f'ing texans

[HudsonHawk]

What is the difference between "kick" and "defer"?

After the coin toss, the winning team gets one of two choices to start the game:  

1.  kick/receive the ball, or
2.  which goal they want to defend.  

The team that loses the toss gets the other choice.  To start the second half, the choices are reversed, ie, the team that lost the coin flip gets to pick first, and the winning team gets the other choice.  Deferring simply means that the team that wins the toss defers making the first choice until the second half.  That means that the team that lost the flip gets first choice to start the game.

If you win the toss, and elect to kick, that means by default that the losing teams gets the ball first to start the game, plus they get to pick which end they want to defend.  The team that loses the toss still gets first choice to start the second half.  There is no rationale for choosing to kick.

[Astroholic]

After the coin toss, the winning team gets one of two choices to start the game:  

1.  kick/receive the ball, or
2.  which goal they want to defend.  

The team that loses the toss gets the other choice.  To start the second half, the choices are reversed, ie, the team that lost the coin flip gets to pick first, and the winning team gets the other choice.  Deferring simply means that the team that wins the toss defers making the first choice until the second half.  That means that the team that lost the flip gets first choice to start the game.

If you win the toss, and elect to kick, that means by default that the losing teams gets the ball first to start the game, plus they get to pick which end they want to defend.  The team that loses the toss still gets first choice to start the second half.  There is no rationale for choosing to kick.

And Ryans should know this.  I think he just misspoke, that is why the ref asked him three times.

[Bench]

And Ryans should know this.  I think he just misspoke, that is why the ref asked him three times.

Right.  99 times out of 100 you say "defer" and what actually happens is that you kick.  It's not rocket surgery on either end.

[HudsonHawk]

And Ryans should know this.  I think he just misspoke, that is why the ref asked him three times.

I'd like to think that, but from Schaub's comments, it made it sound like Ryans was more concerned with going on defense to start the game.  Obviously that is the result of deferring, but it sure was unconfortable to hear.  At any rate, the point is, there was confusion over what was going to be called, which should never happen.

[Astroholic]

I'd like to think that, but from Schaub's comments, it made it sound like Ryans was more concerned with going on defense to start the game.  Obviously that is the result of deferring, but it sure was unconfortable to hear.  At any rate, the point is, there was confusion over what was going to be called, which should never happen.

Right it shouldn’t, but not HC's fault.  Ryans calls/called the defensive plays, so one would assume that he can get the flip call right.  Also not his first time out there since he is/was a captain.

I would not be surprised if some officials have heard 'kick' called and just assumed that the team was deferring.  According to alot of Chiefs fans these officials were incompetent anyways. 

[HudsonHawk]

Right it shouldn’t, but not HC's fault.  Ryans calls/called the defensive plays, so one would assume that he can get the flip call right.  Also not his first time out there since he is/was a captain.

It may not be the coach's fault, but it is his problem.  If he can't even get that message out there, what does that say about his communication skills?

I would not be surprised if some officials have heard 'kick' called and just assumed that the team was deferring.  According to alot of Chiefs fans these officials were incompetent anyways. 

The Chiefs got the benefit of nearly every call except the pass interference on Johnson late in the game.  That's what they're sore about.

[Astroholic]

The Chiefs got the benefit of nearly every call except the pass interference on Johnson late in the game.  That's what they're sore about.

Yep.

And those are grown men whom have played football their whole life.  This is not Little League.  If Kubs told them to kick, Ryans should know what to call.

[hostros7]

The Chiefs got the benefit of nearly every call except the pass interference on Johnson late in the game.  That's what they're sore about.

And, if there had been no flag thrown either way and the Texans had just lined up for the next play, there wouldn't be any fuss about it at all.  It wasn't severe enough of a pushoff to warrant a flag in the 4th quarter of an NFL game.  Randy Moss pushes off more to get separation on nearly every single ball thrown his way.

[HudsonHawk]

And, if there had been no flag thrown either way and the Texans had just lined up for the next play, there wouldn't be any fuss about it at all.  It wasn't severe enough of a pushoff to warrant a flag in the 4th quarter of an NFL game.  Randy Moss pushes off more to get separation on nearly every single ball thrown his way.

There was no penalty as it was.  And Chiefs' fans are still pissed.  And they should be.  It was a huge pushoff.  Johnson clearly got separation with it.  It was as obvious an offensive interference as you'll ever see.  Were I a Chiefs fan, I'd be pissed too. 

[Astroholic]

There was no penalty as it was.  And Chiefs' fans are still pissed.  And they should be.  It was a huge pushoff.  Johnson clearly got separation with it.  It was as obvious an offensive interference as you'll ever see.  Were I a Chiefs fan, I'd be pissed too.  

I did not see it that way.  I will admit to being a homer, but I have seen that kind of bumping on almost every fly route in the NFL over the past several years.  I know that the defensive players have been hamstrung by the rules, but this is the way it is and has been called.


I would have pissed if it would have went the other way.

[JimR]

I did not see it that way.  I will admit to being a homer, but I have seen that kind of bumping on almost every fly route in the NFL over the past several years.  I know that the defensive players have been hamstrung by the rules, but this is the way it is and has been called.


I would have pissed if it would have went the other way.

yes, you are a homer.

[Rebel Jew]

I did not see it that way.  I will admit to being a homer, but I have seen that kind of bumping on almost every fly route in the NFL over the past several years.  I know that the defensive players have been hamstrung by the rules, but this is the way it is and has been called.


I would have pissed if it would have went the other way.

Seems to me that a common sense way to fix the pass interference rule would be to make the penalty more like the roughing the kicker/running into the kicker thing.  Basically, there should be a delineation between blatant pass interference, like the defender knows he's beat and deliberately grabs or pushes the receiver, and incidental interference, like when there's bumping between the defender and receiver while both are going for the ball.  Blatant interference should be enforced the same as now, but all other kinds should just be 10 yards and a first down or something like that.

[MusicMan]

Seems to me that a common sense way to fix the pass interference rule would be to make the penalty more like the roughing the kicker/running into the kicker thing.  Basically, there should be a delineation between blatant pass interference, like the defender knows he's beat and deliberately grabs or pushes the receiver, and incidental interference, like when there's bumping between the defender and receiver while both are going for the ball.  Blatant interference should be enforced the same as now, but all other kinds should just be 10 yards and a first down or something like that.

Isn't this the college rule?  Except that the referees almost never call the "blatant" version.

[EasTexAstro]

Isn't this the college rule?  Except that the referees almost never call the "blatant" version.

i thought they had the illegal contact 5-yd. penalty, and then the pass interference, spot of the foul 1st down choice.

[ybbodeus]

What happened 2 years ago is irrelevant.

Correct, even if it happens again.

[HudsonHawk]

Seems to me that a common sense way to fix the pass interference rule would be to make the penalty more like the roughing the kicker/running into the kicker thing.  Basically, there should be a delineation between blatant pass interference, like the defender knows he's beat and deliberately grabs or pushes the receiver, and incidental interference, like when there's bumping between the defender and receiver while both are going for the ball.  Blatant interference should be enforced the same as now, but all other kinds should just be 10 yards and a first down or something like that.

There is no penalty for incidental contact when both are going for the ball, only when the defender is not.  That's why they talk about the defender turning his head around and looking for the ball.  It basically renders the contact non-interference.

[HudsonHawk]

i thought they had the illegal contact 5-yd. penalty, and then the pass interference, spot of the foul 1st down choice.

Illegal contact and pass interfence are two different infractions.  Illegal contact is independent of a pass actually being thrown.  Pass interference requires the ball to be thrown and in the air when the contact occurs.

[Rebel Jew]

There is no penalty for incidental contact when both are going for the ball, only when the defender is not.  That's why they talk about the defender turning his head around and looking for the ball.  It basically renders the contact non-interference.

Yeah but as we all know the defender often gets called for interference if there's incidental contact when both are going for the ball.  And the defender seemingly always gets called if he's defending well but is unable to look around at the ball (like if there's an underthrown pass, and the receiver hits into the trailing db while coming back for the ball).  At worst that's obstruction or something minor, but certainly not blatant interference that would call for a 40 or 50 yard penalty or whatever.

As is, many receivers seem to be coached (or have learned) to use alligator arms to push off knowing that the rule is so skewed in favor of receivers, that the penalty is so huge that DB's would often rather not risk anything that could be interpreted as interference, and that the worst that could happen is a 10 yard penalty for offensive interference which makes zero difference if it's third down or late in a game.

[HudsonHawk]

Yeah but as we all know the defender often gets called for interference if there's incidental contact when both are going for the ball.

That rarely, if ever, happens.

  And the defender seemingly always gets called if he's defending well but is unable to look around at the ball (like if there's an underthrown pass, and the receiver hits into the trailing db while coming back for the ball).  At worst that's obstruction or something minor, but certainly not blatant interference that would call for a 40 or 50 yard penalty or whatever.

There is no such thing as "blantant interference".  Either the defender impeded the receiver or he didn't.  The defenders intentions don't enter into it.

[Astroholic]

The defenders intentions don't enter into it.

But since this is all up to referee and his interpretation of the play without benefit of instant slo mo HD replay, the call usually goes in the recievers favor.

[HudsonHawk]

But since this is all up to referee and his interpretation of the play without benefit of instant slo mo HD replay, the call usually goes in the recievers favor.

The rules, and the enforcement of them, are usually tilted in the receivers' favor, yes.  We NFL fans sort of demand that.

[Astroholic]

Another topic that we can discuss.  Should helmet to helmet contact result in suspension?  Does it have to be called in the game?  League review after game?  This is an interesting topic to me because this type of head hunting is taught at the little league level by some 'coaches'.  I removed my kid from this until he grows and is taught how to play by paid coaches (Intermediate school).  For reference, I played MIC in highschool.

[Astroholic]

well I guess the NFL decided
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7253749.html

[Lurch]

well I guess the NFL decided
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7253749.html

About Fucking Time!
-Lurch, DeSean Jackson FF Owner

[Rebel Jew]

That rarely, if ever, happens.

It happens all the time, such as in the Texans-Chiefs game.

There is no such thing as "blantant interference".  Either the defender impeded the receiver or he didn't.  The defenders intentions don't enter into it.

There's a defender interfering with the receiver in such an obvious way that the defender had no realistic chance to defend the pass and a catch would have almost certainly happened otherwise.  This is "blatant" or whatever you want to call it.  Then there's two guys going up for the ball and the defender bumps the receiver, or the defender happens to be blocking the path of the receiver to the ball but not grabbing, pushing, or intentionally standing in his path.  Stuff like this is not blatant or flagrant or whatever, and are difficult for the defender to avoid much less do intentionally.  It's ridiculous that both could be 50 yard penalties.

[Duke]

About Fucking Time!
-Lurch, DeSean Jackson FF Owner

That shit that Harrison pulled Sunday deserves suspension.  He's going to end up killing somebody if they don't do something. He admitted yesterday that he is trying to hurt receivers who come in his zone.

[Limey]

Illegal contact and pass interfence are two different infractions.  Illegal contact is independent of a pass actually being thrown.  Pass interference requires the ball to be thrown and in the air when the contact occurs.

[Nitpick] ...and be catchable. [/Nitpick]

[Lurch]

[Nitpick] ...and be catchable. [/Nitpick]

I've never understood the caveat about the ball being tipped negating PI.  If it was still catchable, and the player tackles you to prevent you from catching it, thats PI in my book.

[HudsonHawk]

It happens all the time, such as in the Texans-Chiefs game.

I certainly didn't see it in the Chiefs game.  I don't think I've seen it yet this season in any game.

Then there's two guys going up for the ball and the defender bumps the receiver, or the defender happens to be blocking the path of the receiver to the ball but not grabbing, pushing, or intentionally standing in his path.  Stuff like this is not blatant or flagrant or whatever, and are difficult for the defender to avoid much less do intentionally.  It's ridiculous that both could be 50 yard penalties.

That is not a penalty.  The defensive player has just as much right to try to catch the ball as the offensive player.  You never see this called pass interference. 

[HudsonHawk]

I've never understood the caveat about the ball being tipped negating PI.  If it was still catchable, and the player tackles you to prevent you from catching it, thats PI in my book.

Because pass interfernce is about timing.  Once a forward pass is touched by a player other than the QB, the timing of the play has been altered.

[Lurch]

Schaub is Offensive Player of the Week.  Meanwhile, players think Romo is second most overrated.

And.... Go!

[Limey]

Meanwhile, players think Romo is second most overrated.

And.... Go!

Is that just Dallas' players?

[Lurch]

Is that just Dallas' players?

Nope.  TO was first

[chuck]

Nope.  TO was first

He's asking if the poll was taken solely among Dallas players. Of course, TO's being first doesn't really answer his question.

[Limey]

Actually, I was just being sarcastic.

[Andyzipp]

http://kilt.cbslocal.com/2010/10/19/whiner-line-tuesday/

The call at about 2:55 is pretty damn accurate.

[JaneDoe]

http://kilt.cbslocal.com/2010/10/19/whiner-line-tuesday/

The call at about 2:55 is pretty damn accurate.

Goodness gracious, that was funny.

[austro]

http://kilt.cbslocal.com/2010/10/19/whiner-line-tuesday/

The call at about 2:55 is pretty damn accurate.

"...where Frank Bush will... make a sandwich." The entire thing is hilarious.

[Andyzipp]

"...where Frank Bush will... make a sandwich." The entire thing is hilarious.

Kareem Jackson falls down.

[MusicMan]

"...where Frank Bush will... make a sandwich." The entire thing is hilarious.

"The Drano Classic Milkshake... for when slow, agonizing death is preferable to watching the Texans play defense."

[austro]

"Any Random Guy surveys the defense, mostly as a courtesy..."

