Official Texans vs. Chargers Game Thread, 11/7/2010

[Arky]

Do the Texans need a "W" or what?

TV: CBS (Channel 11 local), Sunday 12:00 pm CST

Announcers (http://the506.com/sports/?tag=2010-week-9) = Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts

Opening line = Chargers by 1.5
Current line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Chargers by 1.5 to 3

Walterfootball.com (http://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2010_09early.php) likes the Chargers to cover in this one.

[HPF Bob]

Chargers favored in our house when we have the better record. Hmmm :confused:

Last time, they beat us with a heavy dose of Antonio Gates and I suspect they will do it again. I hope Bush comes up with a new scheme. The one they are using now ain't cutting it.

[Nconroe]

The Chargers have given up lots of turnovers, like -8, which is why they have lost despite top offense and defenses.

So, hopefully we can get the turnovers on them and take care of the ball ourselves.

Play with urgency, intensity, is fine, but need to stay in control as well.

Stop the dumb penalties and turnovers on our side.

[NBT]

It would be nice to beat the Chargers. Hell, it would be nice to beat anyone the way we are playing right now. I honestly think if Kubiak doesn't do something, he is gonna lose the confidence of the entire team, to say nothing of this board.

[WMH]

Mark this down as something that doesn't suck.....

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=611

Antonio Gates tore the plantar fascia in his right foot during Week 8 -- the foot opposite the left toe and ankle injuries that have hobbled him for the past two weeks.

He's now got significant injuries on both feet. Gates sought a medical opinion for plantar fasciitis last May, but it hasn't been a regular season problem until now. "My (right) foot was on fire," said Gates, who suffered the new injury in the second half of last Sunday's win. Many people find it difficult to walk for multiple weeks after popping their plantar fascia. Predicted foot specialist Dr. Phillip Kwong, "It’s going to be really tough to play with any proficiency this Sunday. ... This injury will make it difficult for him to push off and be explosive." Gates appears to be in real danger of missing Week 9.

[Joshua]

I've basically decided that if you want to see our future under Kubiak, just look across the field this week. Kubiak is Norv Turner 2.0. A highly regarded OC from a highly successful multiple Super Bowl winner who most likely reached his ceiling as an OC. Much like Norv, I think Kubiak is just good enough to keep people thinking "man, if we can just put it all together next year . . ." In reality, I don't think you can get over the hump with either. Both may get you into the playoffs every now and again but I don't think either has what it takes to actually make any waves once there. Both of their teams are simply under-prepared too often, make too many needless mistakes, and the coaches have too many brainfarts to compete against the truly good teams.

The number of astoundingly bad decisions Kubiak has made that were obviously bad even as they were unfolding is a testament to this. Just off the top of my head - not hurrying up the offense against Indy last year to prevent a challenge (I was screaming at my TV to hurry up in real time, not hindsight), putting the punt return in against J-ville when they were going for it (I was screaming at my TV to call a timeout in real time, not hindsight), HB pass (didn't have time to scream), refusing to run the ball last week (I was screaming at my TV all night in real time, not hindsight), etc., etc.

[Fonz the Boss]

If Texans dont win this week there will be alot of nerd rage on these boards again lol.

[NBT]

I would say that Joshua summed it up pretty well. Now, what can we do to rectify the situation?

[chuck]

The number of astoundingly bad decisions Kubiak has made that were obviously bad even as they were unfolding is a testament to this. Just off the top of my head - not hurrying up the offense against Indy last year to prevent a challenge (I was screaming at my TV to hurry up in real time, not hindsight), putting the punt return in against J-ville when they were going for it (I was screaming at my TV to call a timeout in real time, not hindsight), HB pass (didn't have time to scream), refusing to run the ball last week (I was screaming at my TV all night in real time, not hindsight), etc., etc.

Unless you want to help pay my repair bills you need to quit doing this.

[chuck]

Oh, by the way, this will be one of the two or three games in the team's history that I will deliberately not watch in real time. I'm on a sort of vacation and in a place that does not care one fig about the NFL and I can't be bothered to try to figure out how to watch the game on TV. Yes, I have sling cast and I can buy the game online but screw it. You guys deserve a game without my bitter injections.

[Arky]

Gametime!

Chargers win the toss and elect to receive.

Hester makes a goof and steps out at the 4 on the kickoff.

[Arky]

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

Mario hold Mathews for no gain. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Dump to Sproles gets about 7. Chargers have to punt.

Punt is blocked! Keglar on the block! Pollard recovers! Texans ball at the 8!

[HPF Bob]

Nice stand for the D early. Good tackle by Kareem. BLOCK! Texans ball in the red zone.

