Saints-Texans: GP's things he witnessed

[DexmanC]

These must be the same people that were downplaying how weak an opponent the Cardinals really were.

And, we have never to date been or in the least bit performed like the Colts.

Mr. Tex sounds like I did early last season, but that was the THIRD
time in a row the Texans put forth a season like that. I ain't fallin'
for it a fourth time. I want this regime to make me believe in them.
And I'll be right here, as the happiest Texan fan alive, if the staff
steps its game up as we expect the players to.

Kubiak is still acting like an offensive coordinator, and it's affecting
the focus of the TEAM. Up one game, gone the next, for three
straight seasons.

I'm just waiting for SOMETHING to prove this team has found
a way to stay focused for more than one game at a time. Playoff
teams put their best feet forward during the FIRST 3/4 OF THE
SEASON. The Texans don't hit stride, as we've seen, until the
FINAL quarter of the season. By this time, teams are resting their
starters after they've clinched something. This gives the illusion
that the Texans are "on the rise."

The next time they beat a good team in the first quarter of the
season will be the first. They've got almost NO margin for error
with this schedule, and the fans at Reliant. God bless the fans
for showing this team it ain't gonna stand for this crap anymore.

Fight for four quarters, every game. That is to be expected, not excused.
I don't care how tired you are, and how bad you miss your wife and
kids, over THREE DAYS OF PRACTICE.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I'm just waiting for SOMETHING to prove this team has found a way to stay focused for more than one game at a time. Playoff teams put their best feet forward during the FIRST 3/4 OF THE
SEASON. The Texans don't hit stride, as we've seen, until the
FINAL quarter of the season. By this time, teams are resting their
starters after they've clinched something. This gives the illusion
that the Texans are "on the rise."

The next time they beat a good team in the first quarter of the
season will be the first. They've got almost NO margin for error
with this schedule, and the fans at Reliant. God bless the fans
for showing this team it ain't gonna stand for this crap anymore.

Fight for four quarters, every game. That is to be expected, not excused.
I don't care how tired you are, and how bad you miss your wife and
kids, over THREE DAYS OF PRACTICE.

It's this concept of "MARGIN OF ERROR" that the players, coaches and some fans have repeatedly felt they can fall back on, beginning in the preseason and carrying it through the regular season..............until we find ourselve left with NO margin of error ...........staring again at another disappointing year. You have to build up "insurance" by CREATING a timely and "advantageous" margin of error by what you do from the very beginning of the year.

 

[Mr teX]

Its just like this with me...If you want to find something to complain about, you'll find it, ask 2nd honeymoon about that..this works both ways of course, but i just think that some fans, who don't have obvious agendas that is, have gotten to the point where if they don't see perfection every single play then they go into "the sky is falling" mode. & it's one of the reasons this town is a terrible sports town imo, b/c it's not just with the texans that they do this.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

I'm not that worried about this game. BUT, that doesn't mean that this game gave me the warm fuzzies, either. This game sets up the possibility for the same bad opening that we've seen from this team before.

But, here's why I'm not that worried...

1. The thing that killed us was the early fumbles.

We stopped the NO first team offense and made them punt. And Holliday fumbled that and gave the NO first team offense a very short field. I would have preferred that our defense stiffen and hold them to a FG at that point (if not just flat out taking the ball away) but that's a tough position to be put in against that offense. And this doesn't worry me because Holliday's not going to make that mistake in the regular season because he's not going to be fielding punts with a bum thumb. We were only down 14-7 after 1.

THEN we forced the NO semi-first team (with Daniel at QB, though) to punt again. And then Arian fumbled and that set up the touchdown that put us down 21-7. And that's when our defense really seemed to relax. Without going against the ones, they seemed to really lose their intensity.

I don't think Arian is going to make that mistake again.

But as Schaub said afterwards, our offense wasn't having that much of a problem moving the football.

So, I'm not worried about the fumbles. We'll have some during the season and we may lose some games because of it. But I don't think it's going to be the fumbling problem we had last year. I don't think Holliday is going to be in the position to make that sort of mistake and I think Foster learned his lesson.

2. Our pass D didn't look bad with Kareem in there.

Going against Brees, I expected Kareem to get chewed up and spit out. And he wasn't. That's a huge plus.

3. Arian Foster

Except for that fumble, he was running well. I'm expecting some good things from this offense.

4. Schaub looked sharp.

 

[The1ApplePie]

We have the worst DTs in the NFL, I'm sure of it.

 

[dalemurphy]

We have the worst DTs in the NFL, I'm sure of it.

They ain't good! that's for sure. Still, with guys like Mitchell and Sheppard on the roster, I have hope. Also, Amobi looked good against Arizona. So, let's see how he does against Dallas. I don't think all hope is lost yet.

 

[76Texan]

I'm not that worried about this game. BUT, that doesn't mean that this game gave me the warm fuzzies, either. This game sets up the possibility for the same bad opening that we've seen from this team before.

But, here's why I'm not that worried...

2. Our pass D didn't look bad with Kareem in there.

Going against Brees, I expected Kareem to get chewed up and spit out. And he wasn't. That's a huge plus.

3. Arian Foster

Except for that fumble, he was running well. I'm expecting some good things from this offense.

