Rick Smith's poor job of managing the cap has closed our window for the time being.

[hollywood_texan]

We need a new gm that will challenge mcnair, but then again mcnair would probably fire him and get somebody that will run the team the way he wants. :kubepalm:

I think your point is the crux of the issue.

The Texans organization stuck it out too long with Carr and now with Schaub. Why? Because that is what the owner wanted. It it one thing to take a chance on a QB, but it can be disastrous when you don't cut bait at the appropriate time.

As for the other personnel moves, a team is going to win some and lose some. Excluding the QB position, the Texans organization has done a decent job.

Last week, the Texans played their best game of the season. If Kubiak improves his play calling and gets more innovate in his offensive schemes with the sole objective of scoring TDs and getting first downs when it matters the post, the Texans have the roster to be very competitive.

The best way to improve this situation as quickly as possible is to start Case Keenum and improve the play calling. With that, the rest of the stuff will take care of itself.

 

[gary]

With Manning out, let's cut Reed.

 

[Texian]

Granted, there are a number of people here who have been consistent non-believers in Smithiak... While I have not shared their conclusions, they have clearly expressed their reasons, which have remained consistent- even when they allowed some hope to trickle in the past couple years.

Those people notwithstanding, it is somewhat reactionary for the fan base to freak out because of a disappointing (very disappointing) start to the season. Especially, to wildly throw blame around, as if the bad start to the season makes everything untrue.

I can't defend the coaching staff. They are responsible for the season. I can argue that I don't want them fired. Clearly, though, they have failed (to this point) this season.

However, all the panic regarding the personnel and the cap management is not based in reality. The cap has been managed well and the team is in a good position moving forward. Even these "big" contracts can be easily moved on from with very little damage. As of right now, there is no dead money on the books for next season. Furthermore, there is a lot of cap room available next year, depending on what veterans are let go.

Watching this team, I do not see a lack of talent. The fact that we are complaining about a 6th round pick that we attempted to stash on practice squad and is now playing well for New England is an indication of success from the personnel department. All teams make gambles that don't pay off (Sam Montgomery). All teams have high end free agents that begin to outlive the size of their contract (JJoseph). The Texans, however, have only one crippling contract on the books right now (Andre Johnson)... They have a lot of young talent (Brandon Brooks, Posey, Hopkins, Tate, KJackson, Mercilus, Graham, Keenum, EMitchell), including elite players at their respective positions (Duane Brown, JJ Watt)... other very good players in their prime (Cushing, AFoster) and a significant group of solid veterans who have manageable and/or expiring contracts (OD, A.Smith, Manning, JJo, Myers).

I do not see any cap issues nor deficit of talent. Any GM in the league either allows or is obligated by contract, to give the head coach freedom to determine the roster. Decisions like keeping Dobbins and exposing Chris Jones was almost definitely left to Kubiak... Certainly, I can't imagine any GM in the NFL fighting with a coach- demanding to that coach that he cut his draft pick and keep an over the hill street free agent for depth.

^^^^^
Typical Kool Aid drinking fan in DENIAL.

 

[thunderkyss]

^^^^^
Typical Kool Aid drinking fan in DENIAL.

Are you saying we turned the ball over on offense too much & made costly defensive penalties again & again & again because Rick Smith mismanaged the cap?

Matt Schaub (a career above average QB with clutch issues) was the guy throwing the ball to the other team... it wasn't the vet min QB we had to sign because we couldn't afford anyone else.

That was a 2nd round pick & a 1st round pick fumbling the ball to the other team, it wasn't a 6th rounder that we had to start out of desperation.

That was our prize FA signing & a 1st round pick that was committing PI in every single game, on 3rd & forever like clock work, not Petey Fagans.

That's was 2nd rounder Brooks Reed, 1st rounders Jj Watt & Brian Cushing, & big FA signing Antonio Smith committing those offsides penalties...

Brice McCain has been consistently bad, but he's not making any money, so he can't be at the center of our cap management issues.

Again, we have no dead money.... well if you want to count $2M for Walter

 

[Texian]

Are you saying we turned the ball over on offense too much & made costly defensive penalties again & again & again because Rick Smith mismanaged the cap?

Matt Schaub (a career above average QB with clutch issues) was the guy throwing the ball to the other team... it wasn't the vet min QB we had to sign because we couldn't afford anyone else.

That was a 2nd round pick & a 1st round pick fumbling the ball to the other team, it wasn't a 6th rounder that we had to start out of desperation.

That was our prize FA signing & a 1st round pick that was committing PI in every single game, on 3rd & forever like clock work, not Petey Fagans.

That's was 2nd rounder Brooks Reed, 1st rounders Jj Watt & Brian Cushing, & big FA signing Antonio Smith committing those offsides penalties...

Brice McCain has been consistently bad, but he's not making any money, so he can't be at the center of our cap management issues.

Again, we have no dead money.... well if you want to count $2M for Walter

you've been placed under a hypnotic trance by Smubiak. You've been told the Texans are a good football team when they're not. Your mind has been hijacked into believeing the Colts & Titans have NOT improved and that the Texans HAVE every year that Gary Kubiak has been head coach.

SNAP OUT OF IT!

 

[Exascor]

Are you saying we turned the ball over on offense too much & made costly defensive penalties again & again & again because Rick Smith mismanaged the cap?

Matt Schaub (a career above average QB with clutch issues) was the guy throwing the ball to the other team... it wasn't the vet min QB we had to sign because we couldn't afford anyone else.

