Official Texans vs. Redskins Game Thread, 9/7/2014

[Arky]

It's that time again. For the Texans, it's Liberty white opening day against the Washington Redskins at NRG stadium.

Game should be interesting in what we've seen so far in that the 1's/starters will be out in full force. RG3 is healthy again and I'll be hoping for an entertaining matchup with no injuries.

TV = FOX (channel 26 local), Sunday, noon CST, Sept. 7

Announcers (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2014&wk=1) = Thom Brennaman, David Diehl

The odds (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Texans by 2.5 to 3

[Nconroe]

Ok, starting to get excited and will be at the game.

Ready to see the full Texans team out there and see what we can do - new coach, new QB, new offense and defense systems.

And our stars - Johnson, Foster, Cushing, Watt, Clowney, several other leaders like Brown, Myers, Joseph, Swearinger, should all be there.

[barrett]

I agree. I'm just excited to finally have the season here.

And if we had super bowl dreams, then watching the seahawks last night would have been very scary.

[Warren]

Inactives:

Redskins: LB Akeem Jordan, CB Tracy Porter, WR Santana Moss, QB Colt McCoy, DE Frank Kearse, G Spencer Long, T Morgan Moses

Texans: TE Garrett Graham, QB Tom Savage, WR DeVier Posey, S Shiloh Keo, T Jeff Adams, LB Jason Ankrah, DT Louis Nix III

[Warren]

What's the story on Posey? He wasn't on the injury report.

[Arky]

What's the story on Posey? He wasn't on the injury report.

Don't know. Hadn't heard anything. Seems like the injury reports are going the way of a government cover-up... ;)

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

The FOX announcer (Diehl) could pass for Cushing's brother....

[chuck]

Here we go, men.

[popanot]

Wow, Demarius Johnson starting. Fullback sets early too.

[Arky]

Texans will receive.

D. Johnson downs the ball in the endzone. Texans ball at the 20.

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

Pass to Hopkins in the flat goes for 7.

Pass to D Johnson bounces in front of him, inc. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Pass to AJ good for 13 and a 1st down.

Another pass to AJ off the mark, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up from the Texan 40.

Foster goes for 9 yards. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Foster caught in the backfield for loss of 1. Brings up 4th and 2 and the Texans will punt.

Punt is fair caught at the Redskins 11 yard line. Redskins ball.

[chuck]

I HATE that heavy formation. How many times have I said it? Hundreds, surely. Spread the field and run the ball.

[Arky]

Morris gets about 9 on 1st down. 2nd and 1 coming up.

Pass to Jackson goes for no gain. 3rd and 1 coming up.

RG3 calls a timeout at the LOS.....

The Redskin RB runs into the brick wall of JJ Watt. Redskins to punt.

D Johnson has a nice return on the punt. Texan's ball at their 32.

[popanot]

RE Heavy Formation: They're going to keep running it, apparently. :(

[Arky]

Foster goes up the middle for about 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Pass to Foster good for about 6. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Foster looks to be short of the 1st down but a flag is down. Holding on the Texans. Declined, Texans will punt on 4th and 1.

Lechler's punt goes into the endzone. Redskins ball at their 20. 8:23 left in the 1st qtr.

[Arky]

Pass to Garcon good for 5.

RG3 is sacked by Swearinger! Loss of 8. 3rd and 13 coming up.

Screen to Jackson doesn't get much. Redskins will punt.

D Johnson brings the punt back to the Texan 32. Texan's ball.

[chuck]

I love how Swag was shouting at the defense prior to the sack alerting everyone that it was going to be a rollout. I also like how they're moving Clowney around.

[Arky]

Pass attempt to Griffin goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Foster sweeps right for 9 but a flag is down. Holding on Brooks brings it back. 2nd and 20 coming up.

Screen to Foster gets about 10 yards back. 3rd and 9 coming up.

Screen to D Johnson goes for no gain. Texans will punt.

Punt is returned to the Redskin 24. Redskin's ball with 4:17 left in the 1st qtr.

[popanot]

Should we start taking wagers on Fitz getting pulled for Mallett THIS game?

[chuck]

I wonder how many games we'll see where the defense outscores the offense. Several, I would think.

[Arky]

Morris gets about 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Snap is bobbled and then covered up. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Deep pass to Roberts is caught but just out of bounds, inc. Redskins to challenge that he had both feet in......

Play stands as called - incomplete. Redskins to punt.

D Johnson brings the punt back to the Texan 33. Texan's ball.

