MojoMan
Hall of Fame
John McClain weighs in:
He has been playing better after the first week. However, a pro-bowl selection still seems like a bit if a stretch to me.
Texans QB might earn nod as Pro Bowler
The Texans are 1-2 one game worse than most predicted they would be after three games and there are fans who believe quarterback Matt Schaub is to blame for the disappointing start.
The defense is the worst in the NFL. The run defense is the worst in the league. And yet this week there have been fans firing off e-mails to chron.com and calling local talk shows complaining about Schaub.
Schaub, 28, got off to a bad start in the opening loss to the Jets when he played despite a sprained ankle.
He rebounded by pulling out a victory at Tennessee. He put the Texans on the doorstep two times on the last drive against Jacksonville, but his teammates failed to produce.
Capable in pocket
He's been playing well, tight end Owen Daniels said. When we're playing well around him, protect him and keep him off the ground, he can pick apart a defense.
Matt's a great decision-maker. He studies the game. He knows our game plan in and out. He goes through reads really well. He doesn't make bad decisions. As long as he's comfortable back there, he can do anything.
Schaub has seven touchdown passes in the past two games.
He would have had an eighth but a penalty wiped it out in the loss to Jacksonville. After that penalty, Schaub put them at the Jaguars' 2, but Chris Brown's fumble into the end zone ruined the drive.
Schaub is 69-of-107 (64.5 percent) for 823 yards. He has seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He's been sacked four times, including two that were his fault.
Team's praise
If Schaub stays healthy and continues to avoid turnovers, he's got a chance to make his first Pro Bowl, according to many of his teammates.
We're doing a much better job of protecting the ball, coach Gary Kubiak said. I think the key to him being a great player is how well he protects the ball.
I think he's done a better job through the first three weeks of this season, and if he continues to do that, he's got a chance to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
Schaub's seven touchdown passes are tied with Peyton Manning for second behind Brees' nine.
Schaub's third-down rating of 102.5 is fifth. He's helped the Texans tie for seventh in red-zone touchdowns and tie for ninth in red-zone scoring.
I believe I have that ability, Schaub said about playing well enough to make his first Pro Bowl. We've had a lot of guys making plays. It means we're moving the ball well.
With the weapons we have on this team and the way this offense operates, the sky's the limit as far as what we can accomplish.
He has been playing better after the first week. However, a pro-bowl selection still seems like a bit if a stretch to me.