That was a 2nd round pick & a 1st round pick fumbling the ball to the other team, it wasn't a 6th rounder that we had to start out of desperation.

That was our prize FA signing & a 1st round pick that was committing PI in every single game, on 3rd & forever like clock work, not Petey Fagans.

That's was 2nd rounder Brooks Reed, 1st rounders Jj Watt & Brian Cushing, & big FA signing Antonio Smith committing those offsides penalties...

Brice McCain has been consistently bad, but he's not making any money, so he can't be at the center of our cap management issues.

Again, we have no dead money.... well if you want to count $2M for Walter

My original post above was completely buried by a lot of Colts talk so maybe it was missed. Elevator Up to Buried Post

We have little dead money but we weren't able to sign any impact players either. The only "impact" player we signed was Reed. Fail. All the players you are listing were drafted/signed by...Smith. One of the points of my original post was that you HAVE to hit on multiple draft picks each year. That doesn't mean filling your roster with JAGs. You need that as well. That means you have 1-3 players that can do something great in a season or 2. Not just start, but be good to great. Watt is one. Hopkins looks like one. Anyone else fit that over the past few drafts? We have really done pretty bad in the draft. You can't be up against the cap AND blow your draft picks. The Texans have talent but little depth and plenty of holes. Who is responsible for that?

 

[WolverineFan]

My original post above was completely buried by a lot of Colts talk so maybe it was missed. Elevator Up to Buried Post

We have little dead money but we weren't able to sign any impact players either. The only "impact" player we signed was Reed. Fail. All the players you are listing were drafted/signed by...Smith. One of the points of my original post was that you HAVE to hit on multiple draft picks each year. That doesn't mean filling your roster with JAGs. You need that as well. That means you have 1-3 players that can do something great in a season or 2. Not just start, but be good to great. Watt is one. Hopkins looks like one. Anyone else fit that over the past few drafts? We have really done pretty bad in the draft. You can't be up against the cap AND blow your draft picks. The Texans have talent but little depth and plenty of holes. Who is responsible for that?

 

[thunderkyss]

My original post above was completely buried by a lot of Colts talk so maybe it was missed. Elevator Up to Buried Post

We have little dead money but we weren't able to sign any impact players either. The only "impact" player we signed was Reed. Fail. All the players you are listing were drafted/signed by...Smith.

I'm not saying the Texans are a good team. I'm open to any argument that makes sense. Saying the Texans wasted draft picks, saying Merci & Brooks aren't producing, saying Antonio's been here a year too long & we haven't got a legit replacement for him anywhere near our roster.... I'll listen.

But to say we mismanaged the cap because we've got 9 probowlers on our team??????

C'mon man.

 

[Texian]

But to say we mismanaged the cap because we've got 9 probowlers on our team??????

C'mon man.

For four years in a row the Texans have begun the new league year without enough money to pay for their minimum financial obligations, mainly the 53 man roster and the 8 player practice squad. Some people (me) say that is salary cap mismanagement. Some people (me) say this is a big part of the reason for The Texans demise. As of today the results, 2-5, support my theory. This is what I predicted 2 years ago. It's not rocket science, it's simple math. The Texans are on course to repeat the same pattern of behavior and operations in 2014 and as a result if carried out 2014 will be worse than 2013.

 

[thunderkyss]

For four years in a row the Texans have begun the new league year without enough money to pay for their minimum financial obligations, mainly the 53 man roster and the 8 player practice squad. Some people (me) say that is salary cap mismanagement. Some people (me) say this is a big part of the reason for The Texans demise. As of today the results, 2-5, support my theory. This is what I predicted 2 years ago. It's not rocket science, it's simple math. The Texans are on course to repeat the same pattern of behavior and operations in 2014 and as a result if carried out 2014 will be worse than 2013.

So if by some miracle we finish 9-7 qualifying for a play-off spot, would that mean you were wrong? Or does it take a 10-6 season to prove you're wrong?

If Schaub had thrown 25 TDs & 2 INTs to now, we could very well be 6-1 right now, with the same salary cap issues.

If the defense played disciplined defense, we could be 3-4, maybe 4-4 same salary cap issue.

The Texans have got problems, but so far it does not look like a salary cap issue, it looks more like a coaching issue.

 

[bckey]

With Indy the lead dog pulling the sled again, the Texans are back to the usual view the rest of the pack has. Obviously the Smithiak baby step, incremental improvement, overly cautious "right way" approach isn't "the difference between mediocrity and greatness". It IS mediocrity.

Pretty much sums it up.

 

[Texian]

So if by some miracle we finish 9-7 qualifying for a play-off spot, would that mean you were wrong? Or does it take a 10-6 season to prove you're wrong?

If Schaub had thrown 25 TDs & 2 INTs to now, we could very well be 6-1 right now, with the same salary cap issues.

If the defense played disciplined defense, we could be 3-4, maybe 4-4 same salary cap issue.

The Texans have got problems, but so far it does not look like a salary cap issue, it looks more like a coaching issue.

A lot if's there, I made my first prediction in Nov 2010 that Colts would be back in control of the division in 2013 if the Texans did not change their operations and pattern of behavior. I reiterated my position even stronger in January 2011. My outlook was the Texans would start to decline this year. This actually happened last year Dec 2012. I'll will consider my outlook wrong if the Texans continue with their current Business Operating Model and still win the division in 2013 and 2014. My predictions were based on a failed business model and nothing to do with X and Os. If the Texans were a stock I gave them a sell recommendation.

