My musings on the status thus far

[gtexan02]

I've just got to say wow. This has been one helluva ride for me, and hopefully its not ending here. I mean, this has been the best offseason I've ever experienced as a Texans fan.

It all started with that SF 49ers game. I don't like to be a "cheer for the loss" kind of guy, but in this case, I was.

Next came the Rosebowl. VY, Bush, Leinart, Lendale were all doing their best to raise their draft stock. After the game, I realized how amazing our draft position was.

Then the Free Agents/Trade. The Weaver signing would have been enough (based on my old expectations) but then we go out and get Putzier, Flannagan, Moulds, Cowart, and Kalu.

The pro days were next on the agenda, and again, our draft position was only made more valuable.

Now we've got articles and stories on the revamped team. 30th ranked run defense? 4-3 + Weaver + Cowart = fixed! (hopefully). 30th ranked offense? Kubiak + Cook + Moulds + Putzier + Flannagan + Motivating Carr = fixed!

And lastly, with the players we've brought in for interviews, how can anyone not be excited. The three players we're negotiating with: Bush, Williams, Young. All 3 could be superstars in the NFL if they live up to their hype.

Here it is in summary form: We tank the 49ers, the rosebowl showcased some 1st round talent, we had countless holes on both sides of the ball that we actually filled with decent players, the coaches and players express confidence in their new schemes, and the worst player we will bring in on April 29th could be a rookie probowler. Awesome!

 

[gtexan02]

Oh, and by the way, feel free to critically analyze this post if you are more of the downer type. But let me warn one thing:
-Please don't use the "You can't predict a rookie's contribution without him ever playing a down in the nfl!"

I'm sorry, but that is just stupid. True, you shouldn't say he WILL be a probowler, but if you can't at least PROJECT him to be a probowler in 2-3 years, he shouldn't be first round grade. Scout have a job, and that job is to watch college game film, take measureable stats, compare playing ability to past professionals with similar styles, and make INFORMED GUESSES about the successfulness of a prospect. So while it is impossible to say "he WILL be Gale Sayers" you shouldn't be reprimanded for saying "he could be a superstar" because if you are picked that high, you SHOULD be a superstar

 

[Porky]

Good stuff overall. I can't quite get fully onboard with your 4/3+Weaver+Cowart =fixed defense. I think we have a long ways to go, but I think we will see some real progress on D this year.

 

[Runner]

Good stuff overall. I can't quite get fully onboard with your 4/3+Weaver+Cowart =fixed defense. I think we have a long ways to go, but I think we will see some real progress on D this year.

Taking a large step toward average on defense this year is fairly successful, given the attention that is being paid to offense. Going into the off-season I thought they'd only be able to show large improvement on one side of that ball this year; however it appears we're making pretty good progress on both sides.

 

[Bobo]

I've just got to say wow. This has been one helluva ride for me, and hopefully its not ending here. I mean, this has been the best offseason I've ever experienced as a Texans fan.

It all started with that SF 49ers game. I don't like to be a "cheer for the loss" kind of guy, but in this case, I was.

Next came the Rosebowl. VY, Bush, Leinart, Lendale were all doing their best to raise their draft stock. After the game, I realized how amazing our draft position was.

Then the Free Agents/Trade. The Weaver signing would have been enough (based on my old expectations) but then we go out and get Putzier, Flannagan, Moulds, Cowart, and Kalu.

The pro days were next on the agenda, and again, our draft position was only made more valuable.

Now we've got articles and stories on the revamped team. 30th ranked run defense? 4-3 + Weaver + Cowart = fixed! (hopefully). 30th ranked offense? Kubiak + Cook + Moulds + Putzier + Flannagan + Motivating Carr = fixed!

And lastly, with the players we've brought in for interviews, how can anyone not be excited. The three players we're negotiating with: Bush, Williams, Young. All 3 could be superstars in the NFL if they live up to their hype.

Here it is in summary form: We tank the 49ers, the rosebowl showcased some 1st round talent, we had countless holes on both sides of the ball that we actually filled with decent players, the coaches and players express confidence in their new schemes, and the worst player we will bring in on April 29th could be a rookie probowler. Awesome!

As stated on this board on numerous occasions, most unbiased observers believe this type of assessment is nothing but the exclamations of homers wearing rose-colored glasses. Until the offensive line starts blocking somebody to keep Carr from having to run for his life and until the defense can actually prevent opposing RBs from running up team records, then all of this "awesome" talk is nothing more than whistling in the graveyard. The OL is still a mess and unproven and the defensive improvements are minimal at best. How you can describe this offseason as "awesome" is beyond me.

 

[touttail]

Great post!

My gawd, anything has to be better this year than a 2-14 record.
There is so much excitement in the air with our team. Just can't imagine what it would be like if Capers was still coach!

Bobby 119C

 

[gtexan02]

As stated on this board on numerous occasions, most unbiased observers believe this type of assessment is nothing but the exclamations of homers wearing rose-colored glasses. Until the offensive line starts blocking somebody to keep Carr from having to run for his life and until the defense can actually prevent opposing RBs from running up team records, then all of this "awesome" talk is nothing more than whistling in the graveyard. The OL is still a mess and unproven and the defensive improvements are minimal at best. How you can describe this offseason as "awesome" is beyond me.

So basically what you are saying is you can't get excited about what your team does in the offseason, because you can't be 100% sure how it will turn out in the regular season. Therefore you are only allowed to show optimism once you have already witnessed success? Odd. Did anyone blame the Baltimore Ravens for being optimistic last season pre August? Nope, in fact, most people thought they were SB contenders on paper. Then again, did anyone blame the SD fans for being optimistic prior to 2004 season? Yup, but they went out and showed the changes they made were enough.

The point I'm trying to make here is that when can you be optimistic about hte possibility of your team making a big turnaround? According to you, it won't be until at least a few games into the season when I see physical proof, and then its no longer optimism, its simply "the way it is."

You mention OL blocking. Well, we got the offensive coordinator from one of the traditional best OLs in the league. We picked up a probowl center who has loads of experience in blocking for both an allpro QB and probowl HB. We hired a former head coach of the Green Bay packers to be our OL coach! We moved our out of place center from the middle of the line to guard position, where he excelled in Indy. We have come out publicly saying we will address the OL in the "middle rounds" because thats where zone blockers are usually found. Kubiak has made multiple exclamations on how DC is studying hard and returning to the basics and will be bootlegging/running a bit more. All of this looks REAL good on paper, and yes, while no games have officially been played, I don't think its unrealistic to show some optimis.

As for run defense, we finally moved back to the 4-3 where all our OL originally played. We put two proven pass rushing college DEs at the right side along with a proven pass rusher in Kalu, have 3 penetrating 4-3 DTs to play in the middle, and signed who ESPN claimed was the best up and coming run stuffing strong side DE in Anthony Weaver. We put Greenwood back at his original position, brought in Cowart (a pro bowl MLB who seeks out the run like J Trotter) at MLB, and saw signs of brilliance in Orr last season when he got a chance to sign. We've moved away from soft zone coverage, and therefore our DBs will be more free to run up against the run. We have a defensive coordinator who worked under Nick Saban (defensive 'guru' if you will) who they replaced with our HC! He has worked with Z Thomas, arguably the best (or one of the best) MLB in football right now. So while we haven't actually played any downs, yet, this looks good on paper, and again I see nor eason not to be optimistic about it.

So call it what you will, but I'm going to keep on whistling until I see proof that our moves haven't helped. You say you need proof before you will complement the changes, and I claim I need proof otherwise not to show confidence. To each their own I guess

 

[marroncito]

As stated on this board on numerous occasions, most unbiased observers believe this type of assessment is nothing but the exclamations of homers wearing rose-colored glasses. Until the offensive line starts blocking somebody to keep Carr from having to run for his life and until the defense can actually prevent opposing RBs from running up team records, then all of this "awesome" talk is nothing more than whistling in the graveyard. The OL is still a mess and unproven and the defensive improvements are minimal at best. How you can describe this offseason as "awesome" is beyond me.

