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**Official Game-Day Thread** Texans at Panthers, Wednesday August 9, 2017!!
- Thread starter TejasTom
- Start date
TheMatrix31
Hall of Fame
I liked what I saw out of Watson. Command of his team, totally a leader. I noticed him making adjustments and giving orders to his players.On one, he noticed a blitz and he motioned to the fullback to move over. Agile, poised, played smart. Some plays in the red zone, he recognized nothing was there and didn't try to force anything. Stepped up in the pocket when he needed to. Ran bootlegs excellently. Threw the ball away when he needed to, got rid of the ball relatively quickly. Overthrew a few times but that's to be expected. Missed a TD in the 3rd quarter with an overthrow. The arm strength on the play right before the half was unreal. I can't believe how far he threw that ball---and with total ease. TD scramble was very nice and great decision-making too. The playcalling was a bit more creative for him, which is quite refreshing.
This team was an undisciplined wreck. Penalty after penalty after penalty after penalty after penalty. And dumb ones too. Ones that will kill you once the real games start. Bill O'Brien is supposed to be a game prepper and a disciplinarian and this game showed hallmarks of the exact same problems which plagued the team in the last three years. If you're gonna be hyped incessantly as a guy who crosses his t's and dots his i's, you better ****ing do it.
Alfred Blue looked decent and fluid in his time, which is noteworthy because he's a terrible player. If this team gets anything out of that guy I'll be happy. D'Onta Foreman looked alright too.
Watt had an unreal play early on where he chased down and tackled Kelvin Benjamin. I couldn't believe how much ground he covered. Cushing looked active too. Secondary needs work. Got blown up a couple times especially on the long Byrd TD. Benjamin's TD was ridiculously nice.
Nice to see the team went no-huddle offense early. The offense in the first two drives was as atrocious as the last three years. Usually it takes multiple quarters (if at all) for Bill O'Brien to adjust. This time it only took a couple of terrible, typical drives for him to change it up and go no-huddle and try something different. Good.
Nice to see David Quessenberry out there. After all that he's been through with the cancer, it's amazing to see him finally playing.
Overall, a good amount to build on. A good amount to fix. Doesn't seem like we picked up any major injuries so I'm happy about that most of all.
This team was an undisciplined wreck. Penalty after penalty after penalty after penalty after penalty. And dumb ones too. Ones that will kill you once the real games start. Bill O'Brien is supposed to be a game prepper and a disciplinarian and this game showed hallmarks of the exact same problems which plagued the team in the last three years. If you're gonna be hyped incessantly as a guy who crosses his t's and dots his i's, you better ****ing do it.
Alfred Blue looked decent and fluid in his time, which is noteworthy because he's a terrible player. If this team gets anything out of that guy I'll be happy. D'Onta Foreman looked alright too.
Watt had an unreal play early on where he chased down and tackled Kelvin Benjamin. I couldn't believe how much ground he covered. Cushing looked active too. Secondary needs work. Got blown up a couple times especially on the long Byrd TD. Benjamin's TD was ridiculously nice.
Nice to see the team went no-huddle offense early. The offense in the first two drives was as atrocious as the last three years. Usually it takes multiple quarters (if at all) for Bill O'Brien to adjust. This time it only took a couple of terrible, typical drives for him to change it up and go no-huddle and try something different. Good.
Nice to see David Quessenberry out there. After all that he's been through with the cancer, it's amazing to see him finally playing.
Overall, a good amount to build on. A good amount to fix. Doesn't seem like we picked up any major injuries so I'm happy about that most of all.
You do realize we were the least penalized team in the league last season with 87. In 2015 we were middle of the pack with 107 and in 2014 were the 8th least penalized with 94. While last night was certainly bad, I fail to see "hallmarks of the exact problems which plagued this team in the last three years", if anything last night seemed like an aberration based on our history.
http://www.footballdb.com/stats/penalties.html
PapaL
Loose Screw
Next mornings thoughts:
Still very high on DW right now. I hope he keeps doing whatever he's been doing.
Foreman is legit running the ball. Miller and Blue will lose touches once Foreman picks up pass protections and the finer details.