The PS for me is to watch:
- Rookies to see whether they live up to the billing.
- UDFAs to see whether any of them is worth keeping.
- Second-year players and injured players on the come-back to see how they have progressed.
- FAs

The early returns are good, IMHO.

- Rookies:
Unfortunately, Tate was injured and so was Holliday (who was already on the bubble to make the team when healthy.)

Still, Tate flashes his potential.

Holliday shows his lack of focus (one of my concerns as I discussed before and right after the draft) but you can see his speed.

KJ shows that he's not a deer in the headlights and that he has some skills.

Mitchell shows that he belongs in the rotation.

McMannis shows some skills and swagger.

Sharpton is solid playing at all 3 positions.

Graham can run some routes and catch the football, and proves a decent blocker.

Shelley Smith shows promises.

Dickerson did not disappoint.

- UDFAs
Sheppard flashes some potential

- Returning players:
Nolan and Jerehmiah look good.
Parkson & Molden are still difficult to judge but didn't tank.
Caldwell, Foster, Quin, and Casey look more comfortable.
Barwin, Jamison, McCain didn't regress.
Cushing didn't drop off.
Brisiel hasn't looked to be quite there yet, but his prognosis looks a little better.

FAs:
W.Smith provides depth on the line.
Rackers gives C.Brown a run for the money.

There are a lot of positives for the team, IMHO.
Now if they can only stay healthy.

 

[Mr teX]

I'm not that worried about this game. BUT, that doesn't mean that this game gave me the warm fuzzies, either. This game sets up the possibility for the same bad opening that we've seen from this team before.

But, here's why I'm not that worried...

1. The thing that killed us was the early fumbles.

We stopped the NO first team offense and made them punt. And Holliday fumbled that and gave the NO first team offense a very short field. I would have preferred that our defense stiffen and hold them to a FG at that point (if not just flat out taking the ball away) but that's a tough position to be put in against that offense. And this doesn't worry me because Holliday's not going to make that mistake in the regular season because he's not going to be fielding punts with a bum thumb. We were only down 14-7 after 1.

THEN we forced the NO semi-first team (with Daniel at QB, though) to punt again. And then Arian fumbled and that set up the touchdown that put us down 21-7. And that's when our defense really seemed to relax. Without going against the ones, they seemed to really lose their intensity.

I don't think Arian is going to make that mistake again.

But as Schaub said afterwards, our offense wasn't having that much of a problem moving the football.

So, I'm not worried about the fumbles. We'll have some during the season and we may lose some games because of it. But I don't think it's going to be the fumbling problem we had last year. I don't think Holliday is going to be in the position to make that sort of mistake and I think Foster learned his lesson.

2. Our pass D didn't look bad with Kareem in there.

Going against Brees, I expected Kareem to get chewed up and spit out. And he wasn't. That's a huge plus.

3. Arian Foster

Except for that fumble, he was running well. I'm expecting some good things from this offense.

4. Schaub looked sharp.

Agree with everything here. Foster looks like he's going to help our run tremendously..

Amobi & the DT's are getting a slightly bad wrap from this game imo. They didn't play great but In rewatching the game in slo-mo on the run plays 1st - 2nd quarter, I found that the main culprit was Antonio Smith. Dude couldn't keep his balance, allowing the tackles to push him way too far up the field, going too far up the field on his own & not keeping backside containment by coming too far down the line too fast. I saw at least 4-6 plays where this guy was out of position & had he been, the plays in question would've been 2-3 yard gains as opposed to 6-10. He was terrible.

The 2nd thing is, Daniels played with the 1st teamers all but about 3-4 minutes in the 2nd quarter.

 

[GP]

Mr. Tex sounds like I did early last season, but that was the THIRD
time in a row the Texans put forth a season like that. I ain't fallin'
for it a fourth time. I want this regime to make me believe in them.
And I'll be right here, as the happiest Texan fan alive, if the staff
steps its game up as we expect the players to.

Kubiak is still acting like an offensive coordinator, and it's affecting
the focus of the TEAM. Up one game, gone the next, for three
straight seasons.

I'm just waiting for SOMETHING to prove this team has found
a way to stay focused for more than one game at a time. Playoff
teams put their best feet forward during the FIRST 3/4 OF THE
SEASON. The Texans don't hit stride, as we've seen, until the
FINAL quarter of the season. By this time, teams are resting their
starters after they've clinched something. This gives the illusion
that the Texans are "on the rise."

The next time they beat a good team in the first quarter of the
season will be the first. They've got almost NO margin for error
with this schedule, and the fans at Reliant. God bless the fans
for showing this team it ain't gonna stand for this crap anymore.

Fight for four quarters, every game. That is to be expected, not excused.
I don't care how tired you are, and how bad you miss your wife and
kids, over THREE DAYS OF PRACTICE.

Rep worthy. Good job,man.

Especially the part about "...Kubiak is still acting like an offensive coordinator, and it's affecting the focus of the TEAM. Up one game, gone the next, for three straight seasons."

This has been one of my arguments when I find myself in the "funk" of things. I flip-flop between the idea that he is going to make it as a head coach and the idea that he's just a good coordinator but can't handle it all.

These past two games make it seem that he can't handle it all. Had we gone in there and handled the Saints, I would think we've turned a corner. It would have been a first to see us START the right way and CONTINUE the right way.

