Official Texans vs. Colts Game Thread, 11/3/2013

[Arky]

The 2-5 Texans host the 5-2 Indianapolis Colts this Sunday night on a nationally televised game. Both teams are coming off their bye weeks. The Colts are in the driver's seat of the AFC South. For the Texans, it is pretty much do or die.

TV = NBC (channel 2 local), 7:30 pm, Sunday

Announcers = Al Michaels, Chris Collinsworth

The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Colts by 1 to 2.5

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

Sunday viewing (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2013&wk=9) in the Houston area:

CBS early = Tennessee @ St. Louis -- Marv Albert, Rich Gannon

CBS late = Pittsburgh @ New England -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms

FOX early = Minnesota @ Dallas -- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

[HPF Bob]

Some quality viewing there. Is that two winning records out of eight teams?

[nunusguy]

The 2-5 Texans host the 5-2 Indianapolis Colts this Sunday night on a nationally televised game. Both teams are coming off their bye weeks. The Colts are in the driver's seat of the AFC South. For the Texans, it is pretty much do or die.

TV = NBC (channel 2 local), 7:30 pm, Sunday

Announcers = Al Michaels, Chris Collinsworth

The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Colts by 1 to 2.5

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

Sunday viewing (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2013&wk=9) in the Houston area:

CBS early = Tennessee @ St. Louis -- Marv Albert, Rich Gannon

CBS late = Pittsburgh @ New England -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms

FOX early = Minnesota @ Dallas -- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
I would much prefer KC @ Buffalo over the Titans game, but being from the KC area I'm very partial. Still it seems surprising to me, even strange they'd go
with the Titans game ? Apparently "they" feel there's still a residual of the old Oilers fan base from the previous century in Houston ?

[cadams]

Probably went with it because it is a divisional game.

[Arky]

Some quality viewing there. Is that two winning records out of eight teams?

Eheh. Because America just can't get enough of the Steelers, Pats and Cowboys..... :rolleyes:

Well, at least the announcers are good (for the most part).

[chuck]

Well, at least the announcers are good (for the most part).

Joe Buck makes me want to commit unspeakable acts of violence. On him, mostly.

[Arky]

Joe Buck makes me want to commit unspeakable acts of violence. On him, mostly.

Eheh, I know what you mean. :p (I started to write something disparaging but I decided to take the high road). So, in the spirit of if-you-can't-say-something-nice-don't-say etc., he does have "the voice" and the pedigree.....

[Arky]

Updated jersey numbers:

28 Johnson, Dennis RB
37 Graham, Ray RB
39 Karim, Deji RB
43 Mack, Elbert CB
52 Gooden, Tavares LB
89 Byrne, Jake TE
90 Mohamed, Mike LB
90 Tarpinian, Jeff LB

Yes, something has got to give on #90....

[WMH]

Sweet!

@HoustonTexans: Roof Forecast for Sunday: 56-70 degrees, no rain. If conditions remain the same, Texans will play with open roof.

[chuck]

Anyone have a good feeling about this?

[Arky]

Anyone have a good feeling about this?

I thought it might be the most entertaining game of the day but it will be hard pressed to top Steelers/Pats (for offense, that is).

Carrie Underwear starting to sing.......

[Arky]

Colts win the toss and defer. Martin brings the kickoff back to the Texan 27. Texans ball.

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

Short pass to Foster goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Keenum buys time and hits Posey for 11 and a 1st down.

Bombs away! Keenum hits AJ in stride for a TD! 62 yards!

Texans 7, Colts 0

14:00 left in the 1st quarter.

[Arky]

Colts bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 26. Colts ball.

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

Throwback to Fleener goes for big gain. 44 yards and a 1st down.

Luck's pass sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up from the Texan 30.

Richardson for no gain. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Screen to Hilton goes for 7 but flag is down...... Ineligible receiver on the Colts is declined. Colts to try the FG.

FG is blocked and picked up by Swearinger who returns it all the way to the Colt 41! Texans ball!

[Arky]

Pass to AJ gets 16.

Tate for 6. Ball at the Colt 19. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Tate gets almost 4. Call it 3rd and 1.

Tate for no gain. Texans to go for it on 4th and 1.

Tate stopped again. Colts takeover on downs. Colts ball.

