Official Texans @ Redskins Game Thread, 9/19/2010

[Arky]

Next up, the Texans will be hitting the road for their first away game. It should be a good'un as the Texans will do combat with some old friends on the other sideline. Hopefully, the passing game will make an appearance and reassure fans that yes, there still is a passing game in the Texans arsenal and that Mr. Foster won't be needed as much. But hey, they should do whatever it takes because you never know when you'll be surrounded by Redskins (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOCdACvfls8).

TV = 3pm CBS late game (http://the506.com/sports/?tag=2010-week-2) (Channel 11 local)

Announcers = Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts

Opening line = Texans by 2
Current line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Texans by 2.5 to 3

Set your DVR's.

[HPF Bob]

I don't mind if the passing game keeps under wraps if we continue to run this effectively. The wonderful thing about a great ground game is that they rarely beat themselves. A passing-based offense can be plagued by tipped balls, dropsies, high winds, etc. A great running game can only be plagued by fumblitits or knee injuries.

Still, I'm not sold that we're a great running team until I see them repeat the Colts game two or three more times. I think it was a special circumstance. Back when Kubiak was the OC in Denver, they went into Indy and upset the Colts by getting the lead and taking the air out of the ball, consuming time of possession to the point that Manning had to be perfect to catch up. That strategy worked again Sunday.

The Skins have a great secondary and a so-so front seven so I expect the ground game will need to show up again this week. They have plenty of weapons on offense but they didn't look very coordinated in the opening week.

I have to believe that both teams are going to have a little letdown after defeating a key division rival to open the season. I'm frankly surprised that the Texans are favored since the peripheral factors don't favor the Texans.

The key things I would look at are how successful the Texans are at moving the ball early and whether McNabb is in sync with his offense. Keep in mind that the Redskins offense failed to score a touchdown on Sunday. McNabb lost a lot of time this training camp due to injury and I thought they looked rusty.

The Texans have never beaten the Redskins and I'm not sold that they are good enough to go on the road in September and win there this week. If they do, well, maybe the Texans are turning the corner we've all been waiting for.

[Nconroe]

So I am optimistic as usual and expecting another win this week.

Both teams are 1-0 and feel happy about beating good teams in week 1. Hope the Texans continue their intensity and consistency week by week and all season.

Fed-ex field holds 92,000 fans, outdoors, always a sellout, and is very loud making play calling difficult for opposing teams.

Kyle Shanahan and Ray Wright are two ex-Texan coaches from last year with the Redskins this year. And Philip Buchanan and Rex Greossman appear to be ex -Texans players with Redskins now. Maybe I missed someone.

Of course most Texan coaches and system came from Mike Shanahan in Denver so offenses should be similar system, but different personnel.

Looks like Redskins have practically no one hurt or on IR yet compared to Texans.

Redskins RB's are Larry Johnson, 32, and Clinton Portis, 31, but both are strong, healthy, and have many great years. Our defense will be quicker than Redskins offense, I think.

Texans RB's, Foster and Slayton, both 24, and Derrick Ward is 30. I guess all three will get the ball some this week. Can't expect RB to do as good as last week, but hopefully pretty good against the Skins 3 big DL in their 3-4 system. We'll see if our OL is strong enough to keep these guys off Shaub and our RB's.

Then there is the Albert Haynesworth factor, is he gonna be motivated and how many reps will he get?

If our two lines, OL and DL continue doing well, I think Texans will do well. And maybe we can win the turnover battle, that would be nice.

[Arky]

...... I'm frankly surprised that the Texans are favored since the peripheral factors don't favor the Texans.......

Here's what Walter of walterfootball.com said (http://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2010_02late.php) about that:

First, this line is completely inflated. A week ago, the Redskins would have been -2 or -3. Houston being favored by three is a complete overreaction - whether warranted or not.

Second, the Texans just enjoyed the biggest win in franchise history. How can they possibly match that same intensity against the Redskins?

And third, Washington offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan held the exact same position with the Texans last year. If there's anyone who knows Schaub's weaknesses, it's the son of Mike Shanahan.

He also offers this about overrated teams (http://walterfootball.com/picks.php):

Overrated NFL Teams:

A good handicapper is always aware of which teams are overrated and underrated by the public. I'll attempt to list the teams I think are the most overrated and underrated each week. Keep in mind that even if a team is listed here, that doesn't mean that I think lowly of them; they are simply overrated in Vegas' eyes. These are the squads that Vegas can boost the spread on....

.....Houston Texans - I love the Texans - I had them going to the AFC Championship in my season previews - but the line movement (Redskins would have been -3 a week ago) and betting action on them is absolutely insane right now.....

(He also listed the Chiefs and Cowboys as overrated, i.e., in the eyes of the public).

This ain't no gimme game for the Texans. The coaching staff really needs to make sure that the team's heads remain secured in place going into this game....

[EndZoneSeats]

For me, this is an absolutely critical game for the Texans.

If this is the same-old Texans they’ll come out in this game flat and lay an egg. This is a classic let down game and the really good teams play with consistency. If the team comes out and plays hard, and has success, we’ll have a pretty good signal that a new breed of team has come to Houston. Either way I’ve never been this excited about a week two game in franchise history.

[painekiller]

For me, this is an absolutely critical game for the Texans.

If this is the same-old Texans they’ll come out in this game flat and lay an egg. This is a classic let down game and the really good teams play with consistency. If the team comes out and plays hard, and has success, we’ll have a pretty good signal that a new breed of team has come to Houston. Either way I’ve never been this excited about a week two game in franchise history.

