so many topics within one thread. I'll try to break some of it down as I see it.
turnovers- are caused by not just poor decision making they are created because the running game is just window dressing, Schaub/Sage are often forced to throw the ball into prevent defenses, tight coverages with blitz packages coming from all directions.
-8 turnover ratio- three of those come directly off interceptions, five off QB fumbles Schaub has lost 3 & Sage 2.
no fumbles or turnovers from the RB position so if the Texans really want to cut down turnovers they have to run the ball. one would figure if they could they would but not without playmakers or quality depth after Slaton (banger inside the tackles to punish those big uglies). this needs to be addressed via the draft early. look at the Titans, who have spent multiple picks in the 1st & 2nd rds the past three drafts & they have a
+10 turnover ratio.
Passing game vs. Running game- passing offense total yards 5th in the league while rushing 16th. these are deceptive numbers. the passing yards have not translated into points, 13 tds in 8 games? 1.6 per game does not translate into a great passing offense unless you pick up the slack running the ball, but thats not the case only 8 tds on the season or one per contest. thats not an effeicent scoring offense for the 4th overall ranked offense in the NFL. very misleading. the scoring offense needs to be twice as effective running the ball & still improved passing. scoring offense is in fact 12th, take out special teams (2) & Reeves INT (1) the Texans drop down to 15th or middle of the pack. again look at Tennessee they are ranked only 11th in scoring one ahead of the Texans but 15 of their td's are from rushing.
defense- plenty of high picks here in the trenches on the corners & in the middle why such poor results? Is it the coordinator Richard Smith? he deserves at least a good portion of blame, but the cupboards weren't excatly well stocked three years ago so essentally still an expansion franchise five years after the fact. so a big part of the blame also lies with the aquistion (salary cap) & evaluation (scouting) of talent. players who have or are falling well short of expectations via the free agent market Anthony Weaver, Ahman Green, Morlon Greenwood, Jacques Reeves etc......or who left via free agency Danny Clark has been exceptional for the Giants but was not valued here? statsicly the Texans are not ranked as bad as one might think @ #17th ahead of da bears @ #18 which leads me back to turnovers & short field situations. regardless the opposing offense is effeicent enough to score off those turnovers dropping all the way down to 25th allowed scoring 12 each off rushing tds / passing tds equally bad. Titans are #1 in the NFL in this category, not surprising they have not lost either.
Rebuilding has to begin with the roster & salary cap, cut the pork. we all know who has to go but will the organization move forward deceively? I cannot imagine Richard Smith being fired unless a better option becomes available, I think he gets one more year to fix his 4-3 scheme. with some elbow room salary cap wise I also expect Rick Smith to spend accordingly with a top DE like Terrell Suggs a proven still young pass rushing specialist. I could make the arguement the Texans have used the draft to address needs over bpa approach which can also catch-up with the overall talent of the team. also trading away all those draft picks in trades for P Buc (so far has not helped Oakland 2nd & 3rd) Tennessee (2nd, 3rd, 4th has helped them retool salary cap) for Babin & of course Schaub (two 2nds) look at how Atlanta was able to rebuild even after losing Vick.
Next Year I would like to see the DL add a DT & DE one via the draft one via free agency who could start, not a depth/role player a three down starter. next a ball hawking OLB with good length in coverage & outside speed, in this case most likely a high (1st/2rd) draft pick depending on bpa approach. don't discount taking a RB in high either if he is bpa. anybody mind a Clinton Portis type of RB to add alongside Slaton? here is a sleeper pick for ya @ TE - Bruener is not getting any younger (last season) Dreesen is his aire apparent but I'm sorry his blocking downfield is inconsistant at best not to mention on the edge covering the tackle helping chip the end. this is an exceptional draft for TE's if the top rated TE (Brandon Pettigrew Oklahoma State) in the first when the Texans select, without even seeing the board he should be the bpa & be an instant upgrade to the Texans. he can really mix it up on the line in the trenches like a LT, is excellent downfield in blocking assingments & is a tremendous big target with soft hands to compliment Owen Daniels who is more often than not split outside like a WR. or in the 2nd rd, Jermaine Gresham these are complete TE & would help add balance to the offensive sets. since I've been listing the Titans (yeah I know) as a model to follow might as well finish strong did you know their leading receiver is TE Bo Scaife & biggest offseason free agent aquisition TE Alge Crumpler?
In summary its a building process that is a work in progress. I see major roster changes coming but little coaching wise, at least for one more year after that all bets are off
Of course, I imagine picks all over the place, but it's a pipe-dream.