 

[thunderkyss]

A lot if's there, I made my first prediction in Nov 2010 that Colts would be back in control of the division in 2013 if the Texans did not change their operations and pattern of behavior. I reiterated my position even stronger in January 2011. My outlook was the Texans would start to decline this year. This actually happened last year Dec 2012. I'll will consider my outlook wrong if the Texans continue with their current Business Operating Model and still win the division in 2013 and 2014. My predictions were based on a failed business model and nothing to do with X and Os. If the Texans were a stock I gave them a sell recommendation.

So the cap mismanagement started to affect us in December 2012?

How are you going to sell that? The recurring LisFranc makes more sense.

 

[eriadoc]

So the cap mismanagement started to affect us in December 2012?

How are you going to sell that? The recurring LisFranc makes more sense.

There's no one thing, of course. But the team failed to properly plan to replace Winston, Ryans, Brisiel, Quin, etc. They have done little to nothing in preparation for the replacement of Schaub, unless you actually believe that they believe Keenum is the guy. They didn't prepare for the replacement of Leach, even. You could argue that Casey was a move in a different direction, but then they didn't even use him to his strengths. The best year Foster had rushing was with Leach. They did nothing to address the WR position until it was so blatantly obvious to soccer fans in Europe that AJ needed help.

The areas they have worked to address and prepare for replacement have been TE, DL, and OLB. Those efforts have been met with varying degrees of success, same as any other team. But they at least gave it an honest effort. I do not consider Newton an honest effort, for example. Their replacement plan for Ryans was ... Bradie James? Tim Dobbins? Yeah. So yeah, there's some cap mismanagement helping out the Lisfranc issue, compounded by the fact that the Texans put all their eggs in the Schaub basket, which plenty of people said was dumb the day the extension was signed.

There's plenty of hindsight to be taken advantage of, but there are also decisions that were roundly criticized when they happened. So either the critics are freakin' geniuses or the decision really was that apparent (Ed Reed, for example).

 

[Texian]

So the cap mismanagement started to affect us in December 2012?

How are you going to sell that? The recurring LisFranc makes more sense.

Here is how the salary cap mismanagement affected the Texans. Because the Texans started each year with no money to spend they were forced to fill out the roster and replace all players lost to FA with rookie and vet minimums. The Texans could not afford to sign any $2, $3 $4 mil a year FAs while other teams were able to do just that, 3-4-5 of those type players every year. After repeating this for 2-3 years other teams got much better but the Texans are not, they're still treading water, each year, every year.

Compound this by the number of players released, traded or lost to FA and their value never replaced along with some poor to average drafts and you get the results you now see on Sundays.

 

[thunderkyss]

There's plenty of hindsight to be taken advantage of, but there are also decisions that were roundly criticized when they happened. So either the critics are freakin' geniuses or the decision really was that apparent (Ed Reed, for example).

I'm not saying the F.O. is without fault.

 

[thunderkyss]

Here is how the salary cap mismanagement affected the Texans.

Ok. You said the Texans mismanaged the cap, borrowing future dollars to get under the cap.

http://overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Texans&Year=2013

Tell me specifically where that borrowed money is hurting us. Is it the extra $5M from Andre's pro-rated bonus?

 

[dalemurphy]

Here is how the salary cap mismanagement affected the Texans. Because the Texans started each year with no money to spend they were forced to fill out the roster and replace all players lost to FA with rookie and vet minimums. The Texans could not afford to sign any $2, $3 $4 mil a year FAs while other teams were able to do just that, 3-4-5 of those type players every year. After repeating this for 2-3 years other teams got much better but the Texans are not, they're still treading water, each year, every year.

Compound this by the number of players released, traded or lost to FA and their value never replaced along with some poor to average drafts and you get the results you now see on Sundays.

Winston isn't exactly tearing up the league... I think he was removed fairly timely... no?

K.Walter- Hopkins
Bryant Johnson- Posey

Brisiel- Brandon Brooks (you aren't happy with Brooks at 24 on a tiny deal for the next 3 years, instead of 30+ year old Brisiel for a $20 million deal?

Watt- whomever you plug in

KJackson- D. Robinsion and his $50 million dollar deal by Atlanta

Swearing for Pollard (yet to know, but I'm good with it)

Mercilus for Barwin- I'm seeing good stuff from Mercilus... Pretty sure most people weren't Barwin fans around here.


I'm just not seeing this loss of talent you are talking about. I'm seeing a team underperform and play sloppy football. This is from a big Kubiak fan...

The Texans, have been money in the first round of every draft since 2007... Mercilus is still a question mark, perhaps... But, you will be hard-pressed to compete with the list of: D.Brown, Cushing, KJackson, Watt, Mercilus, and Hopkins- especially accounting for where they were taken.

Show me some drafts from teams you think are doing so much better than the Texans... I bet you have to do quite a bit of hunting to find a couple to defend.

The Texans could have chosen to spend on FA this year. It was a decision, based on not mortgaging the future and with an eye on some big re-signings the next two years, that was made. The cap is very manageable. Perhaps you don't like the decisions they are making and their unwillingness to "go for it"... But, the cap is managed in a way where they could, if they chose to.

 

[Scooter]

Here is how the salary cap mismanagement affected the Texans. Because the Texans started each year with no money to spend they were forced to fill out the roster and replace all players lost to FA with rookie and vet minimums. The Texans could not afford to sign any $2, $3 $4 mil a year FAs while other teams were able to do just that, 3-4-5 of those type players every year. After repeating this for 2-3 years other teams got much better but the Texans are not, they're still treading water, each year, every year.

