View Full Version : Official Texans vs. Bills Game Thread, 11/4/2012
Nconroe
10-31-2012, 01:28 PM
Ok, got a game this weekend.
Mario against Texans Offensive Line.
Both teams coming off a bye week.
I'd like to see our special teams look much better.
Depending on which Mario shows up, him vs. Newton could be a little nerve racking.
Per the twitter - We have claimed Grimes and released Mister Alexander. Doesn't look real peachy for Tate this week.
Warren
10-31-2012, 07:40 PM
I wouldn't be surprised to see Mario have a nice game. When he was here he had some of his best performances when the coaches took him aside and challenged him, and ever since the schedule came out he's been acting like he has something to prove against the Texans for not breaking the bank to keep him.
TV = CBS (channel 11 local), 12 noon Sunday
Announcers (http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2012/wk9.html) = Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Texans by 10 to 12
HPF Bob
10-31-2012, 10:49 PM
I feel good about having "The Bird and The Beard" in the booth. We're usually solid when those two are the announcing crew. Most of the country is getting Denver-Cincinnati. Our game is being seen throughout Texas and upstate New York.
Grimes will be active the first week back. Hopefully, we'll be in a spot to see him in "real" action.
Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) tweeted:
Coach Kubiak: RB Ben Tate didn't practice (hamstring) and will not play in Sunday's game.
Gametime 5 minutes away...
Nice to be back....
Texans win the toss and will receive.
Poochy kickoff is covered up by Keo at the Texan 25. Texans ball.
chuck
11-04-2012, 12:09 PM
It's a broken record every freaking week. How are the special teams this bad?
Foster goes left side for 11.
Foster for 1.
Foster up the middle for about 5. Brings up 3rd and 4.
Pass over the middle to OD is off the mark, inc. Texans to punt.
Bills fair catch the punt about their 8 yard line.... flag down... Texans have to rekick...
Flags presnap..... false start Texans -5.....
Bills bring the punt back to their 28. Bills ball.
Pass by Fitzpatrick is batted down by Cody, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Jackson for gain of 1. 3rd and 9 coming up.
Pass complete to S Johnson for 14 and a 1st down.
Jackson caught in the backfield for loss of 1. 2nd and 11 coming up.
Fitzpatrick's pass is high and outside, inc. 3rd and 11 coming up.
Dumpoff to Jackson only gets 2 or so. Bills have to punt.
Punt goes out of bounds about the Texan 4 yard line. Texans ball.
Foster goes left for no gain.
Schaub's pass can't find a home, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.
Foster up the gut for 11 and a 1st down.
Deep pass to Walter complete but holding on the Texans brings it back. Makes it 1st and 17.
Pass to AJ goes for about 9 but flag on the play....offsides Bills makes it 1st and 12.
Schaub's dumpoff to Foster off the mark, inc. 2nd and 12 coming up.
Pass complete to AJ for 13 and a 1st down.
Short pass to OD complete for 7.
Forsett for 1. 3rd and 2 coming up.
Schaub gets sacked. Makes it 4th and 10 so Texans have to punt.
Bills return the punt to their 26. Bills on offense.
Spiller for about 3.
Pass complete to S Johnson for 7 but short of the 1st down.
On 3rd and short, Spiller is caught in the backfield for a loss. Bills have to punt.
Martin brings the punt back to the Texan 23. 2:36 left in the 1st quarter.
Throwback to KW complete for 18.
Slant to AJ complete for 7.
Foster runs down the left sideline for 14 and a 1st down. Ball at the Bill 39.
Deep pass to OD wide open goes for the TD! 39 yards!
Texans 7, Bills 0
36 seconds left in the 1st quarter.
Bills bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 26.
-------------------------
Pass to S Johnson good for 9. 2nd and 1 coming up.
End of the 1st quarter.
Spiller for 5 and the 1st down. Ball at the Bills 40.
Timeout Bills.
--------------------------------
Flags presnap. Offsides A Smith makes it 1st and 5.
Pass to Jones good for 7 and the 1st down.
