Draft Luncheon Talk

[Texans_Chick]

I really hope that the media shows a lot of what was said at the draft luncheon. (Lost of media there) The luncheon was fabu.

Mark Vandermeer, CC and Kubiak spoke. (Also some president of some bank sponsoring the deal who wouldn't be quiet so they never got to our questions)

Some brief thoughts as I gotta leave soon.

1. KUBIAK ROCKS!!! Bigtime. I am not easily impressed. Dude is impressive. Very low key funny. But at the same time when he talks he is actually saying stuff, not just platitudes.

They had this function in the big room at the Westin--about twice as many folks showed up than was at the deal last year. And Kubiak just killed.

I am ready to run through the brick wall for him.

2. Most interesting stuff he said was about competition. That the first things he noticed about the Texans way of doing stuff is that a. There wasn't enough depth; b. There wasn't enough competition--that the competition among players makes everyone better. That free agency and the draft were all about creating more competion throughout the team, not just in selected areas. He also explained why many of the additions would create competition.

3. He talked about gaining experience in the locker room and getting people used to winning. I almost fainted dead away when he was talking about what Moulds brings to the team. Specifically when he said that an experienced player like Moulds is just the guy you want to have helping Mathis out, because though Mathis did great on KR, we need Mathis to be a full time receiver for the team.

4. He talked about the passion the folks showed over the Vince and Reggie thing and that he likes that kind of passion because he is hoping that if we have that for the team, it can help us succeed.

5. Casserly used the word "see" at least 10 times. He cracks me up.

6. They showed highlights of our new draft picks. Sweet.

Most important thing I learned at the draft luncheon. They are going to have a lot fewer outside practices this year. So training camp tickets are likely to be fairly hard to get. I think they were talking 3 outside evening practices.


There was other stuff too. Lots of MB people there so help me out. (Sorry I missed the party pic). Sat next to AJ which was nice.

 

[kcwilson]

Great recap... thanks for keeping us all in the loop.

 

[SheTexan]

The luncheon was fun!! I concur with what Chick said about Kubiac! I was VERY impressed!! The man was very clear about what his goals are for the team, and how he intends to reach them. For those of you who have doubts about our team, all I can say is please just relax, enjoy the ride with this man, and you will be rewarded with a winning team. Very articulate, direct, honest, and passionate!! NOTHING like Capers!! This man was NOT full of a lot of hot air!! I can't wait for the season to get started!! I was so impressed with Kubiac I came home, put on my TEXAN pants and my SB tee shirt. I know in my heart that ONE DAY I'll own a SB tee that will have TEXANS on it!!!!

It's gonna be fun folks!! Give this man a chance to back up what he's been saying!! He deserves that chance, and all the support all us diehard Texans can give him!

 

[footballguy69]

I was very impressed with Kubiak. The man has guts, a vision and you can tell he knows what he is talking about. The competition for positions was refreshing to hear. He wants Carr pushed by Rosenfels, etc. I think this guy will be a success for the Texans. Kubiak stated Mario is only 20 years old and he expects him to be a great player for a long time. It was packed as Texan Chick said. My first luncheon, but it won't be my last!

*Peyton, Vince - that truck was Mario Williams!!!!

 

[powerfuldragon]

do you have to pay to get into these things? i want to go to the next one.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

I really hope that the media shows a lot of what was said at the draft luncheon. (Lost of media there) The luncheon was fabu.

Mark Vandermeer, CC and Kubiak spoke. (Also some president of some bank sponsoring the deal who wouldn't be quiet so they never got to our questions)

Some brief thoughts as I gotta leave soon.

1. KUBIAK ROCKS!!! Bigtime. I am not easily impressed. Dude is impressive. Very low key funny. But at the same time when he talks he is actually saying stuff, not just platitudes.

They had this function in the big room at the Westin--about twice as many folks showed up than was at the deal last year. And Kubiak just killed.

I am ready to run through the brick wall for him.

2. Most interesting stuff he said was about competition. That the first things he noticed about the Texans way of doing stuff is that a. There wasn't enough depth; b. There wasn't enough competition--that the competition among players makes everyone better. That free agency and the draft were all about creating more competion throughout the team, not just in selected areas. He also explained why many of the additions would create competition.

3. He talked about gaining experience in the locker room and getting people used to winning. I almost fainted dead away when he was talking about what Moulds brings to the team. Specifically when he said that an experienced player like Moulds is just the guy you want to have helping Mathis out, because though Mathis did great on KR, we need Mathis to be a full time receiver for the team.