[chuck]

I watched the Kansas City game again last night and was absolutely appalled at how bad the defense is/was. The time when Demeco was on the field was equally as bad if not worse. I couldn't count the number of times an interior DL made a tackle 8 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. How is that even possible? The LBs were AWOL as was Mario. I will say that the corners were not as miserable as they have been. They made a couple of plays, even. They've progressed from Historically Bad to Simply Terrible. In time perhaps they'll elevate themselves to Cheerfully Inept.

Unless something dramatic happens the Colts will score 50 points on the Texans. And hell, who knows, as bad as the Colts are against the run maybe the Texans will stay in the game.

[Limey]

In time perhaps they'll elevate themselves to Cheerfully Inept.

"Mostly Harmless"

[Astroholic]

I watched the Kansas City game again last night and was absolutely appalled at how bad the defense is/was. The time when Demeco was on the field was equally as bad if not worse. I couldn't count the number of times an interior DL made a tackle 8 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. How is that even possible? The LBs were AWOL as was Mario. I will say that the corners were not as miserable as they have been. They made a couple of plays, even. They've progressed from Historically Bad to Simply Terrible. In time perhaps they'll elevate themselves to Cheerfully Inept.

Unless something dramatic happens the Colts will score 50 points on the Texans. And hell, who knows, as bad as the Colts are against the run maybe the Texans will stay in the game.

Demeco has been getting praise from day 1.  I think he is okay, but pro bowler..nah.  Diles has more speed that meco, so we shall see what happens.

[austro]

Unless something dramatic happens the Colts will score 50 points on the Texans. And hell, who knows, as bad as the Colts are against the run maybe the Texans will stay in the game.

Collie and Clark are both out for several weeks (which is just great, since Collie is one of the top guys on my FFL team). So that's a little ray of sunshine for the Texans.

[MusicMan]

So that's a little ray of sunshine for the Texans.

Arian Foster and Duane Brown are the Texans' rays of hope for this next game.

[Rebel Jew]

I watched the Kansas City game again last night and was absolutely appalled at how bad the defense is/was. The time when Demeco was on the field was equally as bad if not worse. I couldn't count the number of times an interior DL made a tackle 8 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. How is that even possible? The LBs were AWOL as was Mario. I will say that the corners were not as miserable as they have been. They made a couple of plays, even. They've progressed from Historically Bad to Simply Terrible. In time perhaps they'll elevate themselves to Cheerfully Inept.

Unless something dramatic happens the Colts will score 50 points on the Texans. And hell, who knows, as bad as the Colts are against the run maybe the Texans will stay in the game.

don't know if you saw this, yesterday, but it's a pretty interesting breakdown of how poor the lb's are at understanding their coverage responsibilities in the cover 2 scheme:  http://www.texansbullblog.com/crisis-secondary-start-cornerbacks/featured-articles/film-study/

[chuck]

don't know if you saw this, yesterday, but it's a pretty interesting breakdown of how poor the lb's are at understanding their coverage responsibilities in the cover 2 scheme:  http://www.texansbullblog.com/crisis-secondary-start-cornerbacks/featured-articles/film-study/

I did see that, thanks. I like what they do over there even if the guy in charge annoys me from time to time.

[JaneDoe]

Collie and Clark are both out for several weeks (which is just great, since Collie is one of the top guys on my FFL team). So that's a little ray of sunshine for the Texans.

And Clark is on mine.....

[Rebel Jew]

And Clark is on mine.....

Clark is apparently officially out for the year now.  If there was ever a year where the Colts miss the playoffs this is it.  Texans need to stop fucking around real fast.

[hostros7]

Clark is apparently officially out for the year now.  If there was ever a year where the Colts miss the playoffs this is it.  Texans need to stop fucking around real fast.

Peyton could throw for 400 on the Texans with a krewe of circus midgets as his wide receivers.  Remember before last year all the pundits wondered "how is manning putting up these numbers with Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon," and now people act like these guys matter.  They don't, all that matters is Payton.  Sure, Clark seems to be his indespensable safety valve, but we probably only think that because he hasn't been replaced by Joe Dick yet at TE.

[austro]

Sure, Clark seems to be his indespensable safety valve, but we probably only think that because he hasn't been replaced by Joe Dick Barely Capable Receiver yet at TE.

FIFY.

[Lurch]

FIFY.

I'll be starting Barely Capable Receiver next week.

[MusicMan]

I'll be starting Barely Capable Receiver next week.

Bravo, sir.

[Rebel Jew]

Peyton could throw for 400 on the Texans with a krewe of circus midgets as his wide receivers.  Remember before last year all the pundits wondered "how is manning putting up these numbers with Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon," and now people act like these guys matter.  They don't, all that matters is Payton.  Sure, Clark seems to be his indespensable safety valve, but we probably only think that because he hasn't been replaced by Joe Dick yet at TE.

Dallas Clark is way more than a safety valve for them.  He lines up as a slot receiver on the majority of downs, not as a TE, and has averaged over 10 ypc every year he's been in the league.  A glance at his stats shows that Manning has become increasingly reliant on him, as his catches have gone up by 20/year since 2006, culminating in 100 for 1100 yards last year (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClarDa00.htm), a pace he was close to this year as well.  I think you're gonna see a lot more forced balls to Reggie Wayne from here on out.

[austro]

I think you're gonna see a lot more forced balls to Reggie Wayne from here on out.

I hope so: he's mine too.

[BizidyDizidy]

The problem with garcon is that he's not reliable - kind of a rich man's Jacoby Jones. Losing the possesion guys will really hurt them I think.

[hostros7]

I think you're gonna see a lot more forced balls to Reggie Wayne from here on out.

Does it count as "forced" if he's open by 5 yards because Kareem Jackson is defending him a week from Monday?

[Rebel Jew]

Does it count as "forced" if he's open by 5 yards because Kareem Jackson is defending him a week from Monday?

the only thing "forced" on that day will be what peyton manning will be figuratively doing to the texans defensive players.

[Lefty]

the only thing "forced" on that day will be what peyton manning will be figuratively doing to the texans defensive players.

Not really "forced" at all, they just sorta lay there and take it.

[/clayton williams]

[MusicMan]

Texans rearrange deck chairs, tell the band to play on

[Limey]

Meanwhile, Jerry Jones has flown in all of the rescued Chilean miners to Dallas for tonight's game.  Apparently, they have expert knowledge in how to dig themselves out of a deep hole before Christmas.

[Alkie]

Meanwhile, Jerry Jones has flown in all of the rescued Chilean miners to Dallas for tonight's game.  Apparently, they have expert knowledge in how to dig themselves out of a deep hole before Christmas.

Oh I figured it was because they too have multiple girlfriends at the end of the tunnel expecting a piece of the payout.

[OregonStrosFan]

Meanwhile, Jerry Jones has flown in all of the rescued Chilean miners to Dallas for tonight's game.  Apparently, they have expert knowledge in how to dig themselves out of a deep hole before Christmas.

And it gets worse for JJ.  Romo out 6-8 weeks with a broken clavicle...

[MusicMan]

And it gets worse for JJ.  Romo out 6-8 weeks with a broken clavicle...

When the Cowboys finish 2-14 or so, the Texans will look back and say that their loss to the Cowboys was what kept them out of the playoffs.

[Limey]

When the Cowboys finish 2-14 or so, the Texans will look back and say that their loss to the Cowboys was what kept them out of the playoffs.

Was anyone else more than a little miffed that the two teams shitting all over their TV screens last night were the two teams who have beaten the Texans this year?

How crap are you to turn the ball over 4 times in 2 quarters?  And how crap are you when you get gifted 4 turnovers in 2 quarters, and are still down by 4 at the half?  Fuck me sideways.

[BizidyDizidy]

Thank god the Cowboys have such superior talent or things might get really fucking ugly.

[Limey]

Thank god the Cowboys have such superior talent or things might get really fucking ugly.

Cowboy "fan" in the office told me this morning that the Cowboys have "too much talent" to be this bad and that they win last night's game if Romo doesn't get hurt*.  If anyone wants proof as to how the media can brainwash the uninformed, there it is.


* Actually, this may have been true, but not for the reasons my Cowboy fan colleague thinks.

[BizidyDizidy]

They were already throwing away the game before he got hurt - the Giants had tried to give the game and they were still down; the Giants weren't going to keep turning it over because Romo was in there.

[Limey]

They were already throwing away the game before he got hurt - the Giants had tried to give the game and they were still down; the Giants weren't going to keep turning it over because Romo was in there.

Exactly.  But Romo - for all his overhype - is better than Kitna (who isn't?).  It's not a foregone conclusion that the Giants win without Romo's injury (which was down to his line sucking, not bad luck).  But, yes, they 'Girls were shit before the injury, so the whole "too much talent" meme is just masturbation.

[HudsonHawk]

Thank god the Cowboys have such superior talent or things might get really fucking ugly.

And the talking heads are still splooging all over themselves about the thought of the Cowboys playing in the Super Bowl in Dallas.  They're still yammering on about how they're only two games out of the wild card...about how 10 wins is still a good season, as if them winning out is a given. 

[HudsonHawk]

Cowboy "fan" in the office told me this morning that the Cowboys have "too much talent" to be this bad and that they win last night's game if Romo doesn't get hurt*.

Cowboy fan is a moron if he thinks they have more than 6-win talent.

[sporadic]

And the talking heads are still splooging all over themselves about the thought of the Cowboys playing in the Super Bowl in Dallas.  They're still yammering on about how they're only two games out of the wild card...about how 10 wins is still a good season, as if them winning out is a given. 

HA!  Fucking farce.  They win 9 or 10 games max with Romo (this was my pre-season prediction, coaching not good enough to do anything more).  They win 4 or 5 now.  With the sucktitude that is the OL, they need to go ahead and put in McGee, would hate to see Kitna get himself killed this close to retirement.

[HudsonHawk]

HA!  Fucking farce.  They win 9 or 10 games max with Romo (this was my pre-season prediction, coaching not good enough to do anything more).  They win 4 or 5 now.  With the sucktitude that is the OL, they need to go ahead and put in McGee, would hate to see Kitna get himself killed this close to retirement.

They were on pace to win about 3 or 4 *with* Romo.  They might have won 6 or 8.  How anyone thinks they could have won 10 games is beyond me.

[Astroholic]

They were on pace to win about 3 or 4 *with* Romo.  They might have won 6 or 8.  How anyone thinks they could have won 10 games is beyond me.

Just like I dont think the Texans win 5 of there last 10, missing the playoffs.  Only way is if there is a dramatic change in the d, and I just don't see it.  In the back of my mind if this gets Kubs fired, well then its not a total loss.  Just not sure the owner will fire him.

[HudsonHawk]

In the back of my mind if this gets Kubs fired, well then its not a total loss.  Just not sure the owner will fire him.

McNair has kept Kubiak around this long.  Obviously winning doesn't enter into the equation.

[Bench]

McNair has kept Kubiak around this long.  Obviously winning doesn't enter into the equation.

I think at the end of the day, we can all be damn proud of 8-8. 

[HudsonHawk]

I think at the end of the day, we can all be damn proud of 8-8. 

Well, coaching a 10-11 win team to 8 victories *does* take a special skill...

[Astroholic]

I think at the end of the day, we can all be damn proud of 8-8. 

Why?  Mediokra is not a goal.

[Limey]

Cowboy fan is a moron if he thinks they have more than 6-win talent.

FIFY

[JimR]

FIFY

thanks for letting me know. i have been a Cowboys fan since the team entered the league.

[Limey]

thanks for letting me know. i have been a Cowboys fan since the team entered the league.

I was referring specifically to my colleague, who is a classic, dictionary definition moron.

[HudsonHawk]

I was referring specifically to my colleague, who is a classic, dictionary definition moron.

Right.  "Cowboy Fan"...with a capital "F".  It's a proper noun.

[chuck]

And the talking heads are still splooging all over themselves about the thought of the Cowboys playing in the Super Bowl in Dallas.  They're still yammering on about how they're only two games out of the wild card...about how 10 wins is still a good season, as if them winning out is a given. 

That fucking idiot McClain had a piece the other day saying that the 1-4 Cowboys were not out of it yet because The Oilers once went 1-4 and by dinghies they finished 12-4!

I think John McClain may be the biggest dumbass in the entire sports section and that is quite an achievement.

[HudsonHawk]

That fucking idiot McClain had a piece the other day saying that the 1-4 Cowboys were not out of it yet because The Oilers once went 1-4 and by dinghies they finished 12-4!

I think John McClain may be the biggest dumbass in the entire sports section and that is quite an achievement.

I quit listening to that yahoo on the radio after so long of hearing him having to catch his breath twice just saying "Julius Peppers".

[Astroholic]

That fucking idiot McClain had a piece the other day saying that the 1-4 Cowboys were not out of it yet because The Oilers once went 1-4 and by dinghies they finished 12-4!

I think John McClain may be the biggest dumbass in the entire sports section and that is quite an achievement.

With Lopez no longer around you might be right.  Still got Dick Justice though. 


I almost forgot about the King.  And Jesus is still there also, though relegated to soccer.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I think John McClain may be the biggest dumbass in the entire sports section and that is quite an achievement.

Pancakes McClain is a joke.  It blows my mind when people speak reverentially about him.  Good ol boy schtick, dirty old man looks at Anna-Megan, and a glandular disorder do not a beat reporter make.

[BudGirl]

I was referring specifically to my colleague, who is a classic, dictionary definition moron.

You should have been specific about who you were referring.  I assume you were calling me a moron also.

[chuck]

With Lopez no longer around you might be right.  Still got Dick Justice though. 

I almost forgot about the King.  And Jesus is still there also, though relegated to soccer.

Dick Justice is paid to masturbate in public and that's what he does. It's designed to piss people like us off, I mean, obviously. And he's a fucking Rhodes Scholar compared to McClain.

