Official Texans @ Titans Thread, 9/21/2008

[WMH]

Interesting stuff!

From Ted Sunquist (former Denver GM) via PFT:
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/09/19/ted-sundquists-week-three-scouting-reports-texans-at-titans/

TED SUNDQUIST’S WEEK THREE SCOUTING REPORTS: TEXANS AT TITANS
Posted by Mike Florio on September 19, 2008, 9:23 a.m. EDT
[Editor’s note: Former Broncos G.M. Ted Sundquists provides us with exclusive scouting reports for three games each week. His first submission for Week Three appears below.]

One week after Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc down on the nation’s gulf coast, the ripple affects continue. Not only upon those who have suffered the loss of life, home, and property (the likes of which many of us could never imagine), but also upon the South Texas sporting world. The destruction was felt from Galveston up through the I-45 corridor to Houston’s Reliant Stadium. The Texans cancelled their scheduled game against Baltimore and now face potential relocation until repairs are finished to their home field. The move of a game to their bye week presents the challenge of playing 15 straight without a break, but that’s the least of their concerns. Hopefully, things can get back to some normalcy with the resumption of play at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. To start things off, the Texans will travel to Tennessee.



I’m not quite sure how to define who the Houston Texans are at this point. Having played only one game, are they truly playoff contenders (as most in Houston would like you to believe) or the team that was thoroughly beaten by Pittsburgh in Week 1? If the former, the Texans offense will need to develop a better level of consistency so as not to put its defense in a constant hole. Pittsburgh’s average starting field position was its own 37 yard line. It was clear the early plan was to attack the Steelers through the air. QB Matt Schaub was 12 of 17 in the first half (only 6.7 per completion), but was sacked twice and threw two interceptions (one led to a subsequent PIT score). There seemed to be a lack of rhythm and continuity to the Texans attack.



KEY #1 will be the ability of head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan weaving together a game plan that puts confidence back in their offense. The Texans were sacked 5 times, hurried another 6, and never effectively moved the ball through the air until late in the game. Andre Johnson had the numbers, but even those were a bit deceiving. Johnson played a big role in last season’s clash in Nashville, but Houston might be served well in establishing a running game with Ahman Green (if healthy) and rookie Steve Slaton to slow down the Titans rush. Tennessee ranks second in the NFL with 8 sacks, and the Titans have already picked off 4 passes. The Titans will game plan Andre Johnson and force the Houston offense to run into Tennessee’s more than capable front seven.



Tennessee rookie RB Chris Johnson has quickly turned into the explosive playmaker the Titans thought he would be when they drafted him with the 24th pick of the first round. The Titans presented more of a power game over the past few seasons with the Chris Brown and Lendale White combination. Now, Tennessee appears to have a big-play threat to its running game. Slaton and White present an interesting mix of power and speed. Houston will have to regroup its defense in an attempt to shut down the big play. Pittsburgh racked up 5 runs of 10+ yards, one for 20+. The Titans have stayed relatively balanced, but look to run behind OG Jake Scott and OT David Stewart on the right. This blocking combo has produced over 6 yards per attempt. Pro Bowl MLB DeMeco Ryans holds the key (#2) to stopping the Titans run game. At 6’1” & 250 lbs, Ryans matches up against the inside power of White, but is agile/athletic enough to scrape to the hole and fill on the explosive Johnson. Ryans will have to fight over top of the second level blocks of Amano, Mawae, and Scott. He’ll also have to leverage, stack and shed the iso of FB Ahmard Hall. Ryans had two of his top games in losses to the Titans last season. His emotional on-field leadership is the catalyst for not only his defensive unit, but the entire team.



Note that these two keys are more about reestablishing the confidence and momentum that the Texans had coming out of preseason than they are about any individual match ups. Football is an emotional game and the Texans have been through a bit over the past few weeks.



