Texans' Defense: Really Kinda Almost Good, maybe?

[Specnatz]

Why is it that everyone is blaming Bush for the Chris Johnson splitout TD catch and I am the only one calling out DeMecco, isn't he in charge of the defensive leader? Shouldn't he know where everyone on the field is? Hell, for that matter Wilson, the free safety, should have seen it from his position. Either of these two guys should have gotten a time out called.

 

[utahmark]

It certainly counts, but the difference is that it's a mental error. Mental errors *should* be fixable. If you're just not fast or strong, there's not anything you can do about it.

for what it is worth. take away the 3 big plays and they had 240 yards of offense 90 rushing and 150 passing. i see this defense getting better as the year goes by. we will see.

 

[Second Honeymoon]

Why is it that everyone is blaming Bush for the Chris Johnson splitout TD catch and I am the only one calling out DeMecco, isn't he in charge of the defensive leader? Shouldn't he know where everyone on the field is? Hell, for that matter Wilson, the free safety, should have seen it from his position. Either of these two guys should have gotten a time out called.

any of the veterans should have seen that. you are right to place blame on others but that doesn't preclude Bush getting criticized as well.

to be honest, Gary should get the most blame because he had to have seen that or at least someone on his staff. saving a 1st Half timeout? doubt it. he blew it and so did the rest of the team. luckily they made up for it with blood sweat and tears.

good job texans

 

[Texan_Bill]

Why is it that everyone is blaming Bush for the Chris Johnson splitout TD catch and I am the only one calling out DeMecco, isn't he in charge of the defensive leader? Shouldn't he know where everyone on the field is? Hell, for that matter Wilson, the free safety, should have seen it from his position. Either of these two guys should have gotten a time out called.

Is it not Bush's responsibility to make sure his defense is prepared? How come he didn't recognize it from the sidelines and call timeout?? My point is everyone having to do with the defense, and the HC himself are culpable for that crap...

 

[Texans#1Fan]

455.5 yards per game.

215 rushing yards per game.

190 yards per game on THIRD DOWN.

11-17 (65%) conversion rate on 3rd and 7 yards or more.

1 sack in 2 games.

I don't think it's close to being good

Frank needs to get a hold on this run defense!!! If they cannot stop the run next week, then we are in some serious trouble. How do you not stop a 3rd and long situation and let them run 90yards for a touchdown? That needs to stop. We need better DT to help with Super Mario. I feel like Mario is doing it all by himself on the line. Well, he is really.

 

[Scooter]

Scooter we keep throwing some of our secondary under the bus, but if you look at the two long runs, nothing is really just the secondary's fault, the only thing is the obvious no cover on #28. The other plays are more towards our front 7 and leaving gaping holes and then having OL coming down the field against our secondary which is just bad.

I'm hoping that #40 works his way in to the secondary starting role, he's a ball hawk and seems to be a playmaker on the field.

this is true, our front had it's share of blown assignments which lead to big plays and i've read cushing takes a large portion of the blame on one of the touchdowns. our interior line still cant get it done so way too much is being put on our ends and linebackers. still though the third downs, the freebie against the jets, and the free pass to chris johnson are where we're having the most trouble IMO.

 

[Texans#1Fan]

Is it not Bush's responsibility to make sure his defense is prepared? How come he didn't recognize it from the sidelines and call timeout?? My point is everyone having to do with the defense, and the HC himself are culpable for that crap...

We have the players in place on defense, I think this can be a really good defense. But, why are we giving up so many yardage on 3rd down, and so many yardage on the ground? Can someone tell me? I mean, its frustrating watching the games when the teams are in 3rd and long and they give up a first down. They want to be a playoff team but until they fix these problems they wont be.

 

[Texans#1Fan]

for what it is worth. take away the 3 big plays and they had 240 yards of offense 90 rushing and 150 passing. i see this defense getting better as the year goes by. we will see.

At least this team showed some effort and I felt like they came together yesterday with a big win. They showed the rest of the NFL that they can play with the big boys. I mean, the Titans almost beat the Steelers in there opener. We beat a team that had one of the best records in football last year. So hopefully this will boost the teams overall play for the rest of the year and maybe into the playoffs if they can fix the defense.

 

[HOU-TEX]

I'm happy we won, BUT

This team is dead last in running the ball and dead last in defending the run. Not much more to say than that, other than hoping it improves. If not, we aren't going anywhere.

