Rewatched the Buffalo game: some observations.

[dalemurphy]

I'll let 76texan and Barrett handle the heavy details but I have a few things to mention about the game:

1. Caldwell just took over the starting RG position. He had an amazing second half. He made his hook blocks, some great combination blocks, got to the second level a number of times, and held up in pass protection. Also, the rotation with White stopped in the 4th quarter and he was in all the final 2 TD drives, back to back.

2. Amazing discipline from the LBs in the run game. There were a number of plays where you could see the LBs maintain their gap instead of attempting to make a play and allowing the pursuit to come in and clean the play up. They are clearly playing with trust and discipline. It doesn't hurt that they know Pollard is behind them, IMO.

3. Ryan Moats is much more adept at making the quick read and cut on the zone runs. His balance and and vision/decision-making is what allowed the run offense to find a rhythm.

4. Amobi Okoye is playing well. He handles double teams and is often in the backfield creating havoc in the run and pass game.

5. Antonio Smith is playing well in the run and pass game. He's getting hits on the QB, some hurries and playing the run pretty well too.

6. Zac Diles didn't even use his hands, much less hold, on the JJones punt return. That was an atrocious call. Diles was way behind the play and hustled into it and launched himself into a would-be tackler. I don't even understand how a ref could consider calling him for a hold.

 

[76Texan]

I'll let 76texan and Barrett handle the heavy details but I have a few things to mention about the game:

1. Caldwell just took over the starting RG position. He had an amazing second half. He made his hook blocks, some great combination blocks, got to the second level a number of times, and held up in pass protection. Also, the rotation with White stopped in the 4th quarter and he was in all the final 2 TD drives, back to back.

I think it was smart of Kubiak to have the "kid" in there toward the end of a game like this.

It's a good way to build his confidence.

I will have to watch closely to see how he progresses!

 

[76Texan]

I'll let 76texan and Barrett handle the heavy details but I have a few things to mention about the game:

2. Amazing discipline from the LBs in the run game. There were a number of plays where you could see the LBs maintain their gap instead of attempting to make a play and allowing the pursuit to come in and clean the play up. They are clearly playing with trust and discipline. It doesn't hurt that they know Pollard is behind them, IMO.

I was glad to see that the Texans heed my advice, LOL!

For the most part, we kept to our gap assignment, especially on the outside.
That was the key thing , defensively, I mentioned pre-game, that we ought to do.
If we were able to do that (which we did), we should be able to neutralize Lynch (who is more of an outside threat than Jackson).
Once we did, Fitz will have problem with our penetration. (And he did)
Remember I said "penetration", not "overpowering" their interior line.

 

[hookinreds]

I'll let 76texan and Barrett handle the heavy details but I have a few things to mention about the game:

1. Caldwell just took over the starting RG position. He had an amazing second half. He made his hook blocks, some great combination blocks, got to the second level a number of times, and held up in pass protection. Also, the rotation with White stopped in the 4th quarter and he was in all the final 2 TD drives, back to back.

I'm glad you posted this, I forgot to make a post about him after the game. He was really sealing off his blocks well, and it was very nice seeing him in the second level, making that one extra block. I thought he did an outstanding job and believe he will get the lions share next week.

 

[dalemurphy]

I think it was smart of Kubiak to have the "kid" in there toward the end of a game like this.

It's a good way to build his confidence.

I will have to watch closely to see how he progresses!

He didn't stand out to me in the first half, but I wasn't watching him closely. It's the second half, when the running game got cranking, that he really flashed A LOT!

 

[m5kwatts]

5. Antonio Smith is playing well in the run and pass game. He's getting hits on the QB, some hurries and playing the run pretty well too.

Antonio had his best game of the season yesterday. The King of the Almost-Sack was at it again with by my count was 2 almost-sacks. He hit the snot out of Fitzgerald on one rush, when the contact occurred I thought Fitz was gonna be out of the game. Thats the kinda thing that'll rattle a QB.

This guy is unblockable at times, very fun to watch!

 

[76Texan]

3. Ryan Moats is much more adept at making the quick read and cut on the zone runs. His balance and and vision/decision-making is what allowed the run offense to find a rhythm.

