View Full Version : Official Texans @ Steelers Game Thread, 10/20/2014
The Texans travel to Pittsburgh's Heinz Field to take on the Steelers on Monday Night Football. The 3-3 Texans are coming off a 33-28 home loss to the Colts on TNF. The 3-3 Steelers are coming off 31-10 thumping by the Browns on the road. The matchup will feature the AFC's top two running backs (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/AFCs-top-running-backs-to-meet-on-Monday-Night-Football/a1eae519-6f8d-4165-8ecd-fe84ab9261de) in Arian Foster and Le'Veon Bell.
The Texans currently sit at #19 in the ESPN Power Rankings (http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings). The Steelers are at #22.
TV = ESPN, Monday, Oct 20, 7:30pm CST
Announcers (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2014&wk=7) = Mike Turico, John Gruden
The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Steelers by 3 to 4
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Sunday viewing in the Houston area:
Early:
CBS = Cincinnati @ Indianapolis -- Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
FOX = Carolina @ Green Bay -- Sam Rosen, John Lynch
Late:
FOX = NY Giants @ Dallas -- Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman (the networks, particularly NFC-based FOX, must be absolutely orgasmic that Dallas is relevant again. Check out that viewing area (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2014&wk=7).
HPF Bob
10-15-2014, 11:38 PM
LOL that little strip of purple on the map where some Texans will be subjected to Cleveland at Jacksonville on the faint hope that they might see Johnny Football.
HPF Bob
10-15-2014, 11:41 PM
As for Monday's game, it might be a good game on a neutral field but Pittsburgh will have their refs with them ignoring any illegal hits by Steeler players and flagging the Oilers (err, Texans) for critical penalties at exactly the wrong time. Just like old times.
LOL that little strip of purple on the map where some Texans will be subjected to Cleveland at Jacksonville on the faint hope that they might see Johnny Football.
Eheh, ya, that must be the Tyler viewing area. Manziel country. ;)
The more I think about it, the more I realize this is a really critical game for the Texans..... Division games are always highest priority but this is the kind of game that the team needs to win just for the conference W. The teams are probably about even w/the Steelers getting the 3 pts for home field .....Both teams could go one way or the other after this game. The Texans need this one just to support their record or what their record will eventually turn out to be. Go to 4-3 overall and then it is possible to go 6-3 down the stretch which would be right around the cut off line for the playoffs. Leave Pittsburgh with a loss (3-4) and then you're talkin' needing to go at least 7-2 and maybe 6-3 ain't good enough. Jacksonville and Tennessee aren't necessarily gimmes - the Texans will have to earn it..
This is Week 7 and chatter about a "new system" should be on the downslope. They should have the basics of it down by now.... If they don't, then they need to acquire smarter players....
It really sucks when you know you're out of it with a month (or more) to go.... As we're not even at the half-way point, yet, I still got the battle red glasses on... Maybe they come on, maybe they fade, but this game seems very pivotal to me.....
HPF Bob
10-18-2014, 12:40 AM
Good sign: Clowney returned to practice today. Should be good to go by Monday night.
Possible good sign: Ex-coach Bill Cowher and ex-receiver Hines Ward were both trashing the Steelers as "soft" after their loss to the Browns and that either means a) they're soft or b) they just aren't throwing the cheap shots that they used to and all the "player safety" rules have gotten to them.
Maybe the Steelers will come out hitting harder but it's just as possible they'll commit some stupid fouls just to prove they aren't soft. Maybe the Texans should bring a bag of marshmallows onto the field just to make a point.
Are marshmallows part of a vegan diet? Just askin...
Inactives (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Clowney-tops-inactives-vs-Pittsburgh/23b1ac36-288b-43e4-8c13-d000cc3ba69f):
HOUSTON
QB Tom Savage
WR DeVier Posey
OLB Jadeveon Clowney
T Jeff Adams
CB Jumal Rolle
CB Darryl Morris
S Josh Aubrey
PITTSBURGH
QB Landry Jones
WR Justin Brown
CB Ike Taylor
S Shamarko Thomas
LB Ryan Shazier
G Chris Hubbard
NT Steve McClendon
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 07:29 PM
Turnovers Turnovers Turnovers!!!
6 interceptions 9 forced fumbles
We have got to continue the trend...
For the love of God keep Swearinger out of pass coverage...
Can anybody not named Watt get a sack or force a hurry...
Slot receiver???Tight End???Where are you...
Throw it up and let Hopkins make a play...
Somebody cut off Fitz's beard while he is sleeping...I have had enough of the special ed. stares after making a poor choice...:D
Just my 2 cents
Aaaannnndddd, here we go........
--------------------------
Texans win the toss and defer. Steelers to receive.
-----------------------------
Kickoff goes out of the end zone, touchback. Steelers will have the ball at their 20.
Ben takes off on a, looks like, designed run and gets 5.
Tipped pass over the middle falls inc. 3rd and 5 coming up.
Pass to Bell gets 5 and the 1st down.
Bell for 4.
Short pass to Bell goes for about 10 or 11 and a 1st down. Ball at the Steeler 44.
Bell for about 2.
Ben's deep pass down the sideline sails inc. Brings up 3rd and 8.
Pass to Wheaton too high inc. Steelers have to punt.
Ball is downed by the Steelers around the Texans 5 yard line. Texan's ball. 11:24 left in the 1st qtr.
Ball at the 6.