[Arky]

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

Foster goes right for 2. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Fitz's pass is deflected at the LOS and goes inc. Texans to punt.

Lechler's punt goes into the endzone, touchback. Redskin's ball at their 20.

[Arky]

Pass to Reed goes for about 3.

Pass to Garcon gets 7 or 8 and a 1st down.

Morris gets maybe 1. 2nd and 9 coming up.

End of the 1st quarter.

[Arky]

On 2nd and 9, RG3 pass to Jackson is good for 9 and a 1st down.

RG3 pressured, throws a short pass for a 1 yard gain.

Screen to Garcon gets 5. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Draw to Helu goes for about 16 and a 1st down.

Dump off to Young goes for a gain of 1.

False start offense -5. Makes it 2nd and 14 coming up.

Handoff to Helu gets 5. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Reed sacks RG3! Big loss. Redskins will punt on 4th and 20.

D Johnson fair catches at the Texan 8 yard line.

[Arky]

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

Foster for 6 more and a 1st down.

Pass to D Johnson off target, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Bobbled snap. Fitz jumps on it for loss of 5. 3rd and 15 coming up.

Foster gets about 10. Texans will punt on 4th and 5.

Roberts gets 26 on the punt return. Ball in Texan territory at the 46 yard line.

[Arky]

Morris gets a big gainer to the Texan 30. 16 yards.

Helu sweeps right for about 8. 2nd and 2 coming up.

Morris goes all the way to the Texan 1 yard line. Texans challenge that the runner fumbled at the end of the run.......

Play stands. No fumble. 1st and goal at the 1.

Young stretches over for the pile for the TD.

Extra point is blocked by Watt!

Redskins 6, Texans 0

6:06 left in the half.

[Arky]

Jeez, how about throwing a few to AJ....

[chuck]

Those six points likely put the game out of reach for the Texans.

[Arky]

Johnson returns the ensuing kickoff to the Texan 20 but a flag is down. Holding on the Texans. Places the ball at the Texan 10.

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

Foster for 5 or 6.

Foster for about 5 more and a 1st down.

Foster for 4.

Woohoo! Pass to Hopkins goes the distance! 76 yards! Holding on the defense is declined.

Texans 7, Redskins 6

4:15 left in the half.

[Arky]

Jeez, how about throwing a few to AJ....

Or Hopkins will do. I was wondering when they would throw a pass vertically.....

[chuck]

Nuke!

Now I can go back to being miserable that Foles is my FF QB.

[Arky]

Roberts brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Redskin 21.

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

Reverse to Jackson is blown up. Loss of 9.

Pass to Garcon gets 3. 3rd and 15 coming up.

Screen to Helu gets 8 so the Redskins will punt.

Punt is blocked and picked up for a TD! Alfred Blue with the TD!

Texans 14, Redskins 6

2:09 left in the half.

Hottadam, attaway special teams....

[chuck]

That reverse is so incredibly irresponsible that it pisses me off to see it even when it works out in our favor.

[chuck]

I figured Blue would score sooner than later but I didn't have that in mind exactly.

[Arky]

Redskins ball at their 20.

Morris for 2.

2 minute warning.....

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

Pass to Garcon gets about 8.

Pass to Jackson good for a 1st down at the Redskin 36.

Mercilus gets a sack on RG3 but a flag is down. Penalty on KJ for illegal contact. Give the Redskins a 1st down at their 40.

Pass to Garcon goes to the 46 of the Texans.

RG3 pressured, throws it away. Flag down. 2 flags on the Redskins. Intentional grounding accepted for -10 and a loss of down. Brings up 2nd and 25.

55 seconds left in the half.

Jackson runs around but no gain. 3rd and 25 coming up.

Redskins letting the clock run.....

Handoff to Morris goes to midfield as the clock runs out.

Halftime.

Texans 14, Redskins 6

[chuck]

Noted offensive genius Gary Kubiak has overseen 68 yards of total offense and 0 points.

[popanot]

Pouring down and losing power in SE Houston.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Fitz 6/11, 114 yards, 1 TD

Rushing: Foster 12/52

Receiving: Hopkins 2/83, Foster 2/17, AJ 1/13

Tackles: JJo/Swearinger 6 each, Reed/Lewis 5 each, KJ 4, Jamison/Cushing 2 each

Time of possession: Texans 12:34, Redskins 17:26

1st downs: Texans 4, Redskins 9

3rd down efficiency: Texans 1/6, Redskins 2/8

Red zone: Texans 0/0, Redskins 1/1

Penalties: Texans 3/25, Redskins 2/20

Turnovers: Texans 0, Redskins 0

[chuck]

Pouring down and losing power in SE Houston.

