dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
I remember how encouraged I was after the 2004 season. The Texans had won 7 games and been competitive in most losses. It is humorous now to think back to my lofty expectations of that team for the following season, when I go through that roster: David Carr, Seth Wand, Robaire Smtih, Todd Wade, Jay Foreman, Petey Faggins, CC Brown, Antuan Peek, one-legged Kailee Wong, Billy Miller, Phillip Buchanan
Regardless, though, I entered the 2005 preseason hoping and even expecting to see a team that could challenge for a playoff spot. Then the preseason happened. I think the offense only scored 10 points in the first half of the first three games. Our final preseason effort was against Tampa Bay and the coaches pointed to the game as the time to straighten out the offense. The first team offense was scheduled to play at least a quarter and as much as a half. Well, David Carr was 1-5 with two interceptions and the Texans were trailing 24-0 at halftime. I remember watching the game and feeling my expectations for the season plummet and become replaced with dread and frustration.
Now I look back at that and I am grateful, because that was the watershed mark for the Texans and the beginning of the transition to the current organizational structure led by Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith. Tomorrow, however, is another such point of time for the Texans and this coaching staff. Now, regardless of what happens, this team isnt going 2-14. They are far too talented for that level of putridity. But, the coaches have placed special emphasis on this game in response to last weeks poor performance in New Orleans. Therefore, if they come out flat, it is a sign that these players under this staff can not be properly motivated throughout the season. If they come out of the tunnel motivated and intense but are ineffectual, it is a sign that this team will be unable to handle the more talented teams in the NFL. Unfortunately, that is who they play this season lots of good NFL teams. However, if they come out of the tunnel motivated, focused, and are able to execute the gameplan and win many of the individual battles throught the first half, then this is a team that is ready for the season and positioned to do some great things. Ill be there, nervous but hopeful. Here are some specific matchups to keep your eye on:
1. Interior O-line versus Jay Ratliff and A-gap blitzers, particularly Bradie James (8.5 sacks in 2008). Ratliff is a monster! He may be 30 lbs lighter than most NT but he had 7 sacks and 33 QB pressures, not to mention causing havoc against the run. The Cowboys dont run a traditional 3-4 defense. The front three does a lot more stunting and slanting, rather than simply eating up blockers. I have been impressed with Myers and Caldwell this preseason but this will be a difficult test for them. They are unlikely to receive much help from backs since they will have their eyes on the OLBs (Ware and Spencer).
Read the rest here: Texans Bull Blog
Now I look back at that and I am grateful, because that was the watershed mark for the Texans and the beginning of the transition to the current organizational structure led by Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith. Tomorrow, however, is another such point of time for the Texans and this coaching staff. Now, regardless of what happens, this team isnt going 2-14. They are far too talented for that level of putridity. But, the coaches have placed special emphasis on this game in response to last weeks poor performance in New Orleans. Therefore, if they come out flat, it is a sign that these players under this staff can not be properly motivated throughout the season. If they come out of the tunnel motivated and intense but are ineffectual, it is a sign that this team will be unable to handle the more talented teams in the NFL. Unfortunately, that is who they play this season lots of good NFL teams. However, if they come out of the tunnel motivated, focused, and are able to execute the gameplan and win many of the individual battles throught the first half, then this is a team that is ready for the season and positioned to do some great things. Ill be there, nervous but hopeful. Here are some specific matchups to keep your eye on:
1. Interior O-line versus Jay Ratliff and A-gap blitzers, particularly Bradie James (8.5 sacks in 2008). Ratliff is a monster! He may be 30 lbs lighter than most NT but he had 7 sacks and 33 QB pressures, not to mention causing havoc against the run. The Cowboys dont run a traditional 3-4 defense. The front three does a lot more stunting and slanting, rather than simply eating up blockers. I have been impressed with Myers and Caldwell this preseason but this will be a difficult test for them. They are unlikely to receive much help from backs since they will have their eyes on the OLBs (Ware and Spencer).
Read the rest here: Texans Bull Blog