Foster for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.
Foster gets bottled up. Gain of maybe 1. Brings up 3rd and 6.
Fitz almost sacked chunks it to D Johnson for a 1st down at the 25 yard line.
Foster goes for 11.
Fitz pressured and scrambles for 1 or 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.
Foster goes to the Texan 49. 1st down.
Blue gets 3.
Short flat pass to AJ gets 4. 3rd and 3 coming up.
Foster rips off a 33-yard run! 1st down at the Steeler 11.
Short pass to Blue who runs it in for the TD!
Texans 7, Steelers 0
5:55 left in the 1st qtr.
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 07:49 PM
Great drive...
We cannot have Bouye chasing down the deep ball...he got lucky last time. No big plays.
Nconroe
10-20-2014, 07:53 PM
Yep, Foster almost unstoppable on that nice drive to open the game.
The ensuing kickoff is downed in the end zone. Steelers will get the ball at their 20.
-----------------------------------
Bell for 1.
Bell gets about 3 more. Brings up 3rd and 6.
Pass to Brown good for a 1st down w/holding called on JJo (declined). Steelers ball at their 37.
Pass to Brown gets 9.
Bell gets about 4 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 49.
Bell caught in the backfield for a loss of 2.
Quick pass to Bell gets 3. 3rd and 9 coming up.
Ben is sacked and fumbles! Watt recovers! Texans ball near midfield!
Nconroe
10-20-2014, 07:56 PM
okay, turnover by our D. I think Mercilus corralled Rothelsberger .
JJ recovers fumble. If Rothelsberger continues to hold the ball that long, should lead to a few sacks and fumbles.
Texans takeover at the Steeler 46.
Deep pass down the sideline to AJ sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Foster for about 5. 3rd and 5 coming up.
Pass to Graham gets 5 and the 1st down.
Foster skates outside right for 9.
Blue gets 2 or 3 and the 1st down. Ball at the Steeler 23.
End of the 1st qtr.
-------------------------------------------
Good quarter. Need 3 more.
Blue for 1. Ball at the Steeler 22.
Foster for a couple. Brings up 3rd and 8.
Oy, Fitz's pass to Foster a little off the mark, inc. Texans to go for the FG.
Bullock's 39-yarder is good.
Texans 10, Steelers 0
13:34 left in the half.
Steelers brings the ensuing kickoff back to their 16. Steeler's ball.
--------------------------------
Blount goes nowhere. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Blount for about 2. Brings up 3rd and 8.
Ben's pass down the sideline to Wheaton sails inc. Steelers will have to punt.
K Martin fields the punt and is tackled immediately. Texan's ball at their 29.
Foster for 4.
Pass to Hopkins goes for nice gainer. Ball at the Steeler 44.
Foster has no room and runs out of bounds for a loss of 1.
Short pass to K Martin over the middle gets 5. 3rd and 6 coming up.
Fitz can't find a receiver and takes off for about 6...... close to the 1st down....just a few inches short. Texans to go for it on 4th down.
Foster gets about 10 and the 1st down. Ball at the Steeler 24.
Blue for 1 or 2.
Pass to Hopkins down the sideline too long, inc. Brings up 3rd and 9.
Short pass to Foster only gets 3. Texans to go for the FG.
Bullock's 38-yarder is good.
Texans 13, Steelers 0
7:16 left in the half.
Blount brings the ensuing kickoff back to about the Steeler 14. Steeler's ball.
---------------------------------
Ben is sacked by Watt! Loss of 9!
Quick pass to Brown gets 3 or 4. 3rd and 15 coming up.
Ben's pass over the middle goes inc but Watt is offside. Makes it 3rd and 10 coming up.
Short pass to Bell goes for huge gainer. 43 yards. Ball at the Texan 43.
Timeout Steelers.
Ben hits Miller for a gain of 13.
Bell goes up the gut for 5.
Ben's pass to Johnson too short, inc. Brings up 3rd and 5. 3:50 left in the half.
Mercilus with the snag/sack of Ben! Suisham on for the FG.
44-yarder is good.
Texans 13, Steelers 3
3:08 left in the half.
The ensuing kickoff goes out of the end zone, touchback. Texans will have the ball at their 20.
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Foster for almost 3. 2nd and 8 coming up.
Fitz can't find a receiver and takes off but is caught for a loss of 1. 3rd and 9 coming up.
2 minute warning.
On 3rd and 9, Fitz's pass to Hopkins off the mark, inc. Texans will have to punt.
Brown returns the punt to the Steeler 38 yard line. Steeler's ball.
Short pass to Bell goes for big gainer. About 27 yards. Ball at the Texan 35.
Ben's deep pass to Bryant in the end zone is good for the TD.
Texans 13, Steelers 10
1:27 left in the half.
Manning muffs the ensuing kickoff and gets tackled at the Texan 5.
-------------------------------------
Screen to Foster only goes for 1. 2nd and 9 coming up.
Foster loses 1. Steelers use their final timeout. 3rd and 11 coming up w/1:10 left in the half. Play is being reviewed to see if Foster fumbled.....
Play is reversed. Steelers will take over on the Texan 3 or 4 yard line. Jeeeez.......
-------------------
Steelers use a half-back-like pass to put it in the end zone for the TD.
Steelers 17, Texans 13
1:03 left in the half.
Unbelievable.
chuck
10-20-2014, 08:52 PM
Houston Texans football, gentlemen.