Moats is very familiar with the WCO during his time in Philadelphia.
He had fumbling problem that got him cut.
When we got him, I said if he can correct that problem (which he also had in college - at Louisiana Tech), he can be an addition.
He doesn't have the great burst that Slaton possesses, but he continues to learn how to utilize his blockers effectively.
Sometimes it's better to wait "just a hair" for a hole to open up.
Moats was able to do that, and he has also learn to get down as contacts come his way.

I think Slaton has been trying too hard; he's thinking about working for another yard, another yard.

I think it was Barry Sanders who said "let the game come to you"; ie. don't try to force it!
The same goes for Schaub. I believe these two guys have what it takes, but they need to let the game flow more naturally.
It's hard to explain, but that's the feelings I get from reading all these great players about things that made them successful.

 

[badboy]

I think it is important to note that the Oline after losing two starting guards & working with a sophomore LT and a rookie RG are coming together. Yes, Buffalo did not have good run defense, but we are playing with back ups including a back up RB with little actual game time experience. I expected a win going into game but was a but nervous after the turnovers. Kubes has wanted to get the running game going and it may even be better than we thought. On the Owen Daniel thread, most are focused on Casey and Dreesen and I am ok with that. What if Hill is ready to step up and be the blocking TE that he was drafted to be? OD was having a probowl year but as a receiver not a blocker. We have a very deep and good WR corps and both Walters and JJ should see more passes. If Hill can be a steady blocker the odds only get better that Schaub will find a guy.

Before the last draft I had a thread about using two quick half backs to reduce strain on Slaton. SS is too good a weapon to sit on bench for long. We might get to see my idea in play with Moats starting and Slaton the change of pace and flairing out to benefit from screens. Also remember the end around that JJ had? That is a good play for Slaton also. Yeah, I know "hold on to the ball". JJ had the same problem and it seems to be corrected. Let's hope the magic works for Steve, too.

 

[Hervoyel]

Moats is very familiar with the WCO during his time in Philadelphia.
He had fumbling problem that got him cut.
When we got him, I said if he can correct that problem (which he also had in college - at Louisiana Tech), he can be an addition.
He doesn't have the great burst that Slaton possesses, but he continues to learn how to utilize his blockers effectively.
Sometimes it's better to wait "just a hair" for a hole to open up.
Moats was able to do that, and he has also learn to get down as contacts come his way.

I think Slaton has been trying too hard; he's thinking about working for another yard, another yard.

I think it was Barry Sanders who said "let the game come to you"; ie. don't try to force it!
The same goes for Schaub. I believe these two guys have what it takes, but they need to let the game flow more naturally.
It's hard to explain, but that's the feelings I get from reading all these great players about things that made them successful.

So they waited a year to cut him for it? He fumbles three times his rookie year in 2005 but then doesn't fumble at all in 2006 and then gets released. He briefly stops at Arizona before coming to Houston in 2007. Since then very limited duty but he hasn't put the ball on the ground since his first season. I think he appears to understand the importance of hanging on to the football.

 

[Brisco_County]

I'll let 76texan and Barrett handle the heavy details but I have a few things to mention about the game:

1. Caldwell just took over the starting RG position. He had an amazing second half. He made his hook blocks, some great combination blocks, got to the second level a number of times, and held up in pass protection. Also, the rotation with White stopped in the 4th quarter and he was in all the final 2 TD drives, back to back.

This is the thing I was most concerned about going into this game. Even though it's only Buffalo, it is a good sign. The confidence will help either way.

 

[76Texan]

So they waited a year to cut him for it? He fumbles three times his rookie year in 2005 but then doesn't fumble at all in 2006 and then gets released. He briefly stops at Arizona before coming to Houston in 2007. Since then very limited duty but he hasn't put the ball on the ground since his first season. I think he appears to understand the importance of hanging on to the football.

Herv, I followed him.
He had fumbling problem in practice and PreSeason.

He's a Louisiana boy, I'm always a little bias toward him.
But I always say that I would call what I see.

The second part is what I agree with; when he learns to play within himself, he can take care of the ball better, for which I'm glad.