Solomon does not appear to be an idiot. I can't say he's compelling reading but he's not an idiot. Jesus is most definitely an idiot but I'd like to think he's working hard with what little he has.

McClain on the other hand is stupid AND lazy. He used to cover the NFL at large and would swan around to the choice games every week.  The Chronicle finally got fed up with that and put his ass on the Texans beat and he's been pouting ever since. He's covered the NFL for fucking thirty years and he knows everybody so you'd think that his writing would occasionally be informative and insightful and draw from his rolodex. But instead we get paint by numbers bullshit week after week.

I occasionally write him to remind him that he is stupid and lazy and the typical response I get is, Chuck, I work seven days a week for six months out of the year and I write three stories a week and five blogs a week... Actually, here it is direct from the horse's mouth:

"Here's what I do: I will not take a day off until after the Super Bowl. I write stories, columns, blogs, read and post comments, and now I tweet like crazy. I also do seven weekly talk shows in Houston, Nashville, Waco, Austin and Knoxville. They help promote Chron.com as well as supplement my income.
 
When news breaks, I almost always get the story first. That's something my bosses like the most. And it can be documented by the time stamp placed on our stories on Chron.com. We break nothing in the Chronicle anymore, all on Chron.com."

'I almost always get the story first.' That's awesome. He is invariably scooped by the national media. He "broke" the Cushing starts at Mike story insofar as he showed up at the training facility and attended a briefing where the team made an announcement and he dutifully reported it.

Jeffrey Martin is giving me some signs of hope though, I will say that.

[JaneDoe]

Jeffery Martin?


ETA: I know he writes for the Chron, but he is not listed as one of their columnists, so I wasn't sure if he was a permanent fixture.

[Limey]

I quit listening to that yahoo on the radio after so long of hearing him having to catch his breath twice just saying "Julius Peppers".

Listening to his slavering monotone on the radio just fills my head with images of Jabba the Hut.

[ybbodeus]

Not far off, Limey.  Shoot, Baylor honored him at the halftime of a game a year or two ago, perhaps in an effort to get him to stop bashing his alma mater on the radio every chance he got.  He was upset when Baylor fired Kevin Steele, as were most of the coaches in the Big 12 at that time.

[chuck]

Jeffery Martin?


ETA: I know he writes for the Chron, but he is not listed as one of their columnists, so I wasn't sure if he was a permanent fixture.

He's written a lot of pieces on the Texans this year. Somehow he manages to talk directly to players and coaches and assemble quotes that enhance the story in a relevant way. These quotes are gathered at the behest of the reporter and not just scribbled down (incorrectly) from a press conference. His writing level also surpasses the sixth grade. At the end of the day it's really quite something to behold.

[Rebel Jew]

"Matt Schaub:  MVP of the pro bowl"

[Rebel Jew]

Hey Kubiak:

If you're running the ball and the other team can't stop it, you're allowed to keep running the ball.  Seriously.  It's okay.  You don't have to change just because they're expecting it.

[chuck]

The Texans get the ball twice and don't do shit. The Colts expose the worst pass defense in the history of the NFL on their second possession. This does not bode well.

[Lurch]

I'll be starting Barely Capable Receiver next week.

...that was quick

[austro]

Who is calling these plays? What a crock of shit.

[Rebel Jew]

3rd and 2:  flat pass incomplete

4th and 2:  schaub in the shotgun, slant incomplete

hey, maybe they should have tried something else.  not sure what.

[chuck]

Boy, that was a horrible spot.

I wonder what my life would be like if the Texans had a pass rush of any kind whatsoever. It would be better, I am sure of that.

[Lurch]

Anderson is quick... that was a very nice sack

[Rebel Jew]

Colts playcalling always confounds me when they actually run set plays and not Manning calling the plays at the line.  I know you strive for some balance, but seems like just giving Manning 3 cracks at the Texans secondary would be a much better move than flare outs to the third string running back.

[austro]

Run the fucking ball. Is it really that hard an idea to comprehend?

[MusicMan]

Fire
Kubiak
Now

[chuck]

For a minute there I had no idea why JJ didn't field that punt.

Then I remembered that I was watching the Texans, not the Longhorns.

Then Matt Schaub gave the other team seven more points when the Colts can't stop the running game and now I'm feeling comfortable again.

[Lurch]

Then I remembered that I was watching the Texans, not the Longhorns.

They really are starting to run together

[BizidyDizidy]

Just run every play until your turn it over on downs

[austro]

They really are starting to run throw short useless passes together

FIFY

[Rebel Jew]

For a minute there I had no idea why JJ didn't field that punt.

Then I remembered that I was watching the Texans, not the Longhorns.

Then Matt Schaub gave the other team seven more points when the Colts can't stop the running game and now I'm feeling comfortable again.

Most frustrating thing is that Colts look pretty weak tonight with all their injuries.  Texans could win this game going away with a gameplan that had shoeprint-free dicks.

[Rebel Jew]

RUN THE BALL GODDAMMIT!!!  RUN THE BALL RUN THE BALL RUN THE BALL!!!!

[chuck]

These morans are going to get Schaub killed.

[MusicMan]

These morans are going to get Schaub killed.

Caldwell did an impressive job of touching nobody.

[Gizzmonic]

Please, take all sharp objects away from me now.  I'm about to go all Prince Rilian in the Silver Chair...

[chuck]

Pollard sucks and Smith has no discipline. I know why their previous teams had no interest in their services.

[Limey]

I am hanging onto the believe that they can't play much worse.  The only problem is that the Colts aren't exactly firing on all cylinders, and they're up by 11. 

[MusicMan]

Pollard sucks and Smith has no discipline. I know why their previous teams had no interest in their services.

Pollard sucks.
Pollard is the best safety the Texans have ever had.
Both are true.

[Rebel Jew]

Pollard sucks and Smith has no discipline. I know why their previous teams had no interest in their services.

Smith has played really good this year-- Cards wanted him back but Texans outbid them.  Bull blog noted that he has to anticipate the snap count in order to be an effective pass rusher, which is why he leads the team in offsides penalties.  They argued that it was an effective tradeoff.

Pollard would be really good if he could play closer to the line, but he can't because they Texans can't cover.

[MusicMan]

And Renterria just made it 3-0 Giants.

[Bench]

Every time I flip over to the Texans the Colts have the ball.  I guess I'm not missing much.

[Bench]

Good defense by the Texans that still results in first down Colts. 

There is no doubt in my mind the Colts will score a touchdown this drive.

[MusicMan]

D is just guessing

[chuck]

Pollard sucks.
Pollard is the best safety the Texans have ever had.
Both are true.

Marcus Coleman was the best safety the Texans ever had. I look back on that expansion draft in absolute wonder that Casserly could have accomplished such perfection. Of course, then he turned around and fucked up the real draft. And I'm not talking about Carr, although he plainly fucked that up, too. His third round pick in the first year DID NOT MAKE THE TEAM.

Think about that for a while.

And yes, I know that Coleman was drafted and played mostly as a CB.

There goes Smith again. I don't care who says what, if you give the other team's offense fifteen or twenty yards a game you need to fucking stop it. Especially if you're the one calling players only meetings.

[Bench]

Watching Peyton is only slightly annoying than playing against him in Madden while he hops around yelling and you have to sit around waiting for him to snap the fucking ball.

[BizidyDizidy]

Why the fuck do you let 10 seconds run off if you are going to call a timeout?

Defense looks decent

[MusicMan]

This shit is giving me Greg Davis flashbacks.

[Bench]

I just flipped back to see the final drive.  It's 4th and 4. 

[Gizzmonic]

Well, the good news is the Texans defense only gave up 10 points.

[austro]

This shit is giving me Greg Davis flashbacks.

I think that even Davis would keep running Foster if he saw that he was averaging 8 yds/carry.

[Rebel Jew]

Well, the good news is the Texans defense only gave up 10 points.

Colts are not good today.  Manning has no receivers to throw to.  This game is so winnable it's not even funny.  Run the ball, don't make mistakes but they already fucked those two up

[chuck]

I think that even Davis would keep running Foster if he saw that he was averaging 8 yds/carry.

Eight yards a carry? Is that good?

[Lurch]

Eight yards a carry? Is that good?

Not when you're looking at 3rd and 10 (again)

[chuck]

This defense is a sick joke.

[Gizzmonic]

Well, lookie what happens when you run the ball a little.  Pity they waited until they were down 3 scores.

[Lurch]

Heh, I almost lost it that they were throwing...

[Rebel Jew]

Well, lookie what happens when you run the ball a little.  Pity they waited until they were down 3 scores.

internet loudmouths 1, kubiak 0

[Gizzmonic]

internet loudmouths 1, kubiak 0

Please, I prefer "Basement-Dwelling American."

[Astroholic]

I gave up.  I cant watch this shit.

[Rebel Jew]

Please, I prefer "Basement-Dwelling American."

Porn Enthusiast

[Rebel Jew]

FG is a major win for the D

[Gizzmonic]

Budget-Conscious Porn Enthusiast

FTFY

[Lurch]

Foster is a stud.  Really fantastic cuts

[Bench]

Running game looked damn good there. 

[Rebel Jew]

Seeing the Texans dominate now just makes me more angry.  How many gallons of gatorade did Kubiak drink before the game to be able to piss away an entire half?

[chuck]

The sick thing is that the Texans need just two stops to win this game. That assumes they score on every possession, which they should have been doing all along.

[BizidyDizidy]

Go for the surprise onside

[MusicMan]

Longhorns offense vs Texans defense: who would be less inept?

[MusicMan]

Mario benched??

[Rebel Jew]

Longhorns offense vs Texans defense: who would be less inept?

Texans.  Gotta give Texans credit for at least trying new things, as desperate as they are.

Hey look, field goal!

[MusicMan]

Pollard can't make the play. Ballgame.

[Gizzmonic]

It's not over yet!

Kubiak has 4 more minutes to screw things up some more.

[MusicMan]

Jesucristo.

[Bench]

Fucking motherfucking einstein. 

[MusicMan]

Jesucristo.

X100. Can't get personnel on the field?  Shit.

[T. J.]

Twentyfourfuckingseconds.

[Gizzmonic]

And it ends with a wet fart of a fumble.

[MusicMan]

This game was honestly over when Schaub threw the pick 6.

I hate that Andre Johnson will waste his career here. So much respect for him.

[HudsonHawk]

And the number one reason Matt Schaub is not an elite QB in this league...

When the chips are down, instead of stepping up, he steps on his dick.

[Rebel Jew]

This game was honestly over when Schaub threw the pick 6.

I hate that Andre Johnson will waste his career here. So much respect for him.

Texans have been building their team to beat the Colts-- run the ball to keep Manning off the field, get good route-running receivers to beat the zone, bend but don't break defense to hold Manning to field goals and/or long drives.  The blueprint is obvious and effective, especially after the ass-kicking in the first game.  Colts could not stop Foster (7 ypc), yet he ends the game with just 15 carries.  Why get cute?

[chuck]

And the number one reason Matt Schaub is not an elite QB in this league...

When the chips are down, instead of stepping up, he steps on his dick.

David Carr can't get on the field in fucking San Francisco. Even you have to admit that he blows at this point.

But I'm with you now that Schaub is not an elite QB. I'm not sure there are many elite QBs in the NFL now, but whoever they are, Schaub is not among them.

[HudsonHawk]

David Carr can't get on the field in fucking San Francisco. Even you have to admit that he blows at this point.

David Carr is irrelevant.  I don't give a shit what the 49's do.

But I'm with you now that Schaub is not an elite QB. I'm not sure there are many elite QBs in the NFL now, but whoever they are, Schaub is not among them.

Steve Young said it best in the pregame.  Putting up numbers against the scrubs doesn't make you elite.  If Schaub wants to be mentioned in the same paragraph as guys like Manning, Brady, Roethlisburger, etc, he has to sack up and carry his team to a win in a big games.  He's not shown that he can do that.  In fact, he's shown he can bumble them away from victory in big games.

[roadrunner]

I don't know if Cushing is doing things that don't show up on the stat sheet or I can't see on the tv, but he was pretty much nonexistent.  I know MLB isn't his position, but still....

Foster's a beast.  He made up for Schaub's awful 1st half. 

Why was Mario on the bench during the last drive?

Next week is pretty much must-win.  The schedule doesn't get any easier.

[chuck]

David Carr is irrelevant.  I don't give a shit what the 49's do.

Steve Young said it best in the pregame.  Putting up numbers against the scrubs doesn't make you elite.  If Schaub wants to be mentioned in the same paragraph as guys like Manning, Brady, Roethlisburger, etc, he has to sack up and carry his team to a win in a big games.  He's not shown that he can do that.  In fact, he's shown he can bumble them away from victory in big games.

This was the game of the year for the Texans. If they win they are effectively in the playoffs. If they lose, their season could spiral out of control. They lost, obviously, and they did not play well in any phase of the game. That tells me they are nowhere near a playoff team and that the organization is lost and has no direction. I knew this already, of course, it's just bracing to see what you know writ large on a Monday night.

[hostros7]

I was over at a friend's place watching the game and tried to keep myself in check from not just bitching constantly about not continuously running the ball lest I be the guy that is the annoying broken record.  I hate that I came here after to read that you all were saying the same thing.  

Honestly, we're all internet jockeys - I keep thinking how are we possibly right?  Kubiak should be three steps ahead of us and thinking things that we're just not.  But he isn't.  He sucks.  I'm done with him...no matter how much I wanted to see him succeed as a hometown guy and aggie and etc, etc.  That's in addition to the typical shitty game management.  

[roadrunner]

This was the game of the year for the Texans. If they win they are effectively in the playoffs. If they lose, their season could spiral out of control. They lost, obviously, and they did not play well in any phase of the game. That tells me they are nowhere near a playoff team and that the organization is lost and has no direction. I knew this already, of course, it's just bracing to see what you know writ large on a Monday night.

