Texans 08 Review

[76Texan]

JAGS ball @ their 1, less than 2 mins to go in the 1st qtr.

Texans loaded the box with 9.
Adibi stopped MJD off the LG after 4 yd.
Okoye a little late off the snap and couldn’t control our left B gap.
Okam drew the double team in our right A-gap and stood it up all right.
Ferguson can be a little stouter on the WR just outside the TE.

On second down, Taylor made a good cut to the outside for 10 yds and a first down to the JAGS 15.
We flowed right in base 4-3; he wickedly cut it the other way.
Reeves needed to stay home to provide last containment;
instead he was sent flying by a stiff arm.

1-10 @JAGS 15
Texans in the 5-2, with Bentley at the LOS on our left.
We then bring Ferguson up to the line, loading that side.
Bentley was left open and stopped Taylor for no gain.
They foolishly ran right into our strong arms.
Weaver also there.

On 2nd down, we came with a 5-man zone blitz,
But Garrard completed a quick pass to the right for 5 yd.
It was possible that we were laying a trap for Reeves,
but LDE Mario went too far, too deep to be able to narrow the passing lane.
(Nah may be there was no trap, just my imagination!)

On 3rd and 5, Bennett overran the ball just a tiny bit, enough for Matt Jones to pull in a catch at the JAGS 45.
He had given Matt Jones a little chuck off the LOS, but lost balance momentarily.
Good execution by the Jags.
We were in press man coverage across the board.

1-10 @JAGS 45
A quick check down pass to Taylor gained 6 yds.
We were in a 4-4 with good coverage.
Taylor helped double team on Mario before releasing.
I think we kinda of not pay enough attention to him.

Next, the Texans attacked with 8 men to stop Taylor short of the first down.
Our weak side (left), especially LDE Bulman, should be a little stronger though.

On 3rd and short, Texans came again with 8 men to flush MJD to his left.
Dunta, the 9th man (played 3 yd off the LOS) had outside containment.
But Reeves, the 10th man (played 4 yd off the LOS) came up too far inside; bad angle.
He let MJD “run over and through him” (the announcer’s words, LOL!) to our 32.
In the process, he also rolled through Demeco’s feet, and broke him off the tackle.
Doesn’t matter, they didn’t need much for the first down.

1-10 @TXN 32
A false start set the Jags back 5.

1-10 @TXN 37
Another 8-man attack limited MJD to a 3 yd gain.
We stacked the middle and our right side, forcing him go the other way.
Ferguson and Demeco came up to fill the left.
He worked hard for it.

On 2-11, Texans in base 4-3
Garrard couldn’t find an open receiver, and with the rush (Mario) closing in, he tugged the ball and scrambled toward the sideline for 7 yds.

Texans in base 4-3 again, on 3rd-3
Demeco came quickly up the middle, unexpected and unblocked.
Garrard threw the ball away.

Scobee’s FG attempt sailed just right.
Texans still lead 10-0 with just under 10 mins to the half.

……….

TEXANS ball at our 33

They sent eight, anticipating a run; but instead, Sage rolled right and completed a pass to AJ on the sideline for 11 yds.

They blitzed 6. Sage completed a quick pass to AJ up the middle.

They swarmed with 9, but Slaton sliced through for 9 yds to their 43.
Good blocking by Brown, Walter, AJ, and Brisiel.

In their base 4-3, Sage rolled right again.
His pass to AD in the end zone was slightly under thrown, however.
He could have run for the first down, but we wanted a big play.
(Let’s bring T-Rex and his strong arm in here, LOL!)

A counter run left netted only one yard.
SS = Brisiel couldn’t disengage quickly enough from #92 to block the LB.
It’s not easy to do, but I think that was his assignment.
VG = Pitts, I believe, was to seal one side of the running lane, and VG = Brown the other.

False Start Walter.

On 3-14, Jags sent just 3 to rush.
They had good coverage.
Sage had practically no chance on a sideline pass to AD.

We punted.

………

JAGS ball at their 16 with about 6 mins to the half

They called for a fair catch at the 16, but started the drive at the 18 ???
Guess the Jags can use all the helps from the refs, LOL!

Texans play back in nickel.
We brought pressure with the 4-man front;
RDE Mario, LDT Okoye collapsed the pocket.
TJ gained on the double team.
Garrard checked the hot receiver for a quick 5 yds..

2-7 @ JAGS 23

We brought 9 and flowed right.
They ran a counter play left for 19 yds.
Demeco recovered, but went a little too far out from containment and got picked off by the double team..
That left too much room for Adibi to cover as he missed the tackle on Taylor.
(Dang, that “old” Jaguars still has some sharp teeth, LOL!)
Wilson came up, but Taylor “did” him just the same.
Reeves also needs to get off the receiver quicker.

1-10 @ JAGS 42
Texans in nickel and play back.
They ran a screen to MJD.
Good job by Bulman to react quickly.
Bentley and Mario also got off their men nicely.
Okoye, Ferguson, and Demeco also swarmed the ball.
2-yd loss.

2-12 @ JAGS 40
Texans in nickel again, MJD ran off RT for 7 yds.
LDE Mario could do a better job on his man, the TE.

3-5 @JAGS 47
Texans in 5-man front with Bentley on the right.
Wilson single deep safety.
3 DBs in press man coverage.
We came with a 6-man delay (slightly) blitz.
Good coverage by Dunta and Bennett on the key receivers.
Demeco also sliced out in coverage, preventing Garrard from going to Matt Jones.
That gave LDE Mario just enough time (under 2 secs) to get in for a sack
This one, really, is a combination of coverage and individual effort by Mario.
The other 5 attackers got picked up squarely and were miles away from the QB.
Well, Ferguson did come in a little later; but that shouldn’t matter.

Punt.

….

Texans ball at their 24 with 3 mins to go to the half.

Jags brought 8.
Slaton ran right for 4 yds.

On 2nd down, the Jags brought a 5-man blitz.
Sage completed a quick pass to Walter on the left.
He avoided a tackle and gained almost 30 yds.
Salaam needs to be stronger on his man.

1-10 @ JAGS 33
They blitzed 7.
Sage rolled right looking for a deep pass.
They had good coverage on all our receivers.
Sage ran for a couple yards out of bound.
Late hit.
Del Rio was getting desperate.
He lost another challenge (the other was on the punt we recovered at their one.)
This time, he claimed the DB #29 was blocked into Sage.
The announcer said “perhaps blocked by the wind”, LOL LOL!
.
1-10 @JAGS 25
We drew their 4 D-linemen in to set up a 4-5 yd screen pass to Slaton.
The same CB #29 also committed holding on AD.
5 yd penalty, no play.

1-10 @ JAGS 20
Jags in base 4-3
Texans in 2-TE balance set.
10 yd completion to Dreessen.

1-Goal @ JAGS 10
Jags blitzed 6.
Texans set up a swing pass to Slaton in the left flat.
Sage was late and threw a flat ball that was batted down by the CB #29 Williams.
Loop it over the top, Sage!
(The announcer said.)
Man, that had a chance for 6.

2-Goal
A quick hitch pass to AJ.
The Jags sniffed it out.
Just half a yard gain.
I don’t like this call against this D-formation.
We had better number on the right side with O.D. and Slaton
(against a LB and a CB.)
Instead, we went straight to their strength.

3-Goal
Jags rushed 3.
Sage went with a pass up the middle to AJ for about 5 yds.
I don’t like this either.
Sage ought to wait and find somebody in the end zone.
He still had plenty of time.
If anything, he can always throw the ball away.

Pittman bad snap on the FG non-attempt.
This is another instance that ruins our red zone stat.

Bad QB play, questionable play calling!

Texans led 10-0 at the half.

………….

Jags had 6 plays in our territory.

Kubiak said “We played very well defensively.
(But) We got away from the running game.”
You’re right, coach!

31 net yard for the Jags.

.............

Del Rio said “We settled down and played better defensively.
It could have been a lot worse.”
You’re right on the second count, coach!
LOL, LOL!

 

[76Texan]

No offense, but when your scoring system comes back and spits out Adrian Peterson as the 27th ranked RB you wad it up, throw it in the circular filing cabinet and go back to start.

Yeah, that was pretty raw!
Barry Sanders wasn't asked to block much, nor catch much either.

Still, I do give them prop for an ambitious project.

As with anything new, much work remain; usually the case for amateurs; (hey, I'm an amateur, too!)

Maddict, thanks for the link; I will study it further!

 

[Maddict5]

Yeah, that was pretty raw!
Barry Sanders wasn't asked to block much, nor catch much either.

Still, I do give them prop for an ambitious project.

As with anything new, much work remain; usually the case for amateurs; (hey, I'm an amateur, too!)

Maddict, thanks for the link; I will study it further!

exactly. its easy too just generalise it based on the 'overall' ranking but they break it down. AD was the 4th ranked rusher last year- sounds about right doesnt it?

the same way OD is ranked pretty badly among the TE's overall because of his blocking.. but hes the 3rd ranked receiving TE.

my point is you dont have to take the 'overall' as gospel. they just ranked each player in each category based on the film & added them up, whereas a weighting system may be more realistic.

a worthwhile idea and you cant really argue with it because they have done their homework

 

[Paul31]

Funny, you were slagging it off elsewhere.

 

[Maddict5]

Funny, you were slagging it off elsewhere.

trying to expose me on two boards now is it?

look at post #51 on that thread.

i looked at OD's blocking in the limited footage i had and it seemed decent to me but then i hadnt done the homework they had on it so who was I to question it? and like i said then, maybe there should be a weighting attached to the grading etc

and id still like a play by play grade to see how they rank it.

 

[76Texan]

There are things that can be argued about their grading (by ProFootballFocus.)

But most likely they would have the number of plays a guy participated in for a particular game correctly or very very close.

Reeves figure in 850 plays; Bennett 507.

They don't have the Browns game (wonder why?).

But even if one counted that Reeves played the whole time, and Bennett did not play at all (which wasn't true), Reeves DID NOT appear in TWICE the number of plays as Bennett over the course of the entire season..

I imagine we have that matter setlled now.

 

[76Texan]

Jags at Texans

3rd Qtr

JAGS ball at their 28

On first down, Garrard rolled right - away from the faked run left,
and completed a 12 yd pass to Matt Jones.
Reeves gave a big cushion here, I admit, with no intention to attack.