Instead, this team showed that it STILL has the mentality of flipping it on and off whenever they want. Super Bowl teams have that all-the-time mentality about them. Everyone can play, but not everyone plays WELL. Consistently.

No, they could never be p-e-r-f-e-c-t or anything. Just consistent performances would be nice. If we get beat AND we played our game, then that's one thing. But the Saints game was how we showed up for Jets Game 1 of regular season. Same freakin' way. Flat, disinterested, and beaten badly.

 

[gary]

I'm not going to get overhyped or down on this season just yet for me it just is what it is.

 

[thunderkyss]

Preseason doesn't matter

signed,
2-14 season in 2005

We kicked the Cowboys ass in 2007 preseason.

They went 13-3, we went 8-8.

 

[JT]

Mr Roarke used to say... "Your Fantasy is over." Texans are at best an
8-8 team. That night with the Saints should have shown you that. When a team runs a 9 yard play up the gut of your starting defense with Reggie Bush for a score, 1) Your D line sucks. 2) The other team knows it and have no respect for you. The Texans right now and still are F.I.N.O. (Football In Name Only)

 

[thunderkyss]

I'm not that worried about this game. BUT, that doesn't mean that this game gave me the warm fuzzies, either. This game sets up the possibility for the same bad opening that we've seen from this team before.

But, here's why I'm not that worried...

1. The thing that killed us was the early fumbles.

2. Our pass D didn't look bad with Kareem in there.

3. Arian Foster

4. Schaub looked sharp.

Am I wrong, or did Slaton not look pretty good too? 5 for 19, and a hell of a kick return, & no fumbles.

& we still haven't got Owen Daniels on the field.

 

[thunderkyss]

We have the worst DTs in the NFL, I'm sure of it.

Those DTs helped us rank 10th against the run in 2009.

What we saw last night, was nothing like what we saw in the regular season of 2009, or what we will see in the regular season of 2010.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Am I wrong, or did Slaton not look pretty good too? 5 for 19, and a hell of a kick return, & no fumbles.

& we still haven't got Owen Daniels on the field.

I thought he looked great on the kickoff returns but I didn't think he was running very well.

 

[Dwade]

Am I wrong, or did Slaton not look pretty good too? 5 for 19, and a hell of a kick return, & no fumbles.

& we still haven't got Owen Daniels on the field.

The kick return was very good, but I wasn't thrilled with his running.

If we are happy about 5 for 19, which isn't even 4 yards a carry, our running game must really suck.

 

[thunderkyss]

Rep worthy. Good job,man.

These past two games make it seem that he can't handle it all. Had we gone in there and handled the Saints, I would think we've turned a corner. It would have been a first to see us START the right way and CONTINUE the right way.

Why?

The Saints aren't the focus. Winning this game, is not the focus. Beating the Cowboys this week, is not the focus.

This should be some Mr. Miyagi type ****. He's putting them on the field, looking at different things, that may have no relevance whatsoever to what the other team is doing.

That's why the Colts kick ass in the regular season, and don't look so hot in the pre-season. They are working on their fundamentals, their schemes, their packages, their philosophy. They probably have no clue who is out there on the field against them, because it doesn't matter.

We won't know how good a job he's done, until we play the Colts.

PUt it this way, would you rather win all these Pre-Season games, and lose to the Colts week 1, or would you rather lose all the preseason games, and beat the Colts week 1?

Forget the Saints, Forget the Cowboys, Forget the Pre Season. This is about the Colts.

 

[thunderkyss]

No, they could never be p-e-r-f-e-c-t or anything. Just consistent performances would be nice. If we get beat AND we played our game, then that's one thing. But the Saints game was how we showed up for Jets Game 1 of regular season. Same freakin' way. Flat, disinterested, and beaten badly.

Again, I think that Jets game was a pretty good game. The score is misleading. We played some damn good football. Flat, disintersted.... I don't know. I posted this in another thread.

Jets:
Thomas Jones carried the ball 19 times.
3 were for 0 yards or less (15%)
8 were for 1 yard or less (42%)
15 were for 3 yards or less (79%)

Only 2 carries went for more than 5 yards (38 & 39 yards)

He had a total of 12 yards going into the 4th Qtr.

Leon Washington did have a good game, gaining 60 yards on 15 carries. (56 yards going into the 4th).

Then if you remember Kubiak took out half the play-book, and kept Matt in the pocket, because he had sprained his ankle the week before (in the preseason).

& Matt IMHO, was too scared to test Revis. I don't think Matt is scared of anyone anymore. That's part of the growing up he did last year.

 

[DexmanC]

The Battle Red Kool-Aid has been secretly switched with
Crystal Light.

 

[thunderkyss]

Mr Roarke used to say... "Your Fantasy is over." Texans are at best an
8-8 team. That night with the Saints should have shown you that. When a team runs a 9 yard play up the gut of your starting defense with Reggie Bush for a score, 1) Your D line sucks. 2) The other team knows it and have no respect for you. The Texans right now and still are F.I.N.O. (Football In Name Only)

Did you see both Antonio Smith & Amobi in the backfield on that play? Antonio got his hands on Reggie, missed tackle, but that's what they do in the preseason. Amobi was about to get him, but whiffed, again, it's just preseason. In the regular season, they both make that play.