Compound this by the number of players released, traded or lost to FA and their value never replaced along with some poor to average drafts and you get the results you now see on Sundays.

and where does the money come from to pay these free agents that we lose? it's not as if we're breaking records with our contracts either (until watt), many think we actually got several guys cheap compared to what they would've gotten on the market.

we dont have enough money to pay free agents because we're good at keeping our own. but we cant keep our own because we dont have any money. our own want so much money because we've drafted and coached up players too well. that is a quandary.

 

[Texanmike02]

A lot if's there, I made my first prediction in Nov 2010 that Colts would be back in control of the division in 2013 if the Texans did not change their operations and pattern of behavior. I reiterated my position even stronger in January 2011. My outlook was the Texans would start to decline this year. This actually happened last year Dec 2012. I'll will consider my outlook wrong if the Texans continue with their current Business Operating Model and still win the division in 2013 and 2014. My predictions were based on a failed business model and nothing to do with X and Os. If the Texans were a stock I gave them a sell recommendation.

You're a genius!!!!

Or not so much. If you are going to assert expertise because your prediction has "come to fruition" then explain why you chose the Colts.

I'm going to go aheand and call your entire theory and your 'self-verifying prophecy' crap. Your prediction was very specific but your reasons and verification of them are all very general. The truth is that this team has a QB that suffered an injury and seems unable to overcome the limitation that has resulted from that injury. In a year as deep at QB talent as any I can remember we need to draft a QB. If this is a down year, so be it but all of this crap about the buisness model you're spouting is crap.

Mike

 

[Texian]

Winston isn't exactly tearing up the league... I think he was removed fairly timely... no?

[/b]K.Walter- Hopkins
Bryant Johnson- Posey[/b]

Brisiel- Brandon Brooks (you aren't happy with Brooks at 24 on a tiny deal for the next 3 years, instead of 30+ year old Brisiel for a $20 million deal?

Watt- whomever you plug in

KJackson- D. Robinsion and his $50 million dollar deal by Atlanta

Swearing for Pollard (yet to know, but I'm good with it)

Mercilus for Barwin- I'm seeing good stuff from Mercilus... Pretty sure most people weren't Barwin fans around here.


I'm just not seeing this loss of talent you are talking about. I'm seeing a team underperform and play sloppy football. This is from a big Kubiak fan...

The Texans, have been money in the first round of every draft since 2007... Mercilus is still a question mark, perhaps... But, you will be hard-pressed to compete with the list of: D.Brown, Cushing, KJackson, Watt, Mercilus, and Hopkins- especially accounting for where they were taken.

Show me some drafts from teams you think are doing so much better than the Texans... I bet you have to do quite a bit of hunting to find a couple to defend.

The Texans could have chosen to spend on FA this year. It was a decision, based on not mortgaging the future and with an eye on some big re-signings the next two years, that was made. The cap is very manageable. Perhaps you don't like the decisions they are making and their unwillingness to "go for it"... But, the cap is managed in a way where they could, if they chose to.

Newton better than Winston? Really? Foster hasn't run right since Winston left.
Walter avg 40-60 catches per year, Jones 30-50 tell me again how the Texans have replaced those. Posey has 12 catchesin 2 yrs?
Say I agree 1st rd gets a B, Rds 2-7 get a C-, D.
Find another draft? Throw a dart, pick a team.
Not mortgaging the Future this year? AAHHH but they did. AJ restructured. This is not rocket science, THE TEXANS did NOT have enough money to complete a 53 man roster, FAILED BUSINESS MODEL for the last 4 years.

Players lost and not replaced with equal or better talent mainly because there was no money.

Williams, Winston, Brisel, Ryans, Jones, Leach, Vickers, Dreessen, Quin, Walter,Casey, Barwin - Lot of players off a playoff team, almost half a team, almost half the # of your EXCUSES. Today I am RIGHT and you're WRONG! Let's continue when this discussion when the Texans are #1 in the division.

 

[Texian]

and where does the money come from to pay these free agents that we lose?

we dont have enough money to pay free agents because we're good at keeping our own.

Good question, Mario leaves and his $18 million drops off the books and yet the Texans are only able to start the new year $3 million under the cap. And yet some people call this good cap management.

Williams, Winston, Brisel, Ryans, Jones, Leach, Vickers, Dreessen, Quin, Walter,Casey, Barwin vs Brown, Schaub and Cushing. Good at keeping our own? Really?

 

[Texian]

You're a genius!!!!

Or not so much. If you are going to assert expertise because your prediction has "come to fruition" then explain why you chose the Colts.

I'm going to go aheand and call your entire theory and your 'self-verifying prophecy' crap. Your prediction was very specific but your reasons and verification of them are all very general. The truth is that this team has a QB that suffered an injury and seems unable to overcome the limitation that has resulted from that injury. In a year as deep at QB talent as any I can remember we need to draft a QB. If this is a down year, so be it but all of this crap about the buisness model you're spouting is crap.

Mike

NO I'm not a Genius. It's called simple math, basic analysis and OBJECTIVITY. What it is not is DENIAL, EXCUSES, Wishful Thinking, Wanting and Hoping.

You can call my diagnosis crap, BS, Bovine Manure, Puke or anything else you want to call it. As of today, right now, this minute you also have to call it RIGHT!

