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Week 5: Back Down to Earth—- Shout Out Your Frustration

No, but they were a huge part of it

It was a team loss.

The offense had too many 3 and outs, which tired out the defense. Of course if the defense could stop the Falcons they could get off of the field. With this sad, they couldn't get the stop they needed to win the game. Partly because of injuries to the LB's/Secondary. I could see a trade at the deadline for a LB and an Edge.
 
I understand we had a lot of our starting secondary out but you have to play tighter coverage in that situation.
I wish that were the case. We're missing Stingley. Pitre, Ward, & Nelson were all there. & it was their TEs, Pitts & Smith that were killing us. Drake London had a game, don't get me wrong, those TEs set the pace.
 
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Every argument is valid:

Its a team loss, yes because none were perfect.

However, CJ put us in position to win at the end. Though the offense didn't do the defense any favors keeping them out there most of the game.

Defense, probably couldn't have stopped a mad girl scout out there if she had on a Falcons jersey in that last drive. But they did cause 2 turnovers.

Coaching, I understand playing it safe with such a small lead.... although I would much rather the defense play aggressive (not stupid) and either stop the Falcons or they score quickly leaving the fate of the game and time on the clock on the shoulders of a capable QBs hands, not an exhausted defense.

But hindsight.

That said, since both sides of the ball had their shining moments I think it rightly falls on coaches.

A D that causes 2 fumbles is doing something right and performing.

An offense that leaves the field with a lead... has done their part (no matter how ugly it looks to that point)

Just my opinion though.... which granted I didnt see the whole game
 
It was a team loss.

The offense had too many 3 and outs, which tired out the defense. Of course if the defense could stop the Falcons they could get off of the field. With this sad, they couldn't get the stop they needed to win the game. Partly because of injuries to the LB's/Secondary. I could see a trade at the deadline for a LB and an Edge.
My spidey-sense is also tingling at a trade. I think it’s going to be a lot sooner than the deadline. Who would we be able to give up though? Mills? I can’t imagine getting DE/LB kind of value for him but we can only hope!
 
My spidey-sense is also tingling at a trade. I think it’s going to be a lot sooner than the deadline. Who would we be able to give up though? Mills? I can’t imagine getting DE/LB kind of value for him but we can only hope!
Trade him to Dallas for a Olineman...
 
My spidey-sense is also tingling at a trade. I think it’s going to be a lot sooner than the deadline. Who would we be able to give up though? Mills? I can’t imagine getting DE/LB kind of value for him but we can only hope!
Probably something like a 2nd rd pick for Danielle Hunter. Gotta improve the pass rush. Bring Hunter home. Possibly trading for a LB like Frankie Luvu from Carolina.
 
What part of team loss didn’t you understand?
Seems to me when the Texans lose some want to blame things that go wrong on the coaching. Truth is, the defense needs an Edge that can rush the passer opposite WA. (Yes WA has been a mild disappointment but still has plenty of time to improve) A stud DT would help out a lot too. (Which is why I wanted Caserio to pick Jordan Davis and Sam Williams in the draft 2 yrs ago) They also need to find a LB that can cover and lead a defense.

Can they fix all of this, this yr? Nope.

Can they fix this next offseason? Yes
 
Seems to me when the Texans lose some want to blame things that go wrong on the coaching. Truth is, the defense needs an Edge that can rush the passer opposite WA. (Yes WA has been a mild disappointment but still has plenty of time to improve) A stud DT would help out a lot too. (Which is why I wanted Caserio to pick Jordan Davis and Sam Williams in the draft 2 yrs ago) They also need to find a LB that can cover and lead a defense.

Can they fix all of this, this yr? Nope.

Can they fix this next offseason? Yes
Coaching was a major part of them losing. Slow’s game plan for this game wasn’t good. I understand every team is different, but come on coach make them stop you first. He should’ve seen if they could stop what got them back to back wins first. If they did, then you make adjustments accordingly.
Coach Cap didn’t bring the heat on a quarterback who has been struggling so far in this young season. I know we’re banged up in the secondary. But you have to help those guys out by making the quarterback uncomfortable. Bring the darn heat Coach.
This was a winnable game and we basically shot ourselves in the foot with these penalties, dropped passes, no running game, only one screen pass and some miscues by our QB.

Good learning experience for everyone
 
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Defense has been pretty solid especially the past 3 weeks I still think they are a couple guys on the front 7 away from really being a top tier defense. That being said they are keeping us in games even when we aren't firing on all cylinders. I have to hope the run game will improve when the oline gets healthy and the actual starting oline gets some chemistry together.
 