Tennessee will look continue to retool their offensive philosophy behind QB Kerry Collins. The news surrounding Titan QB Vince Young over the past week has been troubling, if not downright bizarre. Quietly, it would not surprise me if the Titan staff is not more comfortable in game planning for the veteran Collins than they were for Young. Offensive Coordinator Mike Heimerdinger likes the pocket, and Collins probably fits his style of playcalling and getting the ball downfield better than Young. That said, look for Heimerdinger to open up his passing game a bit more with the Justins, Gage and McCareins (KEY #3). Both have good size and are capable of the big play, but not overly explosive. “Dinger” likes to throw to his TE’s as well, so look for Bo Scaife to contribute more in the fashion of his Jacksonville performance (6 for 100 yds) than last week against the Bengals (1 for 6 yds). The Texans have struggled in the past shutting down opponent TE’s and Scaife was productive in both games last season. Houston corners Fred Bennett and Jacques Reeves had trouble with the speedy Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes in Week 1. Bennett and Reeves match up better against the Justins (both are near 6’ & 190+ lbs). Fred Bennett had an excellent rookie season ‘07 and does a very good job keeping routes in front of him. He has to be considered as one of the better CB’s (targeted 63 times with a success rate of 61%) in the League last season.



KEY #4 will be the inside play of Albert Haynesworth. He has the physical ability to disrupt both the Texans’ run and pass game by himself. He is one of the top run stuffers in pro football. Historically, the zone blocking schemes have suffered against the powerful upfield surge of a big, strong DT. Texan C Chris Myers is a solid player, the type that every G.M. would love to have on his team. But the mere presence of Haynesworth is going to be difficult to deal with. He is also tied with DE Kyle Vanden Bosch for the team lead in sacks and has forced a fumble. If assistant head coach Alex Gibbs and his O-Line can create some lateral flow with the Titan front, then Houston may be able to wear out Haynesworth with movement and the cutback. But if Tennessee creates some upfield push, in and through the reach blocks of the Texans’ interior, it might be a long day for the Houston offense.



KEY #5 will hinge on Houston Texan KOR Andre’ Davis. Davis was flat outstanding in ’07, second only to Cleveland’s Josh Cribbs in overall effectiveness, adding some 19.3 points of field position over the average returner. Tennessee has struggled over the first two weeks in slowing down KOR’s of 20+ yards (tied at 28th) and in opponents’ average starting field position (30th in NFL). As with the Chargers’ Darren Sproles last week against Denver, Davis has the ability to create hidden yards and points for the Texans special teams through his dynamic return ability.

[HPF Bob]

This is one week where our DBs may be capable of handling their receivers but I don't have much confidence that they can stop Tennessee's running game. The key will be to get an early lead and control the clock with short timing routes mixed with runs.

I don't like our chances if we have to play from behind. If the Titans know when we will be throwing, Schaub will take a beating. Shanny Jr is going to need to mix it up and that only works if they hit on enough plays to keep their defense off balance.

[papabear]

This is one week where our DBs may be capable of handling their receivers

But can the LB's and safeties stay with the TE's? The running game is going to be key on both sides of the ball...it almost always is.

[Mike]

I agree that we need to have balance on offense. Maybe having Okam active for this game helps having a big body on the inside to relieve some pressure from Omobi. Zgonia is a pro, we will see what he has left in the tank.

I am ready for some football this weekend. I am exhausted and tired of cutting and stacking fallen limbs and getting life back in order. A Texans win would do wonders for my psyche. A loss might send me into a downspin until Christmas.

[nunusguy]

I am ready for some football this weekend. I am exhausted and tired of cutting and stacking fallen limbs and getting life back in order. A Texans win would do wonders for my psyche. A loss might send me into a downspin until Christmas.
Just got our juice back here in Clear Lake, so I second your sentiments Mike.
I just hope Kubiak & Smith didn't screw-up by releasing Mattox (instead of Weaver, TJ, or Zagoni), who may have been their best inside DLineman ?
As for a prediction on this game, I'm now more uncertain than ever about who the Texans are and where they are at ? But another stinker up in Nashville like in Pittsburg 2 weeks ago will confirm my most pessimistic suspicians.

[Roy P]

Just got our juice back here in Clear Lake, so I second your sentiments Mike.
I just hope Kubiak & Smith didn't screw-up by releasing Mattox (instead of Weaver, TJ, or Zagoni), who may have been their best inside DLineman ?
As for a prediction on this game, I'm now more uncertain than ever about who the Texans are and where they are at ? But another stinker up in Nashville like in Pittsburg 2 weeks ago will confirm my most pessimistic suspicians.

Still without power up in Spring. At a friend's house to watch some college football.

Anyway, I think Okam is going to play because of TJ having a groin issue. It will be nice if Okam can help stop White and Johnson in the run game. My concern is how many snaps can he play (is he in shape).

I'm still awaiting the ZBS and Gibbs to produce something in the running game. Slaton and Taylor need to come up big. Chester Pitts is going to have his hands full with the "head stomper" who loves our backup QB. If Green can't be depended upon, and he can't, I wish we'd take a look around for another back.