You summed up how I am feeling exactly

[Bigtinylittle]

The great thing about football is that it is so unpredictable. I never thought before the preseason that Schaub's decision making would be a concern to me, but it is. I can't really figure out what is going on with him. I'll be watching to see whether he straightens it out.

Another thing I'll be watching is whether JJ has the dropsies again. I think he's doing the same thing as a receiver that he was doing as a returner, that is, he's too focused on breaking a long run and not enough on just catching the damn ball. If that his problem right now, I think it's correcable.

I'm also going to be watching to see whether Okoye gets pressure again. I have always wondered why we drafted him if we weren't going to let him shoot gaps, because that's what he was great at in college. Maybe with the new coach in charge, Amobe's going to have a breakout year.

I'm also going to watch to see whether Mario is the savage this week that he was last week. Last week, I would have hated to have been the man assigned to stop him. Mario may just be on the verge of harnessing his awesome physical abilities. If he is, then watch out NFL.

Also, this week may give us a better idea of what we have right now in Jackson. I think playing well against Manning was a little too much to expect from him. If he looks bad against Washington, I'm going to be disappointed.

[barrett]

We need to run it well again this week. Dallas ran it well all night and struggled to pass effectively. And yet they threw it twice as much as the passed (that's what happens when your OC is trying to show how smart he is while auditioning for head jobs).

I honestly thought Washington looked pretty bad on Sunday and was very fortunate the Cowboys handed them the game. Additionally, all the factors that would concern me about the Texans are true for the Redskins (coming off of a big emotional win over a division rival).

McNabb has never been a very accurate passer and I hope we force him to move the chains and take away the deep ball like we did with Manning. If we do they will struggle badly on offense.

I think we are playing with confidence and that is not a bad thing. And I don't think Schaub struggles for a 2nd game in a row. I also think we are going to score points, and I don't know if that Redskins offense can score enough to keep up. I just don't think this is the trap game everyone is making it out to be. Avoid big turnover issues and its Texans by double figures.

[WMH]

We should roll......

That's all I have to say about that ;)

[Roy P]

Hou - 21 Wash - 18
The game will come down to turnovers and time of possession. I suspect the team that scores the most points will win. :D

[NBT]

.............And not throwing into double coverage when we do throw!

[painekiller]

34 - 17 Texans

[Bigtinylittle]

Houston will have a twenty yard field goal attempt to win in the last 10 seconds, and Rackers will miss it.

[dalemurphy]

Here's the Texans Bull Blog (http://www.texansbullblog.com) preview of the game:

I’m having a difficult time breaking this game down. The Texans have never been in this position before, really. They physically dominated the Colts in week one and are a road favorite heading into week 2. Not only are they a road favorite, there is nothing about tomorrow’s matchup that favors the Redskins. Perhaps the Texans are due for an emotional letdown after that win versus Indianapolis. However, the Redskins had an even more intense and emotional win versus Dallas on Sunday night. So, let us focus on some key matchups on the field and ignore intangibles for week two, since I simply can not figure them out:

Keys to the game:

1. Texans’ offensive line and TEs versus Redskins front 7: The size of the Redskin front 3 could create problems for the O-line, and the ability of Orakpo and A.Carter to rush on the edge will keep the Texans honest and force Schaub to make some quick decisions. I expect a lot of two TE sets. My guess is OD and Dressen will each see significant snaps and they will often play on the line of scrimmage or flanked just behind the Brown and Winston. The TE blocking was a key versus Indianapolis. Even moreso this week, the ability to use TEs to reach the LBs in the run game is a key against 3-4 defenses. Also, Daniels, Dressen, and Casey all will have a significant matchup advantage in the passing game versus Redskin LBs. Carter and Orakpo are essentially DEs… and, Fletcher has lost a step and is at a height disadvantage against the Texan TEs.

2. Better play from Matt Schaub- The Texans don’t have a clear advantage running the ball against Washington as they did versus Indy. In addition to a couple poor throws, Schaub forced some balls into tight spaces and missed open WRs. He may need a cleaner game to win on Sunday. Also, Jacoby Jones needs to catch the ball better. Two balls hit off his hands and almost led to turnovers last week. Last season against New England, Schaub bounced a ball off of Jones’ hands that led to a 70 yard interception return. A couple mistakes like that could turn this game in the Redskins’ favor.

3. Deep Passing Game- Given the aggressive and inexperienced nature of the Redskins safeties, the Texans will have a number of opportunities downfield. Watch for the Andre Johnson deep cross and up. The Texans frequently run a play where AJ reads the safety and either continues on a 15 yard cross or takes it upfield, depending on his read of the safety. That play will be there against Landry and Reed Doughty. Also, the TEs are going to end up with some one on one matchups with LBs. Look for some seam routes from OD and Dressen with Redsking LBs trailing and the safeties out of position in cover 2.

4. Adibi versus Redskin running game- This will be Adibi’s first significant action since early last season. If you recall last preseason, Adibi often overpursued his assignment and was responsible for some long TD runs. The key to the Texans’ success versus the run since week four of last season has been their discipline in the scheme. When everyone does his job along the front 7, even if they can’t make a play, an unblocked Bernard Pollard is there to clean up the trash. Missed assignments more than physical beatings are what lead to big plays in the running game. This is probably my greatest concern… other than turnovers.

5. Texans Front 4 Versus another poor O-line- Once again, Mario and Antonio Smith will have a significant matchup advantage against Redskin tackles. Trent Williams is a rookie, starting his second game and Jamal Brown is a shell of the player he was three years ago. Brown also has injury issues and may not play. If the Texans can control the line of scrimmage with the front 4 and pressure the QB, the lack of playmakers on the Redskin offense will be exposed. However, if the Redskins can somehow push around the Texans, TEs Cooley and Fred Davis will find some room in the middle of the field.

