Official Texans vs. Titans Game Thread, 9/15/2013

[Arky]

The Texans (1-0) will host the Tennessee Titans (1-0) in their home opener on Liberty White-out day. First divisional game and a chance to sneak a lead on one of the field. The Titans are coming off a surprising road win @ Pittsburgh last week.

TV = CBS (channel 11 local), noon Sunday

Announcers (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2013&wk=2) = Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots

The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Texans by 9 to 10.5

[WMH]

Ice Ice Baby.....

I'm going to have to rearrange my beer fetching and potty break timing to catch this halftime show! ;)

[HPF Bob]

The whole state will get this game locally as well as a swath between Texas and Tennessee.

Unless Chris Johnson goes crazy, I'm not worried.

[nunusguy]

Announcers (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2013&wk=2) = Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots


Locally why do we get the NOLA and not the Dallas game this Sunday ?
I could care less about watching Dallas but I'm a Chiefs fan, their opponent this Sunday, and I'd like to record that game and then watch it later.
Seems they almost always telecast the Dallas game (if they have an NFC game locally), but the one time I want the game because of who they are playing they carry another NFC contest.

[Arky]

Locally why do we get the NOLA and not the Dallas game this Sunday ?
I could care less about watching Dallas but I'm a Chiefs fan, their opponent this Sunday, and I'd like to record that game and then watch it later.
Seems they almost always telecast the Dallas game (if they have an NFC game locally), but the one time I want the game because of who they are playing they carry another NFC contest.

I think it is because Dallas vs. KC is an early game and in conflict with the Texans home game. I believe the rule is the Texan home game on CBS is the only one that can be shown in the Houston area in that time slot. FOX is forced into filling the late game (NO vs. Tampa).

Now, I'm pretty sure there have been instances when Houston has gone head-to-head with Dallas but I think it has to do with who's home/road and the NFL double-header rule (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League_on_television)....

[nunusguy]

I think it is because Dallas vs. KC is an early game and in conflict with the Texans home game. I believe the rule is the Texan home game on CBS is the only one that can be shown in the Houston area in that time slot. FOX is forced into filling the late game (NO vs. Tampa).

Now, I'm pretty sure there have been instances when Houston has gone head-to-head with Dallas but I think it has to do with who's home/road and the NFL double-header rule (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League_on_television)....
Gotcha - OK thanks Arky.

[Nconroe]

Still early in the football season and teams still coming together. Both Texans and Titans are 1-0 coming into the game.

Both teams seem to be run first, depending on the situation.

So, anxious to see how Arian improves from game 1 and what percentage of run plays Ben and Arian get this week.

Antonio Smith is back in starting lineup- so see how that impacts front seven play.

And then we have the Ed Reed watch at safety, getting closer , if not this game.

Schaub and receivers did real well in passing game last week, hope that continues as it should.

[WMH]

@RapSheet: #Titans RB Chris Johnson had 25 carries in the opener. May match that this week, as I'm told backup Shonn Greene (knee) is very doubtful

[HPF Bob]

Part of Tennessee's success last week was that the Steelers' offensive line is "turrible". They're already beat up and undermanned then Pouncey went out for the season.

The offense had to settle for FGs and Locker is still just average at best as a QB.

Matthews is the former Oilers OL so you know the running game will come first and the passing game later. It's a good week to get Antonio back and Earl Mitchell is starting to draw some notice around the league for his play. I think we match up well with Tennessee as long as they key on stopping Johnson.

Finnegan is in STL now with Fisher so their defense isn't quite as fierce as they used to be. The running backs should find lanes and Schaub should find some open receivers as long as they don't stop themselves with turnovers and dumb mistakes. Watch RG and RT play to see how well they are developing.

[WMH]

@RapSheet: #Texans S Ed Reed will test his hip pre game. Took more reps with the 1s this week than last week. If he plays, it'll be in the nickel.

[Arky]

Texans win the toss and will receive. Kickoff goes out of the endzone. Texans ball at their 20.