The Patriots have stashed BenJarvus Green-Ellis on their practice squad. If Maroney and Jordan are hurting, they might bring him up and activate him. I'm just not sold that Darius Walker is ever going to produce.

Lastly, I'm still awaiting to Molden in the Secondary. We'll see.

[Nconroe]

Just got power on Thursday and internet today, no football for a week, so looking forward to this Sundays games.

I'm sure hoping all our young guys develop soon or it might be a tough season.

[Arky]

Inactives: RB Ahman Green, DT Travis Johnson, CB Eugene Wilson, LB Xavier Adibi, G Kasey Studdard, OT Rashad Butler, TE Mark Bruener and DT Earl Cochran.

[TheMatrix31]

Let's get it going, baby!

[popanot]

First CBS starts off showing the Giants game (WTF?) and now no HD (double WTF?). Bad start for the Texans.

[TheMatrix31]

INT after 3 and out!

[popanot]

There's the Kerry Collins who all know and love!

[superbowlbound]

at least they switched it over. I was about to go apesh*t.

[Arky]

Jacques Reeves makes up for the bad start with the INT...

Ball just a little too tall for AJ in the endzone.....

Schaub not sharp

[TheMatrix31]

What a waste of a turnover. We need to convert these to seven. It's obvious the ream is rusty as hell.

[Arky]

Texans settle for the FG.

Texans 3, Titans 0

No HD..... Booooooooo!

[popanot]

at least they switched it over. I was about to go apesh*t.True.

Brown gets abused by Haynesworth. Schaub scaked. Kris Brown bails them out with a FG. It would be nice if we could play like a Pro team once in awhile. Nothing llike going backwards on O.

[popanot]

Yea, HD!!!

[TheMatrix31]

Weird, I'm getting HD on Sunday Ticket...

[TexicanMexican]

Collins on a bootleg for a first down. Come on.

[Arky]

Yea, HD!!!

Yep, it's back...

Looks like they're going to be picking on Reeves in the passing game....

[TexicanMexican]

Yep, it's back...

Looks like they're going to be picking on Reeves in the passing game....
And why wouldn't they. Need a sustained drive on offense.

[popanot]

Can someone please make a f'ing tackle that counts?!!!! Jesus!!!! This team is wimpy all the way around!

[TexicanMexican]

Going for it on 4th....TD titans...

[Arky]

Diles whiffs on the screen to Chris Johnson. 4th and 1 the Titans punch it in for 6 pts.

Titans 7, Texans 3

[RunninRaven]

This team is so frustrating to watch right now.

[TexicanMexican]

OH man, this is going to be a long game.

[TheMatrix31]

This ref is kinda awkward, don't you think?

Review on the Schaub INT.

[Arky]

Review underway on the pick of Schaub. Don't think it will be overturned..

[TexicanMexican]

I don't advocate making changes for change sake but how long before Kubiak gets frustrated with Schaub?

[Roy P]

Can someone please make a f'ing tackle that counts?!!!! Jesus!!!! This team is wimpy all the way around!

This is why I'm wanting to get some LBs to replace Greenwood and Diles. We need a physical LB who can tackle.

[Arky]

Fumble recovery by Demeco!

Tennessee is awfully generous so far - they just gotta take advantage of it....

[Roy P]

Was that a forced fumble or did he just drop the ball?

[TexicanMexican]

The offense needs to put a TD on the board. Defense isn't going to bail them out all day.

[Nconroe]

Atleast our D is getting a few turnovers. nothing else going good at all.

[TheMatrix31]

Wouldn't surprise me if they challenged it or something. Just the way our luck is.

If Schaub fails on this drive, he needs to be benched.

[TexicanMexican]

Was that a forced fumble or did he just drop the ball?
Radio said Diles forced the fumble.

[Roy P]

Steve Slaton!!!!!! :D

[TexicanMexican]

Swwweeeeeeeeeeeet run by Slanton plus a 15 horse collar call...need something to spark this team.

[TheMatrix31]

Yes!! Slaton with a 51 yard rush! What an amazing broken tackle. Plus a horsecollar penalty.

[Arky]

WhooHoo! Check out Slaton! 51 yards...

[Arky]

Good lord! Fumble the snap!

Still Texans ball...

[EndZoneSeats]

Do we see Sage before halftime? I'm seeing nothing from Matt.