 

[Goldensilence]

Team got the win and the defense looked like it got enough pressure on Collins to make a difference in the outcome.

I think a lot of the problems are in the secondary, specifically the safeties. Wilson is not going to set the league on fire anytime soon and it sucks that Busing is the best SS we have to throw out there.

What's left out on the blame game around here is the FO's lack of commitment to solidifying the secondary thinking they can get away with it with a strong front 7.

Newflash. Not working. Got the win but the defense still has a long way to go before I'd put Texans defense and good in the same sentence.

 

[Texans#1Fan]

What's interesting, if you watch the Chris Johnson TD catch play, is that he splits wide with exactly 15 seconds left on the play clock (which is when the coaches mike gets turned off, I think). I'd love to hear what Johnny Holland was yelling right at that point and I wonder what procedures are in place on the field once that communication device is turned off. I'm hoping against hope that some good questions, with follow-ups, are asked Kubiak about those broken plays in about 5 minutes.

Why can't we get a very good Defensive Cord? I mean seriously, when your defense is struggling to stop 3rd and longs, where should you point the blame? The Defense Cord, and coach kubiak has some explaining to do as well. If Kubiak does not make it a winning season, he may be looking for another job.

 

[Specnatz]

any of the veterans should have seen that. you are right to place blame on others but that doesn't preclude Bush getting criticized as well.

to be honest, Gary should get the most blame because he had to have seen that or at least someone on his staff. saving a 1st Half timeout? doubt it. he blew it and so did the rest of the team. luckily they made up for it with blood sweat and tears.

good job texans

Is it not Bush's responsibility to make sure his defense is prepared? How come he didn't recognize it from the sidelines and call timeout?? My point is everyone having to do with the defense, and the HC himself are culpable for that crap...

I am not resolving the coaches from any responsibility, far from it. Since I have not seen a camera angle of where the coaches were in relationship to refs. I have seen to many times a coach as run half way down the sideline to call the timeout and I do not think there was time for that. The players are a lot closer to the refs not to mention they would be in direct view of the officials so if they are holding their hands up yelling for a timeout it would be seen easier by the officials.

Can a D Coordinator call a timeout?

 

[TimeKiller]

Exactly. Or, how about the 2-5 yard out when he's giving a 7-10 yard cushion. Then he misses the tackle and a 2-5 yard out goes for a 1st down plus some. An "aggressive" front 7 doesn't do squat for you if your DB's give up quick and easy passes.

Yeah, he just seems like a warm body right now. Speaking of only ever being a warm body, how 'bout Molden being out with a hamstring? Cut. Busted 3rd round pick right there. Barber seems to be either out of the play (which I guess means he's doing something right if he's not being targeted) or the reason why a coverage completely fails. I think Reeves is actually going to give the secondary a lift, if even a small one. McCain has decent coverage skills and I look forward to his future (Quin too) but they just don't have the "ready to play" that other rookies like Cushing have...I guess that's why they were drafted as they were. Robinson seemed untargeted, I guess having such ample pickens elsewhere helps but we'll probably hear about how it was his "decent coverage with excellent run support skills" that makes him a "top 10 corner" and such. I don't remember his name called once, I guess that's a good thing. Anyway congrats to Dunta for shutting down the mighty Titans receivers.

Busing deserves the playing time and they're still going to hold out hope for Barber with a rotation. Wilson is still a decent player. Hopefully we've seen the last of C.C. Ferguson.

 

[Second Honeymoon]

I am not resolving the coaches from any responsibility, far from it. Since I have not seen a camera angle of where the coaches were in relationship to refs. I have seen to many times a coach as run half way down the sideline to call the timeout and I do not think there was time for that. The players are a lot closer to the refs not to mention they would be in direct view of the officials so if they are holding their hands up yelling for a timeout it would be seen easier by the officials.

Can a D Coordinator call a timeout?

its Chris Johnson. if you cant keep up with where he is before the snap, you don't deserve to be coaching.

even the inbred yokels of Tennessee saw Johnson standing by himself on the sideline...there was a loud roar to get the play off before the Texans noticed the open man. they even saw it and needless to say the television audience saw it.

It seems like that happens a bit too much for my liking and it hasn't happened since Kubiak and his coaches came here. Just sayin. I still remember the fake punt play where he didn't even call a timeout and just rolled with it like its Madden 09.

