Texans and the Playoffs

[JunkyardDwg]

Yes, those words can belong in the same sentence together...without it being some cruel joke.

With Tennessee losing tonight, the last spot for the Wild Card becomes a lot more clouded. You got:

Tennessee at 6-4
Cleveland at 6-4
Denver at 5-5
Buffalo at 5-5
Houston at 5-5

Only one game back of the leaders, Houston actually has a shot of making the playoffs. What's more, they face Cleveland next week, then Tennessee and then Denver a few weeks after that. This team controls their own destiny! And looking at the schedule, the only two games where it doesn't look good for us are Indy and Jacksonville. But then Indy is looking pretty human these days (and we played them well minus Green and AJ)...and if somehow this team has a shot on the final game of the season...shoot you gotta like their chances then facing the Jags at home.

It's just nice to actually think about the Texans in the playoff picture. Will they be able to turn a corner and push into the postseason? The realist in me says not this year...but the optimist in me says they got as good a chance as the other teams. Though Cleveland seems to have an insanely easy schedule.

In any case, unlike past seasons, this last month should be fun to watch.

[kaleidosky]

I agree, this should be a lot more fun.

But I really believe in Cleveland if they can get ANYthing out of Jamal Lewis.

[T Rex]

No chance this year, but the fact we're even talking about the playoffs is fun this time a year.

Funny, before the Oakland game, some were writing off the entire season as a waste. Amazing what back-to-back wins can do.

[leroy420]

I agree, this should be a lot more fun.

But I really believe in Cleveland if they can get ANYthing out of Jamal Lewis.

As long as I keep Lewis on the bench on my fantasy team, he'll do well. I have yet to get any of his 7 tds (had him on the bench for his 216 yd game, the 4 td game, and this week).

It's fun as a Texans fan to even think about the possibility and to be talked about in the same breath as the word "playoffs". They need to just take things one game at a time and not worry about anything else (sorry for the Craig Biggio standard interview answer). Cleveland has done well, but their defense is not good. If our defense can play like they did against the sAints, we have a very good chance to win in Cleveland.

[conquistador#11]

and you know what they say about destiny:

' destiny is usually just around the corner. like a thief, a hooker, or a lottery vendor:its 3 most common personifications. but what destiny does not do is home visits. you have to go for it'

let's go for it!!
i remember a time when we were not even allowed to say the word
playoffs.

[sammy]

Emmitt Smith just showed some love for the Texans. They were speaking of the Broncos remaining schedule, and he said not to sleep on the Texans since they have Schaub and AJ back.

[Kam]

Texans and Playoffs.

Amazing.

beat the browns, and we will be talking.

[Kam]

ESPN just showed a graphic of Division leaders, and in the wildcard race.


and it showed us...

:D

[finalsbound]

ESPN just showed a graphic of Division leaders, and in the wildcard race.


and it showed us...

:D

I saw that.

I was giddy. :cool:

[Mehdi]

Just think how much things would be different if Andre never got hurt

[Miguel]

Texans need to Superman them hoes

[ROXRAN]

Just think how much things would be different if Andre never got hurt

True,...We likely would only have 2 losses or so...

[macalu]

all the Texans need to do is win out. How hard can that be?

[the futants]

ESPN just showed a graphic of Division leaders, and in the wildcard race.


and it showed us...

:D
Funny...when we saw that graphic, my wife went, "WHAT? Is that really possible?"


11-5...here we come...

[Khal80]

playoffs or not, its fun talking about your football team's
playoff chances in late november and december

as much as i believe in this team, not having dunta is going to be a big problem

[ipaman]

Tennessee at 6-4
Cleveland at 6-4
Denver at 5-5
Buffalo at 5-5
Houston at 5-5


the interesting thing with the exception of buffalo(and san diego if they fall behind denver) houston plays everyone ahead of them. what's going to hurt the most is we haven't won a division game yet and that is used for tie breakers.

its possible that both wildcards will come out of the afc south. finish third in the division and you will have a great shot at postseason.