I'm optomistic about all the changes this offseason, but with a grain of salt. That said, I'm equally excited about our Oline. If we look at the evaluations, signings and changes at other positions, we can get a sense of what's happening on the Oline as well. Needs at WR, TE, DE and LB have all been met. It can be debated how much any of the changes will benifit overall, but the needs have been addressed. There will be marginal improvement at almost every position this year. So let's catalogue some of the things that have happened on the Oline.

*Pitts finally seems set at LT for now and won't move back and forth
*McKinney moves back to his natural guard position
*Flanagan is a legit, if worn down center. I like the fact that Sherman trusts him enough to bring him in. I don't think Sherman would use his juice to bring in a player he didn't think would upgrade the Texans
*Hodgdon has a chance to develop behind Flanagan. We know that he's solid depth
*Milford Brown was allowed to sign with Arizona. He's got talent, but I think Kubiak and the FO would have fought harder for him if he was in their plans. I think this shows that they know what they want to do with the Oline
*Wand might actually get a chance to start and thrive. He's been a ??? since he's been here with his time in the doghouse.
*Weary was resigned. Probably as depth, but I think it shows the evaluations and changes that have been happening.
*David Loverne was brought in. He's a big ??? for me right now. I like seeing effort guys being brought in with nice affordable contracts.
*The line is being coached in a system that's been proven to be successful in Denver. I think Kubiak and his assistants know what it takes to turn WhoDats into an effictive Oline. Since all we have right now is his past experience to evaluate Kubiak on, I'm willing to trust him with the Oline
*With all the hype following the Texans and the 1st overall pick, we haven't heard a lot about who the FO is targeting later in the draft. I take this as a good sign. The way the Texans pursued Givens, then Burleson and finally Moulds until we got a legit #2 WR makes me think that we'll get some great value out of the bottom half of the draft. I'm betting that we'll see 1 or 2 Olinemen on day 2 who might turn out to be suprising.
*Weigert's moved out to RT. I really have no idea on this one. It'll interesting to see how he does there. I imagine Kubiak has something in mind.

So that's a short list of all the things we know have happened on the Oline. I'm excited about most of them. I know there'll be some kind of improvement over last year. I don't see us playing the "just keep Carr upright" game anymore.

 

[Bobo]

I'm optomistic about all the changes this offseason, but with a grain of salt. That said, I'm equally excited about our Oline. If we look at the evaluations, signings and changes at other positions, we can get a sense of what's happening on the Oline as well. Needs at WR, TE, DE and LB have all been met. It can be debated how much any of the changes will benifit overall, but the needs have been addressed. There will be marginal improvement at almost every position this year. So let's catalogue some of the things that have happened on the Oline.

*Pitts finally seems set at LT for now and won't move back and forth
*McKinney moves back to his natural guard position
*Flanagan is a legit, if worn down center. I like the fact that Sherman trusts him enough to bring him in. I don't think Sherman would use his juice to bring in a player he didn't think would upgrade the Texans
*Hodgdon has a chance to develop behind Flanagan. We know that he's solid depth
*Milford Brown was allowed to sign with Arizona. He's got talent, but I think Kubiak and the FO would have fought harder for him if he was in their plans. I think this shows that they know what they want to do with the Oline
*Wand might actually get a chance to start and thrive. He's been a ??? since he's been here with his time in the doghouse.
*Weary was resigned. Probably as depth, but I think it shows the evaluations and changes that have been happening.
*David Loverne was brought in. He's a big ??? for me right now. I like seeing effort guys being brought in with nice affordable contracts.
*The line is being coached in a system that's been proven to be successful in Denver. I think Kubiak and his assistants know what it takes to turn WhoDats into an effictive Oline. Since all we have right now is his past experience to evaluate Kubiak on, I'm willing to trust him with the Oline
*With all the hype following the Texans and the 1st overall pick, we haven't heard a lot about who the FO is targeting later in the draft. I take this as a good sign. The way the Texans pursued Givens, then Burleson and finally Moulds until we got a legit #2 WR makes me think that we'll get some great value out of the bottom half of the draft. I'm betting that we'll see 1 or 2 Olinemen on day 2 who might turn out to be suprising.
*Weigert's moved out to RT. I really have no idea on this one. It'll interesting to see how he does there. I imagine Kubiak has something in mind.

So that's a short list of all the things we know have happened on the Oline. I'm excited about most of them. I know there'll be some kind of improvement over last year. I don't see us playing the "just keep Carr upright" game anymore.

A.) We didn't have a need at TE. The TE is needed to stay in for pass protection. A pass-catching TE only makes things worse. B.) WR wasn't a need either. None of the WRs produced this year because there was no protection for Carr. Gaffney would have been just fine if he would have been given time to complete his routes. He did a good job filling in for AJ when he was out. C.) The acquisition of Cowart is way overblown. He has been with a couple of teams in the last few years and neither team was excited about him. D.) You don't address needs with mediocre talent and deem them met. E.) All I hear about the OL is a lot of talk, no substance. Flanagan is the only body they have brought in and he certainly isn't the answer to the future of this team. F.) I see a lot of disappointment for Texans fans in the future.

 

[Bobo]

Great post!

My gawd, anything has to be better this year than a 2-14 record.
There is so much excitement in the air with our team. Just can't imagine what it would be like if Capers was still coach!

Bobby 119C

I don't know where you get this "excitement is in the air with our team" I don't feel any and the unbiased observers don't sense any either. If you put out the same team with the same coach this year, they'd probably be better than 2-14. Heck, they were 7-9 the previous year. I would rather they have kept Capers. He had the team going in the right direction. Yes, he had a bad year last year. But both Cowher and Holmgren had bad years and look where they ended up this past season.

 

[Runner]

...So let's catalogue some of the things that have happened on the Oline.

1) *Pitts finally seems set at LT for now and won't move back and forth
2) *McKinney moves back to his natural guard position
3) *Flanagan is a legit, if worn down center. I like the fact that Sherman trusts him enough to bring him in. I don't think Sherman would use his juice to bring in a player he didn't think would upgrade the Texans
*Hodgdon has a chance to develop behind Flanagan. We know that he's solid depth
*Milford Brown was allowed to sign with Arizona. He's got talent, but I think Kubiak and the FO would have fought harder for him if he was in their plans. I think this shows that they know what they want to do with the Oline
4) *Wand might actually get a chance to start and thrive. He's been a ??? since he's been here with his time in the doghouse.
*Weary was resigned. Probably as depth, but I think it shows the evaluations and changes that have been happening.
*David Loverne was brought in. He's a big ??? for me right now. I like seeing effort guys being brought in with nice affordable contracts.
5a)*The line is being coached in a system that's been proven to be successful in Denver. I think Kubiak and his assistants know what it takes to turn WhoDats into an effictive Oline. Since all we have right now is his past experience to evaluate Kubiak on, I'm willing to trust him with the Oline
6)*With all the hype following the Texans and the 1st overall pick, we haven't heard a lot about who the FO is targeting later in the draft. I take this as a good sign. The way the Texans pursued Givens, then Burleson and finally Moulds until we got a legit #2 WR makes me think that we'll get some great value out of the bottom half of the draft. I'm betting that we'll see 1 or 2 Olinemen on day 2 who might turn out to be suprising.
7)*Weigert's moved out to RT. I really have no idea on this one. It'll interesting to see how he does there. I imagine Kubiak has something in mind.