-----------------------------

Foster on the left side for 11.

Foster to the right for 4.

Tate busts it for 60 yds on a sweep left. Ball at the Titan 6.

Foster for 5. 2nd and goal at the 1.

Schaub play actions for a 1-yard TD strike to Graham.

Texans 7, Titans 0

12:30 left in the 1st quarter.

[HPF Bob]

That looked pretty easy. Graham looks like our secret weapon, particularly around the goal line until opponents figure it out.

[Arky]

Titans down the ensuing kickoff in the endzone. Titans ball at their 20.

---------------------------

CJ for 16.

Locker scrambles for no gain. 2nd and 10 coming up.

CJ for 3. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Locker is sacked but Watt is penalized for hands-to-the-face. 1st and 10 Titans at their 41.

CJ for 6.

Screen pass to Wright goes for 16.

Short pass goes for 4. Ball at the Texan 35.

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

Pass to Washington goes for 17. Ball at the Texan 18.

Battle powers for 9.

CJ for 1 yard and the 1st down at the Texan 8.

Locker's pass is batted down at the LOS by Watt, inc. 2nd and goal from the 8 coming up.

CJ for 1. 3rd and goal coming up.

Locker hits Wright in the endzone for the TD. Penalty on the Titans after the fact for celebration - assessed on the kickoff.

Texans 7, Titans 7

5:10 left in the 1st quarter.

[HPF Bob]

Great catch by Wright. The new celebration penalty is for anything that could be construed as taunting.

[Arky]

Titans kickoff from their 20 due to penalty. Martin brings it out to about the Texan 41. Texans ball.

---------------------------------

Tate for 2.

Dumpoff pass to Tate over the middle only gets 3. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Short pass to Hopkins goes for 14 and the 1st down.

Pass to AJ gets 6. AJ shaken up on the play but walks off on his own power.

Schaub pressured throws it away, inc. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Foster for 2. Bullock on for the FG.

50-yarder is no good.

Titans takeover on downs.

[Arky]

Ball at the Titan 40.

Locker's deep pass to Walker is overthrown, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

CJ for 12 on the right side.

Pass to Wright off the mark, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

CJ for about 8. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Dumpoff to CJ only gets 1. Brings up 4th and 1 at the Texan 39.

End of the 1st quarter.

[Arky]

Titans go for it on 4th down and Battle is stopped cold. Texans takeover on downs. Ball at the Texan 40.

-----------------------------

Foster for 2 or 3. A Titan (Hill) injured on the play - injury timeout.

-----------------------------

14:56 left in the half. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Schaub's pass is deflected at the LOS. Flags down..... offsetting penalties. Still 2nd and 7.

Schaub's pass to Foster off the mark, inc. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Pass to AJ only gets 4. Texans have to punt.

Titans field the punt at their 7 - downed immediately. Titans ball.

[Arky]

CJ for -2. Nice tackle by Watt.

Battle for 1. Brings up 3rd and 11.

Deep pass to Britt is overthrown, inc. He had a step.... Titans have to punt.

Martin gets 4 yards on the punt return. Ball at the Texan 48. 11:56 left in the half.

[TheMatrix31]

Foster is pissing me off. That missed block was infuriating.

[Arky]

False start on Brooks -5. Makes it 1st and 15.

Dumpoff pass to Tate only gets 2. 2nd and 13 coming up.

Timeout Texans.

Schaub's pass to Tate off the mark, inc. D Brown shaken up on the play. Injury timeout. 3rd and 13 coming up.

Pass to AJ gets 17 and the 1st down. Ball at the Titan 39.

Tate for 1.

Pass to AJ gets 6. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Deep pass to AJ is broken up, inc. Texans to go for the FG.

Bullock's 50-yarder is no good. Titans takeover on downs. Ball at the Titan 40.

[Arky]

CJ rolls left for 9.

CJ for 3 and the 1st down.

Battle for 2.