9:12 left in the 1st quarter.

[BigBull]

Kubiak is an idiot.

[popanot]

Kubiak is an idiot.Tate is an idiot. Why in the hell did he slide on that 2nd down run? He had an eAsy 1rst down if he stays on his feet. Goodness!

[Arky]

Ball at the Colts 16.

Richardson sweeps left for 7.

Richardson gets 4 and the 1st down.

Richardson for 4.

Richardson for about 2. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Luck's pass is dropped by Hilton, inc. Colts have to punt.

Oy, punter muffs the snap but still gets it off. Illegal downfield on the Colts backs it up for a re-punt.

Braman gets a piece of the punt that only travels 29 yards. Texans ball at their 43.

[BigBull]

Tate is an idiot. Why in the hell did he slide on that 2nd down run? He had an eAsy 1rst down if he stays on his feet. Goodness!

They are both idiots.

[Arky]

Tate gets about 9.

Tate gets around 5. 1st down at the Colts 41.

Tate for no gain.

Bombs away! 41-yard TD to AJ!

Texans 14, Colts 0

4:13 left in the 1st quarter.

[BigBull]

Who said Keenum has a weak arm.

[popanot]

Gee, ya think AJ prefers Keenum?

[Warren]

Is it roughing if he hit the punter before he got the kick off?

[Arky]

AJ = 3 catches for 119 yards and we aren't even out of the 1st quarter.....

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

Colts down the ensuing kickoff in the endzone, touchback. Colts ball at their 20.

[chuck]

Gee, ya think AJ prefers Keenum?

I'm still trying to decide whom I prefer. Give me another couple of quarters to think about it.

[chuck]

Is it roughing if he hit the punter before he got the kick off?

That's an excellent question. How could it be?

[Arky]

Short pass to Whalen goes for 6.

Brown gets loose for 24 yards. Ball at midfield.

Pass to Whalen broken up, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Brown for 7. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Luck pressured, throws inc. Brings up 4th and 3. Colts to punt.

Punt is downed at the Texan 2. Texans ball.

1:53 left in the 1st quarter.

[Arky]

Tate for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Keenum's pass almost INT"ed but inc. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Pass to AJ goes for about 18 and the 1st down at the Texan 23.

Keenum pressured, throws inc to the sideline. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Tate for 2. 3rd and 8 coming up.

End of the 1st quarter.

[Arky]

On 3rd and 8 at the Texan 25, Keenum's pass off the mark to Graham, inc. Texans to punt.

Colts fair catch the punt at their 27 yard line. Colts ball.

[Arky]

Luck pressured ends up throwing inc.... 2nd and 10 coming up.

Luck is sacked by Mays! Loss of 7. 3rd and 17 coming up.

Luck sacked again! Fumble but QB was ruled in the grasp. Colts have to punt.

Martin brings the punt back to the Texan 45. Texans ball.

13:07 left in the half.

[Arky]

Tate for about 3 or 4.

Tate for 5. Brings up 3rd and 1.

Tate gets about 4 and the 1st down.

D Johnson gets about 8 off left tackle.

DJ goes right side for 11 yards. Ball at the Colt 23.

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

Oy, Keenum's pass a little behind Posey, inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Keenum pressured gets sacked..... Loss of 10. Texans to go for the FG.

Bullock's 49-yarder is no good. Colts takeover on downs at their own 39.

Score remains:

Texans 14, Colts 0

8:08 left in the half.

[popanot]

Fat Randy strikes again. Ugh!

[BigBull]

Is it time to get rid of the fat kicker yet?

[Arky]

Richardson for 5.

Flags presnap.... offsides Colts makes it 2nd and 10 coming up.

Luck's pass goes through the hands of Whalen, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Luck pressured throws inc. Colts have to punt.

Martin fair catches the punt at the Texan 10. Texans ball.

6:50 left in the half.

[Arky]

Keenum hits AJ for about 18. 1st down at the Texan 28.

Pass to AJ a little low, inc.

Tate for 2. Brings up 3rd and 8.

Keenum's pass over the middle goes inc. Texans have to punt.

Hilton brings the punt all the way back to the Colt 48. 34 yards on the return. Colts ball with 5:00 left in the half.

[BigBull]

Don't look now, but it looks like our special are still not so special.