5b) Well, we got the offensive coordinator from one of the traditional best OLs in the league. We picked up a probowl center who has loads of experience in blocking for both an allpro QB and probowl HB. We hired a former head coach of the Green Bay packers to be our OL coach! We moved our out of place center from the middle of the line to guard position, where he excelled in Indy. We have come out publicly saying we will address the OL in the "middle rounds" because thats where zone blockers are usually found.

1) I agree we'll see Pitts stop moving around, but he'll stick at guard. The coaches will teach him how to play a team game from that position and fix that weakness. Left guard.

2) I'm not a big McKinney fan, but I trust our coaches' evaluation far more than mine. Right guard.

3) Even an average center improves our line tremendously, especially since it also makes our guards stronger. This goes a long way to us getting a consistent pocket for Carr to step up into, which then helps our tackles. Nice move - it all fits together.

4) This coaching staff is the best thing to happen to Wand since he's been here. They recognize he has all the tools required to be a left tackle, and they are good enough coaches to teach him the techniques to make him our franchise left tackle. Surprise, surprise - the left tackle we've been looking for has been here all along.

5a&b) As has been pointed out, we have great coaching for the o-line for the first time in franchise history. Our players will be better, because the team will take advantage of their strengths and work the scheme and teach to reduce their weaknesses.

6) I think they'll draft for depth, especially at right tackle as Weigert winds down his career.

7) Weigert will be valuable at RT. He may need some tight end help at times, but we have that TE help now. The coaches will take advantage of this and devise offensive schemes make players better as a unit then they are individually. He has injury concerns, but we'll probably have Wade and a rookie as back-ups. He is a leader on the line, although that goes unnoticed here.


Wand-Pitts-Flanagan-McKinney-Weigert.

Add in some top notch coaching and our problems have been addressed nicely.

 

[Bobo]

So basically what you are saying is you can't get excited about what your team does in the offseason, because you can't be 100% sure how it will turn out in the regular season. Therefore you are only allowed to show optimism once you have already witnessed success? Odd. Did anyone blame the Baltimore Ravens for being optimistic last season pre August? Nope, in fact, most people thought they were SB contenders on paper. Then again, did anyone blame the SD fans for being optimistic prior to 2004 season? Yup, but they went out and showed the changes they made were enough.

The point I'm trying to make here is that when can you be optimistic about hte possibility of your team making a big turnaround? According to you, it won't be until at least a few games into the season when I see physical proof, and then its no longer optimism, its simply "the way it is."

You mention OL blocking. Well, we got the offensive coordinator from one of the traditional best OLs in the league. We picked up a probowl center who has loads of experience in blocking for both an allpro QB and probowl HB. We hired a former head coach of the Green Bay packers to be our OL coach! We moved our out of place center from the middle of the line to guard position, where he excelled in Indy. We have come out publicly saying we will address the OL in the "middle rounds" because thats where zone blockers are usually found. Kubiak has made multiple exclamations on how DC is studying hard and returning to the basics and will be bootlegging/running a bit more. All of this looks REAL good on paper, and yes, while no games have officially been played, I don't think its unrealistic to show some optimis.

As for run defense, we finally moved back to the 4-3 where all our OL originally played. We put two proven pass rushing college DEs at the right side along with a proven pass rusher in Kalu, have 3 penetrating 4-3 DTs to play in the middle, and signed who ESPN claimed was the best up and coming run stuffing strong side DE in Anthony Weaver. We put Greenwood back at his original position, brought in Cowart (a pro bowl MLB who seeks out the run like J Trotter) at MLB, and saw signs of brilliance in Orr last season when he got a chance to sign. We've moved away from soft zone coverage, and therefore our DBs will be more free to run up against the run. We have a defensive coordinator who worked under Nick Saban (defensive 'guru' if you will) who they replaced with our HC! He has worked with Z Thomas, arguably the best (or one of the best) MLB in football right now. So while we haven't actually played any downs, yet, this looks good on paper, and again I see nor eason not to be optimistic about it.

So call it what you will, but I'm going to keep on whistling until I see proof that our moves haven't helped. You say you need proof before you will complement the changes, and I claim I need proof otherwise not to show confidence. To each their own I guess

A.) No, I can't get excited about the team because what they did wasn't much. I don't see much change at all, just a lot of mediocre players coming in. What's there to be excited about that? B.) Coming off a 2-14 season, there isn't much room for optimism until there are some real, actual turnarounds that are seen on the field. Until then, all you have is a 2-14 team with more mediocre players added. C.) The defense hasn't improved much. You talk like Weaver and Cowart are going to help this defense. Neither one of them can pressure the passer and Cowart has been flowing from team to team -- nobody really wanted him. D.) The head coach, as well as most of his coaching staff, is green as grass. E.) People who are positive about this team reminds me of the kid who found manure in his stocking on Christmas. When he saw it, he got all excited and said, "Where there's manure, there's gotta be a pony!" Well, if you want to get excited about manure, that's fine. To me, manure is manure. That's all you got. There are uses for manure, but I wouldn't get all excited about it.

 

[Hardcore Texan]

A.) We didn't have a need at TE. The TE is needed to stay in for pass protection. A pass-catching TE only makes things worse. B.) WR wasn't a need either. None of the WRs produced this year because there was no protection for Carr. Gaffney would have been just fine if he would have been given time to complete his routes. He did a good job filling in for AJ when he was out. C.) The acquisition of Cowart is way overblown. He has been with a couple of teams in the last few years and neither team was excited about him. D.) You don't address needs with mediocre talent and deem them met. E.) All I hear about the OL is a lot of talk, no substance. Flanagan is the only body they have brought in and he certainly isn't the answer to the future of this team. F.) I see a lot of disappointment for Texans fans in the future.

If bringing in Flaningan and Sherman to coach the OLine, and McKinney moving back to a position he had success at is not considered improvement, then what the hell is it? It is better than last years patchwork.

I wouldn't go so far to say the OLine is the best it can be, but we still have camp, preseason, oh and that little thing called the draft to get better. So there is reason to be excited and optimistic for some, no need to knock them for it.

I agree with some of what your saying, we do need better protection, and maybe just maybe some of the "mediocre talent" willl be an upgrade at some postions.

 

[Mr. White]

I don't feel any and the unbiased observers don't sense any either.

Could you possibly be referring to yourself?

If you put out the same team with the same coach this year, they'd probably be better than 2-14. Heck, they were 7-9 the previous year. I would rather they have kept Capers. He had the team going in the right direction. Yes, he had a bad year last year. But both Cowher and Holmgren had bad years and look where they ended up this past season.

I don't think Cowher or Holmgren ever won as few as 2 games as HC's. Capers was great as a DC but was horrible as an HC.

The only success that he had (in Carolina) was due to a better expansion draft pool at that time. Maybe if he was involved in the defense, then the team would've been better. 7 wins to 2 wins is hardly a step in the right direction.

 

[gtexan02]

A.) No, I can't get excited about the team because what they did wasn't much. I don't see much change at all, just a lot of mediocre players coming in. What's there to be excited about that? B.) Coming off a 2-14 season, there isn't much room for optimism until there are some real, actual turnarounds that are seen on the field. Until then, all you have is a 2-14 team with more mediocre players added. C.) The defense hasn't improved much. You talk like Weaver and Cowart are going to help this defense. Neither one of them can pressure the passer and Cowart has been flowing from team to team -- nobody really wanted him. D.) The head coach, as well as most of his coaching staff, is green as grass. E.) People who are positive about this team reminds me of the kid who found manure in his stocking on Christmas. When he saw it, he got all excited and said, "Where there's manure, there's gotta be a pony!" Well, if you want to get excited about manure, that's fine. To me, manure is manure. That's all you got. There are uses for manure, but I wouldn't get all excited about it.