It is hard to imagine the Texans not controlling this game. However, it is also a rather new concept that the Texans are a consistently good team. I am nervous about this game but not because I think they will lose it. Instead, I’m nervous about how awful it will be if they do… They would have to play so poorly, it would be unbelievably frustrating and disappointing. Texans 27 Redskins 13

[jcp]

...but I will be surprised if we don't take this game buy 2+ touchdowns. In my eyes the overrated team is Washington. There D is marginally better than Indy but the offense is slow and discombobulated. Cooley will rack up yards but McNabb will eventually kill drives throwing at receivers feet. We should be good for a couple of picks as Washington will be playing catchup all afternoon.

Texans 34
Skins 13

Foster runs for 120yrds/2tds
Schaub throws for 280yds/2tds
Johnson catches 10 for 140yds/1td

Wash will repeatedly try to stack the line and Johnson will repeatedly burn the 1 on 1 coverage....forcing them to back off where foster takes over

[HPF Bob]

Keep in mind, this will be Kubiak/Dennison vs Shanny/Shanny so there will be few secrets and we'll be ready when the Redskins run a slow white boy reverse or a dump pass to the fullback in the flat.

[Joe Joe]

...but I will be surprised if we don't take this game buy 2+ touchdowns. In my eyes the overrated team is Washington. There D is marginally better than Indy but the offense is slow and discombobulated. Cooley will rack up yards but McNabb will eventually kill drives throwing at receivers feet. We should be good for a couple of picks as Washington will be playing catchup all afternoon.

Texans 34
Skins 13

Foster runs for 120yrds/2tds
Schaub throws for 280yds/2tds
Johnson catches 10 for 140yds/1td

Wash will repeatedly try to stack the line and Johnson will repeatedly burn the 1 on 1 coverage....forcing them to back off where foster takes over

While I don't agree with the stats, I feel this is a game that the Texans can blow a team out. I expect the Texans Defense to dominate. I just know that the Texans have always disappointed me when I feel they should mop the floor with someone. Granted, the Texans really haven't looked good enough to me for these disappointments to be statistically relevant.

[Arky]

Correction: 3:15 pm CST kickoff.

[TheMatrix31]

Let's get it done, boys!

[HPF Bob]

Titans lose. Pittsburgh is now 2-0 without a quarterback.

[Arky]

Redskins win toss. Texans kickoff into the endzone. Redskins ball at the 20.

Dump to Sellers go for big gain - 23 yards. Ball at the Redskins 43.

McNabb's pass to Moss good for 12.

Portis rushes for 2.

Flare pass to Moss goes for 9 and a 1st down.

Dump to Sellers goes for 10 and another 1st down. Ball at the Texan 24.

Nading nice tackle holds Portis for no gain.

Dump to Sellers gets 1 or 2. Brings up 3rd and 9.

[HPF Bob]

Sellers get Diles-ed up!

[Arky]

Dump to Moss goes for no gain. Redskins to go for the FG.

42 yarder is good.

Redskins 3, Texans 0

[TheMatrix31]

Let's get seven.

[HPF Bob]

Texans D tightened up as the Skins got into scoring range. That's good to see. Expect a lot of misdirection plays. Players need to stay home and not overpursue.

[Arky]

Slaton pulls a bonehead play.... Catches the kickoff in the corner of the field and steps out at the 1 yard line. Texans ball with 99 yards to go.

[TheMatrix31]

Really Steve? REALLY.

[chuck]

Just mind-bogglingly stupid. That idiot harms the team in new ways each week. Incredible.

[HPF Bob]

Nice way to get out of jail there.

[Arky]

Pass to KW gets 'em out of the hole. 23 yards.

Dump to DA gets a couple.

Oy, Schaub's pass over the middle is INT'ed by the Redskins and returned to the Texan 33.

Illegal block in the back on Redskins places the ball at the 42.

[Big Texas]

Come on Shaub. Same pick from last week. Trying to force to AJ

[TheMatrix31]

Great start.

/

[Arky]

Deep pass to Cooley good to the Texans 8.

Portis TFL -3. 2nd and goal at the 11.

Portis for 2. Brings up 3rd and goal at the 9.

McNabb's 3rd down pass sails inc. Redskins to go for the FG.

27 yarder is good.

Redskins 6, Texans 0

[HPF Bob]

To come out of this bad start down only 6-0 is a good thing. Now, let's stop the dumb mistakes and tie this up.

[chuck]

Come on Shaub. Same pick from last week. Trying to force to AJ

He was trying to hit OD today but you're right, very similar, I thought immediately of the play last week.

[Arky]

Slaton brings the kickoff back to the Texan 22.

Foster sweeps right side for 3.

Pass to AJ good for 18. Ball at the Texan 45.

Dump to KW gets about 4. Brings up 2nd and 6.

Foster runs for about 4 or 5. Brings up 3rd and 2.

Foster gets 3 and the 1st down.

Slaton gets about 5. 2nd and 5 coming up. Ball at the 'skins 40.

Pass to AJ gets 14 and places the ball at the Skins 26.

Dump to OD gets about 9. 2nd and 1 coming up.

[Arky]

Foster runs to the 5. 11 yard gain. 1st and goal Texans.

Foster for no gain. Brings up 2nd and goal at the 5.

End of 1st quarter.

[HPF Bob]

Skins couldn't punch it in. Will the Texans be able to?

[WMH]

A quick slant to AJ would sure be nice right here...

[Arky]

Schaub hits JJ in the endzone corner for the TD!

Texans 7, Skins 6

[chuck]

Very pretty drive, men.