 

[beerlover]

The Eagles got a little fat & happy with RB depth Westbrook/Buckhalter then expected 2007 3rd rd. draft pick Tony Hunt to be next best option hence Moats became expendable.

Always liked him, has thick lower body, good vision & cut-back moves for ZBS. Never forget that terrible incident in Dallas by officer Powell, thought he showed tremendous class.

The single most impressive observation I have from Buffalo was the game plan to attack the Bills defensive weakness against the run, then execute it. Caldwell looks like another excellent draft pick by Rick Smith & Co.

 

[Ryan]

Play of the game: Jacque Reeves preventing the touchdown at the end of the 1st half. I think momentum began shifting our direction, and our team came out with confidence in the 2nd half because of it.

 

[76Texan]

I think it started with our Offense play calling.
We punched them right-left-right-left something like that to get their D-line running all over the place.
I was about to post it in the game-day thread, but then Schaub threw that INT!

I still like the play calling though.
We started out making them work hard, I thought at the time, yeah, this works for me. I like it!

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

I like what I saw from our O and D from Buffalo game.

Our O-line seems to get to second level with 2 back up Gs which we can be proud of and feel good about our depth.

Our D, in addition of Pollard, GQ, and Cushing we now have nastyness.(Especially, last 4 games when our D starting to show some toughness)

Now, what else we need to improve to beat the Colts? Your guys are much better than me on breaking down plays understanding of scheme so, appreciate letting know your thoughts on this.(Who or what play would be a key to bring us W)

Go Texans!!!

 

[dalemurphy]

I like what I saw from our O and D from Buffalo game.

Our O-line seems to get to second level with 2 back up Gs which we can be proud of and feel good about our depth.

Our D, in addition of Pollard, GQ, and Cushing we now have nastyness.(Especially, last 4 games when our D starting to show some toughness)

Now, what else we need to improve to beat the Colts? Your guys are much better than me on breaking down plays understanding of scheme so, appreciate letting know your thoughts on this.(Who or what play would be a key to bring us W)

Go Texans!!!

Red zone offense
Red zone defense
Special teams
Turnover margin

Silly and obvious. But, to beat Indy in Indy, we have to dominate on Special Teams, create a couple turnovers, make them kick field goals, and score TDs when we have red zone opportunities. Oh yeah, we can't fall behind early and need to be able to run the ball and keep third downs manageable.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

Red zone offense
Red zone defense
Special teams
Turnover margin

Silly and obvious. But, to beat Indy in Indy, we have to dominate on Special Teams, create a couple turnovers, make them kick field goals, and score TDs when we have red zone opportunities. Oh yeah, we can't fall behind early and need to be able to run the ball and keep third downs manageable.

Thanks Dale.

Basically, we need to improve a whole area of plays to bring us W.

Seems to me we have an edge in special team play and we are leading 3&outs. So, our O need to stay away from turnover and our D need to create turnover.

I am hoping the Texans with W against the Colts. Being 6-3 and 5-4 team is a world of difference to us. We really need W to make a play off run this year!

Go Texans!!!

 

[BSofA04]

Cladwell stood up the much larger Marcus Stroud on several plays. I was in shock because we're not used to seeing our RG not giving up too much ground, especially not to a guy the size of Stroud. Friggin sweet.

 

[DocBar]

The biggest point I got from the Buffalo game was that of a maturing team, reaching its prime(?) and not cratering to adversity like teams past. I haven't had a chance to rewatch the game for specifics, but, like all the articles say, we took their best shot, then whipped their ass. That's what quality teams do when facing a lesser opponent. We are finally winning most of the games we should win. I'm still not convinced of any corner turning or anything, but we are playing much better as a team, not just a unit of a team. I'm so glad the D is making as many, or meore, healines as the O

 

[Big Lou]

I was glad to see that the Texans heed my advice, LOL!

For the most part, we kept to our gap assignment, especially on the outside.
That was the key thing , defensively, I mentioned pre-game, that we ought to do.
If we were able to do that (which we did), we should be able to neutralize Lynch (who is more of an outside threat than Jackson).
Once we did, Fitz will have problem with our penetration. (And he did)
Remember I said "penetration", not "overpowering" their interior line.