Pass is nearly INT'ed by Sharpton but inc.

On 3rd and 8, Locker scrambles for 9 and the 1st down.

CJ for 2. Ball at the Texan 35. 2nd and 8 coming up.

CJ for 2 more. Flag on the play.... Holding on Titans - repeat 2nd down. 2nd and 18 coming up.

CJ for 8. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Titans call a timeout with 5:30 left in the half.

On 3rd and 10, CJ gets 5. Titans to go for the FG.

Baronis 48-yarder is no good. Texans takeover on downs. Ball at the Texan 38.

[Arky]

Foster sweeps left for 4.

Foster for 10 and a 1st down.

Tate rumbles for 5.

Tate for no gain. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Deep pass to Hopkins off the mark but flag down...... no penalty - ball was uncatchable. Texans have to punt.

Punt trickles into the endzone. Titans ball at their 20.

[Arky]

CJ for loss of 2. 2nd and 12 coming up.

2 minute warning.

-----------------------------

On 2nd and 12, CJ gets 3.

Timeout Texans..

On 3rd and 8, screen to Wright gets 11 and a 1st down.... flag down.....Holding on Titans repeat 3rd down. Makes it 3rd and 13.

Bad snap! Locker falls on it at the 5 yard line. Titans have to punt.

Punt goes out of bounds at midfield. Texans ball with 1:35 left in the half and no timeouts.

[Arky]

Schaub's pass is INT'ed by Pollard who returns it all the way to the Texan 24.

Play is under review.......

Play and spot of the ball is confirmed........

[TheMatrix31]

Schaub's Shitty Throw of the Game (tm)

[Arky]

Locker is sacked by Cushing, et al..... 2nd and 19 coming up.

CJ for 1. 3rd and 18 coming up. Timeout Titans. Ball at the Texan 31.

Pass complete Washington for 3. Bironas on for the FG.

47-yard FG is good.

Titans 10, Texans 7

Halftime.

[popanot]

Texans once again stinking up the joint in the 1st half. This is getting old.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 8/14, 52 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Rushing: Foster 7/38, Tate 5/69

Receiving: AJ 4/33, Tate 2/4, Hopkins 1/14

Tackles: Cushing 9 (!), KJ 5, Sharpton 4, Joseph/Manning/Watt/Swearinger 3 each

Time of possession: Texans 12:27, Titans 17:33

1st downs: Texans 6, Titans 9

Total yards: Texans 159, Titans 135

3rd down conversions: Texans 2/6, Titans 3/9

Red zone: Texans 1/1, Titans 1/1

Turnovers: Texans 1, Titans 0

Penalties: Texans 2/10, Titans 3/35

[chuck]

So meanwhile the Dolphins also have a rookie kicker. As he attempted and made a 54 yard fg to end the half Pagano calls time out. No problem, second try he drills it again.

This Texans team, especially the offense, is utterly depressing.

[Arky]

Titans down the 2nd half kickoff in their endzone. Titans ball at their 20.

----------------------------

CJ for about 5.

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

Pass to Wright gets 3. Titans have to punt.

Martin fair catches the punt at the Texan 33. Texans ball.

[Arky]

12:56 to go in the 3rd quarter.

Foster loses 3. 2nd and 13 coming up.

Screen to Foster goes for 6. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Schaub off the mark on screen pass to Foster, inc. Texans have to punt.

Titans bring the punt back to their 6 yard. Nice punt by Lechler. Titans ball.

[Arky]

CJ for 1.

CJ loses 1. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass too tall for Wright, inc. Titans have to punt from their endzone with 9:54 left in the 3rd quarter.

Punt goes out of bounds at the Texan 45. Texans ball.

[Arky]

Pass to AJ gets 13.

Pass to Hopkins gets 11. Roughing the passer on the Titans +15. Ball at the Titan 16.

Pass to Graham too high in the endzone, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Dumpoff pass to Tate gets 4. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Awesome catch by OD for the TD! 12 yards.