Room service! Oh, room service...

[HPF Bob]

If we lose this game on a Kris Brown FG, I'll shave my head.:eek:

[Arky]

Foster sweeps left for the TD! 8 yards. Yeah, baby....

Texans 7, Chargers 0

[HPF Bob]

Foster's....Houstonian for TOUCHDOWN!!!

1 play, 1 TD.

[Nconroe]

What a nice start. hope this can continue .

[TheMatrix31]

Gotta capitalize until SD wakes up.

[Arky]

Nice return by Sproles but flag on the play. Illegal hands to the face on the Chargers. Places the ball at the Chargers 22.

Mathews runs right side for 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

Mathews goes left for about 6. 1st down.

Rivers sacked by Mario! 2nd and 15 coming up.

Mathews runs for about 6. 3rd and 9 coming up.

[HPF Bob]

We have the good Carey reffing today's game. Mario came to play today.

[Arky]

On 3rd and 9, Rivers pass is complete for 12. 1st down. Kubiak to challenge the spot..... player caught the ball, was driven back and fumbled but recovered his own fumble...

Play is ruled down to the initial progress....

On 1st and 10, Rivers goes deep and hits the homerun. Pass complete for the 55 yard TD.

Texans 7, Chargers 7

[HPF Bob]

Kareem gets burned again. Tie game, 7-7.

Time for the offense to answer.

[Big Texas]

Ok, I expected veteren WRs to get past KJax. Now some no name person gets 5 steps on him. Please tell me that was a blown coverage by the safety...

[Big Texas]

Wow. The instant replay made it look even worse...

[Arky]

JJ brings the kickoff back to the Texan 26.

Foster goes right side for 15.

Foster no where to go -1. 2nd and 11 coming up.

Dump to Dreesen gets about 4. 3rd and 7 coming up.

KW buys a PI call. ;) Puts the ball at the Charger 26.

Foster sweeps left for about 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Foster for 5. 3rd and a half yard coming up.

Schaub sneaks for the 1st down. D Brown shaken up. Ball at the Charger 16.

[Arky]

Foster tripped up -1. 2nd and 11 coming up.

Foster gets about 6 on the delay. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Oh man, ball nearly INT'ed and then nearly caught by JJ for the TD but neither can hang on. Pass inc.

Rackers on for the FG. 28 yarder is good.

Texans 10, Chargers 7

[HPF Bob]

Well, at least we avoided the pick but I really wanted 7 on that drive, not three.

[Arky]

Chargers down the kickoff in the endzone. Chargers ball at their 20.

Dump to Crayton gets 10 or 11. 1st down.

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

Mathews gets stood up but gets enough for the 1st down.

Gadget play gets 36 yards on medium pass and run. Ball at the Texans 23.

Mathews goes right for about 12. 1st down.

Rivers hits McMichael in the endzone for the TD. Flag on Texans declined.

Chargers 14, Texans 10

[Big Texas]

Wow...

Quinn gets the left cross

And

Bently gets the okie doke...

[HPF Bob]

The defense really sucks. The offense is going to have a real job keeping up.

And the Chargers don't have to worry about punt blocks when they don't have to punt.

[Nconroe]

Jeez, our offense better start scoring touchdowns. doesn't look like a low scoring game right now.

[Arky]

1:08 left in the 1st quarter.

JJ brings the kickoff back to the Texan 32.

Pass to AJ broken up. Brings up 2nd and 10.

Ward runs for about 6. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Pass to Dreessen goes inc. Texans have to punt.

Punt lands at the Charger 28.

[cloudwasher]

Our defense seems to get worse every week. This is embarassing. Bush needs to be fired. now. Horrible. I dont have words for how bad it is. ESPN article stated we're on course to give up most yards by any defense ever in a season. I believe it.

[Big Texas]

Was that just a 3 and out?

[Big Texas]

We are just lost on defense...


I am curious to know how much we give up after the catch...

[Arky]

Start of 2nd quarter.

Dump to Mathews gets 15.

Mathews fumbles! Pollard on the strip, GQ on the recovery! Texans ball!

[Big Texas]

What.

A turnover?

I can't believe it...

[Arky]

Dump to Foster inc.

Foster sweeps right for 1. Brings up 3rd and 9 at the Charger 44.

Dump to Foster gets 10 and the 1st down.

Foster runs left for 14. Ball at the Charger 19. A Charger (Gregory) down on the play.

Foster for about 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Foster for about 3. Brings up 3rd and 1.

Foster powers for 2. 1st and goal Texans at the 8. Another Charger down on the play.

[Nconroe]

Foster really runs well, strong and fast. I like that. Keep running, 11 for 66 yds.