They should open the roof.

I remember an opening game years ago against San Diego where it rained like a mofo.

I would expect most SE Houstonians to have a diesel generator.

[Arky]

Roberts has a nice return on the 2nd half kickoff but holding on the Redskins places the ball at the Redskin 12.

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Pass to Jackson goes for 17 yards.

Morris for 4 or 5 but flag down. Holding on the Redskins -10. 1st and 16 coming up.

Pass to Garcon goes for 10. 2nd and 6 coming up.

RG3 slides for 2. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass to Paul is complete for the 1st down at the Texan 49.

Morris for 9.

Morris for 4 or 5 and a 1st down.

Helu sweeps right and goes all the way to the Texan 18 yard line.

Morris spins for 4. 2nd and 6 coming up.

Timeout Texans......

RG3 pressured, throws it away, inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Swearinger get flagged for roughing the passer. Not a good call.... 1st and goal for the Redskins at the 7.

Fumble!!!!! Texans recover! Watt! Texans ball at the Redskin 10!

9:16 left in the 3rd qtr.

[chuck]

This Boger is absolutely the worst head official in the league and that call on Swearinger was as bad as it gets.

[Warren]

Should those penalties have offset if the personal foul was after the play?

[Arky]

Pass to AJ goes for about 14.

Another pass to AJ gets 13 or so.

Foster for 1.

Pass to Hopkins gets about 6 but flags are down followed by a little extra enthusiasm.. Offsetting, replay the down. 2nd and 9.

Foster for short gain. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Fitz's pass to Fido is off the mark, inc. Texans will have to punt.

Punt is downed by the Texans at the Redskin 11 yard line. Redskin's ball.

[Arky]

Pass to Garcon gets 6.

Pass to Roberts goes all the way to the Redskin 40.

Pass to the TE goes for short gain. 2nd and 7 coming up.

RG3 runs out of the pocket and throws it away, inc. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Deep pass over the middle ends in a fumble and the Texans recover! Whew! Looked like the guy was on his way to 6 points....... K Lewis on the recovery.

Texans ball at their 9 yard line.

[Arky]

Foster for 2 or 3.

Fitz's pass to AJ is underthrown, inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Pass to AJ gets 9 and the 1st down.

Foster runs for about 7 or 8.

Pass to Hopkins is broken up, inc.

On 3rd and 3, Fitz hits Hopkins for 4 and a 1st down.

Foster for 3. About 1 minute left in the 3rd qtr.

Foster gets 6, just short of the 1st down. 3rd down coming up.

Fitz sneaks for 3 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 47.

End of the 3rd qtr.

[Arky]

Foster for 7.

Grimes for 1. 3rd and 2 coming up. A Redskin (Hatcher) injured on the play. Injury timeout.

Screen to AJ goes for nice gainer and a late flag for the horse-collar tackle. Half the distance to the goal places the ball at the Redskin 11.

Oy, Foster sweeps right and fumbles. Redskins recover at the 8 yard line. Redskin's ball.

[Arky]

Pass goes for 8.

Morris rumbles for nice gainer. Ball at the Redskin 25.

Pass to Garcon good for 10.

RG3 sacked by Watt! Loss of 6. 2nd and 16 coming up.

Timeout Redskins.

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

There goes my Dish (rain)

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

Pass to Jackson goes to the Redskin 47.

Morris loses 4.

Dumpoff pass loses 3. 3rd and 17 coming up.

Deep pass is broken up by Bouye, inc. Redskins have to punt.

D Johnson brings the punt back to the Texan 16 but holding pushes it back to the 8 yard line. Texan's ball.

[Arky]

Fitz pass to Griffin good for 9.

Foster gets the 1st down. Flag. Offsides Redskins. Ball at the 23.

Pass over the middle inc. Flag on the Redskins for roughing the passer. Places the ball at the Texan 38.

Foster for about 9.... 2nd down and 1.

Foster for no gain. 3rd and short.

Texans call a timeout. 5:49 left in the game.

Foster gets the 1st down at midfield.

Foster for gain of 4.

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

Fitz scrambles for the 1st down at the Redskin 37.

Pass to AJ goes to the 16! A Redskin is injured on the play...... Injury timeout.

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Foster caught in the backfield for a loss of 3. Redskins use a timeout. 2:35 left in the game.

Flags presnap. Offsides Hopkins, -5. 2nd and 18 coming up.