Nelson Jr looked terrible.
58 Pratt and 22 were very active on defense flying around the ball.
Blue looked better than I've ever seen him. Which says a lot because I don't think he's very good.
DW slides effortlessly.
Hunt makes plays. He's better than Ervin...who seems to be MIA.
Watkins and Reader looked to tie up the middle fairly decently
ST still needs work
Still very high on DW right now. I hope he keeps doing whatever he's been doing.
Foreman is legit running the ball. Miller and Blue will lose touches once Foreman picks up pass protections and the finer details.
Nelson Jr looked terrible.
58 Pratt and 22 were very active on defense flying around the ball.
Blue looked better than I've ever seen him. Which says a lot because I don't think he's very good.
DW slides effortlessly.
Hunt makes plays. He's better than Ervin...who seems to be MIA.
Watkins and Reader looked to tie up the middle fairly decently
ST still needs work
Texian
Hall of Fame
My take on Watson is a little different than the start him right now Kool Aid crowd. I thought his intermediate and long pass accuracy was not good. Some of his short passes were behind the receiver. He looked at and stare down only one WR. He did tuck and run a couple of times when it was not necessary and he did all that against Home Depot and Lowes. A rookie playing his very first NFL game it was about what was expected. Savage needed to take a Xanax.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
PROFOOTBALLFOCUS
NFL Analysis
PFF experts use our exclusive player grades and signature stats to analyze the performance of each NFL team and player.
Refocused: Carolina Panthers 27, Houston Texans 17
By PFF Analysis Team • Aug 10, 2017
CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 09:
Week 2 of the preseason is officially upon us as the Houston Texans traveled to Carolina to face the Panthers. The game featured the much-anticipated debuts of Texans first round pick Deshaun Watson and Panthers first round selection Christian McCaffrey but it was a veteran receiver who stole the show early.
Ultimately, the Panthers defended their home field and edged out the visiting Texans, 27-17. With that, here are our exclusive PFF takeaways as we refocus on the game:
Top 5 Grades
EDGE Bryan Cox, 86.4 overall grade
WR Damiere Byrd, 83.7 overall grade
G David Yankey, 82.7 overall grade
WR Kelvin Benjamin, 81.7 overall grade
S Dezmen Southward, 81.3 overall grade
Performances of note:
WR Damiere Byrd, 83.7 overall grade
Byrd shredded Texans CB Robert Nelson for four receptions – on four targets – for all 98 of his receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Backup QB Joe Webb connected with Byrd for scoring strikes of 50 yards and another from eight yards that proved to be the game-winning score. Byrd posted an impressive 6.13 yards per route run average over 16 snaps in route.
WR Kelvin Benjamin, 81.7 overall grade
Benjamin would only see the field for nine total snaps but, if anyone required proof of his current condition, he left a very strong impression. Collecting both of his targeted passes from QB Derek Anderson, Benjamin stiff-armed his way to a 17-yard pickup, and followed that with an end zone fade over Houston CB Denzel Rice for a 23-yard touchdown. If incumbent starting QB Cam Newton were to miss time, this connection bodes well for the outcome. Benjamin posted an absurd 8.00 yards per route run on five total routes.
EDGE Bryan Cox, 86.4 overall grade
The Panthers need support from the backup pass-rushers this season, and got just that from Cox tonight. He flustered Houston edge blockers all night, racking up two QB hits and four hurries on just 21 rushes. His pass-rush grade of 83.9 and run defense grade of 84.2 were both tops for Carolina.
EDGE Daeshon Hall, 81.0 overall grade
While Hall posted five total pressures against the Texans, his play against the run was not as strong, as his 49.9 run defense grade shows he still has significant work to do on that phase of his game. He also failed to recognize play-action rollouts to his side multiple times, which allowed Houston quarterbacks to survey the field on several uncontested throws.
