Official Texans @ Panthers Game Thread, 09/20/2015

[Arky]

The Texans travel to Charlotte, NC this Sunday to take on the Carolina Panthers in an early game. The latest news from NRG is that the Texans will be going with Ryan Mallett at QB. The 0-1 Texans lost their home opener to the Chiefs 27-20.

The 1-0 Panthers did enough to get by the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in their opener winning 20-9. Star Panther LB Luke Kuechly is currently going through the concussion protocol and could be good to go on Sunday. Cam Newton was 18/31, 175 yds with 1 TD and 1 INT against the Jags.

TV = CBS (channel 11 local), noon CST, Sunday

Announcers (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2015&wk=2) = Greg Gumbel, Trent Green

The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Panthers by 3 to 3.5

Texans vs. Panthers (http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2015&wk=2) will be viewed in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and a good chunk of the South.

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Other Sunday NFL action in the Houston area:

Fox early: Tampa Bay @ New Orleans -- Chris Myers, Ronde Barber

Fox late: Dallas @ Philadelphia -- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

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Prime time:

TNF = Denver @ Kansas City (NFLN, CBS)

SNF = Seattle @ Green Bay (NBC)

MNF = New York Jets @ Indianapolis (ESPN)

[WMH]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 2m2 minutes ago
The #Texans claimed former #Jets OT Oday Aboushi

Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock 2m2 minutes ago
I mentioned yesterday that he can play OG / OT. Thought this may happen. Good claim.

[WMH]

Aaron Wilson ‏@AaronWilson_NFL 37m37 minutes ago
Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly didn't practice today due to a concussion

[WMH]

Mark Berman ‏@MarkBermanFox26 25s26 seconds ago
#Texans traded Keshawn Martin to the Patriots

[popanot]

Mark Berman ‏@MarkBermanFox26 25s26 seconds ago
#Texans traded Keshawn Martin to the Patriots
Clearing a spot for the OG they just claimed.

[Arky]

"Fix it!" cried the masses..... like it when the front office can be seen making good moves or at least, attempting to make good moves....

I think I really like the two transactions. Been hearing (reading) good things about Aboushi - can play tackle and guard and has a little experience.

So, maybe we got a new QB and a new LG for Carolina which makes me lean toward selecting the Texans and the points. The game was a definite "pass" with Hoyer starting...

[chuck]

From what I understand the new lineman is suspended for this game (and this game only) for some substance abuse issue.

[WMH]

From what I understand the new lineman is suspended for this game (and this game only) for some substance abuse issue.

Last week was his suspension. He's good to go now. How quickly he can get up to speed is another story. He started 10 games at LG and was under our new OL Coach.

[popanot]

Last week was his suspension. He's good to go now. How quickly he can get up to speed is another story. He started 10 games at LG and was under our new OL Coach.Have to think this is more about the lack of confidence in Su'a-Filo coming back and/or being worth a squat when he does. I sure hope it's not a sign of Brown missing extended time.

[Nconroe]

Sounds like we got another 6th rnd pick for Keyshawn. Good change of scenery for him. Maybe he plays for SB ring.

Hope our OL does better this week. They weren't ready for KC.

Hoping Mallet turns out better than Fitz.

[HPF Bob]

I think the Panthers are the sort of offense the Texans' defense can get after. I see this as a pick em. The Texans were not a bad road team last year and I put that on the coaching.

[popanot]

Jonathan Jones Verified account 
‏@jjones9 Panthers LB Luke Kuechly is doubtful for Sunday's game against TexansMaybe a sliver of hope for getting the running game going and the middle of the field being a bit more open for Mallett.

[HPF Bob]

Carolina Panthers
✔ ‎@Panthers
#Panthers LB Luke Kuechly has been downgraded to out (concussion) for Sunday's game vs. Houston. #HOUvsCAR


10:26 AM - 19 Sep 2015

This is a big help. That's like taking Cushing away from us.

[Arky]

The ESPN experts (http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks) like the Panthers, 10 votes to 4.

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

McClain and Solomon at the Chronicle are picking the Panthers to win.

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

Just the second game of the year but a win would bring some hope for a good year. A loss and the season will seem like it's becoming one of those years....