In the regular season, Demeco, Cushing, Diles, or Mario is on him in the backfield. Are you telling me you honestly believe all four of those guys just decided not to show up?

That's preposterous. That isn't in any of those guys character. Well, maybe Mario, if you're one to believe such things.

We've played better running teams than the Saints, and we shut them down. 49ers, Bengals, Jets (with the exception of 2 plays), Dolphins...

 

[DexmanC]

Again, I think that Jets game was a pretty good game. The score is misleading. We played some damn good football. Flat, disintersted.... I don't know. I posted this in another thread.



Then if you remember Kubiak took out half the play-book, and kept Matt in the pocket, because he had sprained his ankle the week before (in the preseason).

& Matt IMHO, was too scared to test Revis. I don't think Matt is scared of anyone anymore. That's part of the growing up he did last year.

With the D-line allowing the other team's offensive line to consistently
block our linebackers, and waltz players like Lil Reggie DIRECTLY UP
THE GUT for 1st downs and touchdowns, the Texans are gonna have
to throw the ball A LOT.

The next elite team the Texans beat in the 1st half of the season
will be the first. Teams that can smash the Texans up the gut AND
throw the ball, seem to dominate this team. Let's see them handle
the first twelve games of the season like a real contender, then I'll
agree that this regime has stepped up. Everything they've done so
far steers me to a four-peat of the 2007-2009 seasons (5-7 start, with
a 3 to 4-win finish.)

 

[RazorOye]

The interior of the Saints OLine is our strength up front. I don't know that there's a stronger tandem of young guards in the NFL than Evans and Nicks. That also factors into the efficacy of the Texans DLine in the game the other night and something I thought I'd throw out there because I don't see it mentioned much - if at all - in this thread.

 

[thunderkyss]

With the D-line allowing the other team's offensive line to consistently
block our linebackers, and waltz players like Lil Reggie DIRECTLY UP
THE GUT for 1st downs and touchdowns, the Texans are gonna have
to throw the ball A LOT.

Again, if you look at the preseason last year, and the regular season, you'll see two completely different teams. Just like yesterday, we got rode, and rode hard in the preseason. Once the season started, we were playing behind the L.O.S. We gave up a few big plays here and there, but nothing like what we saw in the preseason.

We shut down the 49ers, when they were the #1 rushing offense, we shut down the Bengals, when they were the #1 rushing offense, we shut down the Dolphins, and we virtually shut down the Jets in week 1.

How you going to tell me how bad we are against the run, when that is simply not the case in the regular season?

#10, against the run. #10 in the regular season.

The next elite team the Texans beat in the 1st half of the season
will be the first.

Didn't we beat the Bengals in week 6?

I don't know if you'd call them elite, but they swept the Ravens, & the Steelers.

Teams that can smash the Texans up the gut AND
throw the ball, seem to dominate this team. Let's see them handle
the first twelve games of the season like a real contender, then I'll
agree that this regime has stepped up. Everything they've done so
far steers me to a four-peat of the 2007-2009 seasons (5-7 start, with
a 3 to 4-win finish.)

You want to talk about how bad we did the last 3 seasons over the first 12 games of the season, that's fine. But don't act like we've already done the same thing in 2010.

Just because it happened the last three years doesn't mean it will be the same next year.

 

[DexmanC]

We shut down the 49ers, when they were the #1 rushing offense,

The 49ers were not able to keep our linebackers honest with the pass

We shut down the Bengals, when they were the #1 rushing offense

The Bengals had OchoCinco, no tight end, and who else? No serious
threat with the pass. Again, a one-dimensional squad

We shut down the Dolphins

I wouldn't call the Dolphins elite. Their best weapon (Ronnie Brown) was down
for the season.

We virtually shut down the Jets in week 1

In reality, we got our asses kicked to a full home crowd.

How you going to tell me how bad we are against the run, when that is simply not the case in the regular season?
#10, against the run. #10 in the regular season.

When it came to nut-cutting time, like at the Jags, or at
the Colts, or home for the Titans, there was no stopping the run
to seal a win. Who cares what the defensive rank is, when it doesn't
come through when the game is on the line?

You want to talk about how bad we did the last 3 seasons over the first 12 games of the season, that's fine. But don't act like we've already done the same thing in 2010.

Three time's a charm, and the benefit of the doubt is gone.
Time to prove who you are (talking about the team, here.)

Just because it happened the last three years doesn't mean it will be the same next year.

I'm saying it had better not.
2007: 5-7
2008: 5-7
2009: 5-7
2010: Is Groundhog Day over?

 

[Texecutioner]

I think the atrocity we saw on the field last night was due to fatigue from camp. Call me crazy, because it obviously did not effect the Saints one bit, but i think the 3rd week of camp might have just taken a toll on them, and that was the reason for the horrible technique and execution out there, especially on the defensive side.

Maybe i'm just imagining things, but it seems the 2nd preseason game under Kubiak over the past couple of years have been nightmare-ish, maybe due to playing the Saints.

With all of this being said, i see them coming out next saturday with intensity when they play against the cowboys with the homefield advantage.