The Colts? In a nutshell, New GM/HC, 2 above average drafts, OVER $40 million in available Salary Cap to SPEND this year. THAT'S A LOT OF GOOD FOOTBALL PLAYERS. They also have $40 million to start the 2014 season, THAT'S A LOT OF GOOD FOOTBALL PLAYERS. The Texans maybe $8 million, THAT IS NOT ENOUGH TO MEET MINIMUM FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS. Next year The Colts will have an avg of $1.75 mil to spend per new player, the Texans < $500K per new player. The Colts will get better the Texans will NOT. This is simple math and basic analysis. NO Mensa minds required.

 

[dalemurphy]

Good question, Mario leaves and his $18 million drops off the books and yet the Texans are only able to start the new year $3 million under the cap. And yet some people call this good cap management.

Williams, Winston, Brisel, Ryans, Jones, Leach, Vickers, Dreessen, Quin, Walter,Casey, Barwin vs Brown, Schaub and Cushing. Good at keeping our own? Really?

Well, to answer your Mario question, that was the year that the cap decreased close to $20 million.

Are you really arguing that we should have paid Mario $100 million? Briesel $20 million, Dreessen $9 million? We should've kept K. Walter? and Vickers?... You are complaining that we got rid of that huge Demeco contract and also got a 3rd and 4th round pick for him?

Umm, I'm sure glad you are not managing the cap!

Again, regarding cap management, the team is healthy- it could have easily signed bigger free agents. They could have kept Quin, Casey, Barwin. They have chosen to be disciplined and prepare for Watt and others, avoid dead money, and avoid mortgaging the future by giving huge signing bonuses to players and restructuring to the back end of the contracts in order to create room in the near term. Feel free to disagree with the methodology. However, it is not bad cap management. Unlike with the mess Casserly left these guys with, a GM with a more aggressive approach could take this team over and immediately do exactly what he wanted to- bring in a few big name free agents (or more)... turnover a significant portion of the team's veterans with little cap ramifications, and also have a couple extra compensatory draft picks- in addition to the normal, yearly allotment... not to mention the best defensive player in football...

And, if you are actually arguing, that you would rather have Kevin Walter than Hopkins, I'm not sure there is any point in debating talent with you. Of course, I doubt you believe that... you are just in attack mode- flailing criticisms wildly at the organization because you are disappointed and angry. I get it, though I wouldn't be angry about the Texans letting Walter go and drafting Hopkins.

 

[NCTexan]

Williams, Winston, Brisel, Ryans, Jones, Leach, Vickers, Dreessen, Quin, Walter,Casey, Barwin - Lot of players off a playoff team, almost half a team, almost half the # of your EXCUSES. Today I am RIGHT and you're WRONG! Let's continue when this discussion when the Texans are #1 in the division.

Wait, you're arguing that Vickers is better than Jones? Walter better than Hopkins? Graham has shown to be capable in place of Dreessen. Casey was a waste here to be honest. We didn't use him in a way that was worth as much as he got paid in Philly. Barwin was meh last year and not worth the money paid, Mercilus is doing fine in his place.

You're just throwing out every name.

 

[Texian]

You're just throwing out every name.

And you're throwing out every EXCUSE! But Jones is not better than Leach, ask Arian. Actually Walter was a #3 WR not a #2 and Hopkins maybe better than Walter but the numbers haven't said so and Walters is better than Posey, Martin, Jean and all other WRs on the roster. BOTTOM LINE Texans still have not replaced the # of Walter catches. Graham is no where close to being the blocking TE that Dreessen was. Ask Arian. In your mind Casey was a waste, maybe so but the BOTTOM LINE is the Texans have not replaced his production. Mercilus was Mario's replacement not Barwin. Barwin and Mercilus played together last year. What we have here is more DENIAL.

 

[NCTexan]

ANd you're throwing out every EXCUSE!

I'm not making excuses for where the team is right now. It's unacceptable. I think we need some major changes. But to pretend every player we lost is better than their replacement is just wrong.

 

[Texian]

Well, to answer your Mario question, that was the year that the cap decreased close to $20 million.

Are you really arguing that we should have paid Mario $100 million? Briesel $20 million, Dreessen $9 million? We should've kept K. Walter? and Vickers?... You are complaining that we got rid of that huge Demeco contract and also got a 3rd and 4th round pick for him?

Umm, I'm sure glad you are not managing the cap!

Again, regarding cap management, the team is healthy- it could have easily signed bigger free agents. They could have kept Quin, Casey, Barwin. They have chosen to be disciplined and prepare for Watt and others, avoid dead money, and avoid mortgaging the future by giving huge signing bonuses to players and restructuring to the back end of the contracts in order to create room in the near term. Feel free to disagree with the methodology. However, it is not bad cap management. Unlike with the mess Casserly left these guys with, a GM with a more aggressive approach could take this team over and immediately do exactly what he wanted to- bring in a few big name free agents (or more)... turnover a significant portion of the team's veterans with little cap ramifications, and also have a couple extra compensatory draft picks- in addition to the normal, yearly allotment... not to mention the best defensive player in football...

And, if you are actually arguing, that you would rather have Kevin Walter than Hopkins, I'm not sure there is any point in debating talent with you. Of course, I doubt you believe that... you are just in attack mode- flailing criticisms wildly at the organization because you are disappointed and angry. I get it, though I wouldn't be angry about the Texans letting Walter go and drafting Hopkins.

You can make all the excuses you want to but that doesn't change the fact that next year, like this year the Colts will have an average of $1,750,000 to spend on new players and the Texans will have less than $500,000. Simply put , with those numbers YOU CAN'T COMPETE.

 

[Texian]

I'm not making excuses for where the team is right now. It's unacceptable. I think we need some major changes. But to pretend every player we lost is better than their replacement is just wrong.