Texans 14, Titans 10

7:46 left in the 3rd quarter.

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff goes out of the endzone. Titans ball at their 20.

--------------------------------

Locker is sacked by Watt. Loss of 7.

Battle for maybe 2. 3rd and 15 coming up.

Deep pass to Wright is broken up by KJ, inc. Titans have to punt.

Martin fields the punt and steps out of bounds at the Texan 39. Texans ball.

[Arky]

Schaub is pressured and throws it away....holding on Tate backs it up 10. 1st and 20 coming up.

Short pass to AJ gets 4. 2nd and 16 coming up.

Pass to Graham gets 11. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass to AJ over the middle goes inc. Texans have to punt.

Titans bring the punt back to their 19. Titans ball.

[Arky]

Pass to Wright gets 7.

Pass to Britt a little off the mark, inc. 3rd and 3 coming up.

3rd down pass sails inc., nearly INT'ed by KJ. Titans have to punt.

Martin brings the punt back to the Texan 27 but flags are down..... Holding on Texans.... Places the ball at the Texan 10. Texans ball.

[Arky]

Foster goes right for 8.

Foster for 2 and the 1st down.

Foster goes right for 14.

Foster for 1. 2nd and 9 coming up.

Schaub can't find a receiver and throws it away. 3rd and 9 coming up.

Pass to Martin gets 6. Texans have to punt.

Titans bring the punt back to their 12 yard line. Titans ball.

[Arky]

Screen to CJ goes for 13 but flags on the play..... Peel-back block on the Titans backs it up... Ball at the Titan 6. 1st and 16.

End of the 3rd quarter.

[Arky]

CJ gets 9 but holding on the Titans back it up more. 1st and 19 from the Titans 3 yard line.

CJ for loss of 1. 2nd and 20 coming up.

Delay of game on the Titans. Makes it 2nd and 21 from the Titan 1.

CJ for no gain. Texans challenge that CJ didn't make it out of the endzone....Play is under review.....

Ruling on the play is a safety! Texans get 2 points and the ball.

Texans 16, Titans 10

13:26 left in the game. Texans to receive the follow-up kickoff/punt.

[Arky]

Martin brings the punt back to the Texan 44. Texans ball.

----------------------------

Tate for 11.

Tate for no gain.

Pass to Hopkins goes inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass to AJ goes for 4. Lechler on to punt...

Wow. Punt almost goes into the endzone..... after the mad scramble, officials rule it's Titans ball at their 1 yard line.

[Arky]

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

Pass to Washington gets big gainer. Ball at the Titan 38.

Pass to Britt gets 9.

Flags pre-snap. False start Titans. Makes it 2nd and 6.

Pass to Britt gets 4. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Pass to Wright goes for 14 and the 1st down. Under 8 minutes left in the game.

Deep pass to Britt inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

CJ runs for 15. Ball at the Texan 25.

Oy, pass goes for 5 but KJ - hit on the defenseless receiver.... 1/2 the distance .... places the ball at the Texan 10.

Pass to Walker goes for the TD.

Titans 17, Texans 16

6:37 left in the game.

[BigBull]

This damn game is driving me nut!:mad:

[popanot]

Texans, it's frickin Jake Locker. Pathetic defense there.

[Big Texas]

So offense still looking horrible

[BigBull]

What the hell is wrong with Matt?

[popanot]

This team is going nowhere. Sorry, Kubiak, your offense is stagnant and Schaub can no longer get it done against physical, aggressive defenses.

[Arky]

Martin brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texan 21. Texans ball.

-----------------------------------

Down goes Schaub. Loss of 9 but flag on the play.....Offsetting penalties, replay 1st down.

Foster loss of 5. Ball at the Texan 16. 2nd and 14 coming up.

Down goes Schaub. Loss of 7. 3rd and 21 coming up.

Pick 6 by Verner.

Titans 24, Texans 16

4:59 left in the game.