4. He talked about the passion the folks showed over the Vince and Reggie thing and that he likes that kind of passion because he is hoping that if we have that for the team, it can help us succeed.

5. Casserly used the word "see" at least 10 times. He cracks me up.

6. They showed highlights of our new draft picks. Sweet.

Most important thing I learned at the draft luncheon. They are going to have a lot fewer outside practices this year. So training camp tickets are likely to be fairly hard to get. I think they were talking 3 outside evening practices.


There was other stuff too. Lots of MB people there so help me out. (Sorry I missed the party pic). Sat next to AJ which was nice.

While I live in Fresno and can't obviously attend such functions I more than appreciate your comments on Kubiak. I've grown to respect the man and that is why I'm so high about this season. He's a big time chess player in the game of football. There is no question about what he's doing? We might have some problems and not achieve what we want at 1st, but it won't be because we didn't try. His goal at the start of the season will be to win it all. He won't be satisfied with 4 or 5 games. He will go for the jugular.

The other thing I'm going to say is don't forget the passing game. Everyone expects Kubiak to run the ball big time. Based on what he has done with the receiver coor, I look for more from the passing game than a lot of you expect.


GOOOOO TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXANS.......................

 

[aj.]

.... And Kubiak just killed.

I am ready to run through the brick wall for him.

That's what we were talking about as we left. How could you possibly not root for this guy? The way he went through the "creating an atmosphere of competition" thing - naming names at that - was eye opening and motivating.

I liked how he recapped the improvements made via the draft and FA at each position. It shows how the improvements to the team goes so far beyond the #1 pick. I liked how he plans to use Putz as a "coach." I liked how he talked about sitting Moulds next to Mathis, hoping that some of the greatness rubs off on Jerome.

Gary speaks from the heart and the gut. He puts it out all out there which is a welcome change from the mechanical Dom.

...and get used to the name Michael Stone. I thought he was just another name on the roster before today but Kubiak spoke very highly of him....

 

[nunusguy]

Dang, I'm really glad everyone was so impressed with Kubiak. Some how from things I'd heard, was left with the impression that Kubiak was kinda colorless and boring. Guess I heard wrong. Now I'm looking forward
to the chance to watch and listen to him speak myself. And it sounds like he might be a good motivator for the troops.

 

[4Texans]

Thanks for the re-cap guys! Sounds like Kubes has a plan for each and every player. I hope the competition gets everyone going.

 

[Sportsfan]

So how did you get to go to this? What is it? Where is it? Do you win tickets or what?
I wanna know so I can go to these things! I knew nothing about it

 

[Texans_Chick]

So how did you get to go to this? What is it? Where is it? Do you win tickets or what?
I wanna know so I can go to these things! I knew nothing about it

They've been advertising it on the homepage of the website. It was $35 a ticket--proceeds go to the Houston Texans foundation.

In previous years, they've had a Texans preseason luncheon too--that lunch is great because you sit with a player.

 

[powerfuldragon]

if they have a preseason luncheon, i'm there.

 

[Texans_Chick]

Dang, I'm really glad everyone was so impressed with Kubiak. Some how from things I'd heard, was left with the impression that Kubiak was kinda colorless and boring. Guess I heard wrong. Now I'm looking forward
to the chance to watch and listen to him speak myself. And it sounds like he might be a good motivator for the troops.

Completely. Most public speakers underwhelm me. Even preachers--cuz you can detect their schtick. Kubiak is very real. Likeable. You can see his competitiveness, and you could see how he would not be someone to disappoint. He talked to a huge roomful of people like it was a conversation about football--not speechifying or being platitudiness.

He could barely hold his footballguyness in -- he referred to how important the "mike" linebacker is in the 4-3 and why it is important we got Cowart, an experienced guy to step right in. (with no attempt to splain "mike" to the football impaired in the audience. lol).

He's gettin his guys and he will make them believe. He wants smart, football focused, good character guys that will work hard and aren't afraid of competing.

I am so looking forward to the season.

 

[Lucky]

They are going to have a lot fewer outside practices this year. So training camp tickets are likely to be fairly hard to get. I think they were talking 3 outside evening practices.

Only 3? Considering the August time frame, at least one practice will get rained out. This is the wrong time to get less fan friendly. This needs to be reconsidered.