The ensuing kickoff goes out of the end zone for a touchback. Texans will have the ball at their 20.
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Man, Fitz's pass is tipped and INT'ed by Keisel. He returns it to the Texan 8 yard line. Steeler's ball.
Nconroe
10-20-2014, 08:53 PM
even more unbelievable, shh.
popanot
10-20-2014, 08:55 PM
24 points in 3 minutes. Ridiculous. And most of it's on the O.
Pass to Brown goes to the 3. 34 seconds left in the half.
Pass to Bell in the corner of the end zone goes for the TD.
Steelers 24, Texans 13
14 seconds left in the half.
-----------------
Well, this one is shaping up as a memorable game......:rolleyes:
The ensuing kickoff goes out of the end zone. Texans will take over at their 20.
Texans kneel it.
Halftime.
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 09:02 PM
Lazy ass careless Arian foster fumble...didn't even attempt to pick it up after rolling on top of it...
Dumb ass Daniel manning...who shouldn't even be on the team
Then Fitzpatrick becomes Fitzpatrick...
Halftime stats:
Passing: Fitz 8/13, 68 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Foster 13/88, Blue 4/7
Receiving: D Hop 1/23, D Johnson 1/15, Blue 1/11, Graham 1/6, Foster 2/4, AJ 1/4
Tackles: Merci 4, Crick/Lewis/Mohamed 3 each, Watt/JJo/Swearinger/Tuggle/Pickett 2 each
Time of possession: Texans 15:53, Steelers 14:07
1st downs: Texans 9, Steelers 10
Total yards: Texans 168, Steelers 183
3rd down efficiency: Texans 3/7, Steelers 3/7
Red zone: Texans 1/1, Steelers 2/2
Penalties: Texans 1/5, Steelers 0/0
Turnovers: Texans 2, Steelers 1
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 09:06 PM
The even worse part of this is the fact that Fitzpatrick is coming out of the tunnel as the expected savior...
This is the second time I have seen Swearinger notice that someone was out of position...he must be the only one that knows the play book or has any awareness outside of Watt...
chuck
10-20-2014, 09:06 PM
24 points in 3 minutes. Ridiculous. And most of it's on the O.
Well, it's pretty much on everyone:
Fked up return by Manning put them in a hole.
Foster fumble.
JJo about five yards behind his man on a stupid trick play that should never work in the NFL.
Irresponsible play calling paired with a bad pass result in another turnover.
Blown coverage because of abject confusion after the Steelers offense does something radical and puts a man in motion. (Do these guys practice or just wear Go Pros and grab-ass around?)
So there's plenty of blame to go around. Like I said, Houston Texans football.
Sure am enjoying these young guys, though.
Manning brings the kickoff back and fumbles again at the 24 but recovers. Texan's ball.
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Pass to Fido gets 9.
Foster gets stuffed for no gain. 3rd and 1 coming up.
Foster stuffed for no gain. Texans will punt.
Brown brings the punt back to the Steeler 34. Steeler's ball.
popanot
10-20-2014, 09:14 PM
One of the differences between the 1QTR and 2nd QTR? Steelers figured out they don't need to respect Fitz.
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 09:15 PM
There was all this talk about becoming stronger up front and we look as weak as ever...can't pick up one yard consistently...
Bell for about 4 or 5. 13 minutes left in the 3rd qtr.
Short pass to Bell gets 3. 3rd and 2 coming up.
Pass to Blount goes for about 7 and the 1st down. Ball around midfield.
Flea-flicker deep pass sails inc in the end zone. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Draw to Archer goes for 9. 3rd and 1 coming up.
Blount gets 1......just short of the 1st down marker.
Ben tries to draw the Texans offsides and takes the delay of game penalty. Steelers to punt. 9:35 left in the 3rd qtr.
Punt is downed by the Steelers at the Texan 7 yard line. Texan's ball.
popanot
10-20-2014, 09:22 PM
Hard to defend 2 stupid turnovers deep in your own zone. One at the 2yd line.
Pass to Hopkins gets 20.
Foster for 7. 2nd and 3 coming up.
Foster for 2. 3rd and 1 coming up.
Ugh, Foster slips down short of the 1st down. Texans to punt.
Blue takes the punt snap and runs it for a 1st down at the Texan 44!
Pass to Hopkins gets 10.
Pass to Hopkins gets 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.
Flags presnap...... False start Fido, -5. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Fitz scrambles for about 4 or 5. 3rd and 6 coming up.
Pass to Graham is dropped/broken up. Texans to punt.
Lechler's punt is downed by the Texans at the Steeler 1 yard line. Steeler's ball.
Where's AJ?
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Quick pass to Brown gets 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.
Steeler's false start, half the distance.... Makes it 2nd and 9 coming up.
Deep pass nicely played by JJo, inc. Brings up 3rd and 9.
Pass to Heward-Bey goes to the 19 yard line, 1st down.
Blount for almost 6. 2nd and 5 coming up.
Quick pass to Brown gets 5 and the 1st down at the Steeler 30.
Blount for 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.
Mercilus with the TFL, -2. 3rd and 10 coming up. 31 seconds left in the 3rd qtr. A Steeler injured on the play, injury timeout.
The clock starts again so......
End of the 3rd quarter.
chuck
10-20-2014, 09:44 PM
Where's AJ?
