Official Texans vs. Falcons Fake Game Thread, 08/16/2014

[Nconroe]

Just one more day and our next measuring stick on progress and team discipline will occur.

Hopefully we go down from 13 penalties to around 9 or less.

Hopefully we can atleast create as many turnovers as we give up.

Hopefully we score more than 0, 20 would be nice.

Hopefully the kick returners get past 15 yard line, maybe 25 or more.

And hopefully the DB's hold Atlanta to below 70% pass completion rate.

Just improve, if we win, not required but a nice trend to start sooner than latter.

[Arky]

Texans are a 3 pt favorite. Eheh. Problem is, they'll have to score to cover the 3 pts.... :p

[painekiller]

Texans are a 3 pt favorite. Eheh. Problem is, they'll have to score to cover the 3 pts.... :p

That's just wrong, true, but oh so wrong.

:)

[HPF Bob]

I just want to see Clowney make some unreal play then turn to the Falcons bench and say "y'all coulda had me, fools".

[barrett]

I just want to see Clowney make some unreal play then turn to the Falcons bench and say "y'all coulda had me, fools".

Did the Falcons pass on Clowney?

[Nconroe]

There was speculation Texans might trade down out of first pick .

Sounds like Cushing, Foster, Johnson out of tonights game.

[barrett]

There was speculation Texans might trade down out of first pick .

Sounds like Cushing, Foster, Johnson out of tonights game.

I know there was speculation, but #1 overall picks don't go around with a chip on their shoulder about other teams not drafting them. The very first team with a chance to take him took him. End of story in terms of the draft.

I hope he makes some unreal play then gets ready to do it again.

[Arky]

I think I just saw Clowney point at the Falcons bench and say, "y'all coulda had me, fools"... ;)

[Nconroe]

Clowney has had several nice plays.

Now offense doing a nice drive.

[Arky]

Fitz showing off his speed gets the Texans inside the 10.

Blue runs for about 10 - inside the 5. 1st and goal.

Blue to the 1.

Blue punches it in. Touchdown!

Texans 7, Falcons 0

1:19 left in the 1st quarter.

[WMH]

Good drive.

Fitz missed Hopkins up the seam on one of those dumps to the TE, but at least he didn't throw it to a white jersey.

Progress.....

[Nconroe]

I really like the way Blue runs.

And nice stop on kickoff by Victorian.

[barrett]

We could go 0-16 and I think I'd be fired up watching Clowney every week.

[Arky]

Savage in at QB. Hmmmm.....

Jeff Triplette's (sp?) crew really picking on the Falcons....

[Nconroe]

Savage in the game. Keep fingers crossed.

[Big Texas]

Either Roddy and Julio have regressed or our corners are really pumped up...

Or they are just not playing hard

[Arky]

Texans getting the flags, now.... Falcons have three 1st downs from penalties.

Texans have 7 penalties. Make that 8.

1:39 left in the half.

[Arky]

Short pass to Hester goes for the 12 yard TD. Tied up.

Texans 7, Falcons 7

1:32 left in the half.

[Nconroe]

Starting to be too many penalties on defense and DJ.

[WMH]

These flags, on both sides, are ridiculous.

Get ready for 3.5/4 hour games if they keep this up.

[Nconroe]

Fitz is showing some nice escapability and a couple nice runs.

[Arky]

Texans now at the 15 yard line after pass to K Martin.

Pass to Grimes in the flat good for about 7. Timeout w/29 seconds left in the half..

Pass to EZ in the endzone broken up but flags down. Offsetting - redo the down.

Fitz hits Posey in the endzone for the TD! Nice 2 minute drive! Oy, Boswell misses the XP.

Texans 13, Falcons 7

19 seconds left in the half.

[barrett]

The officiating is a joke. I have been in favor the whole time of the penalties on any hit close to the head. I see the value in protecting these guys. I have no problem losing that part of the physical element. And I think it has actually worked as defenders are going there less and less.

But what is the point of all the ridiculous rules they are pushing this year? We just watched Peyton Manning dink and dunk his way to 10,000 yards and a million TDs and we want to further restrict the DBs? Was the NFL really so upset by Seattle beating Manning that they needed to make all forms of defense illegal? And then add stupid penalties like the one against Swearinger for celebrating with his teammates. Or Jimmy Graham getting flagged for a harmless goal post dunk.

The league is ridiculous if they are pushing the officials to do this. And if it is just some preseason thing that is even dumber.

With all that said, great football from the Texans tonight. They are a little limited, but this is what they can be when it all comes together.

[Arky]

Keenum in at QB.

Texans start off the 2nd half with a penalty.

Dang, 3 plays, 3 flags but the Texans get a 1st down on the last one.

[Arky]

Bullock gets a 40 yard FG.

Texans 16, Falcons 7

10:20 left in the 3rd quarter.