 

[Hooston Texan]

I like the analytical approach suggested earlier in the thread that the running/draw plays on third and really long are not a true measure of our run defense. On those downs, we are playing purely for the pass and trying to handle the run as best we can. A seven-yard run on our base defense is an unsuccesful play (from the D's standpoint), but a seven-yard run on 3rd and 12 is just fine ordinarily. A fifty-seven yard run, however, is a little tough to tolerate.

By my unofficial count, we have surrendured 1st downs on 3rd down (and fourth down) 18 out of 32 times in two games. That's a percentage of 56.3% which is pretty lousy. But, we are actually doing a much better job on shorter-yardage third downs than we are when the chains are extended.

On 3rd-and-7 or less, we've allowed the offense to convert 9 out of 20 opportunities for a 45% success percentage. On 3rd-and-8 or more, the offense has converted 9 out of 12 times for an astronomical success rate of 75%.

So we're getting off the field 55% of the time on 3rd and not-very-long but only 25% of the time on 3rd-and-long. I'm not sure where those percentages stack up against the league, but I'd guess we're in the lower half of the league (but not the bottom) on 3rd-and-not-long but so far in last place on 3rd-and-long that we probably couldn't see next-to-last with the Hubble telescope.

[In my best Barry Corbin voice:] Mr. Bush, after very careful consideration, sir, I've come to the conclusion that your new long-yardage defense system sucks.

 

[ReliantTexan]

I'm not dicouraged by our defense (although not happy with it either). The bulk of our defense looks really good, it's literally those 3 or 4 terrible plays that are killing us. I like that even though we were gashed early on a few big plays, we played really well the last three quarters only allowing 10 points on the Titans last 10 possessions I believe, and the most important thing is they made key "stops". Yes they gave up alot of points but we're not winning this game if they didn't step up when they needed to, I remember several times last year where our offense came from behind and put us in a position to win only to see our defense let it slip away.

 

[TimeKiller]

I forgot to mention (and probably some of you as well just thinking back on how much this was mentioned in the offseason) that the defense helped win the turnover battle. First just a pick, then at Titans a huge combo of a pick and int while the O not giving up any of the fumbles*. Winning the turnover battle is a big key to the game and the defense is doing it's part in that column. The pressure seems enough to rattle at the QBs cage but not enough to get that birdy. Connor Barwin looks like a really fast guy, just a really fast guy that is getting locked down. I like how they use him and how he can make the D look like 3-4 but it seems like the rush is still Mario or nothing. I'm liking the creativeness and willingness to try and exploit everyone's strengths but I guess more time is needed to gel. 1 thing I definitely like to see is the guys bouncing around before the snap trying to confuse the Oline but it seems like a few times they've confused themselves out of a play.


*Massive awareness points to Duane Brown this game on fumbles.

 

[Lucky]

I don't think the defensive mistakes yesterday can be blamed on Frank Bush...

Bush is the defensive coordinator. Even he realizes that the responsibility of getting the players in the correct position is squarely on his shoulders.

If we do this a 3rd week in a row, I have a feeling Bush may get the ax early

That's not Gary Kubiak's style.

What's interesting, if you watch the Chris Johnson TD catch play, is that he splits wide with exactly 15 seconds left on the play clock (which is when the coaches mike gets turned off, I think).

Why is it that everyone is blaming Bush for the Chris Johnson splitout TD catch and I am the only one calling out DeMecco, isn't he in charge of the defensive leader?

Everyone knows that the head coach can call a timeout. Right?

to be honest, Gary should get the most blame because he had to have seen that or at least someone on his staff. saving a 1st Half timeout? doubt it. he blew it...

Doug from the Woodlands knows it.

I am not resolving the coaches from any responsibility, far from it. Since I have not seen a camera angle of where the coaches were in relationship to refs.

The line judge is standing on the sideline at the LOS. How far would Kubiak have to be from this spot to not be able to grab his attention?

Of course during the 2nd half of the Jets game, Kubiak stood about 20 yards from the LOS. Alone. I can't believe he did that again. Regardless, this paralyzed state Kubiak drifts into on Sundays is nothing new. His indecisiveness is crippling this team. As Vinny mentioned, the Texans defense is getting by on pure talent right now. The coaching is horrendous, to this point. Frank Bush did nothing to earn this promotion and has done nothing to vindicate it.

Specnatz, your bizarre criticism of DeMeco Ryans is laughable. He's the one person that is keeping this defense from becoming a complete joke. This is not the least talented defense in the NFL. Statistically, this defense is at the bottom of the league. That tells me that the coaches are not getting the players ready to play.