What are you talking about? He's being covered like a blanket by the legendary Brice McCain.
On 3rd and 10, pass to Moore gets 9. Some question on whether Moore fumbled....play is being reviewed.....
Moore is ruled down at the 39 yard line. Brings up 4th and 1 and the Steelers will punt.
Punt is downed by the Steelers at around the Texan 26 yard line. Texan's ball.
What are you talking about? He's being covered like a blanket by the legendary Brice McCain.
Eheh, would that be the famous McCain Island?
Pass to AJ goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Pass to AJ inc but PI on the Steelers. 1st down Texans at their 37.
Pass to AJ good for 24. There's AJ!
Foster for 3.
Pass to Hopkins over the middle is inc. Brings up 3rd and 7.
Pass to AJ goes to the Steeler 15. 1st down.
Foster for 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.
Pass in the end zone to AJ off the mark, inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.
Oh..... Short fast ball pass to D Johnson is dropped, inc. Texans to go for the FG.
Bullock's 31-yarder is good.
Steelers 24, Texans 16
11:47 left in the game.
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 09:54 PM
We're gonna lose this game because we don't have anybody but JJ Watt that can make a play when you need one...bad throw to a wide open AJ...and then the drop for close to a first...
The ensuing kickoff is brought back to the Steeler 18. Steeler's ball.
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Bell gets 6 up the gut.
Ben's pass off the mark, inc. Brings up 3rd and 4.
Flags presnap..... 12 men on the field on the Texans gives the Steelers a 1st down.
Bell breaks loose for 20. Ball near midfield.
Blount for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.
Blount TFL'ed for a loss of 3. 3rd and 10 coming up. 8:50 left in the game.
Pass to Miller goes for about 8 but flags are down.....holding on the Texans.....5 yards and an auto 1st down.
Deep pass to Brown goes for 30 but the play is being reviewed to see if the receiver had possession the whole time....
Play stands as a completed pass. Ball at the Texan 16 yard line.
Pass to Brown in the end zone is complete for the TD. Play is being reviewed to see if the receiver got both feet in bounds.....
Play is overturned, incomplete pass. Brings up 2nd and 10 at the Texan 16.
Ben is pressured, pitches to Bell and the Texans close in for a loss of 6. 3rd and 16 coming up.
Pass to Brown goes for 15..... short of the 1st down. Steelers will go for the FG.
Suisham's 30-yarder is good.
Steelers 27, Texans 16
5:50 left in the game.
popanot
10-20-2014, 10:12 PM
It's FITZ TIME!! I can feel it!!!
chuck
10-20-2014, 10:16 PM
It is absolutely amazing how terrible the Texans are in every way. The Giants are a bad team, the Steelers are a bad team. The Texans are just a joke. Year after year after year.
Manning brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texan 14 yard line. Texan's ball.
---------------------------------
Screen to AJ gets 6.
Pass to Hopkins goes for big gainer but Hopkins fumbles it away..... Polamalu picks it up and returns it the Texan 40 yard line. Steeler's ball.
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 10:21 PM
A lot of good players but ABSOLUTELY NO playmakers...you can't blame this on O'Brien...I hope there are some massive changes next year...
Ball at the Texan 39.
Bell for 6.
Quick pass to Brown gets 5 and the 1st down. 4:42 left in the game. Texans use their last timeout.
Bell goes left for 1. 2nd and 9 coming up.
Ben throws into the end zone but out of bounds, inc. 3rd and 9 coming up.
Pass goes for about 5. Steelers to go for the FG. 3:09 left in the game.
Suisham's 40-yarder is good.
Steelers 30, Texans 16
3:04 left in the game.
Manning brings the kickoff back and stops running at about the Texan 14. Texan's ball.
------------------------
Fitz scrambles for 6.
Pass to AJ good for a nice gainer. Tack on 15 for roughing the passer places the ball at the Steeler 43.
Pass to Foster gets 8.
Pass to Graham goes to the Steeler 17. 1st down.
2 minute warning.
Nconroe
10-20-2014, 10:28 PM
Is it now time to see the other QB's on the roster? or wait till after the bye.
Seems to me the team kinda gave up today at some point, or lost intensity.
popanot
10-20-2014, 10:29 PM
Take 'em in for a score FITZY!!
chuck
10-20-2014, 10:32 PM
A lot of good players but ABSOLUTELY NO playmakers...you can't blame this on O'Brien...I hope there are some massive changes next year...
Clowney won't play or can't play, not sure which is true at this point. Either way, as I've said many times, he's a waste.
O'Brien let Fitz throw with a minute left in the half from his own five so I'm afraid I can't let him off without blame. Plus, he's the head coach and there were some horrific penalties. Also, if it's to be believed that Rick Smith takes a back seat in the drafts then you have to blame O'Brien for this disaster of a draft.
What changes do you want to see next year? A new owner?
Pass to AJ at the sideline/endzone is broken up, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Pass to Hopkins goes to the 1 yard line.
Polamalu just a bit offsides.... 1/2 the distance.. 1:35 left in the game.
Pass to Foster gets the TD.
Steelers 30, Texans 23
1:31 left in the game.
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 10:32 PM
Who should absolutely be gone next year:
Keyshawn Martin
Devier Posey
Kareem Jackson
Derek Newton
Danielle Manning
Garrett graham
Brooks reed
Strong consideration:
Fitz
Chris Meyers
Mike Mohammed
Justin tuggle
This is not including the obvious 3rd teamers.
take 'em in for a score fitzy!!
lol!
