business is business. i rooted for the texans & would be happy if they won... i just knew they wouldnt. this team is so predictable.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Fitz said coaches haven't talked to him about status. Was asked how he'd feel if they went w/Mallett. Didn't want to address hypotheticals.</p>— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) <a href="https://twitter.com/taniaganguli/status/529326811000631297">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clowney: "I ain't talking." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) <a href="https://twitter.com/taniaganguli/status/529328022718275586">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Andre Johnson on light at end of tunnel: "I don't know. We'll see."</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/529329840135340032">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Andre Johnson said he's out there playing like normal. Frustrated because team is losing.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/529330025322254336">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clowney says he won't be available all week. Says maybe after the bye week. He's been muzzled. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) <a href="https://twitter.com/taniaganguli/status/529330076501159938">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Johnson said QB situation is out of his control. No commented questions about use in offense and role as WR.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/529330250539618304">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Andre Johnson was asked if he'd welcome a change at QB. Said "that's out of my control." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) <a href="https://twitter.com/taniaganguli/status/529330663523352576">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Duane Brown said Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't deserve criticism he's receiving</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/529330771556052992">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulyGSays">@PaulyGSays</a>: Hopkins was asked to grade offense & if he'd have confidence if team put Mallett under center. "No comment" to both <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) <a href="https://twitter.com/taniaganguli/status/529333582893174784">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>With <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/texans?src=hash">#texans</a> today and interesting intw comments from Andre Johnson .clearly he is not happy. For bye week " I need to be on an island"</p>— Randy McIlvoy (@RandyMcIlvoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/RandyMcIlvoy/status/529337263629824000">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a>' Andre Johnson: 'I just need to go to an island or something' <a href="http://t.co/LSKRWFntAJ">http://t.co/LSKRWFntAJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash">#NFL</a></p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/529338928109592577">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Wow... that was a string of tweets that suggests that despite a record pretty much in line with what most people thought, the mood inside the locker room is pretty bad right now. Expect some big changes soon...
Ok guys, I know MOST of this info will not come as ground-breaking. However, I happen to have come across some info that's somewhat interesting. Just for the sake of clarity, I am hearing things from a third party who happens to know people very much on the inside of the organization. These are the same people who told me with complete certainty that Ed Reed was going to be a Texan, even when things were a little shaky during his negotiation process (and therefore, I trust them completely). What I heard was this: A) All of the receivers on the team (and particularly Hopkins and Posey) feel as though Andre Johnson has completely mentally checked out. His work ethic used to be second to none in the league, and they feel like he's lost his motivation. A quarterback change might bring him back to the Dre we know and love, but they aren't sure. B) A vast majority of the players have a major problem with Fitzpatrick under center (for various reasons). The receivers feel as though he constantly underthrows them, misses open reads, and makes poor (and slow) decisions. The offensive line feels as though he doesn't get rid of the ball fast enough, and that a large portion of his sacks this season are his own doing. C) Ryan Mallet is immature and slow in getting his grasp of what O'Brien wants to do. This is a major factor into why Fitzpatrick is still the starter. D) And here's where there needs to be a grain of salt. According to my guy, TOM SAVAGE has been outplaying both Mallet AND Fitzpatrick in the limited snaps he's gotten in practice, and all of the offensive players feel as though HE'S the guy they want under center. Apparently, he's gotten a very good understanding of the playbook, and which reads he needs to make. The issue is that O'Brien is afraid that this could all just be a flash in the pan during practices, and when live games are being played, he will crumble under pressure. However, he's starting to gain more and more confidence that Savage will be the future quarterback of this team.....potentially starting in Week 11. Anyways, that's all I have, and as I said, MOST of it was not Earth-shattering. Still, I definitely found the tidbits about Andre and Savage interesting. Let's hope there's some truth in there about Savage lighting it up.
I can buy most of that. A. seems pretty obvious, he's not trying and it's hurting the team. Personally I'd bench him. B. I could see the O line trying to blame things on the QB, but they haven't done their jobs well this season. As to the receivers, I could understand their complaints about Fitz. C. Ryan Mallett is a complete moron so this isn't a shocker at all if true, if Mallett was better than Fitz and ready to go, he'd have already gotten playing time. D. Well they are hoping that Savage is the future at the QB position so it would be pretty awesome if he really was doing well in practice. Either way, I don't really want to see him this year if only to ensure he doesn't get David Carr'd.
I'm surprised most people want to see Mallet so bad. Personally, if they are going to throw the towel in by playing Mallet (which is pretty much what they are doing), I'd rather see what Savage can do.
A-D. The common thread is Fitz is well below average. I can buy that. Good to see that Savage is showing promise.
Agreed... and whether its Mallett, Savage, or the most recent winner of the Punt Pass and Kick competition... I would just like to see the team focused on improving.