[WMH]

From Jabba
With Chris Clark starting at LT, RT Derek Newton moving to LG and LG Jeff Adams to RT.

[Big Texas]

From Jabba
With Chris Clark starting at LT, RT Derek Newton moving to LG and LG Jeff Adams to RT.

Wow...has Newton ever played guard?

[HPF Bob]

Yes, I recall Newton playing guard before he was established at tackle. Putting Adams at tackle is what concerns me.

[Big Texas]

Yes, I recall Newton playing guard before he was established at tackle. Putting Adams at tackle is what concerns me.

I would imagine so the way he got tossed around last week.

[Arky]

Texans win the toss and defer. Kickoff is a touchback. Panthers ball at their 20.

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

Pass to Ginn goes inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Flags at the snap..... false start offense, -5. 3rd and 15 coming up.

Cushing gives the 5 yards back with a neutral zone infraction. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Newton's pass is deflected, inc. Panthers to punt.

Mumphrey brings the punt back to the Texan 28. Texan's ball.

[chuck]

If you script your first X number of plays how the F%$# do you not know the first goddam play you run? And if you run a New England offense how the F%$& do you not have a TE who can catch a football?

[Arky]

Shaky handoff to Blue loses 1.

Pass is dropped by Graham. 3rd and 11 coming up.

Screen pass is sniffed out by the Panthers and loses 5. Texans to punt.

Punt is fair caught by Ginn but flags are down.... Block out of bounds on the Panthers backs the ball up 15 yards. Ball at the Panther 15.

13:11 left in the 1st qtr.

[Big Texas]

Garret Graham's drop was rediculous...if you truly understand the importance of starting fast you don't drop that one... Especially since TE have been an emphasis...he'd better wake up quick...

[HPF Bob]

Inglorious beginning.

They sucked then we sucked. Which team will suck less?

[Arky]

Stewart for 3. A Panther (Turner) injured on the play. Injury timeout.

Stewart gets 3 on the delay. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Newton's pass is short, inc. Panthers to punt.

Mumphrey has a good return on the punt but flags are down......Block in the back on Tuggle....places the ball at the Texan 22.

[Big Texas]

We look really out of rhythm...2 catchable balls dropped...

[Arky]

Jeez, pass to Washington is a little off and dropped.

Timeout Texans to avoid delay of game.... Still 2nd and 10 coming up.

Oy, pass to Graham too low, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Finally, pass to Hopkins gets about 16, 1st down.

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

Polk runs for 5. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Flags presnap......Panthers offsides.....Makes it 3rd and 1.

Prosch gets about 3 and the 1st down. Ball at the Panther 49.

Pass to Hop inc, but holding on the Panthers gets 5 yards and an auto 1st down....

Screen doesn't develop so Mallet throws it away, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Handoff to Shorts only gets about 2.

Pass to Grimes goes for nice gainer, 1st down.

Grimes runs for 4. 2nd and 6 coming up.

Pass to Washington too long, inc. Ball at the Panther 25.

Mallet's pass too much for Mumphrey, inc. Texans to go for the FG.

Bullock's 43-yarder is good.

Texans 3, Panthers 0

8:05 left in the 1st qtr.

[Big Texas]

Drops drops drops...

I don't wanna hear that Mallet throws too hard. This is the NFL...you've got to catch the ball...

[chuck]

Catch the f$%#ing ball.

[Arky]

Bullock's ensuing kickoff is a touchback. Panther's ball at their 20.

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

Newton keeps for 11 and a 1st down.

Screen to Stewart sniffed out by Tuggle. Loss of 3.

Newton's pass is deflected by Clowney, inc. 3rd and 13 coming up.

Screen goes for about 6. Panthers will have to punt. Cotchery (sp?) of the Panthers injured on the play. Injury timeout.

Mumphrey fields the punt and is tackled at the Texan 25 but flag is down.... Block in the back on Morris backs it up. Ball is at the Texan 15.

[Arky]

Blue for 2.

Worthy on the sweep loses yardage but flags are down....facemask on Panthers, +15. Ball at the Texan 31.

Short pass to Mumphrey gets 3.