[TheMatrix31]

Dump to Foster inc.

Foster sweeps right for 1. Brings up 3rd and 9 at the Charger 44.

Dump to Foster gets 10 and the 1st down.

Foster runs left for 14. Ball at the Charger 19. A Charger (Gregory) down on the play.

Foster for about 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Foster for about 5. Brings up 3rd and 1.

Foster powers for 2. 1st and goal Texans at the 9 1/2. Another Charger down on the play.

Foster, Foster, Foster :)

[Arky]

Pass to AJ inc. but PI on Chargers. Auto 1st down at the 2.

Foster powers it in. 2 yard TD.

Texans 17, Chargers 14

[HPF Bob]

We have the lead but how long will it last?

[Arky]

We have the lead but how long will it last?

My guess? Not long.... :p

[TheMatrix31]

Would be great to get a stop-and-score here. Get the ball back at the half too..

[Big Texas]

When Foster ran the ball in, they briefly showed our secondary. Why were they all sitting there looking like we were losing. Someone needs to put some fire under these guys. They look extremely unmotivated.

I know, I know, I maybe reaching...

[Arky]

Looks like it's gonna be a wild and wooly one....

10:23 left in the half.

Sproles tackled at the Charger 21 on the kickoff.

Mathews for 2. Brings up 2nd and 8.

Hester gets about 10 on the dump pass. 1st down.

Pass to Ajirotutu good for about 14. 1st down.

Dump to Mathews good for 5. Ball at the Texan 48.

Tolbert for no gain. Brings up 3rd and 5.

Finally, pass inc. Chargers have to punt.

JJ fair catches at the Texan 9.

[Nconroe]

How about that, an incomplete pass by Rivers. A little pressure by Antonio Smith helped. We actually got a stop.

[TheMatrix31]

When Foster ran the ball in, they briefly showed our secondary. Why were they all sitting there looking like we were losing. Someone needs to put some fire under these guys. They look extremely unmotivated.

I know, I know, I maybe reaching...

You would think constantly getting embarrassed would do the trick.

They're simply not that good. That's all the explanation there is.

[Arky]

Ya know, Ward ain't exactly chopped liver - they should be mixing him in a little methinks...

Deep pass to Casey good for 33. Nice catch.

Dump to AJ gets about 12. 1st down. Ball at the Charger 46.

Foster goes right for about 8. 2nd and 2 coming up.

[Nconroe]

Casey ought to be playing a lot more.

[Arky]

Foster for 7. Ball at the Charger 30.

Pitch to Foster gets about 12. 1st down.

Ward for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up. Ball at the Charger 16.

Pass to Casey good for 4. Makes it 3rd and 3 at the Charger 11.

2 minute warning.

[Big Texas]

Finally, some Casey sightings...

[HPF Bob]

I'd run a draw play here on 3rd and 3. They won't see it coming.

[Arky]

On 3rd and 3, Foster runs it all the way to the 4. 1st and goal Texans.

Foster for about 1 1/2. 2nd and goal.

Timeout Texans. 31 seconds left in the half.

Pass in the flat to Casey knocked down. 3rd and goal coming up.

Dump to Foster in the endzone complete for the TD but could be a no catch...... Play is under review...

[HPF Bob]

Did he break the plane with the ball. That ought to count.

[TheMatrix31]

The Calvin Johnson rule is ****************ing terrible.

[Arky]

Pass is ruled inc. Texans to go for the FG.

Rackers 21 yarder is good.

Texans 20, Chargers 14

22 seconds left in the half.

[Nconroe]

That rule needs to be changed. Seems he had possession to me anyways. used to be ground could not cause a fumble, now it is an incompletion.

[Big Texas]

That is defintely a stupid rule. He broke the plane. This wasn't a pass into the endzone...

[Arky]

Sproles brings the kickoff back to the Charger 27.

Chargers kneel it.

Halftime.

[HPF Bob]

AAAAAACCCCKKKKK!!!

NOOOOOO!

Not Barbara Bush!!

The woman is death to the Astros and now, apparently, also the Rangers.

Will her hex jinx the Texans, too?

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 5/11, 63 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT

Rushing: Foster 18/99, Ward 2/9

Receiving: Casey 2/37, AJ 1/12, Foster 1/10, Dreessen 1/4

Tackles: Pollard/Diles 5 each, Bentley 4, Wilson/Cushing/KJ 3 each, Mario/GQ 2 each

Time of Possession: Texans 15:58, Chargers 14:02

3rd down conversions: Texans 4/7, Chargers 1/3

Red zone: Texans 2/4, Chargers 1/1

Turnovers: Texans 0, Chargers 1

[chuck]

So Foster has 100 yards in the first half and when the Texans find themselves second and goal on the three Kubiak decides to throw it twice? Nice work, Kubes. You'll be lucky to get a job as a QB coach after you get fired, and your firing cannot come too soon.