--------------
Texans will try the onsides kick...
Tomlin uses a timeout right when the kick is attempted....
Dang.... they shoulda had it.... Steelers recover.....
Steelers kneeling it out.
Final Score:
Steelers 30, Texans 23
---------------------------------
Turnovers: Texans 3, Steelers 1
Nconroe
10-20-2014, 10:35 PM
Nice onsides kick attempt, exciting, but no cigars.
Just lost turnovers at bad time at end of first half was main issue.
Big Texas
10-20-2014, 10:36 PM
Several opportunities for someone to make a PLAY...but no one steps up...
popanot
10-20-2014, 10:38 PM
Just trade AJ. If you're going to piss around with Fitzpatrick as your QB, show the man some respect and trade him to an organization that gives a shite.
barrett
10-20-2014, 10:40 PM
For the Steelers if Heyward-Bey is on your hands team you need to fire your special teams coach. That guy has never caught anything.
For Houston, I don't know how you give up 24 points in 3 minutes. The turnovers and especially the fumble issues are bad. We are not very good offensively and we aren't going to overcome that.
At least Mercilous was able to build off of last week. I hope he stays on the field when Clowney is back.
Also, it is really sad watching Cushing be half the player he was. He so clearly loved football in the past and played with so much emotion, but now there is none of that.
popanot
10-20-2014, 10:52 PM
It's sad wTching Cushing. He has no wheels left. I just hope it's one of those 2-years to recover things, but it's not looking good. Not looking good for our cap either.
It's sad wTching Cushing. He has no wheels left. I just hope it's one of those 2-years to recover things, but it's not looking good. Not looking good for our cap either.
Ya, it reminds me of that year DeMeco was "recovering". He was an unproductive slug that year but no one was going to get him (DeMeco) out of the line-up. He insisted on playing and no one was going to tell him different. I hated that. Being a leader only goes so far - you gotta produce.....
Nconroe
10-20-2014, 11:16 PM
It's sad wTching Cushing. He has no wheels left. I just hope it's one of those 2-years to recover things, but it's not looking good. Not looking good for our cap either.
I think Texans will be fine on the cap next year, most likely, even keeping Cushing. Quite a few already coming off the books next year plus cap is going up now.
Cushing - I hope makes it back but he certainly doesn't have the body control and strength we are used to seeing for now.
AJ obviously loves the Texans, but if he wants to find a competitive team and good trade for Texans let him do it.
chuck
10-20-2014, 11:42 PM
Rick Smith or whoever was in charge took Cushing over Clay Matthews. Once again, they were picking a position of need (when you have so many needs annually you can do this pretty much every year...) and once again they made the wrong choice.
Nconroe
10-21-2014, 12:32 AM
Rick Smith or whoever was in charge took Cushing over Clay Matthews. Once again, they were picking a position of need (when you have so many needs annually you can do this pretty much every year...) and once again they made the wrong choice.
Both guys have been injured at various times, and both are impact players at various times.
Productivity this week likely not related to draft position several years ago.
Might be interesting how LBs line up once Clowney comes back.
barrett
10-21-2014, 12:41 AM
Did Cushing have injury red flags coming out? I honestly have no idea. If he did then it's on Smith.
If he didn't then I won't blame Smith for picking an amazing player who was destroyed by the harsh reality of injuries in NFL football. When Cushing was healthy in 2011-2013 he flew around the field and changed everything about how both teams played. Everyone had to be aware of him. One of my favorite Texans to watch when he was right. That's what makes it so sad to see him out there as a shell of himself with none of the fire he used to have. He obviously knows how limited he is and does not have much fun being mediocre.
HPF Bob
10-21-2014, 12:52 AM
Same old Oilers.
Can't blame it on Bud Adams. Can't blame it on some Indian curse supposedly haunting the Astrodome. Can't blame it on Capers or Kubiak.
But dang does this city never get tired of producing teams that lose in exceptionally gut-jerking ways. I was really hoping this franchise would be different than the rest of them but they have become just as adept at losing in unexpected ways as the old Astros and Rockets did (unlike the new Astros who just lose and then tell everyome how smart they are).
Keith
10-21-2014, 01:04 AM
Did Cushing have injury red flags coming out? I honestly have no idea. If he did then it's on Smith. Iirc, he was basically healthy enough to play his final season at USC, but prior to that, he had various knee and ankle problems, not to mention the myriad of steroid rumors.
Cushing's speed is gonzo. As I've said in earlier game threads this season, it is really sad seeing this version of him on the field. The comparison to DeMeco's decline is a good one, though DeMeco had nowhere near the ceiling Cushing had pre-injury.
As for the game... obviously, the meltdown in the final 2 mins before halftime cost the game. Bad teams do that. Good teams do not. And this wasn't the first time this team has had a meltdown. Time for BOB to adjust. I figure he will, but he will be hamstrung until this team has a real franchise QB.
- Daniel Manning... WTH is he still returning kicks in the 2nd half?? So much for accountability.
- Following that 4th Q fumble, DeAndre Hopkins isn't going to shed that tag he started earning after failing to go after that loose ball at the end of the Colts game.
- Arian Foster had a bad fumble, which I can excuse since it is pretty rare despite how cavalier he carries the football in space sometimes. His vision is unique. There is and has been a serious dropoff in talent when someone else is toting the rock in his place.