[Arky]

Luck's deep pass goes inc but they're going to get KJ for PI. Places the ball at the Texan 7.

Brown for 1. 2nd and goal from the 6.

Luck sacked by A Smith! Loss of 6. 3rd and goal from the 12.

Luck pressured again throws inc. Colts to go for the FG.

Vinateri's 30-yarder is good.

Texans 14, Colts 3

3:30 left in the half.

[Arky]

Oy, Martin has a nice return but fumbles.... Refs are giving it to the Colts.... Play is under review.....

Play is reversed! Texans ball at their 29.

[BigBull]

Don't look now, but it looks like our special are still not so special.

I take it back they just plan suck.:mad:

[popanot]

Good god our STs are going to blow this game for us.

[BigBull]

I take it back they just plan suck.:mad:

Wow they just got lucky.:D

[Arky]

DJ for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up....

DJ for 5. 3rd and 2 coming up.

2 minute warning.

[popanot]

Ok, Gary, don't get a tight a$$ here. Let's shoot for some points.

[Arky]

We need more points..... don't like letting the Colts hang around.....

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

On 3rd and 2, Keenum lofts one up for AJ. 28 yard and a 1st down.

Deep pass to AJ nearly good but goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Timeout Texans.

On 2nd and 10, short pass to Graham goes for 7. Brings up 3rd and 3. Timeout Texans (1 left). 59 seconds left in the half.

Keenum takes off and scrambles to 5!

Quick pass to AJ goes for the TD!

Texans 21, Colts 3

34 seconds left in the half.

[Arky]

Colts down the ensuing kickoff in the endzone, touchback. Colts ball at their 20.

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

Luck is pressured throws inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Brown gets loose for 11 and a 1st down.

End of the half.

Texans 21, Colts 3

[chuck]

I'll be fascinated to learn if that fake spike / fade was planned or improvised.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Keenum 9/17, 208 yards, 3 TD's, 0 INT's

Rushing: Tate 14/47, DJ 4/27, Keenum 1/22

Receiving: AJ 7/190 (!), Posey 1/11, Graham 1/7

Tackles: Mays 4, Mitchell/Sharpton 3 each, A Smith/Watt/Keo 2 each

Time of possession: Texans 17:44, Colts 12:16

1st downs: Texans 12, Colts 5

3rd down efficiency: Texans 4/8, Colts 0/6

Red zone: Texans 1/2, Colts 0/1

Penalties: Texans 1/46, Colts 2/10

Turnovers: Texans 0, Colts 0

Total yards: Texans 294, Colts 102

[BigBull]

On a serious note I hope Kubiak is okay.

[Nconroe]

That looks fairly serious. Hope Gary is ok.

[Arky]

On a serious note I hope Kubiak is okay.

Ya, that's scary.... hope he's OK..... he's probably been overdoing it a bit lately.....

[BigBull]

Bad call on Ed Reed.

[Arky]

Colts bring the 2nd half kickoff all the way back to their 42. Colts ball.

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

Luck's pass off the mark, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Hilton good for 11 and the 1st down.

Pass to Hilton goes for 10 and another 1st down.

Luck is sacked by A Smith! Loss of 7.

Pass to Heyward-Bey goes for 11. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Ah, pass goes inc but flag comes flying in..... Roughness of E Reed gives the Colts a 1st down at the Texan 17.

Pass is short and inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Luck's pass in the endzone sails inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Luck's pass in the corner of the endzone sails inc. Colts to go for the FG.

Vinateri's 35-yarder is good.

Texans 21, Colts 6.

11:54 left in the 3rd quarter.

[BigBull]

Why do our returners bring it out from 9 yards deep?

[chuck]

Returning kicks from nine yards in the end zone. Love it. Can't get enough.

[Arky]

Goodness, Martin brings the kickoff back to the 13.

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

DJ for about 5.

DJ caught in the backfield for loss of 3. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Pass to Posey goes for the 1st down at the Texan 27.

Pass to Graham goes for 21 to the Texan 48.

Tate for 9.

Tate for about 6 or 7 and the 1st down.

Pass to Graham goes to the Colt 22.

Flags presnap.....Offsides on Griffin... makes it 1 and 15.

Tate upended for loss of 2. 2nd and 17 coming up.