 

[Fox]

That tells me that the coaches are getting the players ready to play.

Uhhhhh, say again? I was with you til there.

 

[Lucky]

Uhhhhh, say again? I was with you til there.

Urgh, let me make a small edit.

 

[JDizzle]

I am baffled that anyone would be encouraged or not alarmed by our defensive performance so far.

 

[silvrhand]

I am baffled that anyone would be encouraged or not alarmed by our defensive performance so far.

Encouraged by:

- #40's playmaking ability in the game, screw practice he seems to be making the right moves in the game.
- #59, #56, and #54: Our LB is starting to really look good.. We could have a top 5 crew in by end of year.
- DL: is starting to show signs of life..
- DEF: starting to get some pressure which will show up when we play some some not so good QB's over the next couple weeks.

Alarmed by:

- DL: some of our guys get really out of position in our splits
- DEF: missing/blown assignments
- 3rd and long: god we suck on 3rd and long.. which is really the pain point so far this year for me.

 

[GNTLEWOLF]

I am baffled that anyone would be encouraged or not alarmed by our defensive performance so far.

Amen

 

[Hervoyel]

I just got done watching the game again and no, I can't tell you what every player was doing every down. I didn't "break it down". I just watched it and honestly, I think it looks better than it appears in the stats. The big plays are just horrible to watch happen but I can't look at them and not think that if we can just manage to cover Chris Johnson then he doesn't get the free TD. Now sure, maybe they drive the rest of the way and get it anyway but that's not the point. It's the glaring big play and the 3rd conversion that's killing me. We got some stops Sunday. Not enough of course but they did punt 5 times. We need to do better but there were signs of life. On the big 91 yard run that crack was open for an instant and it looked to me like Cushing almost got there in time. Maybe if he plays a couple of preseason games and gets up to speed faster he closes that hole up in time. We're just almost there so often.

I guess I'm saying that I do see progress. If it continues then maybe we have a chance of climbing up to respectable by the end of the year. Right now we're two games into the season. We have three starters who missed all of the preseason games in Cushing, Robinson, and Reeves. Reeves still isn't back. We already see Cushing and Robinson making strides. When Reeves comes back he'll have to go through the same process to get in sync with what everyone else is doing. I don't think we've seen our best defensive play yet by a long shot.

It's frustrating to wait but they need a little more time. Not "years", just a few weeks to get on the same page. The offense just needs to keep doing what they did Sunday. Intensity, no turnovers, don't quit. The defense will catch up eventually.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Personally, this is reminding me a lot of Kubiak's first year. The first 3 games that year, our defense was about as bad as a defense could be. And statistically, this defense is threatening to be just as bad.

But.

There are signs of life with this defense. They're not just giving up and letting guys do whatever they want. They're just making bit mistakes that are giving up few huge back breaking plays per game. Or at least, plays that would have broken our back a few years ago.

In Kubes' first year, the defense actually started to get it together after those first 3 games and played fairly respectably after that. If we'd have had any kind of an offense back then, we would have won a few more games.

So, I'm hopeful that we'll get this defense thing worked out. I prefer the direction it's going right now compared to over the past 3 years. We seem more aggressive. I like our LB play much more.

But we can't keep giving up 450 yards per game and expect to have a winning record. We HAVE to fix this as soon as possible.

 

[Specnatz]

Of course during the 2nd half of the Jets game, Kubiak stood about 20 yards from the LOS. Alone. I can't believe he did that again. Regardless, this paralyzed state Kubiak drifts into on Sundays is nothing new. His indecisiveness is crippling this team. As Vinny mentioned, the Texans defense is getting by on pure talent right now. The coaching is horrendous, to this point. Frank Bush did nothing to earn this promotion and has done nothing to vindicate it.

Specnatz, your bizarre criticism of DeMeco Ryans is laughable. He's the one person that is keeping this defense from becoming a complete joke. This is not the least talented defense in the NFL. Statistically, this defense is at the bottom of the league. That tells me that the coaches are not getting the players ready to play.

You hate Kubiak and your view will always be in line that he is in some paralyded state as you call it.