Seems to me when the Texans lose some want to blame things that go wrong on the coaching. Truth is, the defense needs an Edge that can rush the passer opposite WA. (Yes WA has been a mild disappointment but still has plenty of time to improve) A stud DT would help out a lot too. (Which is why I wanted Caserio to pick Jordan Davis and Sam Williams in the draft 2 yrs ago) They also need to find a LB that can cover and lead a defense.

Can they fix all of this, this yr? Nope.

Can they fix this next offseason? Yes
Same thing happened to JJ at one point - lone decent pass rusher who gets double or triple teamed to nullify any threat to the passer.
 
I hope not. I think he's a quality, young, backup that is familiar with the players and the system.

I agree but he has no place on this team anymore. I mean I keep seeing Keenum next to Stroud in between plays swapping clipboard spit with Mills nowhere to be found. I don’t think he wants to be here anymore too. It’s all the CJ STROUD show. I’d want an opportunity to go elsewhere to shine.
 
Coaching was a major part of them losing. Slow’s game plan for this game wasn’t good. I understand every team is different, but come on coach make them stop you first. He should’ve seen if they could stopped what got them back to back wins first. If they did, then you make adjustments accordingly.
Coach Cap didn’t bring the heat on a quarterback who has been struggling so far in this young season. I know we’re banged up in the secondary. But you have to help those guys out by making the quarterback uncomfortable. Bring the darn heat Coach.
This was a winnable game and we basically shot ourselves in the foot with these penalties, dropped passes, no running game, only on screen pass and some miscues by our QB.

Good learning experience for everyone

Does anyone put out a grade on how each player performed in the game? I would love to see them. Overall Houston didn't play well but were still one play away from getting the W. Overall, the season is going great! Right?
 
I agree but he has no place on this team anymore. I mean I keep seeing Keenum next to Stroud in between plays swapping clipboard spit with Mills nowhere to be found. I don’t think he wants to be here anymore too. It’s all the CJ STROUD show. I’d want an opportunity to go elsewhere to shine.

Oh, fair point. What is his value? 5th round pick?
 
Seems to me when the Texans lose some want to blame things that go wrong on the coaching. Truth is, the defense needs an Edge that can rush the passer opposite WA. (Yes WA has been a mild disappointment but still has plenty of time to improve) A stud DT would help out a lot too. (Which is why I wanted Caserio to pick Jordan Davis and Sam Williams in the draft 2 yrs ago) They also need to find a LB that can cover and lead a defense.

Can they fix all of this, this yr? Nope.

Can they fix this next offseason? Yes
100% agree to the bolded. I think it will be harder to find a stud LB vs a talented DT. Our HC is used to having a stout front 7, so we know he can coach'em but can he find them.
 
I think he can play. I think he'll be much better in this system and with the upgraded offensive talent. I don't want to lose him but if the price is right...
Mills' value is about a bag of chip.
Oh, maybe a 7th or a pick swap.

Teams that are in need of a QB right now are already bad teams.
Mills ain't going to help them.
Now, Mills do have great tanking experience so a low pick may well be worthwhile to give up to ensure that draft position. 😀

I don't mean to sound hateful on Mills, but come on, which NFL coach would trade for a QB that was replaced easily by a rookie, with a veteran (Keenum) brought in to mentor the rookie QB.

What does it say about the coaching staff's evaluation of Mills?
 
Mills' value is about a bag of chip.
Oh, maybe a 7th or a pick swap.

Teams that are in need of a QB right now are already bad teams.
Mills ain't going to help them.
Now, Mills do have great tanking experience so a low pick may well be worthwhile to give up to ensure that draft position. 😀

I don't mean to sound hateful on Mills, but come on, which NFL coach would trade for a QB that was replaced easily by a rookie, with a veteran (Keenum) brought in to mentor the rookie QB.

What does it say about the coaching staff's evaluation of Mills?

Dump Mills and keep Keenum?
 
I like the title of this thread - the "back down to earth" part.

Have a look at the AFC standings.

Of the 16 teams, only Kansas City and Miami - both 4-1 - are emerging from "the pack".

The bottom dwellers are New England and Denver at 1-4.

That leaves 11 teams at either 3-2 or 2-3 (Cleveland and LAC @ 2-2 had byes, 1-3 Las Vegas can join "the pack" with a win over Green Bay tonight).