[Arky]

JJ brings the 2nd half kickoff back to the 27.

1st down pass goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Foster for maybe 1. Makes it 3rd and 9.

Dump to Foster gets good yardage.... Ball at midfield. 1st down.

Ward sweeps right -1. 2nd and 11 coming up.

Pass to AJ good to the 33 but flag on the play. Holding on Chargers declined.

Foster goes left side for 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

Foster spins and jukes to the 13 yard line. 1st down.

[Arky]

Foster runs left for 2 yards.

Ward powers for 6 yards. 3rd and 2 coming up. Ball at the 5 yard line.

Ward TFL -2. Texans have to go for the FG.

Rackers 25 yarder is good.

Texans 23, Chargers 14

I agree, Dan Fouts, strange call on 3rd down....

[HPF Bob]

We should have five TDs instead of 2 TDs and 3 FGs.

[Nconroe]

We should have five TDs instead of 2 TDs and 3 FGs.

Does Foster get a bonus for three or more touchdown runs? seems we don't want him to run in red zone anymore.

Need some defense. please.

[Arky]

Sproles brings the kickoff back to the Charger 26.

1st down pass goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Tolbert runs for 4. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Dang, bad tackling, dump to Crayton goes for big YAC. Ball at the Texan 23.

Tolbert goes left for 9. 2nd and 1 coming up.

Hester gets 2 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 12.

Pass in the flat goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Timeout Chargers.

[Arky]

5:55 left in the 3rd quarter.

Pass to McMichael in the endzone complete for the TD.

Texans 23, Chargers 21

[HPF Bob]

C'mon offense. We need an answer.

[Arky]

5:48 left in the 3rd quarter.

JJ brings the kickoff back to the Texan 26.

Pass to Casey good for 4. 2nd and 6 coming up.

Dump Casey good for 7 and a 1st down.

Pass to JJ good for 17. 1st down.

Foster for 3. Brings up 2nd and 7.

Schaub sacked -2. Brings up 3rd and 9.

Pass to Dreessen goes all the way to the Charger 25. 20 yards. 1st down.

[Nconroe]

Schaub's ribs look hurt.

[Arky]

Foster gets about 4. Brings up 2nd and 6.

Foster for no gain. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Pass to JJ comes up short of the 1st down. 4th and 1 at the Charger 17. Texans might go for it.

End of 3rd quarter.

[HPF Bob]

OMG. I don't have a good feeling about 4th down. Chargers are putting more men in the box. That's why we're throwing.

[Arky]

Oh man, on 4th and 1, Foster is stopped short. Chargers ball.

[Nconroe]

That sure didn't work out well. no blocking at all on that run.

We need a turnover, some strong defense.

Schaub heading to locker room.

What a tackle by Pollard on sproles.

[Arky]

Time to wake up, defense....

Tolbert gets 6 up the middle. Brings up 2nd and 4.

Sproles gets 3 and then Pollard beans him. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Hester gets 2 and the 1st down.

Tolbert gets about 4. Brings up 2nd and 6.

Deep pass to Crayton overthrown. Brings up 3rd and 6.

Delay of game on Chargers -5. Brings up 3rd and 11.

Rivers hit as he throws and KJ INT's! Down at the Texan 48.

[Nconroe]

nice interception by Kareem Jackson. maybe we get some points now.

Schaub doesn't look right, but he's out there.

[HPF Bob]

We're getting some breaks here. Need to take advantage.

[Arky]

Schaub's 1st down deep pass to KW overthrown. Brings up 2nd and 10. Penalty - illegal contact on Chargers 5 yards and auto 1st down.

Foster for -2. 2nd and 12 coming up.

Pass to Dreessen gets 5. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Schaub has the ball slapped out of his hands (sack) but Texans recover. Texans have to punt.

Sproles field the ball at the Charger 20 and is tackled immediately. Barber called for chop block, 15 yards. Puts the ball at the Charger 35.

[Nconroe]

come on need some more defense . tighten it up now. Barber and Nolan in there as safeties now.

[Arky]

Tolbert gets about 3 - flag on the play. No flag ruled. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Dump to Hester who takes the ball into Texan territory. 1st down at the Texan 47.

Dump to Sproles gets 8 but flag on the play. Offsides Texans - replay 1st down. 1st and 5.

Tolbert gets 4. Brings up 2nd and 1.

