Official Texans @ Cardinals Game Thread, 8/14/2010

[Big Texas]

I feel the excitement rushing through my veins. You would think I was the one suiting up August 14th at University of Phoenix Stadium...

As I have silently observed training camps, read forums and blogs there has been a consistent ringing "KJax burned again". Of course he has been going up against THE BEST WR in the league (although it hasn't just been AJ). McCain has been the only one that has been considered a consistent cover and he has been labeled too short...The only word I keep hearing when it comes to our secondary is physical...I hope that is code for...will knock WRs around and make them fear coming across the middle...jamming WRs allowing time for our pass rush to get to the QB etc...

With our first two preseason games against two of the most prolific passing attacks in the league(Arizona, New Orleans), I think we will get a chance to see, at least in part, where our secondary stands-and pass rush for that matter.

Of course we know Arizona has a new field general (Leinart); Fitzgerald, Brees, and Colston wont see too many snaps. However, I am still hoping to see some hard hitting, sacks, and most importantly at least a few INTs.

Lets Go Texans...

[Arky]

Less than 4 days away from Texans vs. Cardinals. But who's counting? ;)

Degenerate gamblers will note that the game odds rate from a pickem to Texans favored by 1.5 (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php).

Starters will probably only be in for a series or two so we should see a lot of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th stringers fighting for a spot....

[Nconroe]

Finally at 7 PM this Saturday we get to see our Texans in a practice game against another team. I'm hoping to see a better running game and good play by our DB's. Just can't wait.

[HPF Bob]

We probably won't see much of anyone important. A win would be nice for momentum sake but I don't think it is as critical as previous years when the team needed to believe in themselves.

This one's probably more critical for the draft choices and roster fodder. It will be a good test for the backup QBs though - to see if we need to start looking for a better one than Orlovsky and Booty.

[Big Texas]

Well its official according to houstontexans.com:

"- First-round draft pick Kareem Jackson will miss the Texans' preseason opener at Arizona on Saturday. The rookie cornerback out of Alabama will be in Georgia attending the funeral of his grandmother, who passed away earlier this week. Second-year cornerback Brice McCain will start opposite Glover Quin in Jackson's place. "We'll just pick up everybody else's play and get a chance to see more guys this week, and we've got to make it up with Kareem next week," Kubiak said."

My prayers go out to him and his family.

However, I sure would've liked to get a chance to see him go up against the likes of fitgerald, if not only for 5-10 plays. Well there's always week 2 against NO, another prolific passing attack.

[Big Texas]

A few questions I have going into the game:

-How long will Jacoby play?
-What does Mr. Mitchell look like in real game action?
-What will we see from BTate?
-Will there be much change in the offensive scheme without Kyle?
-Has Connor progressed from year 1 to 2?
-Is Caldwell polished enough to take our running game to new heights this year?

I probably wont get all these questions answered but I definitely will get an idea.

[Fonz the Boss]

Thats sucks man... No K-Jack for the first preseason game. But its understandable, family comes first.

[nunusguy]

Thats sucks man... No K-Jack for the first preseason game. But its understandable, family comes first.

For a rookie, especially our top Draft pick and the player who is supposed to replace D-Rob as the starter at one of the all-important CB positions, this game is very important but still it's just preseason. However I've got to wonder what Jackson would do if this was the season opener against Peyton/Colts in Reliant ? He might need to make a different decision ?

[painekiller]

For a rookie, especially our top Draft pick and the player who is supposed to replace D-Rob as the starter at one of the all-important CB positions, this game is very important but still it's just preseason. However I've got to wonder what Jackson would do if this was the season opener against Peyton/Colts in Reliant ? He might need to make a different decision ?

He has had a hammy issue this week, so I am guessing he would have been limited in the game. So not a huge deal.

[Arky]

Go here (http://www.houstontexans.com/team/Roster.asp?sort_by=2&print=yes) for a 2-page, printer-ready list of the roster sorted by jersey number. Comes in handy when keeping up with the new guys.....

