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Texans random thought of the day

The Bengals OC helped them out a lot.

3rd and 3 and you go deep. Incomplete
3rd and 2 you go deep again. Incomplete
4th and 2 you go deep yet again. Incomplete
It’s hard to imagine this Texans team suddenly waking up during the 3rd quarter on O and coming back to win in that situation.

I know it takes a lucky break and some bad playcalling on the other sideline m, as well, but the way our staff call O we see the best we have to offer in the first quarter and gradually allow the other team to counter us as the game wears on.
 
Here’s a question I keep rolling around in my head but haven’t truly come up with an answer.

Last year our o-line was beaten up to a historic level. We had guys playing that were sitting on their couch…players moving around, going in and out and while it wasn’t a top 10 line…it was leaps years better then this current mess with relative health other than the dearly departed Kenyon Green.

And to put a fine point on it…same exact HC, OC, and o-line coach

What’s going on here???
 
Here’s a question I keep rolling around in my head but haven’t truly come up with an answer.

Last year our o-line was beaten up to a historic level. We had guys playing that were sitting on their couch…players moving around, going in and out and while it wasn’t a top 10 line…it was leaps years better then this current mess with relative health other than the dearly departed Kenyon Green.

And to put a fine point on it…same exact HC, OC, and o-line coach

What’s going on here???
Those guys were playing for something, either a contract or a starting position on another team. These guys were named the starters since last season. Maybe it’s that.
 
Those guys were playing for something, either a contract or a starting position on another team. These guys were named the starters since last season. Maybe it’s that.

Or maybe it’s the character of the individuals.

Tunsil and Mason are the only two on the line now that played all of last year.

And I agree with your post. Players play harder trying to get the next contract. Which is why we don’t see Caserio locking up players for long contracts.
 
Here’s a question I keep rolling around in my head but haven’t truly come up with an answer.

Last year our o-line was beaten up to a historic level. We had guys playing that were sitting on their couch…players moving around, going in and out and while it wasn’t a top 10 line…it was leaps years better then this current mess with relative health other than the dearly departed Kenyon Green.

And to put a fine point on it…same exact HC, OC, and o-line coach

What’s going on here???
My belief is that there is more tape now on Stroud and Slowick. Both of them may not have adjusted this year and are going through a sophomore slump.
 
Here’s a question I keep rolling around in my head but haven’t truly come up with an answer.

Last year our o-line was beaten up to a historic level. We had guys playing that were sitting on their couch…players moving around, going in and out and while it wasn’t a top 10 line…it was leaps years better then this current mess with relative health other than the dearly departed Kenyon Green.

And to put a fine point on it…same exact HC, OC, and o-line coach

What’s going on here???
Combination of things:

1) More tape on Slowik/Stroud. Slowik’s lack of ability to adjust to defensive gameplans is concerning here.

2) Scruggs young player moved to center after playing guard last season. Deiter was a vet so while not as good in one on one matchups, was smarter calling protections at the line and picking up stunts.

3) Tytus Howard not fully recovered from injury. May never be as good as he once was (which was just around average to above average at his peak). Downgrade from Fant last year.

4) Tunsil also not recovered from offseason knee surgery/“Tunsil rest”.

5) Mason one year older and looking on the decline.

6) Hopefully this is the biggest reason. Kenyon Green was an absolute liability and should have been pulled from the lineup before he was injured. Hopefully any warm body that takes his place is an upgrade which causes a ripple effect making the rest of the OL better.
 
Combination of things:

1) More tape on Slowik/Stroud. Slowik’s lack of ability to adjust to defensive gameplans is concerning here.

2) Scruggs young player moved to center after playing guard last season. Deiter was a vet so while not as good in one on one matchups, was smarter calling protections at the line and picking up stunts.

3) Tytus Howard not fully recovered from injury. May never be as good as he once was (which was just around average to above average at his peak). Downgrade from Fant last year.

4) Tunsil also not recovered from offseason knee surgery/“Tunsil rest”.