Top 5 Grades
S Corey Moore, 85.8 overall grade
LB Zach Cunningham, 84.5 overall grade
EDGE Gimel President, 82.7 overall grade
DI Brandon Dunn, 81.3 overall grade
S Kurtis Drummond, 79.7 overall grade
Performances of note:
QB Deshaun Watson, 79.0 overall grade
Watson’s debut was solid, albeit unspectacular. While he completed 15-of-26 aimed passes, he went just 4-for-12 on throws that traveled at least 10 yards through the air. This was largely due to him sailing several seam routes, something he was prone to do at Clemson as well. While he also seemed to struggle processing information in the secondary, and vacated the pocket early on a number of instances, the Texans have to be encouraged by the fact he didn’t force a single ball into a bad spot tonight.
RG Josh Walker, 79.5 overall grade
Walker put in a strong performance, surrendering just one hurry on 32 pass blocking reps. He also performed well in the run game, as his 81.2 run blocking grade was second-best on the Texans’ roster.
LB Zach Cunningham, 84.5 overall grade
Cunningham didn’t leave notions of his progress to the imagination on Wednesday night, as he took the field in his first NFL game, and led the team with eight total tackles. Not only that, but he also closed out the night without missing a tackle, and permitted only four yards on 19 coverage snaps to average a paltry 0.21 yards per snap in coverage.
S Corey Moore, 85.8 overall grade
Speaking of impressive performances in coverage, Moore saw 16 snaps without allowing a single reception, and also came away with the interception thrown by Panthers QB Joe Webb as time wound down at the end of the first half. His coverage grade following the conclusion of the first preseason game: 89.0.
PFF Game Ball: Zach Cunningham
With his oustanding play against the run (87.1 run defense grade), the Texans’ rookie backer is tonight’s top player. He produced eight total tackles tonight (five of them of the solo variety), and in coverage gave up just one catch for four yards.
NFL Analysis
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Refocused: Carolina Panthers 27, Houston Texans 17
By PFF Analysis Team • Aug 10, 2017
CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 09:
Week 2 of the preseason is officially upon us as the Houston Texans traveled to Carolina to face the Panthers. The game featured the much-anticipated debuts of Texans first round pick Deshaun Watson and Panthers first round selection Christian McCaffrey but it was a veteran receiver who stole the show early.
Ultimately, the Panthers defended their home field and edged out the visiting Texans, 27-17. With that, here are our exclusive PFF takeaways as we refocus on the game:
Top 5 Grades
EDGE Bryan Cox, 86.4 overall grade
WR Damiere Byrd, 83.7 overall grade
G David Yankey, 82.7 overall grade
WR Kelvin Benjamin, 81.7 overall grade
S Dezmen Southward, 81.3 overall grade
Performances of note:
WR Damiere Byrd, 83.7 overall grade
Byrd shredded Texans CB Robert Nelson for four receptions – on four targets – for all 98 of his receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Backup QB Joe Webb connected with Byrd for scoring strikes of 50 yards and another from eight yards that proved to be the game-winning score. Byrd posted an impressive 6.13 yards per route run average over 16 snaps in route.
WR Kelvin Benjamin, 81.7 overall grade
Benjamin would only see the field for nine total snaps but, if anyone required proof of his current condition, he left a very strong impression. Collecting both of his targeted passes from QB Derek Anderson, Benjamin stiff-armed his way to a 17-yard pickup, and followed that with an end zone fade over Houston CB Denzel Rice for a 23-yard touchdown. If incumbent starting QB Cam Newton were to miss time, this connection bodes well for the outcome. Benjamin posted an absurd 8.00 yards per route run on five total routes.
EDGE Bryan Cox, 86.4 overall grade
The Panthers need support from the backup pass-rushers this season, and got just that from Cox tonight. He flustered Houston edge blockers all night, racking up two QB hits and four hurries on just 21 rushes. His pass-rush grade of 83.9 and run defense grade of 84.2 were both tops for Carolina.
EDGE Daeshon Hall, 81.0 overall grade
While Hall posted five total pressures against the Texans, his play against the run was not as strong, as his 49.9 run defense grade shows he still has significant work to do on that phase of his game. He also failed to recognize play-action rollouts to his side multiple times, which allowed Houston quarterbacks to survey the field on several uncontested throws.