[Fonz the Boss]

I did a Madden 11 sim of this pre season game and we won 24-17. The first group defense did give up a long TD pass on the Cards' first drive though. Let's see what happens.

[TheMatrix31]

For a rookie, especially our top Draft pick and the player who is supposed to replace D-Rob as the starter at one of the all-important CB positions, this game is very important but still it's just preseason. However I've got to wonder what Jackson would do if this was the season opener against Peyton/Colts in Reliant ? He might need to make a different decision ?


It's a funeral. I wouldn't expect him to play.

[dalemurphy]

"gameday thread" are two beautiful words!

[dalemurphy]

Here's a list of things to watch tonight with some attention focused on the Cardinals' personnel and their strengths/weaknesses:

Texans Bull Blog (http://www.texansbullblog.com/texans-cardinals-matchups-watch/news/)

[HPF Bob]

Well, this is odd.

On the Time Warner System in Austin, the Texans-Cardinals game is not going to be available on the basic tier, but it is available on the HD tier on Channel 1525. Apparently, KXAN has the rights to the game but they are not showing it instead of the regular Saturday night programming on their main channel. Instead, they are showing it on one of their secondary HD channels.

I suspect, if you have one of those boxes to convert over-the-air HD signals, you can also get it that way. I have no idea about satellite customers but I would suggest you look in the extra channels for local stations. It appears NFL Network will have a replay of the game in the wee hours of Monday morning.

San Antonio viewers will find the game on KMYS, Channel 35.

[Nconroe]

13 more minutes , looking forward to the practice game starting.

[Arky]

Ol' Bob Allen on Ch 13 looks like he's been visiting Jerry Jones cosmetologist.... :eek:

[Arky]

Gametime!

Texans win the flip and will receive....

Holliday brings the kickoff back to the 34.

[Keith]

woohoo, underway

nice return by the rook.

[Arky]

Schaub's short pass to Dreesen is batted away. Brings up 2nd and 10.

Schaub throws complete to Walter for 16 yards. 1st down.

Foster runs for 20 off left tackle.

Foster gets about 4 yards on 1st down. Brings up 2nd and 6.

Dump to D Anderson good for about 3. Brings up 3rd and 4 at the 23.

Pass to AJ complete for the 1st down. But AJ fumbles - refs rule Cards ball. Challenge in the works?

[Arky]

Kubiak challenges that AJ was down. Replay seems to confirm this.

[Nconroe]

clearly we will win this challenge on fumble call on AJ. he was pretty clear down.

[Big Texas]

That wasnt even close to a fumble. Come on refs.

[Arky]

Refs rule Texans ball, 1st and 10 at the 12!

JJ loses about 6 on the reverse.

AJ gets about 4 on the screen. Brings up 3rd and 10.

[Keith]

Someone tear out the reverse from the playbook.

Easily my least favorite play evah.

[Arky]

Flag on the play before the play gets going. False start offense. Makes it 3rd and 15.

Foster off left tackle for about 4 or 5. Texans to go for the FG.

Brown is on for a 31 yarder.

FG is good!

Texans 3, Cards 0

[Big Texas]

Saw some good running from Foster. However same ol' Texans (Kubiak). They call a dumb ass reverse in the red zone and we settle for a field goal. Well at least KBrown made it.

[Nconroe]

reverse and motion penalty on 76 did em in. same ol story fo sure so far

[Arky]

Cards bring the kickoff back to their own 27.

Hightower for 2 or 3 off right tackle.

Wow, Texans hit the runner in the backfield - TFL. Fumble but Cards recover. Brings up 3rd and 19.

Mario sacks Leinart at the 3! Cards have to punt...

[Nconroe]

nice tqackle by Pollard, nice almost fumble and now sack by Mario, D looking good so far.

[Arky]

Holliday lets the punt go but then decides to recover it at the Texan 42. Hmmm...