Dumpoff to Spiller goes all the way to the Texan 19.
Dumpoff to Jackson is sniffed out for loss of 1. 2nd and 11 coming up.
Fitzpatrick can't find a receiver and scrambles for loss of 1. 3rd and 12 coming up.
Fitzpatrick pressured again scrambles for 3. Bills to go for the FG on 4th and 9.
FG is no good.
Score remains:
Texans 7, Bills 0
10:31 left in the half.
Pass to AJ along the sideline good for 13.
Foster gets loose for 21. Ball at the Bills 39.
Flags presnap. False start on Caldwell makes it 1st and 15.
Pass over the middle to Casey goes for 25. Ball at the Bills 20.
End around to Martin goes for 1.
Schaub is sacked by Mario. Flag down....holding on Texans is declined. Makes it 3rd and 13 coming up.
Flags presnap. False start on Newton makes it 3rd and 18.
Pass to KW off the mark, inc. Texans to go for the FG.
Graham's 46-yarder is blocked, no good.
Bills takeover on their 38. 6:22 left in the half.
Nconroe
11-04-2012, 01:02 PM
Well, ok, but pretty sloppy with too many penalties and now a blocked FG.
Jackson goes for about 14.
Dumpoff to Dickerson goes for 14. Ball at the Texan 38. B James hurt on the play.
Pass complete to Jones for 14 more.
Jackson for about 4. 2nd and 6 coming up. Ball at the Texan 20.
Timeout Bills. 3:45 left in the half.
Smith up the middle for no gain. 3rd and 6 coming up for the Bills.
Pass to Chandler good for the 1st down at the Texan 12.
Jackson up the middle for 2.
2 minute warning.
--------------------------
Flags presnap. False start Bills -5. 2nd and 13 coming up from the Texan 15.
Pass to Jackson goes for 5. Texans call a timeout. 1:54 left in the half.
Dumpoff to Jones goes for about 8 or 9. Bills to go for the FG.
Lindell's 22-yarder is good.
Texans 7, Bills 3
1:42 left in the half.
Martin brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texan 26.
------------------------------
Schaub's pass off the mark to OD, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Short pass to OD good for 3.
Pass to OD broken up, inc. Texans have to punt.
McKelvin brings the punt back to the Bills 33. Bills ball. 52 seconds left in the half.
-----------------------------
Pass to Graham inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Pass to Spiller good for 12 and the 1st down.
Pass to Jones goes for 19 to the Texan 37.
Spiller runs all the way to the Texan 15. 16 seconds left in the half.
Fitzpatrick is sacked by Watt! Loss of 6. Timeout Bills. 9 seconds left in the half. Bills elect to go for the FG.
Lindell's 38-yarder is good.
Texans 7, Bills 6
5 seconds left in the half.
Martin field the ensuing kickoff and steps out of bounds at the Texan 23.
Texans kneel it.
Halftime.
Texans 7, Bills 6
Halftime stats:
Passing: Schaub 8/14, 124 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Foster 7/62, Forsett 1/0, Martin 1/1
Receiving: OD 3/50, AJ 3/32, Casey 1/24, KW 1/18
Tackles: GQ/Watt 5 each, Dobbins 4, JJo/Barwin 3 each, Demp/McCain 2 each
TOP: Texans 14:14, Bills 15:46
1st downs: Texans 9, Bills 11
3rd down efficiency: Texans 1/5, Bills 2/6
Red zone: Texans 0/1, Bills 0/3
Total yards: Texans 174, Bills 189
Penalties: Texans 6/32, Bills 2/10
Penalties on the 2nd half kickoff. Texans have to rekick. Graham's squibby kickoff is fallen upon by the Bills at their 26 yard line. Bills ball.
-----------------------------------
Fitzpatrick's pass is dropped by Chandler, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Fitz's pass too tall, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.
Deep pass to S Johnson sails inc. Bills have to punt.
Martin brings the punt back all the way to the Bills 43. 26 yards on the punt return.