Top 5 Grades
S Corey Moore, 85.8 overall grade
LB Zach Cunningham, 84.5 overall grade
EDGE Gimel President, 82.7 overall grade
DI Brandon Dunn, 81.3 overall grade
S Kurtis Drummond, 79.7 overall grade
Performances of note:
QB Deshaun Watson, 79.0 overall grade
Watson’s debut was solid, albeit unspectacular. While he completed 15-of-26 aimed passes, he went just 4-for-12 on throws that traveled at least 10 yards through the air. This was largely due to him sailing several seam routes, something he was prone to do at Clemson as well. While he also seemed to struggle processing information in the secondary, and vacated the pocket early on a number of instances, the Texans have to be encouraged by the fact he didn’t force a single ball into a bad spot tonight.
RG Josh Walker, 79.5 overall grade
Walker put in a strong performance, surrendering just one hurry on 32 pass blocking reps. He also performed well in the run game, as his 81.2 run blocking grade was second-best on the Texans’ roster.
LB Zach Cunningham, 84.5 overall grade
Cunningham didn’t leave notions of his progress to the imagination on Wednesday night, as he took the field in his first NFL game, and led the team with eight total tackles. Not only that, but he also closed out the night without missing a tackle, and permitted only four yards on 19 coverage snaps to average a paltry 0.21 yards per snap in coverage.
S Corey Moore, 85.8 overall grade
Speaking of impressive performances in coverage, Moore saw 16 snaps without allowing a single reception, and also came away with the interception thrown by Panthers QB Joe Webb as time wound down at the end of the first half. His coverage grade following the conclusion of the first preseason game: 89.0.
PFF Game Ball: Zach Cunningham
With his oustanding play against the run (87.1 run defense grade), the Texans’ rookie backer is tonight’s top player. He produced eight total tackles tonight (five of them of the solo variety), and in coverage gave up just one catch for four yards.
My take after some needed sleep:
Our 1st team offense looked horrid. While the Offensive line wasn't ready to go, Savage had no feel for pressure at all the first two series. He looked much as he did a couple of years ago.
1st team Defense wasn't much better. Just-getting-a-couple-of-reps JJ was the bright spot. K-Jo forgot that arms are used to tackle.
Watson had some bright spots and some negative ones. He didn't "seem" rattled, but his passing accuracy says otherwise. He looked better than I expected overall, but has plenty of room for improvement.
Lamar Miller looked like he'd spent the day at a Wilfork BBQ.
D'Onta Foreman looks like the real deal. If he can learn to lower his pad level, he'll be fine. He looks too used to bowling over smaller, less-gifted players.
Our conditioning on 1st team is nowhere near where it needs to be. Barely past the halfway point of the 1st quarter and they pan around the Defense and everyone looks like they've just played 60.
I didn't realize how much the passing game would miss Will Fuller to stretch the field.
Our #2 & #3 DBs need to get some discipline. Too many dumb penalties.
Our Special Teams is still Short-Bus special, the kick coverage especially. Enough missed tackles last night for all of preseason. Eddie Pleasant brain-farted.
Imagine for a moment that SJL and Spencer Tillman had a child. How dumb could someone possibly speak?
O'Brien's play-calling finally loosened up after the first few series. He still doesn't seem to know what to do with Akeem Hunt though.
Our 2nd/3rd-team Defense needs to look up the word contain. Stay in your lanes and you'll still bottle up the QB.
Alfred Blue is hearing footsteps and looking like a #1.
Our 1st team offense looked horrid. While the Offensive line wasn't ready to go, Savage had no feel for pressure at all the first two series. He looked much as he did a couple of years ago.
1st team Defense wasn't much better. Just-getting-a-couple-of-reps JJ was the bright spot. K-Jo forgot that arms are used to tackle.
Watson had some bright spots and some negative ones. He didn't "seem" rattled, but his passing accuracy says otherwise. He looked better than I expected overall, but has plenty of room for improvement.
Lamar Miller looked like he'd spent the day at a Wilfork BBQ.