Like I said the coaches deserve blame but I am not resolving players from blame as well. How is my criticism bizarre? He is the Captain of the D is he not? He calls out the defensive protect doesn't he? It is OK to call out Wilson when he did an o'lay tackle in a preseason game. Okoye has been criticized a lot and that is fine. D Rob has been criticized when he has a bad play (Titans game last year). So when the Captain of the D does not see the one player you have to account for move out of the backfield and is uncovered he should be blamed as well as the coaches. I also mentioned Wilson, who is the FS, he should have moved over and covered Jonson.

I see nothing wrong with placing blame on the parties who are involved and that is coaches and players.

 

[Jackie Chiles]

On the big 91 yard run that crack was open for an instant and it looked to me like Cushing almost got there in time. Maybe if he plays a couple of preseason games and gets up to speed faster he closes that hole up in time. We're just almost there so often.

I am almost positive that you are mistaking Cushing for Bulman. I did the same thing but then I saw a replay that I could actually see jersey numbers and it was Bulman that came closest to ankle tackling Johnson. Cushing was on the other side of the play.

 

[Hervoyel]

I am almost positive that you are mistaking Cushing for Bulman. I did the same thing but then I saw a replay that I could actually see jersey numbers and it was Bulman that came closest to ankle tackling Johnson. Cushing was on the other side of the play.

Could be. I'll have to look again.

 

[YellerLotYeller]

Typical "break but don't bend" defense......

 

[silvrhand]

Could be. I'll have to look again.

It was bulman, Cushing was on the backside and got sealed off by the center, which is expected, even if he had beaten that block the guard pulling would have sealed him off.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Typical "break but don't bend" defense......

Huh?

Are you being sarcastic? Because this is exactly the opposite of the bend don't break type of defense. This is the live by the sword/die by the sword type of defense.

 

[76Texan]

Huh?

Are you being sarcastic? Because this is exactly the opposite of the bend don't break type of defense. This is the live by the sword/die by the sword type of defense.

That was exactly what he said!

They don't bend, they just break!

 

[Runner]

I'd like to pause for a moment and request that instead of "not resolving" the players and coaches we can start "not absolving" them. The first time I let it slide; the second time felt like someone stuck an icepick in my eye.

I wouldn't bring this up, but I think the defense is going to need a lot of absolution this year.

 

[dalemurphy]

A couple people have touched on this, but one thing to keep in mind is that we are only two games into a new defense, with new coaches, and a new scheme... not to mention the fact that Dunta, Cushing missed the entire preseason. Antonio Smith and Busing weren't on the roster last year. Add to that the reliance on a number of rookies: Cushing, BMcCain, G. Quin, Barwin... and the general youth and inexperience on the defense: Adibi, Okam, Okoye, Robinson, Diles, Barber, etc... Most of these guys have only been in one scheme as a pro. I think it's natural that it takes some time to adapt.

Back to my original point when I started this thread, as bad as this defense has been, clearly there are signs that its play can improve a lot... and quickly. My guess is that in two weeks we will be 3-1 and the discussion will be whether the defense can look good against a real offense (Arizona) or if they just looked good because we were playing Jacksonville and Oakland. Anyone want to wager on that?

 

[Kaiser Toro]

The type of busted plays due to a lack of communication is something that should never happen at this level. Communication is the great equalizer when relationships (player to player, coach to player) are in their infancy, and right now there is a failure to communicate. I am pretty sure that there is something going on in the locker room that is not being discussed.

As far as this thread goes we show small signs of a solid defense, and billboards of JV football. I simply cannot wax poetic about a defense that gives up these type of big plays, it is completely foolish in my opinion.

Next week's result is all that matters - no playoffs, no 3-1, no getting better, and no competing. Our goal is to be 2-1 and that is going to take 53 players to get it done, because their ain't a lot of help coming from the sidelines and the booth.

 

[TexansFight]

If I was Kubiak, I would demote or fire Frank Bush immediately and elevate Ray Rhodes who is a proven and successful D. Coordinator and head coach in this league on an interim basis. I think that would fix some of the horrific errors we are seeing.

The defense is terrible and that can not be disproven. I do get what some are saying is that we are seeing the defense actually make some plays to give us some hope for potential improvement. We have been so used to the death by a 1,000 cuts in bend but don't break defenses that we are excited to see tackles for losses and QB hurries.

 

[dalemurphy]

If I was Kubiak, I would demote or fire Frank Bush immediately and elevate Ray Rhodes who is a proven and successful D. Coordinator and head coach in this league on an interim basis. I think that would fix some of the horrific errors we are seeing.