Nconroe
11-04-2012, 01:51 PM
Ok, let's go Texans. Nice Kick return to Buffalo 42 by Martin.
And nice throw deep to Andre.
Foster slips for 1.
Foster gets 4 going around left end. 3rd and 5 coming up.
Deep pass to AJ goes all the way to the 5 yard line! Williams of the Bills hurt on the play. Injury timeout.
---------------------------
Foster for 1. 2nd and goal from the 4.
Foster punches it in!
Texans 14, Bills 6
12:11 left in the 3rd quarter.
Bills bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 23.
------------------------------
Spiller for 3.
Pass complete to Jones for 15 and a 1st down.
Screen to Jackson goes for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.
Pass over the middle to Chandler goes for 24 yards. Ball at the Texan 29.
Jackson for 2.
Spiller goes around the right end for 6. 3rd and 2 coming up.
Pass to Johnson broken up. Bills to go for the FG.
Lindell's 39-yarder is good.
Texans 14, Bills 9
7:41 left in the 3rd quarter.
barrett
11-04-2012, 02:06 PM
We're making this harder than it needs to be. We are averaging 6 YPC against a team that gives up 6 YPC. Avoid the penalties and put them away.
Martin brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texan 24.
-------------------------------
Foster goes for 1.
Pass to AJ goes for 11 and a 1st down.
Foster spins for 3 but holding on the Texans backs it up. 1st and 20 coming up.
Schaub's pass to AJ off the mark, inc. 2nd and 20 coming up.
Foster for 2. 3rd and 18 coming up.
Pass to Casey goes for 13. Texans have to punt.
Punt goes out of bounds at the Bills 20.
Pass to Graham goes for loss of 1.
Pass to Spiller goes for 4. 3rd and 7 coming up.
Pass over the middle to Jones is inc. Bills have to punt.
Martin fair catches at the Texan 33. Texans ball.
Oy, lost this website for a while.... Here's what I got:
Foster for 2 and the 1st down.
Foster slips for loss of 2.
Pass to AJ goes for nice gainer - down to the 9 yard line. 1st and goal.
Foster loses 2.
Pass to Graham goes to the 4 yard line. 3rd and goal coming up.
Schaub's pass to Graham is good for the TD!
Texans 21, Bills 9
11:25 left in the game.
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Bills bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 31. Bills on offense.
-----------------------------
Dumpoff to Jones goes for 2.
Fitz's pass is batted up in the air by Crick, inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.
Bills about to run out of play clock call a timeout.
On 3rd and 8 at their 33, pass is dropped by Chandler. Bills have to punt.
Punt sails out of bounds at their own 10 yard line. Texans ball.
Foster for 3.
Pass to AJ good for 9 and a 1st down.
Foster for 4. 2nd and 6 coming up.
Foster for 7 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 33. 8:04 left in the game.
Foster for 2.
Dumpoff to Casey goes for nice gainer. Ball at the Texan 47.
Foster goes left side for 19.
Forsett for 1. 4:51 left in the game.
Forsett sweep right for 4. Timeout....
---------------------------
On 3rd and 5, Foster goes nowhere. Bills use their final timeout.
Texans going for it on 4th and 6..... deep pass to AJ in the endzone too long, inc. Bills takeover on downs at their 30.
Fitz's deep pass almost INT'ed but inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Pass to Jackson goes for 5. 3rd and 5 coming up.
Pass to Martin is broken up by Ball, inc. Bills to go for it on 4th down....
Pass to Chandler goes for nice gainer to around midfield.
Pass to the sideline to Jones is inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Fitz scrambles for 11.
Fitz scrambles and has the ball knocked loose by Mercilus - ball is recovered by Demps! Texans ball!
Forsett loses 1.
Forsett for 6. 3rd and 5 coming up.
2 minute warning.
Forsett caught in the backfield for loss of 4. 4th and 9 coming up. Texans call timeout with 1:15 left in the game. Texans punting....
Ball makes the tackle on the punt returner at the Bills 22. Bills ball.