D'Onta Foreman looks like the real deal. If he can learn to lower his pad level, he'll be fine. He looks too used to bowling over smaller, less-gifted players.
Our conditioning on 1st team is nowhere near where it needs to be. Barely past the halfway point of the 1st quarter and they pan around the Defense and everyone looks like they've just played 60.
I didn't realize how much the passing game would miss Will Fuller to stretch the field.
Our #2 & #3 DBs need to get some discipline. Too many dumb penalties.
Our Special Teams is still Short-Bus special, the kick coverage especially. Enough missed tackles last night for all of preseason. Eddie Pleasant brain-farted.
Imagine for a moment that SJL and Spencer Tillman had a child. How dumb could someone possibly speak?
O'Brien's play-calling finally loosened up after the first few series. He still doesn't seem to know what to do with Akeem Hunt though.
Our 2nd/3rd-team Defense needs to look up the word contain. Stay in your lanes and you'll still bottle up the QB.
Alfred Blue is hearing footsteps and looking like a #1.
Max
Veteran
All good takes but this one stood out for me. Anyone else catch the Tillman quote when JJo got beat for the TD in the first quarter -- "it's rare that people challenge him as often as they do". Nice.
SlimJoe
Practice Squad
I agree he might take the starting job eventually. I like what I saw. Now we need to see what he can do against the first team defenders.
bah007
Hall of Fame
PROFOOTBALLFOCUS
NFL Analysis
PFF experts use our exclusive player grades and signature stats to analyze the performance of each NFL team and player.
Refocused: Carolina Panthers 27, Houston Texans 17
By PFF Analysis Team • Aug 10, 2017
CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 09:
Week 2 of the preseason is officially upon us as the Houston Texans traveled to Carolina to face the Panthers. The game featured the much-anticipated debuts of Texans first round pick Deshaun Watson and Panthers first round selection Christian McCaffrey but it was a veteran receiver who stole the show early.
Ultimately, the Panthers defended their home field and edged out the visiting Texans, 27-17. With that, here are our exclusive PFF takeaways as we refocus on the game:
Top 5 Grades
EDGE Bryan Cox, 86.4 overall grade
WR Damiere Byrd, 83.7 overall grade
G David Yankey, 82.7 overall grade
WR Kelvin Benjamin, 81.7 overall grade
S Dezmen Southward, 81.3 overall grade
Performances of note:
WR Damiere Byrd, 83.7 overall grade
Byrd shredded Texans CB Robert Nelson for four receptions – on four targets – for all 98 of his receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Backup QB Joe Webb connected with Byrd for scoring strikes of 50 yards and another from eight yards that proved to be the game-winning score. Byrd posted an impressive 6.13 yards per route run average over 16 snaps in route.
WR Kelvin Benjamin, 81.7 overall grade
Benjamin would only see the field for nine total snaps but, if anyone required proof of his current condition, he left a very strong impression. Collecting both of his targeted passes from QB Derek Anderson, Benjamin stiff-armed his way to a 17-yard pickup, and followed that with an end zone fade over Houston CB Denzel Rice for a 23-yard touchdown. If incumbent starting QB Cam Newton were to miss time, this connection bodes well for the outcome. Benjamin posted an absurd 8.00 yards per route run on five total routes.
EDGE Bryan Cox, 86.4 overall grade
The Panthers need support from the backup pass-rushers this season, and got just that from Cox tonight. He flustered Houston edge blockers all night, racking up two QB hits and four hurries on just 21 rushes. His pass-rush grade of 83.9 and run defense grade of 84.2 were both tops for Carolina.
EDGE Daeshon Hall, 81.0 overall grade
While Hall posted five total pressures against the Texans, his play against the run was not as strong, as his 49.9 run defense grade shows he still has significant work to do on that phase of his game. He also failed to recognize play-action rollouts to his side multiple times, which allowed Houston quarterbacks to survey the field on several uncontested throws.