[Arky]

2nd verse, same as the first - Texans settle for FG

Titans 7, Texans 6

[Roy P]

Duane Brown had better grwow up in a hurry.

If this keeps up we'll be drafting a QB in this upcoming draft in thie first round.

[popanot]

Did we re-sign Carr or something? I'm confused...

Schuab goes down and bangs the back of his head on the gorund without even getting hit. WTF?

[TheMatrix31]

Feels like another one of those Kris Brown 5 FGA games.

[TexicanMexican]

Kudos to the defense for two take aways but the offense should have converted at least one for a TD. Schaub is looking downright awful. We just might see Sage this game.

[TexicanMexican]

My god, another Collins bootleg for a first down.

[TheMatrix31]

I cannot believe Kerry f'n Collins has rushed for two first downs against us.

[TheMatrix31]

Who knew it was Thanksgiving already? Cuz we're getting carved up like a freakin' turkey.

[Roy P]

OK, the 1st quarter is over and the rust should be knocked off. If the offense can't sustain a drive, the defense is going to get worn out before the second half starts. This is hard to watch. :o

[popanot]

I cannot believe Kerry f'n Collins has rushed for two first downs against us.I believe it. This defense is awful. It's bad enough that most of the players suck, but having a scheme or plan where they're constantly out of position makes it even worse.

Nice... 2 offensive players against 1 defensive player. Touchdown!

[TexicanMexican]

Two turnovers is probably the only thing from this being a rout already. Offense needs to respond!!!!

[superbowlbound]

how the hell is kerry effing collins faster than half our defense?

schaub looks like that kid from high school who always talked about how great of a quarterback he'd be if he wasn't busy running cross country during football season.

[WMH]

OK, the 1st quarter is over and the rust should be knocked off. If the offense can't sustain a drive, the defense is going to get worn out before the second half starts. This is hard to watch. :o

I am thinking about switching back to the non HD version. Maybe that would be better?:o

[Roy P]

I'm wondering if James Laurinitis or Brian Cushing might not improve this defense. We should definitely be picking high enough in April.

[Arky]

On 3rd and 2, the speedy Collins passes to Scaife for 6 pts.

Titans 14, Texans 6

Kerry Collins' speed (?) and his passing to the tight ends is eatin' us up....

[Nconroe]

can we blame it on the hurricane.

[Rum Runner]

...schaub looks like that kid from high school who always talked about how great of a quarterback he'd be if he wasn't busy running cross country during football season.

He's only completed one pass... and that was to the wrong team. I'm ready to go with Haynesworth, get Rosenfelds in there if Schaub can't get anything going on this drive.

[Rum Runner]

Myabe I should post more :D

[Roy P]

Good playcall, but Andre has to make a play.

[Arky]

Walter cleans up AJ's drop with a 1st down.

Red zone opportunity...

[superbowlbound]

DAMMIT DRE!!!! that's three times now. I finally get him on my fantasy team, and lo and behold he's forgotten how to catch touchdown passes.

[popanot]

That's the difference between AJ and the truly great WRs. The great ones make the play.

[TheMatrix31]

Schaub running for a first, nice.

[Roy P]

Can we convert a 3rd and inches? QB sneak, ISO, or a slant?

[superbowlbound]

four times.

[Roy P]

Jeez, that was crap.
Let's get 4th down.

[TheMatrix31]

Good job picking up the first on the fourth, Slaton.

[Roy P]

Whew! Slaton for MVP.

[Arky]

Slaton for the 1st down @ the Titan 8 yard line.

[TheMatrix31]

Should have gone for two.

[Roy P]

Myers had a good block on that TD.

Bad snap on the PAT.

[Rum Runner]

Whew! Slaton for MVP.

Mr. Green, there's the door.

[Arky]

Slaton up the gut for 6 yards and the TD

Texans bungle the x-tra point.

Titans 14, Texans 12

[Roy P]

Antwaun Molden sighting!!

[Nconroe]

Pittman has had a couple of bad snaps. not good.

[TexicanMexican]

Thank goodness they came up with the TD and the 4th conversion.

[TexicanMexican]

Looked like he didn't come down with it....throw the flag.

[Roy P]

Jacques Reeves had good coverage on that long pass.

[TheMatrix31]

That deep ball was not only out of bounds, but it was offensive PI.

[Nconroe]

why wasn't that offensive interference and out of bounds catch? refs bias as well.