The point that your missing is many of those players who were starters haven't been replaced. 2-5 record suggests that I am RIGHT and you're WRONG!

 

[Texanmike02]

NO I'm not a Genius. It's called simple math, basic analysis and OBJECTIVITY. What it is not is DENIAL, EXCUSES, Wishful Thinking, Wanting and Hoping.

You can call my diagnosis crap, BS, Bovine Manure, Puke or anything else you want to call it. As of today, right now, this minute you also have to call it RIGHT!

The Colts? In a nutshell, New GM/HC, 2 above average drafts, OVER $40 million in available Salary Cap to SPEND this year. THAT'S A LOT OF GOOD FOOTBALL PLAYERS. They also have $40 million to start the 2014 season, THAT'S A LOT OF GOOD FOOTBALL PLAYERS. The Texans maybe $8 million, THAT IS NOT ENOUGH TO MEET MINIMUM FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS. Next year The Colts will have an avg of $1.75 mil to spend per new player, the Texans < $500K per new player. The Colts will get better the Texans will NOT. This is simple math and basic analysis. NO Mensa minds required.

Toot your horn a little bit more please.

You said that back in 2010 you said the Colts would control the division. Polian was still the GM and Caldwell was the Coach. Did you know they would fire the coach after the next season? Did you know it was Pagano they would hire?

Your analysis is fundamentally flawed. The Texans don't need to improve across the board, they need to improve at the QB, RG, RT, ILB and S positions. They will need depth at the RB spot as well. Fix the QB and the RG/RT are less of a problem. Do you want them to go out and sign free agents?

I would even argue that our coach is the problem before I would argue that we suffer a talent deficiency. Line us up position by position and tell me where the Colts have an advantage talent wise. QB. SS. RG/RT. Maybe OLB. Oh yeah, they have a better kicker.

The reason this team is in this hole has nothing to do with talent or cap management, it has to do with coaching. It is that boot leg and the fact that a team can sit on that out route over and over. It has to do with the fact that our offense is no longer potent and Wade's defense will suffer by not being able to gamble as much. But talent wise? Give me a break.

But don't let an analytical exercise like that get in the way of a good argument.

Mike

 

[dalemurphy]

The point that your missing is many of those players who were starters haven't been replaced. 2-5 record suggests that I am RIGHT and you're WRONG!

Right about what? Am I arguing that the team is off to a good start?

The conclusion that if the team is 2-5 neccessarily means that the talent is poor, the cap is mismanaged, and the coaching stinks is absurd. There can be all kinds of reasons for the bad start. By the way, I'm not making excuses. I am suggesting that we discuss the issues with some common sense, maturity, and concern for the truth- instead of simply throwing a temper tantrum. I am very interested in why the team is failing. Though, I am looking for clarity and thoughts from others, which is why I am on this board and involved in these discussions. Otherwise, I would be on houstontexans.com and looking for threads titled "Texans Suck... Nuff said" or some other moronic posts from 19 year-olds who never played football, don't understand the game, and have zero idea what they are talking about.

You don't really believe the Texans would be a better team with Kevin Walter, Vickers, etc... be honest.

Regarding Winston, I never said Newton was better. Newton is a major issue. I am suggesting that it was a good move to cut Winston loose two years ago from his $25 million deal. His poor showing in KC and disinterest in him around the league illustrate that it was wise. The Texans made a big mistake in relying on Newton this year. They should have added another reliable tackle- which they whiffed on when they drafted a hobbled Brennan Williams. That has turned out to be a gamble that has snowballed into big problems on the field... combine that with Kubiak's stubbornness to play Newton over Harris in passing situations like the 4th quarter vs. KC, and I see plenty of costly mistakes.

But, no, I'm not going to criticize the organization for cutting Winston and Kevin Walter. come on!

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

Andre Johnson
Duane Brown
Chris Meyers
Arian Foster
Owen Daniels
Brian Cushing

Those are all TEXAN players that are arguably #1/2/3 at their respective positions in the entire NFL that we re-signed to keep on the team. And they're contracts reflect that as well.

Matt Schaub is looking like a bad extension that will likely hurt this team significantly.

Antonio Smith is a better player than most fans admit but he's probably not playing up to his contract.

Johnathan Joseph
Danieal Manning - both excellent additions to a decrepit secondary even with play not as good as year one.

Demeco was a GREAT LB but after injury was being paid too much with not being an every down back anymore. Awesome trade to rid us of contract and get draft pick.

I completely support the other moves (or no action) Smith has made regarding Winston, Jacoby, Brisiel, Walter, Barwin, Leech when it comes to managing our cap.

Jury is still out on Ed Reed, now that he's back in playing shape he has to step up his game.

 

[otisbean]

With regards to the Colts, they got lucky plain and simple. A stroke of bad luck, the Manning injury, happened to them a the best possible time, a year when there were 2 elite QBs available at the top of the draft. They cut Manning, thus creating cap space, and we're able to draft a stud QB. That doesn't exactly amount to some genius cap management. How good would they be now if the Manning injury occurred the year Gabbert was the top QB, would they look so smart then?

I believe we are 2-5 because Schaub is broken. He's not the player he used to be and his turn overs have killed us. It's not all on him, but he's the biggest issue this year. We have plenty of other contributors to our suckitude, but you cannot win in the NFL if you turn the ball over as much as we have

 

[Texian]

Toot your horn a little bit more please.