Top 5 Grades
S Corey Moore, 85.8 overall grade
LB Zach Cunningham, 84.5 overall grade
EDGE Gimel President, 82.7 overall grade
DI Brandon Dunn, 81.3 overall grade
S Kurtis Drummond, 79.7 overall grade
Performances of note:
QB Deshaun Watson, 79.0 overall grade
Watson’s debut was solid, albeit unspectacular. While he completed 15-of-26 aimed passes, he went just 4-for-12 on throws that traveled at least 10 yards through the air. This was largely due to him sailing several seam routes, something he was prone to do at Clemson as well. While he also seemed to struggle processing information in the secondary, and vacated the pocket early on a number of instances, the Texans have to be encouraged by the fact he didn’t force a single ball into a bad spot tonight.
RG Josh Walker, 79.5 overall grade
Walker put in a strong performance, surrendering just one hurry on 32 pass blocking reps. He also performed well in the run game, as his 81.2 run blocking grade was second-best on the Texans’ roster.
LB Zach Cunningham, 84.5 overall grade
Cunningham didn’t leave notions of his progress to the imagination on Wednesday night, as he took the field in his first NFL game, and led the team with eight total tackles. Not only that, but he also closed out the night without missing a tackle, and permitted only four yards on 19 coverage snaps to average a paltry 0.21 yards per snap in coverage.
S Corey Moore, 85.8 overall grade
Speaking of impressive performances in coverage, Moore saw 16 snaps without allowing a single reception, and also came away with the interception thrown by Panthers QB Joe Webb as time wound down at the end of the first half. His coverage grade following the conclusion of the first preseason game: 89.0.
PFF Game Ball: Zach Cunningham
With his oustanding play against the run (87.1 run defense grade), the Texans’ rookie backer is tonight’s top player. He produced eight total tackles tonight (five of them of the solo variety), and in coverage gave up just one catch for four yards.
Cunningham flashed a lot but I didn't realize he had that many tackles. And he could have had even more. There were about three plays he took bad angles and couldn't get to tackles he should've been able to make.
Moore's grade could be pretty deceiving depending on the coverages we were in. That's why this system isn't always accurate. They don't have access to that info. He gets credit for that INT but he was out of position on that play. From what I was seeing, he was supposed to be coming down on top of the WR and he was not. A decent pass scores a TD there. The only reason he was in a spot to make the INT was that the ball was overthrown by ten yards. And then on the long TD pass over the middle he was down in the flat and there was zero help over the top. I'm putting that on one of the Safeties being in the wrong spot. Can't say which without seeing a replay but I seriously doubt we were in Cover Zero on that play.
Locally the game was televised on ABC. I was surprised the NFL Network channel blacked it out here in Houston which I gather was because of the ABC coverage ?
RG Josh Walker, 79.5 overall grade
Walker put in a strong performance, surrendering just one hurry on 32 pass blocking reps. He also performed well in the run game, as his 81.2 run blocking grade was second-best on the Texans’ roster.
***
Who was it on the Board who just gave us a heads-up on Walker ?
Walker put in a strong performance, surrendering just one hurry on 32 pass blocking reps. He also performed well in the run game, as his 81.2 run blocking grade was second-best on the Texans’ roster.
***
Who was it on the Board who just gave us a heads-up on Walker ?
While I disagree with you, I like that you make a prediction early and stick by your prediction. You called Os before the 1st game was played, so your opinion carries more weight with me than if somebody else said the same thing.
Most posters aren't willing to stick their necks out like this and if they do they're immediately called a hater.
noxiousdog
Rookie
I tend to agree with you with the caveat that it was better than your average rookie. I am cautiously optimistic, but definitely don't want him starting any time soon.
And it's a preseason game, where alot of guys that had penalties wont make the team.
PapaL
Loose Screw
They've been streaming it via YouTube. Audio has been wonky but I wanted to see matchups so I muted it.
I'm with you and Texian. Watson shows much promise but until he can hit those seam routes regularly, he's not ready to start. A couple of those throws might have had a chance if he had put some air under the ball.
His mobility is far and away better than Savage's but if he buys time but whiffs on the throw, what good is it? I'd like to be in the film breakdown room to know if receivers broke off routes when he scrambled or, as it looked to the untrained eye, he just flat missed some open guys.