1-10 @ JAGS 40
We brought 8 to limit Taylor to a one-yd run up the middle.

2-9
We brought a 5-man zone blitz on the right side.
Garrard completed a quick pass for 6 yards.
See, sometimes the blitz is not good.
Errrr, it was a completion to Garrard himself for a negative six yards, LOL!
Demeco batted the ball back into Garrard’s lap.
He should have dropped that ball, LOL LOL!
So which QB is more stupid now?

3-15 @ JAGS 35
Texans brought a 5-man zone blitz.
Garrard bought enough time for a 32 yd completion to Porter on his left.
The play was called back by an (unnecessary) hold by the TE on Barber; however.
We dodged a bullet there on the blitz.
Can’t tell who was in coverage.
Looked like Wilson and Ferguson were in zone and not on the same page.

3-30 @JAGS 20
We rushed 3.
MJD dropped a short screen pass.
That one wouldn’t go anywhere far, anyway.

Punt.

…………

A nice return by JJ along the left sideline.

1-10 @ JAGS 38
A short one-yd gain for Slaton to the left.
Come on Leach!
Pitts missed the LB on the next level, but that didn’t matter as much.

2-9
Winston let his man get away to the inside.
A 3-yd loss for Slaton this time.

3-12 @JAGS 40
Sage completed a pass to Walter for 8 yds into FG range.
Texans were in the spread against a 4-man rush.

50-yd FG by Kris was comfortably long.
Texans 13-0

………

JAGS ball at their 20 around the 10-min mark.
We brought 9 to play the run and couldn’t get back in coverage quickly enough.
17-yd completion in the hole.

1-10 @ JAGS 37
We brought 8 again.
Ferguson penetrated the backfield but Garrard rolled to the outside.
Ferguson chased him hotly and put him on the ground just after he released the ball.
Matt Jones had position on Reeves, but just didn’t have enough speed.
He was open (per the announcer). Ball was a little too long for him, however.
Always a two-edge sword, the blitz!

2-10
Jags got a good push on Okoye (double team) for a 5-yd run.

3-5 @JAGS 42
Texans in nickel.
Mario pushed his man into Garrard, who bought just enough time by back pedaling and completed a short 6-yd pass to his receiver on the left, covered by Reeves.

1-10 @JAGS 48
In a 5-man line, Texans came with a 5-man zone blitz.
Garrard was stepped on by his man, and stumbled to the ground.
He quickly recovered and scampered to the outside, however.
Mario, who had dropped back in coverage, was even faster; he came up like a flash for a 3-yd TFL.

2-13 @JAGS 45
Dunta played back to invite a pass to Matt Jones.
Robinson came up to attempt an int, but just missed.
17-yd completion.

1-10 @TXN 38
A 5-man blitz caused a false start.

1-15 @TXN 43
Texans in a rare 4-4, and came with a 5-man zone blitz, Mario dropping back in coverage from RDE.
Garrard read it well, and dumped a quick pass to Porter the other way for a 6-yd gain on Reeves.

2-9 @TXN 37
Texans in 4-3.
All 3 LBs got stood up by their men a little too long.
Ferguson came up trying to prevent Taylor from making a first down, but missed.
Reeves lost outside containment (this would have turned Taylor inside for Adibi short of the first down). He went on to miss the tackle trying to swipe at Taylor’s feet, finding air.
Taylor got all the way to our 13 for a 24-yd run.

1-10 @TXN 13
Texans with a 5-man line, and 9 men in the box, daring the Jags to pass.
Instead, they ran a draw, but Weaver beat his man and tackle Taylor for a 2-yd loss.

2-12 @TXN 15
Reeves made up for his mistake by jumping in front of the receiver, a slight chance for an int. there.
But actually, he was beaten. A high throw toward the back of the end zone would probably have resulted in disaster.

3-12 @TXN 15
Texans in nickel and rushed only 4.
Okoye did a great job slicing through the double team and got right into Garrard’d face.
That allowed Zgonina to stunt all the way from LDT to Okoye’s right.
He took Garrard down just as he dumped off the ball to Matt Jones.
(Okoye would have gotten there just the same.)
Dunta came in to make a nice tackle, stopping Jones short of the ten-yd line.
(Matt Jones saw Ferguson and Wilson both converging up the middle so he wanted to try his luck on the outside.)

JAGS kicked a FG to get on the board.
Texans 13-3 with about 3:30 left in the third.

………….

Del Rio was so desperate, he didn’t even try to mask the onside kick.

Thompson recovered the ball for the Texans.

1-10 @ JAGS 42

False start on Winston,

1-15
No problem, even with the Jags rushing five.
Sage threw a quick swing pass to Slaton on his left.
Slaton cut back across the grain to the other side, all the way to 2-yd line.
The Jags over-pursued.
A little better blocking by O.D. and Slaton would have scored.

Texans would fail to score a TD here, running the same play 3 times.
(or very similar plays, with slightly different options for Slaton, and using different methods of blocking.)
I will probably dissect them in another thread.

Failure on their assignments by different players: Leach, Winston, Myers, Pitts, Brisiel.

And perhaps Slaton would have had better chances on the outside.

Texans kicked a FG to lead 16-3 with 46 secs to go in the 3rd.

 

[76Texan]

exactly. its easy too just generalise it based on the 'overall' ranking but they break it down. AD was the 4th ranked rusher last year- sounds about right doesnt it?

the same way OD is ranked pretty badly among the TE's overall because of his blocking.. but hes the 3rd ranked receiving TE.

my point is you dont have to take the 'overall' as gospel. they just ranked each player in each category based on the film & added them up, whereas a weighting system may be more realistic.

a worthwhile idea and you cant really argue with it because they have done their homework

Interestingly, they rated Myers quite decent with the Broncos last year
(which was what I saw on tapes.)
They didn't have game 4 & 5 (the other 2 games that Myers played at LG), but overall, he would grade out just the same (better at Guard than C).
Even at C, he was quite decent.

I think the Broncos' analyst is more familiar with the zone blocking scheme, and perhaps can see things better than the Texans' guy ?!?

 

[76Texan]

MNF - rest of the game.


Jags ball at their 39.

1-10
Texans came with a 6-man blitz on six blockers.
SAM Greenwood (a rare substitute in this game) attacked the B gap so that Demeco can stunt toward the C gap.
We collapsed the pocket in 2 secs (Weaver, Ryans, T.J).
- Mario couldn’t shake the LT soon enough, why we didn’t have a sack, LOL!
Garrard completed a pass for 20 yd in the middle.
The pass was low and behind, but the TE Lewis reached back and scooped it off the floor.
Great catch.

1-10 @TXN 41
Taylor ran behind/off Guard for 5 yds.
Both Okoye and Nading were pushed back by a combo block
Still, they needed to hold the ground stronger.
Ferguson and Adibi came up from both sides; they had the runner surrounded.

2-5 @TXN 36
Texans blitzed 7.
Garrard hurried his throw, which ended up behind Matt Jones (who had Reeves beat again.) Reeves stumbled, but at least he was good enough to recover.
So this time, the blitz helped the coverage.

3-5
Good jobs by Okoye and Ferguson in containment.
Ryans shed his blocker to make the tackle on MJD on a 3-yd run.
Weaver and Adibi were there in support.

The Jags elected to go on 4th down.
Texans brought 8 men to the LOS, but did not blitz.
Maybe they should have. (Not much of a chance though.)
A quick lob pass to Matt Jones gained 27 yds on who else but Jacques Reeves!
OK, so Matt Jones got away with a bump.
Quit dogging Reeves, LOL!

1-Goal @TXN 6
A good job by Weaver slicing over to slow down MJD after 2 yds.
Adibi also combined for the tackle.
Okoye was pushed back originally, but recovered to join the fray.

2-Goal @TXN 4
Penetration by Bulman forced Garrard to take off.
(He also saw some daylight ahead.)
But Demeco filled the lane for a 1-yd TFL.
Nading came back quickly to help.
Ferguson & Okoye also there.

3-Goal @TXN 5
Texans were in their nickel package and dropped back in coverage.
Garrard couldn’t find anybody; he just threw the ball away.
Mario was threatening his personal space.

4th down.
Garrard fell down (he got stepped on the foot by an O-lineman,) but got up quickly.
Adibi came up on an 8-man blitz to put him on the ground again.
His prayer fluttered up in the air.
Bennett, who had good coverage, would have had that INT if not for the receiver’s interference.
He (R. Williams) got away with the call though.

………

Texans took over on down with a little over 12 mins to play.

1-10 @ TXN 5
Slaton up the middle for 3 yds.
VB = Winston got pushed back, crowding the running lane.
B = Brisiel was weak in the combo block.

2-7 @TXN 8
Jags brought 8.
On a faked run right, Sage rolled left to buy some time and completed a pass to O.D. for 11 yd in the middle.
He took a shot though.
B = Dreessen can do better on the cut block.

1-10 @TXN 19
Slaton strong side run left for 7 yds.
VB = Salaam completely missed his cut block, but Slaton made the defender miss.

2-3 @TXN 26
Slaton weak side run left for 2 yds.
T = Winston missed the seal-off block on the back side, allowing the defender to penetrate and chase behind LOS for the tackle.
B = Pitts also needed to do better on his man.

3-1 @TXN 28
Jags crowded the line with 7 men.
They brought 9 in all.
Slaton started right, then cut up the middle.
He made a couple of guys miss for a 22-yd run.
E = Pitts on a down block.
VG = Winston, Brisiel, Leach on a couple of combo blocks.

1-10 @ Midfield.
A quick pass to AJ gained 8 yds.
The Jags went for the faked run left.

2-2 @JAGS 42
Moats on a counter run left for 4 yds.
Slaton would have gone further.
Good job blocking on the left side, except for A.Davis.

1-10 @JAGS 38
On a rare pull by Winston around right end, Moats lost 5 yds.
Brisiel was too eager and left the train early, leaving too big a void for Myers to catch up to.
The DT penetrated the gap to pursue the runner.
Winston not quite fast enough in the lead block.
They had outside containment, too.
Slaton might have a chance to minimize that loss.

2-15 @JAGS 43
Henderson gave Pitts a quick strong jab, then jumped up to bat the ball down.
Incomplete pass.