[Big Texas]

That was a terrible pass even if Hopkins sits on that route...what are you gonna pick up 7 yds...

[chuck]

The fraud has been exposed.

[Big Texas]

This team is so inconsistent it's make you wanna throw something

[Arky]

Martin downs the ensuing kickoff in the endzone. Texans ball at their 20.

----------------------------

Pass too tall for Hopkins, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Ditto. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Down goes Schaub. Loss of 10. Texans have to punt.

[Big Texas]

So lets hope that our tired defense who held them majority of second half can keep them to a three and out...while our offense looks like cleveland

[Arky]

Punt goes to the Titan 39. Titans ball.

--------------------------

CJ rushes for 1.

Battle for 1. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Screen pass is inc. Titans have to punt.

Martin fields the punt and is drilled at the Texan 12. Texans ball.

[Big Texas]

Our offense has been given chance after chance...

[Big Texas]

4 horrible throws

[popanot]

This team is so inconsistent it's make you wanna throw somethingThey consistently run the same slow, plodding offense. They consistently pass for 5 yards on 3rd down when they need 6 yards. They consistently crater against any team that smacks them physically in the face. They consistently let average QBs make big plays on them (especially JJoe). Proabaly don't need to go on...

[Big Texas]

That's a catch

[Arky]

Pass too tall for AJ, inc. 3:02 left in the game.

Pass to Hopkins goes for 23.

Pass to Hopkins goes to the Texan 49, 1st down.

Deep pass to Hopkins is complete but flag on the play..... Flag is picked up. Ball at the Titan 23.

Oy, pass to AJ is inc. at the 3. AJ shaken up on the play..... Texans challenge that the ball is a catch.....

[Arky]

Play is ruled a catch! Texans ball at the 2! 1st and goal!

Foster to the 1.

2 minute warning.

[Big Texas]

So who thought Arian could miss the entire preseason and come back and not miss a beat? He looks slower, weaker, and indecisive...

[Arky]

Schaub's pass is out of the endzone, inc. 3rd and goal coming up from the 1.

Foster for the TD!

Texans to go for 2......

Foster runs it in for the conversion!

Texans 24, Titans 24

1:53 left in the game.

[Big Texas]

That's the cut he has not been making

[Big Texas]

Ok defense...I know your tired but we can't get gashed for a big one

[Arky]

Bullocks's ensuing kickoff goes out of the endzone. Titans ball at their 20.

---------------------------------

Locker's pass sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Britt gets 9. 3rd and 1 coming up.

High pass off Britt's hands, inc. Titans to punt.

Martin doesn't get much on the return... Texans ball at their 22.

[Arky]

Deep pass to Jean goes inc. 51 seconds left in the game.

Pass to Martin goes all the way to the Titan 46.

Pass to OD goes for 13. Ball at the Titan 33. 30 seconds left in the game.

[Arky]

Oy, pass to OD off the mark, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to OD goes inc.

On 3rd and 10, Foster just gets a yard. Texans stop the clock with 5 seconds left. Bullock on for the FG.

51 yard FG is good but the Titans had called a timeout. 2nd chance coming up....

FG is blocked but flag is down..... Offsides Titan +5. Bullock lines up for a 46 yard FG.

FG is no good but the Titans had called a timeout.... No time on the clock....

This time, 46-yarder hits the upright, no good.

We're going to OT.....

[Big Texas]

Release him now...

[barrett]

This might be a season long problem. Is Neil Rackers available.

[popanot]

Yeah, I think it's time to tryout some Ks. WTH?!?!

[Big Texas]

There's no way you are a professional kicker and miss that many kicks in one game

[Big Texas]

What was that 2 practice kicks

[popanot]

Our OL is sucking today.

[Arky]

Texans win the flip and will receive....

Martin brings the kickoff back to the Texan 22. Texans ball.

--------------------------------

Schaub avoids pressure and underthrows Foster, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Graham gets 19.