Our kick coverage teams just flat got pwned last night.
Those damned penalties have to go.
dream_team
Hall of Fame
My only issue with predicting a QB is going to bust, is that it's like predicting a UDFA won't make the team. Finding a franchise QB is tough and we're going to go through mostly failures before we finally hit on one. So sticking your neck out, and saying Watson isn't the guy, doesn't really impress me. Odds are, he isn't.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
He's not sticking his neck out. He's being consistent. Everything he says about the Texans is negative.
xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
I don't see any reason to keep starting Savage. Tenure is the only advantage he has.
Yeah Watson needs to improve this or improve that. Whatever. He's the better player.
Yeah Watson needs to improve this or improve that. Whatever. He's the better player.
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
Watson looked the better player last night, but it's a small sample size. Watson did get a lot more time to make plays. I think the more prudent thing to do would be to give the two guys equal reps with the 1st and maybe some 2nd stringers in the second preseason game and see how they perform.
It really was a small sample size. Watson is not gun shy and is a rookie, so you may see an INT in the next game, which will pump our fan hopes breaks quickly. Savage may perform very well in contrast to that. That's certainly possible.
I think we need a bit more time to make that decision, but I'm leaning toward your same position.
Uncle Rico
Ur apology should be as loud as Ur disrespect was
Watson being put under the microscope like a 5 year veteran. Crazy. "He can't hit this throw or that throw" or "he was going against scrubs"
This place is turning toxic.
This place is turning toxic.
I didn't even like it when they drafted Savage. But he did improve a little from year to year, IMO.
But as a HC, I think O' Brien needs to decide already whether Watson deserves to be fastrack.
I look at the schedule and see the Texans started out against 7 pretty good to great defenses.
Will Watson be able to survive or is there a risk of getting him injured (the risk can stem from the unfamiliarity between a rookie QB and his O-line, and his weapons.
TheMatrix31
Hall of Fame
More concerned with the "quality" than the raw numbers. Untimely and stupid penalties in the worst situations.
xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
No issue with that.
I'm just thinking of savages history including last night and I just think the new era should just get started. Hes clearly more talented. Even in all the times I've seen savage take nfl snaps I've never come away being as impressed as I was with Watson last night.
banned1976
sleeper mode
I especially hate running Miller up the gut. His first instinct when he gets hit is to lunge forward, fall down and take the 2 or 3 yard gain. I'd much rather pitch the ball to him or use him in the passing game.
Blue looked like guy playing for his next contract.
htownfan32
Hall of Fame
Man, I was strongly against drafting Watson but I'm really hoping I can eat some crow soon. He looks promising, and I can't remember the last time I was this excited about this franchise.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
Miller was built for the outside ZBS stretch ... which we have essentially eliminated.
Miller makes me feel bad for Domanick Davis who was a better version and never got the big payday.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Savage knows 100% of the Offense, Watson less than 50%. Watson looked better going against Carolina's 2s and 3s. Savage was going against Carolina #1 D. Perspective. Look at it this way, when O'Brien thinks Watson can speak Spanish well enough, then and only then will he send him to Mexico City.
PapaL
Loose Screw
Carolina had already put in back ups for Savage’s TD. They both scored on backups.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Correct, however Savage's first two series that were tough going had more to do with Carolina's #1 D, the Oline looking like a 6 lane toll way on a free toll day and Savage holding on to the ball to long.
FuzzyLogic
Mathematically Possible
So he can get a laser to the eye's?
Texansballer74
The Marine
When will we see Savage actually run 100% of the offense. I know on the first two drives he looked lost. Coach had to go hurry up and quick check downs to get him going against the 2nd stringers.
I will ask again, why do yall believe what comes out the Texans camp.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Texian
Hall of Fame
Well it sure won't be during any pre season games.
Seegara
Guitar Picker, Dog Lover, Woodworker
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
Neither had a 1st team OL. OL is more up in the air at this point than QB.
Such a facile thing to learn quoting in order. I'll assume it is deliberate rather than sheer stupidity.
xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
I see it's been pointed out Savage didn't look good until he was out there with starters against back ups.
