would have known Buchanon didn't care for contact. It was no secret in Oakland.
Nor was it mentioned to McNair that Buchanon had problems covering wide receivers, which can lead to real problems for a cornerback.
He was beaten so often by Brett Favre in one prime-time 2003 contest that he was removed from the lineup during the game. McNair said he learned of this problem only after he began asking tough questions.
Turns out, the Texans watched only four of Buchanon's 2004 games. McNair was flabbergasted.
How could such an important decision be based on so little information? Because the Texans were in a hurry. Because Al Davis hurried them to the church.
With the Redskins rumored to be in the hunt for Buchanon, the Texans acted too quickly. They traded for a player who wasn't what he thought he was.
"I think everyone blew it," McNair said. "If you're going to give up high draft choices for a player, you'd better be thorough. If you don't have enough time, you say, 'Sorry, we're not done with our due diligence.' That's what happens when you're too eager. We had a need, and we were too eager to fill it."