Foster gets 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

Foster gets loose for 16. Ball at the Titan 39.

Tate sweeps left for 13.

Tate for no gain. 2nd and 10 coming up from the Titan 26.

Schaub flushed out throws inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Timeout Texans. 11:35 left in OT.

What a catch! Pass to Hopkins complete at the 2!

Foster loses 2. 2nd and goal from the 4.

Timeout Texans (last timeout).

[popanot]

Has anyone reminded Kubiak of the 'new' OT rules?

[Arky]

On 2nd and goal from the 4, pass to Hopkins in the endzone is inc.

Pass to Hopkins in the endzone is complete for the TD! Play is under review.....

Final Score:

Texans 30, Titans 24

Whew, gah, it would've sucked to lose to the Titans....

[popanot]

Thank you, Nuk, for coming through and not allowing Bullock to f' it up.

[BigBull]

This is the second week in a roll that the Texans have put my blood pressure through the roof.

[Big Texas]

When is the last time we threw a fade route for a TD? When Hopkins sures up his route running..he's gonna be unguardable....we need Keyshawn to dominate that slot role...

[HPF Bob]

Schaub's Shitty Throw of the Game (tm)

Except it was a two-fer today.:mad:

[Big Texas]

Two things I have learned through week two...

We are still a slow starting team after kubiaks first 15...

We have the weapons to overcome these slow starts...

[HPF Bob]

That's a rather unimpressive 2-0 but they are 2-0 and already lead the division. Now comes the BAL-SEA-SF gauntlet. I expect at least two losses. If they come out of that 4-1, they actually are in great shape.

Remember when everyone wondered which WR Smith would draft and the Smith chose Hopkins for his ability to win jump balls. You saw it several times today. The dude just goes up and gets it and he doesn't care what gets in his way. Hopkins got a post-game pat from McNair which as to feel good.

Duane Brown is either hiding an injury or the decline has come. Schaub was taking a beating and I think that's why he went back to throwing short on third downs instead of looking downfield.

Apparently, the "sugar huddle" idea was a one-game thing.

I still don't like seeing Keo on pass defense. The guy scares me the way Holliday did on kick returns.

Pollard can expect a fine from NFL HQ later this week. I hope the cumulative hits AJ takes don't keep him out later in the season.

As for Bullock...I give him one more week. He hasn't had any easy kicks so far.

[popanot]

I only see three good things that came out of today.

1. We got a win.
2. Nuk is the real deal.
3. Despite having his brain-fart, zero mobility and zero arm strength, Schaub has made the plays when necessary and brought us back to 2 tough, come from behind wins. That's gotta be a good thing, right? :(

As for Bullock, sure he hasn't had many easy kicks, but the good kickers make most of the difficult ones. He's as a shaky as a 90-yr old lady on speed. They need to bring someone in and let Bullock do kickoffs.

[BigBull]

I only see three good things that came out of today.

1. We got a win.
2. Nuk is the real deal.
3. Despite having his brain-fart, zero mobility and zero arm strength, Schaub has made the plays when necessary and brought us back to 2 tough, come from behind wins. That's gotta be a good thing, right? :(

As for Bullock, sure he hasn't had many easy kicks, but the good kickers make most of the difficult ones. He's as a shaky as a 90-yr old lady on speed. They need to bring someone in and let Bullock do kickoffs.

^^This^^ It a shame with that leg strength that he has horrible accuracy.

[nunusguy]

Attended the game today, and how many gifts from the opposition do we need before we finally put it away ? Lucky to be 1-0 after last week, but really feel lucky to be 2-0 right now.
Cushing & JJ very strong for the defense & Hopkins had outstanding game and looks to be a fast starter for a rookie WR in this league, but Schaub is a worry. It's just that with him we start every game with 2 big handicaps at QB: dubious arm strength at best and 0 mobility.

