View Full Version : Official Texans vs. Chiefs Game Thread, 09/13/2015
The Texans kickoff their 2015 season Sunday at noon. The Texans will probably go with Brian Hoyer at QB and Jadeveon Clowney is expected to see some playing time. Besides the short term loss of RB Arian Foster, the Texans are in good health - we'll see how long that lasts....Last year, the Texans finished 2014 with a 9-7 record just missing the playoffs.
Kansas City has one of the better defenses in the league so the Texans will be challenged. 31-year old, 11th year veteran QB Alex Smith is expected to start. The Chiefs also finished 2014 with a 9-7 record.
TV = CBS (channel 11 local), noon CST, Sunday
Announcers (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2015&wk=1) = Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
The spread (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Pickem to Texans by 1
The Texans vs. Chiefs (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2015&wk=1) will be viewed by just about everybody west of the Mississippi.
What's the O/U on this game? Gotta think it's in the low-mid 30's.
First one to 14 wins?
What's the O/U on this game? Gotta think it's in the low-mid 30's.
First one to 14 wins?
Eheh. I'm seeing 41 for the total. I don't usually bet/play O/U but this would be a good one to go under on....
I honestly don't know who's going to win (or should win). This is probably the most even and equally bet game of the week.....
HPF Bob
09-09-2015, 09:09 PM
It's comforting to me to see the Texans as a 1-point favorite. That's Vegas' way of saying "The Texans are going to win this. We're not sure how but that's where we're putting our money."
The Chiefs laid an egg at home in Week 1 last year against the Titans. Think Vegas has forgotten that?
Enjoy our 15 minutes of Clowney for this season.
The The ESPN experts (http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks) favor the Texans over the Chiefs 8 to 6.
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Walter (http://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2015_01early.php) brings up a couple of good points... namely the Chiefs have a game on Thursday Night Football with the Broncos right after the Texan game and (as Bob mentioned) the Titan loss on opening day last year. Curiously, he's going with the "over".
KANSAS CITY OFFENSE: It seems like some Chiefs fans are starting to catch on that Alex Smith isn't very good. I watched every preseason game this summer, and in the two home games, the crowd moaned and groaned when Smith didn't do things very well - including when Kansas City was blowing out Tennessee. Most sensible people who root for the team understand that the Chiefs won't be going very far with Smith at the helm.
Smith can play well versus teams with poor or mediocre defenses. The Texans definitely don't fit into that category. They have one of the premier stop units in the NFL, thanks, of course, to J.J. Watt. Perhaps the best player in the NFL, Watt will dominate the trenches in every game, but he'll especially be potent in this matchup because the Chiefs can't protect Smith very well. Kansas City's pass-protection issues will definitely be on display, as Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and the rest of the Houston defensive front puts lots of pressure on Smith.
The Chiefs' only hope is to establish Jamaal Charles early and often. There are two issues with this, however. The first is that Andy Reid tends to have game-day management issues, often forgetting to give the ball to his best players. Second, the Texans signed Vince Wilfork to clog the interior, meaning anything positive Charles does will have to come as a pass-catcher in open space.
HOUSTON OFFENSE: The Texans, of course, have quarterbacking issues of their own, and those will be in full display against many teams this season. But perhaps not in this game.
The Chiefs will be without Sean Smith, who will be serving a suspension. Smith is the team's best defensive back, so not having him around will make things difficult against DeAndre Hopkins, who seems poised to have a breakout year. Kansas City will have to apply heavy pressure on Brian Hoyer as a result, and it may have success doing so. The Texans will be able to protect Hoyer well throughout the year, but when going against a pair of stud pass-rushers in Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, all of that gets thrown out the window.
Fortunately for the Texans, they could have success running the ball. The Chiefs had major issues containing the rush last year, and that was with nose tackle Dontari Poe in the lineup. Poe is injured, however, so there should be rushing lanes available for Alfred Blue.
RECAP: I view these teams as being even, so why are the Texans -1 instead of -3, especially with Kansas City missing two of its best defensive players? That doesn't make much sense to me. The Texans seem like the right side, especially given that the Chiefs could be looking ahead to their Thursday night matchup against the Broncos. Plus, there is Andy Reid's poor track record in Week 1 to consider. Remember last year's blowout loss to the Titans? Houston is obviously much better than Tennessee and should win this game, though I'm not crazy about it.
The Psychology. Edge: Texans.
The Chiefs have the Broncos in four days, but they are underdogs here, so they could be focused.
The Vegas. Edge: None.
Equal action. • Percentage of money on Kansas City: 53% (19,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: None.
• Opening Line: Texans -1.5.
• Opening Total: 43.
• Weather: Dome.
Week 1 NFL Pick: Texans 24, Chiefs 20
Texans -1 (0 Units)
Over 41 (0 Units)
nunusguy
09-11-2015, 08:26 AM
With Manning and company coming into Arrowhead later in the week, are they saying that this has the potential to be trap game for the Chiefs ? That would be very unusual for the season opener for any team.
With Manning and company coming into Arrowhead later in the week, are they saying that this has the potential to be trap game for the Chiefs ? That would be very unusual for the season opener for any team.
I think the word "trap" is a little strong. Trap I believe, usually refers to a favorite or a good team overlooking what is perceived to be a not-as-good opponent because they have a strong opponent coming up next. Last year when the Chiefs (shockingly) lost their opening day game to the Titans 26-10, they had Denver the next week. And ended up losing that one, too. Walter (above) makes the point that the Chiefs aren't really the favorite in this situation (vs. Texans). Still, they do have Denver on TNF next and that game is way more important to them than the Texans...
The Texans have a similar situation later in the year. They go to Atlanta and then come home for the Colts on TNF. Gonna be tough to win both of those....