Ball ends up being marked at the Cards 47. ??


Foster for 3.

Schaub hits AJ wide open down the left sideline.... deep pass of 44 yards ..... TD.

Brown's point after is good.

Texans 10, Cards 0

[chuck]

Someone tear out the reverse from the playbook.

Easily my least favorite play evah.

It's an end-around, but yes, idiotic. Good to know that the new OC does the same slapdick nonsense in the red zone that the old one did.

Get that play out of the playbook, f%#& me.

[Nconroe]

yahooo, first TD of the year, Schaub to AJ , 44 yds.

[chuck]

One-on-one against number 80. Guess what? That's not going to work.

[Big Texas]

Underthrown ball and he still had 3 steps on em'. I am convinced Andre is ready to go.

[TexicanMexican]

Good to see some football even if it's the preseaon.

[Big Texas]

Ok we know we can quick strike. I almost wish we had another chance in the red zone. But I love Andre making his presence felt early...

[Arky]

Cards bring the kickoff back to their own 21.

Leinart's dump off goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Leinart hits Fitz across the middle - play goes for about 16 yards.

Hightower gets about 3 off right tackle.

[Big Texas]

Brandon Kieth #72 RT for Arizona will for the remainder of the season be remembered as the guy that Mario blew up early in preseason game 1.

[Keith]

One-on-one against number 80. Guess what? That's not going to work.

Yeah, I'm guessing this speaks to a lack of gameplanning for the opponent in the first game of the preseason. I don't think Angry Dre sees much 1-on-1 come September.

[Big Texas]

Wow...Molden out there in the nickel. What does that say about Reeves and Bennett...

[Arky]

Leinart throws dump to Hightower good for about 4. Brings up 3rd and 3.

Short pass to Doucet gets about 6 and the 1st down.

Leinart's pass to the TE picks up about 13. Ball at the Texans 35.

Cards run up the middle for about 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Texans get a TFL.... 3rd and 14 coming up.

Dump to Hightower gets about 7. 4th down and 7.

Feeley 50 yard attempt is wide right.

Texans takeover. Score remains:

Texans 10, Cards 0

[Keith]

Man, Cushing is a stud.

Gonna suck to not have him the first four games. He is all over the place out there making plays, disrupting, regulating...

[chuck]

Yeah, I'm guessing this speaks to a lack of gameplanning for the opponent in the first game of the preseason. I don't think Angry Dre sees much 1-on-1 come September.

The Cardinals sold out on a blitz. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

[chuck]

Wow...Molden out there in the nickel. What does that say about Reeves and Bennett...

It says what we already knew.

[Big Texas]

I'm loving the defense right about now.

[Big Texas]

It says what we already knew.

We knew it. But this guy has spent his entire career injured. Now subplants both those guys. They must really suck...

[Arky]

Slaton for about 2 on the right side.

Slaton can't get loose, -2 yds. Brings up 3rd and 10.

End of 1st quarter.

Mario has two sacks...

[Nconroe]

ok, our defense held and Arizona missed field goal.

Second group in with Orlosky and Slayton. two runs plays, 1Q is over.

[Arky]

3rd down pass to Slaton goes inc.

Texans to punt.

Cards fair catch at their own 14.

[Nconroe]

okam and mitchell in on dline, 2nd d in all over. still first team Cards.

[Arky]

Wells up the middle for about 3. Brings up 2nd and 7 at the 19.

Hightower on the draw.... good for about 9. 1st down at the Card 28.

Run goes for about 4. 2nd and 6.

No gain on the run. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Lienart's short pass over the middle complete but Diles stops any forward progress. Cards have to punt.

Holliday lets the punt roll. Texans ball at their own 16.

[chuck]

I really, really want to see Orlovsky look like an NFL QB.

[Arky]

DanO pass to Davis good for 12.

Slaton runs left for maybe 1. Ball at the Texan 29.

Pass to DA inc. Brings up 3rd and 10.

