<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Texans: 1st team since 1940 to outgain opponent by 200+ yards and lose by 25 points. (Sorry, <a href="https://twitter.com/StephStradley">@StephStradley</a>)</p>— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/FO_ScottKacsmar/statuses/389625892370006017">October 14, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a>' Andre Johnson: "I don’t know what it is. There have been talks for the past three weeks. I’m tired of hearing the same talk." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NFL&src=hash">#NFL</a></p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/statuses/389736005646815232">October 14, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a>' Brian Cushing: "I don’t know what the answer is. I don't know what we're doing ... "</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/statuses/389736138908266496">October 14, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a>' J.J. Watt: "I mean, we’re not mathematically out of it, are we?" <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NFL&src=hash">#NFL</a></p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/statuses/389736248069201920">October 14, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a> are 4-8 since 11-1 start in 2012. Outscored a combined 102-25 by Baltimore, San Francisco, St. Louis in last three of four games.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/statuses/389736591402344448">October 14, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I've been watching the NFL a long time and my conclusion is that short of a super quarterback THE biggest factor in a game or a season is the turnover ratio. Most of that is luck, but some of it is having a predictable play calling pattern and having a immobile quarterback that can't evade pressure (though Schaub really doesn't get stripped a lot)
Turnover's really seemed to be the killer yesterday...that and penalties. Hopkins' fumble took points off the board and Martin's fumble pretty much killed any chance at a comeback...not to mention Yates' ints. Another disturbing trend is the defenses lack of big plays and QB pressure/sacks. They hit Bradford a couple of times but for the most part he wasn't under a great deal of pressure.
Peter King(on the Texans): It's amazing. I saw 25 teams in training camp or preseason and I'd say talent - top to bottom - Houston as good as any I saw. Easily top five in talent, without question. You see the value of a QB. You see what Brady is getting out of the Patriots and Schaub is getting out of the Texans. The rest of this year, I'm not saying it's too late but they lost by 25 to St. Louis. St. Louis is okay but they're .500ish. They lost by 25. Everyone dying for Yates, you saw what you got with Yates in the game. They have to salvage this with Schaub. If he doesn't turn it around, he could cost Kubiak his job. There is so many good players on that team, I'd be surprised if this lasts the (entire) year.
I'm not going to defend Schaub, but the blame he is taking for this team's collapse is pathetic. It goes back to last year when Brady lights up the defense but Schaub doesn't throw 6 touchdowns and gets the blame. This team has fundamental problems across the board. Terrible special teams coaching and decision making, a statistically good defense that can't keep teams out of the end zone or effectively defend the down field pass, etc.
It's shocking to me how bad nearly every facet of their game was. We can stop pretending about Kubiak now right? We've all seen enough of Kubiak right? Is there anyone left in the camp that thinks this man should retain his job given this team's performance since the New England game last season?
Exactly. Schaub is, deservedly, the easiest target. You either need a prolific passing quarterback like Brady, Manning, Rodgers, etc. or an athletically game-changing stud like RG III, Russell Wilson or Kaepernick if you're going to succeed from the position in the NFL. If not, you need a stellar unit to mask weaknesses (like Kansas City's defense for Alex Smith). Schaub doesn't have the athleticism and doesn't play smart (the pick-sixes) in order to carry the team. The real issue is Kubiak. His loyalty to Schaub notwithstanding, he runs an offense suited to 1999. Every team we play knows exactly what's coming: run on first down; run on second down; throw across the middle to the tight end on third down. They don't have to worry about deep throws and they really don't have to worry about a productive special teams unit. They may bite on play-action once a game, but that's it. If an opponent gets an early lead, the Texans are done. Coaches that innovate and/or adapt are the ones that succeed in the NFL. Kubiak, much like his mentor Shanahan, is incapable of coaching well enough to succeed in the modern NFL.
It is possible, to be able and prepared and still suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. But since sports are only a proxy for real life, the people are expendable. off with their heads (metaphorically)
Random observations: 1) Redzone offense pooped the bed once again. This is no longer a minor concern or a hiccup. This is a systemic problem. New OC please. 2) The lack of scoring in the first three quarters hampered the defenses' ability to rush Bradford. Did a respectable job against the run, but Fisher called a masterful game with the lead. 2) Schaub played surprisingly well. His injury looked like a broken ankle for sure. The fans did cheer when he got hurt, and it was embarrassing. 3) Yates is not the answer and it's time we all realize that. Keenum needs to be activated pronto, especially if Schaub is out any length of time. If this is a lost season, we should invest a top 2 pick in a QB. 4) Penalties and turnovers sealed the deal. That's a coaching problem as well. Marciano should have been fired 2 years ago. 5) I've never seen such a winnable game turn into such a blowout. This ranks up as one of the worst losses of the Kubiak era. The last time this team looked like a Superbowl contender was all the way back on November 11th, 2012 @ Chicago. I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I could say that.
Hate agreeing with Peter King and Pancakes, but this is spot on. Too much wasted talent, and NFL contention windows are so small, patience is not a virtue in this instance.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a>' last 12 red zone trips: End of game, TD, INT, INT, FG, FG, Missed FG, FG, TD, INT, FG, FG.</p>— Nick Mathews (@Nick_Mathews) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nick_Mathews/statuses/389752450485219329">October 14, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a>' QB Matt Schaub since (and including) Sherman pick-six: 45-of-72 447 yards, 0 TDs, 4 INT (2 ran back for TDs), 56.8 QB rating.</p>— Nick Mathews (@Nick_Mathews) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nick_Mathews/statuses/389754623117893632">October 14, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
when you hear quotes from multiple players saying "I don't know what the answer is", there is no clearer indication a coaching change is needed
He needs to go ASAP along with the special teams coach. Unfortunately I don't think McNair will make a change
BINGO. this team is loaded with good players but when you have a qb that is a massive liability and a coach that is more concerned with the intricacies of his coaching philosophy as opposed to results this is what you get.