 

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

How many times did he say the word execute?

 

[Texans_Chick]

Only 3? Considering the August time frame, at least one practice will get rained out. This is the wrong time to get less fan friendly. This needs to be reconsidered.

This wasn't announced at the luncheon. It was something I heard.

I was told this was a football decision. With the way Kubiak wants to do things. Football always should beat marketing--the fans will be happy when we win.

 

[Texans_Chick]

How many times did he say the word execute?

Zero to my count.

Did talk about character a bit and how Carr is a QB that gives us a chance to win.

 

[Dolby]

Thanks everyone for the report from the luncheon. I agree with several of the others and would like to attend a dinner or luncheon in the future. I saw the sign-up table at the draft party and should have inquired a little further.

Thanks again!

 

[Lucky]

I was told this was a football decision. With the way Kubiak wants to do things. Football always should beat marketing--the fans will be happy when we win.

My point is that they could schedule 5 or 6 outdoor practices at night, and 2 or 3 would be moved to the bubble anyway due to weather. Schedule 3 fan practices and we'll be fortunate to get in 2.

I'm not really sure how holding a few outdoor practices at night will keep this team from winning. I like to go to these practices, but I can't make them on any night. Schedule 5 or 6, and I might be able to make 1 or 2 if I get a break from the weather. I think reducing the fan practices sucks and I'm not happy about it.

 

[Double Barrel]

They've been advertising it on the homepage of the website.

Homepage? D'oh! Maybe I should check it more often instead of coming straight to the forums, 'eh?

Thanks for the re-caps, everyone! Nice to hear these things from Texans fans directly, instead of the slanted versions from fishwrap hacks and sports talk radio (two misleading sources if there ever were).

In Kubiak We Trust!

 

[Sportsfan]

They've been advertising it on the homepage of the website. It was $35 a ticket--proceeds go to the Houston Texans foundation.

In previous years, they've had a Texans preseason luncheon too--that lunch is great because you sit with a player.

Sweet! Thanks. I'll have to pay attention more to this. I had no clue they had public events like this that would allow fans to be among players, coaches, etc. Awesome thing to do for the fans and their foundation.

 

[aj.]

Just got back from Part II, the Touchdown Club function. A lot smaller crowd than the luncheon - actually it was reversed from last year when the luncheon crowd was the small one. There were only 18 tables at this one and it was great, except I know the TD Club wished for a better turnout (hint -- don't have it the same day as the luncheon). Small intimate setting and an interesting program.

Dunta, Mathis, Bruener, DD and Keenan McCardell all received awards along with the outstanding college and HS academic athletes from the area.

I got to speak with Dunta and I asked him if he was surprised how the draft went down. He said "not at all" and he's extremely pumped about having Mario on the team and he joked about it being a good thing having a guy like that in front of him. He also said he's very impressed with Kubiak. Dunta said "he's what we needed" in terms of an energy infusion to the locker room and practice field.

Saw Coach Joe there as well and he spoke very highly of Mathis. Basically said the sky's the limit if he keeps his head on straight. I didn't realize that it was Joe M who scouted Mathis at Hampton last year and recommended to Casserly that the Texans draft him going into Day 2. Coach wanted to see how he did on punts with a left footed punter and a Juggs machine on a windy and rainy day. (he did well enough I guess)

I was standing next to Mathis when he attempted to autograph a person's football but he couldn't do it because of the two large bandages on each hand (couldn't grab the pen and hold the ball at the same time). His companion halfway apologized and said "you need to let him heal first." He obviously lost some skin but they were soft bandages - wound up several layers thick - and not hard casts so I'm guessing it's not structural.

It's odd to be standing around and have guys like Charley Casserly just wander over and stand right next to you for no apparent reason. I was afraid he was going to ask me if I was the guy who made that straightjacket and tape-over mouth avatar..... (not really). Charley was quite talkative and not nearly as uptight as he usually is. Almost giddy -- like he has a new job or something..

 

[Texans_Chick]

AJ, thanks for the recap. Woulda liked to have gone, but I like staying married.

I got to speak with Dunta and I asked him if he was surprised how the draft went down. He said "not at all" and he's extremely pumped about having Mario on the team and he joked about it being a good thing having a guy like that in front of him. He also said he's very impressed with Kubiak. Dunta said "he's what we needed" in terms of an energy infusion to the locker room and practice field.