Well that is a completely unsubstantiated theory there. What the Texans have done in other seasons in week 2 of pre season games has nothing to do with any this year or any other year and if it does, than that would be a huge problem with the coaching. Every year is different. The Saints didn't have that problem this year or last year when they played us. We just got flat out beaten and whipped around. This is football. You either show up and play hard and play smart, or the other team that does will beat you.

 

[Texecutioner]

Did you see both Antonio Smith & Amobi in the backfield on that play? Antonio got his hands on Reggie, missed tackle, but that's what they do in the preseason. Amobi was about to get him, but whiffed, again, it's just preseason. In the regular season, they both make that play.

In the regular season, Demeco, Cushing, Diles, or Mario is on him in the backfield. Are you telling me you honestly believe all four of those guys just decided not to show up?

WTF? Are you sitting here defending this as "well that's how these guys play in pre season" and it shouldn't be a worry in the regular season? Last time I checked both of those guys are starters on this team on our D line. One of which has been a monumental bust and the other isn't all that great and is over paid. And when you're in the game in pre season you're supposed to be out there playing hard, not just screwing around and half assing it. And whether Demeco or Cushing is on this team, that doesn't mean a thing. They don't play on the D line. They are LB's and a lot of their success ends up hindering upon our D line's pressure and abilities. Those aren't good signs early on and hopefully the coaches are addressing stuff like this.

 

[GP]

Did you see both Antonio Smith & Amobi in the backfield on that play? Antonio got his hands on Reggie, missed tackle, but that's what they do in the preseason. Amobi was about to get him, but whiffed, again, it's just preseason. In the regular season, they both make that play.

In the regular season, Demeco, Cushing, Diles, or Mario is on him in the backfield. Are you telling me you honestly believe all four of those guys just decided not to show up?

That's preposterous. That isn't in any of those guys character. Well, maybe Mario, if you're one to believe such things.

We've played better running teams than the Saints, and we shut them down. 49ers, Bengals, Jets (with the exception of 2 plays), Dolphins...

Are we on hidden camera? This has to be a prank, TK.

You should be the TV commentator for the Texans preseason games with that stuff.

Antonio got his hands on Reggie, missed tackle, but that's what they do in the preseason. Amobi was about to get him, but whiffed, again, it's just preseason. In the regular season, they both make that play

.

That is such a weird statement. You think Antonio Smith purposefully let go of Reggie Bush in that situation? Amobi, too? Dude, come on now...seriously?

Sometimes it is what it is. They dogged it out there. There was nothing else. Even Eric Winston goofed up and admitted it. And is now denying it.

Kubiak better start writing that letter if this keeps up.

I was thinking that an 18-game reg season would benefit Kubiak since his players end up playing REAL football at the end of the season instead of at the beginning. You know what? This team would just find a way to DOG IT in two of the first few games anyways. They'd add on those two extra games to the beginning, then wonder why finishing strong still didn't matter.

This team is a kick in the nuts. I wasn't worried at all about "losing" the Cards preseason game. Losing the way we did, to the Saints, was a rude awakening for this fan. We were backhanded and curb-stomp'd. Period.

If they blow it against the Boys this weekend, there's going to be some serious heat put upon our team. Preseason doesn't count, but it damn sure MATTERS.

 

[thunderkyss]

The 49ers were not able to keep our linebackers honest with the pass


The Bengals had OchoCinco, no tight end, and who else? No serious
threat with the pass. Again, a one-dimensional squad


I wouldn't call the Dolphins elite. Their best weapon (Ronnie Brown) was down
for the season.

Why are you changing the discussion. I said we shut down better running games than the Saints. Doesn't matter who had a TE, and who kept our LBs honest.

In reality, we got our asses kicked to a full home crowd.

Not really. That team eventually became the #1 rushing team in the league. We held them to 72 rushing yards (or something like that) through three Qtrs (for this post, since we're talking about our defense against the run). The breakdown in the 4th Qtr, IMHO has more to do with the number of snaps Mario, Antonio & Amobi take. I don't think it's normal for anyone else at those positions to play so many snaps.

That's also why I think the best thing we could possibly have done for our defense, was to get some real DTs to rotate with Okoye & Cody, allowing Antonio to rest, Mario to rest, as Barwin rotates in on the outside.

When it came to nut-cutting time, like at the Jags, or at
the Colts, or home for the Titans, there was no stopping the run
to seal a win. Who cares what the defensive rank is, when it doesn't
come through when the game is on the line?

Let's just say we were 23rd against the run in 2008, 10th in 2009, we're making progress. Not where we need to be, but making progress.

Three time's a charm, and the benefit of the doubt is gone.
Time to prove who you are (talking about the team, here.)


I'm saying it had better not.
2007: 5-7
2008: 5-7
2009: 5-7
2010: Is Groundhog Day over?

2007: 24th Total Defense
2008: 22nd Total Defense
2009: 17th Total Defense

I'm hoping we'll improve the defense for the forth year in a row.

 

[Mr teX]

Are we on hidden camera? This has to be a prank, TK.

You should be the TV commentator for the Texans preseason games with that stuff.

.

That is such a weird statement. You think Antonio Smith purposefully let go of Reggie Bush in that situation? Amobi, too? Dude, come on now...seriously?

Sometimes it is what it is. They dogged it out there. There was nothing else. Even Eric Winston goofed up and admitted it. And is now denying it.

