Official Texans @ Raiders Game Thread, 10/3/2010

[Arky]

The Texans travel to Oakland to do battle with the upstart Raiders this Sunday. The Raiders (1-2) really should be 2-1 as kicker Sebastian Janikowski missed a 32 yd FG at the buzzer in Arizona last Sunday. RB Darren McFadden is looking good in the running game and Oakland's defense seems to be much improved. The Texans look to get back on track after coming off a 27-13 loss to the Cowboys in Houston.

TV = CBS (channel 11 local), 3:05 pm CST

Announcers (http://the506.com/sports/?tag=2010-week-4) = Gus Johnson, Steve Tasker

Opening line = Texans by 4
Current line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Texans by 3 to 3.5

Set your DVR's.

[Fonz the Boss]

Will Bruce Gradkowski look like a Pro Bowler against our secondary? I hope not

[edo783]

I suspect he will. The real question IMO will be "Can we out score them?". Not as easy as it might seem on first blush. They have a very solid defense, so racking up points may not be that easy and we have a defense that makes it easy for the opposition to rack up points. Not a good situation.

[TheMatrix31]

Let's SMASH them.

I f'n hate the Raiders, and especially Raider fans.

[cadams]

McClain said that both McFadden and Bush are hurt, so they will probably be throwing a lot more than normal this week.

[NBT]

The game against the Raiders this weekend, will define the character of this team for the near future and maybe futher, if there is a lockout next year. How they come back and show some effort, tenacity, and decent coaching (it stunk last week), is going to be the barometer for the rest of the year. I hope Kubiak comes out of his trance and gets back to work on Schaub. The D-coordinator better get his s**t together with that secondary too. I don't know why this team seems to have these hic-ups every year. Unhappily they ususally last for 3 or 4 games.

[edo783]

McClain said that both McFadden and Bush are hurt, so they will probably be throwing a lot more than normal this week.

And is this supposed to be good news?

[cadams]

nope, not good or bad. just news

[superbowlbound]

Funny how it takes 1 bad game for us to be back on the gus johnson/steve tasker train. Just when I'd thought we'd played our way into non-mute-inducing announcers...

[WMH]

Funny how it takes 1 bad game for us to be back on the gus johnson/steve tasker train. Just when I'd thought we'd played our way into non-mute-inducing announcers...

Well, its not exactly a barn burning matchup. The unknown Texans vs the what the hell is Al Davis going to do next Raiders. :rolleyes:

[Arky]

Funny how it takes 1 bad game for us to be back on the gus johnson/steve tasker train. Just when I'd thought we'd played our way into non-mute-inducing announcers...

I like Gus. When he's screaming "OH, MY GOODNESS!" when the Texans score, that's a good thing.... ;) I'd rather have this pair than some of the others.... Not a big fan of some of the top crews....

[TheMatrix31]

Yeah, I love Gus.

[WMH]

From PFT:

Another Black Hole blackout
Posted by Mike Florio on October 1, 2010 9:12 AM ET
This week, the Chargers home game against the Cardinals will be blacked out. The Jaguars home game against the Colts won't be blacked out. And the Rams home game against the Seahawks could be blacked out.

Another game that will be blacked out will be played in Oakland, where the Raiders once again have failed to sell all non-premium seats for their game against the Texans.

Per Sean Leahy of USA Today, six games have been blacked out through four weeks. That projects to 25 or 26 blackouts for the year.

[Warren]

ESPN reported a few minutes ago that AJ is going to play today.

[nunusguy]

I missed last weeks game (out of town), but it looks like Ware had a "field day" which certainly points to the key absense of Duane Brown. And that was of course self-inflicted, not like Brown had an injury that keeps him out for a month. It will be good to have Cushing back soon, but no matter how high-profile and popular he may be here in Houston, I don't really think he's as valuable to the team as our regular LT ?
How bad was Rashad last week and what do Texans fan expect of him this week in Oakland ? Thankfully he won't have to play anyboy like Ware today.

[Big Texas]

I missed last weeks game (out of town), but it looks like Ware had a "field day" which certainly points to the key absense of Duane Brown. And that was of course self-inflicted, not like Brown had an injury that keeps him out for a month. It will be good to have Cushing back soon, but no matter how high-profile and popular he may be here in Houston, I don't really think he's as valuable to the team as our regular LT ?
How bad was Rashad last week and what do Texans fan expect of him this week in Oakland ? Thankfully he won't have to play anyboy like Ware today.