5) Mason one year older and looking on the decline.

6) Hopefully this is the biggest reason. Kenyon Green was an absolute liability and should have been pulled from the lineup before he was injured. Hopefully any warm body that takes his place is an upgrade which causes a ripple effect making the rest of the OL better.
Exellant analysis.

I never was high on Deiter, but your point may be spot on; and one I never thought of.

Your point on Howard is one I've had since training camp. But I don't recall anyone pointing this out once the season began.

Excellant post.
 
I am concerned that Tunsil's left knee injury from Josh Jones plus groin and ankle injuries may be more of an issue than we have been led to believe. Starting next to Kenyon Green was not helpful either.
 
I am concerned that Tunsil's left knee injury from Josh Jones plus groin and ankle injuries may be more of an issue than we have been led to believe. Starting next to Kenyon Green was not helpful either.

I’m pretty sure that giving Tunsil an out versus holding him accountable is going down the wrong path.
1. False Starts have been his biggest knock since he arrived in Houston. Funny how he just can’t wrap his brain around this issue whether he’s healthy or not playing at 100%.
2. Stating that he doesn’t have to be an above average run blocker b/c his sole existence with the Texans is to be a blind-side protector has been a hindrance in his development as a run blocker since he arrived. That makes him a very soft one dimensional LT.
3. He’s a soft arc blocker that never imposed his will on a defender. His effort goes as far as the arc takes him behind the QB’s drop. One thing is for certain….if the QB has to pull the ball down and move to the left, you can just about set your clock to the fact that Tunsil’s responsibility will disengage and still be in a position to put pressure on the QB from adjusted blind-side. This too has been on tape since he arrived.
 
I’m pretty sure that giving Tunsil an out versus holding him accountable is going down the wrong path.
1. False Starts have been his biggest knock since he arrived in Houston. Funny how he just can’t wrap his brain around this issue whether he’s healthy or not playing at 100%.
2. Stating that he doesn’t have to be an above average run blocker b/c his sole existence with the Texans is to be a blind-side protector has been a hindrance in his development as a run blocker since he arrived. That makes him a very soft one dimensional LT.
3. He’s a soft arc blocker that never imposed his will on a defender. His effort goes as far as the arc takes him behind the QB’s drop. One thing is for certain….if the QB has to pull the ball down and move to the left, you can just about set your clock to the fact that Tunsil’s responsibility will disengage and still be in a position to put pressure on the QB from adjusted blind-side. This too has been on tape since he arrived.
Perhaps Tunsil knows his injury puts him at disadvantage going to his left and is "timing" his move too soon? I agree that too often he rides and guides his opponent over the arc yet pain can be an attributing cause.

Who are you referring to with point 2? Tunsil never has been nor ever will be a great run blocking tackle. Still, he isn’t going anywhere this season nor probably next either.

We should have a plan that fills his position when he is gone.
 
I'd like to see the team bring more energy and urgency. Set a stronger tone from the start. On offense, hustle up to the line and get ready to go quickly. All phases, play through the whistle...don’t stop just because you think the play or your involvement is over. On special teams, sprint down the field all the way to the end zone if the kick isn't returned. Make every play count and give 100% from start to finish.
 
Here’s a question I keep rolling around in my head but haven’t truly come up with an answer.

Last year our o-line was beaten up to a historic level. We had guys playing that were sitting on their couch…players moving around, going in and out and while it wasn’t a top 10 line…it was leaps years better then this current mess with relative health other than the dearly departed Kenyon Green.

And to put a fine point on it…same exact HC, OC, and o-line coach

What’s going on here???
Tunsil - is having an off yr, but is still playing at an acceptable level.

Kenyon- sucks

Juice- looks like a guy playing center for the 1st time in the NFL.

Mason- is still playing fairly well, but is starting to show his age.

Howard- Has always been avg at best and that's with a generous grade.
 
I keep saying that OL problem is unfixable until after the season.

Sooner or later some of you are going to come around to believing me.
Why do you think the issues are unfixable and how would you go about fixing them?
 
