I buy that they fell apart down the stretch... but does that automatically negate the team that was playing well to start the year, and the one that dominated the Ravens? Also, tell me how the Ravens played down the stretch... and how that same team can come into the playoffs looking like this? Did teams figure out the Texans gimmicks, or did the Texans forget to stick with doing what worked for them? Did the Ravens mail in the regular season on purpose in order to surprise teams in the playoffs? Or did they change everything they did on both sides of the ball to become better? I just don't think Houston's situation is as "helpless" as is being perceived around here... if anything, this Ravens win shows that you can slack off in the regular season, back your way into the playoffs, and still go on a run. Not advised, but doesn't mean Houston needs to blow their team up.
What I find ironic is that the Ravens are winning the way Kubiak always dreamed of. Defense that bend but don't break, looking for opportunities while their opponent dink their way down the field. Offense that controls the ball and score TDs to end drives. This isn't a fluke either. The Ravens were really close last year too. Plus, on defense many other NFL teams have made Brady look pedestrian. And on offense, many teams have been going up and down the field on the Pats. I can't tell if we're an average team being "coached up" into a near contender. Or a contending team that is being held back by our coaching. Either way, it doesn't speak well of Kubiak/Phillips how we always look silly against QBs who can escape pressure.
that's how a defense intimidates the elitest of the elite. Sucks for the 'experts' that they couldn't stay wearing those kneepads fluffing brady or manning.
And they got there by controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and playing smart, turnover-free, ball-control offense. People weren't clamoring for a QB to make plays with his legs... and for gimmick offenses that feature options. Are the Texans really that far away from being that team again? I think they get there if they shore up the lines, get Cushing back, and the coaches realize they do have the capability to do what they normally do... along with adding opponent-specific wrinkles.
I thought ball control, time of possesion offfense was a thing of the past? I thought Kubiak was behind the times for insisting on this??? The Texans are probably a little of both as you mentioned at the end. The line was being coached up to start the year... and got exposed as the year went on... but there are some talented pieces on offense/defense that could be better helped with a more active/dynamic game plan from week to week. One things for sure... I don't feel as bad about the Texans' future prospects after this turn of events.
That one ref is slow as hell. Couldn't get out of Brady's way earlier and now it took him forever to spot the ball.
there are two issues though, lots of people don't have confidence in Kubiak and John Harbaugh is a great coach. Schaub is also suspect whereas Flacco has always played well in the playoffs. The question has always been whether Kubiak is a championship coach, and Schaub is a championship QB. I don't believe it personally. It took Kubes how long before this team made the Playoffs?
seriously? this makes me even more pissed off at the texans. the pats should've been a very beatable team
Yawn... he should never have been back last week if he could re-injure the forearm that easily after that sort of play. The Pats missed playing a team that falls for their gimmicky style... and they missed playing a team that can be intimidated by them.