HPF Bob
09-11-2015, 12:37 PM
CBS Sports broke off their site to their regular site and a gambling site called SportsLine with a paywall. So their picks went behind the paywall. Interesting that they let you see two picks for free and one is Buffalo over Indy both straight up and against the spread.
A lot of late action on KC so that they are a 1 pt favorite in many books....
Gametime is moments away....
Texans win the toss and defer.
Chiefs down the kickoff in the endzone, touchback. Chiefs ball at their 20.
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Charles gets about 3 yards but flag is down. Offsides Texans makes it 1st and 5.
Charles for 4 or 5. 2nd and 1 coming up.
Screen pass works for 13. Ball at the Chief 42.
Pass to Maclin gets 9. 2nd and 1 coming up.
Smith scrambles right side for about 3 and the 1st down.
Charles for 2. 2nd and 8 coming up. Ball at the Texan 43.
Pass batted down by Crick, inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.
Mercilus gets a piece of the pass and it deflects inc. Chief to punt...
Punt is downed by the Chiefs at the Texan 6 or 7 yard line. Texans ball.
Eheh. Hoyer's first pass is INT'ed. Chiefs ball at the Texan 13. :rolleyes:
Charles for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.
Smith hits Kelce in the endzone for the 10 yard TD.
Chiefs 7, Texans 0
10:22 left in the 1st quarter.
Big Texas
09-13-2015, 12:15 PM
And there you have it...what Hoyer is capable of when the bullets start flying...
Big Texas
09-13-2015, 12:16 PM
I would pay money to hear that conversation with BOB right now
Big Texas
09-13-2015, 12:18 PM
Hoyer has a lot to do to make up for that play...LOL
Blue for 3.
19 yard pass complete to Washington.
Blue for 12.
Pass to Griffin sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Hoyer's pass is dropped (Shorts?)..... 3rd and 10 coming up.
Hoyer's deep pass to Shorts is a little off the mark, inc. Texans to punt.
Lechler's punt is downed by the Texans about the Chief 17 yard line.
8:40 left in the 1st quarter.
And there you have it...what Hoyer is capable of when the bullets start flying...
Unbelievable.
Watt trips up Charles in the backfield for a loss of 3.
Screen pass to Charles off the mark, inc. 3rd and 13 coming up.
Screen pass to Charles goes for 17 and the 1st down.
Smith keeps for 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.
Short pass to Charles goes for 10.
Pass to Maclin gets 8. 2nd and 2 coming up.
Davis picks up 4 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 42.
Pass to Kelce wide open goes for the TD, 42 yards.
Chiefs 14, Texans 0
4:28 left in the 1st quarter.
Chiefs are going to hit the "over" by themselves....
chuck
09-13-2015, 12:32 PM
From having nine guys on the field on the punt return to a pick on the first throw of the year to the inability to stop the one and only thing Alex Smith does, BOB and the Texans are getting their asses handed to them by Reid and the Chiefs.
It's very early still, but god this is putrid.
Pass to Mumphrey gets 6.
Blue gets 2. 3rd and 2 coming up.
Pass to Shorts goes for 15 and the 1st down.
Grimes for 21! Ball at the Chief 36.
Pass to Washington gets 19.
Pass to Shorts gets 15. 1st and goal at the 2.
Grimes caught in the backfield for loss of 2.
Pass to Hop goes for the TD!
Extra point no good.
Chiefs 14, Texans 6
46 seconds left in the 1st quarter.
chuck
09-13-2015, 12:39 PM
That looked like the drive of a completely competent offense.
chuck
09-13-2015, 12:42 PM
Something tells me BOB is not going to have Kubiakian patience with Bullock's bullshit. I would expect them to have a kicker try out this week.
Chiefs bring the ensuing kickoff back to about their 25 yard line. Chiefs ball.
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Pass to Charles goes for 11.
End of the 1st quarter.
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Thomas on the sweep gets 9. 2nd and 1 coming up.
Pass to Kelce gets 17 and the 1st down. Kelce down - KJ2 gave him a good lick in the ribs... injury timeout.
Charles sweeps left for 2. Ball at the Texan 35.
Pass to Maclin gets 13.
Davis gets 11 and a 1st down at the Texan 11.
Pass to Maclin gets 2.
Tipped pass to Charles gets 1 yard. 3rd and 7 coming up.
Smith's pass off the mark, inc in the endzone. Chiefs to go for the FG.
Santos 27-yarder is good.
Chiefs 17, Texans 6
10:26 left in the half.
popanot
09-13-2015, 12:55 PM
Why Bullock still has a job is beyond me. He's been mediocre to putrid since being here. And where the hell is this great D? KC is rolling them over so far.
Texans at their 20...
2 yard run by Polk.
Polk for 1. 3rd and 7 coming up.
Hoyer's pass goes inc. Texans to punt.
Thomas gets 20 on the return and gets the ball near midfield. Chiefs ball.
Pass to Maclin gets 20.
Charles goes down for loss of 1.
Watt gets the sack, loss of 9. Flag on the Chiefs for hands to the face is declined. 3rd and 20 coming up.
Screen to Davis gets a nice gainer, 12 yards. Chiefs going for it on 4th and 8....
Timeout Texans.
Chiefs opt to go for the FG and Santos gets a 48-yarder - good.
Chiefs 20, Texans 6
6:20 left in the half.
popanot
09-13-2015, 01:08 PM
This is getting ugly. WTF.
The ensuing kickoff goes out of the endzone, touchback. Texan's ball at their 20.
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Hoyer sacked for 8. 2nd 18 coming up.
Flat pass to Washington good for 4.
Hoyer fumbles and the Chiefs recover... Chiefs ball at the Texan 7 yard line.
Smith's screen pass to Charles goes for the TD. 7 yards.