Combination of things:

1) More tape on Slowik/Stroud. Slowik’s lack of ability to adjust to defensive gameplans is concerning here.

2) Scruggs young player moved to center after playing guard last season. Deiter was a vet so while not as good in one on one matchups, was smarter calling protections at the line and picking up stunts.

3) Tytus Howard not fully recovered from injury. May never be as good as he once was (which was just around average to above average at his peak). Downgrade from Fant last year.

4) Tunsil also not recovered from offseason knee surgery/“Tunsil rest”.

5) Mason one year older and looking on the decline.

6) Hopefully this is the biggest reason. Kenyon Green was an absolute liability and should have been pulled from the lineup before he was injured. Hopefully any warm body that takes his place is an upgrade which causes a ripple effect making the rest of the OL better.
Spot On
 
Why do you think the issues are unfixable and how would you go about fixing them?
First thing, you need to stop looking at the coaching. The problem is the players, and I think you know that. Tunsil is not worth the money they paying him, Neither is Howard. Neither is Mason. They all need to be cut. And from all the dead money they will get stuck with, maybe that will be a big lesson they can learn, that they don’t need to pay that much to get a decent OL Make more smart draft picks for quick major college linemen.
 
Pardon my curiosity, but do you ever watch the games in real time?
Sometimes I do, but since I've given up my season tickets I've devoted to spending more time with my family. I watched most of the game tonight. We left the restaurant just before the Scruggs holding call cost the Texans a TD and by the time we picked up groceries we got back for the 2nd half.
 
First thing, you need to stop looking at the coaching. The problem is the players, and I think you know that. Tunsil is not worth the money they paying him, Neither is Howard. Neither is Mason. They all need to be cut. And from all the dead money they will get stuck with, maybe that will be a big lesson they can learn, that they don’t need to pay that much to get a decent OL Make more smart draft picks for quick major college linemen.
The OL looked much better tonight. Patterson playing center really helped with the OL calls. Who are you going to get to replace the guys you listed? Odds of drafting a LT as good as Tunsil is slim. They drafted Howard's replacement in Fisher. I'm hoping Scruggs is a better LG than he was a center. Patterson is a fine center, however he's an injury waiting to happen. I agree gotta replace Mason after this year and I would put Kendrick Green in to play RG every 3-4 series to keep Mason well rested and on the top of his game.

I also dont try to equate how much money a guy makes into how well he plays. I just look at things like a guy had a good/bad/mediocre game regardless of the money he makes.

BTW, I wouldn't mind the Texans picking a guy like Wyatt Milum OT/OG West Virginia in the 1st rd and let him learn for a year at LG, then takeover for Tunsil at LT in 2026.
 
The OL looked much better tonight. Patterson playing center really helped with the OL calls. Who are you going to get to replace the guys you listed? Odds of drafting a LT as good as Tunsil is slim. They drafted Howard's replacement in Fisher. I'm hoping Scruggs is a better LG than he was a center. Patterson is a fine center, however he's an injury waiting to happen. I agree gotta replace Mason after this year and I would put Kendrick Green in to play RG every 3-4 series to keep Mason well rested and on the top of his game.

I also dont try to equate how much money a guy makes into how well he plays. I just look at things like a guy had a good/bad/mediocre game regardless of the money he makes.

BTW, I wouldn't mind the Texans picking a guy like Wyatt Milum OT/OG West Virginia in the 1st rd and let him learn for a year at LG, then takeover for Tunsil at LT in 2026.

The best thing would be for this team to move to a foreign nation. Preferably Yemen but Libya, Afghanistan, and Syria would work also. An utter clownshow of an organization with a consistent lack of discipline and toughness. They are unbearable to watch for me. I loathe being a fan at this point.
 
The best thing would be for this team to move to a foreign nation. Preferably Yemen but Libya, Afghanistan, and Syria would work also. An utter clownshow of an organization with a consistent lack of discipline and toughness. They are unbearable to watch for me. I loathe being a fan at this point.
It could be time for you to take a break?
 