3-15
Slaton on a safe draw play up the middle.
Brisiel missed the block on the second level.
That one could have come back into FG range.
Texans punt, fair caught at the 9.
………..

Jags 1-10 @ JAGS 9
Texans started to play prevent defense.
After a completion to Jones on Reeves, Mario beat his man to force a fumble by Garrard.

Texans then scored on a Slaton’s run from the Jags’ 7.
Similar blocking as on the 22-yd run, even better.
Brown > Salaam

For all practical purpose, it’s garbage time.
The only thing that happened was to hurt some guys’ completion percentage/pass thrown toward.

3 on Bennett and 2 on Dunta.

 

[76Texan]

Texans goal line offense vs. Jags

1-10 @JAGS 2

Texans add Salaam next to Brown.
O.D. as the second TE on the other side.
Dreessen was the man in motion; just before the ball was snapped he was hovering behind O.D., then moved outside, looking to block # 52 Smith.

Jags countered with 6 linemen (from their right to left):
91 RDE Harvey, 95 RDE Spicer, 98 RDT Henderson, 92 LDT Meier, 96 LDT McDaniel, 97 LDE Hayward.

43 SS Sensabaugh, 51 LB Ingram, 52 LB Smith, 54 LB Peterson, 56 LB Durant rounded out the grouping.

On our right, their 3 linemen covered ours almost directly (97 LDE on O.D., 96 LDT on Winston, 92 LDT on Brisiel.)

On our left, 98 RDT was just outside Myers’ shoulder.
The other two in the B and C gaps, but closer to the outside.

52 Smith on their left edge, outside O.D.
51 Ingram on their right edge, outside Salaam.

In the back, 43 SS lined up on their left (checking and following Dreessen’s motion)
54 Peterson in the middle on Myers, 56 Durant on their right on Salaam.

Slaton started by heading toward O.D.'s outside shoulder, following Leach.
Looked like we wanted an outside zone run.

Brisiel and Winston in combo block on 96 (pushing him left) to create the cut back lane inside. Then Winston would release to take on a LB, whoever closest to him.

O.D. (on 97 Hayward) and Dreessen (on 52 Smith) blocked in to give Slaton the outside-end run or off-tackle run.
(I think, usually, when the TE blocks in, it will be a run outside, as was this case.)

O.D. was pushed back by Hayward 2 yds into the backfield to the outside.
Leach ran right into O.D.’s back.
(Leach was supposed to take on either the LB 54 Peterson or the SS 43; whoever to get there first.
Most usually, Slaton would follow Leach.)
Leach recovered and veered outside, so did Slaton.
But because of the collision, Leach was late to block the SS 43.
(It’s also possible that Leach wanted to make sure that Hayward is contained.)

Slaton cut behind Leach, slightly to his right, and met the SS.
Sensabaugh tackled Slaton for a 1-1/2-yd loss.

(I think Slaton should continue to the outside;
Dreessen had a nice block going out there.
Oh well, I guess he was told to follow the FB.)

(Still, had the play called for Leach to go strong inside, it would likely have good result.
We had good blockings inside, too!)

Brisiel and Winston were in a combo block and drove 96 McDaniel back to the goal line, where Winston released to take on 56 Durant, neutralizing him.

Myers was successful against 92 Meier with a cut block.
Pitts with a real low dive block on 98 Henderson.
(He was probably trying to get to 92 as well.)
Brown blocked down on 98 Henderson.
These 3 created a big pile in the middle, neutralizing 92 & 98; and in the process stopped 95 Spicer in his track as well.

Salaam committed to soon on the cut block;
91 RDE Harvey simply stepped over him but had no chance to pursue the play from the back side.
51 Ingram was optioned; he was too far from play side to have any effect.

They key here, I think, was that O.D. had to go against a DE (Hayward, who carried 275 lbs, not a monster, but still much bigger than any of their LBs.)
He got pushed back, but did turn Hayward inside.

If Leach was to go inside, he could have helped O.D. drive Hayward back, rewiden the cut back lane for Slaton.

If Leach was able to go outside straight away, Hayward would be a non-factor (at least temporarily.) Leach can take on the SS Sensabaugh easily with his angle.
Slaton then can run around end or continue on to the outside faster.
We needed less than 2 yds.
It was just an unfortunate event ???

 

[76Texan]

Texans short yardage agaisnt Jags MNF (continued)

..........

Texans tried it again on second down.
The ball was exactly on the 3-yd line.

O.D. couldn’t get any movement, but at least he was able to stand up Hayward.
I thought Leach would do better going outside of O.D., but he went inside into traffic.
I think it was the offensive call.
Slaton gained almost 2 yds.

(Dreessen was good again with his block on the outside.)

96 McDaniel moved inside a little closer to Brisiel to stay away from Winston.
Brisiel didn’t have a good start.
Also, Winston released a bit too soon off the combo block with Brisiel.
That allowed 96 to slice over and swipe at Leach, causing him to stumble and fall.
(Also narrowing the running lane.)

(Leach’s responsibility would have been either 54 Peterson or 43 Sensabaugh, whoever get there first.)

Myers used a shoulder block on 92.
Again, Pitts cut block 98, but also tried to stretch long to get to the feet of 92 as well.
I believe it was by design (Myers high, and Pitts low.)
But since Winston left the train early, Brisiel couldn’t push his guy 96 to the inside.
Even though we managed to get 92 Meier on the ground; without the body of 96 McDaniel, 92 Meier was able to extend his arm to swipe at Slaton.

This gave 98 Henderson more room; he actually stepped back away from the cut block by Pitts, and reached over, getting credit for the tackle along with Peterson (who came back from outside containment – he wouldn’t have figured in the play if Slaton had a clear path.)

Also, 95 Spicer got an early jump on Brown and took him down, preventing him to block down on Henderson. The seal-off block on the back side is important, too!

This is one instance I mentioned that Winston would be better off making sure to secure the LOS first. It might have been a TD.

The culprits this time?
Could be many: Winston, Brisiel, OD, Brown ?
Could be that the Jags were simply ready for it!?!
………..

The Texans planned to do something different.
They had Brown outside of Salaam.
But there seemed to be some miscommunication between O.D. and Dreessen; both walked to the spot outside of Brown.

Texans called time-out and went back to the old formation.

……….

This time, 96, the guy across Brisiel moved to his inside shoulder (staying away further from Winston, and attacking the A gap)

97 switched place with 52 on their left side.
They did the same on the right side, switching DE and LB.

Overall, the Jags clamped things up to the inside a little more.
But we went ahead and ran to their strength anyway!

This time, Myers blocked a little higher to allow Pitts better access to 92 underneath?
Or perhaps his man 92 had a better start? Or he was lower with his pads?

Anyway, 98 Henderson was quick to pin down Pitts.
He was ready.
Soon as Pitts went for the dive block, he got on top and drove Pitts down, not letting Pitts get to the next guy, 92.
Then he stepped over Pitts to join the fray.

That left Myers on an island.
And by blocking high, Myers couldn’t sustain his man, since he was moving more sideway, while the other guy was moving more ahead. No way Myers can square up quickly enough. He was further away from playside than the defender.

I don’t know why we had Brisiel and Winston combine so strongly on a block forward.
Perhaps they simply were counting on Brown, Pitts, and Myers to do a better job?
It did not look like Leach was supposed to come up to seal off the side vacated by Brisiel and help Myers secure the left side (he could have; that would re-widen the path.)

It also looked like, from the way the two sides line up (an end zone shot), Brisiel could also gave Myers help before switching to the combo block with Winston.

On the second angle, you can see both 98 and 92 advancing on Myers in the middle, right into Slaton.

On the outside, 97 pushed Dreessen backward and was able to slide inside, unlike 52.
Slaton ran into a vise grip between 97 and 92.
97 Hayward actually got there first.
98 also converged to form a three-prong attack.
No chance!

Once again, it looked very much like Slaton could have better luck bouncing to the outside.

 

[76Texan]

1st QTR

Texans ball.
1-10 @TXN 25
MS rolled right and completed a 5 yd pass to Leach on a run fake left.

2-5 @TXN 30
Great blocking on he left side by Walter, Dreessen, Leach and Pitts on a 12-yd Slaton’s run.
Great blocking by Myers and Winston in the combo blocks and also on the second level.
Brisiel was a little weak even with original help from Winston.
Slaton managed to squeeze through that hole.

1-10 @TXN 42
TD Texans, Walter took the pass at the PAC 32 and left a couple of defenders in the dirt.
MS took a couple of shot in the pocket on a 6-man blitz.
That ball could have sailed and perhaps resulted in an INT.
Brisiel should have stayed with the D-lineman instead of switching to the blitzing LB.
(The guy was not going to get there.)
Instead, the DT met MS straight up and put him on his back.
Kampman also beat Winston off the edge and joined in the medley.
Slaton sacrificed his body on the other blitzing LB.
Had Brisiel stayed with the DT, he could have also helped out Slaton.
The two of them together would make a better joint-force to stop the momentum of the two defenders.
The other LB may very well run into Kampman, or slow him down a bit, thus avoiding any collision for MS.
Schaub could have been sidelined from that play.
Especially in that 6 degree weather.
In Brisiel’s and Winston’s defense, MS had slightly over 3 secs to throw the ball.
He hung in there to make the play, but still.
If anything, Brisiel needed to have some form of communication with Myers (who had sliced over to help Pitts on the RDT after the initial combo block with Brisiel on the LDT; after all the play was toward that side, you want the QB to have a clear line of sight toward the receiver) to call him back to the LDT.
It was a delay blitz; one of the LBs came from 5 yds away, and also hesitated a little bit.
Perhaps Myers also needed to make a better line call to guard against such scenario???)
But Pitts had started to loose his battle!!!

Texans lead 7-0

…………..

PACKS’ ball
1-10 @PAC 32
PK in straight I, strong right, 2 wides split Right and Left.
Texans in Over front 4-3
Dunta on-man weak side, Reeves off-man strong side.
2 safeties deep, but then we would bring Harrison up the strong side to play the run (containment).
They would do this often with Adibi as SAM and Bentley at WILL.
That’s just how they normal play off their OVER front on a running play.
TJ drew the double team from C (S.Wells) & LG, but Okoye wasn’t stout enough at the point.
He took on RG (S.Spitz) first, then RT came over in a combo block (Packers in ZBS) and push him back some as the RG released to the next level.
5-yd run for Grant behind Center and LG.
(Notice that Reeves played off-man ‘cause he had no safety help,
with Harrison up to play the run.)