Screen to Hopkins for no gain. Redskins use their final timeout with 2:30 left in the game.

Foster for maybe 1. Texans to go for the FG after the 2 minute warning.

2 minute warning.

[Arky]

Bullock's 42-yard FG is good!

Texans 17, Redskins 6

1:55 left in the game.

[Arky]

Bullock's ensuing kickoff goes out of the endzone, touchback. Redskin's ball at their 20.

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

Pass to Paul goes for about 19.

Pass to Jackson gets 13.

RG3's pass is deflected at the LOS, inc. 1:35 left in the game.

RG3 pressured, throws it away, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

RG3's pass is batted down by Watt, inc. Makes it 4th and 10 coming up.

RG3 pressured, flips it to Helu who comes up short of the 1st down.

Texans go into the victory formation, running out the clock.

Final Score:

Texans 17, Redskins 6

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They say Clowney had a knee injury during the game..... Damn!

[chuck]

I wonder if we'll ever get a true account of what's up with Clowney.

[Arky]

There's a good chance the Texans will have a 1 game lead over the Colts by the end of the day. They'll share the AFCS lead with the Titans. Titans turned some heads today with the upset of the Chiefs....

[Keith]

Kudos to Mike Vrabel for getting something out of Brooks Reed. I guess it is a contract year for Reed, too.

O'Brien understandably has little confidence in Fitzpatrick throwing the ball downfield. Won't be long before he gives him the dreaded 'vote of confidence'.

[nunusguy]

Pretty solid game by the defense (and S-Teams) with another great effort by JJ. Swearington also played very well. And I thought Clowney made a couple plays before he went out, hope the injury is not too bad.
So what it's been since September of last year since a win ? Wow, what a dry spell.

[barrett]

Watt was amazing. He has a motor like a guy trying to make the 53 man roster. It is a real treat to watch. There is not a defensive player that comes close to him for impacting a football game.

Swearinger was really good. It's a shame he purposely got himself a rep for dirty/rough play. Now he gets flagged for perfect form tackles.

And Cushing just adds something beyond the plays he makes. Great to see him out there.

The offense was bad, but bad was all it needed to be, so I'll reserve judgment. I was surprised by how much empty backfield we used.

And it sure is nice to have great ST play. In a normal Texans season we would have played the Redskins even on Offense and Defense and lost. This year we played them even and won by 11 due to the ST.

All in all I would say, few surprises, Watt is maybe better than ever, and I am starting to really believe O'Brien can coach.

[barrett]

I don't know how I forgot, but GREAT game from Brooks Reed. I had given up on ever saying that. He has often been solid, but never impactful. And Mercilous got in on the action too. Whether it's Vrabel or something else, great to see.

[chuck]

It looked to me like Reed is heavier than he's been in years past. Not slower, just bigger.

[HPF Bob]

Let's not forget Foster who sat out all the all the pre-season games and still ripped off a 100-yd effort behind a less-than-stellar o-line. Gotta hold onto the rock though. That fumble is what you expect for a guy who hasn't had live contact in a long time.

[chuck]

Let's not forget Foster who sat out all the all the pre-season games and still ripped off a 100-yd effort behind a less-than-stellar o-line. Gotta hold onto the rock though. That fumble is what you expect for a guy who hasn't had live contact in a long time.

He's got a real fullback in front of him for the first time in a long time but you're quite right to highlight Foster because the team's going to need a whole lot more of that sort of effort if they're going to move the ball and score every once in a while.

[Keith]

The fumble resulting from the lack of training camp and preseason contact is spot on. I didn't have concerns about Foster being effective from the lack of August work, though the fumbling was sure to be a concern.

The offensive gameplan did Foster no favors, either. Without a downfield passing attack (or rather, even a downfield passing effort at all), Foster had to run into a defense knowing it was going to run, and seemed to have a pretty good idea of where he would be headed too (not many counters?).

All in all, a nice effort from Foster, one better than his stats would show. Seemed to me the Redskins players appreciated what the Texans were putting him though too... lotta respect out there for him from his peers.

[Nconroe]

I really enjoyed going to the game yesterday since we won. There were quite a few Washington fans around where I was so it was extra nice win.

Pregame National Anthem was sung by Clay Walker, Toro swung down from rafters some how, and had a nice salute to firemen first responders, and veterans and wounded warriors. nice to see those guys smiling and being recognized. Nice little half time show as well.

One nice thing of being there is you can see the whole field, not just what TV and announcers want you to see or hear. Although replays on the big screen was nice.