Pass to Graham gets 6. 3rd and 11 coming up at the Colt 23.

Timeout Texans with 5:09 left in the 3rd quarter.

Short pass to Tate loses 2. Texans to go for the FG.

Bullock's 43-yarder is good.

Texans 24, Colts 6

4:24 left in the 3rd quarter.

[BigBull]

It's revenge of the fat kicker. :cool:

[BigBull]

I think this might be the best the defense has played all season.

[BigBull]

That is such a bs rule.

[Arky]

Colts bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 22. Colts ball.

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

Luck pressured and the pass gets batted down, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Brazill goes for 9.

Pass to Havili gets 1 and the 1st down.

Pass in the flat to Heward-Bey goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass along the sidelines to Heyward-Bey is inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Hilton goes to the Colt 48 and a 1st down.

Pass to Whalen good for 9.

Pass to Fleener goes all the way to the Texan 25, 1st down.

Brown for 5.

Pass to Brown is dropped, inc. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass in the endzone is inc but they're going to get Sharpton for roughing the passer. Makes it 1st down at the Texan 10.

Slant to Heyward-Bey is broken up, inc. 2nd and goal from the 10 coming up.

Pass to Hilton goes inc. 3rd and goal from the 10 coming up.

Pass to Hilton in the endzone is complete for the TD. Colts to go for the 2-point conversion......

2-point conversion goes inc.

Texans 24, Colts 12

5 seconds left in the 3rd quarter.

[Nconroe]

That roughing passer rule needs to be changed somehow.

[BigBull]

Luck finally found the endzone.:mad:

[Warren]

If the QB is giving himself up that's one thing, but if he's continuing to try to make a play he should be fair game.

[BigBull]

Sports 610 is reporting that Kubiak is alert and communicating and currently undergoing test.

[Arky]

Need more points, fellas.....

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

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

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

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

End of the 3rd quarter.

[BigBull]

Need more points, fellas.....

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

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

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

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

End of the 3rd quarter.

I had to replay it over and over on the dvr I didn't believe my eyes.:cool:

[Arky]

On 2nd and 10, DJ gets 4. 3rd and 6 coming up.

What a catch! Deep pass is complete to Hopkins. 31 yards.

Tate for 9.

Tate for about 3 or 4 and a 1st down at the Colt 32.

Keenum keeps left side for 7.

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

Oy, deep pass to Posey too long, inc. Texans to go for the FG.

Bullock's 43-yarder is no good. Ugh.

Score remains:

Texans 24, Colts 12

10:32 left in the game. Colts ball at their 33.

[BigBull]

The fat kicker misses again smh.:mad:

[Nconroe]

Probably gonna see some kicker tryouts Tuesday fer sure.

[BigBull]

Ah crap here come the colts.

[Arky]

Short pass to Richardson goes for 9.

Deep pass to Hilton goes all the way for the TD. 58 yards.

Texans 24, Colts 19

9:46 left in the game.

[popanot]

Fat Randy has cost us 6pts so far. Him, Martin and Marciano should be gone tomorrow.

[BigBull]

Fat Randy has cost us 6pts so far. Him, Martin and Marciano should be gone tomorrow.

It's like you're reading my mind. :confused:

[Arky]

Need some points, fellas..... do not let these guys steal this game.....

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

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

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

DJ gets 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Pass to Hopkins gets 7 and the 1st down.

Tate for 3.

Short pass to Posey goes for no gain. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Pass to AJ gets the 1st down.... Colts challenge that AJ was bobbling the ball as he rolled out of bounds......

[Nconroe]

Looked like a catch to me.

[Arky]

Play is reversed. Texans have to punt. 6:21 left in the game.

Lechler's punt only travels 19 yards. Colts ball at their 47.

[popanot]

That is a bullshit call.

[Nconroe]

Need a big play defense.

[Arky]

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

Pass over the middle to Whalen goes inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Whalen goes to the Texan 35, 1st down.

Short pass to Richardson goes all the way to the Texan 11.

Pass to Fleener gets 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Pass to Hilton goes for the TD. Colts to go for 2 points....

Pass to Fleener good for the 2 points.

Colts 27, Texans 24

4 minutes left in the game.

[BigBull]

Now Richardson looking like a pro wtf.