Butler was suprisingly pretty good. The sacks he got were actually coverage sacks. One of three was when (for some reason) Dreesen was trying to block him.

Kubiak's coaching was pretty bad. He kept trying to call that quick slant, I guess to try and slow down the rush. However, the Cowboys adjusted and just dropped into a soft zone. Kubiak never readjusted, which ultimately led to a lot of blank stares on the part of Shaub as he sat in the pocket unaware of what to do next..

To my original point, Butler held up his end of the bargain. We need to go into Oakland with a revamped attitude. I really think Kubiak got the big head in that game. When you are told for two weeks in a row that your offense is so great, you begin to think that no adjustments need to be made. This was never more evident when we ran the ball three times inside the five not to get in the end zone.

[chuck]

Butler was suprisingly pretty good. The sacks he got were actually coverage sacks. One of three was when (for some reason) Dreesen was trying to block him.

Absolutely. There was a lot of blame to go around for last week's debacle but very, very little of it (if any) need be directed at Butler.

[Warren]

ESPN reported a few minutes ago that AJ is going to play today.
But they could be wrong...

Texans inactives
Matt Leinart (No. 3 QB)
WR Andre Johnson
S Eugene Wilson
WR Darryl Sharpton
LB Kevin Bentley
G Kasey Studdard
DE Ryan Denney
TE Garrett Graham

Raiders inactives
Kyle Boller (No. 3 QB)
CB Jeremy Ware
CB Walter McFadden
LB Travis Goethel
LB Ricky Brown
G Robert Gallery
DT John Henderson
WR Chaz Schilens

[painekiller]

NFLnetwork just announced that AJ was inactive to confirm Warren's report.

[Arky]

Wow, New Orleans hangs on....

Gametime!

Raiders win toss, Texans to kick off.

Raiders bring the kickoff all the way back into Texan territory at the Texan 38.

[Arky]

Pass to DHB good for about 2. (DHB = Darrius Heyward-Bey)

McFadden for 1. Brings up 3rd and 7.

Smith with the sack! Fumble, but Raiders recover. Raiders have to punt.

Punt is downed at the Texan 10.

[Arky]

Schaub's pass 1st down pass goes inc.

Pass to Dreesen good for 29. 1st down at the Texan 39.

Pass to KW good for 11.

Slaton runs for about 3. Brings up 2nd and 7.

Dump to Slaton picks up 13. 1st down.

[chuck]

Where the hell is Foster?

[Arky]

Whoa, D Ward takes it to the house! 33 yard TD.

Texans 7, Raiders 0

[Big Texas]

Where the hell is Foster?

While I, too, am in deep contemplation about the whereabouts of Foster. I am pretty pleased with that first batch of playcalling.

[Big Texas]

Is Foster on the injury reports...

[TexicanMexican]

Where the hell is Foster?
I don't know. Was he even in on the first two plays?

[Big Texas]

Well there's the answer...

[Arky]

Denver goes ahead of the Titans..... 1:33 left in that one..

Rackers kickoff is downed in the endzone. Raiders ball at their own 20.

[WMH]

Where the hell is Foster?

I can't bitch about a TD, but this is another case of Kubes trying to outsmart himself.

[Arky]

Gradkowski's 1st down pass goes inc.

Pre-snap flag - Okoye offsides. 2nd and 5 for the Raiders.

Dump to McFadden goes for big gainer. Ball is at the Texan 33. 43 yards on the play.

Pass to DHB goes inc. - nice breakup by KJ.

McFadden gets about 4 or 5 over the left side. Brings up 3rd and 6.

Pass to Miller gets 10 and the 1st down.

Ford sweeps to the 10 yard line of the Texans. 2nd down and 3 coming up.

Bush runs to the 2. 1st down.

Kubiak to challenge that the runner fumbled into the endzone.

[Big Texas]

Its pretty clear that every team is gonna come in a go after Kareem. I just hope today it doesn't work. Also why the hell is DBarber playing?

[Arky]

Play stands. Raiders ball 1st and goal at the 2.

Bush punches it in.

Texans 7, Raiders 7

[HPF Bob]

Where is the "reverse angle replay"? The angles they showed had no chance of overturning the replay.

Did our defense make the team flight?