Blue loses 1. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Short pass to Grimes gets about 5 but a late hit from the Panthers = +15. Ball at the Panther 46.

Deep pass to Hop sails inc.

Pass to Mumphrey off the mark, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Short pass to Grimes gets 5. Texans going for it on 4th and 5.

Short pass to Grimes gets about 3. Ball turns over on downs to the Panthers. Ball at the Panther 38.

2:56 left in the 1st qtr.

[popanot]

I take it Cushing's hurt? Not in this D series.

[Big Texas]

Did I miss something? Where is Cushing? I am seeing a lot of Tuggle

[Big Texas]

I take it Cushing's hurt? Not in this D series.

We thought the same thing at the same time

[Arky]

Newton can't find a receiver and scrambles for about 3.

Stewart sweeps right for about 8 and a 1st down.

Stewart for 3.

Pass to Olsen good for 7 and the 1st down.

Deep pass to Ginn caught out of bounds, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Screen to Tolbert loses 3. 3rd and 13 coming up.

End of the 1st qtr.

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

On 3rd and 13, pass to Ginn over the middle is dropped. Panthers to punt.

Punt is a touchback. Texan's ball at their 20.

[Arky]

Polk for 1.

Polk for 4. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass to Hop gets 7 and the 1st down. Panthers challenge that the ball hit the ground.....

Call is overturned - pass is inc. Texans have to punt. 13:36 left in the half.

Ginn brings the punt back to the Panther 26. Panther's ball.

[Arky]

Newton keeps for about 15.

Pass to Olsen good for 10 or 11, 1st down.

Draw to Stewart gets 9. Ball at the Texan 38.

Tolbert goes right side for 13.

Pass to Ginn in the end zone is good for the TD.

Panthers 7, Texans 3

11:22 left in the half.

[chuck]

The next play Wilfork makes will be the first I've seen.

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff is a touchback. Texan's ball at their 20.

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

Pass to Fido gets 19.

Mallett pressured, throws inc to Graham.

Mallett's pass to Hop on the sideline nearly INT'ed but inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Mallett can't find a receiver and scrambles out of bounds, -5. Texans to punt...

Panthers bring the punt back to their 40.

10:18 left in the half.

[Big Texas]

This final score just maybe 10-6

[Arky]

Stewart for 2.

Pitch to Cotchery gets nice gain. Ball at the Texan 48.

Pass to Ginn good for 7.

Pass to Ginn gets 5 or 6 and a 1st down.

Pass to Brown gets another good gain.

Illegal motion on the Panthers backs it up 5. Brings up 1st and 15.

Newton can't find a receiver and scrambles for 5. Flag is down....holding on KJ. Places the ball at the 16.

Newton's pass over the middle goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Stewart for 3.

Newton can't find a receiver and scrambles for about 3 or 4. Panthers to go for the FG.

Gano's 28-yarder is good.

Panthers 10, Texans 3

5:26 left in the half.

[chuck]

The team would be better off with Marciano.

What a disaster this organization is.

[chuck]

Whose bright idea was it to trade Khari Lee?

[Arky]

Worthy brings the ensuing kickoff back to the 18 but flags are down.... Block in the back on Eddie Unpleasant. Ball at the 9 yard line.

Mallett's pass is batted down, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Polk for maybe 2. 3rd and 8 coming up. Fido shaken up on the play. Fido limps off.....

Pass to Washington is dropped but flag is down.... illegal hands to the face on Adams is declined by the Panthers. Texans to punt.

Ginn brings the punt back to midfield. Panther's ball.

[Arky]

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

Pass to Funchess good for 15.

Newton's pass to Olsen good for 12.

Pass to Olsen gets 2. Ball at the Texan 21.

Pass is INT'ed at the goal line by R Moore. Fumbles a the 20 but the Texans recover. Ball at the Texan 22.

[Big Texas]

I am more shocked by all the drops than anything...Nate washington with 2...

[Arky]

Grimes for 9

Grimes for 2 and a 1st down. Ball at the Texan 34.

2 minute warning.

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

Short pass to Grimes gets 4.

Timeout Panthers.... 1:54 left in the half.