A) Again, you say you need results to feel optimistic, I say I need to see failure to be pessimistic. No point in arguing this ad libtum

B) See point A

C) Neither Weaver or Cowart were brought in to rush the passer. Weaver is a strong side run stopping DE. Cowart is a run stuffing MLB (see J Trotter comment earlier). Only rarely will they be rushing all out at the passer. We have Peek, Babin, Kalu, Payne, Smith, TJ, a safety, and potentially OLB to rush the paser. This is not surprising or disapointing, as this is how many successful 4-3s are run

D) True GK is a first time HC. So? Every time a new coach gets a shot he's going to immediately suck? He has been successful everywhere he's gone. his assistant coach is a proven winner in Sherman. We have fresh, new ideas. I see this as a plus. This is also why he has brought in so many veteran players. If our new guys don't want to listen 100% to the new coaches, the veteran players will serve as nice assistants

E) People as negative as you remind of the kid who gets the computer, car, and television for christmas and asks "wheres the pony?" You can keep waiting for some arbitrary signing that iwll make you happy (although at this point I can't imagine what you'd want) or you can open your eyes and see how many good things you've already opened

 

[Ibar_Harry]

If bringing in Flaningan and Sherman to coach the OLine, and McKinney moving back to a position he had success at is not considered improvement, then what the hell is it? It is better than last years patchwork.

I wouldn't go so far to say the OLine is the best it can be, but we still have camp, preseason, oh and that little thing called the draft to get better. So there is reason to be excited and optimistic for some, no need to knock them for it.

I agree with some of what your saying, we do need better protection, and maybe just maybe some of the "mediocre talent" willl be an upgrade at some postions.

Do not under estimate Sherman as an Offensive line coach along with the new offensive system. Our O-line players were very badly coached and the offensive system was an abomination. We have to be at least 70% better at this point in my estimation.

Coaching, coaching, and coaching are the reasons this team as a whole is a lot better than last years team even if we did not pick up any players. In reality, however, you can already see the effects of their coaching. We have filled many holes, and is some cases, dramatically improved some of our positions like WR.

Once, again, do not under estimate the coaching factor. Year after year you see many of the same coaches with teams in the playoffs and SB's. There is a reason. Its called salary cap. The best coaches get it done.

 

[gtexan02]

One thing thats curious to me, is that Bobo advocates for Capers to stay, but then claims we haven't changed enough. I guarantee you if Capers had stayed, we would have A) Made even less changes and B) Performed even worse than last

 

[Mr. White]

Just a Titans fan trying to

 

[Runner]

One thing thats curious to me, is that Bobo advocates for Capers to stay, but then claims we haven't changed enough. I guarantee you if Capers had stayed, we would have A) Made even less changes and B) Performed even worse than last

When a person chooses to join the "Debate with a Bobo Hour", that poster is feeding a troll who is in fact a Titans fan. This has been documented various times on these boards.

This topic was going good places as a football discussion before it got sidetracked as well. That's too bad, but it happens.

 

[TheOgre]

We haven't see the end of the off-season yet, but unless we see some significant additions to our pass-rush and secondary, I still think we will have some pass defense issues. I think adding Weaver and Cowart along with switching to the 4-3, will improve our run defense immensely though.

As for our offense, I still have concerns about the O-line positions. We should be improved, but I am not content.

 

[Runner]

As for our offense, I still have concerns about the O-line positions. We should be improved, but I am not content.

If you skip up past some of the extraneous posts you can see what I think of the o-line. You may have missed it.

 

[Hardcore Texan]

Do not under estimate Sherman as an Offensive line coach along with the new offensive system. Our O-line players were very badly coached and the offensive system was an abomination. We have to be at least 70% better at this point in my estimation.

Coaching, coaching, and coaching are the reasons this team as a whole is a lot better than last years team even if we did not pick up any players. In reality, however, you can already see the effects of their coaching. We have filled many holes, and is some cases, dramatically improved some of our positions like WR.

Once, again, do not under estimate the coaching factor. Year after year you see many of the same coaches with teams in the playoffs and SB's. There is a reason. Its called salary cap. The best coaches get it done.

I agree a 100%. I just didn't put my words together too well in my original post, I got interupted as I am at work. I am excited about this season, I have been advocating trusting the new staff this entire offseason. And also agree or O-line is going to be drastically improved, but there is still more room for improvment. I just didn't convey that too well the first time. And my reference to mediocre talent was responding to Bobo's comment about Cowart at MLB.

Anyway, good post, you summed up my viewpoint also.

 

[swtbound07]

I've just got to say wow. This has been one helluva ride for me, and hopefully its not ending here. I mean, this has been the best offseason I've ever experienced as a Texans fan.

It all started with that SF 49ers game. I don't like to be a "cheer for the loss" kind of guy, but in this case, I was.
Next came the Rosebowl. VY, Bush, Leinart, Lendale were all doing their best to raise their draft stock. After the game, I realized how amazing our draft position was.

Then the Free Agents/Trade. The Weaver signing would have been enough (based on my old expectations) but then we go out and get Putzier, Flannagan, Moulds, Cowart, and Kalu.

The pro days were next on the agenda, and again, our draft position was only made more valuable.

Now we've got articles and stories on the revamped team. 30th ranked run defense? 4-3 + Weaver + Cowart = fixed! (hopefully). 30th ranked offense? Kubiak + Cook + Moulds + Putzier + Flannagan + Motivating Carr = fixed!

And lastly, with the players we've brought in for interviews, how can anyone not be excited. The three players we're negotiating with: Bush, Williams, Young. All 3 could be superstars in the NFL if they live up to their hype.

Here it is in summary form: We tank the 49ers, the rosebowl showcased some 1st round talent, we had countless holes on both sides of the ball that we actually filled with decent players, the coaches and players express confidence in their new schemes, and the worst player we will bring in on April 29th could be a rookie probowler. Awesome!

i've said this before, and maybe its harsh on my part, but if you ever cheer for the texans to lose a game for the sake of a draft pick you and I got nothing to say to each other. Sickening

 

[Jimpster]

I agree, it's been a hell of a off season so far. Seems like the Texans have acquired some really good talent in the FA market. The draft is going to be icing on the cake. Like most of the posters here, I can't wait for the regular season to begin.

 

[gtexan02]

i've said this before, and maybe its harsh on my part, but if you ever cheer for the texans to lose a game for the sake of a draft pick you and I got nothing to say to each other. Sickening

Basically, I want what is best for the team. The coaches refused to let the projects play (D. Ragone?? V Morency?? Armstrong??) and insisted on playing their starters. As the season had been going to badly, there was nothing we could have gained from that win. As such, I really don't see why its such a terrible crime to cheer for what has turned out to be an amazing draft position

 

[Texans Horror]

IMO, the run blocking is cleaning itself up. We were pretty average at it last year, and DD was a pretty average back. To a certain extent, I expect that Reggie Bush will make the line better.

I am more concerned about the pass blocking because there are a lot more question marks there. Will Wand be able to cement his technique enough to take up the position? Will Pitts be willing to support the left side of the line as a guard rather than a left tackle? (Pitts was supported throughout the 2005 season when he played tackle, but did little to support Wand in the 2004 season - though this could have been coaching schemes.) Will Flanigan be able to stuff the center of the line? David is a pocket quarterback. He needs the front, middle of the line to stay put and give him time. Will McKinney and Weigert be able to step up their play? IMO, the right side has had more problems than the left.

Of course, the biggest question I have is a coaching question. I know Kubiak has one way of coaching an offense. Does Sherman see eye-to-eye with him about how the line should gel? I suspect, based on comments he made when he came board (that he was here to help out Kubes and do whatever was needed), that Sherman will give Kubes the line. But if they aren't on the same page, this could raise serious issues coming out of the starting gate, and with games against Indy and Philly, we need to be strong early.

