I have them losing to the Colts, Jags, and Pats. Granted, the Pats may be a playoff lock and may sit their stars, but I didn't figure that into it.
I think you're living in yester-year. Granted, there are a few NFL franchises stuck in purgatory (Lions, Browns, Raiders), but for the most part, turning around bad teams in the NFL doesn't only seem to be possible, it has become almost commonplace. The Rams being the classic example, as they actually won a superbowl, with last year's Cardinals as another prime case. Other current examples - the Saints (though not as quick a turnaround, certainly an effective one), Falcons, Dolphins, etc. There are definitely some good things about what Kubiak and Smith have done. As mentioned on the telecast, we do have talent despite being the youngest team in the league. And the slow, solid trajectory, combined with the young talent, speaks to a team that if it could get over the hump, might stay there...say as opposed to the current Dolphins. Still, I think by now, most Texans fans, myself included, would a quick turnaround that takes you into the playoffs, possibly winning a few games, even if followed by another 4 years of mediocre...as opposed to the Kubiak 4 years to get to the hump, and still can't get over it.... The team did so many things well last night, you don't really know who to blame. Kick-off punt returns were great. No turnovers. Despite how difficult it can be to defend an newly confident Vince Young, and moreso, the amazing Chris Johnson, I think the defense bent, but didn't break. Matt Schaub was on target. Obviously, in game, the lack of a running game, and Kris Brown, killed us. But it is still impossible to overlook coaching. Defensively, despite the bend but don't break results, you still would have liked to have seen more pressure. I think Vince was pressured maybe once the entire game, and then only because of tripping penalty that was missed. Offensively, the team was even more conservative. The running back situation is completely baffling. We've gone from Slaton + Brown, to Slaton, to Moats, to Moats + Slaton, to Brown + Slaton. I know Gary's trying to find something that works, but trying to find something that works isn't working. Maybe it's the scheme...or the OL. Whatever it is, it's hard to fathom they had 2+ weeks and decided it's time to give Brown a majority of the running plays. The OL as a whole had a pretty horrible game - the Titans weren't blitzing that much, and were still getting pressure to Schaub regularly. And playcalling was very conservative. AND, once again, you can question playcalling at the end of quarter/games. Kubiak has to be questioned. Even without Cowher being interested, I don't see how you don't look at other coaches. Assuming you look at coaches who see the talent and potential that is in place. I'd like to see someone else coach these players.
Dunta isn't as good as Ronde Barber and Mario is not as disruptive as Sapp. D'meco definitely isn't the playmaking linebacker that Dungy had in Tampa either.
I thought I heard somewhere that Dungy wasn't necessarily interested in coming back to coaching so soon. I would love to see one of two people coaching this team should we fire Kubiak: John Gruden Bill Cowher Gruden looks to be stuck at MNF, and from some things he's said in the past, I couldn't see him coming here. He's said that we're pretenders, we wouldn't win more than 6 games, etc. etc. Not that that has a ton to do with him wanting to coach here, but seeing as how he's stuck at MNF, I don't see him coming here.
How long between Cardinal playoff appearances? How long between Saints winning seasons? Thanks in advance.
You couldn't go wrong with Cowher or Dungy, that's for sure. I just wonder if Dungy would go to the same division as Indy and try to stick it to his old club. Personally, I don't see him doing that....but it sure would be nice.
It's funny how when I first heard that, I was insulted. 10 games in, looks like he was right on the money. *sigh*
Jon Gruden is a brilliant football mind. If he could get over being a total ass to his players, I'd love him as a coach. On top of everything else, he's creative and likes to try new things. I can promise one thing, if Gruden coaches again, his team will run the wildcat.
I'll admit . . I am a Dungy Fan. What he did to a HORRRIBLE TAMPA BAY *ORGANIZATION* was . . .unbeleivable. Tampa bay was HELL before he got there. . .and not much better since left [they coasted on what he had for a while] So . .. I just wanted my bias out there [COWHER - I love to HATE HIM . . .I mean . . HE'S A STEELER!!! I'm An OILER!! *grin* - but d*mn I respect him] I never thought Ronde was an Overly great CB [DAMN GOOD!] but he was put in the position to be better than he was Mario and D'Meco still young . . . The Genius of the Tampa Two for me was . . . The Coverage Sack Made the QBs hold the ball a second or two longer than normal With Pollard bringing the WOOD . . . . Receives will tip toe Rocket River
Oh I'm not knocking Dungy, I just think we need to be realistic about the players we have right now. They have their strengths, but no one on this defense is going to the Hall of Fame. Warren Sapp is. Bob Sanders is an elite, game changing player when he's on the field. Ronde Barber was able to cover and play the ball, two things that Dunta has not shown he can do.
"There's two kinds of coaches in the NFL. Those who are fired, and those who will be fired." If Cowher comes here I'm not expecting the fairy tale career he had in Pittsburgh to magically happen here. Kubiak may not be the best in-game coach I've ever seen, but we're getting more talented every year. Hard to kick good to curb for a small shot at great after dealing with awful for so long.
Cowher makes sense - he just wanted a break from coaching. Dungy, though - great coach, but is he really interested in coaching again? Why would you leave Indy if you wanted to stay a head coach a year later? He had the absolute perfect situation there.
I have always been defendant of Kubiak, but if we could land Cowher i see we relieve Kubiak of his duties. I've always thought Cowher would be a good fit here because he is one of the few analysts who always says good things about the Texans, he really Likes Andre Johnson, calling him the Best WR while the others on CBS say Fitzgerald.
Do it. Now. I'd pay him $12M per. Remind me what we're paying Robinson this year for marginal play? Convince me that this investment isn't worth what we're paying any individual player, bearing in mind that the coach doesn't factor into the cap.
How is Gruden so awesome? He took Dungy's team to the SuperBowl, and...? Was he that great with the Raiders, really? Someone enlighten me.
I agree with you. He's the polar opposite of Kubiak - his actual game planning and roster building are deficient, but he motivates his team and gets them playing on a high level. He's decent mentoring QBs, just hasn't had an opportunity to work with an above average passer. Evan