Mallett's pass to Grimes too high, inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Panthers use another timeout (#2). 1:49 left in the half.

Pass to Washington off the mark, inc. Texans to punt.

Ginn fair catches the punt at the Panther 14. 1:38 left in the half.

[Arky]

Newton's pass is batted down inc by Watt. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Rush gets 3. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Newton's deep pass over everyone, inc. Panthers have to punt. 1:25 left in the half.

Mumphrey brings the punt back to the Texan 30. Texan's ball.

[popanot]

Mallett only knows one pass speed. Fastball. OB better put these guys in front a hugs machine in practice the next few weeks set on high and fast.

[chuck]

I don't understand why you don't put a cast on Brown's hand and send his ass out there. It seems like an injury you could play through.

[Arky]

Mallett's short pass is dropped. J Adams shaken up on the play.... looks like a knee.... Adams carted off... 2nd and 10 coming up.

Eeesh, Mallett's pass almost INT'ed. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Delay of game on the Texans, -5.

Polk for 1 yard. Texans to punt.

Ginn brings the punt back to the Panther 27 but flag is down... Holding on the Panthers places the ball at the Panther 9.

[Arky]

Tolbert for 11.

Tolbert for 3.

1st half ends.

Panthers 10, Texans 3

Stinky, poo-poo....

[Big Texas]

Mallett only knows one pass speed. Fastball. OB better put these guys in front a hugs machine in practice the next few weeks set on high and fast.

I'm ok with the fast balls...this league is such that you can't afford to throw any old pass into traffic...these guys just need to catch the damn ball

[Arky]

Loss of data.....

Texans at the Panther 15...

Pass to Hop goes to the Panther 7.

Polk for loss of 1. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Timeout Texans.....

Whoa, what a catch by Graham.... looks good....touchdown!

Texans 10, Panthers 10

8:29 left in the 3rd qtr.

[chuck]

That was an incredible catch. When Mallett released it I thought he was throwing the ball away.

[Big Texas]

That's why you need a QB with a strong arm...there's no way Hoyer makes that throw...and by the way "knock on wood" NO TURNOVERS...thus far...

[Big Texas]

If our secondary continues to be piss poor Luck is gonna destroy us again this year

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff is a touchback. Panther's ball at their 20.

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

Stewart for 1.

Newton scrambles for about 11 and a 1st down.

Newton's pass over the middle goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Newton's pass sails inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Newton's pass goes inc but flag on JJo for illegal contact. 5 yards and an auto 1st down.

Jeez, Newton shakes off a couple of Texans and scampers all the way to the Texan 45.

Newton's pass is tipped and INT'ed but holding on the Texans = 5 yards and an auto 1st down for the Panthers.

Stewart goes right side for 1.

Pass to Olsen gets about 11 and a 1st down at the Texan 28.

Newton caught by Watt for a sack. 2nd and 14 coming up.

Stewart gets 11 on the draw. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Pass to Ginn gets 3 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 18.

Tolbert for 4.

Newton pressured, overthrows Tolbert, inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Timeout Panthers. 2:09 left in the 3rd qtr.

Pass to Tolbert gets about 8 and the 1st down. 1st and goal for the Panthers at the Texan 6.

Neutral zone infraction on Clowney makes it half the distance to the goal line.

Newton keeps and somersaults into the end zone for the TD.

Panthers 17, Texans 10

1:04 left in the 3rd qtr.

[Keith]

Thanks Arky for the comms. Coming in late after managing some youth baseball games today.

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff is a touchback. Texan's ball at their 20.

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

Quick flip to Worthy goes for 13.

Blue for 1.

Pass to Shorts good for 8. Brings up 3rd and 1.

End of the 3rd qtr.

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

Oy, pass to Polk off the mark, inc. Texans will punt.

Ginn fair catches the punt at the Panther 17. Panther's ball.

[Arky]

Stewart for 2.

2nd down pass goes inc. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Newton uses the QB draw for 8 and the 1st down.

Newton's pass batted down by Clowney, inc.

Stewart rolls left for 1. Brings up 3rd and 9.

Newton sacked for big loss. Pleasant and Demps do the damage. Panthers have to punt.

Mumphrey brings the punt back to the Texan 46 yard line.