2-5 @PAC 37
PK spread the field to run.
Single back, 4 wides.
Texans in nickel, with an UNDER front.
(Or this could be the MIAMI front since Mario at RDE lined up wide outside.
If there were a TE on this side, Mario would have been slightly outside him.)
Our 2 LBs were at normal depth about 5 yds off the LOS.
The RG was uncovered, so Ryans would be responsible for that side, along with Nading at LDE. We were enticing them to run to that side.
Bulman at LDT had a good jump on the C, pushing him back almost 5 yds into the backfield, crowding the running lane.
Nading was able to hold up containment at LDE.
The RG released onto Ryans, but Demeco was strong enough to push him back off the LOS. RDT Okoye had enough a piece of the LG to allow Adibi to flow free toward the play. Nading also disengaged to come back to assist.
A 2-1/2 yd gain for Grant.
If Nading were able to push inward a little more, that would have been a TFL.

3 and a long 2
PK in shotgun, single back right, next to Rogers, strong left, slot left, split receivers L/R
Texans in Nickel with Miami front.
Dunta played the slot receiver for a slant inside, but Driver broke outside.
Alertly, #23 pulled on Driver to get a 5-yd holding penalty instead of allowing a TD.
You can say that he got beat by Driver, but it still was a savvy play by a veteran;
It remind me of John Lucas playing PG for the Rockets; when he got beat off the dribble, he would pull on the opponent’s jersey sending him to the foul line instead of allowing a clear path to the basket and an easy two.
Dunta was trying to jump underneath a slant for a chance at the ball.
C & RG in double team on Bulman.

1-10 @PAC 45
PK in 2-TE set, straight I formation.
Texans in 4-3 UNDER/MIAMI with Bentley on the LOS containing our RS, then came in on a 5-man zone dog along with Ryans.
Weaver LDE lined up outside the TE, dropped back into coverage, looking for an INT off the releasing TE.
Wilson came up knock the ball off the other TE on a slant route.
TJ got some penetration on the C and got close to Rogers as he threw the ball..
Bentley got some push on the TE toward the QB.
RG & RT in double team on Okoye

2-10
Can’t see clearly the formation.
PK in straight I.
Texans had Bentley containing our RS and Harrison our LS.
Harrison would come in a blitz or give chase on a run.
TJ and Okoye couldn’t get any push in the middle (they had numbers over us).
Can’t see clearly, but for sure there were a few combo blocks in there.
A couple of our guys were looking for a chance behind the LOS, but Grant shot up the middle too quickly for a 5-yd play.
Ryans made the tackle.

3-5 @Midfield
PK in shotgun, RB left, TE strong right, slot right, split WRs
TXN in nickel, MIAMI front, single safety.
Harrison played up as a WILL on the LOS, our RS.
Press man coverage all across.
Strangely (we don’t blitz in press hardly), we came in with a 6-man attack that never got there.
Rogers quickly (1-1/2 secs) lobbed the ball to Jennings on the left side.
He had Reeves beaten, but the ball was to the outside of the receiver.
I guess the blitz helped here, ‘cause with a little more time, that would have quite likely been a TD, or at least a big play.
RG in combo with C on Okoye.
Our blitzers ran right into the stack.

PK PUNT

…………

Texans ball
1-10 @TXN 25
Slaton 6yd run inside RT.
Good blocking by Brown, Pitts, Leach, Myers, Brisiel, and especially Winston.
O.D. couldn’t get to the defender on the next level; otherwise it would have been a first down and more.

2-4 @TXN 29
Same running play called.
Not as good blocking all across, but Slaton managed to squeeze through the hole inches to a first down.
O.D. didn’t have a clean cut block on the back side, allowing an extra defender to put a hand on Slaton, pulling him back just short.

3 and short @TXN 34.5
Similar play called.
PK stacked the box with 9 and had numbers over us.
One guy #55 Bishop slipped through the crack unblocked and tackle Sapp for a 5 yd loss.
Somebody just got to pick up that guy.
He lined up to close to the play to be ignored.
If that was supposed to be an end run, Brisiel needed to close the gap between him and Winston.
And I think it was because Leach had started to go outside Winston to block the next defender before he tried to turn back inside on Bishop.
If it was an inside tackle run then either Brisiel had to get on Bishop quickly and/or Leach had to go up the inside quickly.
(I would have like to have a passing play call, releasing O.D. on the same side with AJ – Either he or A.J. would have single coverage).
Oh well, it wasn’t the first time we were stubborn enough to run against an opponent’s strength.

3 and out, Texans Punt

………..

PK ball.
1-10 @PAC 30
PK in straight I, TE strong R, 2 WRs split wide.
Texans in 4-3 OVER.
Our front seven swarmed to the line playing the run.
Rogers threw a 45yd pass to Driver over Reeves on the strong side.
Driver was called for interference, however.
He had at least half a step on Reeves, but he extended his arm to push Reeves in passing, trying to get extra seperation.
C & LG in double team on our RDT Zgonina, RG & RT on our LDT
Mario almost got there.

1-20 @PAC 20
PK with single back, TE strong R. slot tight L, 2 WRs split wides.
Texans in 4-3 OVER
Grant 5yd run inside LT.
We flowed well to the ball. Zgonina, Ryans, Wilson.
Deljuan penetrated the left, Mario contained the right, Adibi filled the gap.
C Wells started in combo with LG, did have a push on Gzonina.
RG released and missed on Adibi, who got in the play.

2-15 @PAC 25
PK in spread, single back.
Texans in nickel.
We rushed 4 and collapsed the pocket.
Rogers scrambled for 5.
C & RG in double team on Bulman.

3-10
Same formation.
Rogers delivered a quick pass to the left to Nelson over Reeves enough for a first down,
But the Pro-Bowl LT Clifton was called for holding on Mario.
C Wells was uncovered then joined the LG on a double team (Bulman).
RG got pushed back 9 yds into Rogers (either Okoye or TJ)
Rogers stepped up the other way, behind C and LG.

3-20 @PAC 20
Texans rushed 3, conceding a 10yd pass to force a punt.
C & RG double-team again.

…….

Texans ball after an unfortunate close call for blocking in the back shoulder.
JJ had returned the punt to the 46. (5:50 mark)

1-10 @TXN 11
Pitts got pushed back almost into MS.
Winston was beaten off the edge as Kampman also got close to the QB.
MS almost completed a 17yd pass to Walter, but the throw was a little low.

2-10
Winston got beat again, this time to the inside.
Kampman had his hands on MS as he delivered an off-target throw that almost got picked-off. He was throwing off his back heel as Kampman pulled him to the ground.

3-10
A lot of nifty blocking on the left side.
Slaton somehow managed to squeeze through the maze of bodies for a 13yd gain.

1-10 @TXN 24
Slaton tried a run off LG, but the Packers guessed correctly and swarmed to the ball.
Pitts couldn’t get on the LB fast enough.
Leach ran into his back, clogging up the running lane.
Slaton cut back to the right.
But O.D. was trying to block Kampman away from the originally intended play side.
This allowed Kampman to make the tackle from the backside.
LOL, if only O.D. had blown this assignment, allowing Kampman to surge play side.
Slaton would have had a ton of daylight to run to on the cut back.

2-9
Texans tried a play fake and attempted a long pass to AJ into double coverage.
The veterans Woodson and Harris never bought it.
Almost an INT.
With plenty of time, it was not a good decision by MS.

3-9
Slaton picked up the blitzer nicely.
Again, with time to spare, MS simply under threw Anderson who would have had an easy first down. Maybe it was just too cold.

PUNT

……………

PK ball.
1-10 @PAC 24
Packers in 2-TE set, lone back.
Texans in OVER front, with Bentley on the LOS setting the right edge.
They then brought Harrison up to set the other edge.
Packers ran a play fake left which most of the Texans bought.
More importantly, Harrison should have stayed home with the TE.
Rogers bootleg right.
An easy 22-yd completion to Murphy on the right side.

1-10 @PAC 46
Packers in straight I, TE strong left.
TXN in 4-3 MIAMI
Harrison close to the LOS, containing the strong side, Bentley the other.
TJ sustained the combo block (C & LG), but Okoye can be stronger (combo C & RG).
Weaver sliced over for a tackle to limit Grant to a 3yd run.

2-7
Packers in offset-I, TE strong R
Texans in 4-3 MIAMI, again with Harrison supporting strong side, but this time not as close to the LOS
Instead, it was Ryan’s and Bentley turn to shoot the weak side A & B gaps.
Packers tried a stretch run strong side.
Weaver was able to hold the edge.
Okoye got penetration pass the RG
Bentley chased the backside to form a 3-prong attack.
That slowed Grant down enough for TJ, who had fought through a double team (C & LG), to come in on the tackle slightly ahead of Weaver.
Just a 2yd gain.

3-5 @ TXN 49
Packers in shotgun spread, RB on Rogers right.
Texans in dime package. 3-2 front with Nading playing LB along with Ryans.
We brought Harrison up on a delayed 6-man blitz. (Never got there)
Combo blocks in the middle.
Rogers delivered a quick pass to the wide-out Jones, well defended by Bennett.
Incomplete pass.
A better pass? A better receiver?
Who knows, could be a completion, maybe not; but definitely a much better chance.
So did the blitz help? I guess it did. But it can also backfire easily.

PUNT

………..

Texans ball
1-10 @ TXN 20
Moats 3yd stretch run left.
Slaton probably would have been able to shoot pass the first defender for another 4-5 yds.
We had good blockings but there were just too many green jerseys stuffing that side.

2-7
Play-fake left, MS bootleg right, but the Packers didn’t buy it.
MS threw the ball away.

3-7
Packers blitzed 5
Enough time for MS to complete a 13-yd pass to Anderson

1-10 @TXN 36
Slaton 34 yd run inside RT.
Great blocking by Dreessen, Winston, Myers, Pitts, and Brown.
Brisiel let his man disengage, but Slaton was just too quick;
and with the big hole created by Winston and Dreessen, he just flied thru there in a flash.

1-10 @PAC 31
Either Brisiel or Winston missed their assignment as both released off the combo block.
More likely it was Brisiel’s fault, for the guy on the second level was on the outside, closer to Winston. No gain for Slaton

2-10
Packers swarmed the line with 8 and bought the run-fake on the play action.
19yd completion to AJ on the right side.