[barrett]

Attended the game today, and how many gifts from the opposition do we need before we finally put it away ? Lucky to be 1-0 after last week, but really feel lucky to be 2-0 right now.
Cushing & JJ very strong for the defense & Hopkins had outstanding game and looks to be a fast starter for a rookie WR in this league, but Schaub is a worry. It's just that with him we start every game with 2 big handicaps at QB: dubious arm strength at best and 0 mobility.

I don't think the arm strength hurts much if we still stretch the field like we did today. A quickly thrown deep ball that travels 30-40 yards stretches the field just as well as one that is held longer and thrown 50.

But the lack of mobility is something that will never change, cannot be gameplanned around, and is a constant the defense can plan for. If it is not a play action down and a boot doesn't happen, the defense knows exactly where Schaub is and where he is going to stay. Then you just send enough guys to get there and tell your back end to cover for 1 second and we have no option but to unload the ball before our guys even reach the first down sticks. We need YAC or we will see a heavy dose of that. And as good as AJ is (all-timer), he has never been a YAC guy. Neither is OD. And Foster was removed from the passing game for unknown reasons after 2011. That is what makes Hopkins (and even Martin) so valuable. If you try to man up on those guys and bring the house, pressure might force a quick and short throw, but they can catch it at 5 yards and convert a 3rd and 10. But Hopkins has to make teams pay like the 4th quarter or we will keep seeing it.

[Arky]

Early line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) - Texans favored by 1 at Baltimore....

[TheMatrix31]

You could have all the mobility in the world. If you have the OL Schaub did today, you'll fail too.

He didn't have the best game but after the Pick Six he really settled down. I love that he went back to the rookie after that and said "don't worry dude, I still trust you."

Cushing and Watt were absolutely animalistic. Lechler an unsung hero. Andre is Andre. And Foster needs to do what he did late throughout the entire game next week and beyond.

Titans D was real good today. Their DBs weren't letting us have anything early on. And they busted through our garbage OL to put tons of pressure on Schaub. Lots of plays didn't even get past the first down marker.

Bullock is garbage. In an ideal world, I'd get rid of him tomorrow. I do understand though that even kickers take time to adjust. It's just that, it's his only freakin' job. Scary as hell.

[nunusguy]

Bullock is garbage. In an ideal world, I'd get rid of him tomorrow. I do understand though that even kickers take time to adjust. It's just that, it's his only freakin' job. Scary as hell.
All jokin aside, but did he maybe go out and get blasted last night because big, bad Nick Sabin came to town and beat his Aggies ? I dunno how many chances he got yesterday, but the only one he made was the one that didn't count when the Titans used a TO. He was just terrible, and the Texans already bring enough drama to game without his misfires. Does seem almost like any ole kicker off the street would be better than Kubiak's Aggie pal, for sfure that would have been the case yesterday.
But back to the mobility thing with Schaub, or complete lack thereof. Like others are sayin, the boot with Schaub at the helm is just an empty threat and we all know that either TJ or Keenum offer that element in their game.
Some times wonder why Kubiak made such a strong move and eventually an expensive trade for such an unlikely candidate as Schaub for his offense that puts so
much emphasis on boots ?

[barrett]

All jokin aside, but did he maybe go out and get blasted last night because big, bad Nick Sabin came to town and beat his Aggies ? I dunno how many chances he got yesterday, but the only one he made was the one that didn't count when the Titans used a TO. He was just terrible, and the Texans already bring enough drama to game without his misfires. Does seem almost like any ole kicker off the street would be better than Kubiak's Aggie pal, for sfure that would have been the case yesterday.
But back to the mobility thing with Schaub, or complete lack thereof. Like others are sayin, the boot with Schaub at the helm is just an empty threat and we all know that either TJ or Keenum offer that element in their game.
Some times wonder why Kubiak made such a strong move and eventually an expensive trade for such an unlikely candidate as Schaub for his offense that puts so
much emphasis on boots ?