11:46 left in the game.

[barrett]

I watch this game and that fumble and it occurs to me that perhaps having no QB, no RB, and a CFL receiving core will make it hard to win NFL games.

[Arky]

Mallett's pass to Shorts is too low, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Mallett's pass sails over Hop on the sideline, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Mallett's pass is caught by Shorts but he fumbles and the Panthers recover at their 47 yard line. Panther's ball. Officials reviewed the play and declare it an inc pass.... whew, close one..... Texans to punt.

Punt is downed by the Texans at the Panther 20.

[Arky]

Stewart loses 1.

Stewart for 1 more. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Pass to Funchess broken up by KJ2, inc. Panthers to punt.

Mumphrey stumbles for about 15 yards and brings the punt back to the Texan 32. Texan's ball with 9:52 left in the game.

[Arky]

Polk gets stuffed for a loss of 2.

Damn, Mallett's pass is INT'ed and brought back to the Texan 35. Panther's ball.

[Arky]

Newton goes up top and hits Brown for a 36 yard TD pass.

Panthers 24, Texans 10

8:53 left in the game.

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff is a touchback. Texan's ball at their 20.

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

Pass to Washington good for 9 but flag is down.....Ref says "no foul". 2nd and 1 coming up.

Pass to Washington goes for big gainer - Ball at the Panther 23.

Pass to Hop gets 10.

Pass to Shorts goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Shorts gets 6. 3rd and 4 at the 7 yard line.

Mallett's pass off the mark, inc. Texans going for it on 4th down.

Timeout Panthers (#2). 6:38 left in the game.

Mallett's shows off his wheels and runs it in for the TD!

Panthers 24, Texans 17

6:31 left in the game.

[barrett]

Cam Newton looks like a douche celebrating every first down while completing half of his passes. Ryan Mallett looks even worse doing the same while scoring a TD and completing less than half of his.

[barrett]

How was holding not called on the long Olson completion? The LT was beat clean by Clowney and just held on.

[Arky]

Panthers bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 29. Panther's ball.

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

Stewart for about 5.

Stewart for 3. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Throwback play to Olsen goes for 27 yards. Ball at the Texan 36.

Stewart for 1.

Tolbert for no gain. Brings up 3rd and 9 with about 3 minutes left in the game.

Newton's pass too long, inc. Panthers going for the FG.

Gano's 53 yarder is no good.

2:44 left in the game. Texans ball at their 43.

[chuck]

This makeshift OL is not the worst line I have ever seen. If the Texans don't pull this out the line will not be to blame.

[barrett]

This makeshift OL is not the worst line I have ever seen. If the Texans don't pull this out the line will not be to blame.

That OL gets a chance to not be the worst on this 4th and inches.

[Arky]

Polk can't hang on to the pass, inc.

Polk rushes for about 4. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Mallett's pass is inc but roughing the passer = +15 and a 1st down.

Polk for 3.

2 minute warning at 1:56..... Ball at the Panther 35.

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

On 2nd and 7, Mallett is pressured and throws it in the direction of a receiver, inc.

Pass to Washington gets about 6. Looks to be a tad short of the 1st down...Makes it 4th and inches.... 1:27 left in the game.

Timeout Texans....

Polk gets 2 and the 1st down.

Pass to Shorts gets 6.

Mallett throws one away, inc. 32 seconds left in the game. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Timeout Carolina (last one, Texans have 1 left).

Mallett overthrows everyone, inc but flag is down. Offsides Panthers gives the Texans a 1st down at the Panther 15.

Man, pass goes inc into the end zone. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Mallett gets sacked..... some discussion about intentional grounding or inc pass..... Ends up intentional grounding, loss of 10 yards with 17 seconds left in the game. 3rd and 22.

Pass to Polk gets 6. 4th and 16.....

Pass to Hop in the end zone a little off the mark but off his hands, inc.

Game over.

Final Score:

Panthers 24, Texans 17

[Big Texas]

The story of this game was dropped passes and terrible play by the secondary against terrible receivers...Mallet wasn't perfect but he definitely put this team in a position to win...

[chuck]

I am nowhere near sure that the Texans will beat the Bucs next week.