[Arky]

Its pretty clear that every team is gonna come in a go after Kareem. I just hope today it doesn't work. Also why the hell is DBarber playing?

Wilson is injured. Barber and Nolan to alternate...

[Arky]

Slaton downs the kickoff in the endzone. Texans ball at their own 20. 6:14 left in the 1st quarter.

Ward powers for 5. Brings up 2nd and 5.

Ward sweeps right for about 10. 1st down.

Pass to JJ gets 12.

[Big Texas]

Who would've ever thought that Ward would be doing anything this week?

The Texans are a constant enigma...

[Arky]

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

Slaton sweeps right for 7 yards.

On 3rd and 3, JJ slips down and pass goes inc. Texans to punt.

Punt is downed at the 1 yard line of the Raiders.

[chuck]

I love how Stevie's covering up the ball in traffic.

[WMH]

If I were a betting man.........Foster is in the dog house for something. Missed a meeting, late to a meeting, didn't do something.

At least Ward/Slaton is running the ball well so far.

[chuck]

If I were a betting man.........Foster is in the dog house for something. Missed a meeting, late to a meeting, didn't do something.

At least Ward/Slaton is running the ball well so far.

Sorry, I guess I assume everyone's listening to the radio... "Coach's decision." So, yes, he missed a meeting or some other stupid shit.

[Arky]

Correction: Ball at the Raider 3.

Gradkowski sneaks for about 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Raiders run for maybe 1. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Gradkowski's pass goes inc. Raiders have to punt.

JJ brings the punt back to the Raider 37.

[Arky]

Slaton gets 1. 2nd and 9 coming up.

Slaton for 23. Runs out of bounds at the Raider 13.

Ward slides for 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Schaub can't find anyone open and chunks it away. 3rd and 8 coming up.

[Big Texas]

Slaton is surely making the best of that Coaches decision...

The announcers have just now taken noticel...

[WMH]

Sorry, I guess I assume everyone's listening to the radio... "Coach's decision." So, yes, he missed a meeting or some other stupid shit.

Thanks. I figured as much. just Q1, or what?

[Big Texas]

Man that is normally been the playaction that Shaub throws the pick on...

Good job shaub...

[chuck]

Thanks. I figured as much. just Q1, or what?

No idea. If I hear anything else I'll share.

[Arky]

Pass to Dreesen good for the TD!

Texans 14, Raiders 7

[Arky]

Raiders down the kickoff in the endzone. Raiders ball at their own 20. 23 seconds left in the 1st quarter.

McFadden runs for 8. 2nd and 2 coming up.

End of 1st quarter.

[Arky]

McFadden rushes for 2 and gets the 1st down.

Dump to McFadden gets 4. Brings up 2nd and 6.

Gradkowski TFL by Smith. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Pressure from Diles causes Gradkowski to chunk it away inc. Raiders have to punt.

JJ brings the punt back to the Texan 18.

[HPF Bob]

Large empty sections of the stands...sorta reminds me of Jacksonville.

Speaking of which...Jackassville 14, Manninganapolis 7.

[Arky]

Ward for 2. Brings up 2nd and 8.

Schaub can't find anyone open and chunks it inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Pass to Dreessen only gets 6 but flag on the play. Offsides Texans... 3rd and 13 coming up.

Screen is sniffed out for loss of 1. Texans have to punt.

Nice tackle on the punt by McManis way back at the Raiders 35. 11:37 left in the half.

[Arky]

Correction: Ball at the Raider 36.

Dump to McFadden gets 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Pass to Miller gets 17. 1st down.

[Big Texas]

ok kube you've made your point. put foster back in...

[Arky]

McFadden rushes for 7. 2nd and 3 coming up.

McFadden for 1. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Gradkowski keeps left for 5 and gets the 1st down.

Dump to McFadden gets 10 and a 1st down. Ball at the Texan 21.

McFadden for maybe 1. 2nd and 9 coming up.

Pass to Miller gets about 8. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Dump pass to Reece good for 13 yards and the TD.

Texans 14, Raiders 14

[Arky]

Kickoff goes out of the endzone. Texans ball at their own 20.

Foster goes left for 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Foster gets close to the 1st down..... 3rd and 1 coming up.

Schaub sneaks for 2 and the 1st down.

Foster TFL -4. 2nd and 14 coming up.

Pass to JJ is dropped inc.

Pass to Dreessen only gets about 6 or 7 so Texans have to punt.