1-10 @PAC 12
Packers swarmed the line again.
2yd run for Slaton.
Pitts needed to be stronger off the combo block.

2-8 @PAC 10
Slaton picked up the blitz as MS completed a pass to O.D. around the 3yd line.
He tried to run hard to the end zone, but the defender stripped off the ball.
Instead of a TD, it was a fumble.
Maybe it was just too cold. Still, O.D. needed to hold onto that ball.

 

[HOU-TEX]

Didn't want to start a new thread for this, but I watched the game against the Pack again last night and wanted to make a few last ditch observations before camp.

-First and foremost, we were lucky dogs to pull out a win after so many damn turnovers. If we hadn't turned the ball over it would've been a blowout.

-Winston was whooped by Kampman several times ending with Matt on the ground.

-To my surprise, the interior line (C) actually held their ground for the most part. A few missed blocks in the running game (Brisiel).

-The pick thrown by Matt should've never left his hand. He eyed AD from the snap and the route was jumped before the ball left his hand. Bad decision!

-Slaton pulled a Dayne a couple plays by missing the cut back, but he easily made up for them. lol

-Our DT's were meh. Zgonina's time here is appreciated, but damn, let's just say he was easily handled. lol

-For the TJ haters, he was our best DT this game by far.

-Seeing the Weavster in coverage was beautiful. It's almost like the coaches tell him to just drop back in a space that is occupied by nobody and just stand there. He was in on a few tackles though, props for that.

-Mario was held all day long.

-Eugene had an admirable game

-Let's all bow our heads and pray for either Barber, Fergy or Nolan to step up at SS because Harrison's horrible. It seemed as though he had no clue of what to do and when. He gone!

 

[76Texan]

That pretty much sum it up, HT!

Another thing I like to add is Reeves definitely was not CB of the day!

And props to our receivers for their great job catching the ball in that icy condition!

 

[76Texan]

2nd QTR 13:12

Packers ball
1-10 @ PAK 3
P-Straight I, strong right, 2 wides.
T- 4-3 OVER, with Harrison up on the TE.
Harrison and Weaver turned the runner in for Deljuan and Adibi (SAM).
Weaver pushed the RT into the end zone. Deljuan got a good push on the RG.
Harrison stood up the TE.
That allowed Adibi to meet the FB at the LOS, shutting off the running lane.
Deljuan reached over to tackle the RB.
Harrison was also able to disengage from the TE.
Good jobs by all four.
Their Center started in a combo block on TJ then released but couldn’t get to any LB.


2-9 @ PAK 4
P-Same formation straight I, TE strong R, except with slot left, split left.
T- 4-3 Over
Reeves contained left side as a SAM.
Bentley checked the slot receiver.
Harrison played medium deep middle, Wilson backing up Bentley and Dunta as deep safety.
Dunta dropped back off the receiver.
Rodgers completed a quick pass left to Driver for an 11-yd gain.
I’m pretty sure the Texans were laying a trap, with Dunta playing off-man, giving a large cushion to Driver, inviting the throw.
Wilson was to take over the slot receiver as Bentley released to look for an interception.
(Perhaps Cushing will be faster to the ball when he has enough reps. I will be looking forward to that!)
Deljuan had a great push on the RG into the end zone.
TJ was stunting away from the Center to the other side C gap but was picked up by a couple of guys who were double-teaming Weaver.

1-10 @PAK 15
P-single back, split wides, slot right, TE played off the LOS 3 yards, right.
T- 4-3 Over, in nickel, 2 deep safeties, Dunta on the slot.
Reeves right, Bennett left, off-man.
Rodgers 12 yd pass left to Jones on Reeves.
Dunta came in on a rare CB blitz but was picked up by the RB.
Again, Texans dropped a LB (Adibi) into the passing lane, looking for the interception.
Adibi was quite closer to it than Bentley.
So folks, don’t fret the “cushion” too much.
C & RG worked to bunch Bulman & Okoye together.
Bulman got some push on the Center; Okoye disengaged looking to go somewhere else but Rodgers had already thrown the pass.

1-10 @PAK 27
P- 4 wides spread formation, single back.
Texans in Over Front, nickel, 2 deep safeties. Demeco in middle.
Adibi on the left slot, Reeves outside.
Dunta on slot right, Bennett outside.
Adibi came up on a 4-man zone blitz, Bulman and Demeco dropping back.
Packers ran a couple of crossing routes on the right side.
Dunta followed Driver outside.
Jennings slanted inside for an 11 yd catch. Bennett was behind traffic and couldn’t get there fast enough.
The pass was behind, Jennings almost dropped it.
Mario came in from LDE and jumped up trying to influence the throw.
He could have decked Rodgers instead. It was a clear shot to the rib cage if there ever was one.
Packers were in a run-fake left (ZBS, just a reminder);
Mario was optioned.
It had a chance to be a bad throw and an INT for Bennett.

1-10 @PAK 38
P – straight I, wide left, slot left, slot right.
Texans stayed in nickel, UNDER front.
Dunta on the slot, 2 deep safeties.
Packers faked a run right; that froze us a little bit.
Rodgers rolled left and completed a tough 16 yd pass to Martin.
Wilson defending the crossing route.
We bought the fake that time.

1-10 @TXN 46.
P-shotgun single back right.
2 receivers in tight, on each side.
Texans in nickel. Over Front.
Single safety normal depth.
2 on (Reeves & Bennett), 2 off – 5 yds. (Dunta & Harrison).
Rodgers was about 6” long with the pass on an open receiver around the 16 yd line,
Nelson had beaten Reeves again.
Nading almost got to the QB from RDE.
TJ worked pass the double team (LG & C) and tried to jump up at the pass.
Okoye started to get penetration on the RG, but Mario also pushed the RT inward, canceling each other out.

2-10
P-straight I, strong right.
Texans in 4-3 Over, single safety.
They brought Harrison up to work the strong side.
5 yd run by Grant off LG on a counter run to the weak side.
Bentley came up to contain.
Okoye needed to be stouter.
The LT, LG and C blocked right.
The RG, RT, TE & FB blocked left behind the other guys.
It was a trap play that bunched things up toward the middle.
It surprised RDE Mario, who sliced inside, met a wall, noticed the run to his side (behind him now), reverted back, saw that Bentley was on a runner (the FB), thought that this guy had the ball, wanted to tackle him, saw that the RB was coming up, changed direction again, but just missed the tackle on Grant.
Now this is not read-and-react by Mario.
He started straight to the inside on the LT as this guy blocked away and released.
Then he met the pulling RG head-on before all that melees.
Adibi came up to assist Okoye on the tackle.

3-5 @TXN 41
P-shotgun, single back right.
They sent the TE in motion, now taking the FB position.
Wide left, double slot right.
Texans in Miami front, nickel back
(Mario at LDE outside of the TE originally).
They brought Harrison up the strong side to join in the 7-man blitz.
He and Adibi (SAM) crashed the middle to allow LDT Bulman to stunt (on a slight delay) around our right side.
Demeco twisted to the other side, behind Adibi and Harrison.
The Packs had seven on seven, but the stunt by Bulman caught them off-guard.
Nading also did a great job pushing the LT right close to Rodgers,
(a better job than Mario on the other side, heh heh!)
SACK by Bulman.
Demeco came in shortly, overpowering the blocking back.
Great push by Adibi and Harrison, aided by Deljuan in the middle.
We simply collapsed the pocket on that play.

Packers PUNT

…………..

Texans ball.

1-10 @ TXN 13 with 8:35 to the half.
Packers in single safety, playing the run.
We tried to run off LG, the hole was originally there; but the LB came up strong on Leach who couldn’t get pass the LOS.
Moats cut back inside for 3 yds. O.D. couldn’t get much push on Kampman.

2-7 @TXN 16
Texans tried a run-fake that the Packers never bought.
They rushed 7, Moats missing a blitzer in the middle.
MS SACKED at the 10.
RDE Montgomery beat Dreessen to the inside.
Kampman also got past Winston off the edge.
A 3-prong attack.

3-13 @ TXN 10
Packers rushed four, ready to concede a short gain.
Texans set up a screen pass to Slaton of the left.
Great blockings by AJ, Brown, Pitts, Myers, and O.D. to spring Slaton just enough for a first down.

1-10 @TXN 23
Slaton 2yd run off RG.
We had good blockings throughout, but the Packers swarmed the line.
They read the play correctly and flowed to the PO, closing the hole quickly.

2-8 @TXN 25
MS tried A.D. on a quick out-route.
#38 Williams read it perfectly and jumped ahead for the INT.
MS was so locked onto the receiver and never even tried to watch the CB.
If Williams didn’t step on one of A.D.’s foot, he could have had six.

INTERCEPTION

………….

Packers ball

1-10 @ TXN 23
Packers in straight I, TE strong L, slot right, wide right.
Texans in 4-3 Miami, Reeves & Dunta on-man, two safeties back.
But they brought Harrison up the strong side at the last moment (not aggressive enough though).
Packers wanted a run off RG.
C & RG in double-team on TJ all the way.
Weaver pushed the RT back; Bentley came up to take on the FB in the gap.
Grant cut back for a gain close to 3 yds.
Mario originally played the run to the weak side, pushing the TE inside, then released off him to make the tackle as he noticed the cut back.
Harrison joined him a little late. He had hesitated, wanting to go in the middle.
But I think his job should be containing the outside.

2-7 @ TXN 20
Packers with single back, strong R, slot R, wide R, slot L.
Texans elected not to go their nickel pkg.
Instead they were in the 4-3 Over with Adibi close to the LOS on the TE.
Reeves off the outside WR
Dunta on the slot weak side.
Harrison followed the man in motion, Lee, from slot R to wide L, playing off-man.
As Lee ran a go route, Harrison played him and not the ball.
He turned outside from the back pedal and never saw it coming until late.
Lee was smart enough; when he got close to the end zone, he turned to look at the ball while reaching out with his hands to feel the presence of Harrison.
With his hands on Harrison’s chest, all he needed to do was to give a little shove.
Harrison was no match.
They don’t call interference when the WR looked at the ball.
That gave him plenty of room for the TD catch.
Harrison might as well have played the receiver’s eyes and hands throughout.
To make it worse, Harrison tried feebly to wrap his arms around Lee for a tackle in the end zone; what was that for, LOL!
Either you go for a hit, put a hand on the ball, or just grab his arm and hope for an interference call.
I know the action was fast, but you were supposed to train to react according to the occasion, right ?!?