Chiefs 27, Texans 6
4:55 left in the half.
chuck
09-13-2015, 01:12 PM
What a total disgrace. Everyone associated with the organization should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
popanot
09-13-2015, 01:14 PM
Thanks for this awesome display of QB competency, Texans management. Where's FITZY when you need him?
Texans at the 20....
Grimes for 1.
Short pass to Griffin inc.
Pass to Washington broken up, inc. Texans to punt.
Thomas returns the punt 16 yards. Chiefs ball at the Texan 47.
chuck
09-13-2015, 01:16 PM
Thanks for this awesome display of QB competency, Texans management. Where's FITZY when you need him?
Hoyer is terrible but he is nowhere near the worst of what I've seen today. OL, RBs, defensive secondary, special teams, all terrible.
If Mallet sucks so bad that he can't beat out Hoyer I don't understand how he is in the league.
Davis goes left for 2.
Watt gets in the backfield for loss of 3 on Davis. 3rd and 11 coming up.
Smith rolls out and throws inc. Chiefs to punt with 2:38 left in the half.
Punt is downed at the Texan 1 yard line but the gunner had a foot on the goal line so Texan's ball at their 20.
Pass to Blue gets 7.
Blue gets 3 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 30.
2 minute warning.
Pass to Hopkins sails inc.
Grimes for 3.
Pass to Washington goes for 18.
Pass to Washington goes for 13.
Pass to Griffin goes to the Chief 18 yard line. 47 seconds left in the half.
Grimes for about 4 or 5.
Hoyer sacked. Ball at the 16 yard line. 3rd and 9 coming up with 20 seconds left.
Chiefs use a timeout. Texans out of timeouts.
Pass to Washington in the endzone goes inc.
Bullock gets the 34 yard FG.
Chiefs 27, Texans 9
9 seconds left in the half.
The ensuing kickoff is downed in the endzone, touchback. Chiefs ball at their 20.
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Chiefs kneel it out.
Halftime.
Chiefs 27, Texans 9
Eeesh, Papa John just cannot stay out of his own commercials....
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Wonder how long it will take OB to blow up the Hoyer train...
The 2nd half kickoff goes out of the endzone, touchback. Texan's ball at their 20.
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Pass to Hopkins gets 16.
Dumpoff to Blue goes inc.
Blue for 7. 3rd and 3 coming up.
Pass to Washington off the mark, inc. Texans to punt.
Punt goes into the endzone, touchback. Chiefs ball at their 20.
13:36 left in the 3rd qtr.
Charles for no gain.
Pass to Kelce gets 9. 3rd and 1 coming up.
Charles sweeps left for no gain. Chiefs have to punt. Nice job, defense.
Mumphrey goes out of bounds with the punt at the Texan 18. Texan's ball.
Blue for 2 or 3.
Hoyer pressured, throws inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.
Pass to Shorts off the mark, inc. Texans to punt.
Thomas brings the punt back to near midfield (again). Chiefs ball with 11:12 left in the 3rd.
chuck
09-13-2015, 02:02 PM
I don't know which interior linemen they have on the bench other than XSF but if you can't beat out Jeff Adams then you don't belong in the league, either.
Wow, kick coverage is terrible, returns are literally a zero. This is a bad, bad team right now.
Big Texas
09-13-2015, 02:08 PM
Hoyer is terrible but he is nowhere near the worst of what I've seen today. OL, RBs, defensive secondary, special teams, all terrible.
If Mallet sucks so bad that he can't beat out Hoyer I don't understand how he is in the league.
I have always thought that we have seen what Hoyer can do when the lights come on...at the very least you can see what Mallet has...there are two types of QBs winners and losers...Hoyer has proven he's a loser when it counts...
Pass to Maclin goes all the way to the Texan 13. 39 yards. Texans throw the challenge flag. Doesn't look promising...
Whoa, pass is overturned and ruled inc. - a break....
Charles for 4.
Pass to Charles only gets 1 but KJ is offsides.... makes it 3rd and 1 coming up.
Smith rolls out and keeps for 3 and the 1st down.
Smith pressured, throws inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Smith's pass is off the mark, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.
Smith scrambles for 3. Chiefs have to punt with 8:30 left in the 3rd.
Punt is ruled a touchback. Texan's ball at their 20.
Pass to Fido gets 15.
Polk gets about 13 sweeping right.
Pass to Washington goes all the way to the Chief 20 yard line.
Polk for 4 yards.
Short pass to Hop is complete but out of bounds, so inc. 3rd and 6 coming up. OB challenges ......
Call is overturned - nice job OB - makes it 3rd and 1 coming up.
Goodness, pass to Hopkins is dropped, inc. Texans going for it on 4th and 1.....
Blue can't get it. Chiefs takeover on downs at their 11 yard line.
chuck
09-13-2015, 02:19 PM
What a mind bogglingly stupid play call on fourth down. Alfred Blue over the right guard? Are you fking kidding me? Come on, man.
Charles for 13.
Charles sweeps left for 11.
Smith pressured, throws it away, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Pass to Thomas gets 2.
Smith gets tripped up by Watt for a sack. Chiefs have to punt.
Mumphrey gets the punt back to about the Texan 11. Texan's ball.
3:21 left in the 3rd qtr.
Short pass to Shorts gets 7.
Pass to Hopkins gets 14.
Polk gets stood up but gains 2.
Flags pre-snap. False start Texans, -5. 2nd and 13 coming up.
Short pass to Polk gets 9. 3rd and 4 coming up.
Hoyer is smothered by the blitz. Texans have to punt.
End of the 3rd quarter.
chuck
09-13-2015, 02:30 PM
The Texans are just in over their heads. It's a total embarrassment. McNair will never see his team do anything. I wonder if he cares particularly.
The Chiefs get a better return when their return man fumbles the ball than the Texans do ever.