Kubiak better start writing that letter if this keeps up.

I was thinking that an 18-game reg season would benefit Kubiak since his players end up playing REAL football at the end of the season instead of at the beginning. You know what? This team would just find a way to DOG IT in two of the first few games anyways. They'd add on those two extra games to the beginning, then wonder why finishing strong still didn't matter.

This team is a kick in the nuts. I wasn't worried at all about "losing" the Cards preseason game. Losing the way we did, to the Saints, was a rude awakening for this fan. We were backhanded and curb-stomp'd. Period.

If they blow it against the Boys this weekend, there's going to be some serious heat put upon our team. Preseason doesn't count, but it damn sure MATTERS.

See this is the problem i have with all of this..how can you say these guys "dogged" it out there saturday? I've watched the game (at least the 1st half) 3 times & effort was not the problem..If anything trying too hard by continously over-pursuing & reacting too fast was more of the problem. If you actually go back & look at the game, time after time, the saints rbs were cutting back against the grain & no one was there (Smith & Barwin mainly) or guys were getting up field entirely too fast taking themselves out of the play instead of seeing what's going on 1st. (Smith & Okoye). Saints WR's were driving hard out of breaks making sharp cuts & texan defnders were over reacting entirely too much to these cuts rather than trying to disrupt the timing of the route. Effort was certainly not the problem.There was a play early on where Barwin came up the field so fast it opened a gapping hole off tackle for Bush to run through. The LT for the saints just shoved him exactly where he wanted to go & moved on to the next level. I seen the exact same things happen to Smith & Okoye more than a few times. Once guys settled down, you saw us start to shut the run down a bit better.

 

[GP]

See this is the problem i have with all of this..how can you say these guys "dogged" it out there saturday? I've watched the game (at least the 1st half) 3 times & effort was not the problem..If anything trying too hard by continously over-pursuing & reacting too fast was more of the problem. If you actually go back & look at the game, time after time, the saints rbs were cutting back against the grain & no one was there (Smith & Barwin mainly) or guys were getting up field entirely too fast (Smith & Okoye). Saints WR's were driving hard out of breaks making sharp cuts & texan defnders were reacting entirely too much to these cuts rather than trying to disrupt their timing. Effort was certainly not the problem.

You're right. They just had terrible timing and barely missed making plays.

On every play.

What was I thinking? :slapsforehead:

It couldn't possibly have been a mailed-in performance from THESE Texans. Because there's no prior history of such a thing.

 

[Mr teX]

You're right. They just had terrible timing and barely missed making plays.

On every play.

What was I thinking? :slapsforehead:

It couldn't possibly have been a mailed-in performance from THESE Texans. Because there's no prior history of such a thing.

Very valuable contribution you made there buddy..

 

[GP]

Very valuable contribution you made there buddy..

All I am saying is that you deem it IMPOSSIBLE that they would dog it.

You have lots of excuses and reasons. What's next, the turf made our guys slip too much?

I just sum it up with two words: Dogged It.

Let's see if they desire to actually focus and play better vs. the Boys. I sure hope so. I don't care about a win or loss, but just want to see 11 guys working together like they did vs. the Cards. They were 11 individuals out there vs. the Saints, and none of them looked good as individuals.

Is that a better "contribution" buddy?

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I came across this Dec 2009 ESPN article (includes references to Rick Smith, Frank Bush, Pollard, and some other Texans personel) concerning the lost art of tackling. Gives some great insights into why the Texans may be seeing such inconsistency in their tackling.

Coming to grips with poor tackling

 

[Mr teX]

All I am saying is that you deem it IMPOSSIBLE that they would dog it.

You have lots of excuses and reasons. What's next, the turf made our guys slip too much?

I just sum it up with two words: Dogged It.

Let's see if they desire to actually focus and play better vs. the Boys. I sure hope so. I don't care about a win or loss, but just want to see 11 guys working together like they did vs. the Cards. They were 11 individuals out there vs. the Saints, and none of them looked good as individuals.

Is that a better "contribution" buddy?

Well you summed it up wrong bro..

& the bolded is what you implied smart ass.... you & others seem to be ready to throw the baby out with the bath water b/c the best offense in the NFL the last 2 years took it to us in their home opener.

 

[GP]

Well you summed it up wrong bro..

& the bolded is what you implied smart ass.... you & others seem to be ready to throw the baby out with the bath water b/c the best offense in the NFL the last 2 years took it to us in their home opener.

Oh that's right. I guess we need to exclude ONE team from the list of teams we should be better than. Since they are all-universe and we're merely all-world.

Hey, it's not MY job that's on the line here. I can't throw any baby out of any bath water. I have no say in how the team is operated. Gary Kubiak is behind the wheel. If he wants to nod off at the wheel and swerve into oncoming traffic, then fine by me. It's HIS job. Not mine. He's driving the bus.

Pointing it out, and refusing to marginalize poor overall TEAM play is not a crime, man.

I have zero room for going to lengths that some are going to, in order to try and make this past game into something positive. We've got people saying that once the regular season hits, we're going to NOT let people go when we have them wrapped up for a tackle. :frowns:

 

[JB]

I came across this Dec 2009 ESPN article (includes references to Rick Smith, Frank Bush, Pollard, and some other Texans personel) concerning the lost art of tackling. Gives some great insights into why the Texans may be seeing such inconsistency in their tackling.