- TE play is really sub-par in the passing game, which is a little surprising. Maybe these are still TE types for the Kubiak system and Fido is just a rook. Something to address in the offseason even if Fido improves.
- Not sure if it's D.J. or Cush or what, but there is some leadership missing in the middle of that defense. It's still a pretty solid D mind you - there's like 17 points in this game that are basically the fault of the offense - but there's some miscommunication going on back there.
- Icing the kicker before a FG may be a good idea, but giving him a second shot at an onsides kick is dumb. And the Steelers' decision to throw the ball on 2nd (and really 3rd) down late in this game was even dumber.
nunusguy
10-21-2014, 07:26 AM
Just trade AJ. If you're going to piss around with Fitzpatrick as your QB, show the man some respect and trade him to an organization that gives a shite.
I hear the Seahawks might be looking for a WR, could we get their 2015 3rd round pick for him ? Doubt they'd take on that contract, and besides AJ is hardly the type of receiver that stretches the field the way Harvin does and he did 4 or 5 years ago. AJ is much more like a Boldin these days.
Games like last night night should accelerate O'briens decision to put Mallet on the field, as the ESPN crew said O'Brien plans to get him out there with a little more grooming.
nunusguy
10-21-2014, 07:29 AM
It is absolutely amazing how terrible the Texans are in every way. The Giants are a bad team, the Steelers are a bad team. The Texans are just a joke. Year after year after year.
But you are still hanging in there, suffering with the rest of us, right Chuck ?
barrett
10-21-2014, 08:02 AM
I hear the Seahawks might be looking for a WR, could we get their 2015 3rd round pick for him ? Doubt they'd take on that contract, and besides AJ is hardly the type of receiver that stretches the field the way Harvin does and he did 4 or 5 years ago. AJ is much more like a Boldin these days.
Games like last night night should accelerate O'briens decision to put Mallet on the field, as the ESPN crew said O'Brien plans to get him out there with a little more grooming.
Harvin is the least field stretching WR in the NFL. He does not even run deep routes. He has 22 catches for 130 yards (a bad YPC for a RB). He is incredibly fast, but they deploy that speed to horizontally stretch the defense. I cannot recall seeing him actually go deep, and he really didn't for Minnesota either.
But AJ does not fit what Seattle does. They don't like to traditional drop back pass. AJ needs to be with a QB that takes his drop and puts the ball where AJ will catch it. Not a guy who throws screens, read option hot routes, wheel routes, and scramble drill balls.
popanot
10-21-2014, 09:20 AM
Send AJ to Indy, I don't care. Send him to PHL, KC, CAR, CLE, PIT, BAL, NE...anywhere that still has a chance. I don't even care what round pick they get in return. Give him up for the stupid pick they gave away to NE for Mallett. What a useless trade that was. Send him to BAL for Arthur Brown. Ravens aren't using him and lord knows he can't be any worse than our current MLBs. AJ deserves better than this BS.
AJ deserves better than this BS.
Interesting comment.
Why?
popanot
10-21-2014, 09:57 AM
I know I've been on Fitz (a lot), but let me just say, I don't blame that loss on him. That was a total team collapse. But one of the things that bothers me is it takes a monster game from JJ, a monster game from Foster, a monster game from anyone else, and basically a zero turnover game to overcome Fitz's limitations. Whether his limitations are talent-based, coaching induced or both, I don't know. We've had 2 or 3 games now where they've gotten a monster game from JJ or Foster or both and they've still lost. But I think the thing that bothers me most with this whole situation and with Fitz et.al, is that the franchise is choosing to stay in Neutral.
They are not choosing to win (since they aren't), they're not trying to lose (obviously), and they are not evaluating talent. Neutral and neutered. I know this post will likely get picked apart, but I'm frustrated by being stuck in Neutral. It's basically a season lost, IMO, and the Texans are choosing it to be this way. I didn't (and don't) expect a bunch of W's and I don't want a bunch of L's, but I'd rather see L's with a young QB/WR/RB/OL/you-name-it being evaluated rather than L's or limbo with players you know have no future with this franchise.
popanot
10-21-2014, 10:05 AM
Interesting comment.
Why?Because he's put his time into this mess of a franchise. Sure he's gotten paid well, but IMO, he deserves better and they should look at moving him out of respect. Look at it like SF trading Montana. Yes, SF had Young, and there were various reasons behind it, but they moved Montana mostly out of respect.
As for what to do with AJ's WR position, put in Posey and see what you have. Not that any QB on the roster could get him the ball consistently...
Keith
10-21-2014, 10:34 AM
It's basically a season lost, IMO, and the Texans are choosing it to be this way.
We all knew this was going to be a lost season given the lack of talent at QB... can't roll with Fitzy as your starter and expect to add a Lombardi to your trophy mantle.
The main problem is that by punting the QB need this year, the team pushed off likely another lost year next year, too. How will the Texans get better at QB in the next offseason? Drafting a rookie? Well that should pay immediate dividends, right?