The defense is terrible and that can not be disproven. I do get what some are saying is that we are seeing the defense actually make some plays to give us some hope for potential improvement. We have been so used to the death by a 1,000 cuts in bend but don't break defenses that we are excited to see tackles for losses and QB hurries.

Rhodes has health problems that preclude him from any serious responsibilities.

Regardless of whether Bush works out or not, demoting or firing him after two weeks would be a horrible move. Kubiak searched for a DC and settled on him, if he becomes thoroughly convinced after two weeks that he isn't the guy, then I don't think it says much about his decision-making abilities or his trust in them.

 

[Fox]

Next week's result is all that matters - no playoffs, no 3-1, no getting better, and no competing. Our goal is to be 2-1 and that is going to take 53 players to get it done, because their ain't a lot of help coming from the sidelines and the booth.

Excellent post, particularly the above. Anyone chalking us up at 3-1 hasn't learned anything about this team in the past 7 years. Next week is a big, big game.

 

[noxiousdog]

If I was Kubiak, I would demote or fire Frank Bush immediately and elevate Ray Rhodes who is a proven and successful D. Coordinator and head coach in this league on an interim basis. I think that would fix some of the horrific errors we are seeing.

What can Rhodes do as DC that he can't do as assistant DC?

I was not (and am not) a fan of Frank Bush, but introducing a another new defense isn't the solution for a team struggling with learning a new defense.

 

[Hervoyel]

Excellent post, particularly the above. Anyone chalking us up at 3-1 hasn't learned anything about this team in the past 7 years. Next week is a big, big game.

Yes, it certainly is. We've reclaimed our dignity following the Jets loss so we know how they respond and play following disasters. That's nice and all but how are we going to respond and play following emotional highs?

Thomas Jones and Chris Johnson went buck wild on our defense so you know Maurice Jones-Drew can't wait for his big statistical day. The Jacksonville series is an odd one. We could easily be 1-2 next week if the Texans don't respond well to success.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

That was exactly what he said!

They don't bend, they just break!

I misread it.

 

[76Texan]

A couple people have touched on this, but one thing to keep in mind is that we are only two games into a new defense, with new coaches, and a new scheme... not to mention the fact that Dunta, Cushing missed the entire preseason. Antonio Smith and Busing weren't on the roster last year. Add to that the reliance on a number of rookies: Cushing, BMcCain, G. Quin, Barwin... and the general youth and inexperience on the defense: Adibi, Okam, Okoye, Robinson, Diles, Barber, etc... Most of these guys have only been in one scheme as a pro. I think it's natural that it takes some time to adapt.

Back to my original point when I started this thread, as bad as this defense has been, clearly there are signs that its play can improve a lot... and quickly. My guess is that in two weeks we will be 3-1 and the discussion will be whether the defense can look good against a real offense (Arizona) or if they just looked good because we were playing Jacksonville and Oakland. Anyone want to wager on that?

What about the Jets?

 

[dalemurphy]

What about the Jets?

1. The Jets were running the same basic system last year.
2. The Jets defense was pretty good last year.
3. They added players with experience in the exact system being implemented.
4. Ryan is an excellent defensive coach!

 

[Runner]

What about the Jets?

1. The Jets were running the same basic system last year.
2. The Jets defense was pretty good last year.
3. They added players with experience in the exact system being implemented.
4. Ryan is an excellent defensive coach!

1. The Texans have said the same thing about their own defense.

2. Good point. The Texans were not.

3. That seems like a smart way to improve the defense. Did the Texans do that?

4. That seems like a smart move too. Did the Texans get one of those?

 

[Texans_Chick]

1. The Jets were running the same basic system last year.
2. The Jets defense was pretty good last year.
3. They added players with experience in the exact system being implemented.
4. Ryan is an excellent defensive coach!

Here's something I talked about a little in a comment on my blog

Jets - Experience years of the Normal Starters

NT- 9
END - 9
T - 10
OLB - 7
WILL - 8
MIKE - 2
OLB - 7
LCB - 3
RCB - 8
S - 4
S - 4

Texans - Experience of various players who have been starters, starters really aren't too established with this squad

Smith - 6
Cody - 5
Zgonina - 17
Williams - 4
Cushing - 0
Ryans - 4
Diles - 3
Bennett - 3
Robinson - 6
Barber -2
Ferguson - 10
Wilson - 8

And extra corners to pick on:

Quin 0
McCain 0


It's young players leading old players. The best players haven't played for any other team, so they are trying to lead from a position of never having success. You can do it but it is hard--they haven't had any decent top of their career mentors their own selves. Anthony Weaver? Jeff Zgonina? Dunta Robinson had Aaron Glenn for a while.