So, my point here is if a team can hang around .500 through the season, December football becomes meaningful. .500 football will get you "in the hunt" in December which is always nice.

Can the Texans hang around and not become a bottom dweller this year? Sure, it's possible. At least, for now. One sign of "turning the corner" is winning the close games. Yesterday was not their day. Still, this is a very young and inexperienced team, from the coaches to the players. Their desire/ability to grow and develop will determine if they are still around playing meaningful games in December.
 
New Orleans kicked serious ass this week. I’d definitely favor the Saints next week, but it wouldn’t totally shock me if the Texans win.
The Saints have a very good secondary and solid run defense. They're tough to gameplan for because they have few weaknesses. Offensively, the Saints have playmakers on offense. But they haven't really had a breakout game. Taysom Hill is a factor because he can come in and extend drives. Pressuring Carr on passing downs will be key, because he likes to check down rather than challenge downfield. I expect a game similar to the one in Atlanta, coming down to making plays at the end.
and defense couldn't manage a shut out at the death.
Must we be so morbid? Just a game.
They didn’t pressure Ridder, but besides the encroachment fetish they looked very disciplined and physical.
I do think Ridder's cadence put a damper on the pass rush get off. That has to be addressed in practice this week.
 
The Saints have a very good secondary and solid run defense. They're tough to gameplan for because they have few weaknesses. Offensively, the Saints have playmakers on offense. But they haven't really had a breakout game. Taysom Hill is a factor because he can come in and extend drives. Pressuring Carr on passing downs will be key, because he likes to check down rather than challenge downfield. I expect a game similar to the one in Atlanta, coming down to making plays at the end.

Must we be so morbid? Just a game.

I do think Ridder's cadence put a damper on the pass rush get off. That has to be addressed in practice this week.
They had a breakout game on yesterday stumping the Patriots 34-0. Or maybe the Patriots are just that bad.
 
This was a great learning experience, I think. For the entire team.

Everybody's made some great points and I think we all knew we weren't going to ride a winning streak all the way into next season.

We just have to use this to get better.
 
They had a breakout game on yesterday stumping the Patriots 34-0. Or maybe the Patriots are just that bad.
34 points on 319 yards of total offense. Aided by the defense creating 3 turnovers including a Honey Badger pick 6. I don't know how long the Texans can play turnover free football. But limiting the turnovers against the Saints will make it difficult for their offense to score. They were averaging 13 ppg going into week 5.
 
34 points on 319 yards of total offense. Aided by the defense creating 3 turnovers including a Honey Badger pick 6. I don't know how long the Texans can play turnover free football. But limiting the turnovers against the Saints will make it difficult for their offense to score. They were averaging 13 ppg going into week 5.
They have their best RB back as well. He opens up so much for that offense. He rushed for 80 yards 3.9 a pop and had 3 catches for 17.
We will have to contain him for sure.
 
They have to get the run game to an adequate level. Gotta take some pressure off of Stroud and keep the pass rush honest. Especially since Dell will most likely be out and Lattimore will be on Collins, it’s gonna be hard to be successful on offense being one dimensional.


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Does anyone put out a grade on how each player performed in the game? I would love to see them. Overall Houston didn't play well but were still one play away from getting the W. Overall, the season is going great! Right?
PFF does, but only their premium stats which are a subscription service. I just checked and grades for week 5 are not posted yet. They should be by mid-week.

Some people have a negative opinion of PFF, but as far as I know they are the only service which grades every game and every player.

Grading players is subjective and players may have different analysts from week to week. It's this inconsistency and subjectivity that some have a problem with.
 
Seems to me when the Texans lose some want to blame things that go wrong on the coaching. Truth is, the defense needs an Edge that can rush the passer opposite WA. (Yes WA has been a mild disappointment but still has plenty of time to improve) A stud DT would help out a lot too. (Which is why I wanted Caserio to pick Jordan Davis and Sam Williams in the draft 2 yrs ago) They also need to find a LB that can cover and lead a defense.

Can they fix all of this, this yr? Nope.

Can they fix this next offseason? Yes
I'm rooting for WAjr, but so far, even though the stats say he's being doubled a lot, I'm not seeing it.

We need three guys on the front line that demands a double team. Even a guy like Antonio Smith who didn't get a lot of sacks, but if you don't double him he's going to get into the backfield & causing havoc.

5 guys on the OL, with a TE/RB, or FB/RB, or 2TEs can double two guys with no problem. You need a third guy to cause havoc, or the two getting doubled has to regularly beat those double teams.