I'm not even sure anymore how to explain my feelings about this 6-4 team. Last years 6-4 Texans were exciting to watch. With this team when I'm watching I'm expecting bad things to happen. Okay, Texans are still up by three. At their own 47. It's 3 and 10, CJ's been pretty good in this type of situation. Is it going to be a Tunsil false start to kill any chance of making a first down? Nope, Tytus Howard strips CJ of the ball.

I can't take anything off the table for this team. They have shown they can be a high-flying offense. They have pretty much the same guys on offense from last year except they ADDED players to take that offense to the next level - Mixon and Diggs. And instead of taking that next step, they've moved back dramatically. They are once again embarrassing the city and doing their best to remove any chances of developing a star quarterback. Not just a pro bowl quarterback but a star in the same category of Mahomes. That was the discussion around the league last year. The question now is, how far can Slowik and the offensive line drag CJ down? The line gave up four sacks, nine pressures on Stroud and for them, that was an improvement. Unless you factor in one of the linemen on the team strip sacked his own quarterback after he was badly whipped.
 
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I think part of this letdown is on us. Last year, we were riding a wave of optimism. The Texans had been the league's punchline for a few years, with little hope on the horizon—then, Ryans stepped in. They pulled off a 10-win season (we might’ve looked past the losses against the Jets and Panthers), even took a playoff game from a struggling Browns team, and suddenly, we were all in on the Texans, ready to believe in a full comeback.

But now, reality has settled in. This team isn’t quite the powerhouse we envisioned. Slowik isn’t the next hot coaching prospect, Ryans isn’t a young Belichick, and CJ isn’t the next Mahomes. It’s a reminder that progress is happening—but maybe not at the meteoric pace we had hoped for.
 
I needed to take a step back and remind myself that DeMeco is in year two. We over performed last year so expectations were high. I'm not ready to call DeMeco a horrible head coach just yet. Hell, it took Dan Campbell until year three to truly be a contender. He had a horrible year one, year two started bad and then they started to turn it around.

We all see the glaring issues with the offense, the question is how Ryans responds as head coach to lift the team back up and steer them in the right direction.
 
Here’s another thought exercise, and for this one, remove your emotions or personal feeling about either individual.

If you could trade DeMeco Ryans straight up for Dan Campbell with everything else exactly how it is today, are you making that trade? Why or why not?
 
Here’s another thought exercise, and for this one, remove your emotions or personal feeling about either individual.

If you could trade DeMeco Ryans straight up for Dan Campbell with everything else exactly how it is today, are you making that trade? Why or why not?

Dan Campbell started 1-6 in his second season.

I am sure fans were calling for his head back the.

You have to let some things play out.

That said - Demeco is our Dan Campbell. I am keeping Demeco.

The issue isn’t that we don’t have a Ben Johnson.

Here is something to think about:

Anthony Lynn was Dan Campbell’s first OC. Ben Johnson replaced him in the middle to late season in 2021.
 
I think part of this letdown is on us. Last year, we were riding a wave of optimism. The Texans had been the league's punchline for a few years, with little hope on the horizon—then, Ryans stepped in. They pulled off a 10-win season (we might’ve looked past the losses against the Jets and Panthers), even took a playoff game from a struggling Browns team, and suddenly, we were all in on the Texans, ready to believe in a full comeback.

But now, reality has settled in. This team isn’t quite the powerhouse we envisioned. Slowik isn’t the next hot coaching prospect, Ryans isn’t a young Belichick, and CJ isn’t the next Mahomes. It’s a reminder that progress is happening—but maybe not at the meteoric pace we had hoped for.
Quoted for truth
 
Let's see, here's another thought exercise.

Fans want Slowik gone, before that they wanted Tin Kelly gone, before that they wanted BOB gone, before that they said Kubiaks offense was predictable and stale.

Which OC do y'all want hired so y'all can call for his firing in a year or two?
 
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