That evened the score at 7 a piece with about 5 mins to the half.
The INT by MS was as costly as the fumble by O.D.

………………………


Texans ball

1-10 @TXN 30
Run-fake right, MS bootlegged L and launched a pass to Walter who caught the ball and rolled a few more yds all the way close to the PACK 25.
He had put a double move on the defender on the fly route along the left sideline.

1-10 @PAC 25-1/2
Good blocking by all on a 6-yd Slaton run off RT.
Except Walter overran the safety Woodson; a great block would have resulted in a TD.

2 and a long 4 @PAC 19-1/2
3-1/2 yd gain for Slaton on a run off LG.
Would have been a first down with a stronger block from Pitts.

3-1 @PAC 16
Slaton gained 1-1/2 yd on a run off RG.
Not the greatest blocking by Myers, Winston, and just so-so by Brisiel and Leach.
But that’s all we needed for a first down.

1-10 just inside the 15
Run-fake right, MS dropped back left.
Their backside never bought it.
MS had to throw the ball away just before Montgomery put him flat on his back.
I had never been a fan of this call, optioning the DE on a drop-back pass.
A bootleg is fine; it gives the QB a chance to run toward the sideline and out of bound or slide and duck.
This one just exposes him too much.
(Well, at least the QB doesn’t have a chance to do a Rosencopter, LOL!)

2-10
Slaton 2-1/2 yd run to the right.
We wanted an end around run, but the sideline was their 12th man.
Good blocking, but Slaton had to cut back inside Winston.

3-long 7 @PAC 12
MS had a chance for a quick throw to Anderson who might or might not get the first down.
He hesitated just slightly, unsure whether Anderson can get in good enough position on the stop and go from the slot.
Then Kampman pushed Winston into Schaub, who had to scamper outside and get rid of the ball.

FG TEXANS 10-7 with less than 2 mins to the half.

………….

Packers committed a holding penalty that nullified a 99-yd return.
Nading definitely would have clogged that hole, and might have made the tackle on the returner himself, or just get enough of the returner to let our other guys flow back into the play.

PK ball with about 1:30 to go and 3 TOs
1-10 @ PAC 17
Packers in shotgun, RB Right, TE strong R, split wides, slot L
Texans in nickel, 4-3 MIAMI, 2 deep safeties.
We were able to collapse the pocket with 4 men.
Rodgers dumped a quick pass to the RB Jackson for 4 yds in the middle.

2-16 @PAC 21
Same formations for both sides, except Packers had slot R
We got some movement up front, all working to the sides; but that left the middle wide open for a clear line of sight to Rodgers.
Made it too easy for him to find the exact soft spot between 3 defenders.
Completed pass to Lee at the 46 in the middle.

1-10
Same formations, with Packers going back to slot L.
Again, we rushed only 4 – No pressure.
Rodgers couldn’t find an open receiver and went for a quick 2yd dump-off pass in the middle.

2-8
Packers went to the shotgun spread; we stayed with the nickel and the MIA front..
Another quick 5 yd pass in the middle.

3-3 @TXN 47
Packers with 1 TO left and 38 secs to go.
Packers in shotgun, #84 TE? in motion and settled to Rogers right, RB to the left.
Wide L, slot L, slot R.
Texans stayed in nickel and the MIA front.
3 DBs playing off-man, 2 deep safeties.
Dunta read a pass to the outside (pass the 1st down marker).
He played like he would jam the slot receiver toward the outside; that would leave him inside and away from the play.
However, he let the receiver go at the last moment with a slug-off move and jumped the outside route for an INT.
With Reeves played back deep in “the dreaded more-than-10-yd cushion”, we were setting a trap, this one so inviting that Rodgers couldn’t resist.
I think you want to play off-man from time to time without setting a trap, so that the QB won’t be looking for it all the time.

……….

Texans ball at our 40 with 30 secs to go and 3 TimeOuts.

1-10
A quick 5 yd pass to AJ from a spread formation. TO Texans.

2-5
Incomplete pass to AJ.
Ball slightly too far away.

3-5
10yd pass to O.D. and 13 secs to go. TO Texans.

1-10 @PAC 37
Incompletion to A.D.
Defender broke off the pass.

2-10
With 9 secs to go, Slaton went up the middle, stopped, put his hands on the LB, faking the block. That froze the LB for a moment.
Then, with a 360 move (NICE), he spun out to the right to take a screen pass and scampered out of bound at the 31 with 1 sec to go.
The rookie had been making smart plays all year long, what we call Football IQ and instinct.

Kris, however, pushed his FG just right.
It’s like a kick with a little curl inside, but with a little of english back outside that went kinda straight.
Perhaps his toes were numb, LOL!
Hadn’t got enough time to thaw out since the last time he was out on the field for the previous FG just a few minutes ago, LOL LOL!
I told Diapher not to worry, he will kick the winning FG (I was right, haha!)

 

[76Texan]

2nd HALF

Texans had 284 yds in offense as compared to 168 (37 on the ground) for the Packs
Texans were 5/8 in third down conversions as compared to the Packs’ 0 fer five.
And yet we only led 10-7
It could have been 20-7 easily, as the commentator said.

3rd QTR
Short kick.

Packers ball
1-10 @PAC 35
PK in straight I, slots L & R, wide R.
Texans in nickel, Over Front.
We played 2 deep, then brought Harrison up our R side as usual.
Rodgers sent a quick pass behind the vacated spot, but the throw was low and behind.
(around our 47) Reeves was covering Jennings and, I guess, will get credit for a pass thrown toward, but not caught! Jennings couldn’t be more wide-open.

2-10
PK in offset I Left, TE Strong L, slot L, wide R.
Texans in 4-3 Over, with Harrison on the LOS strong side, keying on both or either the slot and the RB.
He would follow the RB to the left flat.
Bentley played the weak side and dropped out to help Reeves on the wide out.
Don’t know if he was to jump the route.
Jennings had good position on Reeves near the first down marker, but the pass was slightly behind and high. Jennings had both hands on the ball but couldn’t hold on.
His momentum carried him inside as the ball bounced off his hands up in the air.
Reeves nearly had an INT (LOL LOL).
Wilson backing up the rear.

3-10
PK in shotgun, wide R, true diamond near left (four receivers including the TE forming the 4 corners of a diamond).
Texans brought in their Quarter package (6 DBs).
3-man line.
Nading played standing up near the LOS in the middle.
Ryans played back 12 yds off the LOS as an extra safety.
Texans rushed 3 and dropped everybody else into coverage.
Rodgers found Martin in the middle, but the pass was high.
Mario was beating up the LT Clifton and also sliced through the G coming back to help.
He took Rogers off his feet, forcing the inaccurate pass.
BTW, Martin was Reeves’ assignment.
When the receiver slipped and fell, Reeves got off him to go help Harrison further back.
Don’t know whether that was a good idea or not, as Martin got up and was wide open.
It’s possible that because of Reeves dropping back further to help that Rogers hesitated and didn’t go deep; in that case, it would be good intention on Reeves’ part.

3 and out.
PUNT

…………

Texans ball.

1-10 @ TXN 32
Texans tried a play action pass, but the Packs weren’t fooled.
They were rushing 5 and still had coverage.
MS found Leach as the safety valve 5 yds out of the backfield for a little pass and run to the PK 47.
A facemask penalty was stacked on to move the ball another 15 yd downfield.
50 whopping yards in all.

1-10 @PAC 32
PK loaded the box.
Texans tried a run somewhere on the left, either outside end or inside G (inside, more likely, the way Myers and Brown blocked on the second level.)
With the Packers flowing and containing the outside, Slaton cut back.
Winston had missed the cut block on the LDT however, or Brisiel had left early before he can get there.
No cut back lane. No gain.

2-10
The Packs loaded the box again; still the Texans were determined to run.
Dreessen, Myers and Winston got some push, but Brisiel couldn’t get anything going on the LDT. Brown also missed the cut block to seal the backside.
4-1/2 yd gain for Slaton (could have been more).

3 and long 5 @ PAC 27-1/2
Texans in spread. Packers rushed 3.
MS chose to go with O.D. one yd short of the first down.
I dunno. I think he should slide to the outside left, buying some time to see if anybody can clear the first down marker.
He also had a chance to run for it himself if they continued to cover the receivers.
We weren’t going to lose our position for a FG.

Texans settled for a FG to lead 13-7
And why didn’t go for it on 4th and 1 around their 20, leading 10-7?
We’ve been able to run the ball.
OK, so we didn’t want to take points off the board.

……….

Packers ball.
1-10 @PAC 30
PK in single back, spread.
Texans in nickel, MIA front.
We brought 6 to attack but went too far left.
No containment on the backside. TJ should have stayed and worked more toward the backfield. Mario RDE was optioned (unblocked), and still went too far forward.
Come on Mario, clamp it in.
These actions opened up a big running lane on the backside.
Grant cut up the middle for a l9-yd gain.
Weaver, Okam (on the C), and Adibi (on the RG) did fine on the other side.

1-10 @PAC 49
PK in shotgun, RB left of Rodgers, strong R, split wides, slot L.
TE in motion and settled right of Rodgers.
Texans in nickel, Over front, on-man.
Adibi up reading the RB, Harrison up checking the TE.
Wilson as single safety.
Packers ran right.
Weaver had containment.
For some reason, they (C & RG) combo on LDT Okam, then both released off him (a mistake or an option?). He almost got Grant 2 yds behind LOS.
TJ at NT also got penetration; he made the tackle as Grant spun around to earn 3 yds.

2-7 @TXN 48
PK in I formation, 2 FBs, 2 wides.
TXN in 4-3 UNDER, Bentley on LOS our left side.
2 safeties with Harrison up closer, DBs on-man.
We had the blockers along the LOS.
Again RDT Okam almost had Grant, but he shot through there for close to 4yd on their right.
TJ hold off the C, Ryans pushed the RG.
Adibi made the tackle with help from TJ.


