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Texans hire Bill O'Brien as HC

Marshall said:
I think you are one game off. Next ROAD game at Cleveland there will be 7 games remaining/16 Total games equals ~43.75% of season snaps. The following HOME game against Cincinnati there will be 6 games remaining/16 Total games equals ~37.5% of season snaps. That keeps the conditional draft pick under he trigger of 40%. Also 4 of those 6 are home games making it an optimal time for early success for a new QB.

Just a bit of long term planning, rather than short term fan appeasement might be what is going on.
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I guess I was wrong. ~It NEVER happened before.~
 
bah007 said:
That's been my point all along. I have no problem with Mallett playing, but I don't expect to see anything better than what I'm seeing right now.

Probably longer plays down the field will open up but at the expense of more sacks and more turnovers so it will be a wash.
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Sacks yes, turnovers hopefully not.

Hopefully Mallett will be able to open up the whole field.
 
steelbtexan said:
Sacks yes, turnovers hopefully not.

Hopefully Mallett will be able to open up the whole field.
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The biggest difference I can perceive is in the higher release point of Mallett over Fitz. I think that maybe two more passes a game get past the LOS with Mallet. But at what cost? Inexperience is to be expected and I suspect it will show within two or three games as opponents get game tape.

But I did notice that Mallett went to the center of the field with NE in preseason games with regularity. I'm hoping this creates uncertainty in coverage and he can burn the other guys who are sitting on the outs.
 
steelbtexan said:
Sacks yes, turnovers hopefully not.

Hopefully Mallett will be able to open up the whole field.
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Hopefully he'll be able to see those quick slants across the middle, so when the blitzing LBs & safeties exit the middle of the field, he can hit that slot receiver, or TE in the middle of the field for big gains & back those blitzers up.
 
Oh I've personally have known him for a little while, -- back when he was an assistant with NE -- now I kinda felt like the day I met the guy... I went to myself, "Hmmm, that's an NFL Head Coach some day."

He has a vision. He knows exactly what he likes and wants in his players and what he's looking for. He has great relationships with his players.

And when you look at that team (Texans) play you say, yeah, that's a well coached team at all levels.

-- Mike Mayock on Bill O'Brien
 
In 2007, Gary Kubiak interviewed O'Brien for a position as an assistant coach.

Kubiak was entering his second season and was making changes in his staff. He wanted to hire a young coach to work in quality control and assist with the offensive line.

Kubiak and Mike Sherman, the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, interviewed O'Brien, who had finished his second season as Duke's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Before the Texans could hire O'Brien to work under offensive line coach John Benton, he got an offer from Bill Belichick to be an offensive assistant with New England.

O'Brien grew up in Boston. The Patriots were his team. There was no way a career college coach looking for an opportunity in the NFL could turn down a chance to work for his hometown team and learn under Belichick...
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http://www.houstonchronicle.com/spo...hp?t=e6e7d1919bcba496f0&cmpid=twitter-premium
 
Does Bill O'Brien Deserve More Attention for What He Did With the Texans?
In 2013, the Houston Texans went 3-1 in the preseason and started the year off with back-to-back wins. Following their hot start, the Texans lost every single one of their 14 remaining games. The offense sputtered, and only one team tallied fewer points over the course of the 2013 season than the Texans.

When an NFL team performs as poorly as the 2013 Texans, people lose their jobs. In this case, head coach Gary Kubiak was given the boot after a seven-year reign in Houston. Gone as well was veteran quarterback Matt Schaub, who was shipped to Oakland for a late-round pick in the offseason.

The Texans tabbed Penn State’s Bill O’Brien as their next head coach, hoping his strong offensive mind would help the team improve on that side of the ball. This improvement, however, came faster than anyone could have predicted, as the Texans went 9-7 in 2014. Just a year removed from picking first overall, and despite getting no production from that first overall pick, the Texans managed to stay in playoff contention all season long.