[WMH]

A quick slant to AJ would sure be nice right here...

Or JJ wide open in the flat will work too :D

[HPF Bob]

This offense is so much easier when they have to respect the run.

[Big Texas]

This offense is so much easier when they have to respect the run.

This is just what our team needed. A reason for teams to fall for the bootleg.

[Arky]

Skins bring the kickoff back to their own 27.

Deep pass to Galloway good for 62 yards. Ball at the Texan 11.

[Big Texas]

Come on Kareem?:mad:

[barrett]

So last year we often played one good half of football and one bad half.

I guess this year they are showing improvement and going with the plan to just play 1 bad quarter.

[Arky]

McNabb's 1st down pass sails inc.

Pass to Moss gets 10. Ball at the Texan 1.

Sellers gets a half yard. Brings up 2nd and goal at the 1.

Portis runs for the TD.

Skins 13, Texans 7

McNabb turns into Namath/Unitas/Montana whenever he plays the Texans... :rolleyes:

[WMH]

We have got to get some pressure on McNabb, or we are screwed :mad:

[HPF Bob]

This is like watching the Broncos versus the Broncos.

[Arky]

Slaton brings the kickoff back to the Texan 21 but flag on the play. Personal foul on Skins. +15 yards. Texans ball at their 36.

Schaub sacked -4. Brings up 2nd and 14.

Pass to AJ gets 8. Brings up 3rd and 6.

Schaub pressured throws it away. Texans to punt.

Buchanon fair catches at the Skins 16.

Too much passing by Texans - need to throw in more runs...

[HPF Bob]

Yes, THAT Phillip Buchanan...

[Arky]

McNabb's pass to Moss on the sideline good for 6.

Dump to Moss gets 9. 1st down.

Portis runs for 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Portis runs for 1. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Pass to Galloway broken up by KJ. Redskins to punt.

JJ brings it back to the Texan 19. 8:15 left in the half.

[HPF Bob]

McNabb appears to just be looking to see where #25 is on defense and then throwing to that man.

[Big Texas]

We need someone on the defense to keep the team pumped up for this road game. I hope Benard is doing just that...

[Arky]

Foster runs for 10. 1st down. Ball at the Texan 30.

Foster for 7.

Slaton gets about 6 or 7. 1st down.

Slaton gets 2. Brings up 2nd and 8.

Pass to AJ gets nice gain. 1st down, ball at the Skins 39.

Rollout pass to OD gets 15. 1st down.

Foster TFL -2. Brings up 2nd and 12.

Dump to JJ gets about 3. Brings up 3rd and 9.

Timeout Texans.

[Arky]

Schaub is sacked at the Skins 30. Texans to go for the FG.

47 yarder is wide right.

Score remains:

Skins 13, Texans 7

2:19 left in the half.

[Big Texas]

Wait a go...Kris Rackers:mad:

[HPF Bob]

That wasn't a good hold. Turk leaned it.

[Arky]

McNabb's 1st down pass just off Sellers fingertips inc.

McNabb's pass goes all the way to the Texan 1 but flag on the play. Holding on KJ. Play stands.

2 minute warning.

[TheMatrix31]

This is turrible.

[Big Texas]

This is at least three different situations where KJacks has been targeted for significant gains...

[Arky]

Portis for no gain. Still 1st and goal at the 1.

Portis bangs it in.

Skins 20, Texans 7

1:20 left in the half.

[TheMatrix31]

This is at least three different situations where KJacks has been targeted for significant gains...

Get him off the field.

We need to get a corner in here FAST.

[Arky]

Kickoff downed in the endzone. Texans ball at their own 20.

Dump to Foster gets 14.

Pass to JJ sails inc. Brings up 2nd and 10.

Pass to AJ gets 10. 1st down. 46 seconds left. Ball at the Texans 45.

Timeout Texans. One timeout left.

[Big Texas]

Get him off the field.

We need to get a corner in here FAST.

Definitely. He is not only giving up completions. He is giving up CHUNKS of yards.

[Arky]

Pass KW only gets 4.

Schaub sacked. 9 seconds left in the half. 3rd and 14.

Final timeout.

Schaub's pass to JJ goes to the Skins 39 but time runs out.

Halftime.

Skins 20, Texans 7

[HPF Bob]

Poor clock management at the end of the half.

[Big Texas]

Its evident that Washington has done some scouting.

1. KJackson needs to be targeted.
2. The Oline can easily become confused with radical blitz packages.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 15/18, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, sacked 3 times

Receiving: AJ 5/66, KW 3/32, JJ 3/28, OD 2/24, Foster 1/14

Rushing: Foster 8/37, Slaton 3/14

Tackles: KJ 5, Pollard 4, Ryans/Adibi 3 each, Cody/Quin 2 each

3rd down conversions: Texans 2/4, Skins 0/3

Time of possession: Texans 16:24, Skins 13:36

Turnovers: Skins 0, Texans 1

Red zone: Texans 1/1, Skins 2/3

[Arky]

Its evident that Washington has done some scouting.

1. KJackson needs to be targeted.
2. The Oline can easily become confused with radical blitz packages.

'lil Shanny is outcalling us.... Bombs away seems to be our weak spot.... No pressure from the DL isn't helping...

[Big Texas]

I was hoping the whoopin AJ was putting on KJack during camp would prepare him. He has been targeted so far for the first two games.

[Arky]

Slaton runs the kickoff back to the Texan 15.

Foster for 1.

Pass to KW good for the 1st down. 21 yards.

Foster sweeps right for 4 yards.

Schaub nice touch pass to Leach good for nice gain. Ball at the Skins 43.

Foster for 2 or 3.

