Agreed. But the division was weaker last year, and the Texans had a lighter schedule the first half, and they were unable to capitalize. This year, so far, they are indeed taking advantage of their opportunities. Nice. Weird. But verrah nice indeed.
I disagree, if I'm reading your comment correctly - the other three teams in our division last year collectively won 24 games; this year? Six so far. and I'll be shocked if anyone finishes better than 8-8. The Colts, right now, look every bit like an 0-16 team, which absolutely FLOORS me. And the Texans' first half schedule was actually tough last year: Colts twice, Giants, Chiefs, Chargers - all won 9+ games. They've been handed a gift, no doubt. But who cares? Especially if they build on it, which is what they look to be doing. I see a team getting better and more confident each week. I said before the season (when I stupidly thought it would take 8-ish games for the defense to round into shape) that I wish the schedule was flipped and that we got NO, Pitt and Baltimore in the final 8 weeks. I stand by that. I think, assuming health, that we'd beat all 3. I'd sure love a second shot at Baltimore in the playoffs.
I thought our division was bad . . then I saw the NFC West [SF is 7-1 . . no one else in their division has won more than 2!!!!] Rocket River
Yeah, poorly worded on my part. Obviously the division last year was not "weaker" than it is now; what I meant was it was weaker than it had been, or so we thought going into the season. Also, perhaps it wasn't the first half that was lighter, but I remember at some point there was a stretch of 4 to 6 games where we thought the Texans should make some hay, and they proceeded to lose 3 or 4 of them. That's when we knew we had a real turd on our hands. The way the season has gone so far, your thread title is dead-on accurate. Rock star, indeed.
Just reviewed the schedule from last year. I can't fathom what group of games could have fit that description. Perhaps I was channeling some memory from an earlier season, or on some bad crack. Carry on...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/kerry_byrne/11/09/texans.defense/ Nice read on Phillips and the deffense
Do you have to be a head coach to win coach of the year? Cuz if not he definitely deserves a mention.
I thought our D numbers were inflated from the relatively week schedule, but wow they were legit against a great offense today. I'm in awe thinking this is the same team as last year.
McCarthy leader in the clubhouse(if Pack go undefeated) then the rest...(in no order) Harbaugh(x2) Schwartz Tomlin Belicheck Lewis Payton Kubiak
Missing top 2 QBs, missed a couple games without top RB, top WR has been out half the season, FB is out, top OLB is out, FS missed some games, starting Kareem Jackson (who is better than most fans believe, but he's still Kareem Jackson) and still with the top AFC record. The Texans are winning as a team. The defense is finally helping out the offense. Granted, the defense finally has NFL talent at every position.
It's not exactly the same defense as last year as Watt, Joseph, Manning, Barwin, and Reed didn't play for the Texans last year and Mario is out this year.
Exactly, not that Wade doesn't deserve credit as well, he's been fantastic. But we added some studs this season, and to add one more to your list, a beast mode Brian Cushing.