Dump to Slaton gets good yards.... Ball at midfield. 1st down.

Slaton stumbles for about 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Casey wide open for big gain. Ball at the Cards 28.

Slaton runs for about 3 on the left side. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Slaton has a nifty run up the middle for about 6. 3rd and 1 coming up.

[Arky]

Slaton runs for 1. Measurement needed.... About 6 inches short of the 1st down.

Texans to go for it.

DanO sneaks for 2... 1st down!

Dump to Leach gets 2. Ball at the Cards 15. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Slaton swings left and rolls for 8 yards. 1st and goal at the 6.

Slaton for no gain. 2nd and goal coming up.

Timeout Texans. 3:09 left in the half.

[Nconroe]

alright on the QB sneak for 1st down on 20. Orlosky lookingt better. lets get another TD. oh man,Slayton fumbles into end zone and cads recover

[Arky]

Short pass to JJ goes to the 1 yard line. 3rd and goal coming up.

Oh no. Stevie fumbles it into the endzone - Cards recover.

Cards ball at their own 20.

[chuck]

Pathetic. I guess Steve Slaton does not want to play in the NFL.

Giving up the ball on the goal line is absolutely disgusting.

[TexicanMexican]

Slaton in midseason form. :eek:

[Big Texas]

Wow!!! That was definitely a pathetic attempt at a goaline touchdown...

[Big Texas]

I'm thinking he just cannot play multiple plays in a row...After the long drive his final surge lacked effort and concentration...

[Arky]

Wright picks up about 7 up the middle. 2nd and 3 coming up.

2 minute warning.

[Nconroe]

Sharpton seems to be in on a lot of plays and tackles since coming in for Cushing. Got to hold em here for last two minutes of 1st half. 2nd offense in for cards now.

Nice pick by Nolan. we get another chance

[Arky]

Pass to Doucet gets just enough for the 1st down.

Troy Nolan with the INT! Texans ball at the Cards 16! 1:28 left in the half.

[TexicanMexican]

Nice defense...Nolan!

[chuck]

Let's get Slaton out there and feed that idiot the ball and see if he can hold onto it.

[Arky]

Pass to JJ goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass Casey - Casey stretches for the 1st down. 1st and goal at the 6.

DanO can't find anyone open and chunks it out of the endzone.

[chuck]

OK, James Casey wants to play.

[Arky]

Tate tackled in the backfield. Studdard got whipped. 3rd and 11.

Dump to Tate picks up about 6. Rackers on for the FG.

24 yarder is good.

Texans 13, Cards 0

:51 seconds left in the half.

[Big Texas]

Studdard just made Tate's first NFL rush look horrible...

[Arky]

Cards bring Rackers kick back to about the 28 but flags on the play. Cards with the block in the back. Ball is placed at the Cards 11 yard line.

Dump over the middle picks up about 11.

Short pass to Williams gets about 8.

Timeout Cards. :20 seconds left.

[Arky]

Sideline pass gets about 5 and the 1st down.

Pass over the middle sails inc.

Deep pass down the left sideline goes over everybody. 3 seconds left.

Pass over the middle goes inc. Good coverage by McCain. Halftime.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 5/6 78 yards 1 TD, DanO 7/11 74 yds.

Rushing: Foster 4/31, Slaton 10/22

Receiving: AJ 3/59, Casey 2/30, many with 1

Tackles: Sharpton 4, Mario 3 (2 sacks), GQ 3, Diles and McCain 2 each, many with 1

Turnovers: Texans 1, Cards 1

Time of possession: Texans 17:04, Cards 12:56

3rd down conversions: Texans 2/7, Cards 1/5

1st downs: Texans 10, Cards 7

[Arky]

Cards bring the kickoff all the way back to their 42.

Dump to fullback (?) picks up about 6 yards.

Wells tackled by Bentley for 1 yard gain. Brings up 3rd and 3.

Short pass picks up 4 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texans 47.

Wells for maybe 1 yard.