On a couple of plays I was watching Cushings, and started to get mad that he was just standing there and I realized he was maintaining his gap. I wasn't as mad when I figured it out.

 

[DexmanC]

1. Caldwell just took over the starting RG position. He had an amazing second half. He made his hook blocks, some great combination blocks, got to the second level a number of times, and held up in pass protection. Also, the rotation with White stopped in the 4th quarter and he was in all the final 2 TD drives, back to back.

I've noticed he's the first guard we've drafted, including Chester Pitts, that
can do more than get stalemated at the point of attack. It's just odd watching
a guard drive a defender BACK. Winston will never say it, but I think he's gonna
be downright GIDDY he has Caldwell playing next to him.

 

[thunderkyss]

In the first half, our defense played lots of nickel... & we had Connor Barwin standing up quite a bit. Looks like something we are working on.. & though we did get to Fitzpatrick, I don't think it's a finished product yet.

Second half, looked like more 4-3 under. Looked much more affective for getting pressure on the QB.

On every run, up the middle, they doubled both guards, leaving the ends to the Tightends or the LT. That's how they were able to run so well against us. We gave up close to 90 yards.

We're still missing some tackles. Dunta is getting closer to his old form..... I may become a fan soon.

Pollard is the real deal. We're using him more like a SS than we've ever used anyone as a true SS, and he's pretty good. Hope he sticks around for a while.

Offensively, neither pick was on Schaub. Well he did throw that ball behind Andre, but if it hit him in the hands, he needs to catch it. The second... he got smacked pretty good as he threw the ball.

The pocket looked better with Caldwell in the game.

Winston is still our worse Lineman.

The middle of the field was open all day long, as the Bills expected us to run on every single play. The LBs played shallow.. but still couldn't stop our run game.

Slaton is better at recognizing the blitz.. but Moats can pick it up just as well.

 

[76Texan]

In the first half, our defense played lots of nickel... & we had Connor Barwin standing up quite a bit. Looks like something we are working on.. & though we did get to Fitzpatrick, I don't think it's a finished product yet.

Second half, looked like more 4-3 under. Looked much more affective for getting pressure on the QB.

On every run, up the middle, they doubled both guards, leaving the ends to the Tightends or the LT. That's how they were able to run so well against us. We gave up close to 90 yards.

We're still missing some tackles. Dunta is getting closer to his old form..... I may become a fan soon.

Pollard is the real deal. We're using him more like a SS than we've ever used anyone as a true SS, and he's pretty good. Hope he sticks around for a while.

Offensively, neither pick was on Schaub. Well he did throw that ball behind Andre, but if it hit him in the hands, he needs to catch it. The second... he got smacked pretty good as he threw the ball.
The pocket looked better with Caldwell in the game.

Winston is still our worse Lineman.

The middle of the field was open all day long, as the Bills expected us to run on every single play. The LBs played shallow.. but still couldn't stop our run game.

Slaton is better at recognizing the blitz.. but Moats can pick it up just as well.

What???

Both INTs were on Schaub.

There's no excuse in throwing the ball late and therefore behind a receiver.
Schaub had good protection and pleny of time to decide and locate the receiver.

BTW, we've always been a multiple-front defense.
We do not prefer the UNDER front over others!

 

[BigBull17]

What???

Both INTs were on Schaub.

There's no excuse in throwing the ball late and therefore behind a receiver.
Schaub had good protection and pleny of time to decide and locate the receiver.

BTW, we've always been a multiple-front defense.
We do not prefer the UNDER front over others!

The one AJ dropped, thats the only place he could put it, back shoulder. AJ has to make that pick. Thats why he's the best in the game. The first was an over throw.

 

[76Texan]

The one AJ dropped, thats the only place he could put it, back shoulder. AJ has to make that pick. Thats why he's the best in the game. The first was an over throw.

Sorry, I totally disagree!

 

[HOU-TEX]

The one AJ dropped, thats the only place he could put it, back shoulder. AJ has to make that pick. Thats why he's the best in the game. The first was an over throw.

Nah, the ball should've been thrown a bit sooner in order to hit him in stride. However, I do think AJ would catch that ball 95% of the time. It was Schaubs fault for the bad ball, but AJ still should've caught it. If that makes sense.