[chuck]

When the Jaguars come to town for the final game of the year I wonder how many season wins the Texans will be looking to achieve with a victory that day. More than one?

[Arky]

JD Power ranked this game lowest in initial quality.

Don't know where to start..... plenty of poor play to pass around.....

[WMH]

Lack of running threat isn't helping. We don't have a team to chunk 50+ times. Just ain't gonna work.

[popanot]

That sound you hear is our season flushing down the drain. It's starting to look like this team will have its choice of QB's next draft.

[WMH]

That sound you hear is our season flushing down the drain. It's starting to look like this team will have its choice of QB's next draft.

And then they'll choose a DT or something......

[barrett]

And then they'll choose a DT or something......

I may bookmark this post so I can come back in April after we do just that.

[Keith]

That sound you hear is our season flushing down the drain. It's starting to look like this team will have its choice of QB's next draft.

Speaking of which, today was a good day for 2014 QBs... Carr, Bridgewater, Bortles, and Manziel all won.

Again I wonder... does O'Brien regret passing on Bortles? (or fill-in-the-name 2014 QB)

[chuck]

Mallett is who he is. He's not very good, mainly because he's not very smart. I'm more concerned with the defense. Mercilus is a ghost. If the offense is double teaming Watt AND Clowney I would like to think that a pass rusher hand picked by Wade might show up and do something, anything. Nope.

JJo had a game as bad as KJax has ever had. The new guy looked pretty good.

I noticed the LBs mostly when the were missing tackles.

I just cant understand how a defense stocked with first round picks can be so uninspiring.

[barrett]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi1LMIUOOAI

[barrett]

...................

[Keith]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi1LMIUOOAI

Here ya go:

qi1LMIUOOAI

[barrett]

Thanks Keith. I failed completely at embedding that clip.

[Arky]

Early line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) vs. Tampa Bay = Texans by 6.5 to 7

[WMH]

FWIW -

Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock 7h7 hours ago
Finished watching the Texans offense.

8 drops from Houston's WRs / TEs / RBs. In professional football. That's silly.

[chuck]

I don't have the heart to go back and watch that garbage but I wonder how many of the drops were because Mallett threw a seven yard pass 600 miles per hour and how many of them were dropped because the receiver just dropped it. I remember a lot more of the latter than the former but I might be mistaken.

[painekiller]

I don't have the heart to go back and watch that garbage but I wonder how many of the drops were because Mallett threw a seven yard pass 600 miles per hour and how many of them were dropped because the receiver just dropped it. I remember a lot more of the latter than the former but I might be mistaken.

I agree with chuck, someone needs to turn Mallett down, his motor was throwing fastballs on every pass before halftime.

[popanot]

I'll be willing to bet the fault lies 50/50. While I generally take the opinion that if the ball hits the receiver in the hands he should catch it, Mallett had ZERO touch and was throwing fastballs regardless of distance, and a few of the dropped passes were off target and very difficult catches to make. The main culprit I saw missing catchable passes was Washington. He dropped a couple that were right to him. This season is obviously going nowhere so it's time to get Strong on the field.

[Arky]

Nah, I think the bigger sin is dropping the ball. A guy like Polk may have an argument but the WR's and TE's have no excuse... Catch the fk'n ball!

[Arky]

29 observations from Texans at Panthers (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/29-observations-from-Texans-at-Panthers/f71629a9-b504-400a-9ff2-f6ad2dc16ccf)

John Harris
Texans Analyst

It was a rough day in Carolina, actually an exhausting day in Charlotte, as the Texans went down to defeat at the hands of a physical Carolina Panthers squad 24-17. The Texans, shorthanded throughout the game, moved the ball inside the Panthers 20 yard line at the end, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be on this day. Here are my observations from this one.

1. The heat was a significant factor on both sides yesterday. Sure, both teams practice in that Southern-style microwave, but playing in it at 100% full game speed and practicing in it are two entirely different things. Both sides really felt the effects of it as the game wore on.

2. I’ll sure be glad to see a more conventional offense on Sunday and I’m not the only one. The read option/QB run packages haven’t been the nail in the Texans defensive coffin, but it hasn’t helped them either the past two weeks.