Fyreball may have hit on something major. Also wondering if the OLine...hate saying this(but if they are intentionally) letting Fitzy get killed...Some of the hits the dude has taken have been pretty harsh. Andre Johnson is playing like he wants to get cut...infact that may have been his plan all along for this season. ARGH. Surprising about Mallet, considering they did bring him here via trade...tells me scouting homework wasnt complete. In that case, we shouldve been looking for a different QB. Finally, in regards to Savage...I just think they dont want him getting crushed this season...Wanted to give him an entire season of understudy work and let him compete for the job next season. Perhaps...having Fitz as a back up. Who knows. This is really terrible news all around. There is a real divide in the locker room among the offense, and they seemingly are playing like it. The defense is actually playing well enough and scoring points...the offense this season has been a huge let down...
problem with saying positive things when asked about a teammate; if you say "no comment" instead, it's interpreted that the opinion is not positive
PFF Grade for the game: Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: -4.6 Breakdown: It’s difficult to win games when your quarterback misses the mark on as many open receivers as Fitzpatrick did Sunday. The quarterback blatantly missed the mark on open receivers seven times and completed just 4-12 throws targeted 10+ yards down the field. Add in a fumble and it was a day to forget for Fitzpatrick. Signature Stats: Struggled mightily against pressure going 7-14 for 93 yards with a pick, four sacks, and a -3.4 grade. https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/11/03/refo-eagles-texans-week-9/
Not anything we've come to a decision at this point. ... It is what it is right now. What about Mallett that impresses you? Works extremely hard. In practice, which is different from the game, good command, good knowledge of the offense. Nothing new on Arian. (Clowney) This guy wants to play. He's trying to get better. I'm not going down this road. Twitter, Instagram, I don't know. We're moving on from that. If it's not Kareem's knee(mentioned during the game), what is it? It's always day-to-day. You know the drill John. (Andre) I see great effort, great focus. No idea what Cary Williams is talking about. Great effort, focus, teammate, trying to help his teammates get better. What can Fitz do that you haven't worked on already? Matter of hard work, getting back into rhythm in practice, understanding reads better, it's everything he's going to do. He'll work hard to play at a consistent level. We're 4-5. You are what you are. 4-5 is a mediocre record. It's the sign of an inconsistent team. There's a lot of football left. 9 games in, we have to look at all our personnel and scheme. It doesn't matter the position. We have to take this bye week and think about what we can do better. Morris was close last week. Tough kid but had trouble transitioning off his ankle. Closer to playing, especially with the bye week. Watt and Mercilus played really good football games yesterday. Anytime you lose, it's hard. Losing is never acceptable. It doesn't sit with you well. It affects everything. ... All these games are close. It's an 8-8 league. Teams that make the least mistakes win. That's what we have to get better at and doing. Surprised it's so inconsistent? I would never use the word surprised. Can't be surprised in this profession. You use the word frustration. You use the phrase "What can we do better?". We're in it together. There's no finger pointing. You guys keep asking about the QB, that's fine. You can't point to one position and say it's all on this guy. ... When it comes together, it looks good. How do we get more consistent and do it more? Having a guy so deep in his career, why the confidence he can change at 31? Doesn't matter how many years you've been in the league. Every year is different. He'll always look to improve. We all have to get better at 3rd down. The guy works really hard. Can't you get into habits? There are certain things. You won't change his throwing mechanics as much as what he's looking at. I'm saying it's a new system and he's learning everyday. How is Savage's progression? Good week last week. Young player working hard. Gets a lot of scout team reps. Working in the weight room. He's a young player getting better every day. I haven't said anything about a change at QB. That's speculative. Why Mercilus better lately? When you get the reps and do so much in practice and work as hard as he's worked, he's a good example for young players. In early, out late, practices hard. With more experience in our system, the better you'll play. What can you hang your hat on coming out of the bye? This team plays very hard. It will play hard for 60 minutes or however long it lasts. I'm proud of that. Andre sounded frustrated with his role. We're all frustrated. He wants to catch more passes. We want him to but hopefully we're all in it together.
Why, I can't blame him because I feel the same way. For another example, keep an eye out for what happens in La-La land this year when Kobe detonates. Duh! What? ARE you telling me that letting your rookie QB get sacked 250 times can actually hinder his development??? Wow! I never considered that happening...
Well I can blame him, he's part of the problem. If he wasn't part of the problem I'd have sympathy for him. He had a late game fumble that directly led to the Texans losing, his no-show this week certainly contributed to the loss.
Why is JJ Watt still playing hard? He's not going anywhere any time soon, but he hasn't "checked out" just because we're 4-5......
To be fair, Andre never checked out through all the David Carr/Casserly/Capers years either (or even last year). Watt may not be so patient when he's 33 either.
JJ Watt hasn't lived through 12 years of this *****...yet. I can see how this would be like playing in Hell for someone as ultra competitive as Andre or JJ. In the Not For Long league, winning is to only thing that counts. AJ knows this and is feeling it as his career winds down. Besides, this was behind his "issues" during the preseason - EVERYONE knew he wanted no part of yet another rebuilding this close to the end of his career. He should have been dealt but his contract sort of blocked that so now AJ and the Texans find themselves bound together in an unhappy marriage playing out the string. But I see your point here because his sulking and half assing it will come back to haunt him when the HOF votes get tallied.