[leroy420]

playoffs or not, its fun talking about your football team's
playoff chances in late november and december

as much as i believe in this team, not having dunta is going to be a big problem

Maybe in the long run, but the pass defense looked like it would be good enough to keep them in games. Bennett and Hutchins looked good, IMO. It didn't hurt that Mario was a man possessed along with the rest of the line getting pressure all day. If that continues, they'll manage without Dunta.

[macalu]

Maybe in the long run, but the pass defense looked like it would be good enough to keep them in games. Bennett and Hutchins looked good, IMO. It didn't hurt that Mario was a man possessed along with the rest of the line getting pressure all day. If that continues, they'll manage without Dunta.
Faggins didn't start. that right there helps the secondary.

[rezdawg]

Faggins didn't start.

As long as he doesnt smell the field, we'll be okay. The second he gets his cleats on that turf, we are in a very vulnerable position.

[Cannonball]

Faggins didn't start. that right there helps the secondary.

Faggins hasn't started the past two games, both wins. Coincidence?

[leroy420]

As long as he doesnt smell the field, we'll be okay. The second he gets his cleats on that turf, we are in a very vulnerable position.

He does relatively well as the nickel back...

[Murph23]

Just a couple of weeks ago, you were all complaining about how the Texans sucked, Kubiak needed to get fired, Mario should be traded, and now you all are talking about Playoffs?

Damn, you guys are all to funny.

Playoffs ain't happening this year. 8 - 8 record is more realistic.

[msn]

Playoffs ain't happening this year. 8 - 8 record is more realistic.
My preseason prediction. If they can get there after all the injuries and losing games I was counting on, I'll be even more pleased.

[JunkyardDwg]

Just a couple of weeks ago, you were all complaining about how the Texans sucked, Kubiak needed to get fired, Mario should be traded, and now you all are talking about Playoffs?

Damn, you guys are all to funny.

Playoffs ain't happening this year. 8 - 8 record is more realistic.

To be fair, they are in fact in the playoff hunt....I don't think anyone actually believes they have a legitimate shot...hell but let's just enjoy the ride and hope they can...I'll take that over discussing ad naseum who the team should draft when it's only October.

[Murph23]

To be fair, they are in fact in the playoff hunt....I don't think anyone actually believes they have a legitimate shot...hell but let's just enjoy the ride and hope they can...I'll take that over discussing ad naseum who the team should draft when it's only October.

Fair enough.

[msn]

I'll take that over discussing ad naseum who the team <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">should draft</span> <b>should have drafted</b> when it's <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">only</span> <b>freaking</b> October <b>already</b>.
Fixed. You don't have to thank me. :p

[david_rocket]

Playoffs?!?!? You are talking about Playoffs?!?! :D :D

No.. just kidding, I hope that the Texans enter the playoffs. At least seems they gonna have more wins than losses this season.

[shipwreck]

i don't see how you guys can say there's no way we make the playoffs.

12. @ Cleveland
13. @ Tennessee
14. Tampa Bay
15. Denver
16. @ Indianapolis
17. Jacksonville

winning at the rca dome will be tough, but the rest are teams that are not head and shoulders above us. we could realistically go 4-2, leaving us at 9-7 with a decent chance at the wild card, esp if we beat tennessee and jacksonville. it's not probable, but entirely possible. as a texans fan, i think its about time we had the privilege of having a playoff conversation.

[ABtheTerrorist]

we even got a mention from adande on around the horn.
every game is just more exciting.hoo-rah.

[Ashes]

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[JunkyardDwg]

Oh well...it was nice thinking playoffs for a bit, however brief. Team's still not quite out of it yet, but they need to have one helluva final stretch and bad collapses by other teams to sneak into the post season. Ain't gonna happen.

I think the Cleveland game has demonstrated while this Texans team is getting better and can be good, overall they're a .500 team at best. But a few more improvements should hopefully make them a playoff team.

At least beat the damn Titans next week.

[ghettocheeze]

Texans and the DRAFT

KENNY PHILLIPS (S) - Miami
MALCOLM JENKINS (CB) - Ohio State
GOSDER CHERILUS (OT) - Boston College

[Murph23]

Oh well...it was nice thinking playoffs for a bit, however brief. Team's still not quite out of it yet, but they need to have one helluva final stretch and bad collapses by other teams to sneak into the post season. Ain't gonna happen.