I see your point, but losing at Indy isn't a loss that signals a team "spiraling out of control".  When you looked at the schedule before the season started you wrote this game down as a loss for the Texans.  A win would've been huge, but the Texans have always been thought of as a 9-11 win team (hopefully) and these are the games a 9-11 win team loses.  When I say team, I include the coaching handicap that all the Kubiak haters love to bitch about.

[chuck]

I see your point, but losing at Indy isn't a loss that signals a team "spiraling out of control".  When you looked at the schedule before the season started you wrote this game down as a loss for the Texans.  A win would've been huge, but the Texans have always been thought of as a 9-11 win team (hopefully) and these are the games a 9-11 win team loses.  When I say team, I include the coaching handicap that all the Kubiak haters love to bitch about.

Why are you talking about what this game looked like before the season started rather than what this game looked like before the game started? This was an eminently winnable contest and the team fucked up in every phase of the game. We all know how fucked up the defense is but when you have Arian Foster running the ball well and Peyton Manning on the other side sitting there when you do run the ball you RUN THE MOTHERFUCKING BALL.

What did Foster have, like 15 carries? Hang on... Yes, 15. He gained over 100 yards. 8 carries in the first half, 7 in the second. Kubiak is a fucking moron and he will never win anything. He will certainly never lead a team to the playoffs. I mean, it is incredible that this guy gets paid, what, $3MM, $5MM? He's playing checkers when everyone else is playing chess. I'm fucking sick of it.

[Rebel Jew]

Why are you talking about what this game looked like before the season started rather than what this game looked like before the game started? This was an eminently winnable contest and the team fucked up in every phase of the game. We all know how fucked up the defense is but when you have Arian Foster running the ball well and Peyton Manning on the other side sitting there when you do run the ball you RUN THE MOTHERFUCKING BALL.

What did Foster have, like 15 carries? Hang on... Yes, 15. He gained over 100 yards. 8 carries in the first half, 7 in the second. Kubiak is a fucking moron and he will never win anything. He will certainly never lead a team to the playoffs. I mean, it is incredible that this guy gets paid, what, $3MM, $5MM? He's playing checkers when everyone else is playing chess. I'm fucking sick of it.

Imagine if this team actually somehow makes it to the playoffs.  Could be one of those games like the one that retired Jimmy Johnson and Dan Marino.

[chuck]

Imagine if this team actually somehow makes it to the playoffs.

They won't. And the league will have a lockout which will make most idiot fans forget the fact that there is an idiot coach who should be replaced.

And the idiot fans will side with the owners.

[DVauthrin]

Why are you talking about what this game looked like before the season started rather than what this game looked like before the game started? This was an eminently winnable contest and the team fucked up in every phase of the game. We all know how fucked up the defense is but when you have Arian Foster running the ball well and Peyton Manning on the other side sitting there when you do run the ball you RUN THE MOTHERFUCKING BALL.

What did Foster have, like 15 carries? Hang on... Yes, 15. He gained over 100 yards. 8 carries in the first half, 7 in the second. Kubiak is a fucking moron and he will never win anything. He will certainly never lead a team to the playoffs. I mean, it is incredible that this guy gets paid, what, $3MM, $5MM? He's playing checkers when everyone else is playing chess. I'm fucking sick of it.

Agreed.    To think, I was happy they got the ball to start the game because I expected them to pound it down Indy's throat and get the crowd out of the game early.  Then, Kubiak comes out with wretched play-calling on the opening series.    Instead of pounding the ball to the guy that gashed Indy for over 200 yards in week one, he out thinks himself and comes out play action passing.     

After seeing Kubiak's esteemed mentor, Mike Shanahan,  bench Donovan McNabb for Rex freaking Grossman on a potential game winning drive, I think it's safe to say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.   

[HudsonHawk]

Why are you talking about what this game looked like before the season started rather than what this game looked like before the game started? This was an eminently winnable contest and the team fucked up in every phase of the game. We all know how fucked up the defense is but when you have Arian Foster running the ball well and Peyton Manning on the other side sitting there when you do run the ball you RUN THE MOTHERFUCKING BALL.

Amen!  This was a very winnable game.  And despite my expectations, the defense wasn't the culprit.  They gave up 20 points to the Colts on the road.  If you had told me that prior to the game, I'd have jumped all over it.  What doomed the Texans last night (besides Kubiak fucking up, which is what we call in the business world a "given") were the turnovers by Schaub.  You can't throw an interception at your own 20 yard line.  You can't fumble at your opponent's 10 yard line late in the 4th quarter.  Not if you want to win.

[HudsonHawk]

I see your point, but losing at Indy isn't a loss that signals a team "spiraling out of control".  When you looked at the schedule before the season started you wrote this game down as a loss for the Texans.  A win would've been huge, but the Texans have always been thought of as a 9-11 win team (hopefully) and these are the games a 9-11 win team loses.  When I say team, I include the coaching handicap that all the Kubiak haters love to bitch about.

This is what losers tell themselves.  Who gives a shit about the schedule in August?  The Texans played one, and only one game, last night.  They had the means to win it.  They didn't.  Everything else is simply mom and apple pie bullshit.

[roadrunner]

This is what losers tell themselves.  Who gives a shit about the schedule in August?  The Texans played one, and only one game, last night.  They had the means to win it.  They didn't.  Everything else is simply mom and apple pie bullshit.

Well this team has the means to win every game.  So do a lot of other teams in the league, but it's the NFL and there are only a few 12-14 win teams a year.  If you thought the Texans would be one of those this year, well then I think you had stretched expectations.  There are too many holes on this team, including playcalling and coaching.  I'm not making excuses or happy, but I'm not going to bitch and cry about a road loss at Indy.

I wanted 2-2 in the Giants - SD stretch, and that can still very easily happen.  The only thing that worries me is that I am counting on a win over the Jets, Baltimore, or Philly, and at this point I don't see that happening.

[MikeyBoy]

I don't know if Cushing is doing things that don't show up on the stat sheet or I can't see on the tv, but he was pretty much nonexistent.  I know MLB isn't his position, but still....

He's not, he's playing on his heels, scraping the LOS, getting swept out of plays and getting blocked one on one because he's catching the o-lineman. Instead he should be attacking downhill, filling gaps, attacking the block, shedding the block, etc. He missed some assignments and that can be exused at this point, but he is not playing with aggression and fire and hasn't since coming back.

Schaub is a good QB that can do a pretty good job of running an offense, but he absolutely can not make plays on his own and put a team on his back.

Mario, once again, disappeared. The rest of the D-line played decent minus Smith's undicsiplined play. Quinn made some nice plays supporting the run out of the nickel. Using Pollard in a cover two is beyond stupid, that's just not the type of safety he is. The collective tackling continues to be an issue, but overall with all of that, considering the three and outs by the offense and playing Peyton Manning on the road, 20 points should have been good enough to win the game.

Gary, RUN THE FUCKING BALL! You are turning out to be every bit of the idiot that Hudson has claimed. The decision to get cute and throw the ball against the best bookend d-ends in the NFL, with your LT coming off a four game suspension, crowd noise and one of the best running backs in the league is beyond inept.

[Limey]

Agreed.    To think, I was happy they got the ball to start the game because I expected them to pound it down Indy's throat and get the crowd out of the game early.  Then, Kubiak comes out with wretched play-calling on the opening series.    Instead of pounding the ball to the guy that gashed Indy for over 200 yards in week one, he out thinks himself and comes out play action passing.

I was aghast to see two open bootlegs in the opening series...without ever having tried to run the ball.

[MusicMan]

I was aghast to see two open bootlegs in the opening series...without ever having tried to run the ball.

I didn't have a problem with that... they were going to expect the run.

The problem was that Kubes never came back to the run to reset the expectation.

[Astroholic]

3 and 2 2nd quarter.  Try a slant, good coverage incomplete.  4 and 2 incomplete pass.  Run the FUCKING ball!!!.  I turned the tv off after the first drive of the second half.  I really was getting so pissed that I could not watch any longer.

[Gizzmonic]

3 and 2 2nd quarter.  Try a slant, good coverage incomplete.  4 and 2 incomplete pass.  Run the FUCKING ball!!!.  I turned the tv off after the first drive of the second half.  I really was getting so pissed that I could not watch any longer.

Yeah, luckily the WS was on.  I switched it over several times to calm myself down.  And I normally don't get pissed off about sports, but it was hard to watch them piss away such a winnable game.  8-8's tepid fingers are beckoning once more.

[MikeyBoy]

I was aghast to see two open bootlegs in the opening series...without ever having tried to run the ball.

The first bootleg to Andre was there too, no safety and the corner trailing by at least a yard, but Schaub didn't have the sac to make the throw, I guess. It was not an easy throw, but one a good NFL QB should make 8 out of 10 times.

[MusicMan]

The first bootleg to Andre was there too, no safety and the corner trailing by at least a yard, but Schaub didn't have the sac to make the throw, I guess. It was not an easy throw, but one a good NFL QB should make 8 out of 10 times.

Ding fucking Ding.

[Astroholic]

The first bootleg to Andre was there too, no safety and the corner trailing by at least a yard, but Schaub didn't have the sac to make the throw, I guess. It was not an easy throw, but one a good NFL QB should make 8 out of 10 times.

Schaub looked very Carr like last night.  After the first few hits he had happy feet.  Brown was horrible all night.  I would have given Butler a chance as he played well in Browns absence.  They play calling was horrible, but this has been covered on several occasions.  I thought the secondary (other than Pollard whom could not cover my dead grandmother RIP) looked better.  Cushing was horrible at MIKE.  Maybe he will get better.

A good game plan could have easily beat this depleted colts team.


** this is based on the first half of football.  I will assume that it works for the second half as well.

[Ebby Calvin]

Schaub looked very Carr like last night.  

To some, that's a compliment.

[Astroholic]

To some, that's a compliment.

Not sure whom that is, but I really can't see how that could be interpreted as a complement.

[Rebel Jew]

Schaub looked very Carr like last night.  After the first few hits he had happy feet.  Brown was horrible all night.  I would have given Butler a chance as he played well in Browns absence.  They play calling was horrible, but this has been covered on several occasions.  I thought the secondary (other than Pollard whom could not cover my dead grandmother RIP) looked better.  Cushing was horrible at MIKE.  Maybe he will get better.

A good game plan could have easily beat this depleted colts team.


** this is based on the first half of football.  I will assume that it works for the second half as well.

I don't blame Schaub for the happy feet.  As was noted by the esteemable Gruden & Jaworski, if Schaub's first option wasn't open it was pretty much clusterfuck time with the protection he was getting.  If his coach isn't going to run the ball to keep the d ends off balance then he can start pop and locking in the backfield and I won't blame him.

I've noticed with Cushing this year that teams seem to be exploiting his aggressiveness and tendency to stunt on his blitzes-- lots of cutbacks and play action to his spot on the field.

[Astroholic]

I don't blame Schaub for the happy feet.  As was noted by the esteemable Gruden & Jaworski, if Schaub's first option wasn't open it was pretty much clusterfuck time with the protection he was getting.  If his coach isn't going to run the ball to keep the d ends off balance then he can start pop and locking in the backfield and I won't blame him.

I've noticed with Cushing this year that teams seem to be exploiting his aggressiveness and tendency to stunt on his blitzes-- lots of cutbacks and play action to his spot on the field.

I keyed on Cush several times during the game. He appeared lost.  Interesting d sets, as the Texans were in the nickle all night, so only two backers were on the field most of the time.

[austro]

so only two backers were on the field most of the time.

And one of those was Diles going whiff, whiff, whiff on attempted tackles.

[Astroholic]

And one of those was Diles going whiff, whiff, whiff on attempted tackles.

Clay Matthews looks pretty good.  Might have picked the wrong SC boy.

[sporadic]

I didn't have a problem with that... they were going to expect the run.

This is where NFL coaches out-think themselves.  Who gives a fuck if they expect it?  They expected it in the second half of the first game they played and could not do dick about it.  They could not do dick about it yesterday.  I would have run the fucking ball down their throats until they proved to me (multiple downs in a row) that they could stop it.  Not like the game was getting out of hand scoring wise.  Early in the game there was NEVER any reason to NOT run the ball last night.  I knew somewhere HH was going nuts...

[Outlawscotty]

I don't blame Schaub for the happy feet.  As was noted by the esteemable Gruden & Jaworski, if Schaub's first option wasn't open it was pretty much clusterfuck time with the protection he was getting.  If his coach isn't going to run the ball to keep the d ends off balance then he can start pop and locking in the backfield and I won't blame him.

I've noticed with Cushing this year that teams seem to be exploiting his aggressiveness and tendency to stunt on his blitzes-- lots of cutbacks and play action to his spot on the field.

Gruden also stated during the last series for the Texans that the defense was playing a 'Tampa 2' or something to that effect, and that nobody ran that anymore because a  'good' offensive coordinator could adjust on the fly and tear it to bits.

[roadrunner]

Is it true that Schaub is not allowed to audible?

[Astroholic]

Is it true that Schaub is not allowed to audible?

It appears that way.

[Rebel Jew]

Is it true that Schaub is not allowed to audible?

pretty sure schaub goes to the line with 2 plays out of the same formation, and is able to run the other play if it seems obvious that the first one won't work.  so it's not an audible in the way that peyton manning uses audibles to completely change the play and formation, but i know i've read that schaub does have a way to get out of an obvious disaster.

[Lurch]

Gruden also stated during the last series for the Texans that the defense was playing a 'Tampa 2' or something to that effect, and that nobody ran that anymore because a  'good' offensive coordinator could adjust on the fly and tear it to bits.