No. So even if this is an 8-8 team in 2014, I'm not entirely sure how much better the team will be in 2015. Their key vets are a year older (Foster, Andre, JJo, etc), and they'll be playing a likely tougher 2nd place schedule, too.
popanot
10-21-2014, 10:53 AM
We all knew this was going to be a lost season given the lack of talent at QB... can't roll with Fitzy as your starter and expect to add a Lombardi to your trophy mantle.I didn't expect a Lombardi regardless of who was at QB this year. That is, unless they somehow magically cloned P. Manning. Lost season to me is choosing to continue to roll with Fitzy and possibly others who have zero future with this franchise. It's time to throw in the towel and evaluate Mallett and/or Savage, play Posey and whoever else on the roster our idiot GM drafted or traded for and move forward or backwards. At least we'll know if these guys have starter potential, are career backups, or need to be tossed in the trash. In addition, it'll expose our GM for what he is.
nunusguy
10-21-2014, 11:24 AM
Harvin is the least field stretching WR in the NFL. He does not even run deep routes. He has 22 catches for 130 yards (a bad YPC for a RB). He is incredibly fast, but they deploy that speed to horizontally stretch the defense. I cannot recall seeing him actually go deep, and he really didn't for Minnesota either.
May be but if so that's on Seattle (and Minny). Take a couple minutes to check out Harvins highlites in college at FLA: yes he was a tremendous rusher, but he also caught his share of balls on vertical routes for some other big plays, and we know that Wilson can throw a deep ball. So if the Seahawks didn't trot their sub 10.5 100 meter receiver out wide and run some fly-patters to stretch the field out, it's on them. That'd be like having Usain Bolt on your Track team and not entering him in the sprints.
But AJ does not fit what Seattle does. They don't like to traditional drop back pass. AJ needs to be with a QB that takes his drop and puts the ball where AJ will catch it. Not a guy who throws screens, read option hot routes, wheel routes, and scramble drill balls.
You obviously know the Seattle offense better than I do, so you are pretty confidant that they couldn't use a big physical WR with excellent hands who has moderate speed and can bloc well ?
Texans look to be a 1 pt favorite (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) at Tennessee this Sunday...
nunusguy
10-21-2014, 12:05 PM
AJ wanted to continue getting paid well, actually very well, like he had in the past all the while on the Texans' payroll. If the man wanted to leave the Texans organization that badly, all he had to do was forgo some compensation.
popanot
10-21-2014, 01:36 PM
AJ wanted to continue getting paid well, actually very well, like he had in the past all the while on the Texans' payroll. If the man wanted to leave the Texans organization that badly, all he had to do was forgo some compensation.Come on. This is the NFL where the financial lifeline can stop at the drop of the hat and most careers are short. Now way anyone should question the money these guys make as long as someone is willing to pay it. You don't take money off the table if you're a player. AJ got paid because he produced, not because he twisted anyone's arm or forced their hand. He deserved to get paid like a top echelon player should. Other than this summer where there were rumors of him being unhappy (and rightfully so, IMO), he has been the consummate professional and given this franchise and community everything he has. I think it's time the franchise grants his wish if he still wants out and they can work a deal. I'll root for him 100%.
nunusguy
10-21-2014, 02:45 PM
Come on. This is the NFL where the financial lifeline can stop at the drop of the hat and most careers are short. Now way anyone should question the money these guys make as long as someone is willing to pay it. You don't take money off the table if you're a player. AJ got paid because he produced, not because he twisted anyone's arm or forced their hand. He deserved to get paid like a top echelon player should. Other than this summer where there were rumors of him being unhappy (and rightfully so, IMO), he has been the consummate professional and given this franchise and community everything he has. I think it's time the franchise grants his wish if he still wants out and they can work a deal. I'll root for him 100%.
I too would root for him 100 %. Truth is part of me really would like to see him go to Seattle or New England or Green Bay or someplace that's got an outstanding QB and is also a bona fide contender. Texans aren't going anywhere in post season anytime soon and I'd like to root for a team who's also got a player I follow. And it could maybe happen, but Andre would have to make a bigger monetary accommodation than the Texans or any potential third-party if there's any chance of it really happening.
barrett
10-21-2014, 02:55 PM
May be but if so that's on Seattle (and Minny). Take a couple minutes to check out Harvins highlites in college at FLA: yes he was a tremendous rusher, but he also caught his share of balls on vertical routes for some other big plays, and we know that Wilson can throw a deep ball. So if the Seahawks didn't trot their sub 10.5 100 meter receiver out wide and run some fly-patters to stretch the field out, it's on them. That'd be like having Usain Bolt on your Track team and not entering him in the sprints.
You obviously know the Seattle offense better than I do, so you are pretty confidant that they couldn't use a big physical WR with excellent hands who has moderate speed and can bloc well ?
They just certainly use Andre (anyone could). But they obviously prefer jitter bug types who can win battles in the space Russell Wilson creates. Wilson very rarely throws timing routes (AJ specialty). They let Golden Tate walk so they could pay Percy Harvin far more money. Which of those guys does AJ play more like? Is any WR on that team known for size, hands, or route running? So maybe they could use him in the abstract, but everything about their roster says they would not go near him if we called.
As for Harvin, I am sure he did go deep in College. Lots of guys do lots of things in college. I am not waiting on Keenum to orchestrate a 50 ppg offense based on what he did in college, and I am not basing what Harvin does in the NFL on what he did at Florida. I will look at Harvin's not inconsiderable NFL career for how to judge his ability to stetch the field. The evidence says he averages 11 YPC in his career and much of that is YAC. He is basically a fast Wes Welker who has mysterious migraines that allow him to miss practice whenever he feels like it.
barrett
10-21-2014, 03:00 PM
We all knew this was going to be a lost season given the lack of talent at QB... can't roll with Fitzy as your starter and expect to add a Lombardi to your trophy mantle.