 

[tsip]

A.) We didn't have a need at TE. The TE is needed to stay in for pass protection. A pass-catching TE only makes things worse. B.) WR wasn't a need either. None of the WRs produced this year because there was no protection for Carr. Gaffney would have been just fine if he would have been given time to complete his routes. He did a good job filling in for AJ when he was out. C.) The acquisition of Cowart is way overblown. He has been with a couple of teams in the last few years and neither team was excited about him. D.) You don't address needs with mediocre talent and deem them met. E.) All I hear about the OL is a lot of talk, no substance. Flanagan is the only body they have brought in and he certainly isn't the answer to the future of this team. F.) I see a lot of disappointment for Texans fans in the future.

Bobo, you need to back up and think about what you are saying! First, you chastize other posters for 'seeing the future,' then you do the same thing--only difference is postive vs negative.

One of my biggest knocks against Capers was the way he handled change-sometimes he changed things that didn't need change, other times he stuck with things that did. For example, he changed the OL 'scheme' blocking after our 2nd year when the line had drastically reduced the sack total, and we had no one experienced in that new scheme. He kept our WR corp intact, despite bringing in other WRs that out performed them.

Bottom line? This team is not standing pat and--in the minds of most posters--has correctly identified the problem areas. And, while everything can not be 'fixed overnight,' at least the team is trying to upgrade everywhere that needs it. No, not every upgrade is to an 'all-pro,' but it doesn't need to be for the team IMO to show vast improvement. IMO, the biggest improvement comes for this team in new "Coaching Philosophies,' especially 'COACHING TO WIN' instead of ' coaching not to lose.'

So,no, we don't know what will happen this season but good or bad, it won't be because changes weren't made...

 

[DenverBorn]

As stated on this board on numerous occasions, most unbiased observers believe this type of assessment is nothing but the exclamations of homers wearing rose-colored glasses. Until the offensive line starts blocking somebody to keep Carr from having to run for his life and until the defense can actually prevent opposing RBs from running up team records, then all of this "awesome" talk is nothing more than whistling in the graveyard. The OL is still a mess and unproven and the defensive improvements are minimal at best. How you can describe this offseason as "awesome" is beyond me.

I absolutely agree. The OL has not been improved, neither has the defensive backfield. I'd put most of the FA signings in the Greenwood/Wade/Bruener category. Average at best. Carr will be Carr, the OL will be the OL - the only thing that encourages me at all is the switch to the 4-3.

 

[TexansLucky13]

I absolutely agree. The OL has not been improved, neither has the defensive backfield. I'd put most of the FA signings in the Greenwood/Wade/Bruener category. Average at best. Carr will be Carr, the OL will be the OL - the only thing that encourages me at all is the switch to the 4-3.

You shouldn't look at Bobo's post as anything but annoying. He is continually proving that he is nothing but a troll. Did you even notice the little brown football next to his name that shows his misconduct? All he wants to do is stir trouble because he thought Capers was Jesus reincarnated. But it seems now that his Titan love has finally revealed itself. Go to Florida and watch your beloved Capers. Good riddance.

I agree with most of the original post, and I think no matter what happens on April 29th, we have ourselves an awesome '06-'07 season.

 

[dalemurphy]

I absolutely agree. The OL has not been improved, neither has the defensive backfield. I'd put most of the FA signings in the Greenwood/Wade/Bruener category. Average at best. Carr will be Carr, the OL will be the OL - the only thing that encourages me at all is the switch to the 4-3.

Well, a probowl center has been added to the roster. Mckinney has been moved to guard and two guards who started on other teams (Loeverne, Carolina guy) have been added. Mike Sherman has been brought in to help with the line... The draft is still to come and we have 5 of the first 98 picks and you're criticizing the offseason moves in regards to the OLine?!

 

[swtbound07]

Basically, I want what is best for the team. The coaches refused to let the projects play (D. Ragone?? V Morency?? Armstrong??) and insisted on playing their starters. As the season had been going to badly, there was nothing we could have gained from that win. As such, I really don't see why its such a terrible crime to cheer for what has turned out to be an amazing draft position

Yes there is. They would have gained a win. Yes, it is a terrible crime in my eyes to root for your team to lose to get a better shot at a freaking PROSPECT??? You only get to see the Texans play 16 regular season games a year. 16. Thats it. Its not like the number 4 pick or whatever would have destined us for failure as a franchise. By your logic, you would have been okay with them throwing that last game to get a pet project??? How about this....what happens when you fall in love with adrian peterson next year? Are you willing to cheer against the Texans SIXTEEN times just so they can draft your boy?? If you for one second of any game for any reason are cheering against your favorite team then like I said, there is nothing I can say to you...Its just a worthless thing to do IMO. Maybe Im alone on this one...

 

[Erratic Assassin]

Year after year you see many of the same coaches with teams in the playoffs and SB's. There is a reason. Its called salary cap. The best coaches get it done.

That might say more about the GMs than the coaches. You can give one housewife $300.00 and she can come home with a cart full of groceries because she's a wise shopper. You can give another housewife $300.00 and she'll overpay for everything and waste it on imported gourmet tapwater and have nothing to show for it.

 

[gtexan02]

Yes there is. They would have gained a win. Yes, it is a terrible crime in my eyes to root for your team to lose to get a better shot at a freaking PROSPECT??? You only get to see the Texans play 16 regular season games a year. 16. Thats it. Its not like the number 4 pick or whatever would have destined us for failure as a franchise. By your logic, you would have been okay with them throwing that last game to get a pet project??? How about this....what happens when you fall in love with adrian peterson next year? Are you willing to cheer against the Texans SIXTEEN times just so they can draft your boy?? If you for one second of any game for any reason are cheering against your favorite team then like I said, there is nothing I can say to you...Its just a worthless thing to do IMO. Maybe Im alone on this one...

I have no idea what you are trying to get at here. Pet project? You mean like, i would have cheared them to lose if they could each get a puppy or somthing? How does that have anything to do with anything. And what is this about cheering for a loss 16 times to get someone else? No, you are being ignorant and not paying attention to what I said. I cheer for whats best for the team. Up until week 17 (yes, this includes week 16) I wanted us to win simply for confidence building. By week 17 I knew that it wouldn't matter. A one game winning streak against a terrible team would have meant nothing for our confidence. In fact, I think they probably were more confident after losing, knowing they had in fact won the Bush bowl. So don't over exagerate and get yourself into a frenzy. I never said I'd cheer against us for 16 games in a row. In fact, I never said I'd cheer for a loss more than 1 game, the last game, against a terrible team that would have meant nothing. If we were sitting at #4 right now we would be in a completely different position. As it stands, we have all the cards, and personally, it was worth the ONE loss

 

[Bobo]

I have no idea what you are trying to get at here. Pet project? You mean like, i would have cheared them to lose if they could each get a puppy or somthing? How does that have anything to do with anything. And what is this about cheering for a loss 16 times to get someone else? No, you are being ignorant and not paying attention to what I said. I cheer for whats best for the team. Up until week 17 (yes, this includes week 16) I wanted us to win simply for confidence building. By week 17 I knew that it wouldn't matter. A one game winning streak against a terrible team would have meant nothing for our confidence. In fact, I think they probably were more confident after losing, knowing they had in fact won the Bush bowl. So don't over exagerate and get yourself into a frenzy. I never said I'd cheer against us for 16 games in a row. In fact, I never said I'd cheer for a loss more than 1 game, the last game, against a terrible team that would have meant nothing. If we were sitting at #4 right now we would be in a completely different position. As it stands, we have all the cards, and personally, it was worth the ONE loss

Bottom line: By definition, if you root for a team to lose, you are NOT a fan of that team. Case closed.