Thomas muffs the punt and still gets 15 yards. Chiefs ball at their 29.
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Charles for 1.
Charles gets 11.
Davis loses 1. 2nd and 11 coming up.
Pass to Kelce gets to the 44 yard line of the Texans, 1st down.
Smith scrambles for 1.
Deep pass to Maclin overthrown, inc. 3rd and 9 coming up.
Smith pressured, scrambles for about 6 but holding on the Chiefs will back it up. Makes it 3rd and 19.
Short pass only gets 6 yards so the Chiefs will have to punt with about 10 minutes left in the game.
Mumphrey gets the punt back to the Texan 14 but holding on Eddie Unpleasant makes it half the distance to the goal line. Ball ends up at the Texan 7 yard line.
Blue for 9.
Blue for 4 and the 1st down.
Hoyer pressured and throws it away which draws the intentional grounding, 10 yards and loss of down. Makes it 2nd and 22 at the Texan 8.
Deep pass down the sideline to Hop goes over everyone. 3rd and 22 coming up.
Grimes for 2 yards. Texans have to punt.
Thomas gets 17 yards on the punt return. Chiefs ball at the Texan 41.
Charles for 3.
Pass to Wilson gets 6. 3rd and 1 coming up.
Short pass doesn't get the 1 yard. Chiefs to try the FG.
Santos 51-yarder goes wide left, no good.
Score remains:
Chiefs 27, Texans 9
7:01 left in the game.
Mallett in at QB.
Short pass to Hop gets 8.
Pass to Hop gets 14.
Pass to Griffin is broken up, inc.
Pass to Hop gets 12. Ball at the Chief 25.
PI on Hopkins places the ball at the 10 yard line.
Short pass to Grimes gets 2.
Pass to Hopkins in the endzone good for the TD. Texans going for 2....
Pass to Hopkins is good for the two points.
Chiefs 27, Texans 17
4:07 left in the game.
The ensuing kickoff goes out of the endzone, touchback. Chiefs ball at their 20.
Davis for 4.
Smith pressured by Watt throws it away, inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.
Pass to Kelce goes for 11 and the 1st down.
Charles loses two. Timeout Texans (#1) with 3:12 left in the game.
Smith keeps for 3. Timeout Texans (#2). Brings up 3rd and 9.
Charles almost gets loose for the 1st down but is brought down 1 yard short.... Chiefs will have to punt with 2:56 left in the game.
Mumphrey brings the punt back to about the Texan 25 yard line. Texan's ball with 2:47 left.
False start on D Brown, -5. Makes it 1st and 15.
Mallett is sacked for loss.
Pass to Mumphrey gets 17. 3rd and 5 coming up.
Mallett scrambles for the 1st down (5 yards). Just barely.
2 minute warning. Chiefs challenge the spot of the ball.....
Ruling on the field stands, 1st down.
Pass to Mumphrey tipped up and nearly INT'ed but inc.
Short pass to Shorts goes to the Chief 46 yard line. 1:47 left in the game.
Mallett hits Hop for 18.
Pass to Washington (?) sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.
Mallett's pass downfield off the mark, inc. 3rd down and 10 coming up.
Timeout Chiefs (all timeouts gone both teams).
Oy, pass to Graham off the mark, inc. Texans to go for the FG.
Bullock's 47-yarder doinks in good.
Chiefs 27, Texans 20
1:23 left in the game.
Onside kick by the Texans goes straight to a Chief. Chief's ball.
Chiefs kneeling it out.
Final Score:
Chiefs 27, Texans 20
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Man, there's gonna be a lot of jibber jabber everywhere about this one....
chuck
09-13-2015, 03:18 PM
Bullock is hilarious. He is the first kicker in the league to miss an extra point, he can't make a routine FG without clanking it off the upright, he can't kick an onside kick. It's incredible that Kubiak spent a draft pick on this asshole.
barrett
09-13-2015, 03:54 PM
If I never see Brian Hoyer play football for the Texans again that will be too soon. I do not understand how different coaches keep giving this guy chances. He must be a great guy because it's like everyone bends over backwards to come up with reasons to give him jobs he doesn't win. He somehow gets labeled a consistent vet when he can't make the ball go where he wants it 6 out of 10 times. It blows my mind that O'Brien seems extremely competent in every way except how to manage the QB position (his supposed specialty).
This team is going nowhere. We are 2 years into O'Brien and we are still playing for the future with no ticking clock indicating when that might happen.
But Chuck, don't worry about McNair. He may not ever see his team do anything but he is certain JJ Watt wouldn't destroy a cell phone.
barrett
09-13-2015, 03:55 PM
Bullock is hilarious. He is the first kicker in the league to miss an extra point, he can't make a routine FG without clanking it off the upright, he can't kick an onside kick. It's incredible that Kubiak spent a draft pick on this asshole.
What's more incredible is Kubiak will probably coach in the playoffs this year while we win 6 games. He definitely won the break-up.
chuck
09-13-2015, 04:40 PM
What's more incredible is Kubiak will probably coach in the playoffs this year while we win 6 games. He definitely won the break-up.
It's amazing how much better a coach one becomes once you find yourself coaching one of the best three or four quarterbacks in the history of the game.
Although when I last looked they'd only notched a pair of FGs.
Meanwhile, Mariota looks damn good. Distressingly good. They never scored more than 28 points last year. They've scored 28 in the first half.
chuck
09-13-2015, 04:43 PM
Another Winston pick. Mariota would have been a really good quarterback in Kubiak's system.
chuck
09-13-2015, 04:55 PM
The Titans have scored 35 in the first half.
Less than ideal start, for sure. While the lack of a decent O didn't help, a pretty crappy performance on D was surprising. Thought they'd be solid. Really concerned with TE coverage. That dude was open all day long.