Pass to AJ good for 7. Brings up 3rd and 1.

Schaub sneaks for the 1st down. Ball at the Skins 32.

Foster for maybe 1. Brings up 2nd and 9.

Dump to AJ gets maybe 3. Brings up 3rd and 7.

[Arky]

Schaub's pass to JJ just out of his reach. Rackers on for the FG.

47 yarder is good.

Skins 20, Texans 10

[Big Texas]

Washington has adjusted at the half on the run. They are not coming downhill so hard and playing the cutback. Lets see if our Defense has made an adjustment.

[TheMatrix31]

Let's force a turnover.

[Arky]

Kickoff is brought back to the 26 but flags on the play. Illegal block in back on Skins = 1/2 the distance to the goal line. Ball ends up at the Skins 7. 9:15 left in the 3rd quarter.

Pass to Galloway good for 7.

Presnap flag = false start Skins, back 'em up. 2nd and 8 coming up.

McNabb's pass tipped and goes inc. Brings up 3rd and 8.

Dump to Moss gets 11 and the 1st down.

McNabb sacked by Mario -7! Brings up 2nd and 17.

Dump pass over the middle gets the 7 yards back. Brings up 3rd and 10.

Dang, pass is complete to Armstrong for 20 yards. 1st down at the Skins 41.

LJ runs for about 3 yards.

[Arky]

Pass to Williams goes for big gainer. Ball at the Texans 22.

Throwback pass to Cooley good for the TD.

Skins 27, Texans 10

Adibi on Cooley, damn you lil Shanny....

[TheMatrix31]

Let's force a turnover.

I said force a turnover, not force Matrix to throw up.

[Arky]

Slaton brings the kickoff back to the Texan 22. 3:45 left in 3rd quarter.

Pass to AJ good for 13.

Pass to KW good for 14. Ball at the Texan 49.

Dump pass over the middle to AJ good for 3. A Redskin player is down. Officials timeout.

[Big Texas]

How long were we gonna go before we threw that screen?

[Arky]

Pass to AJ complete but AJ was out of bounds. AJ limps off. Makes it 2nd and 12.

Schaub sacked -4. Brings up 3rd and 15.

Dump to Foster goes for big gain! Ball is marked at the 6. 1st and goal.

Schaub dumps to KW for the TD!

Skins 27, Texans 17

End of 3rd quarter.

[TheMatrix31]

I'll take it. Pyrrhic drive though.

[Arky]

Kickoff is downed in the endzone. Skins ball at their 20.

LJ loses 10. Brings up 2nd and 20.

Dump to Williams gets 1. Brings up 3rd and 19.

McNabb's pass goes inc. Skins have to punt.

JJ nice return but flag on the play. Nading block on the back -10. Ball is placed at the Texan 34.

[TheMatrix31]

Stupid penalties. We NEED those yards.

[Big Texas]

Stupid penalties. We NEED those yards.

You can say that again.

[Big Texas]

I'll take it. Pyrrhic drive though.

Excellent use of the word

[Arky]

Deep pass to KW good for big gainer! Ball at the Skins 31.

Foster slips for 1. 2nd and 9 coming up.

Pass to KW gets 5. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Pass too high for JJ. Texans to go for the FG.

43 yarder is good.

Skins 27, Texans 20

11:10 left in the game.

[Big Texas]

I wonder why his passes have been off to JJones.

[chuck]

I wonder why his passes have been off to JJones.

I wonder why Jacoby can't catch balls that hit him in the hands.

[TheMatrix31]

Now it's time for a turnover.

....please?

[HPF Bob]

It just dawned on me. We have a chance to start the Cowboys' season at 0-3. Wouldn't THAT be sweet!! :D

[chuck]

It just dawned on me. We have a chance to start the Cowboys' season at 0-3. Wouldn't THAT be sweet!! :D

I've been enjoying that possibility for a couple of hours. Welcome to the party!

[Arky]

Low kickoff is brought back to the Skins 37.

Got to have a stop here.....

McNabb's pass to Armstrong good for 17.

Pass to Galloway goes to the Texan 28.

Portis for 2 yards.

Portis for about 12 and a 1st down.

Portis for 5 up the gut. Ball at the Texans 9.

Portis gets 4. About 3rd and a long 1.

Pre-snap flags. Offsides Skins - back 'em up. 3rd and 6, now.

McNabb's pass goes inc. so Skins to go for the FG.

FG is blocked by Pollard!

Texans ball at the 20.

[Big Texas]

DAmn we needed that pick...

But I'll take that block....

Hell Yeah...

Now come on offense...

times up for the field goals...

[HPF Bob]

Do or die drive here. No mistakes.

[HPF Bob]

Wow. Nobody stepped up on that drive. That was awful.

[Arky]

Correction: Texans ball at their own 16.

6:36 left in the game.

Schaub smeared by the blitz. 2nd and 18 coming up.

Dump to Foster gets about 5. 3rd and 13 coming up.

Schaub misses Foster on the dump over the middle. Texans to punt.

Punt rolls out of bounds at the Skins 49 yard line.

[Arky]

Dump to Sellers gets 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

End around sniffed out by Pollard -8. Brings up 3rd and 13.

Whoa, Galloway was open in the endzone but pass too long. Skins to punt.

[Arky]

JJ's excellent 46 yard return is nullified by holding on Quin. Texans ball at their 20.

Oh my, pass to AJ almost INT'ed. Skins DB shaken up on the play. 2nd and 10. 3:10 left.

Skins with the timeout.

[Big Texas]

Come on lets get some screens in the mix...

[Big Texas]

Come on offense

[Big Texas]

Why are we taking these shots down field like there is no time left or something...