Hester comes up about an inch short of the 1st down. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Rivers sneaks for it but flag on the play. Illegal formation Chargers -5. Makes it 3rd and 6.

Rivers pass to Ajirotutu good for 13 and the 1st down.

[Arky]

Tolbert gets about 2 on the dump pass. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Pass to Ajirotutu good for 28 yards and the TD.

Chargers to go for 2.

Pass is inc. but holding on Pollard. 1/2 the distance. Chargers gets a 2nd chance.

Tolbert dives it in for the 2 points.

Chargers 29, Texans 23

5:17 left in the game

[Nconroe]

Norv turner is brilliant . I'm sick of these CBS announcers.

[Arky]

JJ brings the kickoff back to the Texan 28.

Pass to AJ good for 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

Pass to Dreessen goes for big gain. Ball at the Charger 43.

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

Schaub chunks it out of bounds. Gets flagged for intentional grounding. Loss of down. 3rd and 15. Officials discussing.....

Pass to Dreessen gets 14. Makes it 4th and 1.

Schaub sneaks it...Oh man, he might be short.... Fail, Chargers ball. :(

C'mon defense...

[HPF Bob]

When the receiver caught it, it looked like we were about a half-foot short but, somehow, that half-foot grew to 1-1/2 yards while it was being spotted. How the hell does that happen?

[Arky]

Ball at the Charger 34. 3:31 left in the game.

Tolbert rushes for 2. Timeout Texans. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Dump to Hester gets 3. 3rd and 5 coming up. Timeout Texans.

3rd down pass sails inc. Chargers have to punt. 3:14 left in the game.

Punt bounces out of bounds at the Texans 14.

[HPF Bob]

Schaub is going to have to win this.

[Arky]

Pass to JJ good for 14.

Pass to AJ inc. Brings up 2nd and 10.

Dump to Foster takes it all the way to the Charger 39.

Dump to Foster goes for about 4 or 5. Brings up 2nd and 6.

2 minute warning.

[Arky]

On 2nd and 6, pass to AJ gets 8. 1st down.

Pass to Dreessen inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass off AJ's hands is INT'ed. Play is under review to see if it is a clean INT....

[Nconroe]

not sure, AJ usually catches those, not today. likely interception

[Arky]

Look like it hit the ground to me...

Damn, play stands as called...

Chargers kneeling it out.

Final score:

Chargers 29, Texans 23

[HPF Bob]

Barbara Bush strikes again.

[Fonz the Boss]

We had a chance to win this. Wont say this too often but.... Andre Johnson cost us the game.

[HPF Bob]

Well, at least Kris Brown didn't beat us. I couldn't have taken that.

[Arky]

Well, at least Kris Brown didn't beat us. I couldn't have taken that.

Ya, when it was the 2-point lead, I just knew K Brown was going to kick the game winning FG.

[Big Texas]

If any dumb ass calls in to 610 tomorrow saying that Dreesen or AJohnson had anything to do with this loss, they are stupid.

I give this loss, like I have given majority of all our losses to our back end, specifically KJax. I don't care about some cheap interception that was basically put in your hands. Just like the last pick he got. He was abused for long TDs on two separate instances by a nobody.

[sinnister]

Yeah. KJax is killing us. Why does he keep biting on the same play.

[Fonz the Boss]

This loss eliminates us from any chance we had to make the playoffs as a wild card. Chargers will make a late run for a playoff spot like they always do and now they have the tie breaker if we are there in the thick of things. Only way to make it now is to win the division. As bad as things look we will only be one game behind in the division if the Colts lose today. Go Eagles!!

[TheMatrix31]

Refs/rules sucked, secondary sucked.....what a shame.

Some Texans fans, uh, "elsewhere", are insufferable.

[barrett]

If any dumb ass calls in to 610 tomorrow saying that Dreesen or AJohnson had anything to do with this loss, they are stupid.

I give this loss, like I have given majority of all our losses to our back end, specifically KJax. I don't care about some cheap interception that was basically put in your hands. Just like the last pick he got. He was abused for long TDs on two separate instances by a nobody.

No arguments about the secondary and Jackson in particular playing poorly, but of course Dreesen and AJ dropping balls in the end of the game had something to do with us losing. Did those plays not count?

[nunusguy]

4-4 ? Yea, that sounds about right for this team. I swear they me fooled there at the beginning of the year as I really thought they were gonna make a move into the playoffs in 2010.

[TheMatrix31]

No arguments about the secondary and Jackson in particular playing poorly, but of course Dreesen and AJ dropping balls in the end of the game had something to do with us losing. Did those plays not count?

Yep.

And I can't stand the whole "good teams overcome bad officiating" trash either. Again, do those plays not count?