Hoyer's lack of game was not surprising. He's just not that good, and I wonder if we really traded up between he and Fitz. Hopefully, he'll give Mallett the reigns and we can see what he's all about. I'm hoping that OB's ego doesn't get in the way of a move everyone knows he should make. Not convinced Mallett is the answer, but I'm not sure if it could get much worse for a QB outing than what we saw from Hoyer today. So......why not?
.
Less than ideal start, for sure. While the lack of a decent O didn't help, a pretty crappy performance on D was surprising. Thought they'd be solid. Really concerned with TE coverage. That dude was open all day long.
Hoyer's lack of game was not surprising. He's just not that good, and I wonder if we really traded up between he and Fitz. Hopefully, he'll give Mallett the reigns and we can see what he's all about. I'm hoping that OB's ego doesn't get in the way of a move everyone knows he should make. Not convinced Mallett is the answer, but I'm not sure if it could get much worse for a QB outing than what we saw from Hoyer today. So......why not?
.
I think that's what most of want - just a good, long look at Mallett. Let's see what he's got. Give me the slinger - I can live with an occasional INT as long as the guy is getting the ball out and with authority. The radio guys were making the point that the pacing was different with him at the controls and it was. These nervous little QB's like Fitz and Hoyer make me nervous.
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The 27-20 score belies how dominant the Chiefs were for most of the game. Even though the Texans had more first downs and yardage, it was the things like field position, too many 3 and outs and of course, the turnovers (2) that put them in the hole and kept them there. That KC punt returner was getting the ball back to midfield just about every time.....
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High expectations for the Texan defense and they end up performing so poorly in stretches.... That was the real WTF of the game to me. They were better in the 2nd half but I think KC had gone somewhat conservative by then...
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At least the Astros pulled one out of their butt today so not a totally bad day....
nunusguy
09-13-2015, 06:50 PM
What kind of a day did Clowney have ? Did he play much ?
What kind of a day did Clowney have ? Did he play much ?
Not sure of the snap count, but he played more than I thought he would. Didn't do anything spectacular or anything stupid. So there's that.
He did come out healthy, or at least appears that way. That's positive.
chuck
09-13-2015, 10:00 PM
I thought Clowney showed some flashes. I would guess he played fewer than half the snaps but he played a good bit.
Mercilus on the other hand was just about invisible.
HPF Bob
09-14-2015, 01:08 AM
It's amazing how much better a coach one becomes once you find yourself coaching one of the best three or four quarterbacks in the history of the game.
Although when I last looked they'd only notched a pair of FGs.
Not really. Kubiak is the only coach that can start with Peyton Manning and wind up with him playing like Matt Schaub. Four sacks. Off-target throws. A pick 6. Three yard passes on 3rd and 8. Starting every series with a running play (usually to the left).
Same old Kubes, just wearing orange trim now instead of red.
I couldn't figure out why Denver fans were getting so upset about scoring 35 points a game. Okay, so Seattle killed them in the Super Bowl. The offense was still great the rest of the year.
Wade Phillips will save Kubiak the first year (that defense looks monstrous) but poor Peyton is going to retire with less rings than his brother and he'll never be able to live that down.
HPF Bob
09-14-2015, 01:22 AM
As for the Texans, I wanted Mallett at halftime simply because I think he is the better home run threat. Hoyer is probably the better QB is you are trying to run the clock and limit mistakes but Mallett is the guy with the fastball who can get you back in a hurry (or put you further back but, at that point, what difference does it make.
While the lady ref had our back, some of the others were terrible. The non-call in the end zone just before halftime cost us four points and one punt return by KC in the first half had a Chief riding the back of a Texan for at least five yards while the return man ran right past them and no flag came out.
If we get the PI call in the end zone and then convert it, maybe then we don't go for it on 4th-and-1 in the third quarter and kick the FG. Results: The 7 points we wound up losing by.
The Chiefs were clearly the better team today however and the defensive break downs by Houston were the big difference. Romeo clearly has some more work to do.
I'm glad HBO didn't have OB mic'ed up this week or we would have watched a non-stop blue streak during the first half that even HBO might have needed to bleep. How did this man stop cursing long enough for McNair to give him the job?
BTW, thanks again Arky for the play-by-play.
nunusguy
09-14-2015, 07:42 AM
Not sure of the snap count, but he played more than I thought he would. Didn't do anything spectacular or anything stupid. So there's that.
He did come out healthy, or at least appears that way. That's positive.
So he got thru the game without an injury ? Maybe he'll make it back and give us some help with the pass-rush. Good as JJ is somebody else needs to step up and help.
Keith
09-14-2015, 10:35 AM
What kind of a day did Clowney have ? Did he play much ?
He did alright. He still has some quickness. Took down Jamaal Charles from behind. Mentally, he's lacking. I'm chalking that up right now to him essentially still being a rookie, but he had an entire year as a pro when he should have been soaking up the mental aspects of the game.
Mercilus on the other hand was just about invisible.
He is not good playing the run. He and Clowney don't really seem to contain the edge well, but maybe the D doesn't ask them to do this? All things considered, this will be the healthiest game Charles plays all season, and he didn't blow them up at least, especially in a game where the Chiefs had a comfortable lead almost all game.
The radio guys were making the point that the pacing was different with him at the controls and it was.
I wanted Mallett much earlier. Check the ItB twitter timeline yesterday, lol.
That said, we have to keep in mind that Mallett basically entered the game in garbage time, and the TD to Hop was essentially considered as garbage time points in the fantasy football realm. The Chiefs weren't in a prevent, but they were giving out cushions bigger than Mattress Mack in the 4th quarter.
barrett
09-14-2015, 01:46 PM
He did alright. He still has some quickness. Took down Jamaal Charles from behind. Mentally, he's lacking. I'm chalking that up right now to him essentially still being a rookie, but he had an entire year as a pro when he should have been soaking up the mental aspects of the game.