QB Anderson pressured by Bing - throws it inc. Brings up 3rd and 10.

Dead ball foul. False start offense -5. 3rd and 15.

Anderson's pass bounces off the receiver and is INT'ed by Sharpton! Texans ball.

[TexicanMexican]

Nice play for Bing to come up and force the QB to throw the ball away

[chuck]

OK, so Sharpton wants to play, too. Nice work, son.

[barrett]

1st Half thoughts

The first string offense looked very good. I think it can't be over estimated how valuable continuity is in the NFL. I think it is a huge part of the Colts success. Especially on offense.

Foster looked good but was running on 1st and 2nd downs and in long yardage situations. He is obviously great for the stretch and the counter and the "slow to the hole" running game. He also looks very good in the 2nd level. I am disappointed we never got to see him tonight in anything like short yardage.

Dreesen is a big drop from OD. He is a solid #2 TE who can block and catch well enough to not tip off what the play is, but our offense would suffer with him in a big role. Casey looked very good against the 2s. I'd love to see Casey with the 1s and Schaub if OD is not back next week.

The OL did exactly what can be expected of it. Small creases in the running game that will work against 6 and 7 man fronts. Solid pass blocking and great blitz pick up on the TD. Also watch the running plays and you will see why Walter will start of JJ no matter how dangerous JJ is. Walter comes in motion and cracks better than anybody in the NFL and makes the counter a great play for the Texans. And the counter is probably the best play to Play action off of.

The Defense hit hard and hit often. I would be fine with that as a calling card even if we learn later that we still can't cover anyone. Pollard and Cushing are so physical.

Okoye played tough. He is clearly suited to playing forward on the snap. He went right by Faneca to knock down Leinhart's pass on one play. I honestly was doubting he would ever amount to much, but maybe it was more a case of there is only one scheme he really has value in.

With the 2nd string guys I will just say that Orlovsky is a terrible fit for our offense. He is so clumsy that he struggles to make the handoff on the outside zone (our base running play). And he also can't boot or throw on the run. So basically he lacks the ability to do the basic elements of our system. He's not terrible, just terrible for us. Someone in the pro scouting department blew it big time on this guy.

And Okam is useless out there. His first play in the game ended with him pushed a good 8 yards off the LOS. And that wasn't the exception for his time out there. I don't understand how a guy his size could be bad at holding his ground in the middle of the line, but he is.

[Big Texas]

Great catch...but I like Barwin's spin...the good thing was not the spin, but that was the second good move during that series...

[Arky]

Tate rambles for a big gain - about 15 yards. Ball at midfield.

Tate down on the play.... :(

Oy, doesn't look good. Tate limping badly....

[Nconroe]

oh shucks, Tate made a nice 11 yd run, but knee looks injured, limping off,

Nolan almost had his second pickoff, and then another good play by Nolan.

long kick, Holliday tackled on 5

Demeco interview with a big smile on his face

Jacoby making two first down catches

Nice catch and first down by Doirin Dickerson.

Third string offense running and catching ok, Jeremiah Johnson just had a good run.

third and short on the eight, two in a row , Orlovsky just thows away.

now 16-0 on Kris Brown's second FG.

[Big Texas]

Come on Tate...Can we get a break...

[Arky]

DanO pressured, chunks it inc. Grounding? Ball at the Texans 40.

DanO pressured again. Misfires on the screen. 3rd and 20 coming up.

Henry runs around right end for about 5. Texans to punt.

Cards fair catch at their 18.

[chuck]

1st Half thoughts

I'm right there with you on all counts but two. First, I think that the Texans will cover better than you think. Second, I don't think Orlovsky is an NFL QB in anyone' system. I hope I'm wrong. But he's had a year and change to embrace the Texans' offense and he looks like he was signed yesterday.

[Arky]

Well runs for about 6 yards. Brings up 2nd and 4.

Short pass to the FB gets about 5 and the 1st down.