[Nconroe]

Keenum looking much better today as well.

On int looked like receiver had it but

[Arky]

Denham blocks the Falcons punt, Grimes picks it up and runs it in for the score!

Texans 23, Falcons 7

13:53 left in the game.

[Nconroe]

Many positives including special teams this week.

[chuck]

Many positives including special teams this week.

I hate to break character but yes, there have been quite a number of positives. Most of our key players sat this one out, too.

Fitz is who he is, but one thing is that he is an awful lot more mobile that Schaub ever was. (Who isn't?)

I know there were some questions regarding Clowney pre-draft but I sure as hell can't remember what they were anymore.

Who's the nickel corner going to be?

[Arky]

Another one for the ST as Jawanza Starling blocks the Falcons 51-yard FG attempt.

8:43 left in the game.

[WMH]

Who's the nickel corner going to be?

I'd say Bouye, or someone that isn't currently on the roster.

1st dibs on the waiver wire after cut downs should prove beneficial.

[barrett]

I hate to break character but yes, there have been quite a number of positives. Most of our key players sat this one out, too.

Fitz is who he is, but one thing is that he is an awful lot more mobile that Schaub ever was. (Who isn't?)

I know there were some questions regarding Clowney pre-draft but I sure as hell can't remember what they were anymore.

Who's the nickel corner going to be?

Bouye looks good. And the mistake/high draft pick guys he's competing with are not O'Brien guys so he should get a fair shake.

And yes, tons of positives. I am nearly as happy about this one as I was disappointed by last week. We look like the big, physical team that O'Brien's first draft indicated we would be. And we are playing ST and running the ball in the way you need to if you are going to win with defense. And with all the positives, I don't think Watt played, and Clowney only played a bit. I am almost giddy about watching 4 quarters of those guys. Is it possible Clowney could be better than the hype from 18 months ago? He sure seems to work hard and love football in ways that make the questions about him seem silly.

[barrett]

I'd say Bouye, or someone that isn't currently on the roster.

1st dibs on the waiver wire after cut downs should prove beneficial.

Great minds.

[HPF Bob]

I know there were some questions regarding Clowney pre-draft but I sure as hell can't remember what they were anymore.


His motor and motivation. It may have just been an undiagnosed sports hernia that was the problem. But we won't know if he really wants to be a star at this level until about two years from now when he's had his taste of fame. I'm sticking to my Jevon Kearse career track until I see differently.

[Arky]

Hottadam, Andre Hal does a pick 6 but a flag is down. Unsportsmanlike on the Texans after the fact. Oy, Boswell misses another XP.

Texans 29, Falcons 7

[Arky]

Bullough with the INT. Texans set up at the Falcon 15 with 5:34 to go.

[Arky]

Savage back in at QB.

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

Boswell good on the 33-yard FG.

Texans 32, Falcons 7

3:18 left in the game.

[barrett]

Savage back in at QB.

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

Boswell good on the 33-yard FG.

Texans 32, Falcons 7

3:18 left in the game.

I really like O'Brien's willingness to use QBs like other players in the preseason. They are allowed to go in and out of the game and I am glad they are (though I've never really seen it and would not have thought to do it myself).

It was great to see Fitzpatrick in the 2 minute drill and Savage behind semi-pro OL. Small thing, but outside the box coaching.

[Arky]

Final Score:

Texans 32, Falcons 7

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

Much better. Competitive this time....

[Nconroe]

Feels so much better now that 15 game losing streak is over.

[nunusguy]

Well that was fun, but here's my question: is it possible that Clowney will be even better than JJ ? On the basis of only brief appearances in 2 preseason games I'm certainly not making that prediction now, but I don't think any player the Texans have had to date has made a better impression this early in his career. And there's no question about his incredible natural ability, and it's entirely possible that he could have a better 2014 statistically (sacks & TFLs) than Watt, especially given that he's the weak-side edge rusher while JJ is primarily an interior DLineman (of course all lineman in this 3-4 are). So what about Watt's expectations of a monster contract if he's only the second best player on the defense ? Guess that's the kind of problems we would hope for.

[Keith]

I wouldn't worry about Watt. I think he is set for some long-term success and deserves to be paid as one of the best players in the league even if one day he becomes the 2nd best player on the defense.

Clowney reminds me a little of Jevon Kearse (although Clowney can lay a far better hit). When Kearse was at his athletic peak, he was devastating. Clowney is showing early success because his first step and his instincts are amazing. Hopefully he'll continue to develop beyond what Kearse did in his career.

To think that the rest of the decade could include both Watt and Clowney on this defense is pretty encouraging. Those are two cornerstones that could keep the defense at a high level for many, many years.

[Nconroe]

I just hope JJ and Jadeveon both have a successful and long , fairly paid, career in Houston. Both guys seem to be very easy going, fan friendly.