 

[Bobo]

You shouldn't look at Bobo's post as anything but annoying. He is continually proving that he is nothing but a troll. Did you even notice the little brown football next to his name that shows his misconduct? All he wants to do is stir trouble because he thought Capers was Jesus reincarnated. But it seems now that his Titan love has finally revealed itself. Go to Florida and watch your beloved Capers. Good riddance.

I agree with most of the original post, and I think no matter what happens on April 29th, we have ourselves an awesome '06-'07 season.

I am continually proving that I am a realist and not a cheerleader. In the end, you know I will be more correct than 90 percent of the posters here because they are in denial.

 

[Bobo]

I agree, it's been a hell of a off season so far. Seems like the Texans have acquired some really good talent in the FA market. The draft is going to be icing on the cake. Like most of the posters here, I can't wait for the regular season to begin.

Reality check: The "talent" they acquired is mediocre by all standards.

 

[Bobo]

Well, a probowl center has been added to the roster. Mckinney has been moved to guard and two guards who started on other teams (Loeverne, Carolina guy) have been added. Mike Sherman has been brought in to help with the line... The draft is still to come and we have 5 of the first 98 picks and you're criticizing the offseason moves in regards to the OLine?!

Umm, try a Pro Bowl alternate who only played three games in 2004 due to patella tendinitis in his left knee that required season-ending surgery and missed two games last year because of a sports hernia (credit: Wisconsin State Journal). But I am sure that as this injury-prone "Pro Bowler" is only 32 years old and is basically just a rookie since he's only in 11th year in the NFL and is getting younger and younger, the picture is only getting rosier and rosier for this OL. Yeah, right. Another record year in sacks allowed and a bunch of single-game rushing records against this defense looks more like it.

 

[TexansLucky13]

Yes there is. They would have gained a win. Yes, it is a terrible crime in my eyes to root for your team to lose to get a better shot at a freaking PROSPECT??? You only get to see the Texans play 16 regular season games a year. 16. Thats it. Its not like the number 4 pick or whatever would have destined us for failure as a franchise. By your logic, you would have been okay with them throwing that last game to get a pet project??? How about this....what happens when you fall in love with adrian peterson next year? Are you willing to cheer against the Texans SIXTEEN times just so they can draft your boy?? If you for one second of any game for any reason are cheering against your favorite team then like I said, there is nothing I can say to you...Its just a worthless thing to do IMO. Maybe Im alone on this one...

You aren't really alone. The more naive "hardcore" fans would say that if you ever rooted against the team, that you are not a true fan. IMO the 49ers game was just a means to an end... it was the perfect end to a most unfortunate season. The game itself was terrible. The players even looked like they were trying to lose it. Maybe the draft hype got into everyones head. Personally I would not throw a game for a draft pick, nor support it. So although I somewhat agree with you... I just think its a moot point.

Bottom line: By definition, if you root for a team to lose, you are NOT a fan of that team. Case closed.

It wasn't but three weeks ago you were explaining about how "you will not cheer for the Texans next year, because you don't agree with the management changes." What kind of a fan are you? You try to explain this by stating that "you are a fan of the NFL, but not of a specific team". What a crock of bull. How can you even begin to criticize someone of not being a fan when all you do is complain about Kubiak and the "failure" to address the problem with the O-line. Don't get me wrong... we still have O-line problems. But I wont let you get away with sitting there and claiming that nothing has been done and looked into. The 2nd and possibly the 3rd pick in the draft will be designed for the O-line. So please, shut it.

There are only two explanations for why you are so stubborn.

1) You idolize Dom Capers. Get over it. He was here to build the expansion Texans, and he did it. He was NOT a long-term coach. His offense was far too simplistic (giving David Carr only two audible options, and no power whatsoever). His defense left our LB'ers confused and ineffective.

2) You are a Titans troll. Everyone knows that you have an account on the Titans forum and you post regularly. Whats the difference between your posts on here and on there? You don't stir up trouble on there. All you do on here is cause trouble. Stop being a troll, its bad for your heart.

I bite my finger at you.

 

[Bobo]

It wasn't but three weeks ago you were explaining about how "you will not cheer for the Texans next year, because you don't agree with the management changes." What kind of a fan are you? You try to explain this by stating that "you are a fan of the NFL, but not of a specific team". What a crock of bull. How can you even begin to criticize someone of not being a fan when all you do is complain about Kubiak and the "failure" to address the problem with the O-line. Don't get me wrong... we still have O-line problems. But I wont let you get away with sitting there and claiming that nothing has been done and looked into. The 2nd and possibly the 3rd pick in the draft will be designed for the O-line. So please, shut it.

There are only two explanations for why you are so stubborn.

1) You idolize Dom Capers. Get over it. He was here to build the expansion Texans, and he did it. He was NOT a long-term coach. His offense was far too simplistic (giving David Carr only two audible options, and no power whatsoever). His defense left our LB'ers confused and ineffective.

2) You are a Titans troll. Everyone knows that you have an account on the Titans forum and you post regularly. Whats the difference between your posts on here and on there? You don't stir up trouble on there. All you do on here is cause trouble. Stop being a troll, its bad for your heart.

I bite my finger at you.

A.) Fact is, by definition, if you root against a team you are NOT a fan of that team. Period. I have freely said that the Texans have lost me as a fan, though I will not root against them. However, you claim folks who root against the Texans are still fans? Gimme a break. That's not hardcore. That's ridiculous. B.) This team needs a lot more help than just a second or third pick for that OL. If you really believe that, then you have either swallowed the company line or you aren't being realistic. This team is in real, real trouble in the OL and they need to throw a good portion of their draft at it -- and not just middle round picks. C.) I have been called a liberal Democrat by Republicans, a conservative Republican by Democrats, and now a Titan troll by you. Kinda funny, since I never really cared for the Titans when they were in Houston to begin with. Using your logic, Andre Johnson is related to the late LBJ since they both have/had the same last names. Did you ever think that there might be a couple of folks who may be using the same name on the Internet? Nah, impossible -- just like it's impossible that the word "braintrust" is a misnomer when used in the same sentence with the Houston Texans. I dismiss you with a simple wave of my hand.

 

[tulexan]

You can still be a fan and root against the team. Different fans have different goals. Personally, finishing 3-13 was no better than finishing 2-14. Capers would still lose his job, the season would still be a disaster, and we would still be a laughing stock. Getting that last win against an equally bad team would not give us momentum to be a playoff contender next year. We were going to get rid of a bunch of players, get a new scheme, and get a new coach.

You had short term goals of winning that week, I had long term goals of getting potentially one of the best college prospects ever. I wanted what I felt was best for the Texans in the long run, you wanted a win to close the season.

 

[TexansLucky13]

I dismiss you with a simple wave of my hand.

You would. And you can. But nothing changes.

Tell me something, braintrust. It's nothing new that the O-line is a problem. It's been a problem since the inaugural season. Who "should have" taken care of this issue? Your beloved Capers. Why didn't he get it fixed? He tried. But it was him that was the problem. It was his high school offense that led us into the ground last year. He thought we needed a huge run-blocker like Todd Wade. He thought it would fix the problem. He was wrong. He was wrong multiple times. What does this mean? It means he tried, and failed. He didn't know how to fix it, and we all know that. So stop being so bias. Wake up and smell the coffee... he didn't cut it. And don't give me that "he was trying to gel the O-line together for the long term" junk. Only a Dom Capers homer would think such a thing. Like you.

Fact is, by definition, a fan is a person who is (by Websters definition):

An ardent devotee; an enthusiast.

I did not root for them to lose, but for those who did, I defend you (to an extent). I would say that we are most fortunate to have the 1st pick in this draft. What is the difference between a 3-13 season and a 2-14 season? Nothing except for the draft pick. So logic tells us that losing the game was beneficial. Did I root for us to lose? No. Would I cast you down as a sinner if you did want us to lose the 49ers game? No. It was just a means to an end. We are better for it. I am enthusiastic about this draft and I am ardently devoted to watching us have a winning season soon, due to the sacrifice of the 49ers game.