Overall, I thought Fitzpatrick did ok, had reasonable zip on the ball, and didn't try to force ball into tight coverage. and he had two good runs for first down. Fitz ended up with passer rating of 109. Only 1 sack.

Foster did real good with several runs in the 6 to 9 yd area, but then quite a few places where OL seemed to not give any running room at all. Total of 103 rushing yds could have been more, but for a few dumb penalties. Plus he had receiving yds. One fumble on Redskins 10 yd line could have been a score to put game out of reach a little earlier.

Andre Johnson and Hopkins both looked very good, AJ most on quick slants and Hopkins mostly on the one 76 yd TD catch and run. TE didn't seem to be open very much.

Obviously JJ Megawatt had a great game and a major contributor to why we won the game. I'm not sure if the Skins running success was DL or Linebacker issues, but runs up the middle needs to get fixed. Front 7 did put a lot of pressure on RGIII throughout the game.

And then the two fumble recoveries inside Texans 10 yd line changed the game and must of really frustrated Washington.

I thought Swearinger especially, but also the CB's Joseph, Jackson, and Bouye had reasonable coverage and tackling. not sure why we seem to give up short passes so easily but deep coverage overall was good. more to work on.

Two big Special Teams plays, was a welcome change from last year. First JJ blocked an extra point, and then Blue blocked a punt, recovered the ball and ran it in for a touchdown, very nice with all those Redskins sitting in front of me.

Since we won, won't mention much on ref's and they did seem to balance out their bad calls for most part other than on Swearingers sack, roughing call.

I guess I could say the coaching of offense and defense and ST seemed solid.

Due to we won the turnover battle, seemed a little easier than it really was.

And I thought fans did an excellent job of getting loud when Washington was on offense , atleast from what I could hear.

And exit escollators weren't working, so that was a small hassle along with drizzling rain to get to vehicle. Thunder was pretty loud during late part of game. The white Out T-shirt and towel are appreciated.

[barrett]

I really enjoyed going to the game yesterday since we won. There were quite a few Washington fans around where I was so it was extra nice win.

Pregame National Anthem was sung by Clay Walker, Toro swung down from rafters some how, and had a nice salute to firemen first responders, and veterans and wounded warriors. nice to see those guys smiling and being recognized. Nice little half time show as well.

One nice thing of being there is you can see the whole field, not just what TV and announcers want you to see or hear. Although replays on the big screen was nice.

Overall, I thought Fitzpatrick did ok, had reasonable zip on the ball, and didn't try to force ball into tight coverage. and he had two good runs for first down. Fitz ended up with passer rating of 109. Only 1 sack.

Foster did real good with several runs in the 6 to 9 yd area, but then quite a few places where OL seemed to not give any running room at all. Total of 103 rushing yds could have been more, but for a few dumb penalties. Plus he had receiving yds. One fumble on Redskins 10 yd line could have been a score to put game out of reach a little earlier.

Andre Johnson and Hopkins both looked very good, AJ most on quick slants and Hopkins mostly on the one 76 yd TD catch and run. TE didn't seem to be open very much.

Obviously JJ Megawatt had a great game and a major contributor to why we won the game. I'm not sure if the Skins running success was DL or Linebacker issues, but runs up the middle needs to get fixed. Front 7 did put a lot of pressure on RGIII throughout the game.

And then the two fumble recoveries inside Texans 10 yd line changed the game and must of really frustrated Washington.

I thought Swearinger especially, but also the CB's Joseph, Jackson, and Bouye had reasonable coverage and tackling. not sure why we seem to give up short passes so easily but deep coverage overall was good. more to work on.

Two big Special Teams plays, was a welcome change from last year. First JJ blocked an extra point, and then Blue blocked a punt, recovered the ball and ran it in for a touchdown, very nice with all those Redskins sitting in front of me.

Since we won, won't mention much on ref's and they did seem to balance out their bad calls for most part other than on Swearingers sack, roughing call.

I guess I could say the coaching of offense and defense and ST seemed solid.

Due to we won the turnover battle, seemed a little easier than it really was.

And I thought fans did an excellent job of getting loud when Washington was on offense , atleast from what I could hear.

And exit escollators weren't working, so that was a small hassle along with drizzling rain to get to vehicle. Thunder was pretty loud during late part of game. The white Out T-shirt and towel are appreciated.