Raiders fair catch the punt at their own 29.

[Arky]

Pass to Miller gets 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

McFadden gets 4 and the 1st down.

Gradkowski sacked by DeMeco! -10 yards. Ball at the Raider 30.

2 minute warning.

[Big Texas]

This defense is looking rediculous...

This is the Raiders...Wow....

We NEED Cushing right about now...

[WMH]

For those of us scoreboard watching.....

Indy and Jax knotted up at the half. Go MJD!

[Arky]

On 2nd and 20, Gradkowski throws it away. Brings up 3rd and 20.

Dump to McFadden only gets 11 so Raiders have to punt. Timeout Texans. 1:44 left in the half.

JJ fair catches at the Texan 16.

[Arky]

Schaub's 1st down pass goes inc.

Pass to KW good for 7. 3rd and 3 coming up. Raiders use a timeout. 1:18 left in the half.

Schaub's pass goes inc. Texans have punt.

Higgins fair catches at the Raider 43. 1:13 left in the half.

[Arky]

Pass to Miller good for 23. Ball at the Texan 34.

Draw to McFadden gets 5. 2nd and 5 coming up. 38 seconds left.

Gradkowski sacked by Mario! Fumble! Texans ball! Okoye on the recovery.

[Big Texas]

This is looking like the horrible playcalling from last week. Is Kubiak only good for three good plays. Nobody is falling for the quick slant anymore. Call something else...

Damn...

Kubiak is not looking good right now.

I am not blaming anybody else but him right now...

That defense is not good...

Everyone just knows kubiak's offense right now..

[WMH]

Mario!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!

[Arky]

Pass to Dreessen good for 17.

Schaub spikes it. 15 seconds left. Ball at the Raider 43.

Schaub's pass goes inc. 10 seconds left. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Screen to Foster gets 16. 3 seconds left in the half. Texans to go for the FG.

46 yard attempt is no good - hit the upright.

Halftime, score remains:

Texans 14, Raiders 14

[Big Texas]

I know I am sounding pretty pessimistic right now...

But I dont care...

We look like the same team that plays to the level of talent around us...

While I am ranting...Why the hell did we draft Casey?

Is he insurance in case two tight ends get injured?

And the missed kick just adds insult to injury...

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 10/20, 120 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT

Rushing: Ward 5/52, Slaton 4/35, Foster 3/5

Receiving: Dreessen 4/64, KW 2/21, Foster 1/15, JJ 1/12, Slaton 2/8

Tackles: Ryans 8, Pollard 7, A Smith/Diles 4 each, Adibi/Nolan/KJ 2 each

3rd down conversions: Texans 3/7, Raiders 3/7

Turnovers: Texans 0, Raiders 1

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

Red zone: Texans 1/1, Raiders 2/2

[HPF Bob]

We cut the shaky kicker with range for the shaky kicker with no range.

[NBT]

Have I said lately that I hate Frank Bush? Well if not consider it said. Why do we sit back in vanilla defenses and let nobody's like Gradowskii look like a SB QB?

[Arky]

Slaton downs the 2nd half kickoff down in the endzone. Texans ball at their own 20.

Pass to KW gets about 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Foster busts it! 74 yard TD!

Texans 21, Raiders 14

[HPF Bob]

Foster....Houstonian for TOUCHDOWN!!!

[chuck]

Whatever Foster did to piss Kubiak off I hope he quits doing it.

[nunusguy]

WOW ! Who knew Foster had that kind of long-speed ?

[Arky]

14:16 left in the 3rd quarter.

Raiders bring the kickoff back to their 20.

McFadden TFL by Mario -3. Brings up 2nd and 13.

Pass to Miller gets 13 and the 1st down.

Dump to McFadden gets 8. 2nd and 2 coming up.

Reece goes for 6 and a 1st down.

Gradkowski pressured throws inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

McFadden TFL by GQ and Mitchell -4. 3rd and 14 coming up.

Gradkowski scrambles for about 6 and then is smoked by Pollard. Raiders have to punt.

DA fair catches the punt at the Texan 10.

[HPF Bob]

AJ is out and JJ is questionable. Maybe we kept Foster out so he'll be rested for the second half. We may need that.

[Arky]

Foster runs for about 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Schaub can't find anyone open and tosses it out of bounds. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Pass to OD gets the 1st down. 8 yard gain.