O’Brien was clearly a good hire for the Texans, and it's worth exploring just how much the offense improved under his guidance. Is it possible that O’Brien is not getting as much credit as he deserves? Let’s take a look...
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Bill O'Brien is going to be a damn good HC. I think we saw it in a lot of ways after we snapped out of our midseason slump. Just in dire need of a QB to get us to the next level, but i think we have us the coach to get us there.
 
Ryan said:
Bill O'Brien is going to be a damn good HC. I think we saw it in a lot of ways after we snapped out of our midseason slump. Just in dire need of a QB to get us to the next level, but i think we have us the coach to get us there.
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Really?

I've got nothing against Bill O'Brien, but how much of that production is because of a healthy(ish) Arian Foster?

Not saying the guy didn't do a good job. But that 2-14 team did not have a healthy Arian Foster. OR Ben Tate for that matter.
 
thunderkyss said:
Really?

I've got nothing against Bill O'Brien, but how much of that production is because of a healthy(ish) Arian Foster?

Not saying the guy didn't do a good job. But that 2-14 team did not have a healthy Arian Foster. OR Ben Tate for that matter.
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Arian had a lot to do with that. He is our best offensive weapon when healthy and given our QB situation this year, we needed to lean on him more than usual. With the right QB I think we can adopt the NE approach eventually with an effective RB by committee. Foster is a rare back though that doesn't come around often and that Houston hasn't had since #34 left.
 
Ryan said:
Arian had a lot to do with that. He is our best offensive weapon when healthy and given our QB situation this year, we needed to lean on him more than usual. With the right QB I think we can adopt the NE approach eventually with an effective RB by committee. Foster is a rare back though that doesn't come around often and that Houston hasn't had since #34 left.
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Eddie George was drafted by the Houston Oilers.

Just sayin.
 
infantrycak said:
Eddie George had a career 3.6 ypc with a career high season of 4.1 ypc.

Just sayin'.
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That stat is a big misleading. First five years in the league with HOU/TEN he averaged something like 1400 yards per season and 4 ypc. I think any of us would take that kind of production. Unlike Foster, he never missed a game. He just wore out quickly after that and only played 8 years. Still managed over 10,000 yards.
 
VIDEO: http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-med...nference/19afcb6a-2a96-4211-ab1a-6985de4c08cf

Notes from O'Brien's Combine presser...

Drew Dougherty @DoughertyDrew
"His huddle command, his knowledge of our offense, ability to process what we were trying to do..."-O'Brien on Mallett learning from Brady.

"He's basically like a guard in the backfield. And he did a good job."-O'Brien on fullback Jay Prosch in 2014.

"We don't want him to play anywhere else. He's a Houston Texan."-O'Brien on Andre Johnson.

"I have a ton of respect for him."-O'Brien on Andre Johnson, who he also termed a "Hall of Fame receiver".

O'Brien: Clowney learned about being a pro, playing w/injury, watching veteran teammates, fellow rookies.

"That guy has to be able to think quickly."-O'Brien on the QB that plays/excels in his offensive system.

O'Brien: Clowney's rehab is on right track. Has been very disciplined in rehab process, which is taking place in Houston.

"We have to use our tight ends more. A lot of that is us as a coaching staff, and a lot of that is them."-O'Brien on TE group.

"Running back is a position we can look at."-O'Brien on the RB crop in this Draft.

"You've gotta manage him."-O'Brien on Arian Foster getting so many carries/catches last season, and not putting too much wear on him.
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John McClain @McClain_on_NFL
OB on Andre "We'd like to have him back and retire a Houston Texan. He means a lot to us."

OB on Clowney "I wouldn't call it a lost year. He learned a lot. It was a disappointing year cause of injuries. "

OB "Clowney is rehabbing. He's on right track. The first 6 weeks were crucial cause he couldn't put weight on it. We're happy with him."