And then are being coached up by a DC who has never been a DC.

It's hard to blame the current regime for the ages of the players. The best way to develop great players is from within the team--most teams are able to keep their best players who are worth the money due to how free agency works. We are paying now for the busts of the previous regime (and may be paying for Okoye if he doesn't come around).

Yup, everyone theoretically knows that an aggressive defense run by young players can lead to big plays, but yowsa, that was unspeakably ugly.

There is no culture of dominant defense for the Texans. There's been some good games in the mix but mostly futility. That's something hard to turn around--they've been able to do it some on offense, but the offense needs some help because they aren't going to be able to put 4 TDs up on teams every week.

 

[76Texan]

The Jets were without the service of Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace.
They used 3rd yr-man Devito and the rookie Westerman.

The Jets D was pretty good last year, but also inconsistent, giving up a chunk of points in quite a few games.

And just because Rex Ryan is a good Defensive mind doesn't exclude us from saying that the Texans D suck!

 

[76Texan]

If the Texans were concerned about experience, they could have done a lot of things, for example:

1. Play Bentley instead of Cushing.
2. Give Molden more snaps instead of McCain or Quin; Busing over Barber.
3. Put either Quin or McCain on the PS and retain Deltha O'Neal for a few games.
4. Bring back Faggins, yeah!

 

[nero THE zero]

1. The Jets were running the same basic system last year.

I think you have this backwards.

The Jets are running a 3-4 as they did last year, which is the same, but the version they are running is entirely different. Last season they were running a derivitive of the Belichick bend-but-don't-break 3-4. This year they are running the agressive Ryan version. Same base, different philosophies.

The Texans, on the other hand, are running "the same scheme, with more aggression" according to most of their players.

Maybe someone can find the off-season quote from DeMeco that I paraphrased above. But, if anyone between the Jets and the Texans is running the same basic system, it is the Texans.

 

[76Texan]

I think you have this backwards.

The Jets are running a 3-4 as they did last year, which is the same, but the version they are running is entirely different. Last season they were running a derivitive of the Belichick bend-but-don't-break 3-4. This year they are running the agressive Ryan version. Same base, different philosophies.

The Texans, on the other hand, are running "the same scheme, with more aggression" according to most of their players.

Maybe someone can find the off-season quote from DeMeco that I paraphrased above. But, if anyone between the Jets and the Texans is running the same basic system, it is the Texans.

I agree, but maybe DM was only talking about BASIC.
Except there were very little basics what they ran against us.
They weren't as exotic against the Pats though!

 

[dalemurphy]

If the Texans were concerned about experience, they could have done a lot of things, for example:

1. Play Bentley instead of Cushing.
2. Give Molden more snaps instead of McCain or Quin; Busing over Barber.
3. Put either Quin or McCain on the PS and retain Deltha O'Neal for a few games.
4. Bring back Faggins, yeah!

The Texans are forward-looking though. They clearly think that starting Cushing over Bentley is going to get them where they want to go faster. They aren't competing for the week 2 championship. Regarding Molden, I think they wanted him to get more reps but he wasn't returning to form and then was reinjured.

All that being said, you have touched on my biggest issue with the Texan coaching staff. They seem to make a lot of quesionable internal personnel decisions. My worry is that these poor decisions aren't based on a specific philosophy but a result of poor self diagnosis.

For instance, Okoye continues to get more reps than any DT, while Robinson gets the fewest; the entire Dominique Barber fiasco; starting Ferguson at FS over Busing; starting Diles at SLB in the preseason instead of Bentley.....

among others. I just don't see a consistent pattern to suggest why these decisions are made. People argue that Okoye plays because he's a first rounder. But, Brown lost reps last season at LT even though he was better than Salaam. Bennett lost his job to Petey last season. Molden, a 3rd rounder, couldn't get on the field. Diles is starting over Adibi, etc...


Your point about the Texans being concerned about experience and making moves to take care of it assumes the Texans were concerned about experience. Perhaps they expected this steep learning curve and were willing to deal with these early season struggles and they think it is going to payoff as the season continues. It is possible that their plan and timetable is slightly different than yours!