Actually, he or Young discussed that at length in the pre-game.  He mentioned that the Houston D was as vanilla as it gets, and that won't work in today's NFL.  That there is no gimmick makes it easy to plan for and he would love to line up against it.  

[Astroholic]

Actually, he or Young discussed that at length in the pre-game.  He mentioned that the Houston D was as vanilla as it gets, and that won't work in today's NFL.  That there is no gimmick makes it easy to plan for and he would love to line up against it.  

I'm Hoping the Gruden changes all of that up next year when he replaces Kubiak.

[MikeyBoy]

Gruden also stated during the last series for the Texans that the defense was playing a 'Tampa 2' or something to that effect, and that nobody ran that anymore because a  'good' offensive coordinator could adjust on the fly and tear it to bits.

I know they ran a cover2 almost the entire game or some variation of it. I don't know that I saw them in a tampa2 but maybe once, but Gruden would know, so maybe they were. There are plenty of teams that still run the cover2 and the tampa2, which is just a version of cover2. It's being run a lot less primarily due to the popularity of the 3-4 defensive alignment as more teams are moving away from a base 4-3. It's effectivness depends on the corner's ability to jam the reciever, the safety's quickness/ability to read/coverage skills, the LB's coverage ability/athleticism and the ability of the d-line to get pressure on the QB before the WRs can find a hole in the zone. It can be beat just like any other scheme if the offense schemes and executes properly and the defense fails to execute.

[Outlawscotty]

Actually, he or Young discussed that at length in the pre-game.  He mentioned that the Houston D was as vanilla as it gets, and that won't work in today's NFL.  That there is no gimmick makes it easy to plan for and he would love to line up against it.  

I was talking about the Colts running that defense during the last Texans offensive drive (hurry-up offense).  It's as if the Colts just knew that Schaub couldn't or wouldn't change the offensive style.  The Colts were basically daring them to run up the middle because of the soft middle.  Gruden called the Foster run up the middle two seconds before it happened, and it worked.  Then, right back to dropping back and fumbling. 

[austro]

Gruden called the Foster run up the middle two seconds before it happened, and it worked.

Gruden and 5 million other people.

[EasTexAstro]

I called for them to mix it up a little to start the game. They threw a pass. I was happy to see it.

Why they didn't run the ball 90% of the time after that, I will never know. I never thought I would, but I had to turn off the TV. I will watch and root for a team no matter what....normally. That show last night had my blood boiling.

On top of that, the defense, even against the skeleton crew the Colts sent out, was better than I expected them to be. There was no reason that game shouldn't have been won or at least down to the wire.

Pitiful.

 

[Astroholic]

Why they didn't run the ball 90% of the time after that, I will never know. I never thought I would, but I had to turn off the TV. I will watch and root for a team no matter what....normally. That show last night had my blood boiling.

Pitiful.

 

X 1 Million.

[Limey]

I've noticed with Cushing this year that teams seem to be exploiting his aggressiveness and tendency to stunt on his blitzes-- lots of cutbacks and play action to his spot on the field.

Defense was not the issue last night.

[DVauthrin]

This is where NFL coaches out-think themselves.  Who gives a fuck if they expect it?  They expected it in the second half of the first game they played and could not do dick about it.  They could not do dick about it yesterday.  I would have run the fucking ball down their throats until they proved to me (multiple downs in a row) that they could stop it.  Not like the game was getting out of hand scoring wise.  Early in the game there was NEVER any reason to NOT run the ball last night.  I knew somewhere HH was going nuts...

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[Limey]

The Texans as a soccer team.

[Astroholic]

Defense was not the issue last night.

Not the only issue.  As in they were better than before, but still not good.

[sporadic]

Not the only issue.  As in they were better than before, but still not good.

The Colts (Manning) make a lot of folks look "not good".  That said, the scoring defense was quite good, I thought.  If you had known prior to the game that the D would give up 23 - at Indy - would you have taken it?  Against Indy you have to make Manning a spectator, Houston looked like they had game-planned to outscore them.  Take the air out of the ball and pound 'em, when the backers and safteys start cheating up run some play-action.  Even if it does not work out 100% (indy gave no indication that it would not work, though) you still compress the game, which against Indy gives you a much better chance of winning.  Also to note, keeping the opposing team's offense off the field also keeps your defense off the field.  In the Texan's case, that is a Win - Win.

[MusicMan]

I'm now firmly in HH's "Kubiak is an idiot" club.

In yesterday's presser, Kubiak said that going for the 4th down is a "gut feeling" and that he gave no consideration to whether he would go on 4th at midfield when they faced the 3rd and 2.

This is a beginner checkers player trying to keep up with Gary Kasparov at chess.

[Limey]

I'm now firmly in HH's "Kubiak is an idiot" club.

In yesterday's presser, Kubiak said that going for the 4th down is a "gut feeling" and that he gave no consideration to whether he would go on 4th at midfield when they faced the 3rd and 2.

This is a beginner checkers player trying to keep up with Gary Kasparov at chess.

Drunk off my arse in a bar playing pool, I'm still thinking more than one shot ahead.

[Ebby Calvin]

Drunk off my arse in a bar playing pool, I'm still thinking more than one shot ahead.

Jaeger, then some tequila, then a Red Raider Slut?

[Limey]

Jaeger, then some tequila, then a Red Raider Slut?

I've had a Red Raider slut, but I don't think we're talking about the same thing.

[roadrunner]

Moss to the Titans....yikes

[hostros7]

Moss to the Titans....yikes

I don't know how to link to individual tweets, but Adam Schefter's response was "Tennessee hasn't played Houston yet. Houston has the NFL's 32nd-ranked pass defense. Advantage, Titans."

Joy.

[MusicMan]

I don't know how to link to individual tweets, but Adam Schefter's response was "Tennessee hasn't played Houston yet. Houston has the NFL's 32nd-ranked pass defense. Advantage, Titans."

Joy.

Just make sure nobody says anything to upset him, and he won't even try against the Texans.

[austro]

Just make sure nobody says anything to upset him, and he won't even try against the Texans.

He sure as hell won't be blocking on Johnson's carries.

[Alkie]

He sure as hell won't be blocking on Johnson's carries.

Blocking ain't Randy's game.  Randy hacks on 2-0.

[MikeyBoy]

For The Princess Bride fans, from here: battlredblog

Larry Coyer: All right. What will the Texans offense do? The battle of wits has begun. It ends when you, Gary Kubiak, through your offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, decide what plays to run, and we find out who is right... and who is dead.
Gary Kubiak: But it's so simple. All I have to do is divine from what I know of you: Are you the sort of man who presides over a defense that can stop the run? Now, a clever man would run the ball, because it worked so amazingly well in Week One when our teams met, and because he would know that only a great fool would consciously depart from what's already proven to work against your defense. I am not a great fool, so I can clearly not choose to pass. But you must have known I was not a great fool; you would have counted on it, so I can clearly not run the ball.
Coyer: You've made your decision then?
Kubes: Not remotely.

[austro]

What's the over/under on yards amassed by SD this week? Aren't they already *averaging* something like 450 yds/game?

[roadrunner]

What's the over/under on yards amassed by SD this week? Aren't they already *averaging* something like 450 yds/game?

I don't know but I have Rivers on my fantasy team and picked up Garrard for next week against the Texans.  I might as well make the best out of my team's struggles.

[EasTexAstro]

i know y'all won't believe this, but the Texans are scheduled to win this week. They are on CBS.

[Rebel Jew]

What's the over/under on yards amassed by SD this week? Aren't they already *averaging* something like 450 yds/game?

Gates will likely be out this Sunday, which is huge

[Astroholic]

i know y'all won't believe this, but the Texans are scheduled to win this week. They are on CBS.

Not likely.

[Astroholic]

Gates will likely be out this Sunday, which is huge

Every one and their momma was out last week and that did not matter.

[EasTexAstro]

Not likely.

They haven't lost a game on CBS this year.

[Bench]

They haven't lost a game on CBS this year.

CBS is the Texans' Wednesdays.

[Astroholic]

They haven't lost a game on CBS this year.

Yet.

[matadorph]

Every one and their momma was out last week and that did not matter.

Except for the only momma that mattered. Until 18 misses a game (and he never has to my knowledge) there are no guaranteed wins against those cocksuckers. I hope you didn't seriously expect to sweep the Colts. I wasn't happy with the result Monday night (or the offensive playcalling) but I'd managed my expectations accordingly. I shrugged and drank my beer.

Rivers will probably throw it all over the yard on Sunday, but losing Gates at the same time that Floyd and Naanee are out could prove to be a timely advantage for the Texans. The defense didn't suck Monday night as badly as they've sucked in previous weeks, and I expect to see the Texans perform better offensively this week against the Chargers. This is the game for Jacoby Jones to shine on special teams. As bad as the Texans have been this season defending the pass, the Chargers are just as bad on special teams. They've allowed three return TDs and the most return yardage this season. JJ could break a long kickoff return to give the Texans a boost. He may not take one all the way, but his return ability should give the Texans good field position consistently.

[Astroholic]

Except for the only momma that mattered. Until 18 misses a game (and he never has to my knowledge) there are no guaranteed wins against those cocksuckers. I hope you didn't seriously expect to sweep the Colts. I wasn't happy with the result Monday night (or the offensive playcalling) but I'd managed my expectations accordingly. I shrugged and drank my beer.

Rivers will probably throw it all over the yard on Sunday, but losing Gates at the same time that Floyd and Naanee are out could prove to be a timely advantage for the Texans. The defense didn't suck Monday night as badly as they've sucked in previous weeks, and I expect to see the Texans perform better offensively this week against the Chargers. This is the game for Jacoby Jones to shine on special teams. As bad as the Texans have been this season defending the pass, the Chargers are just as bad on special teams. They've allowed three return TDs and the most return yardage this season. JJ could break a long kickoff return to give the Texans a boost. He may not take one all the way, but his return ability should give the Texans good field position consistently.

I really hope you are right.  I am not that optimistic.

[matadorph]

And just like that, the Chargers special teams shows up in a big way for the Texans. Blocked punt, Texans football, Arian Foster TD.

[hostros7]

And just like that, the Chargers special teams shows up in a big way for the Texans. Blocked punt, Texans football, Arian Foster TD.

Kris may have to punt and kick....if the Texans D can prevent them from scoring on every drive.

[Rebel Jew]

And just like that, the Chargers special teams shows up in a big way for the Texans. Blocked punt, Texans football, Arian Foster TD.

hard to understand how an nfl team could have such horrible special teams.  i watched their game against the raiders, and it was just astonishing how high school their punt blocking is.

and... houston secondary in the hizzouse

[matadorph]

Arrrgh. I fuckin knew that Ajirotutu would get a big TD pass and considered playing him in my money league, but didn't have the spare roster spot for a one-week play.

[hostros7]

Great challenge, Kubes.

[matadorph]

Foster is making some brilliant plays with his eyes and his feet today. This guy is very good.

[Rebel Jew]

Foster is making some brilliant plays with his eyes and his feet today. This guy is very good.

3rd and 5.  hey kubes--- run it again!

[matadorph]

Jacoby Jones has concrete mitts. Jesus fuckin A, Jacoby, you have to make that play.

[Rebel Jew]

tonight on the amazing race:  "a game of bowling that will KNOCK YOU OUT"

[Rebel Jew]

worst player on the field for either team:  zach diles.  watch him on any given play and you will feel like punching him through the screen.

[hostros7]

Now the Chargers are just fucking with the Texans

[BizidyDizidy]

This defense is putrid - why don't they ever use draft picks on it?

[Rebel Jew]

This defense is putrid - why don't they ever use draft picks on it?

Oh that Stansbury wit

[matadorph]

Foster Foster and more Foster. Keep at it, Kubes.

[hostros7]

Foster Foster and more Foster. Keep at it, Kubes.

I support it and am trying not to focus on the past, but it just makes that MNF loss more painful.  The Chargers actually have a good defense.

[Rebel Jew]

Foster Foster and more Foster. Keep at it, Kubes.

Hundred imaginary bucks we see play action here, only question is whether it'll be a flareout to dreesen or a forced ball in the corner of the endzone to johnson

[Rebel Jew]

Hundred imaginary bucks we see play action here, only question is whether it'll be a flareout to dreesen or a forced ball in the corner of the endzone to johnson

Yeah, I won the imaginary bet!  bailed out by pass interference.  and of course foster fucking obliterates the charger d on the next play.  hey rick & kubes, this isn't that hard when you have good players.

[BizidyDizidy]

Makes me feel a little better about our chances that they are playing that tub of goo johnson.

[Rebel Jew]

Makes me feel a little better about our chances that they are playing that tub of goo johnson.

"2005 first rounder"  sad it was that recent.

btw, chargers fans and loudmouth internet message board posters must be yelling: "hey norv, THROW THE BALL!"  it's an olympics of the mind here in houston

[BizidyDizidy]

I like what kubes is doing here, especially with us getting the ball to start EH, but I am definitely worried we will somehow fuck it up

[hostros7]

I like what kubes is doing here, especially with us getting the ball to start EH, but I am definitely worried we will somehow fuck it up

Well, schaub just tried to throw a pick 6 from his own 4.

[BizidyDizidy]

EH = 2H

[Rebel Jew]

Well, schaub just tried to throw a pick 6 from his own 4.

to his 3rd string tight end

[matadorph]

What a stupid fucking play call. They haven't stopped Foster all day and you get cute with it. Fucking retarded.

[matadorph]

I could really use these fantasy points from Foster, but you know it won't stand.

[matadorph]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

Go for it Kubiak, run Foster right at them.

[Astroholic]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

Go for it Kubiak, run Foster right at them.

That has to be the worst rule in the whole rule book.  Hate it.  I thought it was a touch for cincy a few months ago and I still think it should be a touchdown.