 

[76Texan]

Nah, the ball should've been thrown a bit sooner in order to hit him in stride. However, I do think AJ would catch that ball 95% of the time. It was Schaubs fault for the bad ball, but AJ still should've caught it. If that makes sense.

How do you assign such statistics as 95%, I'm curious to know!

There was plenty of room in front to be throwing the ball behind like that!
I don't see any reason to, do you?
So that AJ can make a great catch for show?

 

[50boys]

Nah, the ball should've been thrown a bit sooner in order to hit him in stride. However, I do think AJ would catch that ball 95% of the time. It was Schaubs fault for the bad ball, but AJ still should've caught it. If that makes sense.

Makes sense to me. It was on Scaub, but 9 times out of 10 Dre would have caught it anyway. So he is human and not a machine.

 

[HOU-TEX]

How do you assign such statistics as 95%, I'm curious to know!

There was plenty of room in front to be throwing the ball behind like that!
I don't see any reason to, do you?
So that AJ can make a great catch for show?

Dude, I said Schaub threw a bad ball, didn't I? AJ still should've caught it.

 

[thunderkyss]

What???

Both INTs were on Schaub.

There's no excuse in throwing the ball late and therefore behind a receiver.
Schaub had good protection and pleny of time to decide and locate the receiver.

BTW, we've always been a multiple-front defense.
We do not prefer the UNDER front over others!

I'm not saying we prefer the under or anything. Just saying I've been seeing some wierd formations early in the games. This particular game, I saw more "abnormal" fronts in the entire first half... I thought it was odd.

No excuse for throwing behind a receiver.... I agree he had a clean pocket. But it was hard to see where the LB was in front of AJ. That may have been why Schaub threw it the way he did.

Normally, I'm all over Schaub for the smallest of "mistakes"... but week after week.. game after game... it's hard to say that he makes mistakes. So I'm trying to find any reason as to why he does what he does.

But.. if it hits him in the hands... he should catch the ball. That's part of being elite.

The second one, I think Schaub was looking at the sky when the ball left his hand, and it wasn't a free blitzer, he should have picked up.

 

[dalemurphy]

What???

Both INTs were on Schaub.

There's no excuse in throwing the ball late and therefore behind a receiver.
Schaub had good protection and pleny of time to decide and locate the receiver.

BTW, we've always been a multiple-front defense.
We do not prefer the UNDER front over others!

Both were poor throws. However, it is a stretch to blame the second interception on Schaub. The first ball was an overthrow and a bit of a floater. Clearly that INT is on him. However, when a QB throws the ball into the intermediate middle of the defense and into a clean window, with the nose down and below helmet level, I can't say the interception is his fault. The fact that AJ didn't catch it... well, they can at least share the blame. But, Schaub threw a ball that protected his receiver, over the LBs and in between the secondary... I don't think I can blame him for the ball bouncing up in the air off of AJ's bicep.

 

[thunderkyss]

I stand corrected. The first INT, the guy that hit him was free, and on a delayed Blitz.

 

[76Texan]

I stand corrected. The first INT, the guy that hit him was free, and on a delayed Blitz.

That only makes it worse!

They showed blitz and came with a 6-man blitz, plus the 7th guy who came up late to deliver the unblocked hit.

Schaub knew it was coming.
He took a chance to throw a very inaccurate pass that went right into Byrd's hands.

It would be good and all to take one for the team and make a play when needed.

It's idiotic to take a hit to try to fit the ball in front of a coming safety.

Too bad he got hit, but the hit had nothing to do with the inaccuracy.
It could be the fact that he was worried about getting hit that made him thow a bad ball.
In that case, it's a poor decision to take an unecessary risk that could hurt himself (which in turn can do the team nothing good).

 

[76Texan]

Both were poor throws. However, it is a stretch to blame the second interception on Schaub. The first ball was an overthrow and a bit of a floater. Clearly that INT is on him. However, when a QB throws the ball into the intermediate middle of the defense and into a clean window, with the nose down and below helmet level, I can't say the interception is his fault. The fact that AJ didn't catch it... well, they can at least share the blame. But, Schaub threw a ball that protected his receiver, over the LBs and in between the secondary... I don't think I can blame him for the ball bouncing up in the air off of AJ's bicep.