Bobo, I have asked you repeatedly in the past months to EXPLAIN to me what Kubiak could have done in the FA to help the O-line. And you REPEATEDLY avoid it. The fact is your conduct is very troll-like. If you do not want to be branded a troll (which you have), or as a Titans troll (which you may or may not be), then stop acting and talking foolish.

 

[Bobo]

You would. And you can. But nothing changes.

Tell me something, braintrust. It's nothing new that the O-line is a problem. It's been a problem since the inaugural season. Who "should have" taken care of this issue? Your beloved Capers. Why didn't he get it fixed? He tried. But it was him that was the problem. It was his high school offense that led us into the ground last year. He thought we needed a huge run-blocker like Todd Wade. He thought it would fix the problem. He was wrong. He was wrong multiple times. What does this mean? It means he tried, and failed. He didn't know how to fix it, and we all know that. So stop being so bias. Wake up and smell the coffee... he didn't cut it. And don't give me that "he was trying to gel the O-line together for the long term" junk. Only a Dom Capers homer would think such a thing. Like you.

Fact is, by definition, a fan is a person who is (by Websters definition):

An ardent devotee; an enthusiast.

I did not root for them to lose, but for those who did, I defend you (to an extent). I would say that we are most fortunate to have the 1st pick in this draft. What is the difference between a 3-13 season and a 2-14 season? Nothing except for the draft pick. So logic tells us that losing the game was beneficial. Did I root for us to lose? No. Would I cast you down as a sinner if you did want us to lose the 49ers game? No. It was just a means to an end. We are better for it. I am enthusiastic about this draft and I am ardently devoted to watching us have a winning season soon, due to the sacrifice of the 49ers game.

Bobo, I have asked you repeatedly in the past months to EXPLAIN to me what Kubiak could have done in the FA to help the O-line. And you REPEATED avoid it. The fact is your conduct is very troll-like. If you do not want to be branded a troll (which you have), or as a Titans troll (which you may or may not be), then stop acting and talking foolish.

A.) Capers was sticking with the folks he had, hoping they would gel together. You have to give them time to come together -- you can't just mix everything up whenever something doesn't go right. They needed some time. Obviously, they never did gel, but Capers went about doing what he should have by giving them time. Then again, I am amused by how "Texans fans" were yelling and screaming about how Capers needed to change the OL around and then when he did, the same folks yelled about how he was moving people "out of their natural positions." B.) You, like everybody else who bashes Capers, refuse to even look at how Capers led this team from its infancy to within one game of .500 in just three years. Your blasting of him is just as unwarranted as it would have been if it was directed at Holmgren and Cowher when they had bad years with their respective teams. To call Capers a failure is to call Cowher and Holmgren failures when they had bad years. C.) You aren't an enthusiast if you are rooting for a team to lose. That's a simple fact. For you to argue otherwise flies against common sense. D.) I have said many times that FA will not help a team anywhere when all you do is pick up folks nobody else wants -- which is the case in most FA acquisitions. E.) I only post here once a day every three or four days for the most part. Trolls get on the message board every day and purposely write things to stir people up and then are constantly on the board seeing if they succeeded. I could care less about that. F.) I am definitely not the only person to say these things about the Texans offseason. There are a lot of people who have said the same thing. Some of those folks on KILT have basically said the Texans offseason has been pretty mediocre. G.) Why do you think I care what people call me? I personally think it's kind of funny when folks call me a Titans fan when I never even cared for them when they were in Houston. I have found in the normal course of life that there are lots of people who try to stereotype others so they can within their mind's eye put them in a little box and believe that they have them all figured out so they won't have to deal with the truth they present. Hence, the expression, "Oh, he's just a liberal Democrat" or "Oh, he's just a conservative Republican" which allows that person to dismiss everything the person says, no matter how true it is. So now you can see how amused I am when people try to call me a Titans troll. It only shows me that folks like you are trying to find a way to deny the facts I am serving up.

 

[TexansLucky13]

A.) Capers was sticking with the folks he had, hoping they would gel together. You have to give them time to come together -- you can't just mix everything up whenever something doesn't go right. They needed some time. Obviously, they never did gel, but Capers went about doing what he should have by giving them time. Then again, I am amused by how "Texans fans" were yelling and screaming about how Capers needed to change the OL around and then when he did, the same folks yelled about how he was moving people "out of their natural positions." B.) You, like everybody else who bashes Capers, refuse to even look at how Capers led this team from its infancy to within one game of .500 in just three years. Your blasting of him is just as unwarranted as it would have been if it was directed at Holmgren and Cowher when they had bad years with their respective teams. To call Capers a failure is to call Cowher and Holmgren failures when they had bad years. C.) You aren't an enthusiast if you are rooting for a team to lose. That's a simple fact. For you to argue otherwise flies against common sense. D.) I have said many times that FA will not help a team anywhere when all you do is pick up folks nobody else wants -- which is the case in most FA acquisitions. E.) I only post here once a day every three or four days for the most part. Trolls get on the message board every day and purposely write things to stir people up and then are constantly on the board seeing if they succeeded. I could care less about that. F.) I am definitely not the only person to say these things about the Texans offseason. There are a lot of people who have said the same thing. Some of those folks on KILT have basically said the Texans offseason has been pretty mediocre. G.) Why do you think I care what people call me? I personally think it's kind of funny when folks call me a Titans fan when I never even cared for them when they were in Houston. I have found in the normal course of life that there are lots of people who try to stereotype others so they can within their mind's eye put them in a little box and believe that they have them all figured out so they won't have to deal with the truth they present. Hence, the expression, "Oh, he's just a liberal Democrat" or "Oh, he's just a conservative Republican" which allows that person to dismiss everything the person says, no matter how true it is. So now you can see how amused I am when people try to call me a Titans troll. It only shows me that folks like you are trying to find a way to deny the facts I am serving up.

The only problem, gramps, is that you arent serving up facts. Lets look at this.

A) If Capers was giving the line time to "gel", why did he change it? And if you say that he gave into public pressure.... well, thats a different story. He didn't understand the O-line, plain and simple. That's a fact.

B) You, like everyone else who has short term memory loss, amuse me. Do you not remember anything I have EVER said to you? I told you that I liked Capers. Truth be told, I REALLY liked Capers. I hated to see him get the shaft, I truely did. Don't even bring Cowhers and Holmgren up. They both had winning seasons in their history before they had their "bad years" of a record 6-10. Holmgren even had a SB ring before then! So stop comparing them. Capers is an expansion coach. He did it for the Panthers and he did it for us. I have NEVER said that he didnt do a good job, and if you claim that I ever have said that, you are an out-right liar.

C) You, personally, are not an enthusiast if you would change your allegiance to the Texans just because your god Capers got the shaft.

D) Hmm. If the FA wouldn't help the O-line, how can you possibly say that Kubiak hasnt done enough to help it? Did you want him to trade for an OT? Please clarify this, because you make no sense.

E) You post on here enough to be noticed, and thats all that counts.

F,G) How come in section G you state that peoples opinions are pointless but in section F you explain the opinions of the KILT guys matter for some reason? Everyone has opinions. In my opinion you are bummed because you have no real facts to back up your bias against Kubiak. Unless I am mistaken... you haven't "served up" anything other than a hot plate of bull dung (bias opinions). Move to Florida, homer.

Good night.

 

[gtexan02]

E.) I only post here once a day every three or four days for the most part. Trolls get on the message board every day and purposely write things to stir people up and then are constantly on the board seeing if they succeeded. I could care less about that.