He is not good playing the run. He and Clowney don't really seem to contain the edge well, but maybe the D doesn't ask them to do this? All things considered, this will be the healthiest game Charles plays all season, and he didn't blow them up at least, especially in a game where the Chiefs had a comfortable lead almost all game.
I wanted Mallett much earlier. Check the ItB twitter timeline yesterday, lol.
That said, we have to keep in mind that Mallett basically entered the game in garbage time, and the TD to Hop was essentially considered as garbage time points in the fantasy football realm. The Chiefs weren't in a prevent, but they were giving out cushions bigger than Mattress Mack in the 4th quarter.
It was garbage time, but the switch is far more about what Hoyer isn't. The guy completed less than 60% in college, less than 60% as a pro, less than 60% last year, and less than 60% yesterday. I don't know where anyone gets the idea he is the steady and consistent vet. He is a scattershot QB who can't throw it where he wants, and doesn't always know where he wants it (INT #1 yesterday). He is a huge downgrade from Fitzpatrick in every possible way. Last year Fitz was 63% and better than 2:1 TD:INT ratio. Hoyer was 55% and worse than 1:1. He has no business getting a starting NFL job.
This team goes nowhere with our QBs. We are wasting time. O'Brien knows he has an unlimited leash so he is apparently waiting for the QB of his choosing. There is wisdom in that, but it means we will not play a meaningful football game in 2015.
nunusguy
09-14-2015, 02:20 PM
It was garbage time, but the switch is far more about what Hoyer isn't. The guy completed less than 60% in college, less than 60% as a pro, less than 60% last year, and less than 60% yesterday. I don't know where anyone gets the idea he is the steady and consistent vet. He is a scattershot QB who can't throw it where he wants, and doesn't always know where he wants it (INT #1 yesterday). He is a huge downgrade from Fitzpatrick in every possible way. Last year Fitz was 63% and better than 2:1 TD:INT ratio. Hoyer was 55% and worse than 1:1. He has no business getting a starting NFL job.
This team goes nowhere with our QBs. We are wasting time. O'Brien knows he has an unlimited leash so he is apparently waiting for the QB of his choosing. There is wisdom in that, but it means we will not play a meaningful football game in 2015.
Sounds to me like you just made an indictment about O'briens lack of football knowledge, specifically his knowlege about QBbs which I thought was supposed to be his strength. You are saying that Mallet is not only better than Hoyers, but we already had a guy here last year (Fitzy), who was better than Hoyer. In other words, I think you are saying O'brien is in over his head.
chuck
09-14-2015, 02:50 PM
This team goes nowhere with our QBs. We are wasting time. O'Brien knows he has an unlimited leash so he is apparently waiting for the QB of his choosing. There is wisdom in that, but it means we will not play a meaningful football game in 2015.
You're starting to sound like the me of about four years ago. Although I'm not sure I ever ascribed wisdom to the team's head coach.
barrett
09-14-2015, 03:02 PM
Sounds to me like you just made an indictment about O'briens lack of football knowledge, specifically his knowlege about QBbs which I thought was supposed to be his strength. You are saying that Mallet is not only better than Hoyers, but we already had a guy here last year (Fitzy), who was better than Hoyer. In other words, I think you are saying O'brien is in over his head.
You mean when this team entered the season with Hoyer as our starting QB you didn't question it?
I was very clear that I think O'Brien is biding his time, turning over the roster, and waiting for the QB he wants to come along. He feels no pressure to pick an actual QB because he has no job pressure. If you take a QB high in the draft the clock starts running and you get fired when that clock runs out. When you just punt the QB position, there is no clock and no risk to your job (assuming your owner allows you to throw away seasons without even a potential QB answer).
I think O'Brien is shrewd and doing what's best for himself by not going all in for a QB the last two years, when he apparently didn't like anything available in the draft or FA. Most teams try to force a QB just to pretend there is progress (JAX drafting Bortles last year). But our owner has no problem throwing away seasons as long as our fans keep showing up, so O'Brien gets to keep waiting for his perfect 10 to come along.
I think it is shameful for us to throw away seasons and waste JJ Watt's HOF career, but I don't blame Bill O'Brien, I am sure O'Brien was very clear up front when he was hired that he didn't like any of last year's draft class and might not like any of this year's. There is no way he is going into a season with no QB unless he knows his owner is ok with it.
Joshua
09-14-2015, 03:47 PM
So all we have to do now is wait for a wart-free QB to fall to us in the draft then we're set? No one ever reaches for even wart-covered QBs in the NFL draft so this plan is fool proof and backed by years of draft history. Great strategy.
popanot
09-14-2015, 06:39 PM
Well, in addition to QB, we're apparently screwed if/when Foster ever leaves or is hurt. It's becoming increasingly obvious to me that Blue is not the future. Sheesh, pick up a tough yard man!! Judging by the 2nd half and how often Grimes and Polk were in there, it looked to me like Hoyer wasn't the only one benched
barrett
09-14-2015, 07:51 PM
Well, in addition to QB, we're apparently screwed if/when Foster ever leaves or is hurt. It's becoming increasingly obvious to me that Blue is not the future. Sheesh, pick up a tough yard man!! Judging by the 2nd half and how often Grimes and Polk were in there, it looked to me like Hoyer wasn't the only one benched
I don't think Blue should ever be a lead back. He does enough things well he is a great guy to have on a roster (runs, catches, plays ST). But we barely tried running the ball yesterday, and when we did we averaged over 4 ypc. We just abandoned the run due to the early deficit.
I wanted Mallett much earlier. Check the ItB twitter timeline yesterday, lol.