Foster sweeps right for about 7. 2nd and 3 coming up. Ball at the Texan 28.

Ward powers for 5 and the 1st down.

Dump to Foster goes for big gainer! Ball at the Raider 36.

Ward for 8. Big hit on the tackle.

Foster for no gain. Brings up 3rd and 1.

Foster runs for 3. Ball at the Raider 22.

[Nconroe]

Our OL and RB are doing a job right now. Nice to see this.

[Arky]

Ward gets 8. 2nd and 2 coming up.

Ward TFL -4. Brings up 3rd and 6.

Pass to Dreessen gets the 1st down but flag on the play. Illegal formation Texans, bring it back. 3rd and 12 coming up.

Pass to KW good for 8 so Texans have to go for the FG.

35 yard attempt is good.

Texans 24, Raiders 14

2:35 left in the 3rd quarter.

[Big Texas]

Ward is either looking like a good pick up. Or the Raiders are starting to show their true colors...

[HPF Bob]

We only got three points but we sure drained the clock on that drive. If we do that one more time, we'll be in good shape.

[Big Texas]

Fine Foster....

No more quarters off. It has become increasingly clear that our offense is dependent on him.

[Big Texas]

Waita turn things around Neil...

Good Job

[HPF Bob]

Jags recover a fumble...leads Indy 21-14 in the 4th.

[Arky]

Let's get two 100-yard rushers..... Foster @ 88, Ward @ 74

Rackers short kickoff is brought back to the Raider 35.

Gradkowski's pass is tipped and INT'ed by Nolan! Brings it all the way back to the Raider 35.

[Arky]

Foster for 11. Ball at the Raider 24.

Foster for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Dump to Dreesen goes to the 12 yard line. Gain of 9.

Slaton for maybe 2. Ball at the 10 yard line.

End of 3rd quarter.

[Nconroe]

Easy to say, but Nolan seems to be in the right place quite often when he gets a chance. Nice turnover on the deflection.

[Arky]

Dump pass to Foster gets the TD!

Texans 31, Raiders 14

14:53 left in the game.

[Arky]

Raiders bring the kickoff back to their 13.

McFadden rushes for 23. 1st down.

Pass to Higgins good for 13.

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

Gradkowski pressured throws inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Dump to Bush gets 10 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 41.

Pass to Miller gets 9. 2nd and 1 coming up.

Pre-snap, Okoye offsides, 5 yards and a 1st down. Ball at the Texan 26.

Bush runs for about 7. 2nd and 3 coming up.

Pass to Miller gets 6 and a 1st down. Ball at the Texan 14.

Pass to Miller in the endzone complete for the TD.

Texans 31, Raiders 21

[barrett]

What are the officials watching? Mario Williams was bear hugged on that last TD.

[nunusguy]

Guess the Texans thought they had the game won and the D just stopped playing.

[Arky]

10:56 left in the game.

Slaton downs the kickoff in the endzone. Texans ball at their 20.

Foster runs for 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

Schaub's pass is inc. Brings up 3rd and 5.

Schaub's 3rd down pass sails inc. Texans have to punt.

Higgins catches the punt at the 28 and is tackled immediately. Raiders flagged for holding -10. Puts the ball at about the Raiders 18.

[HPF Bob]

Geez, this was supposed to chew up the clock and we throw two incompletes.

[HPF Bob]

Jaguars TD 28-21 w/ 2:00 to go in the game.

[Arky]

9:56 left in the game.

Pass to Miller gets 10. 1st down.

Draw to Bush gets 11.

Pass to Higgins good for 26. Ball at the Texan 35.

[Nconroe]

We need a stop here, game might get close. yikes.

[Arky]

Pass to Miller gets 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

Pass to Murphy goes inc. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass to Murphy gets 6 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 24.

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

2nd down pass goes inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Gradkowski's pass sails inc. Brings up 4th and 6. Raiders to go for the FG

39 yarder is good.

Texans 31, Raiders 24

6:13 left in the game.

[HPF Bob]

We need to run some clock this time. Hopefully, let's get one more score.

[Arky]

Kickoff goes out of the endzone... Texans ball at their 20.

Foster runs for 2. Brings up 2nd and 8.

Foster sweeps left for 8 and the 1st down.

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

Foster gets 4. Brings up 3rd down and 6.

Ward gets about 4 so Texans have to punt. Raiders use a timeout - have 2 left. 3:12 left in the game.