Fitz dumps off to Spiller for gain of 6. 58 seconds left in the game.
Pass complete to TJ Graham for 4 and the 1st down.
Dumpoff to Spiller goes for 13. 25 seconds left in the game.
Flags presnap. False start Bills -5. 1st and 15 coming up.
Fitz is sacked by Mercilus! Time runs out!
Final score:
Texans 21, Bills 9
Not pretty but it'll do.....
Nconroe
11-04-2012, 03:53 PM
The second half was a little better with a lot less penalties.
Mercilus had two impact plays with a forced fumble recovered by Demps and then a sack.
Nice to see AJ have over 100 yds receiving.
Next Sunday night at Chicago will be a good test with two 7-1 teams.
HPF Bob
11-04-2012, 03:59 PM
Watched this from Sam's Boat and wasn't typing but a very meh sort of game. Defense took a fairly explosive team and kept them out of the end zone the entire game. The offense committed no turnovers. We had some players dinged up during the game but the subs came in and played well.
Once Aaron Williams (former Longhorn) got hurt covering AJ, it was clear that Schaub could find AJ whenever he wanted to. Still, I didn't understand passing up a 47-yd FG try with a 12-pt. lead to try the deep ball to AJ on fourth down. Unless Graham was hurt (his KOs are lacking distance), it didn't make sense.
Special teams are still scary. Incidentally, Trindon Holliday had a 105-yd KO return for a TD in the Broncos win. Holliday still hasn't been on a losing team all season.
The Bears sure are looking tough so the Texans will need to be at the top of their game next week.
Keith
11-04-2012, 11:14 PM
Martin brings the punt back all the way to the Bills 43. 26 yards on the punt return.
Not to ignore the superb efforts from Andre Johnson today or the excellent play design and execution of the Owen Daniels TD, but this punt return early in the third quarter might be the play of the game.
It followed a rather lethargic first half and provided a spark from a part of the team that hadn't done many positive things lately. Of course, another great pass and reception from Schaub to Andre followed to set up the 3-yd Foster scoring run for what would prove to be the go-ahead points, but this return seemed to give the team the kick in the pants it needed. Hopefully it is a sign of improved production out of the Texans return game.
popanot
11-05-2012, 07:18 AM
Yes, this team is finally good enough to beat a bad team even when they're not at the top of their game. However, a couple concerns I have coming out of that game are:
1. IMO, our OL was getting manhandled at the point of attack. A lot of the dumb penalties they got called for was a direct result of them getting abused time and time again.
2. I'm not sure what the hell is going on with Graham, but I think there's more to Kubiak going for it and not kicking the FG than it was Kubiak just trying to be creative and going for the kill. Perhaps it's time they bring in a kicker or two for a tryout.
As for Kubiak going for it, I understand the D was playing well and if the play worked he's a genius. However, that was still an extremely risky call at that point in the game. It's not like our D was stifling and BUF wasn't moving the ball on us. I understand that it was still a 2-score game even if we had kicked a FG, but if BUF did happen to get 2 scores, the difference is a potential AFC loss (up by only 12 after going for it) as opposed to a win or at worst a tie and OT since BUF would've had to score 2 TD's plus a 2pt conversion. But like I said, I think going for it might have said more about Graham's health or Kubiak's confidence in his leg than it was about Kubiak trying a kill shot.
BTW, they need to find ways to get Mercilus more snaps than what he's currently getting. Not sure how they do it, but the kid is active and making game-changing plays when he's on the field. Interesting point here... Yesterday's game was all about Mario (ad nauseam), and yes, he played better than usual (that's typical motivated/unmotivated Mario). However, IMO, the kid who we drafted to replace him ultimately had a bigger impact on the game. I haven't seen any of the TV 'experts' make that connection yet.
barrett
11-05-2012, 08:01 AM
2. I'm not sure what the hell is going on with Graham, but I think there's more to Kubiak going for it and not kicking the FG than it was Kubiak just trying to be creative and going for the kill. Perhaps it's time they bring in a kicker or two for a tryout.