You said that back in 2010 you said the Colts would control the division. Polian was still the GM and Caldwell was the Coach. Did you know they would fire the coach after the next season? Did you know it was Pagano they would hire?

Your analysis is fundamentally flawed. The Texans don't need to improve across the board, they need to improve at the QB, RG, RT, ILB and S positions. They will need depth at the RB spot as well. Fix the QB and the RG/RT are less of a problem. Do you want them to go out and sign free agents?

I would even argue that our coach is the problem before I would argue that we suffer a talent deficiency. Line us up position by position and tell me where the Colts have an advantage talent wise. QB. SS. RG/RT. Maybe OLB. Oh yeah, they have a better kicker.

The reason this team is in this hole has nothing to do with talent or cap management, it has to do with coaching. It is that boot leg and the fact that a team can sit on that out route over and over. It has to do with the fact that our offense is no longer potent and Wade's defense will suffer by not being able to gamble as much. But talent wise? Give me a break.

But don't let an analytical exercise like that get in the way of a good argument.

Mike

What part of over the last 4 years The Texans have had less than Vet Minimum to spend on players to fill out and complete their 53 man roster do you not understand? What part of this do find that makes a good plan to build a more competitive team? The Texans could just easily be 0-6. I guess the Texans could go 0-16 and you would still wouldn't be able to admit that you just might be wrong.

I knew the absence of Peyton Manning and the departure of Jeff Fisher would make the Texans appear better because the division was much weaker. Contrary to what you believe it didn't take a GENIUS to know the Colts w/o Manning and losing enough games for the 1st pick would dump 35 yr old Manning and pick Luck. I knew with their respective changes and responsible cleaning up of their salary cap positions would result in them getting better. I new that teams with close to $40 million to spend would get considerably better and teams with < $10 mil would not. You make think this is flawed thinking but so far it has been right on the money.

 

[Runner]

The conclusion that if the team is 2-5 neccessarily means that the talent is poor, the cap is mismanaged, and the coaching stinks is absurd. There can be all kinds of reasons for the bad start.

I think it is absurd to observe the Texans current state and look for a magic "other" reason for it while absolving the GM, coaching, and players of blame.

On another matter, I've seen you refer in several posts to the Texans "bad start". How do you define "start" - the first eight games of the season, with the last eight games being the end? Seeing as the Texans have played seven of sixteen games - 44% - I consider them in the middle part of their season. This is a serious question, because calling 2-5 a bad start is wordsmithing to minimize the dire straights in which the Texans find themselves. They don't have a great number of games left to recover.

 

[Texian]

You don't really believe the Texans would be a better team with Kevin Walter, Vickers, etc... be honest.

But, no, I'm not going to criticize the organization for cutting Winston and Kevin Walter. come on!

To be honest, the facts say the The Texans were a better a team and they were. It is only the many excuses (absence any facts) trying to justify that they weren't.

Criticize the organization, of course you're not!

 

[Texian]

On another matter, I've seen you refer in several posts to the Texans "bad start". How do you define "start" - the first eight games of the season, with the last eight games being the end? Seeing as the Texans have played seven of sixteen games - 44% - I consider them in the middle part of their season. This is a serious question, because calling 2-5 a bad start is wordsmithing to minimize the dire straights in which the Texans find themselves. They don't have a great number of games left to recover.

Can we consider that the bad start began in December of last year?

 

[Texian]

Andre Johnson
Duane Brown
Chris Meyers
Arian Foster
Owen Daniels
Brian Cushing

Now tell us all about the bottom 40 players on that 53 man roster.

 

[robroy72]

Can we consider that the bad start began in December of last year?

You're absolutely right. We've seen glimpses of the good play pre-December (2nd half in SD, for example) but this has been a slippery slope for a long time.

 

[eriadoc]

Regarding Winston, I never said Newton was better. Newton is a major issue. I am suggesting that it was a good move to cut Winston loose two years ago from his $25 million deal. His poor showing in KC and disinterest in him around the league illustrate that it was wise. The Texans made a big mistake in relying on Newton this year.

The only thing I'll throw out there in disagreement, and it shows itself in the Ryans situation as well, is it was not wise to cut Winston if they didn't have a replacement plan already in place. Waiting two years to draft Williams means they screwed up, regardless how the pick turned out. Relying on the Butler/Newton tandem when neither of them had outplayed Winston was a poor replacement plan. That all goes into the salary cap discussion.

And they replaced Ryans with Bradie James, so there's not much to argue there.

 

[Texian]

You're absolutely right. We've seen glimpses of the good play pre-December (2nd half in SD, for example) but this has been a slippery slope for a long time.

Yes Sir, that flickering light that has been seen is not a bulb getting ready to burn bright but instead is a bulb that is burning out.

 

[infantrycak]

Now tell us all about the bottom 40 players on that 53 man roster.

OK. The Texans have 11 vets on significant contracts. There are 27 players on their rookie contracts. The remainder are basically special teamers who don't have a significant role other than Mays and Greg Jones. Jones plays a low play position - money is not what constrained the Texans. Every team carries guys like Weeks as LS and 4th string RBs at minimal contracts along with guys like Mack who are only expected to play ST.

 

[Rey]

The only thing I'll throw out there in disagreement, and it shows itself in the Ryans situation as well, is it was not wise to cut Winston if they didn't have a replacement plan already in place. Waiting two years to draft Williams means they screwed up, regardless how the pick turned out. Relying on the Butler/Newton tandem when neither of them had outplayed Winston was a poor replacement plan. That all goes into the salary cap discussion.