[Arky]

Thoughts on the game:

Much as I hate to say it, K Martin had a good showing last night. So far, he hasn't done anything to suggest he shouldn't make the team. Did well on his returns and as a receiver. I'm hoping he doesn't turn into the disappointing mediocre slug I've seen in the past when the real bullets start flying. One alternative could be....

Labhart. I thought he looked good in his opportunities. Nice little punt return. Shifty guy. I wasn't a fan initially but I am now. My other underdog favorite Lacoltan Bester, just hasn't had that many targets/opportunities, yet. Preseason game #4 might be the only time some of these guys get chances. Hoping one or both make it to (at least) the PS.

I thought DE Lawrence Sidbury looked good. Played hungry - like a guy looking for a job. His stats say he was a 4-year backup w/Atlanta. Didn't play last year (injury?) but had 4 sacks in 2011.

Fitz looked like a different person this week. And I think Keenum is showing growth as a QB despite the INT. That INT could've had several outcomes so I can't fault the vertical throw (does Fitz have the arm to even attempt that?). Savage - still a work in progress. I keep waiting to see him show off that big arm. Based on this game, I would be comfortable with all three QB's on the 53.

There were a number of other players who had shining moments but Atlanta's depth might be worse than ours. The real test will be in the "dress rehearsal" against Denver on Saturday and to a lesser extent, the 49'ers the following Thursday.

[HPF Bob]

Kinda hard to believe this was the same team we saw in Phoenix. Are the Falcons that much worse than the Cardinals or was there a hell of a lot of coaching this week? Was it impressed on certain players that no jobs are guaranteed on a 2-14 team?

Interesting under-the-radar signing of Ronnie Brown and I sort of like it. He's no longer able to be a feature back but he's a versatile veteran that can go do a lot of good "little" things to help you win. He's a capable receiver and a solid blocker. I can see him seeing a lot of playing time on third downs.

The announcer noted that practically all our draft choices had good games - Clowney, Feidorewicz, Hal, etc. That FB from Auburn is dynamite. Of course, Nix did not play and I didn't see anything particularly good/bad about Sua-Filo. Savage was nothing special and I didn't really notice Pagan but I think this year's draft class has the potential to be the best draft class we've ever had.

The dress rehearsal game with Denver will go a long way to tell us what to expect this season. I think Manning will shred our secondary which seems the obvious weak link.

I would not be shocked at all if Blue is our starting tailback by season's end. He looks like that classic underused SEC running back that could be looked at as a steal down the road. Don't know yet how he is in pass receiving but if he can do that, he could be our next star back.

As for bringing in/out the QBs, it serves the backups no good if you only get to see them against the backups. We ought to see all three get some action against the 1st and 2nd teams. I though Keenum generally looked good and some of his bad throws were probably misreads from the young receivers. There's a spot for all three - at least for this year.

[barrett]

It wasn't just a case of ATL being much worse than ARI. If that was the case than ARI would not have had their defense taken apart by the Vikings. I think it was just a case of we were that bad last week.

Rookies did look very good, and I am with Bob that Blue looks like the starting RB of 2015 (if not sooner). He could seriously be a Priest Holmes/Willie Parker type. The truth is that low college miles is a plus not a minus in the NFL at the RB position. As long as the talent is there. I think Ronnie Brown is cut unless they have zero confidence that Foster will play.

Labhart looked good. Did anyone notice if he played on ST coverage? It very well could come down to that for WR 4 and 5 (assuming Posey is a lock, which I hope). Tuggle looked good too.

I think at QB we saw the best of Fitzpatrick. If he can be mediocre but also move the chains twice a game with his legs, then we can try to win 10-7 football games. They seem determined to protect Savage and only call screens and runs when he is in the game. Not a good sign, but I suppose we knew he was a project.

As for this being the best draft class ever, I think it would be hard to top 2006 (Mario, Demeco, OD, Winston, and David Anderson's String dance).

[Nconroe]

The OL did much better and they were resting Duane Brown and Chris Meyers?

And DL did pretty good even without JJ Watt playing any.

Special Teams did pretty good, blocking a punt, and a FG attempt, and scoring 7 points.

So in addition to JJ, brown. Myers atleast 12 others were Sitting out- Arian Foster, Johnathan Joseph, Shiloh Keo, Lonnie Ballentine, Elbert Mack, Brian Cushing, Conor Boffeli, Will Yeatman, Brandon Brooks, Andre Johnson, Mike Thomas and Louis Nix.

This next week Brandon Brooks is supposed to be back on the OL.

And Louis Nix returns for the DL. Hope we get to see what he can do pretty soon.

I'm hoping we get to see AJ, Foster and Cushing a series or two this week. But may not if they get enough workout during the week since have three weekday practices with Broncs.

Here's hoping we see a few less penalties this coming week.