[hostros7]

That has to be the worst rule in the whole rule book.  Hate it.  I thought it was a touch for cincy a few months ago and I still think it should be a touchdown.

It makes no sense to me.  A player can break the plane on a run play by a centimeter and fumble, but that's not a catch?  I don't get it and hopefully it gets changed in the offseason.

[chuck]

So I pull up the game and look at the stats and I see Foster has 18 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. I'm thinking Even Kubiak can't fuck that up. Then I look at the play by play and study the last drive for a second. Second and goal from the, what, the four? And Kubiak throws it twice? How that motherfucker has any job at all in the NFL is way beyond my understanding.

[hostros7]

So I pull up the game and look at the stats and I see Foster has 18 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. I'm thinking Even Kubiak can't fuck that up. Then I look at the play by play and study the last drive for a second. Second and goal from the, what, the four? And Kubiak throws it twice? How that motherfucker has any job at all in the NFL is way beyond my understanding.

The stats don't do the stupidity justice.

[Astroholic]

So I pull up the game and look at the stats and I see Foster has 18 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. I'm thinking Even Kubiak can't fuck that up. Then I look at the play by play and study the last drive for a second. Second and goal from the, what, the four? And Kubiak throws it twice? How that motherfucker has any job at all in the NFL is way beyond my understanding.

I am expecting them to loose, so to be honest, I am not mad today.  If they win in spite of themselves then I might get back on the train.

[Rebel Jew]

So I pull up the game and look at the stats and I see Foster has 18 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. I'm thinking Even Kubiak can't fuck that up. Then I look at the play by play and study the last drive for a second. Second and goal from the, what, the four? And Kubiak throws it twice? How that motherfucker has any job at all in the NFL is way beyond my understanding.

the 2nd and goal out route to the 3rd string tight end was classic kubiak outsmarting himself.  fortunately, the guy on the other sideline is his equal.

[hostros7]

I'm glad the team has started to focus its offensive scheme around the 3rd string TE.

[Astroholic]

I'm glad the team has started to focus its offensive scheme around the 3rd string TE.

especially when you have one of the best running games in the league.

[Rebel Jew]

I'm glad the team has started to focus its offensive scheme around the 3rd string TE.

"only a fool would force the ball to his 3rd string tight end while his running back is dominating, and i am not a fool so surely i will not force the ball to casey..."

[hostros7]

It's not good news when your kicker has converted on 27, 25, 21 in one game.

[Astroholic]

It's not good news when your kicker has converted on 27, 25, 21 in one game.

umm why cant foster play an entire series?

[hostros7]

Eugene Wilson in "Shadow Runner"

[matadorph]

This might be the worst tackling effort I've seen this year. From my vantage point on my couch, the scheme has guys in position to make the defensive play calls successful but they can't tackle worth shit.

[Gizzmonic]

Jacoby Jones has actually made a couple of decent catches today.  Surprise, surprise!

[hostros7]

seems like you might have wanted to be up by more than a FG, but I'm no NFL coach

[Savage]

seems like you might have wanted to be up by more than a FG, but I'm no NFL coach

B/c this defense can stop San Diego?

[matadorph]

seems like you might have wanted to be up by more than a FG, but I'm no NFL coach

Totally agree with going for it. A five point lead with an entire quarter left against Rivers is nothing.

[matadorph]

Holy fuck yes! I have seen it all now. The Houston Texans just intercepted an opposing qb.

[hostros7]

Texans almost got fucked by all the new age NFL rules.  Rivers needs to shut the fuck up every once in a while.

[BizidyDizidy]

Jackson of all people

[matadorph]

Texans almost got fucked by all the new age NFL rules.  Rivers needs to shut the fuck up every once in a while.

As does Dan Fouts. Fucking moron.

[Gizzmonic]

As does Dan Fouts. Fucking moron.

Don't forget he used to be Chargers QB.

[matadorph]

Don't forget he used to be Chargers QB.

How could I forget? I'm old enough to remember Vernon Perry.

[BizidyDizidy]

That thing about momentum might have been some of the most incomprehensible nonsense I've ever heard

[Gizzmonic]

More bleating about penalty calls.

[Rebel Jew]

Holy bedazzling bejesus, kareem jackson

[BizidyDizidy]

Whose idea is it to keep jackson on as island?

Going for two here idiotic

[Gizzmonic]

Don't understand why they went for 2.  But hey, they got it.

[Savage]

Whose idea is it to keep jackson on as island?

Going for two here idiotic

He's a fucking disaster.  The fact that Kubiak keeps trotting his ass out there is a fireable offense all by itself.  

[BizidyDizidy]

Well at least give him some help, he's certainly not darelle revis

[BizidyDizidy]

What's the rush? Guess he's conceding we need two TDs to win this

[BizidyDizidy]

That was a fucking travesty

[Gizzmonic]

WTF?

Fuck this officiating crew.

[matadorph]

Is there a bigger douche in the NFL than Philip Rivers?

[BizidyDizidy]

Philip rivers is sure an annoying sumbitch

[matadorph]

WTF?

Fuck this officiating crew.

The Texans got horribly fucked there. That was atrocious.

[hostros7]

ok, seriously, my vote is no more kubiak.

[Gizzmonic]

Eat a bowl of cat shit, Gary Kubiak.

[BizidyDizidy]

Whatever cowher wants, just give it to him

[BizidyDizidy]

My understanding was that if SD asked for a penalty they got it

[matadorph]

My god they should just rename them the San Diego Superdouches. An entire sideline of jackholes apoplectic about not getting a PI flag on the Texans.

[hostros7]

Whatever cowher wants, just give it to him

The Texans are the 6th most valuable franchise in the world.  They should be able to shell-out cash on a coach that isn't one of the central figures from Of Mice and Men.

[BizidyDizidy]

Slow down you fucking idiots

[matadorph]

The only way to stop Arian Foster is to rename him Gary Kubiak.

[Rebel Jew]

What if we ran Foster coming out of the 2 minute warning?  Or would that be too fucking awesome for Kubiak to handle?

[Alkie]

What if we ran Foster coming out of the 2 minute warning?  Or would that be too fucking awesome for Kubiak?

Do I know what a rhetorical question is?!

[BizidyDizidy]

And there it is

[hostros7]

the texans have found new ways to lose

[Gizzmonic]

Hey, the officiating has sucked so bad...maybe they'll blow this review too!

[matadorph]

When shit like that happens, you have to wonder what's buried underground the Astrodome complex.

F'ing texans indeed.

Houston pro football is cursed.

[Alkie]

I have to say.   I'm not a Texan fan; couldn't care less about them.   Sometimes I root for them, sometimes I root against em, sometimes I just don't give a shit.

As a complete outsider with no dog in this fight...whoever calls the offensive plays (is it Kubiak?) is indefensibly stupid.

[Gizzmonic]

When shit like that happens, you have to wonder what's buried underground the Astrodome complex.

F'ing texans indeed.

Houston pro football is cursed.

Hey now, don't go turning in to a Cubs fan.

All they need is a coach who's dumb enough to use actually use their star players instead of trying to get cute.

[matadorph]

I have to say.   I'm not a Texan fan; couldn't care less about them.   Sometimes I root for them, sometimes I root against em, sometimes I just don't give a shit.

As a complete outsider with no dog in this fight...whoever calls the offensive plays (is it Kubiak?) is indefensibly stupid.

If you are basing this on that last play, you're mistaken. That was a TD all the way but our All-Universe WR inexplicably bobbled the pass and it bounced off his knee and into the arms of the db. Kubiak didn't fuck that one up, Andre did.

[matadorph]

Hey now, don't go turning in to a Cubs fan.

All they need is a coach who's dumb enough to use actually use their star players instead of trying to get cute.

You mean Andre Johnson, right?

[BizidyDizidy]

The last play was a freak thing - being in that situation was the result of 30 mins of incompetence

[Alkie]

If you are basing this on that last play, you're mistaken. That was a TD all the way but our All-Universe WR inexplicably bobbled the pass and it bounced off his knee and into the arms of the db. Kubiak didn't fuck that one up, Andre did.

Ah.

I can't see it.   For some reason, they don't show Texans games up here.

Even so, why were they going for the whole thing with a buck and change to go?   You just want to dare Felipe Rios to drag the team downfield to beat you on a FG as time expires?

Why weren't they trying to kill some clock first?

I get you have to score, so fine, move the chains, kill some clock.

[hostros7]

If you are basing this on that last play, you're mistaken. That was a TD all the way but our All-Universe WR inexplicably bobbled the pass and it bounced off his knee and into the arms of the db. Kubiak didn't fuck that one up, Andre did.

Yeah, that play was just one of those inexplicable moments.  If the angle off his knee is a couple degrees different or the defender is one foot out of his current spot, that doesn't happen.  The Texans did about 97 things to lose that game prior to that play.  

[BizidyDizidy]

It was just a ten yard slant

[Alkie]

It was just a ten yard slant

Oh was it.    Again, I'm just going off the NFL.COM game center, which just accounted for it as "M.Schaub pass deep middle intended for A.Johnson INTERCEPTED by P.Oliver at SD 9. "

[BizidyDizidy]

He kneed it a mile

[matadorph]

They weren't going for the whole thing, Alkie. It was a great play call and the pass was on target with AJ in stride but he bobbled the ball and it bounced of his leg and became an interception. Think "Immaculate Interception."

AJ would've scored rather easily. He had open field to the end zone and one man to beat.

[Alkie]

They weren't going for the whole thing, Alkie. It was a great play call and the pass was on target with AJ in stride but he bobbled the ball and it bounced of his leg and became an interception. Think "Immaculate Interception."

AJ would've scored rather easily. He had open field to the end zone and one man to beat.

Cool.

[hostros7]

The 4th and 1 "sneak" rather than using Arian Foster just one time in the 4th on a running play.  sigh.

[hostros7]

Hey now, don't go turning in to a Cubs fan.

All they need is a coach who's dumb enough to use actually use their star players instead of trying to get cute.

The cubs have made the playoffs, but let's not bring them into this discussion.

[Gizzmonic]

Eagerly awaiting the part in the press conference where Kubiak claims Arian Foster couldn't play a whole series because "he doesn't have the conditioning."

[Astroholic]

Eagerly awaiting the part in the press conference where Kubiak claims Arian Foster couldn't play a whole series because "he doesn't have the conditioning."

Horrible.  bad referee, bad play calling, just bad.

[roadrunner]

Typical

[hostros7]

Who's excited to watch the playoff hopes officially go down in flames today?

[Limey]

Who's excited to watch the playoff hopes officially go down in flames today?

I just took a giant shit, so I'm ready. 

[Limey]

So let me get this straight: last week Kubes killed us by calling passing plays for short yards against a defense that couldn't stop the run and this week he's killing us by calling running plays for long yards against a pass defense almost as bad as the Texans.  

It's as if he's trying to lose.  

[Lurch]

What the fuck was that to finish the half?

[Limey]

WHAT...THE...FUCK !!!!!!!!!

The half ends with the ball in the Texans' hands and THREE ... THREE timeouts left. 


Fire that useless cunt at halftime.   

[roadrunner]

Wow.

I'm not surprised something like that would happen, but still...wow.

This is the nail in Kubiak's coffin.

[austro]

What the fuck was that to finish the half?

Well, it wasn't a pass by Garrard, which is pissing me off because he's my substitute QB today.

[chuck]

This is the nail in Kubiak's coffin.

Why would you say that? After all McNair has seen he gave Kubiak a vote of confidence last week. What would Kubiak have to do to demonstrate to McNair that he is incompetent? I can't think of anything else he could possibly do.

That last sequence to end the half was pretty special, though, I must say.

[roadrunner]

Why would you say that? After all McNair has seen he gave Kubiak a vote of confidence last week. What would Kubiak have to do to demonstrate to McNair that he is incompetent? I can't think of anything else he could possibly do.

That last sequence to end the half was pretty special, though, I must say.

Kubiak will finish the season, no doubt.  I mean, do you really want to hand the team over to Frank Bush or Rick Dennison?  Hell no.

But missing the playoffs and a meaningless November/December will cost him the job

[BizidyDizidy]

So - cowher, gruden, or dungy?

[chuck]

So - cowher, gruden, or dungy?

Kubiak is signed through 2012 I believe. The owners will lock out the players because the players make too much money and who cares if they won't be able to walk when they're 45? So I don't see McNair paying two coaches, one who does nothing and the other who will be doing nothing. I certainly don't see him paying a high profile coach who may command $10MM a year.

I'd love Cowher, though.

[Lurch]

How do you leave Andre alone in the endzone?!  Thanks!

[Lurch]

Well, it wasn't a pass by Garrard, which is pissing me off because he's my substitute QB today.

He's doing a fine job handing it off to MJD for me

[Limey]

Makes more sense:  gassed-up Jack or Sarah Palin?

[chuck]

Makes more sense:  gassed-up Jack or Sarah Palin?

Keeping low doesn't make no SENSE!

[Limey]

Keeping low doesn't make no SENSE!

Neither does screeching about tranquility. 

[Bench]

The owners will lock out the players because the players make too much money and who cares if they won't be able to walk when they're 45?

Goodell repeatedly says that the players' health is the NFL's top priority.  Which is why the season needs two more games, the league never bothers to employ a team's bye week when scheduling a monday or thursday game, and the players don't deserve to have medical benefits when the owners lock them out.

[chuck]

Goodell repeatedly says that the players' health is the NFL's top priority.  Which is why the season needs two more games, the league never bothers to employ a team's bye week when scheduling a monday or thursday game, and the players don't deserve to have medical benefits when the owners lock them out.

It's mind boggling. It really is. It is causing me to reevaluate seriously my support of the league. Vonta Leach will likely be a broken human being when he is my age and a group of billionaires are going to tell him he makes too much money.