As for Kubiak going for it, I understand the D was playing well and if the play worked he's a genius. However, that was still an extremely risky call at that point in the game. It's not like our D was stifling and BUF wasn't moving the ball on us. I understand that it was still a 2-score game even if we had kicked a FG, but if BUF did happen to get 2 scores, the difference is a potential AFC loss (up by only 12 after going for it) as opposed to a win or at worst a tie and OT since BUF would've had to score 2 TD's plus a 2pt conversion. But like I said, I think going for it might have said more about Graham's health or Kubiak's confidence in his leg than it was about Kubiak trying a kill shot.
I don't think it was about killer instinct. It was the smart play. The odds of a conversion there are about the same as the odds on a Graham FG from 47 (50/50). Not to mention a conversion ends the game (even without a TD we run half of the remaining clock at least), while a FG simply means a 2 TD collapse gets us to OT. Throw in the 7 yards of field position that a failed FG means compared to a failed conversion. It was the smart play.
Now if we are unhappy with a kikcer who is very accurate inside of 45 and has no range, then that is another story.
popanot
11-05-2012, 08:47 AM
While I do understand the call, I'm not sure I'd call it smart. Fact is, some will like it and some won't. I'm of the latter in that situation. If you want to go for it, then hit an underneath play -which we were killing them on all game- and burn the clock. But going back to my K point, if we can't have faith in our K in that range at home and under calm conditions, then we could be in trouble when it really matters and/under hostile conditions. The other side to this is our kick-offs suck too. Just saying it might be time to bring in some competition.
I understand it's mid-season and there might not be great options out there, but at least look. They've been bringing in has-been/never-were WRs/QBs/other positions for a looksie, why not a K? I'd at least bring in Keading (who I'm pretty sure is healthy and a FA now. Might be wrong tho...) and maybe Kundiff for a look. Again, not great options and it doesn't mean they have to hire them, but at least look.
nunusguy
11-05-2012, 09:09 AM
Unless our KO guy was hurt or ill yesterday, I think he should spend all week practicing his squib-kick because I definitely don't want him getting the ball no further than the 10 or 15 yard line on KOs to the likes of Devin Hester.
And yea, we need to get Mercilus on the field more and more, he's our quickest edge-rusher and he's just too talented and important to the pass-rush to leave languishing on the sidelines as much as he's been left there lately. Cutler when "on" is an incredible passer with an even stronger arm that Aaron Rogers, so we need to maximize our QB pressure this coming Sunday in ChiTown.
barrett
11-05-2012, 09:31 AM
The kickoffs were pop-ups and were an answer to our ST coverage issues (and our inability to put it out of the endzone). And they worked very well considering the best KR team in the NFL had 52 yards on 4 returns. They got their KRs to the 26, 26, 23, 31. When you can't kick a touchback, the other team can't move it against your offense, and they have two very dangerous KR men, that is great field position and a great adjustment from the coaching staff.
Again, if your guys issue is our kicker just isn't very good, I agree. That's why he was our backup kicker and was destined to be cut in the preseason. Unfortunately injury happened and we are left with the choice between accuracy issues (what's available in week 9) or leg issues (what we have).
The kickoff issues have been overblown because we have nothing else to complain about. Our scoring defense is amongst the tops in the league and ST played no role in our only loss.
So it comes down to Graham hitting short ones and not being relied on past 45, or a kicker off the street who might hit from 50 or might shank a 35 yarder. 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.
Early line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) on Houston vs. Chicago is "pickem" to Chicago by 1.5....
nunusguy
11-05-2012, 03:36 PM
Early line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) on Houston vs. Chicago is "pickem" to Chicago by 1.5....
I'm surprised it's that close, I figured the Bears would be favored by atleast 3-4 ?
I'm surprised it's that close, I figured the Bears would be favored by atleast 3-4 ?