[Arky]

Schaub's pass to OD off the mark. Brings up 3rd and 10.

Pass to AJ complete at the Texan 48! 1st down. 2:51 left.

Dump to JJ gets 18. Ball at the Skins 34.

Oh, pass to OD goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Schaub's pass is tipped inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass to DA broken up. Brings up 4th and 10.

This is it...

Caught by AJ in the endzone!

Texans 27, Skins 27

2:03 left in the game.

Woohoo!

[HPF Bob]

Now we've left too much time on the clock. I would have liked to have mixed in some runs but I think Dennison wanted to take advantage of the injured safeties.

[Arky]

Skins bring the kickoff back to their 31.

2 minute warning.

Let's go defense!

[Arky]

Dump to Williams gets 4.

Mario sacks McNabb -15! 3rd and 20 coming up. Redskin injured. Timeout.

[Big Texas]

That was the sexiest pass I have seen in a while...

That one handed catch over Revis by Moss was pretty flattering as well...:D

[Nconroe]

Nice sack by Mario, exciting for sure

[Big Texas]

Now we've left too much time on the clock. I would have liked to have mixed in some runs but I think Dennison wanted to take advantage of the injured safeties.

The extra clock may work to our benefit...

[HPF Bob]

The injury saves Houston a time out. Now if we get a stop, we need to call time. We could still sneak out of here with a win despite all of our missteps.

[TheMatrix31]

Let's get a freakin' STOP.

[Big Texas]

No more of that top 3-5 junk. AJ is THE best WR in the game...

[Arky]

Oh my goodness. Pass is complete to Moss for the 1st down but holding on the Skins brings it back. 3rd and 30 coming up.

Dump to Moss gets about 9. Skins to punt. 1:01 left in the game.

[Nconroe]

Im glad that hold got called. McNabb is too much in a zone today. We'll get it with a minute to go.

[Arky]

Dang JJ... not a time to dance. Texans ball at their 28.

Dump to AJ gets only 4. 2nd and 6.

Schaub's pass is batted down. 3rd and 6 coming up. 21 seconds left.

Foster runs for 5. Clock expires but the officials put 3 seconds back. Texans have to punt.

[Big Texas]

How the hell can we keep giving up huge chunks of yards. Even if it was called back...

Damn...

We need to look at some jobs...

[Big Texas]

That was the worst playcalling in the last minute ever...

I am still happy he did not throw the pick...

[Arky]

Turk fields to snap and downs the ball.

We're headed to OT....

[Nconroe]

There will be a lot of drills on blocking on kick and punt returns for sure this week. anyways into overtime, we won the toss.

[HPF Bob]

Cool. We get the ball first in OT.

[Arky]

Texans win the toss and will get the ball first.

[Arky]

Let's run it...

Slaton only gets back to the 11 on the kickoff.....

Pass to KW good for about 15. 1st down.

Pass to KW good for 7. Brings up 2nd and 3.

Foster gets 10, 1st down at the Texan 45.

Foster crosses midfield. Gain of 6.

Pass complete to KW at the Skins 40.

Foster for 2.

[Nconroe]

Let's go Foster.

[Arky]

Dump to Leach gets 4. Brings up 3rd and 4.

Oh, Schaub throws it away. Texans to punt? Delay of game Texans.

Turk puts it in th endzone. Skins ball at the 20.

IF the FG was no good, Skins woulda had good field position....

[Nconroe]

wow, they passed on the 52 yd field goal, dumb decision. hope turk nails it, dumb kick. nope. Man, antonio called on roughing after a sack. dumb.

[HPF Bob]

I don't disagree with not trying the FG. I don't think Rackers has the leg. But I would have gone for it on 4th and 4.

[Arky]

McNabb sacked but Smith with the late hit. Skins ball at their 33.

Pass to Moss good for 11.

Pass to Cooley good to the Texan 49. Brings up 2nd and 3.

Pass to Moss good for 10. Ball at the Texan 37.

McNabb's pass batted down by Mario. 2nd and 10 coming up.

McNabb's pass good for 3. Brings up 3rd and 7.

Deep pass over the head of Moss. 52 yard attempt.... Skins to go for the FG.

FG is good but Texans call timeout. (Shanahanigans)

[Nconroe]

need a turnover. washington going for the 52 yarder. wow the timeout iced their kicker. what a game. so, we get the field position.

[Arky]

FG is no good!

Texans ball!

[HPF Bob]

(Shanahanigans)

Exactly!

[Arky]

Texans ball at the Texan 42.

Schaub hit as he throws - pass goes inc.

Pass to JJ only gets 1. Brings up 3rd and 9. Landry of the Skins is down.

[Arky]

On 3rd and 9, pass to Foster almost gets the 1st down but flags on the play.... 4th and less than 1/2 yard or 3rd and 3? Texans take the 5. 3rd and 3 coming up.

JJ catches it for a 1st down!

[Nconroe]

lot of decisions, 4th and inches vs 3rd and four on the offsides by washington. nice catch by jj.

[Arky]

JJ's catch under review... Play stands!

[Arky]

Big catch by Dreessen! Ball at the Skins 18!

Dreessen's catch under review.... looks good...

[Nconroe]

lot of reviews. 36 yard fg if we take it now.

[Arky]

Play stands...

Foster for no gain. Brings up 2nd and 10.

[HPF Bob]

Great job to take a shot while the crowd was subdued. Run it a couple of times to get closer.

[Arky]

Foster slides for about 2. Texans to go for the FG.

35 yarder is good!

Texans win!

Final Score:

Texans 30, Skins 27

Whoooooot!

Texans 1st win in OT. Texans 1st win against Skins. Might be a lot ghosts being slain this year....