[Big Texas]

No arguments about the secondary and Jackson in particular playing poorly, but of course Dreesen and AJ dropping balls in the end of the game had something to do with us losing. Did those plays not count?

Maybe I should adjust my statement.

I think people that blame the loss on AJohnson are stupid. Of course those plays count, but why were we even in that situation to begin with?

KJax clearly gave up two bomb pass TDs to who? TUTU?

[HPF Bob]

Colts lost (thanks, Eagles), so we are still only a game out of the division lead. Don't hang your heads too far.

[Fonz the Boss]

Only one game behind in the division so its not the end of the season. We had this game in the bag but that Foster TD overruling was dumb. KJax did the usual and got beat for TDs but we still should have won this game. It came down to the wire but Andre didnt make the plays that he makes most of the time. Its gut check next week. If we take care of our division then theres no reason why we shouldnt make the playoffs.

[Blitzwood]

I give this loss, like I have given majority of all our losses to our back end, specifically KJax. I don't care about some cheap interception that was basically put in your hands. Just like the last pick he got. He was abused for long TDs on two separate instances by a nobody.

That pretty much sums it up for me, time to bench him and try McMannis. Hopefully he won't get burned by a practice squad WR like our 1st rounder did twice. Time to start thinking about the season and trying to make the playoffs than our first round's exposure/experiment.

[coloradodude]

Well, I'm pretty angry right now. I don't care whether anyone agrees with me or not on this first point.

1. Mario sucks. First pick in the draft, plenty of time to develop has occurred, additions to the D line has happened....and he still doesn't need to be double teamed when he's being covered by the RIGHT tackle. He's Mr Non-existent. Fan worship will continue to blind many just like it did during the David Carr fiasco.

2. Dallas Cowboys only win was against us and they a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y dominated us.

3. I think at this point we have one more win, possible two, for the 2010 season.

[chuck]

Colts lost (thanks, Eagles), so we are still only a game out of the division lead. Don't hang your heads too far.

Who the hell do you think they're going to beat? Bob, there MIGHT be two more wins on the schedule. They may steal a game from the Jags and they may beat your Broncos who have a coach as stupid as the Texans' and twice as arrogant.

The Texans could not beat the Lions at this point. Seriously, the Detroit Lions would beat the dogshit out of the Houston Texans.

[Nconroe]

well, you could be right, but today they had way more first downs, won time of possession, and had more offensive yds than SD. ie. played good enuf to win.

So, they lost probably due to to many field goals, failure to make 4th down plays, a dumb QB sneak. Several umpire decisions were tough on Texans.

KJ gave up big plays, but DL lack of pressure is part of that . too bad. As is where were safeties on deep coverage over the top.

Foster sure had a great game, running and receiving.

Defense does have to improve somehow. Run defense is ok, just not pass defense.

lot better with less penalties today.

Every team on schedule except Denver is .500 or above, so gonna be tough to make playoffs, But, it is possible to think about it.

[TheMatrix31]

Who the hell do you think they're going to beat? Bob, there MIGHT be two more wins on the schedule. They may steal a game from the Jags and they may beat your Broncos who have a coach as stupid as the Texans' and twice as arrogant.

The Texans could not beat the Lions at this point. Seriously, the Detroit Lions would beat the dogshit out of the Houston Texans.

It's the NFL. Anything can happen. We play the Jaguars twice and the Titans twice. We play the Eagles and we have the Broncos. None of those teams are world beaters. They also have the Jets in a revenge game, and the Ravens at home in Monday Night.

I can easily see us winning 5 more games.

Unfortunately, I can also see us winning two.

[HPF Bob]

I guess the Browns had no shot at beating the Patriots either.

The Texans are good enough to beat every team left on their schedule if they cut down on mistakes and get a few breaks. They're also bad enough to lose to every team left on their schedule when they can't tackle, blow assignments and drop passes.It really depends on who shows up and how well they play.

Half the games left are in the division so they really have their destiny in front of them. The Jags are not invincible and neither are the Titans, plus they both still have games with the Colts.

Maybe I'm holding on to hope because all my other teams are crap this season and the Texans are the best of the lot. But they have put on late-season spurts before and there's no reason to think they can't do it again.

[nunusguy]

The Texans are good enough to beat every team left on their schedule if they cut down on mistakes and get a few breaks.

And if ifs & buts were candy & nuts, oh what a Merry Christmas we'd have next month. Sorry 'bout that, couldn't help myself.
But have we really had fewer breaks than our competition ? And even with our injuries, our last 2 opponents we've lost to have had injuries just as significant as ours.
OK, so is Kareem just real clumsy and getting beat on the fake or juke, or is he that slow or is it both ? On both of those long TD passes to the undrafted
FA rookie (ouch !) WR, our first round pick was trailing by a good 10 feet when the receiver caught the pass. But that's all I could see on the TV screen, Kareem trailing way behind ?