So far, WAjr, Greenard aren't those guys. That's fine for WAjr, he's got time. Greenard has had the time & is showing himself to be a situational pass rusher.
 
Coaching was a major part of them losing. Slow’s game plan for this game wasn’t good. I understand every team is different, but come on coach make them stop you first. He should’ve seen if they could stop what got them back to back wins first. If they did, then you make adjustments accordingly.
How do we know what the game plan was? For all we know, Slow called it exactly like the previous two games, but when the players saw what they lined up against, they reacted differently. May have been Cj not checking to the plays he checked to last game, or if he did, post snap the defense didn't react the way the other teams did. Or maybe it was Nico who didn't flatten his route when he flattened it the last two games, or he didn't press it the way he pressed it last week, & for good reason.

All we see is how the players react to whatever. We don't know what the game plan was.
 
How do we know what the game plan was? For all we know, Slow called it exactly like the previous two games, but when the players saw what they lined up against, they reacted differently. May have been Cj not checking to the plays he checked to last game, or if he did, post snap the defense didn't react the way the other teams did. Or maybe it was Nico who didn't flatten his route when he flattened it the last two games, or he didn't press it the way he pressed it last week, & for good reason.

All we see is how the players react to whatever. We don't know what the game plan was.
He didn’t call but one screen play and he didn’t attack them vertically. He also didn’t run the same route concepts.
 
He didn’t call but one screen play and he didn’t attack them vertically. He also didn’t run the same route concepts.
Again, we don't know what he called. We know what Cj ran.

For all we know Slowick didn't call a screen last week, but Cj checked to it. So the screens may be a standard check that Cj can check to when he sees a specific look at the LOS.
 
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He also was fixated with the toss sweep. Another play that was blown up several times.
Thunder I hear you but they’re not letting CJ in and out plays like that.

They were doing exactly what Bill O’Brien did when he was here. Game planning according to their matchups.
They’re also running the ball too much on first downs.
We had a similar problem before we had Foster. I remember Kubiak had to open with the pass until the run game got going. Slowick needs to do something similar.
 
Again, we don't know what he called. We know what Cj ran.

For all we know Slowick didn't call a screen last week, but Cj checked to it. So the screens may be a standard check that Cj can check to when he sees a specific look at the LOS.
Highly doubt it.

QB, especially a rookie QB, checking into a running play is about all the coaches would allow.
 
He also was fixated with the toss sweep. Another play that was blown up several times.
Thunder I hear you but they’re not letting CJ in and out plays like that.

They were doing exactly what Bill O’Brien did when he was here. Game planning according to their matchups.
They’re also running the ball too much on first downs.
The Texans have a problem with the running game, period.

Just need to give the new line up a couple more games to sort it out before declaring an emergency though.
 
We had a similar problem before we had Foster. I remember Kubiak had to open with the pass until the run game got going. Slowick needs to do something similar.
^^^^
This

The biggest difference in the Falcons game vs the 2 weeks before are,

1. They finished off drives
2. They made big plays like the passes for TD's to Dell/Collins. They also got a Beck KO return. Those big plays didn't happen this game.
 
Highly doubt it.

QB, especially a rookie QB, checking into a running play is about all the coaches would allow.
The point is we don't know what the game plan was. All we see is how the game played out.

There's usually a simple check to run, & a simple quick pass. We don't know how many times Cj checked to run, or the simple pass.

We can make a good guess, but I don't think we can say Slowick called a great game the two previous weeks but this game he did not. It's possible. It's very likely. But Cj & all the players have some control over what they're doing. & It's that, what they are doing, not what they are supposed to be doing, that we are calling the "game plan."

If it's happening week after week, season after season, like it is for the Steelers, then it would be safe to say. imo. But for us, week to week where everything is new... I don't know how accurate it is.

That's all I'm saying.
 
The point is we don't know what the game plan was. All we see is how the game played out.

There's usually a simple check to run, & a simple quick pass. We don't know how many times Cj checked to run, or the simple pass.

We can make a good guess, but I don't think we can say Slowick called a great game the two previous weeks but this game he did not. It's possible. It's very likely. But Cj & all the players have some control over what they're doing. & It's that, what they are doing, not what they are supposed to be doing, that we are calling the "game plan."

If it's happening week after week, season after season, like it is for the Steelers, then it would be safe to say. imo. But for us, week to week where everything is new... I don't know how accurate it is.

That's all I'm saying.
I'm pretty sure that Slowik didn't forget how to run a successful offense in a weeks time.
 
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