I think the Cleveland game has demonstrated while this Texans team is getting better and can be good, overall they're a .500 team at best. But a few more improvements should hopefully make them a playoff team.

At least beat the damn Titans next week.

Texans just ain't talented or deep enough to be playoff contenders this year. Hopefully next year is the charm. Schaub is way better than Carr, but if there is one thing I wished he had from Carr is his arm strength. Schaub's is a weak throwing passer.

[JayZ750]

I see Texas needs as very obvious.

- Defensive backfield
- Offensive line
- Running back

A significant improvement is needed in 1 of the 3 areas. Some improvement is needed in the other 2 areas.

then, you can start thinking playoffs.

[macalu]

correct me if i'm wrong, but even after today's loss we're still only 1 game out of a Wild Card spot, right?

unfortunately, we don't hold any tie breakers with our Divisional rivals yet so it's basically 2 games out if there is a tie.

edit: crap, nevermind. we have to catch Jacksonville OR Cleveland who are already at least 2 games ahead. :(

[JayZ750]

correct me if i'm wrong, but even after today's loss we're still only 1 game out of a Wild Card spot, right?

unfortunately, we don't hold any tie breakers with our Divisional rivals yet so it's basically 2 games out if there is a tie.

edit: crap, nevermind. we have to catch Jacksonville OR Cleveland who are already at least 2 games ahead. :(

Nothing's impossible...

BUT,

Houston's schedule:
@ Titans
vs. Bucs
vs. Broncos
@ Colts
vs. Jags

Browns schedule:
@ Arizona
@ Jets
vs. Buffalo
@ Cincy
vs. San Fran.

Jags schedule:
@ Colts
vs. Carolina
@ Steelers
vs. Oakland
@ Hou.

The Jags and Browns are in the drivers seat, which is why today's game was so important. Anything can happen, but I don't see the Browns going worse then 2-3, or the Jags going worse than 2-3...which would mean the Texans would have to go 5-0 to finish the season. That would tie them with the Jags, and put them 1 game ahead of the Browns (cause I assume the Browns win the tie vs. the Texans based on head-head)...and, of course, you'd have to assume some of the other teams currently ahead of us (Titans, Broncos) also lose.

[IROC it]

Fun while it lasted though, eh?

[ima_drummer2k]

Fun while it lasted though, eh?
Yeah, it was a great 6 days...

[No Worries]

Hey we are tied with Denver!!! The cant-miss Denver offensive scheme is now in question.

[weslinder]

I see Texas needs as very obvious.

- Defensive backfield
- Offensive line
- Running back

A significant improvement is needed in 1 of the 3 areas. Some improvement is needed in the other 2 areas.

then, you can start thinking playoffs.

I think you can get more specific than that.

Three positions need significant improvement:
1. Left Tackle
2. Center
3. Free Safety

Two positions need some improvement:
1. Running Back
2. Cornerback

Improve three of them and we're talking about winning seasons and making the playoffs. Improve all of those and we're talking about winning playoff games.

[MadMax]

I think you can get more specific than that.

Three positions need significant improvement:
1. Left Tackle
2. Center
3. Free Safety

Two positions need some improvement:
1. Running Back
2. Cornerback

Improve three of them and we're talking about winning seasons and making the playoffs. Improve all of those and we're talking about winning playoff games.

Assuming Dunta will be the same Dunta when he gets back. Otherwise, he might be your new safety and you're looking for 2 new corners.

SOME improvement at RB?? Please. We need a RB. We need a real RB.

[weslinder]

Assuming Dunta will be the same Dunta when he gets back. Otherwise, he might be your new safety and you're looking for 2 new corners.

SOME improvement at RB?? Please. We need a RB. We need a real RB.

I'm actually pretty pleased with Bennett. He's a good 2nd cornerback. If Dunta comes back as a corner, any new corners should be depth pick-ups. If he comes back as a FS, it fixes one hole and creates another.

Running back, though? If Ron Dayne and his 5.5 40 yard dash can average the league average with Ephraim Salaam at LT, imagine what an average back could do with a real line.

[texanskan]

Texans have to win out now to make the playoffs.