Wells TFL by Bing -1.

Oy, Nolan misses his chance at a 2nd pick. 3rd and 11 coming up.

Cards look to have passed for the 1st down but Nolan comes in and breaks it up - inc.

Cards to punt.

Holliday lets the punt roll and picks it up but is immediately tackled. Ball at the Texans 5.

[barrett]

I'm right there with you on all counts but two. First, I think that the Texans will cover better than you think. Second, I don't think Orlovsky is an NFL QB in anyone' system. I hope I'm wrong. But he's had a year and change to embrace the Texans' offense and he looks like he was signed yesterday.

I'm not convinced we can't cover. I am just saying that I would be a fan of a big hitting and physical defense even if it turns out we can't cover.

As for Orlovsky, I meant that maybe he could be a solid backup somewhere. Lots of teams thought so a few years ago (and even David Carr has been a serviceable backup).

I just think it's more than clear that his skill set (or lack thereof), does not match up with anything we do on offense. If you can't take a few big steps and hand off the ball without getting tripped up, you have no business playing QB for us.

[chuck]

What sort of punt returner can't catch?

[HPF Bob]

Sounds like our goal line package is no better than last year. Really bad news about Tate and I hope its nothing more than a bruise.

Defense looks good but I think a lot has to do with how bad the Arizona offense is without Kurt Warner.

So far, I'm not getting this Holliday kid. He looks like he comes from the Jacoby Jones school of bad decision-making.

[TexicanMexican]

Orlovsky is officially a clown. Tripped on his own feet.

[chuck]

(and even David Carr has been a serviceable backup).

Just like I'd be a perfectly serviceable backup. So long as I stand on the sideline with a clipboard I'm great. I can listen to the plays being called like anyone.

And just like clockwork Orlovsky trips and falls. Time to get some Booty.

[Big Texas]

DanO is definitely a clutz...What in world was that.

[HPF Bob]

Orlovsky is officially a clown. Tripped on his own feet.

At least he held onto the ball. That's an upgrade over Rosencopter.

[Arky]

DanO tackled in the backfield for 2 yard loss.

2nd down pass goes inc. Brings up 3rd and 12 at the 4.

Ah, pass to JJ gets just enough for the 1st down.

Pass to JJ at the sideline gets about 7.

Pitch to J Johnson gets about 1. 3rd and 3 coming up. Ball at the Texan 24.

DanO hits JJ over the middle for about 15. 1st down.

[Arky]

Henry for about 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Pass to Dickerson on the sideline goes for a big gainer. Ball at the Cards 40.

J Johnson powers for about 15 over left tackle.

[Big Texas]

At least he held onto the ball. That's an upgrade over Rosencopter.

DanO is not an upgrade over Rosenfels.

[Keith]

At least he held onto the ball. That's an upgrade over Rosencopter.

I think Rosencopter has a couple TD passes tonight.

fwiw, the Dolphins may be willing to unload Thigpen. #options?

[TexicanMexican]

At least he held onto the ball. That's an upgrade over Rosencopter.

So true. I still have that play seared into my brain.

[Arky]

J Johnson runs for about 8 on the left side.

J Johnson for about 5 on the right side. 1st down at the Cards 12.

DanO rolls out right, no one open, grounds it.

Pass to JJ goes to the 8 yard line. 3rd and 6 coming up.

DanO chunks it out of the endzone. Texans to go for the FG.

[chuck]

Orlovsky does not seem to get the roll-out.

[TexicanMexican]

Orlovsky does not seem to get the roll-out.

Or play action.

[Arky]

K Brown's 26 yarder is good.

Texans 16, Cards 0

[chuck]

All the time in the world and he throws it away. Wow. No pocket awareness at all.

[Big Texas]

Another red zone failure...I am starting to see a trend...

[Big Texas]

Maybe its really the playcalling...

[chuck]

Another red zone failure...I am starting to see a trend...

What? Give it another three or four years and THEN we can call it a trend.