OB " If u look at our offense we'd like to bolster quarterback position. And one way u do that is bringing back Ryan Mallett."

OB "We have to use our tight ends more. A lot of that is on us as coaches and some on them."

OBrien on Foster workload "He has a lot of football left in him. We communicate with him and try to manage his workload."

OBrien on Mallett "We enjoyed coaching him but unfortunately he only played two games. We'd like to have him back."

Bill OBrien meeting with media.
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Deepi Sidhu @DeepSlant
O'Brien says he hadn't been around Mallett for 3 years when he arrived in Houston. Was impressed with huddle knowledge and his growth.

O'Brien on DeAndre Hopkins: "No matter where you put the ball, he's able to make a contested catch." #Texans

O'Brien says Super Bowl was an unbelievable game. It was fun to watch but hopes to see #Texans in it one day soon.

O'Brien says, "No question," on being asked about Andre Johnson's value upon returning last year. Hopes to see him retire a Houston Texan.

O'Brien feels good about Clowney's progress. Says he couldn't put any weight on knee for 6 weeks post-op. Was "very disciplined" in rehab.

O'Brien talks about bringing back Ryan Mallett in order to bolster team and adding depth. #Texans

O'Brien on slot WRs: There are very few Wes Welkers out there. It's something that we're looking at. #Texans

O'Brien says TEs have to be used more this year. Says coaches will have to do a better job incorporating them. #Texans

"We'll see," O'Brien says when asked if #Texans will add an RB. It's something they'll consider "if the right guy comes along."

Bill O'Brien says Ryan Mallett is doing well in recovery: "We'd like to have him back in Houston." #Texans
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I thought his answer to question about how Chip Kelly is coach & GM was pretty interesting. He didn't answer for Kelly, but through his answer on the current status it seemed like he enjoyed working with Rick Smith, and described him and Rick as a "team."

I'm pretty sure another busted draft would change his mind but he doesn't sound like there is any friction with the classic GM/Head Coach setup that the Texans have. Or perhaps he didn't have to go through the Brennan Williams/Sam Montgomery/Trevardo Williams draft class.
 
Team needs:

Bolster QB---> sign Mallett
Add depth WR
Add depth secondary
Add depth at LB

The SlotWR for our system has changed over the years.... we've changed how we look at that position, what type of player that is...we've put together a description of that position and we're going to see if somebody fits that description whether it's in FA or the draft.
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The QB that plays in our system, we have a strong belief that that guy has to be able to think quickly.... we train him to be a coach on the field... this guy at the line of scrimmage has to make quick decisions based on what he sees both pre-snap and post-snap... so one of the things we do [with prospects] is test how fast he processes information. Hard to find a lot of guys that can do that.
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cland said:
I thought his answer to question about how Chip Kelly is coach & GM was pretty interesting. He didn't answer for Kelly, but through his answer on the current status it seemed like he enjoyed working with Rick Smith, and described him and Rick as a "team."

I'm pretty sure another busted draft would change his mind but he doesn't sound like there is any friction with the classic GM/Head Coach setup that the Texans have. Or perhaps he didn't have to go through the Brennan Williams/Sam Montgomery/Trevardo Williams draft class.
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Yeah, cuz JDC, Xavier and Nix were soooo much better!!!
poke.gif


:smooch:
 
Bruce Arians/Steve Keim: NFL's top coach/general manager duo

9) Bill O'Brien/Rick Smith, Houston Texans


How about a nice surprise right off the bat?!

I voted for O'Brien as Associated Press Coach of the Year in 2014. One year into his Texans tenure, this much is clear: He's a special, fantastic head coach. Meanwhile, Smith has done a good job stockpiling talent through the years. I think this franchise is primed for a big jump over the next two seasons. I'm looking into the crystal ball with this pick, taking Houston's tandem over those in Carolina (the failure to supply Cam Newton with enough help at WR remains disconcerting), Dallas (brilliant year, but Jerry Jones is not a legit and trustworthy GM) and Philadelphia (I love Howie Roseman, but Chip Kelly now has control, and we need to see how that plays out) -- as well as Cincinnati and Kansas City.
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thunderkyss said:
See, that's the problem right there. We're not #1. Not even top 5. & it's not like they're handing out Lombardies to Adam Schein's top duos.