[BigBull]

Yay Texans are self imploding.:eek:

[Nconroe]

Case Keenum time. FG to tie.

[BigBull]

Damn it protection breaking down to quick.

[Arky]

DJ brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texan 27. Texans ball.

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

Pass to AJ goes for big gainer. 25 yards.

Tate for 2. About 3 minutes left in the game.

Keenum caught in the backfield for loss of 3. 3rd and 11 coming up.

Keenum pressured throws inc. Texans to punt on 4th and 11.

Colts fair catch at their 15 yard line.

2 minute warning (1:55 left in the game).

[Arky]

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

Richardson for loss of 1. 3rd and 11 coming up.

Richardson for no gain. Colts have to punt.

Timeout Colts with 58 seconds left in the game.

Flags presnap..... False start Colts -5.

Martin has a decent runback but flags are down...... Holding on Texans (Mack)... Places the ball at the Texan 33. Texans ball with no timeouts and 44 seconds left.

[popanot]

Of course, the STs commits a holding penalty. Argh!!!

[Arky]

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

Pass to Hopkins goes to the Texans 49.

Pass to AJ goes to the Colt 37.

Texans spike it.

Bullock to attempt a 55-yarder.

Bullock's kick is no good. Time runs out.

Final score:

Colts 27, Texans 24

[Nconroe]

Naturally. Shsh

[BigBull]

Leave it to Fat Randy to blow it.

[popanot]

Only fitting "Special" teams would blow it and make sure our season comes to a end. Window is officially closed.

[chuck]

Incredible. The team finally had the quarterback play to beat arguably the best team in the conference but the special teams imploded.

I don't know whom I'd fire first. Probably Rick Smith because he's in the building. Then I'd ride down to Methodist and fire that idiot in his hospital bed. And when I had a free moment among all the reverie I'd tell that fat Aggie that it's time for him to start selling insurance in Bryan.

This whole franchise disgusts me. I can't believe that I gave this outfit money for the better part of a decade. Live and learn.

[Arky]

Man, just really disappointing..... Now I get to watch Andrew Luck explain in his nerdy voice how resilient his team is.....

[BigBull]

The only positive I can see from this game is that Keenum just may be the qb this team has been looking for since day one. That is if he continues to improve each week. Although I still think they draft a qb in one of the first three rounds, but maybe it doesn't have to be the first pick now.

[HPF Bob]

Wow. So many things to go over.

The Curse Of The Colts (tm) is apparently stronger than Battle Red jerseys, a 21-3 halftime lead and the departure of a Hall of Fame quarterback.

If the Texans don't lead the league in untimely penalties, I can't imagine who does.

I'm still dumbstruck that we got rid of Jacoby Jones and Trindon Holliday so we could watch our bad kick return teams make misplay after misplay. Hell, what's Andre Davis and J.J. Moses doing nowadays?

I was willing to stick with Bullock but tonight's loss really rests on him more than anyone, not for the desperation miss at the end but the two earlier misses inside the 50. If you can't hit 70% between 40-50 yards away, there are plenty of unemployed kickers out there who can.

I'm sad because Wade deserved to win after Bum's passing and Case deserved the win for his incredible play. Watching Wade's postgame presser it sure seemed like he had that "what else could happen to us" look on his face. He's been through a bunch these last few weeks.

As for Kubiak, one can only guess what this season is doing to his health. Most head coaches are Type A people whose response to failure is to work twice as hard. I'm sure he hears the whispers no matter how many votes of confidence he may receive.

Houston sports teams only seem to know two types of existence - league-worst suckage (currently personified by the Astros but the Rockets, Texans and Oilers have all had their turns) and underachieving (other than the 94-95 Rockets). Things always just go wrong. Frustrating as hell.

[Nconroe]

Strange game with Coach Kubiak having an episode at half time. Sounds he will be ok, though tests ongoing. Wish him well with a speedy recovery.

Case Keenum had a very good game. We won offensive yds, time of possessoon, first downs, no turnovers, played hard.

Andre Johnson had a great game with 3 TDs and over 200 yds receiving.

Tate ran hard for 82 yds despite 4 cracked ribs.

Defense played really well overall, but Luck made some big passes in fourth quarter even though only completed 18 of 40 passes.

Dbs had a great first half, not so much in second half.

Penalties and questionable ref cals contribued to stalled drives, lost field position and the loss.