[Nconroe]

yipppeeee, kai, yai, yeah, 30-27, first OT win, wow.

[HPF Bob]

Wow. We didn't deserve this one. We screwed it up all kinds of ways but we had just enough to come out with the W.

2-0. Now let's KILL the Cowboys next week.

[Big Texas]

Last year we didn't win games like this. We are a new team...

[Big Texas]

All this with no, Cushing...

[Nconroe]

Schaub 38 of 52 for 497 yards. But Foster only 19 for 69 officially. He ran well, good enough, and we won. Way to go Rackers.

Looking at Stats , we deserved to win, but we were so far behind, sure didn't feel like it.

HOUSTON STATISTICS WASHINGTON
29 First Downs 21
6 Rushing 3
23 Passing 17
0 Penalty 1
43% (6 of 14) Third Down Efficiency 20% (2 of 10)
50% (1 of 2) Fourth Down Efficiency 0% (0 of 0)
526 Total Net Yards 421
81 Total Offensive Plays 58
5-45 PENALTIES: Number-Yards 7-58
0-0 FUMBLES: Number-Lost 0-0
39:49 TIME OF POSSESSION 31:47

[Big Texas]

Schaub 38 of 52 for 497 yards. But Foster only 19 for 69 officially. He ran well, good enough, and we won. Way to go Rackers.

Don't forget 69 receiving yards for Foster. So he really had about 140 yards from scrimmage...

We are just letting everyone know that we are multi-dimensional...


Damn...Shaub almost threw for 500 yards...:D:eek:

[chuck]

Come on, Eli!

[nunusguy]

I never doubted we'd win this game. I lied, actually I can't believe we won !
Can I revise my my prediction for an 8-8 season ?
I firgured this would be a close game coming right down to the end. That part I had right but I also thought it would be low scoring, which it sure wasn't. Whatever, I'll gladly take it.
Now we have to get ready for the NFC SB rep next week. Say have they fired Wade yet ?

[barrett]

In a 16 game schedule, every game is just so important. Last year's playoff tie breaker showed us that if we didn't see it already. In the end of the season they only care about how many you win and lose. Nobody cares how you win them.

And that's good, because today was one ugly win for an undeserving team.

But in December it will just count as one in the W column. Way to go Texans.

[Big Texas]

I love the headline for nfl.com

Andre the Giant....

Now that's national coverage...

[Big Texas]

If our offense continues to dominate...and hopefully cushing brings some intensity to our defense...

I am thinking 11 wins does not seem too far fetched...

[HPF Bob]

It's tough for a rookie CB to open his career against Peyton Manning and Donovan McNabb. I thought Jackson played well over all but they were clearly picking on him and he's going to need to make a couple of really big plays or they'll keep picking on him all year.

Can you get used to this?

THE AFC SOUTH LEADING HOUSTON TEXANS!!! We have the division lead all to ourselves for possibly the first time in our history.

[today]

THE AFC SOUTH LEADING HOUSTON TEXANS!!! We have the division lead all to ourselves for possibly the first time in our history.

I too was thinking it was the first time we ever had sole possession of 1st place in the division. <cheers> Here's to this being the case at the end of the regular season. </cheers>

Question:
I was suprised that Kubes didn't let Rackers attempt the 52 yarder, but then later thought about the wind being a possible issue. 2nd half kickoffs in that direction were a TON shorter than they were in the first half. Did anybody catch whether the goalpost flags were moving at the time of the potential 52 yard kick?

[Arky]

Did anybody catch whether the goalpost flags were moving at the time of the potential 52 yard kick?

I did not notice. I believe it was the same direction as the game winner though.... And the Skins were kicking in the opposite direction which would have made it "with the wind" on the time-out kick and the follow-up miss.... Both of those looked plenty long...

[Blitzwood]

Pollard is the man!!

Great game, great, great game.

I wish our DB's could just play a little better defense, but I think it may have to do with all the zone we play. And like HPF Bob stated, this was Peyton and McNabb....

And nice call icing the rookie kicker, Kube's had some real head-scratchers in the first half, but that made up for it.

[HPF Bob]

I think Kubiak knew Rackers was not reliable from 50+ yards, having never kicked one in real NFL competition. He chose to punt whereas I would have tried to go for it on 4th and 4,

From the 35, if you fail on fourth down, the Redskins take it over from that spot on an incomplete. If you miss the FG, they take it over at the 42 where the theoretical kick would be tried.

The punt went into the end zone and the Redskins took over at the 20.

If Houston goes for it and succeeds on fourth down, maybe they wind up with something like a 45-yd FG for the win if they can make 7 yards.

Obviously, if he tried the long FG and succeeds, the game is over. So, it's a risk-reward equation. The punt is the safest play but you may not get the ball back. The FG was the riskiest play but you can end the game right there. Going for it would have been the middle ground but, if you succeed, you are almost sure of a better FG try.

Yes, the winning FG was kicked in the same direction and appeared to have plenty of distance.

We won so it's all smiles but if Washington won on their FG try, Kubiak would have had a lot of second-guessing.

[TheMatrix31]

Its scary though, I mean, we're going to need a 50+ yarder at SOME point. Should we carry two kickers or something? It would be ridiculous to blow a roster spot on one but what if we come down to a playoff game and we need a 50+ yarder?

[dadmg]

I think Kubiak knew Rackers was not reliable from 50+ yards, having never kicked one in real NFL competition. He chose to punt whereas I would have tried to go for it on 4th and 4,


Huh???

Neil Rackers, for his career is 19-of-39 from 50+. (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/rackenei01.htm)

[Bigtinylittle]

Houston will have a twenty yard field goal attempt to win in the last 10 seconds, and Rackers will miss it.