:stirpot:
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Don't forget Schein predicted a Texans/Falcons Super Bowl before the 2013 season......

:mariopalm::kubepalm::wadepalm::vincepalm::toropalm::mcclain:
 
DX-TEX said:
Don't forget Schein predicted a Texans/Falcons Super Bowl before the 2013 season......

:mariopalm::kubepalm::wadepalm::vincepalm::toropalm::mcclain:
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Adam Schein = LOL

Don't you have to win something to be ranked in the top 10?

A division championship atleast?

I mean you could argue that Jerrah/Garrett have had more success than some of the ones listed.
 
DX-TEX said:
Don't forget Schein predicted a Texans/Falcons Super Bowl before the 2013 season......

:mariopalm::kubepalm::wadepalm::vincepalm::toropalm::mcclain:
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And the Texans were coming off two successful seasons and division championships. Don't tell me that you knew 2-14 was going to happen in 2013 before the start of the season...

steelbtexan said:
Adam Schein = LOL

Don't you have to win something to be ranked in the top 10?

A division championship atleast?

I mean you could argue that Jerrah/Garrett have had more success than some of the ones listed.
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There are 8 division winners, which is less than 10, so mathematics would have us believe that 2 non-division winners could be in the Top 10 using that criteria. Of course, to assume that last year's division winners automatically get into the Top 10 for this coming season...
 
sandman said:
And the Texans were coming off two successful seasons and division championships. Don't tell me that you knew 2-14 was going to happen in 2013 before the start of the season...
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No. I was just letting people know Scheins track record of predicting
 
steelbtexan said:
Not everybody
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So you predicted 2-14?

Not a can't repeat a 12 win season. Not a it will be a battle to make the playoffs again. Not a this team had some gaps that showed their ugly faces at the end of the season.

You're saying you expected the team to lose 14 straight games, for Schaub to age in dog years during the off season, and for Kubiak and Wade to get fired?
 
sandman said:
So you predicted 2-14?

Not a can't repeat a 12 win season. Not a it will be a battle to make the playoffs again. Not a this team had some gaps that showed their ugly faces at the end of the season.

You're saying you expected the team to lose 14 straight games, for Schaub to age in dog years during the off season, and for Kubiak and Wade to get fired?
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I not only predicted a 7-9/9-7 type season I made a couple of $500.00 bets with a couple of board members that they wouldn't win 9 games/make the playofs when they were 2-3. One of those bets still hasn't been paid. (Looking at you DM)

Yes I listened to CND's prognosis (Lisfranc) and thought Schaub would fall off of a cliff and had been hoping that Smith/Kubiak would be fired. (Since 2009 really) Since it was obvious the Texans had reached their peak under the Smith/Kubiak regime.
 
sandman said:
So you predicted 2-14?

Not a can't repeat a 12 win season. Not a it will be a battle to make the playoffs again. Not a this team had some gaps that showed their ugly faces at the end of the season.

You're saying you expected the team to lose 14 straight games, for Schaub to age in dog years during the off season, and for Kubiak and Wade to get fired?
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I think TexansChick said the PFF guys or one of those stat sites had us at 6 wins the following year.
 
steelbtexan said:
I not only predicted a 7-9/9-7 type season I made a couple of $500.00 bets with a couple of board members that they wouldn't win 9 games/make the playofs when they were 2-3. One of those bets still hasn't been paid. (Looking at you DM).
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Five games into the season after a three game losing streak and the birth of Matty Pick-6 isn't the same as making that bet during the off-season.

steelbtexan said:
Yes I listened to CND's prognosis (Lisfranc) and thought Schaub would fall off of a cliff and had been hoping that Smith/Kubiak would be fired. (Since 2009 really) Since it was obvious the Texans had reached their peak under the Smith/Kubiak regime.
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Normally I would take this as sarcasm, but pretty sure you are being serious here.
 
sandman said:
Five games into the season after a three game losing streak and the birth of Matty Pick-6 isn't the same as making that bet during the off-season.



