That was my first thought after the touchdown, no one else will ever be able to say "my first touchdiwn was to JJ motherfuvking Watt"
Initial thoughts from my prespective at the game: Sat next to a fellow Texans fan, it was his first time at a game, and his birthday yesterday. Made it fun. Mallett could be the real deal. His command of the offense was evident. I'm not sure how it sounded on TV, but it was a pretty hostile crowd, with them having a decent te this season. I was impressed how he didn't seem rattled and still showed authoritative direction in getting everyone where they needed to be, even when they couldn't hear. Just super impressed by him today. I had set high expectations, and I think he exceeded them. You can tell his time under Brady was well spent. In fact, Duane Brown got into a scuffle with a defensive lineman. They called illegal hands to the face on the lineman, and Brown was set to retaliate. Before he could, Mallett of all people, stepped in between the two of them to break it up. Never seen a quarterback do that, but I loved it. Also, just want to say, any rumor we're interested in Brian Hoyer is hopefully untrue. He's a bit overrated and has his own accuracy issues. In fact, after Cushing drilled him in the fourth, and everyone in the stadium thought he was hurt, there was a mild cheer with a "Johnny Football" chant heard. Also, for as inaccurate as he was touted to be, Mallett seemed to be a hell of a lot more accurate than Fitz. Also, I think I was right when I spoke about Mallett knowing the offense better, and this not leaving him as a sitting duck in the pocket. I'll pat myself on the back for that one, Bobby. Although the offensive line play was better, too. Just got home. Excited for what's to come in the next few weeks. Lastly, what a perfect, ballsy call on that fade to Watt. I'll take that matchup every time. As soon as Watt went in motion, I stood up and said, "IT'S GOING TO WATT!!" over and over. I was so excited. Loved it.
Ugh, seriously. They've given away SO many games this year. I mean, on one hand it is reason for optimism about the future, but on the other it was really hard to watch.
Exactly what I came away thinking. I will rewatch the game as I DVR'd it, but from my perspective his command of the offense, and leadership of the whole squad was the most impressive. As I said a couple of posts before, its very evident he was tutored by one of the game's greats.
He's been trashing him all year. Talked down on people who were calling for him over Fitz. Even mentioned the Texans were tanking by going to him. He was so sure Mallett would never amount to anything lol
I want to be cautiously optimistic about Mallet. We place too much emphasis on mediocre QB play in general on a team’s win or loss. Mallet had a typical “game manager” day. The running game was going, the defense was shutting things down. There was barely any pass rush. That’s the type of situation any QB would have a good game on. He had some bad throws when pressured. My hope is that he’ll improve and eventually become a QB that can withstand pressure and deliver the ball into tight spaces and not get picked. It’s a good start though, so I don’t want to be too much of a Debbie Downer. But this win belongs mostly on the defense and the running game.
Part of their effectiveness on the ground was due to going hurry up and recognizing the mis-matches... and Mallet also audibilized quite well (usually from pass to run) in order to help exploit it.
Also, I loved the gameplan by O'Brien. Quick, easy passes and a ton of running. Great way to make an inexperienced guy get in a rhythm.
I hated when people try to down play any one of these players great game. Mallett was one of the reasons why we won this game. Hopefully he continues to improve and the Texans benefits with a win.
I understand you don't get to get too high on this performance, but we shouldn't be too low either. Compare this game's offense to our past games. The offense moved at a noticebly quicker pace, Mallett let the ball go quick as opposed to Fitz who would hold onto it too long, we took multiple shots down field and Mallett was spreading the ball around nicely. Kid looked super confiedent and comfortable out there. Now compare all that to all the games where our offense couldn't score in the first half and all those 3 and outs and 3rd and 10s/long. I believe this was the offense we've all been waiting for. I wasn't one of the fans who put all the blame on the QB, but man, what a difference this QB change has made so far.
Rewatching the game now. The interception, I thought was a decent throw(great play by Haden, though if Mallett had put the ball more to the pylon, Hopkins may have had it), only Mallett missed Garrett Graham wide open running down the right sidline. Most likely would have been an easy touchdown.
Saw the same thing. The should bring that up in the film room. It clearly shows the play works so maybe change the reads. Would live to see that play again.
hah! what did you like most: 1) AJ smiling 2) End Zone fade 3) Lightning quick offense (ball regularly snapped with 20+ seconds left) 4) QB who can make all of the throws