3 and a long 3 @TXN 44
Packers in shotgun spread, 3 WRs left, 1 wide right, RB in motion to slot R.
TXN in nickel, UNDER front.
Packers ran crossing routes on the right side with the RB and the wide-out Nelson.
Adibi followed the RB #32 outside, but also looked for Nelson, in the process obstructing Nelson’s view on the slant inside. He might have made him adjust his route a little bit.
Adibi ran right at Nelson then veered up to take on the RB.
Reeves broke off the pass. Good job by Reeves with smart help by Adibi.
Okam was double team by the C & RG

Another 3 and out.
PUNT

……….

Texans ball.
1-10 just inside our 10
Slaton short 5yd run off RG.
Myers was good in combo with Brisiel then released to the next level.
Brisiel lost leverage, stumbled, recovered a little, and finally went for a cut block on the LDT, but didn’t get him cleanly.
Slaton was stopped about 2 yd beyond the LOS, but kept fighting and churning for a few more.

2-5 inside TXN 15
Texans tried it again with a little better blocking.
Slaton gained a longer 5 for a first down.

1-10 @ TXN 20-1/2
Packers rushed 4.
Texans in play action pass deep to AJ.
He was well covered by Harris, who had a little hand and arm across AJ’s shoulder.
Surely he did.
Ruled incomplete, however.

2-10
Slaton 5yd run left end.
Good blocks especially on that side by Brown, Pitts, Myers, and Brisiel.
Anderson missed a block on the 2nd level that would have sprung Slaton further.

3-5
A quick 6 yd pass to Walter in the middle; he was fighting for the last 2.
PK rushed 4

1-10 @ TXN 31
Run-fake left.
MS went to AD who ran the route behind the LOS.
Packers never bought the fake.
Only a yd gain.

2-9
Slaton tried a run left.
Brown missed the DE completely. 4yd loss.

3-12
A nice little screen pass to Slaton gained 8 yd.
If Brisiel continued with his block, Slaton had an outside chance for the first down.

PUNT formation.
Moats missed the block or was it by design???
Turk pulled up and ran for the first down.

Texans ball again with 4:17 to go in the third.

1-10 @ PAC 47
Incomplete pass to AD on a go route with the DB play back.
That’s not going to work.

2-10
20 yd completion to AJ on a stop and go.
Good blocking.

1-10 @ PAC 27
Slaton right end for 3
Dreessen couldn’t hold off Kampman long enough.
Brisiel needed to be stronger on the combo block.

2-7 @PAC 24
False start Leach.

2-12 @PAC 29
13 yd to Walter for a first down.
PK rushed only 4.
We got a break as Walter fumbled the ball, but it was ruled down by contact,

1-10 @PAC 16
Slaton on a run left off G/LT.
The RDT held up Pitts well; Leach punched up the inside on his right.
Slaton wanted to cut back to follow Leach, but Walter couldn’t slow down Kampman on a backside cut block. Kampman stepped over him to go after Slaton.
Slaton cut back outside, ran into Pitts’ hips, tried to work up field.
3 guys flew to him; somebody knocked the ball loose.
FUMBLE again in the red zone.
Pitts needed to engage the block at least until the whistle blow.
The RDT #97 Jolly recovered the fumble.
(He would end up having a good game).

…………

Packers ball.
1-10 @PAC 21
PK in spread.
TXN in nickel, a 6-man line, with a different front.
2 DTS in the A gaps, both closer to the Center.
2 Des in the C gaps, with Mario further outside (this year we have Mario line up further outside more often, even when there’s a TE on his side – I think some team call it a WIDE Front)
2 LBs in the B gaps.
We blitzed 6, but Rodgers fired a quick pass to the wide out Jones for 8 yds on a slant route inside. Not much Bennett can do there but to tackle.

2-2 @PAC 29
PK with single back, TE strong R, split wides, slot R.
TXN in 4-3 Over, with Adibi strong side, Bentley weak side.
(This is what they normally do when using the Over Front).
They motioned the TE for a run off LT.
We shifted but not enough; they had numbers at the POA.
Grant barely made the first down.

1-10 @PAC 31
PK in offset I , FB left, TE strong R, double slots L.
TXN in UNDER Front with Reeves containing the strong side, reading the backs.
Bentley checked the TE.
They motioned one of the slot receivers to wide R, Reeves shift to defend him, off-man.
Even playing 6-7 yd off the LOS, Reeves still got beat by a little out-and-in move by Jennings who turned inside and had position over Reeves by a step.
Harrison, I dunno, maybe he didn’t play it quite right, or he just didn’t have the closing speed to help.
At any rate, I hope they work out the techniques on how to work together in such occasion.
63-yd gain, ouch!

1-Goal @HTN 6
Grant went in untouched off RT for a TD.
He made it look easy, but in Super Slo-Mo it was much closer than that.
PK in straight I, TE strong Right, Slot R just behind and outside TE, single wide L.
TXN in MIA Front, with Harrison on the LOS, just outside the slot receiver, but checking on the TE.
Reeves behind him and followed the slot receiver in motion to the other side, out of the play.
Weaver got outside containment, but can do better.
Okoye got penetration inside but just miss the runner.
TJ was the stay-home DT drawing the combo block (he was able to shed it and gave Grant a swipe, but the runner was too fast and strong thru the hole.
(Actually, had Okoye stayed instead of penetrating to the inside, we’d have stopped that run, LOL)
The FB had a good block on Adibi (need to get stronger, boy!)
The C released to Ryans and just shoved him away.
I think Ryans went too far outside to begin with.
(This play ain’t worth a new contract,Demeco, LOL!)
Harrison, well, just too weak, a tad slow, and lack the experience to play SS.
The TE could have pushed him out to the parking lot if he wanted too, LOL LOL!

Packers took the lead 14-13 despite an Oh fer seven third down conversion rate.

 

[76Texan]

TEXANS @ PACKERS

4th QTR

Texans ball after a 27yd return by AD
We marched the field in 8 plays to score a TD.

1-10 @TXN 37
Schaub 17 yd pass to Walter up the middle
Packers swarmed the line with 7.
They blitzed 6, with the LB passing O.D. on our left in just over 3 secs.
He would have gotten there in 4 secs.
Walter went to the spot vacated by the LBs.

1-10 @PAC 48
Run fake left, bootleg right.
Schaub had O.D. open in his line of sight at least good for a 1st down, but he settled for Dreessen on a short 4yd gain.

2-6 @PAC 44
Packers swarmed the line again, this time with 8.
They blitzed 5 or 6. The others seek out Slaton.
(They wanted to either blitz or get up quickly on the run.)
Once again, Schaub went up the middle in the vacant spot, this time to A.D. for 21 yds.
#90 had beaten Pitts to the inside, and had a hand in Schaub’s face (just over 2 secs).
He was not to get to Schaub though (Myers had switched over to help), but he might have gotten a finger on the pass without Myers’ help.

1-10 @PAC 23
Slaton 2 yd run up the middle.
Salaam got beat by his man (Montgomery) too easily.
Slaton started left, but cut back up the middle.
That was about 2-3-4 yds left on the field there.
And who knows, with Slaton, he might make another guy miss on the second level.
It was also possible that he can follow Leach between Pitts and Salaam to the outside for a long gain.

2-8 @PAC21
PK brought a LB #51 up the strong side.
We went ahead thataway anyway.
Slaton ran for 5 yds.
O.D. got a push on the LB to the outside, but didn’t move with him.
Leach and Slaton wanted to go outside Winston, but had to cut back inside.
Problem was we had optioned the RDE Montgomery on the backside.
He chased the run from behind the LOS.
If we had decided to run inside from the beginning, we should be able to get the first down; good blocking from the line and Leach.

3-3 @PAC 16
Packers brought 6 men to the LOS
Texans faked the pitch to Slaton to the left.
Schaub bootlegged to the right and completed a pass to Walter, just barely enough for the first down.
RDT Jolly made a good read to get off the rush to give chase.
He pulled Walter down hard. This guy is big and quick.
Note: A Slaton run most likely would have resulted in a first down just the same.

1-10 inside PAC 14
They loaded the box with 9 and rushed 5
Slaton ran right for about 3 yds.
They had a LB to our strong side, and we continued to run into their strength.

2-7 @PAC 11
They loaded the box with 8 and a safety behind.
Fake run right, Schaub bootlegged left and found A.J. in the end zone for the TD.
So, we set them up.
This time they bought the run.
O.D. and Walter helped make the fake run look real.
Great execution!

Texans went for a 2-pt conversion, AJ made a great catch on the right sideline.
We ran a play fake left, Schaub went right, then faked a reverse to Anderson.
That froze the Packers a little, just enough for AJ to find the crease!

Texans lead 21-14

………….

Good coverage on the KO
Good hang time by Kris. Barber was there right quick, followed by Molden.

Packers ball
1-10 @PAC 11
An interesting match up here.
Packers in shotgun spread, empty backfield.
2 wides, 2 slots R, 1 slot L..

Texans in nickel, 5 DBs playing off-man to cover their 5 receivers.
4-man front, with the DEs outside tackles, working the C gaps.
The DTs clamp up on the Center, working the A gaps.
We brought both LBs Ryans on our left, Adibi on our right up to the LOS, threatening the B gaps.
This is another front 4 that we used once in a while.

We were threatening to blitz 6 against 5 blockers.
Rodgers looked at the sideline but decided to go ahead with the play.

I’m thinking they were anticipating a zone blitz with Weaver dropping back on our left.
Rodgers would look for the outside receiver on our right first, Harrison on him.
The two receivers on our left would run slant routes to the inside (Dunta and Bennett on them)
The inside slot receiver Nelson would be his check down. Wilson was the lone safety.

But Faggins (yeah, him, LOL) played it correctly and dropped back in the passing lane, Rodgers didn’t want to go there.
The left slot went in and tried to help block on Mario (a feeble attempt).
Adibi dropped back to cover the middle.

By this time, LDE Weaver had gotten to Rodgers, almost downing him for a safety.
Rodgers didn’t have time to go to Nelson (who tried to get to Weaver but couldn’t so he just split out to the flat).
Mario had also beaten his man and was hot after Rodgers.
Dunta switched up to take Nelson, but as Rodgers turned to look inside, Dunta slowed down to turn around and got his feet tangled a little bit.
With Mario hot on his tail and Ryans in his face, Rodgers dumped the ball to Nelson for a 6 yd gain. Dunta made the tackle.