But People seem to think that this is just about 1 pre season game. It's not.
Savage not being anything special in college aside, the guy has gotten NFL snaps before and he's NEVER looked as impressive as Watson did his first time out.
People are wanting Savage to hold him off like Savage has some kind of solid play on his resume. Like Savage is a safe bet until the high upside rookie gets his shot together. If Savage was on any other team and we only had Watson and Weeden who would be advocating that we bring in Tom Savage as a stop gap?
The answer is no one. Well, maybe Seegara. But he doesn't count.
The only reason Savage is the starter is by default because all the other Qbs they brought in to keep him off the field have been big time failures.
For me it's not even about Watson becoming a superstar QB. It's about him already being more talented and him having a much higher upside.
When Seattle drafted Wilson they saw he was more talented than what's his face. Didn't matter that they had a guy who had started and won NFL games. They went with the younger more talented player and expedited his development.
If Watson is good he'll rise to the top. If not he'll be what he becomes. But sitting on the bench behind Savage isn't going to make him any better than what he's destined to become. This is Watson's team. Let him have it. All theyre doing is delaying the inevitable. Make the change now and ride it out for the next however many years.
As far as trusting OB to know when he's ready....yeah his qb decisions have worked out so well in the past. Maybe he should start doing the opposite of what he thinks is the right path to take. Him thinking Watson should sit behind Savage until some made up point in time is even more reason to do the opposite.
Like I said, the only advantage Savage has is tenure. And until Savage is no longer here he'll always be the longest tenured qb on the roster with the most experience in this "system".
beerlover
Hall of Fame
Savage is a notch above TJ Yates, if he can stay healthy? more upside, better arm but Watson is several notches above Savage. Deshaun has the highest ceiling, most command @ line of scrimmage, mobility to extend plays, ala Russell Wilson also with similar leadership and moxie.
Spell check often fails me
Spell check often fails me
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kiwitexansfan
Hall of Fame
*cough* Deshaun *cough*
usernameJJ
Waterboy
Well, there were a ton of bootlegs for Watson. I think it's a good way to use his speed, but hope it doesn't get predictable. I was impressed by Watson's speed because sometimes college speed doesn't always transfer to the NFL where everything is faster. I do cringe when he scrambles too much in a preseason game, I can't help but think of Cam Newton and taking a lot of hits, etc.
Penalties were horrible (preseason #1 I know) and our secondary looked pathetic, can't tackle or cover. Special teams looked a lot like the last two years, very amateur hourish
Penalties were horrible (preseason #1 I know) and our secondary looked pathetic, can't tackle or cover. Special teams looked a lot like the last two years, very amateur hourish
PapaL
Loose Screw
Pro Football FocusVerified account@PFF
D'Onta Foreman showed some of what made him a success at Texas in the preseason opener
D'Onta Foreman showed some of what made him a success at Texas in the preseason opener
Perki-Perk
DieHard Texan!
Pro Football FocusVerified account@PFF
D'Onta Foreman showed some of what made him a success at Texas in the preseason opener
I will be happy as Hell if Watson, Foreman and Hopkins make up our future core. Will be nice to have a big 3 like that. Put some stickum on Will Fuller when he gets back and let's compete!
Number19
Hall of Fame
OK, but you said Watson looked better against the 2's and 3's. But Savage, against the 2's marched straight down the field, completed 8 of 8, and scored. IMO, this does not support the contention that Watson looked better.
I feel like the only reason Savage is starting is, because O`Brien doesn't want to throw Watson into the fire and hurt his development. This team is all in for Watson. Savage is a stop gap and everyone knows it. So it's all about the question, how can we turn Watson into a franchise QB. Savage can be a game manager. He won't lose us too many games and he won't win us many games.
In this day and age, many teams let their first round QB start day one. BoB is old school. He want's his priced QB to hold a clipboard and learn. What is the right approach? No one really can answer this question, but we pay BoB a lot of money to make the right decision...
xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
How do we know this?
TJ didn't take that long to throw a TD pass though.