[WMH]

OK, so is Kareem just real clumsy and getting beat on the fake or juke, or is he that slow or is it both ? On both of those long TD passes to the undrafted
FA rookie (ouch !) WR, our first round pick was trailing by a good 10 feet when the receiver caught the pass. But that's all I could see on the TV screen, Kareem trailing way behind ?

For some reason, the dude can't keep his feet. I would say on 75% of his plays that he gets torched on, he slips. He bites on play action WAY too much, which is likely why he is having to reverse his field and causes his slips. Get him some longer cleats or tell him to not worry about the run game AT ALL or something....not gonna get any easier.

[Joshua]

But have we really had fewer breaks than our competition ? And even with our injuries, our last 2 opponents we've lost to have had injuries just as significant as ours.


I've heard the injury argument a lot lately and quite frankly, I don't know what this is about. The Colts and San Diego had injury problems. Nobody gets through a season without injuries and our injury situation seems to be better than most. Aside from Demeco, I can't think of any serious injuries to any critical players. Schaub, Foster and the O-line has been basically fine. Andre was dinged up and missed a couple and still has a nagging injury, but nothing terribly serious. The defensive line hasn't suffered any injuries and the secondary has been pretty healthy as well. So, what other injuries are people talking about? Am I forgetting something?

[WMH]

I've heard the injury argument a lot lately and quite frankly, I don't know what this is about. The Colts and San Diego had injury problems. Nobody gets through a season without injuries and our injury situation seems to be better than most. Aside from Demeco, I can't think of any serious injuries to any critical players. Schaub, Foster and the O-line has been basically fine. Andre was dinged up and missed a couple and still has a nagging injury, but nothing terribly serious. The defensive line hasn't suffered any injuries and the secondary has been pretty healthy as well. So, what other injuries are people talking about? Am I forgetting something?

Losing Barwin certainly didn't help, but it ain't about the injuries. Shit happens every freaking year. That's a BS/weak arguement, IMO.

Look @ what Capers is doing with a bunch of no names @ GB.....

[chuck]

Gentlemen, I am well aware that the Texans have four division games remaining and that the division is indeed wide open. I am also aware based on what I have seen and what I know about the team that the team is very, very unlikely to take advantage of the opportunity that is miraculously still in front of them.

This is the worst NFL defense I have ever seen. Their arrogant decision not to resign Dunta is going to affect the franchise in a similar way to their decision to release Aaron Glenn. The Glenn decision led directly to the darkest days of the franchise. I'm not sure that the Texans are in danger of being a 1-15 team next year but the defense is definitely reeling and is the worst in the NFL.

The Texans move the ball well in between the 20s. They have a great deal of trouble getting into the end zone in the red zone. Friends, that is why they lost yesterday. Sure, they could have used better play from Jackson, a couple of guys paid to catch the ball could have caught the ball, apparently there were some questionable calls. But the team failed to score touchdowns, what, six times in the red zone? That is inexcusable. There is plenty of blame - dropped balls, bad play calls, strange officiating decisions - but at the end of the day a good team scores seven points when they are inside the ten yard line and the Texans just don't do that. With this defense you won't beat Carolina with that sort of red zone performance.

In short, the defense is not going to get any better and I simply do not see a Kubiak-led offense performing in the red zone.

[NBT]

Inconsistancy (sp?). That sums up the year in a nutshell. One game they are the #1 passing offense in the league, the next week they are horrible. They can't put two games together where they are good in all aspects of the game. KJ is an easy one to blame, but the pass rush has not been good enough to give him a chance. Yes, he bites on the double move way too much, but if a more consistant (there it is again) pass rush were available, would he be having this bad of a year? The coach gets his head handed to him because of his game plans or lack of same. Sadly it is about time for some more housecleaning. Are you listening Mr. McNair.

[coloradodude]

My last thoughts about yesterday.

I hate to lose to somebody like Phillip Rivers, it's childish on my part I know. I also hate to lose to a team owned by Jerry Jones. That one infuriated me.

Now we are gonna have to deal with a Bud Adams team that has gone out of its way to add Randy Moss. With barely a pass rush and no secondary, either 54 year old Kerry Collins or Mr Wonderlic himself, Capt 8, will be there to remind us why they moved out of Houston and went to the inbreeding capital of the South.

Because for some unknown reason, we still continue to suck.