Lets see, today you've posted 18 times in last 24 hours
And you haven't posted less than 6 times per day for seemingly weeks if you check your post history. Now, I don't think you're trolling however. In fact, its nice to have someone who completely disagrees with you and vice versa so the board doesnt get too one dimensional.

 

[Bobo]

Lets see, today you've posted 18 times in last 24 hours
And you haven't posted less than 6 times per day for seemingly weeks if you check your post history. Now, I don't think you're trolling however. In fact, its nice to have someone who completely disagrees with you and vice versa so the board doesnt get too one dimensional.

Well, make that 19. Of course, that has nothing to do with the fact that I post several times a day, then don't post for several days, then post a few times after that. It's not contradictory at all. If you are going to do a history, you might want to do a more thorough one.

 

[Bobo]

The only problem, gramps, is that you arent serving up facts. Lets look at this.

A) If Capers was giving the line time to "gel", why did he change it? And if you say that he gave into public pressure.... well, thats a different story. He didn't understand the O-line, plain and simple. That's a fact.

B) You, like everyone else who has short term memory loss, amuse me. Do you not remember anything I have EVER said to you? I told you that I liked Capers. Truth be told, I REALLY liked Capers. I hated to see him get the shaft, I truely did. Don't even bring Cowhers and Holmgren up. They both had winning seasons in their history before they had their "bad years" of a record 6-10. Holmgren even had a SB ring before then! So stop comparing them. Capers is an expansion coach. He did it for the Panthers and he did it for us. I have NEVER said that he didnt do a good job, and if you claim that I ever have said that, you are an out-right liar.

C) You, personally, are not an enthusiast if you would change your allegiance to the Texans just because your god Capers got the shaft.

D) Hmm. If the FA wouldn't help the O-line, how can you possibly say that Kubiak hasnt done enough to help it? Did you want him to trade for an OT? Please clarify this, because you make no sense.

E) You post on here enough to be noticed, and thats all that counts.

F,G) How come in section G you state that peoples opinions are pointless but in section F you explain the opinions of the KILT guys matter for some reason? Everyone has opinions. In my opinion you are bummed because you have no real facts to back up your bias against Kubiak. Unless I am mistaken... you haven't "served up" anything other than a hot plate of bull dung (bias opinions). Move to Florida, homer.

Good night.

A.) Capers made the most of what he had out of a bunch of rag tag NFL rejects and rookies. That's easy to understand. B.) I really don't keep track of what you do or do not say. I honestly don't know you from the man in the moon. As far as Holmgren and Cowher go, Capers accomplished much more than they did when you take into account the fact that Capers took on a team from its inception and had absolutely nothing to work with while Cowher and Holmgren both had a nucleus when they took over. C.) I was an enthusiast of the Texans bigtime until they began to prove to me they weren't really interested in solving the team's needs and gave Capers the shaft. I am not one for giving a team my loyalty when they reward a good coach by doing what they did to him. I am no longer a Texans enthusiast and have said that upfront. But don't say these people who root for the team to lose and don't show up for games after they bought tickets for the games are "enthusiasts" either. The fact that I don't root for the team to lose and show up at the contests proves that I am more of an "enthusiast" than these "so-called fans" are. So where does that put them? D.) I said Kubiak's FA acquisitions are not going to help the team and that they are overblown. FA acquisitions are not the way to go with a young team since most of those FAs will be just another group of folks nobody wants or cares about. I have said many times that the draft is the only real way to fix the OL. E.) I post here for the same reason you do. F.) If you would read what I wrote, I said I am not the only person to say what I am saying about the Texans and their offseason moves and used the KILT folks as an example. I could have used a lot of other examples. Obviously, if you read my post, this has nothing to do with if their opinions "matter." It just goes to show that I am not the only one who is not jumping up and down unrealistically about a very mediocre Texans offseason. I have posted fact upon fact regarding my observations but since it gets in the way of unrealistic, rose-colored glasses hopes and dreams, you would rather be in denial. Fine with me. G.) My statements against Kubiak are based on his sketchy background and the decisions he has already made. I never wanted him to come here from the start and he continues to validate my initial feelings every day. I wouldn't call that "bias" at all. I thought he was a mistake waiting to manifest himself from the beginning and I still do. H.) You are mistaken. I.) Sounds like you don't know what a "homer" is. I'll help you out -- look in the mirror.

 

[JAXwithanX]

Capers is gone. Doesn't matter anymore whether it would or wouldn't have worked out (although i think the fact that he didn't even get seriously considered for any of the head coaching vacancies out there this year should say plenty about what other organizations feel about him). But he is gone.... and he isn't coming back. And as far as all this stuff about being a true fan and whether that means you can cheer for a loss or not. Well people need to get off this high horse of 'a loss is never a gain' and realize in real life....in life other than 'inspirational poster world'....losing that last game gained us 100x more than winning it ever would have. So by that token, i consider myself a fan because i'm smart enough to know what is best for the team long term, and winning wasn't best for the long term....hell it wasn't even best for short term. Did you get a look at the player's faces and interviews after that game, to say they were completely distraught would be a lie. They were pissed about going 2-14....but they sure did have a certain look of relief and the key word here - 'hope.'

BTW - if would have had one ounce of a feeling that the organization or even the player's were going to be devastated over that last loss (somehow like the 13 before weren't just as bad).....well i would maybe feel a little different. i think everyone was on board by that last game....that we had way more to gain by losing. and since no has or can write the rule on what makes a fan a fan....i want to say my personal def. is someone who cheers for whats in the team's best interest towards the progress of getting wins.

 

[swtbound07]

You can still be a fan and root against the team. Different fans have different goals. Personally, finishing 3-13 was no better than finishing 2-14. Capers would still lose his job, the season would still be a disaster, and we would still be a laughing stock. Getting that last win against an equally bad team would not give us momentum to be a playoff contender next year. We were going to get rid of a bunch of players, get a new scheme, and get a new coach.

You had short term goals of winning that week, I had long term goals of getting potentially one of the best college prospects ever. I wanted what I felt was best for the Texans in the long run, you wanted a win to close the season.

No, you cant be a fan and root against the team. You can rationalize it any way you wish. This message board is made up of many different viewpoints, but what binds us together is that we ALL want the texans to win every sunday. Its why we are fans. The thing is, you dont know what would have happened if we won. What happens if years down the road, reggie busts out, and the player we would have gotten at 4 is a probowler. Is losing that last game what was best for the franchise then? 16 games in the season. If you try to win as many of them as you can, then AFTER the season you can start looking at the draft. But during the season to root against your own team is not being a fan. Whatever you tell yourself to make it better, thats fine.

 

[Bobo]

No, you cant be a fan and root against the team. You can rationalize it any way you wish. This message board is made up of many different viewpoints, but what binds us together is that we ALL want the texans to win every sunday. Its why we are fans. The thing is, you dont know what would have happened if we won. What happens if years down the road, reggie busts out, and the player we would have gotten at 4 is a probowler. Is losing that last game what was best for the franchise then? 16 games in the season. If you try to win as many of them as you can, then AFTER the season you can start looking at the draft. But during the season to root against your own team is not being a fan. Whatever you tell yourself to make it better, thats fine.

I agree with your definition of a fan, but I wouldn't go as far as to say that everybody is a part of your "tie that binds." I don't think all of us are necessarily fans of the Texans. After all, there are a lot of folks on this board who have already said they will dump the team if they don't draft VY.

 

[JAXwithanX]

this whole arguement is sort of ridiculous anyways....because if you are big sports fan in general like myself....well you like several different teams in several different leagues in several different sports. There are some that you hope prevail over others when they are playing against eachother....but you still can be a fan of both teams. Its impossible to define....and trying to force your personal defintion and 'fan agenda' on someone is ludicrous.