Coming to grips with poor tackling

That was a great read! Thanks for posting!

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Oh that's right. I guess we need to exclude ONE team from the list of teams we should be better than. Since they are all-universe and we're merely all-world.

Hey, it's not MY job that's on the line here. I can't throw any baby out of any bath water. I have no say in how the team is operated. Gary Kubiak is behind the wheel. If he wants to nod off at the wheel and swerve into oncoming traffic, then fine by me. It's HIS job. Not mine. He's driving the bus.

Pointing it out, and refusing to marginalize poor overall TEAM play is not a crime, man.

I have zero room for going to lengths that some are going to, in order to try and make this past game into something positive. We've got people saying that once the regular season hits, we're going to NOT let people go when we have them wrapped up for a tackle. :frowns:

Dude. WTF?

You made a statement. Mr. Tex told you why you were wrong. And then you got all sarcastic. And then you just go on and on with sarcastic BS instead of arguing back with facts.

Lighten up.

 

[thunderkyss]

WTF? Are you sitting here defending this as "well that's how these guys play in pre season" and it shouldn't be a worry in the regular season?

And when you're in the game in pre season you're supposed to be out there playing hard, not just screwing around and half assing it.

I'm not defending anything. I'm just saying there isn't anything to worry about. Not giving 110% happens in a preseason game. I don't care if the Saints came out with 120% and we came out with 85%

It is the pre-season.

And whether Demeco or Cushing is on this team, that doesn't mean a thing. They don't play on the D line. They are LB's and a lot of their success ends up hindering upon our D line's pressure and abilities.

Exactly, and in the regular season, that same D-Line that you are discounting helped Demeco & Cushing finish 6th and 2nd in the AFC in tackles. Many of them for losses.

Those aren't good signs early on and hopefully the coaches are addressing stuff like this.

Yeah, I hope our coaches prepare these guys to be as amped as the SB Champs playing in front of their home crowd for the first time in the preseason.

 

[GP]

Dude. WTF?

You made a statement. Mr. Tex told you why you were wrong. And then you got all sarcastic. And then you just go on and on with sarcastic BS instead of arguing back with facts.

Lighten up.

LOL.

I am not wrong. He is not wrong. And THAT is the problem. I stated my opinion, and he clearly thinks it's wrong. I happen to think HIS opinion is wrong. So we're at a stand-still. Big deal, at least in my opinion. It happens. He's the one who started stalking my post. I was trying to continue forward.

And I don't need you to be the judge of who is right and who is wrong. It's called an OPINION, dude.

Sometimes you guys act like this is a foreign concept.

I don't think I am the one who needs to lighten up.

BTW, I had taken you off my ignore list awhile back, but I think the best solution to spare everyone from the back-and-forths between us is to add you again. I just need to limit the temptations to respond to you.

 

[thunderkyss]

That is such a weird statement. You think Antonio Smith purposefully let go of Reggie Bush in that situation? Amobi, too? Dude, come on now...seriously?

I don't think they did anything on purpose. But I've never seen either guy whiff on a tackle in the regular season.

This is pre-season.

Sometimes it is what it is. They dogged it out there. There was nothing else. Even Eric Winston goofed up and admitted it. And is now denying it.

I agree they dogged it. I believe Winston's comments were taken out of context.

I was thinking that an 18-game reg season would benefit Kubiak since his players end up playing REAL football at the end of the season instead of at the beginning. You know what? This team would just find a way to DOG IT in two of the first few games anyways. They'd add on those two extra games to the beginning, then wonder why finishing strong still didn't matter.

Again, we didn't dog it at the beginning of the season. We played behind the LOS more often than not.

Jets:
Thomas Jones carried the ball 19 times.
3 were for 0 yards or less (15%)
8 were for 1 yard or less (42%)
15 were for 3 yards or less (79%)

Only 2 carries went for more than 5 yards (38 & 39 yards)

He had a total of 12 yards going into the 4th Qtr.

Leon Washington did have a good game, gaining 60 yards on 15 carries. (56 yards going into the 4th).

Still, that's 72 yards to the #1 rushing team in the league going into the 4th Qtr. That's pretty damn good for such a young team, especially after looking pathetic in the preseason.

It's not about turning it on, or turning it off, it's about focusing on fundamentals, philosophy, scheme, and technique in the preseason (practice). In the regular season, it turns into stopping the run, stopping the pass, creating turnovers, and winning games.

This team is a kick in the nuts. I wasn't worried at all about "losing" the Cards preseason game. Losing the way we did, to the Saints, was a rude awakening for this fan. We were backhanded and curb-stomp'd. Period.

I was also expecting a better showing. But I also realized we did not play the way we normally play. The LB's weren't shooting their gaps. It's as if they are playing read and react, or playing the pass first (which makes sense, when we play Manning week 1).

I don't think it was ever about winning the game. Sure, you'd like to win them all. But whatever time or energy we focus on beating the Saints (or the Cowboys) we are taking it away from our focus. Week 1 against the Colts.

If they blow it against the Boys this weekend, there's going to be some serious heat put upon our team. Preseason doesn't count, but it damn sure MATTERS.

