I was really impressed with the play action as well...I can't help but think the rushing attack is a combo. of what you spoke of and what Lance Z. has touched on has merit: * The Texans offensive line gave up penetration all over the interior for most of the day and that is allowing LBs to shoot the gaps and make plays. It is also keeping the Texans from creating backside running lanes or even play-side running lanes. The guards and center and must play better and stronger at the point of attack or the running game is going to continue to struggle. * Speaking of the rushing attack struggling, if you want to know why, go back and watch the DTs from the Titans and watch the technique they play with. They get their arms extended and into the Texans offensive linemen quickly and they don't allow the Texans linemen to take them one way or another. http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/2009/09/great_big_footballs.html ..with that said, if Kubiak and O-line coaches now have a beat on this, then that absolutely helps in the coming games.
Matt Schaub's highlights.....which pretty much equals the teams offensive highlights. http://www.nfl.com/videos/houston-texans/09000d5d812c6ab6/WK-2-Matt-Schaub-Highlights
And I played Romo over Schaub today on my fantasy team. I played Matt last week......damnit. Should have stuck to the homer within me.
Romo looks pretty bad today... and he hasn't faced a whole lot of consistent pressure. Guess he doesn't fit in that 80% category.
He is taking the year off after having hip replacement surgery earlier this year. Todd Haley wanted him to join him in Kansas City but he declined. He comes from the Bill Parcells coaching tree and runs a 3-4 defense so I don't if he would fit here. I don't see Kubiak looking outside the organization for help. The only name I know that is out there is Jim Haslett but he is a head coach in the UFL. I wonder if Ray Rhodes health is better that he may take a increased role.
That whole 3-4/4-3 thing is crap. Any good defensive coach could easily mold their strategy on a team within one off-season. Look at what Rex Ryan has done with the Jets. Its not like the Texans are so entrenched as a dominant 4-3 team that they can't switch if they get a coach who's gotten proven results with his system. Also, I'd kinda like to see Barwin/Cushing/Ryans/Diles causing havoc at the same time.
So you're in favor of moving Mario Williams off the edge and limiting his pass rushing possibilities? So that you can get Barwin on the field more? No thanks. I'll pass. If I've got the premier 4-3 DE in the game, I'm sticking with a scheme that has him rushing the passer.
Would like to see a Mario/Akoye/Smith/Barwin front to get to the QB. Not sure how that would help stop the run though.
Hell, Mario is such a freak, he may be able to pull off OLB in that system like Demarcus Ware or Lawrence Taylor. (I know its wishful thinking). Mainly, I'm trying to eliminate the sort of thinking that has caused this organization to be so restrictive in the moves they've made over the years. The defense clearly isn't what its supposed to be as constructed... I am for giving an established DC a chance to build a system he feels would be successful in this league.
It's always a riot reading through these game threads after the game is over. Today's posts were such an emotional roller coaster. Anyway, glad the Texans were able to pull out a victory despite giving up the big plays. For all you Gus Johnson fans, the next Texans game he'll call will be in two weeks when we play the Raiders. Next week will be Bill Macatee.
Dang. Missed it. Would have loved to see it. Andre Johnson got pissed this game. That normally doesn't happen.
Watching the game again.. AJ kinda overshadowed Owen Daniels but OD went off And for all the grief the D got, they shut out the Titans for last 25 minutes. Didn't initially realize how long the span was..