2-4 @PAC 17
Again, Packers in shotgun spread.
Can’t see if Adibi remained in the line up or we had switched to our quarter package (6 DBs).
Texans in UNDER Front, 4 DBS played on-man at LOS, 5th played back a little on the man in motion.
Ryans played midfield, 5 yds off LOS; Wilson behind him at normal safety depth.

TJ at LDT beat the RG; Rodgers dumped off the ball as TJ was all over him.
1 yd gain to the right.

3-3 @PAC 18
Same formations for both sides.
Except Wilson came up on the slot receiver; Harrison played back as deep safety.
Rodgers went with a quick pass to Driver, but Dunta broke it off.
He had a good hold on the receiver within the 5yd limit, and swirled around nicely to defend the pass. (The line judge was in good position to see the whole thing.)

Another 3 and out for the Packs.
PUNT
Texans ball….. Ehrr.. NO. JJ fumbled the ball.
The 4th Turnover in the game.

Packers got it back. They went 51 yds in 7 plays for the tying TD.

1-10 @ PAC49
PK in straight I, split wides, slot L.
Texans in nickel, UNDER Front, rushed only 4.
We had good coverage. Rodgers found the safety valve, the RB out of the backfield.
Reeves came up and got enough of his legs, after an 8-yd gain.

2-2 @TXN 43
PK in straight I, double TEs, single wide R.
Texans in MIA Front, base defense.
Mario got the upper hand on his man; Okoye got penetration in the middle; Weaver contained the backside.
That forced the RB Grant to go wide left.
Wilson came up in a flash to limit it to a one-yd gain.
Bentley was also there.

3-1 @TXN 42
Packers was 0-8 in 3rd conversion so far.
PK in straight I, 2-Tes, single wide R.
Texans in that “somewhat peculiar” front with 2 DTs clamping on the Center.
The LBs filled the inside gaps.
We also brought Harrison to the LOS on our right; 8 men in the box.
Mario was hold by the TE #86 Lee; Grant went for 22 yds on a sweep.

1-10 @TXN 20
PK in straight I, strong R, split wides.
TXN in 4-3 UNDER with Bentley on LOS strong side.
They cleared out Mario and Okoye well on our right, and put a double team on LDE Zgonina.
9 yd run for Grant.
Mario needed to do a better job getting back inside here.

2-1 @TXN 11
PK straight-I, strong L, wide R, slot R.
TXN in Over Front, base 4-3, Bentley on weakside, Harrison came up the strong side.
Seems like this is how we played this Front in this situation.
We filled the gaps well; but Grant managed to get the first down, just barely.

1 and Goal just inside our 10
PK in straight I, strong L, split R.
2nd TE in motion and settled behind the RT.
Texans in one of their “weirder” front.
Mario LDE, wide right of RT
Deljuan LDT, outside RG
TJ at NT in the left A gap.
Our LDE (Weaver???) in the right A gap.
We were loading our right side (their weak side) with linemen.
Bentley on the LOS outside the TE.
Our LBs and maybe a safety were to fill the strong side gaps.
We bought the play fake strong side.
Jennings was open over Reeves on the weak side in the end zone.
Luckily, Mario beat the RT and almost had Rodgers for a sack.

2-Goal
PK in shotgun, single back, split wides, double slots L.
Texans loaded the box with 8; all 3 LBs played close to LOS;
Wilson about 3 yds off, checking the inside slot.
Single coverage everywhere.
We blitzed 7 but couldn’t get there soon enough.
Nading went in unchecked at around the 2 sec mark, but Rodgers just got the ball off.
A good throw to a big receiver, Nelson, who barely got inside position on Bennett.
Bennett got a hand in there, but Nelson is a big and strong guy (6’3-217 but look bigger than that.)
It was fairly good bump and run coverage by Bennett, and he’s 6’1.
If only he’s 6’2, LOL, could have made a difference.
Or a longer arm span.

Packers tied the score at 21 a piece.
Announcers: “The Packers had scored all of their points off of turnovers!”

……..

Texans ball

1-10 @ TXN 35 with less than 6 mins to go.
Winston took on Kampman.
Too bad, Leach went to our right to take on the blitzing LB, but he pushed the LB into Winston back.
Both the LB #51 and Kampman got free and got in Schaub’s face in a little less than 3 secs.
Schaub should have gotten rid of the ball sooner. Intentional grounding.
Loss of down, ouch!

2-20 @TXN 25
PK rushed 4.
A quick 9-yd completion to O.D.

3-11 @TXN 34
Schaub led Walter a little too far toward the sideline.
The pass was completed for 10 yds. But Walter stumbled out of bound.
A better pass would have resulted in a first down.

PUNT

……..

PK ball with 4:37 to go
1-10 @PAC 16
PK in shotgun, single back on the right of Rodgers, TE strong right, slot R, split wides.
TE in motion and settled between QB & C, slightly to the right.
TXN in nickel, Over Front.
Reeves on their right wide-out and not involved in the play.

Bad communication by the rest of the D-Backfield.
Molden played the wide-out play side (opposite site from Reeves).
He played off-man but still let Jennings got at least a step on him.
Harrison played up and was supposed to drop back to help Molden, but didn’t.
Naturally, Wilson, as the single deep safety came back for help.
In the meantime, Dunta played the slot man Driver (same side with Reeves), who ran a cross route to the other side of the field (play side).
Dunta let him go, expecting Wilson to cover.
Driver was free in the middle of the zone.
Wilson turned back up but missed the tackle.
(This allowed Driver to gain an extra 25-30 yds).
Harrison finally came back for the tackle.
A total 59 yds gain for Driver.
Molden couldn’t get off his man Jennings to help.
I would chalk the pass to Molden, and the miss-tackle to Wilson.
But the extra gain should be part of Molden’s responsibility, too.
Can’t say for sure if Harrison and/or Dunta shared part of the blame or not.

TXN rushed 4 against 7 blockers.
Okoye got there in just under 4 secs.

1-10 @TXN 25
PK in straight I, double TEs, wide R.
TXN in 4-3 UNDER, with Bentley on LOS to our left.
Ryans and Adibi 4-5 yds off LOS
Reeves on the wide-out on our left, Dunta and Harrison contained our right and left respectively; all 3 about 6 yds off.
Wilson as single safety.
Grant ran left for a little over 2 yds.
Mario contained the outside, Okoye pushed the double team toward that side, limiting the hole for Grant.
Dunta and Adibi plugged the hole.
Ryans and Weaver joined them shortly.

2 and a long 7 @TXN 22.5
PK spread, single back, split wides and slots.
TXN in quarter pkg.
4-man UNDER Front, Ryans as lone LB.
2 deep safeties, all 4 DBs played off-man!!!
This should be a run coming up here!!!
We were counting on the front 4 and Demeco against their 5 blockers.

Mario got a hold of Grant’s ankles, but he slipped away for 9 yd.
That was because the RT had his left hand on Mario’s shoulder and pulled him slightly.
Holding.
The announcer said he didn’t see the hold, but when you put the original angle in super-slo-mo, you will see that Mario’s movement was jerked back just when he disengaged from the RT.
His flight toward the RB was impeded (because of the Hold).
When these Refs want to see it, they don’t miss a thing.

2-17 @TXN 32
After motion, they were in single back, TE strong L.
3 receiver on their R, the inside slot was just outside the normal TE’s position.
TXN in nickel, single safety, 4-WIDE Front.
The C is uncovered. Ryans and Adibi threatened the middle.
The C picked up Adibi.
The LG was late to pick up Ryans. He shot through there like a bullet.
No chance for Rodgers. SACK!
Mario beat the RT off the edge,
Nading also got the upper hand on the TE and pushed him into the QB.

3-26 @ TXN 41 out of FG range.
PK single back right, TE strong R, slot R, split wides.
TE in motion and settle in FB position between Rodgers and the C, just off to the right.
TXN in nickel, Over Front. 2 deep safeties, 3 DBs played off-man.
We rushed 4 against 7 blockers.
Mario got to Rodgers in just about 4 secs.
He dumped off the ball to the TE to avoid a sack.
3 yd gains, tackled by Adibi, just out of FG range.

PUNT

……….

Texans ball deep in our territory.
1-10 just inside our 3 yd line.
TXN went 72 yds in 8 plays to kick the winning FG with a couple of hairy moments.

Winston was beaten by Kampman again to the inside, but Schaub scooted out and completed a “humongous” short pass to Leach that ended up gaining 22 yds on 2-7.

On the ensuing play, Schaub lost a yard on a fumble off a quick snap.
Somebody forgot the snap count here, probably Myers.
Schaub wasn’t ready for it, but Winston was, it seems???

Besides that, the blockings were from fair to solid.

And We WON!

It really didn’t have to come to this.
We outplayed them all day, on their turf, in their weather!

 

[76Texan]

TXN @ GB Notes

I wanted to compare our line with The Packers, another ZBS team.

Overall, we won that battle BIG time.
Myers played very well, followed closely by Brown, then Pitts.
If the quality of the guy lining up across them is taken into account, then Myers had a very good game.
Pitts would follow and Brown would be next.

Brisiel had a below average to poor game,
Winston had a poor to bad game.

..........

But each of them was better or "less" terrible than their counter part.
The Packers's RT combination was a little worse than Winston.
(Mario played both sides and he outdueled Kampman).

The LT Clifton also had as terrible a game, manhandled by Mario just the same.
And Nading managed to make him look bad a few times.

Their C and LG played almost as poorly as Winston.
These guys would fare worse When considering the fact that Winston faced against Kampman
while they were going agaisnt "our scrubs" TJ, Okoye, Bulman, Deljuan.
The LG allowed both sacks.

But their RG was the worse of all O-linemen on the field.
Only because of Rodgers and the RBs' good plays that he was able to dodge several bullets.


.......

They blitzed 6 times; we blitzed 7 times plus one 4-man zone dog.
But our blitzes were more effective.

We were able to collapse the pocket often, including a couple times with only 4 men.

.............

I don't know if there are enough info to subjectively compare each of our guys with their counterpart in the league, but I think we are in a better shape overall than a few fans thought.

Especially since we have a young line, and in our scheme, we don't need world beaters. We just need constant performers who doesn't get blown up too badly too often.
If they can all stay healthy, I have all the confidence in this group.
And hopefully, we can develop a few youngsters to go along with Adrian Jones for a solid core of backups.