Higgins brings the punt back to the Raider 25.

[chuck]

Why Ward rather than Foster there?

[Arky]

Gradkowski's 1st down pass sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Dump to Bush gets about 7. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Pass goes inc. but flag on the play. McCain for holding. Auto 1st down at the Raider 37.

Bush upended after a 6 yard gain. 2nd and 4 coming up.

2 minute warning...

Jeminy....

[HPF Bob]

Colts tie it up 28-28 w/ under a minute.

[Big Texas]

The decision to run it on 3rd down shows how much confidence the team has in Shaub...

I know its the proper thing to do, but Winners have the ball in the crunch...

[Arky]

On 2nd and 3, Gradkowski pressured throws it away.... Intentional grounding on Gradkowski. Loss of down. 3rd and 16.

Pass intended for DHB sails inc. Brings up 4th and 16. 1:52 left in the game.

Whooo.... Pass should've been caught by Murphy but it bounces off him and is INT'ed by Nolan! Ball at the Texan 41.

[Nconroe]

Nolan again, what a game saver.

[HPF Bob]

This isn't over yet. Oakland can use timeouts.

[Arky]

Foster runs for a couple. 2nd and 8 coming up. 1:36 left in the game.

Foster gets about 3. Timeout Raiders - final timeout. 1:31 left.

Foster runs for 8 and gets the 1st down. Yay!

[HPF Bob]

First down! Now, it's over.

[chuck]

Three and one. Come on, Jags.

[HPF Bob]

Scobee 59-yd FG w/:05 seconds... Indy loses!!!

[Arky]

Texans kneeling it out.

Final score:

Texans 31, Raiders 24

Texans are 3-1....niiiice... :)

[WMH]

Texans kneeling it out.

Final score:

Texans 31, Raiders 24

Texans are 3-1....niiiice... :)

And here comes CUSHING!!!!! :D

[barrett]

The decision to run it on 3rd down shows how much confidence the team has in Shaub...

I know its the proper thing to do, but Winners have the ball in the crunch...

You are grasping at straws here.

[Big Texas]

You are grasping at straws here.

I agree I may have been responding based on emotions. However, it has become no secret that this offense is being fueled by Arian Foster, NOT SHAUB. This does not mean that I think Shaub is not good. I just think that the team does not trust Shaub, as much as some of the other elite QBs in the league. I love the offense.

I just know that if it were Brees, Manning, Brady, or McNabb they would have been throwing the ball.

Overall I am excited about the win and have no problem with the team riding the success of Arian.

[nunusguy]

I continue to be impressed if not amazed by Arian Foster. This guy is a truly multi-talented running back who can catch the ball as well as being a very gifted back who runs with unusual elusiveness for a tall-rangy guy while having excellent power to break tackles and run inside the tackles.
I think I like the Eric Dickerson best but I'm still searching for a better one for our new star back ?

[Nconroe]

It's interesting how last year our OL could pass block really well, but not run block, seems just reversed with good run blocking, but allowing lots of pressure on pass plays this year.

Defense, DL looked a little better today. Antione Smith showed real good.

Nolan maybe will be getting some more time playing time at safety as his turnovers as much as Foster's running, won the game.

Anyways, we are 3-1, best start ever, atop the AFC South.

[BigBull]

I just know that if it were Brees, Manning, Brady, or McNabb they would have been throwing the ball.

That has something to due with the fact that the running game behind them is below average.:confused:

[barrett]

I agree I may have been responding based on emotions. However, it has become no secret that this offense is being fueled by Arian Foster, NOT SHAUB. This does not mean that I think Shaub is not good. I just think that the team does not trust Shaub, as much as some of the other elite QBs in the league. I love the offense.

I just know that if it were Brees, Manning, Brady, or McNabb they would have been throwing the ball.

Overall I am excited about the win and have no problem with the team riding the success of Arian.

If your argument is that Schaub is not Brees, Manning, or Brady, then I agree. (Meanwhile Washington ran the ball on 3rd and 6 in the 4th quarter today when 1 first down would have won the game).

But claiming Foster's success somehow proves a negative team feeling about Schaub is silly. Foster fueling the offense says everything about Foster and nothing about Schaub. Schaub has full confidence in every possible way from Kubiak and everyone in the organization. They put the game on his shoulders when necessary, and they play smart football and work the running game when possible. The offense looked great today going for 441 yards and 31 points despite it's best player standing on the sidelines, the starting LT suspended, and the RB benched for a quarter.