What, right after the 1st qtr INT, 15 minutes after the game started? lol.
That said, we have to keep in mind that Mallett basically entered the game in garbage time, and the TD to Hop was essentially considered as garbage time points in the fantasy football realm. The Chiefs weren't in a prevent, but they were giving out cushions bigger than Mattress Mack in the 4th quarter.
Well, I think the point being, even if the coverage was somewhat loose, Mallett didn't screw it up, no? I think he moved the ball well with the only regrettable thing being the miss to Graham on 3rd and 10 (followed by the doinky Bullock FG). 11 pts. in 6 or 7 minutes really prorates nicely over 4 qtrs.....
There must be something about Mallett that doesn't fit OB's checklist of what an NFL QB should be. While Hoyer may get the start in Carolina, I bet Mallett is the one that finishes the game..... We may be 0-2 by then, though....
Video - Mallett's postgame presser (http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/Postgame-Sound-Ryan-Mallett/f95c9ca0-8116-4807-a7fc-cf06d3e66355)
Early line = Carolina by 3
Keith
09-15-2015, 01:07 AM
What, right after the 1st qtr INT, 15 minutes after the game started? lol.
Couldn't get the network connection in stadium to tweet after the first snap. :p
11 pts. in 6 or 7 minutes really prorates nicely over 4 qtrs.....lol, I may be kneejerk fan, but isn't "on pace guy" worse? ;)
There must be something about Mallett that doesn't fit OB's checklist of what an NFL QB should be. Yeah, pretty much all of it. Here's the checklist for O'Brien's dream QB:
1. They have to be able to throw the ball accurately. They don't have to be the greatest athletes in the world.
2. They have to be able to make good decisions. You can judge that off the field.
3. They have to be intelligent, with a great football IQ. 1. Mallett's accuracy isn't great. 54.3% for his brief NFL career. Strong-armed, but he misfires at times.
2. As seen in one of the Hard Knocks episodes, OB really seems dumbfounded at Mallett's decision making sometimes. Probably with Hoyer's too, but we're just focused on Mal right now. As for off the field, do I even need to mention the alarm clock?
3. Mal's IQ gets questioned more than anything, probably unfairly so too much, but best said, this is not his strength.
I think Mallett is the best man on the roster right now, but clearly, two years in, O'Brien still doesn't have his QB. I wonder how much he regrets passing on Bortles for Clowney.
Yeah, pretty much all of it. Here's the checklist for O'Brien's dream QB:
1. Mallett's accuracy isn't great. 54.3% for his brief NFL career. Strong-armed, but he misfires at times.
2. As seen in one of the Hard Knocks episodes, OB really seems dumbfounded at Mallett's decision making sometimes. Probably with Hoyer's too, but we're just focused on Mal right now. As for off the field, do I even need to mention the alarm clock?
3. Mal's IQ gets questioned more than anything, probably unfairly so too much, but best said, this is not his strength.
I think Mallett is the best man on the roster right now, but clearly, two years in, O'Brien still doesn't have his QB. I wonder how much he regrets passing on Bortles for Clowney.
Yep, I saw the OB video and pretty much agree with all that you say. The thing that really opened my eyes was that scene in HK where OB was watching film of a Mallett INT and the absolute distaste/disgust with what he was seeing. IIRC, I believe he called it a "stupid decision" or something along those lines. I pretty much felt Hoyer was a lock for #1 after that....
I watched pretty much all of Mallett's college career (see my handle). He was and can still be erratic at times. He's pretty much the same guy but "pro-educated", now and (I'd like to think) a better QB. But still a ways to go.
Someone in another forum said it could be his "Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad) demeanor" that was holding him back..... I thought that was an awesome analogy... :p
I think OB needs to swallow his pride a bit and loosen up and give the guy a shot. Mallett's got a little swag which is not such a bad thing....
OB is already starting to get hit with some pretty big stones thrown from the media.... Brian Smith has not minced words lately (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/Week-2-too-soon-for-Texans-to-jettison-Week-1-QB-6504599.php)....
nunusguy
09-15-2015, 08:02 AM
You mean when this team entered the season with Hoyer as our starting QB you didn't question it?
I was very clear that I think O'Brien is biding his time, turning over the roster, and waiting for the QB he wants to come along. He feels no pressure to pick an actual QB because he has no job pressure. If you take a QB high in the draft the clock starts running and you get fired when that clock runs out. When you just punt the QB position, there is no clock and no risk to your job (assuming your owner allows you to throw away seasons without even a potential QB answer).
I think O'Brien is shrewd and doing what's best for himself by not going all in for a QB the last two years, when he apparently didn't like anything available in the draft or FA. Most teams try to force a QB just to pretend there is progress (JAX drafting Bortles last year). But our owner has no problem throwing away seasons as long as our fans keep showing up, so O'Brien gets to keep waiting for his perfect 10 to come along.
I think it is shameful for us to throw away seasons and waste JJ Watt's HOF career, but I don't blame Bill O'Brien, I am sure O'Brien was very clear up front when he was hired that he didn't like any of last year's draft class and might not like any of this year's. There is no way he is going into a season with no QB unless he knows his owner is ok with it.
I could maybe buy your theory about the owner giving O'Brien ample time to turn the franchise around if McNair was 50 or even 60 something, but McNair is an 80-year-old who's already had one battle with cancer. Somehow I think winning it all is a more pressing for Bob McNair right now.
barrett
09-15-2015, 09:02 AM
Couldn't get the network connection in stadium to tweet after the first snap. :p
lol, I may be kneejerk fan, but isn't "on pace guy" worse? ;)
Yeah, pretty much all of it. Here's the checklist for O'Brien's dream QB:
1. Mallett's accuracy isn't great. 54.3% for his brief NFL career. Strong-armed, but he misfires at times.
2. As seen in one of the Hard Knocks episodes, OB really seems dumbfounded at Mallett's decision making sometimes. Probably with Hoyer's too, but we're just focused on Mal right now. As for off the field, do I even need to mention the alarm clock?