The main problem is that by punting the QB need this year, the team pushed off likely another lost year next year, too. How will the Texans get better at QB in the next offseason? Drafting a rookie? Well that should pay immediate dividends, right?
No. So even if this is an 8-8 team in 2014, I'm not entirely sure how much better the team will be in 2015. Their key vets are a year older (Foster, Andre, JJo, etc), and they'll be playing a likely tougher 2nd place schedule, too.
That is my main issue. Punting on this season would have been ok by itself. This year has lots of dead money, roster turnover from system switches, and purging of the Kubiak taint. But now we are staring at a rookie QB next year or another cast off in the Fitzy mold.
It is great that McNair is patient, but the knowledge you'll probably get 5 years even if you are terrible means O'Brien could throw away 2+ seasons on a rebuild in a league where worst to first happens every year.
nunusguy
10-21-2014, 04:39 PM
He is basically a fast Wes Welker who has mysterious migraines that allow him to miss practice whenever he feels like it.
Yes he is, he's a really, really fast freakin Wes Welker isn't he.
The only other thing I would add is that there's a reason the fastest guys in the NFL are wide-outs (and the corners who have to cover them), so it's puzzling that an NFL team wouldn't take advantage of that most most valuable trait given the opportunity.
barrett
10-21-2014, 05:16 PM
Yes he is, he's a really, really fast freakin Wes Welker isn't he.
The only other thing I would add is that there's a reason the fastest guys in the NFL are wide-outs (and the corners who have to cover them), so it's puzzling that an NFL team wouldn't take advantage of that most most valuable trait given the opportunity.
I agree. It is puzzling they turned a thoroughbred into a plow horse. Unfortunately for Percy, I doubt the Jets are the ones to get the most out of him.
Because he's put his time into this mess of a franchise. Sure he's gotten paid well, but IMO, he deserves better and they should look at moving him out of respect. Look at it like SF trading Montana. Yes, SF had Young, and there were various reasons behind it, but they moved Montana mostly out of respect.
As for what to do with AJ's WR position, put in Posey and see what you have. Not that any QB on the roster could get him the ball consistently...
You're mixing business and pleasure. The NFL is a business. There may have been a handful of "good" gestures performed in the league the last 50+ years, but that number is painfully small. The Texans owe Dre nothing more than his paycheck. If the time comes where his trade value/earnings exceeds his play, I absolutely expect him to get moved. Till then, he's the property of the team. There are 32 jobs at various levels within the league. You don't keep your job very long by trading away one of your only offensive weapons because you suck and he's a good guy. Just doesn't work that way.
Posey. Now, there's a mystery.
I have a feeling he's been doghoused for some reason. Maybe he and OB just aren't on the same page..... OB was asked about him today (heard on the radio) and he said something along the lines of practicing well/making progress but it's a real mystery why he isn't seeing any action. Seems like he's getting set up to be one of those guys the Texans ignore and eventually moves on to a team where he becomes a starter and produces.....
Warren
10-22-2014, 12:47 PM
Posey. Now, there's a mystery.
I have a feeling he's been doghoused for some reason. Maybe he and OB just aren't on the same page..... OB was asked about him today (heard on the radio) and he said something along the lines of practicing well/making progress but it's a real mystery why he isn't seeing any action. Seems like he's getting set up to be one of those guys the Texans ignore and eventually moves on to a team where he becomes a starter and produces.....I'd like to see him too. They've said before that it's just a numbers thing -- so far in each game they've only had four active WRs (Andre, Hopkins, D. Johnson, and Martin). With them going with so few WRs, the fact that Posey isn't a returner (unlike D. Johnson and Martin) seems to really work against him getting to suit up on gameday.
barrett
10-22-2014, 01:17 PM
I'd like to see him too. They've said before that it's just a numbers thing -- so far in each game they've only had four active WRs (Andre, Hopkins, D. Johnson, and Martin). With them going with so few WRs, the fact that Posey isn't a returner (unlike D. Johnson and Martin) seems to really work against him getting to suit up on gameday.
But Posey was great in ST coverage last year. I agree there must be something more.
popanot
10-23-2014, 10:48 AM
You don't keep your job very long by trading away one of your only offensive weapons because you suck and he's a good guy. Just doesn't work that way.Most of what we talk about on this board is hypothetical. Of course it's not going to happen. Not only because the NFL is set in their ways and makes it almost impossible to make such a trade, but because our owner and GM are idiots who rarely get anything right. AJ could conceivably bring decent value in perhaps a young prospect either in a player or pick, but knowing this franchise and the people in charge, they'd likely just screw up a trade and/or the product in return. With Bob McNair, people keep their jobs far too long for lousy coaching, lousy drafts, lousy FA signings and lousy contracts, so I highly doubt a trade would change anything as far as anyone's job status.
popanot
10-23-2014, 10:58 AM
I also heard the comment that DJohnson and Martin were active because of their return skills. Yet, they had Manning back there on KR's fumbling and bumbling around throughout the whole PITT game.
popanot
10-23-2014, 11:05 AM
Speaking of GM's: Top 5 Candidates
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Top-five-general-manager-candidates.html
But Bob will probably consult with Reeves since he's been so connected to the game.
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