[Arky]

Wells get about 2 on the left side but holding on the Cards. 1st and 20.

QB Anderson nearly sacked but shovel passes to Wells for about 6.

[Arky]

Maybe its really the playcalling...

Dom Capers would say it's the execution. I miss Dom.

:p

[Arky]

2nd down pass goes inc. Brings up 3rd and 14 for the Cards.

3rd down pass inc. Late hit on the QB by Jamison. 1st down Cards. Ball at the Cards 41.

Wells tackled by a host of Texans after a 3 yard gain.

Wells goes up the middle for a 1st down. Ball at the Texans 46.

Anderson passes over the middle for about 8.

[HPF Bob]

Looks like Coach August can chalk up another one.

[Arky]

Wells on the draw for about 6 or 7. 1st down.

Wells for no gain. Ball at the Texans 30.

Pass over the middle to the TE gets about 17. 1st down at the Texans 13.

Short pass for 3.

Pass out in the flat goes for about 5. Brings up 3rd and 1 at the Texan 5.

Wells for 3. 1st and goal at the 2.

Dump over the middle to Wells complete for the TD.

Cards go for 2 but pass sails inc.

Texans 16, Cards 6

[Arky]

Cards kickoff. Holliday brings it back to the 23.

[Big Texas]

What? Give it another three or four years and THEN we can call it a trend.

My bad...maybe I should call it a tradition...

[Nconroe]

now we get to see what JDB can do

not much, maybe our first 3 and out.

[Arky]

JDB in at QB.

J Johnson goes for 5 up the middle.

Pass to Corcoran goes for 2.

Pass to DA goes inc. Texans to punt.

Cards fair catch at their 26 yard line.

[Big Texas]

Sage Rosenfels:

310 yds 3TD 0Int.

[Arky]

New Cards QB goes over the middle - pass good to midfield. Unnecessary roughness on Polk. Cards ball at the Texans 38.

Deep pass down the left sideline is inc. but PI called on Bennett. 1st and goal at the 6 for the Cards.

Running back Smith sweeps right and gets the TD.

[TexicanMexican]

Fred Bennett....did Reeves play tonight?

[Nconroe]

I think two toughh, bad calls in a row, but now 16-12. our fourth defense not holding up overall

[Arky]

Cards to go for the 2 pts.

Good defense by Bennett causes the pass to be inc. 2 pt attempt no good.

Texans 16, Cards 12

[chuck]

Fred Bennett....did Reeves play tonight?

You miss Reeves? I'd have thought with Bennett out there you'd get your fill of suck.

Yes, I think I saw Reeves out there running around in circles back in the third quarter.

[Arky]

6:05 left in the 4th quarter.

Cards to kickoff. Holliday to receive.

Holliday brings it back to the 20.

[chuck]

RUN! you little prick.

[HPF Bob]

BOOOOOO-ty

[TexicanMexican]

You miss Reeves? I'd have thought with Bennett out there you'd get your fill of suck.

Yes, I think I saw Reeves out there running around in circles back in the third quarter.
No, just wondering...some where along the game I got more interested in my beer and then I saw Bennett out there.

[Arky]

JDB's pass is knocked down. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Booty scrambles but not enough for the 1st down. Texans to punt.

Cards bring the punt back to their 32.

[chuck]

OK. The Texans need to keep Schaub healthy. There is no way they win a game with either of these two clowns under center.

[chuck]

The Texans are going to lose this game.

[Arky]

Cards connect on a 32 yard pass down the left sideline.

Ball at the Texans 33.

Wright for 2. 2nd and 8 coming up. 3:40 left in the game.

Skelton's (?) pass sails inc. 3rd and 8.

Dump pass only gets 2 or 3. Nice stop by Bing. 4th and 5 coming up.

Cards to go for it.

Short pass gets the 1st down at the Texan 18.

Smith runs for about 3. 2 minute warning. Ball at the Texans 15.