Saw Coach Joe there as well and he spoke very highly of Mathis. Basically said the sky's the limit if he keeps his head on straight. I didn't realize that it was Joe M who scouted Mathis at Hampton last year and recommended to Casserly that the Texans draft him going into Day 2. Coach wanted to see how he did on punts with a left footed punter and a Juggs machine on a windy and rainy day. (he did well enough I guess)

I was standing next to Mathis when he attempted to autograph a person's football but he couldn't do it because of the two large bandages on each hand (couldn't grab the pen and hold the ball at the same time). His companion halfway apologized and said "you need to let him heal first." He obviously lost some skin but they were soft bandages - wound up several layers thick - and not hard casts so I'm guessing it's not structural.

Nice to hear Dunta's POV.

Heard that about Coach Joe and Mathis last year. Apparently, he was going around to different position coaches showing them tape. And being Coach Joe enthusiastic about him. Which means very.

Not structural is good.

 

[aj.]

to clarify ... I should have said one large bandage (a multi-layer wrap) on each hand ... not "two on each hand"... doi

 

[SheTexan]

Thanks Aj!! I saw the recap on the news and was wondering if some of our fans had made it. These events just get us all pumped for the new season!

 

[BobbleTexan]

To all that have not attended a Texans event, they are as described by aj., Texans Chick and SheTexan. The atomsphere was very positive and fun. The only downfall is that it makes you want football season right now!!!!!!!!!!!! I am expecting great things from out team. Remember all of you out there that are hammering on the Texans for not taking one of those other two guys, this is a NEW STAFF with many new ideas..............so work with them and support them, they are busting their tails too make this team better and competitive and also winners............they win............we all win.... Let's back off of the booing and negative vibes..........good things are going to happen with this team

 

[TEXANS84]

I liked how he talked about sitting Moulds next to Mathis, hoping that some of the greatness rubs off on Jerome.

That whole speach was great...left me in awe. The message from him with sitting Moulds next to Mathis was something that left me after the luncheon.

This guy is going to be a great coach...I wish there was somewhere you guys could here his comments...it was truly moving...and extremely inspiriational.


I am 100% sold.

 

[bckey]

It's odd to be standing around and have guys like Charley Casserly just wander over and stand right next to you for no apparent reason. I was afraid he was going to ask me if I was the guy who made that straightjacket and tape-over mouth avatar..... (not really). Charley was quite talkative and not nearly as uptight as he usually is. Almost giddy -- like he has a new job or something..

Damn AJ. That was friggin hilarious!

 

[nunusguy]

It's odd to be standing around and have guys like Charley Casserly just wander over and stand right next to you for no apparent reason. I was afraid he was going to ask me if I was the guy who made that straightjacket and tape-over mouth avatar..... (not really). Charley was quite talkative and not nearly as uptight as he usually is. Almost giddy -- like he has a new job or something..

I dunno.....but its apparent to me that Casserly knows he's at the top of your
you-know-what list, and he's trying to get back in your good graces. He was
just trying to suck up to you AJ. And don't look now, but your tone towards the GM is starting to soften. Why anytime now I expect to hear you singing
his praises.

 

[BullPenPhotos]

Just saw this thread on this board (since I spend more time reading the other board) and figured I would share the pics for those who couldn't make it.
TexansBullPen.com

 

[jerek]

Just got back from Part II, the Touchdown Club function. A lot smaller crowd than the luncheon - actually it was reversed from last year when the luncheon crowd was the small one. There were only 18 tables at this one and it was great, except I know the TD Club wished for a better turnout (hint -- don't have it the same day as the luncheon). Small intimate setting and an interesting program.

Dunta, Mathis, Bruener, DD and Keenan McCardell all received awards along with the outstanding college and HS academic athletes from the area.

I got to speak with Dunta and I asked him if he was surprised how the draft went down. He said "not at all" and he's extremely pumped about having Mario on the team and he joked about it being a good thing having a guy like that in front of him. He also said he's very impressed with Kubiak. Dunta said "he's what we needed" in terms of an energy infusion to the locker room and practice field.

