We're ranked 8th -- okay. But KJ has missed time, when he's in he's looked bad, aside from some early games where he actually did decent... anyways the point is this, we lost Manning, possibly for the season. An upgrade a CB will help weaken the blow and potentially give us an even better defense going into the playoffs, assuming Manning can make it back.
I don't think you want to include what essentially amounted to a shut-out (7 garbage points, 142 total yards) on the road in your "the Texans defense is suffering without Mario Williams" argument. We'll find out soon enough.
No lie. Since the old staff isn't here, I hope no one will bother trying to defend them if this happens.
Sure, sure - I just thought, for a thoroughly dominating win, the pass rush was noticeably quiet last week. I think Watt wound up with one late. Could have been a component of earlier-than-expected cruise control but....
The defense has played well but I also take it with a grain of salt since the offenses they have played really aren't that dynamic. I do think that the defense is better with Mario in there well the current staff did let him go. I always liked the guys potential though (big guy with great speed) it him being able to use it effectively is/was enticing.
I think it was the game plan last week as well. The LBs were concerned with the run as well as the screen pass. It seemed like the Texans played a lot of nickle and dime. There were not many blitz's that I remember.
That Patriot pass defense is all-time bad. Maybe Molden is the real culprit and not Frank Bush... (BTW, how crushingly telling was it that Bush had no insight into what the Texans were doing or how to stop them last week? Not that I expected him to single-handedly crack the code and derail the offense - but you're telling me he had NO advantage whatsoever? I mean, is it possible he's the worst coach in the NFL? The Titans had no answer for the Texans, defensively. None. They looked a lot like... well, last year's Texans' defense. BTW, 2: For those screaming about slow starts and all the hand-wringing over first half points last year, etc. - last week was a great example of how that stuff is SOOOOOOOO much easier to either overcome or simply not notice if your defense is halfway competent. Forcing two punts on the backend of our two punts is such a great thing to be able to do. It's almost hard to fathom how much better the defense is this year (or how truly wretched it was last year - which ever. Wade must've thought he had died and gone to Hershey, PA getting to "revive" this defense. I wonder if he fakes how hard he works - like pours water to fake sweat and walks around angry while carry papers and folders: "Can't talk now; I have a defense to save!!!" then retires to his office and watches Abbot and Costello shorts.))
The defense shut down a bad Titans (they got exposed) and CJ2.9 (his YPC so far this season) but also gave up 29 points to a Ravens team that got limited to 7 points by the Jags. Overall I would say the defense has held it together since Mario went down but to say that Mario isn't missed is crazy. Everyone on the front 7 through the first 4 games had their games elevated because of that unit. Brooks Reed has been pretty non-existent so far this season and Antonio has been quiet lately after beasting to start the season.
And saying a NE corner back is trash because they have horrible pass defense numbers could be a product of the fact they generate zero pass rush. They are tied for 3rd to last in sacks. Maybe some of these guys like Bodden could do better where they don't have to cover a guy for 20 seconds
"It was either him or Newt Gingrich." LOL Unless that guy wants $10MM or something (hyperbole intended), what on earth is the reasoning behind not signing him? Are we really, with a straight face, arguing he's no upgrade over Jason Allen and Kareem Jackson?
Oh he's an upgrade.. People said Allen was an upgrade until reality showed he really wasnt that much better than KJ... We should bring him in.. But as Ive said , it wouldnt surprise me to see KJ trotting back out there in a couple weeks.... Bodden will have his share of balls thrown directly his way because of the opposing QB's avoidance of Joseph.. His value will be , can he cause a few turnovers or at least prevent the big play that demoralizes the defense... KJ couldnt, has not, and will not be that player... Hopefully at the very least , Bodden can be that player for this particular year...
I think the loss of Mario will really show against the better teams. Right now, Wade's schemes seem to be making up for the loss. But will it last? Teams will adjust. I mean, we looked pretty good without Andre too. But I wouldn't want to go into the playoffs without him.
Don't get me wrong Belichick is a great coach and all, but is there any other coach that gets a pass for bad moves than BB. Besides, he doesn't have as much weighty accolades without that Tom guy.