Even our punter had a ball bounce backwards for net 19 yd punt at just the wrong time.

Then, no. 4 missed three fairly long FG but one or two should have been made.

Apparently only one team has made playoffs after starting 2-6, so pretty much playing for pride, I think team will keep playing hard, win several games, and take mucho buku luck to even have a shot at playoffs.

[nunusguy]

The way we were getting so much pressure on Luck and with him bouncing many of his passes on the ground in front of his receivers that he did manage to launch or his receivers dropping balls, I really did not think he'd mount a successful comeback last night given how far his team was down mid way thru the second half, but he did and they did and the Texans folded like a cheap suit in the fourth quarter and lost another one to leave them at 2-6 midway thru the season as compared to last years 7-1. So if you hadn't done so yet, now you can stick a fork in us.
Looking at the stat sheet this morning, I see that Shiloh Keo led the team in tackles, so pretty sure we won't be needing that future HOF safety anymore who seems to be most productive when it comes to giving interviews to the media. And I think we are still solid at WR for another year or so with the kind of game Andre Johnson had and who's also supported by some promising young receivers like Hopkins and Posey. And the Oline played quite well as we only gave up a single sack while Duane Brown shutout league leading-sacker Mathis and we did move the ball on the ground with some success.
And like in KC, Case exceeded the most optimistic expectations fans had for him in this game. Is he our QB for the future ? I dunno, could be ?

[HPF Bob]

This was so much like the Seahawks game where we killed them on the stat sheet and owned a big lead at halftime yet still found a way to lose. :confused:

It just makes you scratch your head and wonder how in the world you can be so snakebit. I think the glaring wounds are poor special teams and no turnovers. On paper, we're a better team than the 8-0 Chiefs but their defense is making and converting turnovers this year and ours isn't.

I do wonder whether Kubiak/Phillips are too nice and the team reflects their coaches. There's no killer instinct around here to put away teams or play mean. There's no effort to punch back when we are punched. At least Keenum shows some emotion whereas Schaub shows none but I'm not sure I really want my QB to act like a college kid after every good play.

You have to admit, Keenum's mobility and ability/willingness to throw deep are a breath of fresh air compared to Schaub whom defenses had learned to jump the short routes and stay home on the bootleg.

[barrett]

IT was great being at the game for the first 3 quarters and a total gut punch at the end. And I think everyone around me saw it coming. We were just waiting for it.

And while there are obviously issues with our team, nobody gets crapped on by the officials like we do. It's like we walk around with a kick me sign on our backs.

[popanot]

1. How in the world is Bullock still kicking for this team with what we've seen even before last night's debacle?

2. How is it that no one has told Martin NOT to carry out kicks from deep within the endzone, which dates back well into last year?

3. If someone has told him, why is he still back there since he obviously hasn't listened?

4. How in the hell is Marciano still employed after everything we've seen from his unit over the last 3+ years?

Obviously there were many, many more issues that factored into losing that game last night, but when these critical components of your STs fail time and time again you'd think someone within the organization would say enough is enough and do something about it.

I think that's what frustrates me most about this franchise. They either wait too long to identify a problem and make a change and/or no one has the balls to make that change. Or maybe it's that no one has the smarts to make the right change. I don't know...

I get the distinct impression Smith does not have the power to make personnel moves on his own, and then McNair's good ol'boy relationship with Kubiak, Wade and Marciano just further handcuffs Smith and this franchise from doing anything that makes sense or is logical. Just amazing...

[barrett]

1. How in the world is Bullock still kicking for this team with what we've seen even before last night's debacle?

2. How is it that no one has told Martin NOT to carry out kicks from deep within the endzone, which dates back well into last year?

3. If someone has told him, why is he still back there since he obviously hasn't listened?

4. How in the hell is Marciano still employed after everything we've seen from his unit over the last 3+ years?

Obviously there were many, many more issues that factored into losing that game last night, but when these critical components of your STs fail time and time again you'd think someone within the organization would say enough is enough and do something about it.

I think that's what frustrates me most about this franchise. They either wait too long to identify a problem and make a change and/or no one has the balls to make that change. Or maybe it's that no one has the smarts to make the right change. I don't know...