Again. Screw the Cowboys, and screw winning another preseason game ever again. 2007, at Reliant, we whipped their ass, it wasn't even funny. They kept their ones in to score on our 3s.

They went 13-3, we went 8-8.

It is the preseason.

 

[thunderkyss]

See this is the problem i have with all of this..how can you say these guys "dogged" it out there saturday? I've watched the game (at least the 1st half) 3 times & effort was not the problem..If anything trying too hard by continously over-pursuing & reacting too fast was more of the problem.

As if the objective wasn't to get the RB, or the QB, but as if they were working on penetrating.

If you actually go back & look at the game, time after time, the saints rbs were cutting back against the grain & no one was there (Smith & Barwin mainly) or guys were getting up field entirely too fast taking themselves out of the play instead of seeing what's going on 1st. (Smith & Okoye).

Exactly. I saw one play, where Mario runs down the line, over the top, in front of the LT, who eventually hooked him and got him moving to the sideline.

That's not the way we play. Mario always (always) shoots inside, and runs down the RB on their side of the LOS.

Another thing, I don't think there is an OLman on the planet, that can consistently block out Demeco & Cushing. Yet it happened with regularity, as they sat on their heels.

I honestly believe they were working on something else, looking past this game, and hopefully the next two games, to get ready for the Colts.

 

[Rey]

I'm not too upset about the NO game anymore...

Looking back I can see some reasons why we'd come out flat and NO would come out on fire...

Also, I think that if Trindon doesn't muff that punt the game may look better...

Defense had actually stopped NO on their second drive only to return to the field later gassed and already in the red zone...

Offense didn't do them any favors with the three and outs either...Not a lot of time to rest and get your legs back...

I know that these are just excuses, but I'm just searching for other possiblities besides "we suck again"...I think that the team is still on track to have their best season despite that lousy performance this past weekend...

 

[GP]

There is no possible way, IMO, that our coaches had the defense trying a read-and-react style or had them playing sit-and-spin defense.

I just can't see it.

What is the benefit of such a style? To get their rears handed to them as they watch it unfold before their eyes? We're practicing THAT style just in case we play a team that we can use that style for? Because no team in the NFL can be beaten with that style, TK. Richard Smith tried that "style" and its results were putrid. Maybe it was a promotional game: Retro Defense Night?

There is no benefit to getting pushed around the field like a sled.

I might buy the idea that Kubiak told the guys to take the night off and to not get hurt by trying too hard. But I can't buy the idea that we were experimenting or "looking to do so something else" for preparation of using that or looking for that in the future.

All roads lead to the same destination, for me: They dogged it. Whether it was coach-led dogging or individual-led dogging, they dogged it.

 

[thunderkyss]

There is no possible way, IMO, that our coaches had the defense trying a read-and-react style or had them playing sit-and-spin defense.

I just can't see it.

What is the benefit of such a style? To get their rears handed to them as they watch it unfold before their eyes? We're practicing THAT style just in case we play a team that we can use that style for? Because no team in the NFL can be beaten with that style, TK.

What if the focus is to be able to read the play fake? What if you had a team that notoriously gets beat on the play fake? What if you had one of the best play action pass S.O.B. as an opponent in week 1?

We can try to learn how to read that play fake week 1 against Peyton Manning, or we can try to learn against Chase Daniels in a meaningless preseason game.

decisions... decisions...

 

[gary]

Gary was pissed afterwards that should speak volumes but some here continue to say what they want.

 

[Rey]

What if the focus is to be able to read the play fake? What if you had a team that notoriously gets beat on the play fake? What if you had one of the best play action pass S.O.B. as an opponent in week 1?

We can try to learn how to read that play fake week 1 against Peyton Manning, or we can try to learn against Chase Daniels in a meaningless preseason game.

decisions... decisions...

What is the benefit of reading a play fake if you're getting gashed for 20 and 30 yard strikes?

The Colts run game does not scare me. It's Manning and his plethora of receivers.

If anything the Texans should have been working on tightening up their pass rush and pass coverage...Especially on third down.

 

[thunderkyss]

Gary was pissed afterwards that should speak volumes but some here continue to say what they want.

I think Gary does a good job telling the papers what they want to hear.

Actions speak louder than words.

He gave the team the day off.

 

[gary]

I think Gary does a good job telling the papers what they want to hear.

Actions speak louder than words.

He gave the team the day off.

Well, that is part of the problem IMO.

 

[thunderkyss]

What is the benefit of reading a play fake if you're getting gashed for 20 and 30 yard strikes?

The Colts run game does not scare me. It's Manning and his plethora of receivers.

If anything the Texans should have been working on tightening up their pass rush and pass coverage...Especially on third down.

I'll bet you money the Colts won't be gashing us for 20-30 yard strikes.

If you truly believe this game meant all that, then it should be an easy bet.

I don't know what they work on in practice. I don't know what the focus was on Saturday night.

But I do know that it should all be getting us prepared for Sept 12th.

I know when I watch them in drills, it doesn't look like the CB ever wins. What little I've seen before games, and on HT.com A lot of the things they do do not make sense to me.

But it works.

I don't know that they were practicing reading the play fake, I just threw that out there.

 

[thunderkyss]

Well, that is part of the problem IMO.

IMO that means we're right on schedule.