And they replaced Ryans with Bradie James, so there's not much to argue there.

I was not a huge Winston Fan, but in hindsight he was leaps and bounds better than anything we have now. Not even close.

There we're the occasional whiffs, but for the most part he'd block him man in pass pro and he was good in run blocking.

Only thing I can think of is that maybe the Texans felt like he was in a decline .

 

[Blake]

Not sure why Rick is getting so much negativity. He has helped build a solid team. Not his fault Matt is a dud this year. I would have tried to keep Glover and Barwin and passed on Reed because I feel that you dont get rid of young talent.

I also think he could have done a better job at fixing the RT spot, but he decided to draft a guy who was questionable due to an injury...

The reason that the window has closed or is closing is because our QB has failed us and his team. Our only hope is Keenum sparking a fire. If that fails I think we see a new GM, who hires his head coach who drafts his starting QB.

 

[Texanmike02]

What part of over the last 4 years The Texans have had less than Vet Minimum to spend on players to fill out and complete their 53 man roster do you not understand? What part of this do find that makes a good plan to build a more competitive team? The Texans could just easily be 0-6. I guess the Texans could go 0-16 and you would still wouldn't be able to admit that you just might be wrong.

The Texans are a team that lacks discipline, not talent. The same team you are telling me is in such horrible shape just went into Arrowhead stadium with an in drafted QB making his first start and played the undefeated chiefs to basically a draw. Are you telling me that this team lacks talent?

This team lacks discipline.

knew the absence of Peyton Manning and the departure of Jeff Fisher would make the Texans appear better because the division was much weaker. Contrary to what you believe it didn't take a GENIUS to know the Colts w/o Manning and losing enough games for the 1st pick would dump 35 yr old Manning and pick Luck. I knew with their respective changes and responsible cleaning up of their salary cap positions would result in them getting better. I new that teams with close to $40 million to spend would get considerably better and teams with < $10 mil would not. You make think this is flawed thinking but so far it has been right on the money.

LOL. So basically because Luck is an unbelievable talent you are the smartest guy in the room.


Mike

 

[houstonspartan]

Ummmm....

Irsay decided to step out of his comfort zone and fire the Polian's. He took a chance and hired an unknown Grigson. Taking chances like this in addition to hitting on Luck are the reason the colts have passed the Texans in 2 yrs.

It's time for the Texans to take that step back for a couple of yrs and hire a new regime to begin a minor rebuild. This starts with finding the QB of the future and I dont want Rick/Gary making those choices.

If BoB had made the difficult decision like the Colts did after the 2009 season, like Irsay did with the Polian's, t and made the right hire, like the Colts did in hiring Grigson. The Texans would be in a much better place today. IMHO

Of course that was to traumatic for BoB to make a move like that at the time. Not that as you said previouly BoB owes the fanbase anything, you know like BoB doing everything in his power to put the best product possible on the field.

Yep. I have long said that if we'd fired Kubiak after 2010 - as would have been fair, given his performance - right now we could be in the third year of of new coach, new team, etc. and possibly looking forward to dominating teams.

Instead, we're behind the curve and trying to play catch up - again.

 

[otisbean]

I was not a huge Winston Fan, but in hindsight he was leaps and bounds better than anything we have now. Not even close.

There we're the occasional whiffs, but for the most part he'd block him man in pass pro and he was good in run blocking.

Only thing I can think of is that maybe the Texans felt like he was in a decline .

Your last line is spot on from what I heard from a friend in the organization. There was solid concern about future performance decline in the near future

 

[dream_team]

The only thing I'll throw out there in disagreement, and it shows itself in the Ryans situation as well, is it was not wise to cut Winston if they didn't have a replacement plan already in place. Waiting two years to draft Williams means they screwed up, regardless how the pick turned out. Relying on the Butler/Newton tandem when neither of them had outplayed Winston was a poor replacement plan. That all goes into the salary cap discussion.

And they replaced Ryans with Bradie James, so there's not much to argue there.

I don't know about you, but I was high on Butler. Check old forum posts and I know I wasn't the only one. At the time, I felt for the amount of money we'd save, and the minimal amount of production we'd lose, cutting Winston was the right move. BTW, it's not like he's been playing well since he left either.

 

[dream_team]

Yep. I have long said that if we'd fired Kubiak after 2010 - as would have been fair, given his performance - right now we could be in the third year of of new coach, new team, etc. and possibly looking forward to dominating teams.

Instead, we're behind the curve and trying to play catch up - again.

Or possibly stinking it up, have yet to make playoffs, currently talking about how we need to get rid of this new coach, and bitching about how we drafted Prince Amukamara over JJ Watt. You never know. There are mostly coach failures than successes.

 

[dalemurphy]

The only thing I'll throw out there in disagreement, and it shows itself in the Ryans situation as well, is it was not wise to cut Winston if they didn't have a replacement plan already in place. Waiting two years to draft Williams means they screwed up, regardless how the pick turned out. Relying on the Butler/Newton tandem when neither of them had outplayed Winston was a poor replacement plan. That all goes into the salary cap discussion.

And they replaced Ryans with Bradie James, so there's not much to argue there.

I get what you are saying. However, it's not as if Winston went on to play solid football the next few years... He was done. So, I give the team credit for making that call when they did. Then, I am critical of the fact that they have failed to patch up the tackle position. They weren't replacing an all-pro. They were replacing a borderline NFL tackle (at the point of his release). So, good recognition on Winston and good, tough decision. But, then, come on! Coach someone up or bring in a veteran presence to sure the spot up.