Saw Coach Joe there as well and he spoke very highly of Mathis. Basically said the sky's the limit if he keeps his head on straight. I didn't realize that it was Joe M who scouted Mathis at Hampton last year and recommended to Casserly that the Texans draft him going into Day 2. Coach wanted to see how he did on punts with a left footed punter and a Juggs machine on a windy and rainy day. (he did well enough I guess)

I was standing next to Mathis when he attempted to autograph a person's football but he couldn't do it because of the two large bandages on each hand (couldn't grab the pen and hold the ball at the same time). His companion halfway apologized and said "you need to let him heal first." He obviously lost some skin but they were soft bandages - wound up several layers thick - and not hard casts so I'm guessing it's not structural.

It's odd to be standing around and have guys like Charley Casserly just wander over and stand right next to you for no apparent reason. I was afraid he was going to ask me if I was the guy who made that straightjacket and tape-over mouth avatar..... (not really). Charley was quite talkative and not nearly as uptight as he usually is. Almost giddy -- like he has a new job or something..

I have met Cass when he isn't behind the microphone or fielding idiotic questions, and he always struck me as a pretty cool cat. Pretty laid back and surprisingly bright about a lot of things. Though I still think he looks like Alfred E Neuman.

 

[Errant Hothy]

Thanks for the recap on both events.

Every time I read something more about Kubiak I get more excited.

Hope Mathis' hands get better soon, he'll probaly need a few weeks to get them recondionted to catch; he needs to spend his preseason working on routes and reads.

Everything else sounds exceptionaly good.

 

[FILO_girl]

I was looking for info to the night event for another fan, but couldn't locate it. Sounded like a great time, LOL@ aj for the avatar comment.

The luncheon was as several ahead of me stated. I had to laugh as several at our table were eyeing me as Casserly spoke. The squirming was my back pain, not my wanting to make a statement at the podium, I promise!

Listening to Kubiak speak to us as intelligent folks, and not like the skipping CD of last several seasons (execute, execute, execute) was very appreciated and what he had to say was direct and non apologetic of his picks...he is here to make us contenders and plans to do nothing short of that. HE IS A LEADER! He personally is taking responsibility for Carr's success (or failure) now too, something no other Texans coach at any level has ever done, to my knowledge. I am liking this guy!

OK Gary, consider me another closed sale.
Bring on season5!

 

[Hardcore Texan]

Great comments by all that attended, thanks for the insight. I wish I lived closer so I could go to these type of events.

I too an extremely impressed with Kubiak evertyime I hear him talk. He seems so down to earth and his commitment to Houston and to winning just shines through.

I get pumped just thinking about this season and things to come!

I don't know if I could have kept my cool next to Dunta and the others you mentioned, I would have came off like a dork probably.

 

[disaacks3]

Listening to Kubiak talk was almost surreal. It's almost cruel to go from "robotic" Capers to passionate "Kubes". The Moulds/Mathis, Cowart, Putzier and Carr / Roselfels comments really stood out. He also mentioned Flanagan as another guy like Moulds who should bring the experience of "being there" to the O-Line. He also referred to our two O-Line picks as TACKLES. Don't be surprised if our 7th round draft pick makes the squad either, given the tie-in to his son and some 'personal scouting' by Kubiak himself. It almost felt as if Kubiak was trying to explain everything that happened as quickly and thoroughly as he could before somebody turned off his mike.

You couldn't help but like the guy...and almost be ready to pull on the pads for him by the time he was finished. I seriously debated bringing him a glass of water as he was starting to get hoarse towards the end.

He knew his crowd, that's for sure...he joked about how he was glad to be "back in the heat", after having to wear coats all the time in Denver.

 

[Texans_Chick]

I emailed the Texans to see if they could put the entire Kubiak speech on the website on video. They said they would forward the request to the right people.

I am such a goof ball I would like to see it again.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

I emailed the Texans to see if they could put the entire Kubiak speech on the website on video. They said they would forward the request to the right people.

I am such a goof ball I would like to see it again.

Thanks! As a fan I have really begun to enjoy listening to Kubiak and how he views players. He really seems to look at each one as a person or individual and in a very positive light. When you listen to him you really do get the impression that he is the master of the Chess game called NFL football. Every move he makes seems to be for a reason, and when you listen, it really does make sense. He does have a very positive vision and I would say watch what he does because I don't think he's going to be as predictable as some think. He's like an artist who has suddenly been freed to paint what he wants to paint. I would say expect the unexpected with Kubiak. We are going to be in the run this year and a lot of people are going to be shocked. To me there is a lot of John Wooden in Kubiak.

 

[Chato]

And the chicken & taters with mushroom sauce wasn't too bad.

And how do they paint those hearts in the cherry sauce anyway?