That has always been a hallmark of Bellichek defenses (including the ones Crenell coordinated). I think the stat is that Bellichek's defenses have finished higher in points allowed than yards allowed for like 20 straight years. I am assuming Crenell is similar (never paid close enough attention to him in CLE/KC to say for sure). Give up the short stuff and rely on the fact that at some point on a 10+ play drive, the other team is going to get behind the chains and you are going to stop them. It sure worked great yesterday. Very few NFL offenses execute at a level to matriculate down the field with no big plays. And even fewer can do so with JJ Watt ruining about %25 of the plays in on way or another. I hope we give up the short stuff all year. It was especially impressive against a team with some guys who can really get deep.

[HPF Bob]

It was a great to get a win, particularly in O'Brien's debut. But we beat a dysfunctional team that was barely better than us last year.

Fitzpatrick is like the Scott Feldman of NFL quarterbacks. He's a .500 pitcher that is largely a game manager not a game winner. But we knew that. He's good enough to beat the teams in the NFC East and the AFC South (excluding Indianapolis) and a couple others but he'll be overmatched when we play good teams.

For right now, that's okay. When the surrounding cast gets better, we're going to want a better QB. Mallett? Savage? Not sure about either one but Fitz will at least keep 2014 manageable.

[Keith]

Fitzpatrick is like the Scott Feldman of NFL quarterbacks. He's a .500 pitcher that is largely a game manager not a game winner. But we knew that. He's good enough to beat the teams in the NFC East and the AFC South (excluding Indianapolis) and a couple others but he'll be overmatched when we play good teams.

Agreed, but what is fascinating is how poor the Texans 2014 opponents seem to be as a group, especially now after week 1 in how overrated the NFC East seems to be, I mean they're more-than-normal overrated this season. There's maybe a bit of a tough stretch in October-ish schedule for the Texans, but there's nine wins on this slate for a team that has no business winning even six.

Believe me, I am not getting over-excited after a 1-0 start over a 3-14 team... the two touchdowns the Texans scored (the punt block and the one deep ball to Hopkins) could be chalked up to flukes. Take away those two plays and maybe the team loses 6-3, ick.

But this team has a run game and a defense, and maybe some hope for a positive turnover margin. And teams have done good things when it has those three things in its favor.

[barrett]

It was a great to get a win, particularly in O'Brien's debut. But we beat a dysfunctional team that was barely better than us last year.

Fitzpatrick is like the Scott Feldman of NFL quarterbacks. He's a .500 pitcher that is largely a game manager not a game winner. But we knew that. He's good enough to beat the teams in the NFC East and the AFC South (excluding Indianapolis) and a couple others but he'll be overmatched when we play good teams.

For right now, that's okay. When the surrounding cast gets better, we're going to want a better QB. Mallett? Savage? Not sure about either one but Fitz will at least keep 2014 manageable.

Actually, Fitzpatrick is the opposite of a game manager. He is a high turnover risk taker. He makes plays with his legs and he'll try to put the ball in places his arm can't make happen. He is a homeless man's Brett Favre more than he is a game manager. He has never managed games for anyone.

But I agree 100% with your 2nd paragraph.

[Arky]

Agreed, but what is fascinating is how poor the Texans 2014 opponents seem to be as a group, especially now after week 1 in how overrated the NFC East seems to be, I mean they're more-than-normal overrated this season. There's maybe a bit of a tough stretch in October-ish schedule for the Texans, but there's nine wins on this slate for a team that has no business winning even six.

Believe me, I am not getting over-excited after a 1-0 start over a 3-14 team... the two touchdowns the Texans scored (the punt block and the one deep ball to Hopkins) could be chalked up to flukes. Take away those two plays and maybe the team loses 6-3, ick.

But this team has a run game and a defense, and maybe some hope for a positive turnover margin. And teams have done good things when it has those three things in its favor.

Yep, yep. The ball really bounced in our favor (for a change) on Sunday. But I'm glad to put that losing streak to rest, so I'll take it.

I think what we're seeing right now is an evolving team. While the defense looked pretty sharp, they're probably a long ways away from being fined tuned. At this stage, I think you could see a real stinker from them (I'm looking at you secondary) or they might play adequate to good.

The passing offense just looks scrappy at this point. No rhythm. I would like to see Arian not take so much of the load in the run game..... Let some of the other guys have a few carries....

If they go up to Oakland and win that one to go 2-0, I'll have to check myself from thinking ahead too much. As always, the critical games will be against our fellow AFC South opponents.

[Arky]

Video: O'Brien mic'ed up during the Redskin game (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-sound-efx/0ap3000000393605/Sound-FX-Texans-regain-winning-ways)