3. Mal's IQ gets questioned more than anything, probably unfairly so too much, but best said, this is not his strength.
I think Mallett is the best man on the roster right now, but clearly, two years in, O'Brien still doesn't have his QB. I wonder how much he regrets passing on Bortles for Clowney.
Are you saying you like Bortles?
Keith
09-15-2015, 09:12 PM
Are you saying you like Bortles?
Better than any other QB on the Texans roster? Yes. Sad but true. Same could be said of Bridgewater, Garoppolo, heck maybe even Mettenberger. And that's just from the 2014 class.
I would be curious to know what kind of QB Bortles would have been under O'Brien two years, spending much of 2014 on the bench behind Fitzy. Just look at the improvement a lesser QB like Tom Savage has shown.
barrett
09-15-2015, 09:39 PM
Better than any other QB on the Texans roster? Yes. Sad but true. Same could be said of Bridgewater, Garoppolo, heck maybe even Mettenberger. And that's just from the 2014 class.
I would be curious to know what kind of QB Bortles would have been under O'Brien two years, spending much of 2014 on the bench behind Fitzy. Just look at the improvement a lesser QB like Tom Savage has shown.
Bortles did not have much to work with, but he had the 3rd worst QBR among rookies since 2006, beating only Blaine Gabbert and Jimmy Clausen. He was by far the worst among the 2014 draft class. I'd take all the other guys you mentioned over our guys, but Bortles to me is the reason a small part of me is glad O'Brien didn't just take a QB to take one. We may be wasting years with no QB, but drafting a guy as high as Bortles means you are committed to at least 3-4 years with him no matter how bad he plays (like we were with Carr).
Keith
09-16-2015, 12:49 AM
So two of those three are Jaguars rookies. Probably more than coincidence. And assuming Bortles would be a failure with O'Brien (and the relatively better supporting cast the Texans seem to offer over the Jags) seems less of a given to me. Arguably of that draft class, Bortles was asked to do the most with the least, so the rookie season QBR means a little less to me.
Like him or not, Bortles was the first QB selected, and while not a guarantee of success, the first round of the NFL Draft is the best place for finding franchise QBs. Don't agree with me? Then tell me your plan for solving the QB position on the Texans in 2016 if it doesn't involve using a high pick. Because if the Texans refuse to ignore the position in the draft - again - then they'll be back in the market for retreads and backups ...and future 7-9 to 9-7 seasons (or worse).
Talk about 3-4 wasted seasons... and a search for a new coaching staff. Granted, McNair has been a very patient owner to date, but this plan you are surmising where O'Brien is willing to wait out 3+ years of .500 football for the perfect QB to fall into his lap just isn't a good plan. Can't play the "long con" in the NFL like the Astros appear poised to do in MLB. There is no farm system in the Not For Long, and playoff success without at least an above average QB is generally an anomaly. That's why I wonder if he regrets passing on Bortles (or fill-in-the-name QB from the last two drafts he passed on). The QB strategies of 2014 and 2015 are costing him wins, and I can't see that settling well for a head coach.
barrett
09-16-2015, 06:16 AM
So two of those three are Jaguars rookies. Probably more than coincidence. And assuming Bortles would be a failure with O'Brien (and the relatively better supporting cast the Texans seem to offer over the Jags) seems less of a given to me. Arguably of that draft class, Bortles was asked to do the most with the least, so the rookie season QBR means a little less to me.
Like him or not, Bortles was the first QB selected, and while not a guarantee of success, the first round of the NFL Draft is the best place for finding franchise QBs. Don't agree with me? Then tell me your plan for solving the QB position on the Texans in 2016 if it doesn't involve using a high pick. Because if the Texans refuse to ignore the position in the draft - again - then they'll be back in the market for retreads and backups ...and future 7-9 to 9-7 seasons (or worse).
Talk about 3-4 wasted seasons... and a search for a new coaching staff. Granted, McNair has been a very patient owner to date, but this plan you are surmising where O'Brien is willing to wait out 3+ years of .500 football for the perfect QB to fall into his lap just isn't a good plan. Can't play the "long con" in the NFL like the Astros appear poised to do in MLB. There is no farm system in the Not For Long, and playoff success without at least an above average QB is generally an anomaly. That's why I wonder if he regrets passing on Bortles (or fill-in-the-name QB from the last two drafts he passed on). The QB strategies of 2014 and 2015 are costing him wins, and I can't see that settling well for a head coach.
I wish we had drafted a QB in O'Brien's first year. I wish we had drafted one in his 2nd year. I wish we treated QB like the most important position in the NFL. I just have no regrets we stayed away from Bortles. The biggest thing he has in common with Gabbert isn't that they were ruined by he Jags, it's that they both looked great in shorts and made huge draft board moves after all the football had already been played.
popanot
09-16-2015, 08:28 AM
We will see next year. IMO, if OB/Smith do not draft a QB high or sign or trade for a proven veteran like Brees, than they are both on extremely thin ice. Either that, or Mallett has to suddenly turn into the next Philip Rivers. IMO, OB made what could be a fatal error by going with Hoyer. I think Mallett would have bought some more grace time, but Hoyer buys you nothing and makes you look worse if it fails. Anyway, you can only jack around for so long with this hot mess at QB before the fans and owner turn on you. And Savage is not the answer, folks. He now has two lost seasons and hasn't shown anything to indicate he's the one. If OB thought Savage even had a remote chance of leading this team or was/is planning on grooming him, he would've found a spot on the active roster for him or put him on IR to return. His injury wasn't season ending by any means.
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