No, the ball was not thrown over any LB.
It was above AJ's helmet and behind.
That was why AJ had to jump.
The ball came with a normal arc and started its way down when it got to AJ.

When you throw into the teeth of a defense, you would better be accurate or else this stuff can happen.

The only safe throw is when you throw it low and in front of AJ.

 

[DexmanC]

This whole "It's AJ's fault, no it's Schaub's fault" discussion is getting
silly. When defenses bring pressure, quarterbacks occasionally do stupid
****! Credit Buffalo on a good play, and get on with your lives.

I said it, and that's THAT.

 

[Texan_Bill]

This whole "It's AJ's fault, no it's Schaub's fault" discussion is getting
silly. When defenses bring pressure, quarterbacks occasionally do stupid
****! Credit Buffalo on a good play, and get on with your lives.

I said it, and that's THAT.

And Thank you for "that"!!!

 

[76Texan]

Problem is, I didn't see no stinking good play from the Bills!

 

[LZ]

Winston is still our worse Lineman.

Huh???

 

[eriadoc]

Winston is still our worse Lineman.

No NFL people would agree with you.

 

[thunderkyss]

No NFL people would agree with you.

I stand by my opinion.

 

[Big Lou]

I've noticed he's the first guard we've drafted, including Chester Pitts, that
can do more than get stalemated at the point of attack. It's just odd watching
a guard drive a defender BACK. Winston will never say it, but I think he's gonna
be downright GIDDY he has Caldwell playing next to him.

So lets just say we keep Pitts, and Caldwell develops, what about a C? I bet it will take a while to develop one through the draft so do we find a free agent.


It just seems strange to me we didn't pick up any OL from Denver when they changed schemes.

 

[Big Lou]

Sorry, I totally disagree!

You may not be one of the guys that just say get the ball to AJ, but most people feel that because of AJ's skils you get him the ball however you have too. I don't blame either for the INT, it was one of those deals. Hey those two guys are kicking ass either way so why blamestorm!!!!

 

[thunderkyss]

So lets just say we keep Pitts, and Caldwell develops, what about a C? I bet it will take a while to develop one through the draft so do we find a free agent.

I'm pretty sure Chris White will be our center.

 

[76Texan]

You may not be one of the guys that just say get the ball to AJ, but most people feel that because of AJ's skils you get him the ball however you have too. I don't blame either for the INT, it was one of those deals. Hey those two guys are kicking ass either way so why blamestorm!!!!

I don't assign blame, I analyze plays and evaluate players as a hobby!

 

[BigBull17]

Both were poor throws. However, it is a stretch to blame the second interception on Schaub. The first ball was an overthrow and a bit of a floater. Clearly that INT is on him. However, when a QB throws the ball into the intermediate middle of the defense and into a clean window, with the nose down and below helmet level, I can't say the interception is his fault. The fact that AJ didn't catch it... well, they can at least share the blame. But, Schaub threw a ball that protected his receiver, over the LBs and in between the secondary... I don't think I can blame him for the ball bouncing up in the air off of AJ's bicep.

This He leads him, AJ may be standing on th sideline saying " I'm Batman"

 

[76Texan]

I'm pretty sure Chris White will be our center.

The way it's been going, I think Myers will stay at Center until somebody can challenge him for the job.

I don't see a challenger at this moment.

 

[HOU-TEX]

The way it's been going, I think Myers will stay at Center until somebody can challenge him for the job.

I don't see a challenger at this moment.

I guess I'll have to go into camp and beat him out then, cuz it ain't going to take much.

 

[76Texan]

I guess I'll have to go into camp and beat him out then, cuz it ain't going to take much.

LOL!
If you can beat him out, can I be your agent!?!
I can sing and spin very well

 

[steelbtexan]

This whole "It's AJ's fault, no it's Schaub's fault" discussion is getting
silly. When defenses bring pressure, quarterbacks occasionally do stupid
****! Credit Buffalo on a good play, and get on with your lives.

I said it, and that's THAT.

Repped

 

[steelbtexan]

I think Caldwell will be the center and a couple of G's will be drafted or picked up in FA.