Yeah, there's probably several ways to look at it.... Homefield they say is worth 3 pts., so on a neutral field, the Texans would be favored. Chicago looked so strong against Tennessee this weekend - perhaps the books are encouraging people to put money on Chicago because they expect the Texans to win?... Who knows?.... :p
On paper, it looks like a pretty even matchup..... Both teams only loss was to Green Bay which says something about Green Bay's ability to get up for a big game..... Green Bay's losses = "robbed" in Seattle, a big fat "Doh!" against the Colts and a Week 1 loss to the 49'ers....
chuck
11-05-2012, 08:38 PM
As for Kubiak going for it, I understand the D was playing well and if the play worked he's a genius. However, that was still an extremely risky call at that point in the game.
I was more confused by the team's not going to Andre on a quick slant route on third down. Andre was demolishing whoever it was that was lining up against him; he got a HUGE cushion and it was obvious that the CB was terrified. I would have looked to Andre a lot more than they did (I know he caught a lot of passes but I would have thrown to him even more) and I certainly would have gone his way on third down rather than trying for a big gain like they did. That's pitch and catch and you keep marching.
HPF Bob
11-05-2012, 09:56 PM
I agree with Chuck. They kept trying to get Foster his 100 yds but AJ was as good as a running play with those quick slants.
I read where Vegas took a bath this week because all the favorites won and they got killed on parlay tickets. Perhaps the early line of the HOU-CHI game is a reflection of some gunshyness out in Vegas this week.
Also keep an eye on the weather, this being a night game in Illinois in November. Could get chilly.
popanot
11-06-2012, 01:52 PM
I was more confused by the team's not going to Andre on a quick slant route on third down. Andre was demolishing whoever it was that was lining up against him; he got a HUGE cushion and it was obvious that the CB was terrified. I would have looked to Andre a lot more than they did (I know he caught a lot of passes but I would have thrown to him even more) and I certainly would have gone his way on third down rather than trying for a big gain like they did. That's pitch and catch and you keep marching.Exactly. I don't have a problem with them going for it. I just think they should've ran a higher percentage play for the 1st down in that instance and milk the clock some more. With that being said, I certainly understand the intentions of why they ran play they did. AJ was beating his guy all day, and who knows, with the way the ref are calling PI this year at the drop of a hat, they were hoping AJ would either get the neccessary separation and/or the PI call.
Keith
11-07-2012, 02:01 PM
Kubiak went for the kill to step on the opponents' throats. Something many if not all of us have been begging for him to do every chance he has had and passed up over the years. He finally did it, and now we're questioning him??!
At the time, I was surprised by the decision, but before the play was even snapped, I thought the Texans ought to go to the endzone and give it a shot. As such, I have no problem with the call.
popanot
11-08-2012, 06:56 AM
Kill shots can happen in many different ways and at various times of the game. Simply getting a first down at that point would've been a virutal kill. My original point was not so much about the play or going for it, it was about the fact Kubiak going for there was more a sign, at least IMO, about his lack of confidence in our weak-legged Kicker than it was about him going for the kill.
But as far as the play goes, I'm not totally opposed to the play they ran or reaming Kubiak for it. I get it. If works he's a genius. But with that being said, I still think running something more conservative or higher percentage would've been better in that situation and at that point in the game. Again, first down = kill. JMHO.
barrett
11-08-2012, 07:37 AM
Kill shots can happen in many different ways and at various times of the game. Simply getting a first down at that point would've been a virutal kill. My original point was not so much about the play or going for it, it was about the fact Kubiak going for there was more a sign, at least IMO, about his lack of confidence in our weak-legged Kicker than it was about him going for the kill.
But as far as the play goes, I'm not totally opposed to the play they ran or reaming Kubiak for it. I get it. If works he's a genius. But with that being said, I still think running something more conservative or higher percentage would've been better in that situation and at that point in the game. Again, first down = kill. JMHO.
Kubiak did not call a deep pass to AJ. That was not the only route in the play. Schaub throws the pass because he likes what he sees there (and the CB is riding on AJ's back but is somehow not flagged).