[sporadic]

Nice fucking challenge, Kubiak.  it is a shitty rule, but a rule nonetheless.  You gotta know that and keep the fucking flag in your pocket, you will need that T.O. and possibly the challenge later.

[Bench]

If that is called an incompletion instead of a touch down then it is the application of one the dumbest fucking rules in professional sports.

[sporadic]

Nice fucking challenge, Kubiak.  it is a shitty rule, but a rule nonetheless.  You gotta know that and keep the fucking flag in your pocket, you will need that T.O. and possibly the challenge later.

nevermind

[Bench]

Nice fucking challenge, Kubiak.  it is a shitty rule, but a rule nonetheless.  You gotta know that and keep the fucking flag in your pocket, you will need that T.O. and possibly the challenge later.

Indeed.  Or not.

[sporadic]

If that is called an incompletion instead of a touch down then it is the application of one the dumbest fucking rules in professional sports.

absolutely!  I did not know the NFL had reviewed the application of that rule.  Glad they did, though, as it was BS

[Lurch]

Nice fucking challenge, Kubiak.  it is a shitty rule, but a rule nonetheless.  You gotta know that and keep the fucking flag in your pocket, you will need that T.O. and possibly the challenge later.

Bravo

[chuck]

Touchdown, motherfucker.

[MusicMan]

Nice fucking challenge, Kubiak.  it is a shitty rule, but a rule nonetheless.  You gotta know that and keep the fucking flag in your pocket, you will need that T.O. and possibly the challenge later.

Nominated.

[BudGirl]

Nominated.

for what?

[sporadic]

for what?

my prognosticating skills are dulled by the alcohol.  I am in the processe of gettting drunk enough to watch the Cowboys game.

[BudGirl]

my prognostication skills are dulled by the alcohol.  I am in the processe of gettting drunk enough to watch the Cowboys game.

is there enough alcohol in texas for this?

[sporadic]

is there enough alcohol in texas for this?

we will soon to find out. 

[sporadic]

I do want to apologize to the Texans fans.  I bet on Houston (hooked it with Dallas and the under for a three teamer)...based on my gambling track record, not a good sign

[Lurch]

I am in the processe of gettting drunk enough to watch the Cowboys game.

aka passed out

[sporadic]

aka passed out

potatoe/potato

[Bench]

Shank!

Time to start running the ball, Gary!

[sporadic]

Shank!

Time to start running the ball, Gary!

No idea why announcers continualy call that a shank.  Rightie going dead left is a snap hook.

[Bench]

No idea why announcers continualy call that a shank.  Rightie going dead left is a snap hook.

Why does it have to mean the same thing in football that it does in golf?  In football, a shank is just a blown kick.

[Lurch]

Textbook Texans.

[Bench]

Argh.  Bad play all around.

[austro]

Driessen's fumble spares them the embarrasment of not being able to get the field goal team on in time.

[Lurch]

I've now seen it all.  FUCK

[Bench]

Holy fuck.  FUCK.  What?

[BudGirl]

unfuckingbelievable.

[austro]

The Texans are now immortal. And Garrard gets another TD pass.

[sporadic]

there goes my fucking parlay

[Bench]

I can't fucking believe it.

[chuck]

You fucking idiots.

[BizidyDizidy]

This team is good at inventing new ways to lose

[MusicMan]

Gus Johnson strikes again.

[MusicMan]

When a ball is coming to you, CATCH IT!!!

[Bench]

When a ball is coming to you, CATCH IT!!!

They're taught the opposite in that situation.

[Bench]

Gus Johnson strikes again.

Isn't he doing the Lions game?

[austro]

They're taught the opposite in that situation.

If he had caught it, he probably would have run around and then been tackled for a safety.

[Alkie]

This team is good at inventing new ways to lose

I finally just saw it here on a highlight.

I didn't know a Hail Mary could work at the pro level in 2010.   Wow.

[sporadic]

They're taught the opposite in that situation.

No, only if they cannot secure it with two hands (or that is what my dad taught).  If you can catch it cleanly, you do so

[roadrunner]

Classic Houston football.  A new way to lose

[sporadic]

In other news, jimmie Johnson says taht the Cowboys can play with the Giants.  He must ahve started drinking earlier than I did

[BudGirl]

In other news, jimmie Johnson says taht the Cowboys can play with the Giants.  He must ahve started drinking earlier than I did

if they give effort, which they haven't done much of this season.  while i hate the giants, with buffalo winning, cowboys chance for the #1 pick has gone up.  if they win, there's a chance garrett could end up the head coach.   i am okay with the loss if it ultimately gets me what i want, #1 pick and new coaches.

[BizidyDizidy]

My personal worst case scenario on many levels is that the cowboys end up with a luck-harbaugh package this offseason

[Bench]

if they give effort, which they haven't done much of this season.  while i hate the giants, with buffalo winning, cowboys chance for the #1 pick has gone up.  if they win, there's a chance garrett could end up the head coach.   i am okay with the loss if it ultimately gets me what i want, #1 pick and new coaches.

The Giants are getting blown out today.

[sporadic]

 i am okay with the loss if it ultimately gets me what i want, #1 pick and new coaches.

this.  Garrett is part of the problem, IMO.  I want the fat Ryan from Cleveland, actually.

[sporadic]

My personal worst case scenario on many levels is that the cowboys end up with a luck-harbaugh package this offseason

do either Luck or harbaugh play on the O-line?  If not, you can keep 'em

[BudGirl]

The Giants are getting blown out today.

at first i thought that said blown.

and since it doesn't, fuck you.

[sporadic]

what the fuck, man.  was it in Garrett's plan to sabatoge Phillips all along?  he seems to have better playcalling skills as a HC. 

[chuck]

I hate the Cowboys with great passion and delight. But that was a catch, plainly. It was not even close and the motherfucking official is standing right the fuck there. What the fuck is he looking at?

[BudGirl]

what the fuck, man.  was it in Garrett's plan to sabatoge Phillips all along?  he seems to have better playcalling skills as a HC. 

it is still early in the game.  give him time to fuck it up.

[sporadic]

it is still early in the game.  give him time to fuck it up.

the only way that he could fuck it up is to stop throwing to Dez

[BudGirl]

the only way that he could fuck it up is to stop throwing to Dez

Dez is becoming a huge stud.  I agree even more that Austin should be traded for picks.

[chuck]

And then they fuck up the PAT. Hilarious.

[sporadic]

And then they fuck up the PAT. Hilarious.

It was partially blocked.  at least they have not fucked up a hail mary yet

[hostros7]

So, seriously, what professional sports franchise would be worse to follow than the Texans?  I could only come up with the Grizzlies and/or Raptors.  We shouldn't have to resort to canadian over-expansion. 

[sporadic]

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.  who you gonna double bitches?!?  I fucking hate the giants.  If we go 2-14, at least we beat the right 2

[BudGirl]

So, seriously, what professional sports franchise would be worse to follow than the Texans?  I could only come up with the Grizzlies and/or Raptors.  We shouldn't have to resort to canadian over-expansion. 

current Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Pirates

[BudGirl]

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.  who you gonna double bitches?!?  I fucking hate the giants.  If we go 2-14, at least we beat the right 2

i wish i was watching the game with you today.  i would be rolling on the floor laughing at you.

[chuck]

It was partially blocked.  at least they have not fucked up a hail mary yet

Not yet. And don't worry, I am aware of who the Cowboys beat for their lone win of the year.

[Bench]

It was partially blocked.  at least they have not fucked up a hail mary yet

That would require actually being in the game when it's ending.

[chuck]

current Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Pirates

I would throw the Bills in there and of course the Cowboys.

And that, on the other hand, was nowhere near to being a catch.

[Bench]

I wonder what Garrott calls the "Kitna falls down snapping the ball" play.

[sporadic]

i wish i was watching the game with you today.  i would be rolling on the floor laughing at you.

yeah.  it sucks here.  I am watching all of the kids, have to watch my language and shit like that

[chuck]

That would require actually being in the game when it's ending.

OH, SNAP!

[sporadic]

I wonder what Garrott calls the "Kitna falls down snapping the ball" play.

he needs to take the tennis balls off his walker, they get caught in the turf

[BudGirl]

I would throw the Bills in there and of course the Cowboys.

And that, on the other hand, was nowhere near to being a catch.

I agree about the Bills, but if *you* are going to toss in the Cowboys, shouldn't *you* also include the Cubs?

[hostros7]

current Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Pirates

Ok, I somewhat agree with the Pirates since they have apparently resigned themselves to make money via the revenue sharing in the MLB.  However, they have at least made the playoffs.  The Lions look like they have real promise this season and have made the playoffs in the past.  

[chuck]

I wonder what Garrott calls the "Kitna falls down snapping the ball" play.

Three on four. On two, BREAK!

[hostros7]

I would throw the Bills in there and of course the Cowboys.

And that, on the other hand, was nowhere near to being a catch.

The Bills went to four straight super bowls.  I mean, painful yes, but I would trade the history of fandom in a heartbeat.

[BudGirl]

I wonder what Garrott calls the "Kitna falls down snapping the ball" play.

It's Garrett, get it right.  He's the HEAD Coach of America's Team.

[chuck]

I agree about the Bills, but if *you* are going to toss in the Cowboys, shouldn't *you* also include the Cubs?

Why, because if you're a Cubs fan you are by definition a douche? Hmm, you may have a point there.

[BudGirl]

Why, because if you're a Cubs fan you are by definition a douche? Hmm, you may have a point there.

Did you just call me a douche?

[sporadic]

Why, because if you're a Cubs fan you are by definition a douche? Hmm, you may have a point there.

I'm an asshole, not a douche

[chuck]

The Bills went to four straight super bowls.  I mean, painful yes, but I would trade the history of fandom in a heartbeat.

And they lost them all. I do not need that sort of heartbreak, thank you.

[Bench]

 The Lions look like they have real promise this season and have made the playoffs in the past.  

1999 was a long time ago.

[hostros7]

1999 was a long time ago.

Would you rather a team in its "prime" like the Texans who still cannot make the playoffs or a team with a solid young core such as the Lions who have 2-3 years before they have legitimate expectations?  Clearly, the management of the Texans can't find the right pieces to complement their stars, and it doesn't seem like that's going to change.

[chuck]

I'm an asshole, not a douche

Actually as far as I can tell you're neither. But as a Cowboys fan you'd be warmly invited into either society.

[Bench]

Would you rather a team in its "prime" like the Texans who still cannot make the playoffs or a team with a solid young core such as the Lions who have 2-3 years before they have legitimate expectations?  Clearly, the management of the Texans can't find the right pieces to complement their stars, and it doesn't seem like that's going to change.

The Lions are, and always have been, horrible.  Andre Johnson = Barry Sanders.  Same shit.

[sporadic]

The Lions are, and always have been, horrible.  Andre Johnson = Barry Sanders.  Same shit.

the texans are a coach and about tow players away from being pretty fucking good

[BudGirl]

Holee SHit.

[Bench]

The blowout's on.  Just for you, BG.

[sporadic]

a big giant FCUK YOU to you, Eli

[chuck]

Well, I am delighted to learn that Kevin Gilbride is still a motherfucking idiot.

[BudGirl]

The blowout's on.  Just for you, BG.

they are just messing with me.  they did that the last time they played the giants.  waiting in the denver airport i board a plane thinking they were going to win and that didn't work out like i thought.

i'm glad those troops are happy.

[sporadic]

y'all see that?  our boys overseas know what's up...

[BudGirl]

y'all see that?  our boys overseas know what's up...

America's team baby.

ETA:  or are they douches?

[sporadic]

cheating on the offense, two plays in a row.  we RULE

[BudGirl]

cheating on the offense, two plays in a row.  we RULE

Cowboys are bad asses with that 1-7 record.  Oh yeah!

[sporadic]

where have these fuckers been (week 3 notwithstanding)??

[BudGirl]

where have these fuckers been (week 3 notwithstanding)

It's all about the Culture of Garrett.

[sporadic]

It's all about the Culture of Garrett.

apparently.  sidenote, i really, really like beer

[Alkie]

Having watched the Giants all season, I can't say this surprises me at all.   

That being said, in about 2 hours when the Cowboys fuck this up, I can't say I'll be surprised either.

[sporadic]

turns out they were right to try and fake a power outage to get out of the eventual ass-whooping

[sporadic]

Having watched the Giants all season, I can't say this surprises me at all.   

That being said, in about 2 hours when the Cowboys fuck this up, I can't say I'll be surprised either.

no way, dude.  we got them bitches on the run.

[sporadic]

fuck.  lights go out and I am foced to watch San Fran and St Loius?  talk about cruel and unusual punishment.  are there no other games on??

[sporadic]

fuck.  lights go out and I am foced to watch San Fran and St Loius?  talk about cruel and unusual punishment.  are there no other games on??

the internet says no.  it's either this or arizona/seattle.  yes, I am having a conversation with myself

[austro]

fuck.  lights go out

I figured this would be you by now.

[sporadic]

I figured this would be you by now.

yeah, i'm drunk.  this is the most fun i have had since high school.  another thing...wife is back home, I can get even more drunk, no more "pacing myself"

[BudGirl]

could you imagine having to evacuate that many people?  what a mess.

[BudGirl]

yeah, i'm drunk.  this is the most fun i have had since high school.  another thing...wife is back home, I can get even more drunk, no more "pacing myself"

you have been fun to ready.

[sporadic]

you have been fun to ready.

i'm always ready for some fun.  I may get my wife to drop me off at the bar later, hear it's kareeokee night

[sporadic]

dammit, you have no corners left and you play man to man, sepecially when the zone has been working?  fuckin a

[BudGirl]

dammit, you have no corners left and you play man to man, sepecially when the zone has been working?  fuckin a

that was the adjustment made during 1/2 time.