Hey, I predicted that we would 1. have the ball at the twenty 2. at the end of the game and 3. Rackers would miss. I got two out of three right. Not bad, hey?

[popanot]

Yes, the winning FG was kicked in the same direction and appeared to have plenty of distance.Kubiak said there was a lot of wind down at that end of the field so he didn't feel comfortable going for a 50+ yard FG. Obviously, attempting a 52-yard FG in the wind as opposed to a 35-yard FG in the wind are completely different decisions. I agree with you though on going for it instead. With Kubiak's past history, I was more shocked they didn't go for it than I was his decision to punt.

[Joe Joe]

Huh???

Neil Rackers, for his career is 19-of-39 from 50+. (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/rackenei01.htm)

The announcer in the game mistakenly said his long was 49...which was Gano's long after one game.

Still, most of Rackers makes from 50+ occurred 5 years ago. He is 5 of 18 in the last 5 years.

[barrett]

Go for it on 4th down there. We gained 16 yards by punting. I am sure we have a 50% chance of converting a 4th and 4. Especially on a day we had over 500 yards of offense.

[Joshua]

I trust Kubiak to know what he can reasonably expect from Rackers and if he didn't think he could get it through the uprights, he made the right call.

If I were to second guess anything, it would be the 3rd down playcall. Presumably, Kubiak already knew on 3rd down that they would not try a field goal on 4th. Knowing this, you have to consider this potential 4 down territory, so I think you have to run the ball on 3rd and 4. Either Foster picks up the 1st or maybe only picks up 2 or 3 yards but that makes 4th down that much easier.

[barrett]

Like I said. Don't kick or punt. Go for it. When your offense has gained 500+ yards and your D has given up almost 500, I don't understand thinking you have a better chance of stopping the other guy than you do of picking up 4 yards. A gutless call that only worked out when their kicker blew the FG.

[chuck]

If I were to second guess anything, it would be the 3rd down playcall. Presumably, Kubiak already knew on 3rd down that they would not try a field goal on 4th.

This is exactly what I was thinking. If your sense is you won't attempt a 50+ yard try then treat third down like you have two downs to pick up the first down yardage. You should be able to spread the field and run the ball and pick up the first without too much drama. I'm willing to gamble 15 yards on it.

[HPF Bob]

Huh???

Neil Rackers, for his career is 19-of-39 from 50+. (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/rackenei01.htm)

My bad. However, it does show the following stats for 50+ for 2006-2009:

2006: one made out of seven attempts (14%)
2007: three made out of nine attempts (33%)
2008: one made out of two attempts (50%)
2009: no attempts.

Clearly, he's not a good bet outside 50 yards away.

[Joshua]

My bad. However, it does show the following stats for 50+ for 2006-2009:

2006: one made out of seven attempts (14%)
2007: three made out of nine attempts (33%)
2008: one made out of two attempts (50%)
2009: no attempts.

Clearly, he's not a good bet outside 50 yards away.

And he's not getting any younger either. I swear, when he runs/hobbles up to kick the ball, it looks like he's wearing Forrest Gump leg irons.

[NBT]

Houston will have a twenty yard field goal attempt to win in the last 10 seconds, and Rackers will miss it.

WRONG - 36 yarder, and Racker made it easily! Whew!! Hey I'll take it.

[today]

Looks like my suspicion (http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showpost.php?p=21654&postcount=153) was correct, Kubiak referenced the wind as a reason why he chose to punt:

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Postgame-quotes-Texans-at-Redskins/6c7ae946-1e0a-4674-a792-1922978a8574


(on why he didn't attempt the 52-yard field goal in overtime) "There was a little breeze coming that way on that end. If you miss that, they’ve got to go 20 yards and beat us. I just felt good – I thought our defense had made a few nice stops in the fourth quarter. I expected us to pin them. We didn’t do it. It just worked out. It’s one of those things, if it doesn’t work out, it’s not good. But it worked out."

(on if K Neil Rackers didn't feel comfortable kicking the field goal) "No, he said, ‘Coach, I’m OK. I’m good.’ But there’s obviously a little breeze coming from that end…I just had to go with my gut. It worked out today."


Edit:
I'm listening to the Gary Kubiak show right now on SR610 and Kubes and when asked why he didn't attempt the FG, he noted the wind, saying that the 2nd half kickoffs were short.

[cadams]

the distance issue is not surprise. when the "competition" was going on it was no secret that the big difference between rackers and brown was brown's range. having someone who can hit from 50+ yards over 50% of the time would be fantastic, but that isn't rackers, so they will have to play the game accordingly.

[nunusguy]

the distance issue is not surprise. when the "competition" was going on it was no secret that the big difference between rackers and brown was brown's range. having someone who can hit from 50+ yards over 50% of the time would be fantastic, but that isn't rackers, so they will have to play the game accordingly.
Unless I'm mistaken, I thought the talk was that even though Brown had more accuracy on longer range FGs, Rackers had greater distance on KOs ? Confusing ?

[Bigtinylittle]

Historically, Rackers is not as long on kickoffs. Apparently either he was doing a little better this year in camp or Brown was doing worse.

I think Brown's fascitis was an issue last year. I think the fascitis this year in the other foot was a part of why they let him go. But mainly, Brown just missed too many very easy kicks last year and the Texans felt that if Rackers looked as good or almost as good in camp, then the plan was to go with Rackers. There were times last year when Brown was horrible.

[Nconroe]

can see a replay of the game with Washington on NFL network at 8:15 PM CST tonight in case you missed it, wanna see it again, watch without all the breaks.