Normally I would take this as sarcasm, but pretty sure you are being serious here.
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Bottom line is some people were willing to make bets. (Not that they paid.)

I did predict a 7-9/9-7 season before the season started and most posters thought I was crazy at that time.

Did the Texans peak under Smith/Kubiak? Apparently McNair thought so.
 
steelbtexan said:
Did the Texans peak under Smith/Kubiak? Apparently McNair thought so.
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& he made a change. Now, let's see what happens.

See... if I had said, "We need to get rid of Kubiak & find someone Rick Smith could work with." You most likely wouldn't agree, but you'd respect my opinion. But for whatever reason, you don't extend that same courtesy to McNair.

If he doesn't do exactly what you would like to have had done... he's worthless. The Team's worthless, & whatever other negative vibe you'd like to spin.

You don't like Rick. But you liked our last draft. It didn't pan out, but as far as the players selected, you "appreciated" the draft. You like OB (so far), you like Gaine... but you wouldn't piss on Rick Smith if he was on fire.

Again, that's cool. You're not the only one. But your incessant vitriol is tiring.
 
thunderkyss said:
& he made a change. Now, let's see what happens.

See... if I had said, "We need to get rid of Kubiak & find someone Rick Smith could work with." You most likely wouldn't agree, but you'd respect my opinion. But for whatever reason, you don't extend that same courtesy to McNair.

If he doesn't do exactly what you would like to have had done... he's worthless. The Team's worthless, & whatever other negative vibe you'd like to spin.

You don't like Rick. But you liked our last draft. It didn't pan out, but as far as the players selected, you "appreciated" the draft. You like OB (so far), you like Gaine... but you wouldn't piss on Rick Smith if he was on fire.

Again, that's cool. You're not the only one. But your incessant vitriol is tiring.
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I give respect to McNair in this situation and don't see how pointing out McNair's stance on the situation = Vitriol?
 
thunderkyss said:
All the, "Texans aren't worried about winning... as long as y'all sell out NRG... more money for McNair" talk is vitriol.
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Pointing out facts about the $$$$ they make vs the product they put on the field = vitriol? Gotcha, I wont be talking about this anymore. We just have different definitions of the word vitriol.
 
steelbtexan said:
Pointing out facts about the $$$$ they make vs the product they put on the field = vitriol? Gotcha, I wont be talking about this anymore. We just have different definitions of the word vitriol.
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He probably means vitriolic, though I'm not sure if that or acerbic is the right word.

I'm sure someone will let us know :boogereater:
 
thunderkyss said:
& he made a change. Now, let's see what happens.

See... if I had said, "We need to get rid of Kubiak & find someone Rick Smith could work with." You most likely wouldn't agree, but you'd respect my opinion. But for whatever reason, you don't extend that same courtesy to McNair.

If he doesn't do exactly what you would like to have had done... he's worthless. The Team's worthless, & whatever other negative vibe you'd like to spin.

You don't like Rick. But you liked our last draft. It didn't pan out, but as far as the players selected, you "appreciated" the draft. You like OB (so far), you like Gaine... but you wouldn't piss on Rick Smith if he was on fire.

Again, that's cool. You're not the only one. But your incessant vitriol is tiring.
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MSR. Good post. And no, I wouldn't piss on Rick Smith if he ws on fire. I'd pour water on him or use a fire extinguisher. Piss on him? really?? That's racism and racism isn't cool!!!!!
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