[barrett]

Gentlemen, I am well aware that the Texans have four division games remaining and that the division is indeed wide open. I am also aware based on what I have seen and what I know about the team that the team is very, very unlikely to take advantage of the opportunity that is miraculously still in front of them.

This is the worst NFL defense I have ever seen. Their arrogant decision not to resign Dunta is going to affect the franchise in a similar way to their decision to release Aaron Glenn. The Glenn decision led directly to the darkest days of the franchise. I'm not sure that the Texans are in danger of being a 1-15 team next year but the defense is definitely reeling and is the worst in the NFL.

The Texans move the ball well in between the 20s. They have a great deal of trouble getting into the end zone in the red zone. Friends, that is why they lost yesterday. Sure, they could have used better play from Jackson, a couple of guys paid to catch the ball could have caught the ball, apparently there were some questionable calls. But the team failed to score touchdowns, what, six times in the red zone? That is inexcusable. There is plenty of blame - dropped balls, bad play calls, strange officiating decisions - but at the end of the day a good team scores seven points when they are inside the ten yard line and the Texans just don't do that. With this defense you won't beat Carolina with that sort of red zone performance.

In short, the defense is not going to get any better and I simply do not see a Kubiak-led offense performing in the red zone.

I don't think things are as broken as they seem. This team is very close. I just don't think we'll get there.

The redzone has not been a problem this season. They showed a stat during sunday's game that we had 11 TDs and 3 FGs in 14 goal to go opportunities. Foster has largely solved the goalline issues (except when we don't run him). Struggling yesterday does not equal a problem (unless you mean a coaching problem).

The defense is an issue for sure. It is atrocious. I can't believe that our front office and coaching staff could watch our secondary everyday and then say, "Yeah, we're good to go and I'll stake my job and our playoff hopes on these guys."

But even with the defense in a better state, I still think we aren't a potential superbowl team. We have always added up to less than the sum of our parts under Kubiak. He is a well meaning and capable guy, just not a winner. I said he should have been fired last year since he has defined mediocrity. I bet when it is all said and done we are mediocre again this year and manage to win 7-9 games. I just hope McNair stops buying into the idea that we are close.

The NFL is a very talent leveled league and the head coach may be the single biggest factor in determining a team's success (unless your head coach plays QB like Peyton manning and then you can have a carboard cutout for a head coach and still win). We will never win big with Kubiak so the move can't be made soon enough in my opinion. Especially since we have enough talent to contend right now if someone can get it to show up on Sundays.

[Nconroe]

It is really a thin line between winning and loosing in the NFL these days isn't it. If we had a Troy Polamulu our coaches would likely look a whole lot better.

[Fonz the Boss]

Lets hire Wade Phillips for defensive coordinator and turn our D into a 3-4 D. Cushing, Ryans, Diles and Barwin can be our LBs. Smith and Williams will play DE and we can pick up a huge nose tackle in the draft because Okoye is not tough enough. Look at some of the top defenses in the league(Chargers, Jets, Steelers, Ravens, Green Bay)... they are all 3-4. Its a trend that we need to follow.

[chuck]

I don't think things are as broken as they seem. This team is very close. I just don't think we'll get there.

Any offense that has Matt Schaub throwing to Andre Johnson and handing off to Arian Foster has the ability to be breathtakingly good. The defense... How much top-line talent is there on the defense? One player? Mario is the only player who would start anywhere he went. Demeco's pretty good but not a world beater. Everyone else (including Cushing this year) is at best average or more probably just plain bad.

I know how they got here, they got here by terrible talent evaluation and terrible personnel decisions. I don't know how you fix a defense with one serviceable player in time to cash in on the potential of the offense. Andre is not going to be the best WR in the league forever, and the shelf life of a good RB is shockingly short.

It's funny, isn't it? I and others here spend a great deal of time ripping Kubiak for his boneheaded play calling and mind-numbing game management. And deservedly so because he's terrible at both. But the real damage he's done to the franchise is in creating the worst defense in the history of organized football. Zierlein had an interesting note in his latest piece - a source indicated that despite Smith's claims to have the final word in personnel decisions Kubiak has overruled Smith on a number of recent defensive draft choices.

[chuck]

Lets hire Wade Phillips for defensive coordinator and turn our D into a 3-4 D. Cushing, Ryans, Diles and Barwin can be our LBs. Smith and Williams will play DE and we can pick up a huge nose tackle in the draft because Okoye is not tough enough. Look at some of the top defenses in the league(Chargers, Jets, Steelers, Ravens, Green Bay)... they are all 3-4. Its a trend that we need to follow.

Hey, painekiller, give Fonz his computer back. But before you do see if you can't get rid of that godawful sig file.