If we would of won yesterday things would be looking pretty good right now but as things are today

Indy
Pitt
NE
San Diego

will win their divisions

Cleveland will be the 5th seed (and they hold the tie-break over us)
The Jags will be thw 6th seed (yes their record is better than the Browns but look at the rest of the games)

Jags will be 10-5 when they play the Texans we must win out to have a shot and it's not going to happen :mad:

[Icehouse]

I doubt the Texans make the playoffs but they have had a successful season considering all of the injuries.

[kaleidosky]

I agree, this should be a lot more fun.

But I really believe in Cleveland if they can get ANYthing out of Jamal Lewis.

sadly, correct. leroy, did you keep jamal on your bench again?

[JunkyardDwg]

Texans have to win out now to make the playoffs.

If we would of won yesterday things would be looking pretty good right now but as things are today

Indy
Pitt
NE
San Diego

will win their divisions

Cleveland will be the 5th seed (and they hold the tie-break over us)
The Jags will be thw 6th seed (yes their record is better than the Browns but look at the rest of the games)

Jags will be 10-5 when they play the Texans we must win out to have a shot and it's not going to happen :mad:

That would put the Browns at 11-4 heading into their last game. They're pretty good, but not good enough to win out...sure their schedule is cream puff soft, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose 1-2 games.

[leroy420]

sadly, correct. leroy, did you keep jamal on your bench again?

Hell no! He was my best scorer this week because I started Schaub over Brees...it's no wonder I'm 5-7. I have to listen better when the pundits say a game is going to be a shootout. That most certainly means it will be a defensive battle.

[Jet Blast]

It doesn't bode well for the Texans. Of the AFC teams in the playoff hunt, the Texans have the toughest strength of schedule for the remaining games.

Following is the remaining strength of schedule for the 10 AFC teams within one game of .500 or better:

AFC EAST

TEAM NEW ENGLAND (11-0) BUFFALO (5-6)

OPP. RECORD 21-34 (.382) 24-31 (.436)
WEEK 13 at Baltimore (4-7) at Washington (5-6)
WEEK 14 Pittsburgh (8-3) Miami (0-11)
WEEK 15 New York Jets (2-9) at Cleveland (7-4)
WEEK 16 Miami (0-11) New York Giants (7-4)
WEEK 17 at New York Giants (7-4) at Philadelphia (5-6)



AFC NORTH

TEAM PITTSBURGH (8-3) CLEVELAND (7-4)

OPP. RECORD 29-26 (.527) 19-36 (.345)
WEEK 13 Cincinnati (4-7) at Arizona (5-6)
WEEK 14 at New England (11-0) at New York Jets (2-9)
WEEK 15 Jacksonville (8-3) Buffalo (5-6)
WEEK 16 at St. Louis (2-9) at Cincinnati (4-7)
WEEK 17 at Baltimore (4-7) San Francisco (3-8)


AFC SOUTH

TEAM INDIANAPOLIS (9-2) JACKSONVILLE (8-3) TENNESSEE (6-5) HOUSTON (5-6)

OPP. RECORD 26-29 (.473) 29-26 (.527) 26-29 (.473) 35-20 (.636)
WEEK 13 Jacksonville (8-3) at Indianapolis (9-2) Houston (5-6) at Tennessee (6-5)
WEEK 14 at Baltimore (4-7) Carolina (4-7) San Diego (6-5) Tampa Bay (7-4)
WEEK 15 at Oakland (3-8) at Pittsburgh (8-3) at Kansas City (4-7) Denver (5-6)
WEEK 16 Houston (5-6) Oakland (3-8) New York Jets (2-9) at Indianapolis (9-2)
WEEK 17 Tennessee (6-5) at Houston (5-6) at Indianapolis (9-2) Jacksonville (8-3)


AFC WEST

TEAM SAN DIEGO (6-5) DENVER (5-6)

OPP. RECORD 24-31 (.436) 23-32 (.418)
WEEK 13 at Kansas City (4-7) at Oakland (3-8)
WEEK 14 at Tennessee (6-5) Kansas City (4-7)
WEEK 15 Detroit (6-5) at Houston (5-6)
WEEK 16 Denver (5-6) at San Diego (6-5)
WEEK 17 at Oakland (3-8) Minnesota (5-6)