As for no confidence in Graham from distance, get used to it. But even if we had Janikowski I say go for it. A conversion ends the game. A FG makes it 15 instead of 12 and does almost nothing for us.
popanot
11-08-2012, 11:36 PM
A FG makes it 15 instead of 12 and does almost nothing for us.Requires them to score 2 TDs + a 2pt conversion. If we sit at 12, 2 TDs = Loss. I disagree with your point. Sorry. I also disagree with your point there were other options on that play. There might have been other players out there, but that play was intended from start to finish to go to AJ, and that's exactly what they did.
barrett
11-09-2012, 08:19 AM
Requires them to score 2 TDs + a 2pt conversion. If we sit at 12, 2 TDs = Loss. I disagree with your point. Sorry. I also disagree with your point there were other options on that play. There might have been other players out there, but that play was intended from start to finish to go to AJ, and that's exactly what they did.
You think Kubiak tells schaub to throw it before the play?
Without a bad corner playing press coverage (taking away the short route), with no safety help, that throw isn't even considered. Sometimes (especially in a 4th down situation), the defense dictates what you are going to do by taking something away. It doesn't mean that was your only intention as a play call.
popanot
11-09-2012, 09:55 AM
You think Kubiak tells schaub to throw it before the play?No, but I do think that play -in that instance- was specifically fully intended to go to AJ and that's exactly how they ran it.
Without a bad corner playing press coverage (taking away the short route), with no safety help, that throw isn't even considered.Maybe. But even if the S did come over to help, Schaub's other option is to throw it away - which I'm sure he would've done. I'm telling you there was no other receiver option on that play as there were only 2 players running a route (AJ and Walter).
Just for grins, I went back to the DVR and looked at it. On the play, there are 2 WRs lined up - AJ wide to the left, Walter wide to the right - both with one-on-one man coverage. As the play starts, Casey (not OD) stays shorts and takes about 2 steps and locks up with #54. Foster takes 2 steps and stops to block. AJ runs a straight endzone route along the left sideline and Walter runs a straight endzone route along the right sideline. Schaub takes the snap, looks to the middle of the field for a FRACTION of a second as he drops back (presumably to hold the S), then looks immediately to AJ and throws. This is a quick reaction play and it all happens in a matter of seconds. Schaub never once looked at Walter, Casey never turns around and dosen't even have time to do so, and Foster stays in to block. Only 2 real options and only 1 is even looked at by the QB. And actually, even though a S cheats over to help with Walter, Walter has gotten better separation from the DB and probably would have been the better target had Schaub waited and looked over there.
Whether Kubiak called it or Schaub called it at LOS (although it doesn't appear he audibled to it), Schaub's (the Texans) sole intention on that play was to go to AJ. The only way he doesn't is if BUF leaves Walter standing out there by himself uncovered.
Honestly, I'm not why we're beating this dead horse. I didn't have problem with them going for it, I don't really have a problem with the play they ran (although I would've went short for a 1st down), and I don't have a problem with Kubiak/Schaub calling it. My original comment was about a K, not a play.
Yes, I guess I'll have to "get used to" having a weak K, but that doesn't mean I like it and can't comment on it. Not much we can do now other than hope it doesn't bite us in the ass when we need a 40+yd FG to win home field or a playoff game.
barrett
11-09-2012, 10:37 AM
There were some comments about the play call and I felt like Keith (we knock Kubiak for being conservative and then get upset when aggressive doesn't work). Those weren't your comments when I went back and looked. I think it was a good play call. It was clearly interference and it should have been called. That is the rare occasion I wish Andre was the vocal type of WR, because a huge gesture and waved arms probably gets him a call there. And I think Schaub could easily have checked out or looked elsewhere if they didn't line up the way they did. But they pressed AJ and that means the short stuff is not as easy and the deep ball was there.
Looking at the posts I see you were more concerned (justifiably) that we don't have a kicker who we feel good about outside of 40 yards. I am with you on that one, but that is what injuries do. It is also what happens when a team has cap issues. Specialists tend to suffer when there a shortage of dollars to go around.
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