[NBT]

If you ask me Gradowski was downing the ball all game long to keep from getting the sack and the refs chose not to call it. Jeez.

[nunusguy]

Coach Gary Kubiak benched Foster for the first half because he missed a team meeting and was late for another one.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7230133.html
&&
Some of the immaturty problems cropping up again that Kubiak mentioned as reasons for Fosters opportunity coming later rather than earlier in his rookie season last year ?

[Nconroe]

In the post game interview it sounded like Foster understood the lesson and promised his teammates he would never do this again. He also gave Derek Ward credit as being the first mentor he had ever played with.

[TheMatrix31]

So distracted by the Braves game today, I only posted a few comments on TexansTalk.

Wish Game 162 wasn't always on football Sundays.

We're going to have a playoff game on Sunday next week. Damn.

[cadams]

I agree I may have been responding based on emotions. However, it has become no secret that this offense is being fueled by Arian Foster, NOT SHAUB. This does not mean that I think Shaub is not good. I just think that the team does not trust Shaub, as much as some of the other elite QBs in the league. I love the offense.

I just know that if it were Brees, Manning, Brady, or McNabb they would have been throwing the ball.

Overall I am excited about the win and have no problem with the team riding the success of Arian.

if you can run like they have been able to, then you do. schaub lead the league in yards last year, and brought the team back in the skins game for a big come from behind win. you are way over the top on this one.

Schaub's 7 passing td's is tied for 6th in the leagu (with breese), 7th in the league in passing yards per game, 9th is completion percentage.

[Big Texas]

if you can run like they have been able to, then you do. schaub lead the league in yards last year, and brought the team back in the skins game for a big come from behind win. you are way over the top on this one.

Schaub's 7 passing td's is tied for 6th in the leagu (with breese), 7th in the league in passing yards per game, 9th is completion percentage.

My post was not a Shaub bashing post. Yes a bit premature and emotion-ridden (consider the time it was posted).

However, I am suggesting that it speaks volumes that the team was willing to put a potentially critical play in the hands of Arian Foster over Shaub.

My post was aimed at Kubiak rather than Shaub. I was only suggesting that in key situations such as that you expect your playmakers to make a play. In that situation they chose to go with Arian Foster.

There were so many other negative things to talk about from this game besides Shaub. That was not my point with the post.

We all know that Shaub's job is to go out there and do what Kubiak tells him to do. He is doing an excellent job at it. The difference is that, if need be Brees, Manning, and Brady are givin the reigns to make adjustments. Unlike our three goalline running plays against a stacked front in the Cowboy game.

I am just saying Kubiaks shackles are a little too tight for someone who has so much faith in his QB.

Other than that. I love the team and support them 100%. As a matter of fact. We can easily be 6-1 if we play to our potential and not the competition.

[Big Texas]

Go Texans...

I just had to get the 666 post removed...

[HPF Bob]

I think Schaub's numbers being down come from two things - some of his playmakers are hurt even when they are playing and the Texans now have a running game that can darn well dominate at times.

Plus, our secondary is still very shaky and the best way to keep them from giving up big plays is to keep your offense on the field. That means running the ball to eat up the clock, which we're doing quite well.

I don't want to be last year's Texans where Schaub and AJ put up great numbers and we can't convert in the red zone. I'd rather see a more balanced attack that mixes the run with short passes and deep passes so the opponents don't know where the next big play will come from. Once AJ is healthy, that's where I hope we'll be.

[dalemurphy]

We have quite a bit of video up from the Oakland game for those of you interested:

Mario dropping into coverage (http://www.texansbullblog.com/film-study-mario-sack-coverage/featured-articles/film-study/)

Glover Quin successful CB blitzes (http://www.texansbullblog.com/film-study-wrinkle-2010-defense-cb-blitz/featured-articles/film-study/)

Pollard killing Polish QBs (http://www.texansbullblog.com/google-introduces-polardism-search-tool/news/texans-news/)

A. Smith playing very well (http://www.texansbullblog.com/antonio-smith-attack-oakland/featured-articles/isolated-review/)

Diles playing very poorly (http://www.texansbullblog.com/zac-diles-played-cali-beach-bum/featured-articles/isolated-review/)