Are you under the impression that the boot in our offense is designed for the QB to run? Schaub runs the boot better than any QB in the NFL. His ball handling and ability to throw on the run have made that play one of the most productive for any team in the NFL the last 5 years. David Carr was far more mobile than TJ or Keenum and was awful with the boot. It is not a running play.

Schaub is slow but fits what Kubiak does very well. That is why we have been a top 10 offense for a half a decade with him at QB and every important piece other than AJ rotating.

[HPF Bob]

Early line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) - Texans favored by 1 at Baltimore....

Surely that's based on how bad Baltimore looks. If Ray Rice is unavailable, that's a bonus for us.

[barrett]

Surely that's based on how bad Baltimore looks. If Ray Rice is unavailable, that's a bonus for us.

Or it's based on the fact that through 2 weeks it doesn't matter how bad Houston looks, they will win by at least 1.

Plus we took Baltimore apart last year and Flacco struggles desperately against our defense due to his inaccuracy. Honestly, if we don't get flagged for PI on more than 1 deep ball I don't see how they get to 20.

[nunusguy]

Are you under the impression that the boot in our offense is designed for the QB to run? Schaub runs the boot better than any QB in the NFL. His ball handling and ability to throw on the run have made that play one of the most productive for any team in the NFL the last 5 years. David Carr was far more mobile than TJ or Keenum and was awful with the boot. It is not a running play.

Schaub is slow but fits what Kubiak does very well. That is why we have been a top 10 offense for a half a decade with him at QB and every important piece other than AJ rotating.
I remember Jake Plummer as Denver's QB when Kubiak was still there as their OC and Plummer could really run, and that skill made him effective in the bootlegs to a degree that a Matt Schaub just can't be notwithstanding Matt's ability as a ball handler and throwing while on the move. That's the same kind of athlete I yearn for the Texans to have at QB in this offense.

[barrett]

I remember Jake Plummer as Denver's QB when Kubiak was still there as their OC and Plummer could really run, and that skill made him effective in the bootlegs to a degree that a Matt Schaub just can't be notwithstanding Matt's ability as a ball handler and throwing while on the move. That's the same kind of athlete I yearn for the Texans to have at QB in this offense.

I also yearn for a good athlete who does the good things Schaub already does. I don't think I would ever yearn for Jake Plummer-like qualities in a QB. Either way, Schaub is very well suited to this offense, despite how much it moves the QB and how poorly he moves. I think part of it is he is very effective with scripted or planned movement and worthless when it comes to improvisational movement. This stands out even more when half of the QBs in the NFL these days can move in that way. But the Titans had a great athlete with an arm yesterday and it got them 1 first down scramble and about a dozen off target passes.

I hope we either break through this year or fail in such a spectacular way that Schaub is shown the door and a real investment is made in a QB. Kubiak's #1 quality is probably his ability to tutor a QB and put them in position to succeed. He has flaws as a HC, but he gets more out of Schaub's limited ability than most around the league get from far more talented players. Just look at the year to year improvement of limited young guys like Yates and Keenum. I would love to watch Kubiak with a kid like EJ Manuel and a year to groom him.

Unfortunately, we are probably looking at 10-6/11-5 and the divisional round again. I guess all we can hope for is to be the Ravens and get invited to the dance enough that one day we stumble on a Super Bowl title through dumb luck.

[WMH]

As for Bullock, sure he hasn't had many easy kicks, but the good kickers make most of the difficult ones. He's as a shaky as a 90-yr old lady on speed. They need to bring someone in and let Bullock do kickoffs.

Agree, but that isn't Kubiaks style, not to mention the roster spot is too valuable. Especially when you're carrying 3 QB's.

Thought this was interesting:

http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/607/bad-start-texans-kicker

"Kicking is mental and there are times when early struggles never reverse. There are other times when they do. Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski only made one of his four 50-plus yard attempts his rookie year. Overall in his 14-year career Janikowski has made 56 percent of his field goals longer than 50 yards. In fact, Janikowski started his NFL career missing three of his first four field goal attempts."