I get the distinct impression Smith does not have the power to make personnel moves on his own, and then McNair's good ol'boy relationship with Kubiak, Wade and Marciano just further handcuffs Smith and this franchise from doing anything that makes sense or is logical. Just amazing...

Marciano clearly exists outside of any authority or accountability and his continued employment is a total lack of professionalism.

As for Bullock, Rick Smith drafted him and cutting him is egg on Rick Smith's face more than anyone else. I like Smith more than anyone else in our organization, but I blame him for Bullock.

[popanot]

I like Smith more than anyone else in our organization, but I blame him for Bullock.I want to like Smith, but looking deeper at his drafts and FA signings/cuts, I'm really starting to think he needs to be fired along with the rest of the staff. Well, that's assuming he has any control whatsoever into the drafts and signings, which I would think he does.

Can we hire Seattle's GM as a consultant for a draft or two? Is that permissible in the NFL?? :)

[barrett]

I want to like Smith, but looking deeper at his drafts and FA signings/cuts, I'm really starting to think he needs to be fired along with the rest of the staff. Well, that's assuming he has any control whatsoever into the drafts and signings, which I would think he does.

Can we hire Seattle's GM as a consultant for a draft or two? Is that permissible in the NFL?? :)

I think we have drafted very well. There have been problems in what positions we have chosen to not address, but we have as much early 20s and mid 20s talent as you will find anywhere (Watt, Cushing, Mitchell, Mercilus, Jackson on defense, Foster, Tate, Hopkins, Posey, Graham, Brown, Brooks, even Newton on offense). Our FA signings have not been bad with the huge exception of Ed Reed. I am happy with how JJ, Manning, Lechler turned out. I think we have been good with guys off the street (Joe Mays is not great but is an upgrade over the rest of our weak ILB crew, there have been others in the past). I think we got too cute in letting consecutive OLBs walk (Barwin/Mario) and being left with Brooks Reed whose only redeeming quality is effort. I think we got way too cute letting Quinn walk so we could sign Ed Reed. If you are hoping an old safety can teach your team to win you have the wrong QB and HC anyways, and if you paid Ed Reed for performance you have no idea what good safety play is.

Really the colossal failure for this organization amounts to the QB position and ST. I think we have enough ST players since we have good depth and extra LBs by running a 34. I think the failure on ST is all Marciano/McNair and Kubiak not firing the guy no matter what McNair says. I think at QB Kubiak goes down with the ship for that one but may at least leave us a parting gift in Keenum (I am not sold but I like the early audition returns).

So on the whole I am fine with Smith as long as the QB is right and Kubiak and Marciano are gone.

[nunusguy]

Really the colossal failure for this organization amounts to the QB position and ST.
Not that I don't agree with you here especially with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, but let me play devil's advocate for a moment and ask you, how does a HC replace his starting QB who's been to multiple pro bowls & led the team to the Playoffs the last 2 years with a 2nd year undrafted guy who's the teams 3rd string QB and has nothing but preseason experience ?

[barrett]

Not that I don't agree with you here especially with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, but let me play devil's advocate for a moment and ask you, how does a HC replace his starting QB who's been to multiple pro bowls & led the team to the Playoffs the last 2 years with a 2nd year undrafted guy who's the teams 3rd string QB and has nothing but preseason experience ?

I never reccommended that. I don't think the plan ever should have included Keenum. If you get lucky with a guy you didn't invest in you thank the football gods.

The colossal failure was the Schaub extension. He was coming off major injury and the front office bet he would be as good/better over the length of the deal than he was before the deal. Obviously that was a bad bet. We could have played out that season with Schaub on his deal and definitively known after last season he wasn't the guy (and that for reasons health related or other, he wasn't the same QB). Instead we gambled that we could win with him and gave him a salary that locked him in as the starting QB for two more seasons and will hit the cap for an unspecified amount of time after he is done in Houston. That is a colossal failure and a waste of the end of AJ's prime and the start of Watt's. If anyone sees it any other way I truly don't understand how.

[Nconroe]

Could be wrong, but guarantee to Schaub was 29 mil. And if they cut Schaub after this year cap hit is 6 mil for two years.m

However you get a good QB seems to be somewhat lucky.

[WMH]

I never reccommended that. I don't think the plan ever should have included Keenum. If you get lucky with a guy you didn't invest in you thank the football gods.

