TexanExile
A New Hope
I've seen the issue of "why the Texans didn't throw on first down" brought up in a few different threads. The numbers don't lie--that's just not true. It's hard to believe because the results of those first-down pass attempts were (with only one exception) totally forgettable, BUT...
Here's a refresher from the game's stats:
(NOTE: Sacks are credited as attempts to pass)
FIRST HALF
1) The first offensive play from scrimmage was a dump pass to DD. Series was 3-and-out.
2) Next drive's first play was a 3 yard run to the left by DD. Pick ended the drive before any more first downs.
3) Next drive was 1 play: the DD fumble.
4) Then the touchdown drive. 4 total first downs (3 incomplete passes, 1 complete pass to Wells)
5) On the 1-play drive to end the half, DD ran up the middle on the only down.
SECOND HALF
1) Opening drive had 3 first downs (19yd pass to Bruener, a DD run, and a sack).
2) Next drive was split (a DD run and a sack).
3) Third drive was split (a DD run and an INT)
4) Final drive of 3rd Quarter had 1 first down: a 0-yard DD run.
5) Texans' first drive of 4th Quarter featured 2 first down plays: a DD run and a sack/fumble.
6) 3-and-out drive followed, with an incomplete pass on 1st down.
7) Final drive had a Carr scramble and an incomplete pass on 1st downs. Drive ended by INT on the ensuing 2nd down.
First half first-down plays: 5 passes/3 runs
Second half first-down plays: 7 passes/6 runs*
OVERALL ON 1ST DOWN: 12 passes/9 runs*
* I counted the scramble as a run, which is obviously debatable, but it doesn't affect the run-more-than-pass debate.
Here's a refresher from the game's stats:
(NOTE: Sacks are credited as attempts to pass)
FIRST HALF
1) The first offensive play from scrimmage was a dump pass to DD. Series was 3-and-out.
2) Next drive's first play was a 3 yard run to the left by DD. Pick ended the drive before any more first downs.
3) Next drive was 1 play: the DD fumble.
4) Then the touchdown drive. 4 total first downs (3 incomplete passes, 1 complete pass to Wells)
5) On the 1-play drive to end the half, DD ran up the middle on the only down.
SECOND HALF
1) Opening drive had 3 first downs (19yd pass to Bruener, a DD run, and a sack).
2) Next drive was split (a DD run and a sack).
3) Third drive was split (a DD run and an INT)
4) Final drive of 3rd Quarter had 1 first down: a 0-yard DD run.
5) Texans' first drive of 4th Quarter featured 2 first down plays: a DD run and a sack/fumble.
6) 3-and-out drive followed, with an incomplete pass on 1st down.
7) Final drive had a Carr scramble and an incomplete pass on 1st downs. Drive ended by INT on the ensuing 2nd down.
First half first-down plays: 5 passes/3 runs
Second half first-down plays: 7 passes/6 runs*
OVERALL ON 1ST DOWN: 12 passes/9 runs*
* I counted the scramble as a run, which is obviously debatable, but it doesn't affect the run-more-than-pass debate.