[sporadic]

that was the adjustment made during 1/2 time.

well, coaching is our strong suit

[sporadic]

Dez is a supermuthafuckinstud YO

[roadrunner]

Was today worse than Rosencopter?  I can't decide

[Astroholic]

No way

[MusicMan]

Was today worse than Rosencopter?  I can't decide

Schaub's decision to throw to Driessen was every bit as stupid as the Rosencopter.

[chuck]

Schaub's decision to throw to Driessen was every bit as stupid as the Rosencopter.

You know that in the interview after the game he said that had Dreesen not fumbled he thought they'd run up and spike it in anticipation of a FG attempt.

[austro]

You know that in the interview after the game he said that had Dreesen not fumbled he thought they'd run up and spike it in anticipation of a FG attempt.

Fucking moron. Exactly how many downs does he think he gets?

[JaneDoe]

Fucking moron. Exactly how many downs does he think he gets?

All of them.

[Bench]

Was today worse than Rosencopter?  I can't decide

Rosencopter had the element of heroic stupidity that today's game lacked.  Absent that, it certainly matches up in the nofuckingwayfactor.

[Bench]

You know that in the interview after the game he said that had Dreesen not fumbled he thought they'd run up and spike it in anticipation of a FG attempt.

Well fuck.  I wish I never knew that.

[BizidyDizidy]

Well fuck.  I wish I never knew that.

Wouldve been a he'll of a sight if they did it.

[roadrunner]

So basically they would've figured out another way to lose.

[Bench]

Wouldve been a he'll of a sight if they did it.

Spiking the ball on fourth down would have been epic.

[matadorph]

When shit like that happens, you have to wonder what's buried underground the Astrodome complex.

F'ing texans indeed.

Houston pro football is cursed.

In the curse I still believe. The shit that happened today is just too unthinkable for words. I've yet to sweep up the shards of teeth left on my living room floor. I am not sure how much more of this I can take.

[MusicMan]

You know that in the interview after the game he said that had Dreesen not fumbled he thought they'd run up and spike it in anticipation of a FG attempt.

Why am I not surprised?

[chuck]

In reflecting on Schaub's quote I think he thought that Dreesen had gained enough yardage for the first. That's my conjecture and I'm sticking to it.

[Limey]

Here's a little something to cheer everyone up this morning.

[hostros7]

In reflecting on Schaub's quote I think he thought that Dreesen had gained enough yardage for the first. That's my conjecture and I'm sticking to it.

Yeah, he said he thought he had gotten behind the LBs.  Whatever, I think it's another example of poor coaching.  You run a play to get your receivers by the sideline or you throw it away and settle it with the coin flip.  It doesn't even matter; the team lost the game with the first half offense.

Please explain one thing to me.  What the fuck was the team doing in the last possession of the first half?  Why do you throw the ball if it's not going to be down the field putting the team in realistic position for a field goal?  Why do you throw the ball at all and not use any of the three timeouts?  Kubiak should be fired for that shit alone.  If you want to go into half and regroup, then fucking do it.  Run the ball or kneel and let the clock run out.  Exposing your team to risk by throwing the ball with effectively zero chance of reward is idiotic.  

[Limey]

Please explain one thing to me.  What the fuck was the team doing in the last possession of the first half?  Why do you throw the ball if it's not going to be down the field putting the team in realistic position for a field goal?  Why do you throw the ball at all and not use any of the three timeouts?  Kubiak should be fired for that shit alone.  If you want to go into half and regroup, then fucking do it.  Run the ball or kneel and let the clock run out.  Exposing your team to risk by throwing the ball with effectively zero chance of reward is idiotic.  

The Texans have just vaulted the Rockets / NBA as "The Thing I Cannot Watch Because It Makes Me So Furious That I May Smash My TV".

[chuck]

Here's a little something to cheer everyone up this morning.

Hey! I didn't know you watched the Al Jazeera Sports Channel too! Wacky Walid's morning show is something else.

[MusicMan]

Hey! I didn't know you watched the Al Jazeera Sports Channel too! Wacky Walid's morning show is something else.

The "Boom goes the dynamite" guy may have found his calling.

[Limey]

Hey! I didn't know you watched the Al Jazeera Sports Channel too! Wacky Walid's morning show is something else.

It gets interesting when a match goes to sudden death.

[Limey]

At least the Texans didn't fall for this one...yet.

[Alkie]

Here's a little something to cheer everyone up this morning.

I can't tell what happened.  Some man is screaming in Asian while clothed men have sex with each other.  This didn't make me feel better.

[hostros7]

The eagles are going to do licentious things to the Texans.

[MusicMan]

Defense completely optional in this game.

[austro]

The eagles are going to do licentious things to the Texans.

It will be amusing to watch the Texans secondary "cover" Jackson.

[chuck]

Where the fuck is Hudson? Should someone call the local hospitals?

[VirtualBob]

Where the fuck is Hudson? Should someone call the local hospitals bars?

[HudsonHawk]

Where the fuck is Hudson? Should someone call the local hospitals?

All I could do was laugh Sunday.  McNair's disregard for winning is well documented.  Kubiak's incompetence is legendary.  The Texans defense is comical.  Those of you who have been paying attention are finally coming around to what I've been saying for years.  The rest of you are simply hopeless.  I'm not sure what else to say.

[BizidyDizidy]

I think the question of whether you should have an aggie for your head coach has been definitively answered, that's for sure.

[Limey]

Hey! I didn't know you watched the Al Jazeera Sports Channel too! Wacky Walid's morning show is something else.

I love watching football in foreign languages.  Reminds me of this.

[Bench]

"It's sort of an affirmation that we're on the right track. Clearly, we have to do better, because what we've done wasn't good enough. But we're on the right track, and I've felt that way all along."

-Bob McNair.  Yesterday.

[The Spleen]

"It's sort of an affirmation that we're on the right track. Clearly, we have to do better, because what we've done wasn't good enough. But we're on the right track, and I've felt that way all along."

-Adolf Hitler.  February 1945.

[Gizzmonic]

"It's sort of an affirmation that we're on the right track. Clearly, we have to do better, because what we've done wasn't good enough. But we're on the right track, and I've felt that way all along."

-Bob McNair.  Yesterday.

On how he's progressed with potty-training his 45-year-old son.

[HudsonHawk]

"It's sort of an affirmation that we're on the right track. Clearly, we have to do better, because what we've done wasn't good enough. But we're on the right track, and I've felt that way all along."

-Bob McNair.  Yesterday.

What's an affirmation, Bob?  That you're 5-8, and will finish worse than last year?  That's the track on which you want to be?

[Andyzipp]

What's an affirmation, Bob?  That you're 5-8, and will finish worse than last year?  That's the track on which you want to be?

They were 9-7 last year, so definitely will be worse.  But hey, if they finish 8-8 they'll be tied for the second best record in franchise history!!!

[HudsonHawk]

They were 9-7 last year, so definitely will be worse. 

Yeah...definately.  K-mart sucks.

[Limey]

"It's sort of an affirmation that we're on the right track. Clearly, we have to do better, because what we've done wasn't good enough. But we're on the right track, and I've felt that way all along."

-Neville Chamberlain.  1939.

[MusicMan]

SFN.

[austro]

I'd like to see the next public bond deal for some owner's private stadium include sliding interest rates indexed to some performance metric like winning percentage. That might give them a little incentive to do something other than simply show up in the owner's box and wave to the hoi polloi.

[Bench]

I'd like to see the next public bond deal for some owner's private stadium include sliding interest rates indexed to some performance metric like winning percentage. That might give them a little incentive to do something other than simply show up in the owner's box and wave to the hoi polloi.

eilT... paging Ne..

[Limey]

For what it's worth, a friend who has a friend working in the Texans' front office - who didn't see Ferris pass out at 31 flavors last night - said that McNair will keep the coaching staff through this year and into next, but every one of them is on a hair trigger.

Marvellous.  So instead of ditching the staff who are clearly incompetent now, he's going to let them fuck up on more draft and one more preseason just so he can fire them two games into the new season?  Brilliant!  Also, watch how the Texans will open at home to the Bengals, go 2 & 0, buying the coaches some time, and then be buried before McNair finally sacks up and cans the fucking lot of 'em.  Meanwhile, anyone worth hiring will have been hired, so the Texans will end up picking the poop out of the NFL's coaching peanuts.

[Gizzmonic]

Heard on ESPN that Cowher might be interested in coaching the Texans.  Are you listening, McNair?

[JaneDoe]

Heard on ESPN that Cowher might be interested in coaching the Texans.  Are you listening, McNair?

Obviously, not.

[MusicMan]

Same source said he was more interested in the Giants or Dolphins.  And after yesterday, Coughlin is uber-fired.

[hostros7]

Same source said he was more interested in the Giants or Dolphins.  And after yesterday, Coughlin is uber-fired.

Impossible.  McNair says the Texans are on the right track.  Coughlin has to be getting a lifetime extension for coaching a 9-5 team then.

[Gizzmonic]

Wonder what it's like to be a fan of a team where the owner cares if the team wins or loses?

[Astroholic]

Wonder what it's like to be a fan of a team where the owner cares if the team wins or loses?

Sucks donkey balls.

[Limey]

The Texans are one game away from becoming a trivia question:

"In 2010, the Houston Texans set an NFL All-Time record for the most games - 15 - in which they conceded 24 or more points.  In the one game where they held their opponent to less than 24 points, how many points did they allow?"

A:  23
B:  21
C:  14
D:  0

[Astroholic]

The Texans are one game away from becoming a trivia question:

"In 2010, the Houston Texans set an NFL All-Time record for the most games - 15 - in which they conceded 24 or more points.  In the one game where they held their opponent to less than 24 points, how many points did they allow?"

A:  23
B:  21
C:  14
D:  0

0

[Limey]

0

Exactly.  Which is why it will be a perfect trivia question.  All they have to do is give up 24 points to the Jags on Sunday.

FWIW, they have already tied the NFL record of 14 games allowing 24+ points.  One more 24+ shitfest, and they standalone*.

* Behind the woodshed.

[Astroholic]

Exactly.  Which is why it will be a perfect trivia question.  All they have to do is give up 24 points to the Jags on Sunday.

FWIW, they have already tied the NFL record of 14 games allowing 24+ points.  One more 24+ shitfest, and they standalone*.

* Behind the woodshed.

Yep they are just cheeky.

[Bench]

Ugh

“After the Texans lost at Denver, I thought [Texans owner] Bob McNair would fire Gary Kubiak. Now I don’t. I believe Kubiak will be back,” John McClain of the Houston Chronicle wrote on Twitter Wednesday.

Peter King on Twitter Tuesday: “Was told today: ‘Don’t fire Kubiak yet. You might be wrong.”

Yeah yeah, Peter King's famous "might," but then there is this:

NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora: “Speaking to coaches and executives today, hearing rumblings of Wade Phillips possibly landing as coordinator in Houston with Kubiak as head coach.”

[Rebel Jew]

Ugh

“After the Texans lost at Denver, I thought [Texans owner] Bob McNair would fire Gary Kubiak. Now I don’t. I believe Kubiak will be back,” John McClain of the Houston Chronicle wrote on Twitter Wednesday.

Peter King on Twitter Tuesday: “Was told today: ‘Don’t fire Kubiak yet. You might be wrong.”

Yeah yeah, Peter King's famous "might," but then there is this:

NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora: “Speaking to coaches and executives today, hearing rumblings of Wade Phillips possibly landing as coordinator in Houston with Kubiak as head coach.”

Ha ha ha!  unfuckingbelievable.  so crazy it just might work.  ha ha ha!!!

[hostros7]

To be honest, I don't like a fire Kubiak and keep Rick Smith scenario.  I'd prefer everyone goes and McNair hires a good football consultant (like it seems the 49ers are trying to do).  No idea what to make of a Wade/Kubes duo, but it sounds like clusterfucking failure.

[MusicMan]

No idea what to make of a Wade/Kubes duo, but it sounds like clusterfucking failure.

So, status quo.

[Rebel Jew]

To be honest, I don't like a fire Kubiak and keep Rick Smith scenario.  I'd prefer everyone goes and McNair hires a good football consultant (like it seems the 49ers are trying to do).  No idea what to make of a Wade/Kubes duo, but it sounds like clusterfucking failure.

fwiw, Cushing could be a terrifyingly good 3-4 linebacker.  Mario too.

[hostros7]

fwiw, Cushing could be Clay Matthews is a terrifyingly good 3-4 linebacker. 

Fixed for second guessing/hindsight.

[sporadic]

Fixed for second guessing/hindsight.

Cushing could be similar in the 3-4, although I would move Mario inside to DE, not play him at OLB, he would get abused in coverage.  Think of Cushing and Mario on the same side of the ball...

[Limey]

NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora: “Speaking to coaches and executives today, hearing rumblings of Wade Phillips possibly landing as coordinator in Houston with Kubiak as head coach.”

How do I do superscript on here so that I can square "suck"?

[Noe]

From me, the know nothing about the NFL one:

I thought Wade Phillips was considered an excellent defensive coordinator in the NFL (just not a good head coach)?

[jbm]

It's not that Phillips is bad as a DC, it's just that it fails to address the core problem.  Thus, it's status quo.

[JimR]

From me, the know nothing about the NFL one:

I thought Wade Phillips was considered an excellent defensive coordinator in the NFL (just not a good head coach)?

that is what i thought

[sporadic]

that is what i thought

damn right, I'd have him as DC any day of the week

[Rebel Jew]

Cushing could be similar in the 3-4, although I would move Mario inside to DE, not play him at OLB, he would get abused in coverage.  Think of Cushing and Mario on the same side of the ball...

How is Mario any different from DeMarcus Ware?  Anyway, isn't Wade known for being a lot more flexible with his players than other 3/4 gurus like Capers and LeBeau?