The colossal failure was the Schaub extension. He was coming off major injury and the front office bet he would be as good/better over the length of the deal than he was before the deal. Obviously that was a bad bet. We could have played out that season with Schaub on his deal and definitively known after last season he wasn't the guy (and that for reasons health related or other, he wasn't the same QB). Instead we gambled that we could win with him and gave him a salary that locked him in as the starting QB for two more seasons and will hit the cap for an unspecified amount of time after he is done in Houston. That is a colossal failure and a waste of the end of AJ's prime and the start of Watt's. If anyone sees it any other way I truly don't understand how.

Was it really that bad of a bet? After they cut him, a 3.5 hit in '14 and 7.5 hit in '15 for getting out of a starting NFL QB doesn't seem that bad to me. Factor in the rookie wage scale for an incoming QB, and it washes out. I'll give the brass kudos for that structure. There's no way he wasn't going to be here for less than 2 years of the deal. Now they can get out of it and move on.

[barrett]

Was it really that bad of a bet? After they cut him, a 3.5 hit in '14 and 7.5 hit in '15 for getting out of a starting NFL QB doesn't seem that bad to me. Factor in the rookie wage scale for an incoming QB, and it washes out. I'll give the brass kudos for that structure. There's no way he wasn't going to be here for less than 2 years of the deal. Now they can get out of it and move on.

Not a terribly structured deal, but there was no reason for it. We were bidding against ourselves. Let him play out the deal and then resign him (or don't if he plays like last year). At worst he plays like he never has before and the deal is a few million bigger or you have to franchise him. Either way we signed an extension on an unseen player coming off a damaging injury when we were under no compulsion to extend.

[WMH]

Not a terribly structured deal, but there was no reason for it. We were bidding against ourselves. Let him play out the deal and then resign him (or don't if he plays like last year). At worst he plays like he never has before and the deal is a few million bigger or you have to franchise him. Either way we signed an extension on an unseen player coming off a damaging injury when we were under no compulsion to extend.

I can see that. I can see that with the Foster deal too, but don't recall if there were similar outs.

[nunusguy]

Was it really that bad of a bet?
Speaking of bets, just wondering, what kind of bet would you put on Schaub's status including his domicile next year ? I think this time next year Matt Schaub is a starting NFL QB in some city not named Houston, TX. I'm more confidant about that bet than I am about who Houston's QB is next year at this time. What ever Schaub's issues and limitations (and they are considerable), there's still 32 NFL teams many of which have a really, really bad QB listed #1 on their DC.

[barrett]

Speaking of bets, just wondering, what kind of bet would you put on Schaub's status including his domicile next year ? I think this time next year Matt Schaub is a starting NFL QB in some city not named Houston, TX. I'm more confidant about that bet than I am about who Houston's QB is next year at this time. What ever Schaub's issues and limitations (and they are considerable), there's still 32 NFL teams many of which have a really, really bad QB listed #1 on their DC.

I would guess Schaub gets a job about like Kolb got this year. Some team will pay him to be a place holder for a not ready rookie. He is capable compared to the scrap heap veterans out there, and he is a low ego, team first guy who will play his best even while knowing he is not in the long term plans. But I doubt anyone goes Alex Smith and says "this is our guy." The end was just too ugly to sell him to a fan base in that way.

[HPF Bob]

Here's a crazy ass prediction. The Redskins decide the market will never be better than now to trade Kirk Cousins and then sign Schaub as the backup to RG3. After all, Baby Shan is the OC there and has worked with Schaub before plus it will be the same sort of offensive system. The Skins can sign him to a small-salary contract since the Texans will still be on the hook for a large enough chunk of change to keep him comfortable and he'll be back near his Virginia roots.

[barrett]

Here's a crazy ass prediction. The Redskins decide the market will never be better than now to trade Kirk Cousins and then sign Schaub as the backup to RG3. After all, Baby Shan is the OC there and has worked with Schaub before plus it will be the same sort of offensive system. The Skins can sign him to a small-salary contract since the Texans will still be on the hook for a large enough chunk of change to keep him comfortable and he'll be back near his Virginia roots.

The Texans are not on the hook for any money with Schaub next year. They have a cap hit for long paid bonus money, but Schaub will only get paid what he is paid next year.