Did Graham and Griffin all of a sudden become really bad? They were doing much better last year. Didn't Griffin end up leading the team in receptions?
This. They didn't get terrible overnight. Graham Currently: 12 rec 17 targets 122 yards 0 TD (ESPN) Projected: 27 rec 39 targets 279 yards 0 TD 2013: 49 rec 88 targets 545 yards 5 TD 2012: 28 rec 38 targets 263 yards 3 TD Griffin Currently: 2 rec 3 targets 14 yards 0 TD Projected: 5 rec 7 targets 32 yards 0 TD 2013: 19 rec 28 targets 244 yards 1 TD Fiedorowicz Currently: 2 rec 4 targets 16 yards 0 TD Projected: 5 rec 9 targets 37 yards 0 TD But but but he's Bill O'Brien and he's gonna utilize the tight end!! Meanwhile, Owen Daniels: Currently: 27 rec 37 targets 275 yards 3 TD Projected: 62 rec 85 targets 629 yards 7 TD
I think Kubiak's system handled the heavy lifting, essentially creating the space for the receivers, who were not thusly burdened with having to beat their man. In a more conventional system, where the onus is on the player to be faster/stronger, we're seeing some of them get exposed.
Chris Olsen probably has zero ability to overrule Bob and Rick. We need a guy like Morey or Lunhow who will make decisions that cause short term pain for long term gain. Like maybe not signing Cushing and Schaub to extensions.
Kubiak's offensive system is great, which is guy he's a darn good offensive coordinator. The problem is that his game management/conservative approach was terrible and cost the Texans games. I'd give BOB's system a chance when he doesn't have Fitzpatrick as a QB.
I don't know how "heavy lifting" creates space for receivers. If so, why sign Graham? Why draft CJ? Either they are not running plays for their TEs or they are just not throwing to them.
See this is what irritates me about fans who criticize coaching and play calling in general. There have been moments yeah that the playcalling has been wth. But literally that is a common complaint by lots of fans who don't have a top 5 qb. I've been hearing Eagles fans all season criticizing Chip Kelly's playcalling, and heard the same about Marc Trestman in Chicago. O'Brien is play-calling to Fitzpatrick's skill level. Want some proof of why it's being called this way? Look at the offense when the playbook is forced to expand without regards for turnovers. Our comeback offense has been very very good outside of literally the worst timed fumbles ever in the last few games. Hopkins, Andre, Fitz have all fumbled in critical situations even though the chains of the offense were moving very well. Why doesn't BOB expand it even though the offense does it's best then? Because if you make Fitz do more than those short plays on a consistent basis, he will throw an interception. It's been the label on him throughout his entire career. Now an actual issue I do have with BoB, has been clock management. It's what the lots of Penn State fans have criticized him for in his tenure there, and it's been the case now. This is what completely bugs me about lots of the fanbase here in Houston. They are so quick to go with the bad play-calling label without actually paying attention throughout the game. If you actually believe BoB is vanilla, you are not paying attention throughout the game at all. He has more balls then Kubiak ever did. And another common thing I've noticed especially from posters like mario_v is that people are criticizing BoB for not calling a passing play on a 3rd and like 15 situation. What have you noticed from Fitzpatrick when he is under pressure to make a play? He makes bad decisions a good amount of the time.
Oh and you people do realize what everybody has been saying about the offense since O'Brien was hired was that it is a very complicated offense. So there is also a chance that they are still learning it. And remember, not all play-calling blame can go to O'Brien. Fitzpatrick is allowed to change the play throughout the game depending on what he sees. This isn't Kubak and Schaub, where the latter wasn't allowed to change the play-call
Kyle Shanahan seems to be a very good young OC and play caller. And the Shanahan/Kubiak system is a proven system that works. The New England system has only been proven to work in New England. Josh McDaniels took that offense to Denver and got fired. And with Kyle the old dogs on offense wouldn't have to be learning new tricks. Just was a suggestion though.
Man Bill hand picked Fitzpatrick, so im pretty sure he knew his limitations. So I for one don't want to here any excuses about not being able to expand the offense for a 10 year veteran. You shouldn't have brought him in here in the 1st place let along anoint him the starter from the jump. We all knew Fitzpatrick history and so did Bill O'Brien. Another thing he shouldn't have told everybody that Fitzpatrick was this highly intelligent football player. Bill brought this nonsense on himself.
Maybe Fitz isnt the reason behind not expanding that playbook? Not trying to defend Fitz or his limitations, but there are 10 other players on the offense. Maybe they're the ones not getting it?
Using NE as the obviously likely influence, those TEs were big and fast and created extreme mismatches. Graham and Griffin don't fit that mold in any way. They're very average. So while they could thrive in Kubiak's system, because his routes, spacing and playaction created holes, BO'B's system seems more conventional, ie survival of the fittest.
I've long-contended that too many fans are hyper-focused on the Texans at the expense of a greater NFL-wide perspective. Because if there was greater attention spent beyond Texan games, these fans would know that a lot of what they complain about happens everywhere - and the the 3rd and 10+ playcalling is such an example. Every other team usually calls a screen or draw on 3rd and 10+, 1) because the game simply moves too fast to ask your QB to hold the ball in an obvious passing situation while he waits for his receivers to get past the marker - it's a really qick and easy way to get him hurt; 2) teams specifically defend the 10+-yard pass, which means the screen/draw is probably your *best* chance to get the first down because you have DL charging at the QB and everyone else dropping back. There are a ton of other examples but this is one I see a lot, and it boggles my mind too many fans are oblivious to how common the Texans are with their playcalling in that situation.
It was inexcusable to enter the season with Fitz as designated QB. The Texans should have been more bold, either trade wise or draft wise. As it stands, another season wasted and a very frail looking Uncle Bob ages another year.
Bill doesn't trust Fitzpatrick to go deep, dude can't even execute a simple play action pass. And if you can't expand your offense because of your players then you might want to cut all of them. College players at Penn State were able to learn it so you can best believe these professional player can learn it.
A lot of the "bad calls" fans attributed to Kubiak were completely the right calls and BOB is repeating them. You get the impression people think we're a 10 win team with "more aggressive" playcalling. As if that doesn't raise the risk of turnovers.
I am neither begging for aggression or conservatism But sometimes you have to take the risk sometimes you have to be conservative 3-15 If in the last 7 games on 3 and 10 or more you ran a screen The Defense will defend the screen . . . . not because it is what the NFL does. . .it is because it is what YOU DO! Predictably aggressive is as bad as Predictably conservative We get rolled on an onside kick? Why because it wasn't a predictable thing to do If the fans can call the plays in their head. . . .don't beleive the defense which has studied the plays for a full week using tape from the whole careers of these players cannot I am ok with BO'B He is learning .. . rookie coach is rookie-ing But he is not without fault or mistake or anything as for Fitz . . .when you bring a QB with you . . .he is YOUR GUY You Vouched for him Like the mob . .. he is your responsibility If he was doing this with Schaub . . .i think everyone would give him a major grain of salt Example - Kubiak with Carr. . . .. Rocket River
