November 11, 2013
Injuries, Losses Continue to Multiply
by Bob Hulsey

Even the darkest pessimists would not have predicted the Texans to be 2-7 so far this season, including seven straight losses. If there is a bright side, we are learning about players who have been pressed into playing time due to injuries, and it will give General Manager Rick Smith a better idea of where upgrades need to be made.

Injuries to key personnel continue to mount. First, TE Owen Daniels was lost for the season, then QB Matt Schaub hurt his knee and ankle in a loss to the Rams. ILB Brian Cushing went down against the Chiefs, and now RB Arian Foster is out with season-ending back surgery. Foster's backup, Ben Tate, is playing despite broken ribs.

Even Head Coach Gary Kubiak could not escape the health crisis, suffering a mini-stroke during the loss to Indianapolis on national television. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips took over the interim head coaching duties in Arizona. This development complicates the call by some fans to replace Kubiak, Phillips or both.

While the Texans suffered blowout losses to the 49ers and Rams, they have been competitive in games since then (the positive) but have blown halftime leads in three games during the skid (the negative). Frustration builds with each near miss although some are hoping these losses will put the Texans high enough in the draft to fix at least one of the glaring problems.

Kubiak turned to third-string quarterback Case Keenum since Schaub's injury, and he has played better than one would expect from an undrafted free agent whose only playing time was in the pre-season. The former UH star has been productive but erratic behind a shaky offensive line that has often failed to give him the time needed to stay in the pocket and complete passes.

Keenum returned two elements to the offense that had been missing with Schaub at the helm - the ability to extend plays by scrambling and the ability to throw deep. Case has also been able to connect with the last big weapon that is still healthy, WR Andre Johnson, who has made some spectacular grabs to help his rookie field general.

The defense, meanwhile, has had a season-long problem producing turnovers although they came up with three in the loss to Arizona. The linebacker slots had become so thin that the Texans had to sign street free agents to fill in. Costly penalties continue to haunt the club, and PK Randy Bullard has had a bumpy rookie season.

PermaLink or

© Copyright 2013...In the Bullseye is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the actual Houston Texans franchise. It's a non-commercial website for the enjoyment of football fans and is not intended for any other purpose. For legitimate content on the team, its operations and its actions, please visit its official site.