3. Not sure what happened on the first offensive play from scrimmage but two weeks in a row there’s been a communication issue of some sort that just can’t happen.

4. The drops. Ugh. I counted four or five of them in the first half. That’s got to change.

5. I’ll give props where they’re deserved and you’d be hard pressed to tell me that Carolina CB Josh Norman isn’t or shouldn’t be a Pro Bowler at the end of this season. For some reason, my eyes went to him on the first third down of the game and it was clear he knew the tunnel screen was coming. He signaled his safety to get behind him just in case and to let him know that he was taking the shot. Real good player who followed DeAndre Hopkins for much of the day.

6. Oh man, Kareem Jackson was oh so close on the Panthers second drive of the game of a pick six. J.J. Watt tipped a Cam Newton pass that was intended for TE Greg Olsen and Kareem came within inches of catching it and taking a short jog to the house for six. That could’ve been a game changer right out of the chute.

7. The Texans had penalties on the first three or four punt/kickoff returns in the game, but finally provided some value with returns later in the game that helped the field position battle. Hopefully, that remains more of a constant going forward.

8. QB Ryan Mallett didn’t have a day that’ll be remembered in Texans lore, but he showed some guts and heart in this one. He took a pounding and made some key throws throughout the day. Some of his best throws, though, were unfortunately dropped. The throw he made in the first quarter when he got some heat, rolled right and threw on the run was one of his best throws of the day but it wasn’t caught.

9. That said, I don’t know that any QB in this league that throws the out route with as much sauce as Mallett. Wow.

10. Short yardage situations have been a bugaboo for the Texans since the first and goal to go against the 49ers in the pre-season, but they picked up one third and one with Jay Prosch’s first ever carry in the first half and then a Chris Polk fourth and one late in the game. If anything else, that was a good sign.

11. We talked about this on the broadcast but on 2nd and six on the Texans field goal drive in the first half, the Texans missed a golden opportunity. The Texans ran zone boot out of the gun with Nate Washington the lone receiver to the right side. Carolina’s Wes Horton stayed home and forced Mallett to have to bubble but Washington beat the DB by yards. Yards, plural. The problem was that he bent the route to the sideline, instead of heading for the back corner of the end zone. In doing so, he made it a really tough throw for Mallett to make, on the run with Horton in his face. With no safety help behind Washington, Mallett could have lobbed one to the corner of the end zone much easier than the throw he eventually had to make.

12. On the Texans third drive, the Panthers gave one to the Texans with a 15-yard penalty on Thomas Davis Sr. to keep a dead drive alive. The very next play Mallett eyed DeAndre Hopkins deep downfield and launched. Hop was held, pushed and shoved well beyond five yards of the line of scrimmage. No call. The Texans got one, legitimately, then lost a huge opportunity on the next one, questionably.

(more at link)

[WMH]

Nah, I think the bigger sin is dropping the ball. A guy like Polk may have an argument but the WR's and TE's have no excuse... Catch the fk'n ball!

Yep. Kinda how I feel about it. It's not like they didn't know how the guy throws. They've had enough reps with him. A fastball to a RB is more understanding, but these guys are elite athletes.

Catch the fk'n ball!

[barrett]

Yep. Kinda how I feel about it. It's not like they didn't know how the guy throws. They've had enough reps with him. A fastball to a RB is more understanding, but these guys are elite athletes.

Catch the fk'n ball!

I don't think I would describe our WRs 2-5 with those words. I think we are getting exactly what we paid for from the WR position right now.

[WMH]

I don't think I would describe our WRs 2-5 with those words. I think we are getting exactly what we paid for from the WR position right now.

Just my opinion, and while I do not believe they are the cream of the WR crop, anyone that has the ability to make an NFL roster is an elite athlete.

[HPF Bob]

So, what was the story on Strong? Why was I watching Chandler Worthy on Sunday (not returning kicks, btw) when what we needed was a large receiver who could catch bullets? Is he already in O'Brien's doghouse?

[HPF Bob]

All I know is whenever I watch Hoyer, I'm wishing for Mallett and whenever I watch Mallett, I'm wishing for Hoyer.