[Nconroe]

darn, cards make first on 4th and 5. Bing doing good at LB. 2 min warning. cards at about 15.

well, we get to practice 1 minute drill to pull it out. Our 1's and 2's did really good. just our 3's were so so and 4's coiuldn't hold it.

[Arky]

Dump pass goes for the TD.

Point after is good but flag on the play. Illegal formation on Texans - will be enforced on the kickoff.

Cards 19, Texans 16

[Arky]

Cards to kickoff. 1:53 left in the game.

Holliday .... bad decision... tackled at the 10.

Pass to Dickerson good for 9.

Pass to Graham good for 9. Ball at the Texan 28. 1st down. 1:21 left.

Pass to DA good for 5.

Booty's pass to DA good for 5 (?) more. 1st down.

Booty spikes it. 45 secs left.

Pass to Dickerson good for 10 and another 1st down. Ball at midfield.

Dump to Henry goes for 12.

[chuck]

OK, so Holliday is not an NFL player. Good try, cut the useless little prick and let's get someone back there who can return a kick.

[Nconroe]

well Rackers gets a kick likely , one moe quick pass to sideline looks like. we, JDB engneered a nice little drive here in any case.

that worked out well, sacked for end of game.

[Arky]

17 secs left. Ball at the Cards 37.

Pass to Williams good for about 4. 10 seconds left. Ball at the Cards 34.

Texans try to get one more pass in....

[HPF Bob]

They would have been smarter to not complete that last pass while he's on the ground and the clock running.

[Arky]

Booty sacked in the backfield. Game over.

Final score:

Cards 19, Texans 16.

[HPF Bob]

That was a poor strategy end of the game.

Oh, well. Like I said earlier, I don't think the Texans are going to lose any confidence on this. The last year or two, I would have felt that way but this is a more experienced roster now.

[Arky]

That was a poor strategy end of the game.

Oh, well. Like I said earlier, I don't think the Texans are going to lose any confidence on this. The last year or two, I would have felt that way but this is a more experienced roster now.

It was the execution. :p j/k

I'm not gonna get too bent over a preseason game decided by the 3rd stringers.... The 1's looked good and the 2's were OK....

[chuck]

They would have been smarter to not complete that last pass while he's on the ground and the clock running.

With no TOs they'd have been smarter to kick the motherf*cking FG. Your complaint rests on a player who's trying to make a play to make the team and my complaint rests on the continually poor decisions of the head coach.

I fully understand that the goal is not to win the game, but don't you want to see if Rackers can make that kick?

Kubiak is and always will be an idiot.

So, Tate is out for who knows how long and Slaton is useless. Foster and Henry it is. Both of these guys should have been playing last year and gaining experience rather than standing around on the sideline watching Chris Brown throw passes to the other team.

Anyone who thinks this team is going to make the playoffs in this division with this schedule is out of his damn mind.

[NBT]

I'm certainly glad you feel that way HPF.. Me, I think this is not the way to build the confidence for a playoff run. It sucks big time!!!

[Mike]

The injury to Tate dampens this game. That really sucks for him.

Our first team offense and defense looked very good. I am impressed with Sharpton, I thought he played a whale of a game, fast and physical. Diles also played well, he is underrated. Troy Nolan seems to be around the ball.

Mario, nice to see him use both arms. If the shoulder was hurt as bad last year as I have heard, then we should see a dominate Mario.

I am not at all dissapointed with this one. The final score really does not matter.

[NBT]

I disagree for this reason, Kubiak should be looking for a killer attitude which doesn't allow defeat. He did not get it. We need to hit the ground this year with the attitude that we will not accept defeat. If not we will go into the season, lose the first 4 games until we finally wake up and start playing to win.

[Arky]

Indianapolis Colts pre-season record last 5 years:

2005 = 0-5
2006 = 1-3
2007 = 1-3
2008 = 1-4
2009 = 1-3

Conclusion: Pre-season records don't mean a whole hell of a lot.