[Arky]

Dang the one time we should challenge, we don't.

[superbowlbound]

you have GOT to be kidding me! he pushed off right in front of the ref and didnt' catch it in bounds, and we don't throw the challenge flag? can we really be this inept in EVERY facet of the game?

TD titans.

[Roy P]

It looked like Okam stonewalled that TD run.

[TheMatrix31]

**sigh**

This is ridiculous.

[Arky]

White never crossed the goal line either.

But TD holds up.

Titans 21, Texans 12

[Nconroe]

and maybe white didn't cross goal line. maybe we are tired of losing challenges, but why not keep challenging..

[TexicanMexican]

At this point I'll take the FG and the points to close out the half.

[Roy P]

I love me some Steve Slaton. :D

[jppaul]

These refs are f***ing terrible

[Arky]

OK, over 4 minutes till halftime. Plenty of time for a good drive....

Slaton for 25 yards.... I think he's a keeper....

[Roy P]

Good play by Turk and Molden on Special Teams.

[TheMatrix31]

OK, over 4 minutes till halftime. Plenty of time for a good drive....

Slaton for 25 yards.... I think he's a keeper....

Houston? With a good drive to end the half? Surely you jest.

[popanot]

Two quality throws out of bounds by Schaub. :rolleyes: Let's see if we can stop them. I have my doubts...

[Roy P]

Zac Diles is killing me. He couldn't tackle my two-year old daughter.

[Arky]

Texans have to punt. Turk puts the ball @ the 8 yard line.

Diles whiffs again on Chris Johnson who picks up 12 yards. (the great irony here is Diles is in there for his speed).

2 minute warning......

[Roy P]

Does anybody remember when we had a LB make a tackle BEHIND the line of scrimmage?

[popanot]

Slaton's the only one playing today.

[Nconroe]

wow, defense held . no runback by JJ.

[TheMatrix31]

Does anybody remember when we had a LB make a tackle BEHIND the line of scrimmage?

Don't know, but it was probably DeMeco.

[TexicanMexican]

Down by 9, it could be a lot worse. At least the offense is showing some signs of life. Defense needs to not allow those 7+ yard runs.

As a side note, I don't like the the option to defer a decision to the second half.

[popanot]

The "Fire Richard Smith" bandwagon is rolling full steam, but if things continue on like they are, the "Fire Kubiak" bandwagon may be making a stop at a location near you. It's still early, but come on, this team has looked totally unprepared and off balance in almost every aspect of the game in both games we've played so far.

[Arky]

Halftime:

Titans 21, Texans 12

Stats:

Schaub = 4-14-1 for 61 yards, no TD's

Daniels = 2 catches for 43 yards

Slaton = 9 rushes for 104 yds

Leading tacklers = Demps (7), Ryans (5) and Diles (4)

[chuck]

You know what? That was a terrible half of football yet the Texans are still very much in this thing against a pretty good team on the road.

[Roy P]

You know what? That was a terrible half of football yet the Texans are still very much in this thing against a pretty good team on the road.

Who are you? You sound like "the voice of reason" or something.

[TheMatrix31]

You know what? That was a terrible half of football yet the Texans are still very much in this thing against a pretty good team on the road.

You're right. We should feel lucky. Our defense just has to step the hell up.

[Roy P]

If Andre makes a catch in the Endzone and the Refs don't blow a couple of calls, and if the snap had been good, we would be winning this game right now.

[Roy P]

Bennett is down, we could bring in Molden?

[Roy P]

CC Brown thought he was going to make a tackle. He thought wrong.

[popanot]

Unbelievable... No coverage, poor tackling.... Ugh. :mad:

[Arky]

If Andre makes a catch in the Endzone and the Refs don't blow a couple of calls, and if the snap had been good, we would be winning this game right now.

Yah, that unchallenged deep pass is going to haunt....

[TheMatrix31]

I'm a bit skeptical about that spot.

[Roy P]

3rd and inches and Huge Frank Okam wasn't on the field. Methusala was playing NT.

[Arky]

Man, I tell ya, if they're going to win, they'll have to beat the refs, too..... All close calls go to the Titans....

Nice stop by Demeco - Titans have to punt.

[Roy P]

Gee, an attacking defensive call and we cause them to lose 4 yards!!! :cool:

[Roy P]

If Andre makes a catch in the Endzone and the Refs don't blow a couple of calls, and if the snap had been good, we would be winning this game right now.

Of course I could also say, IF hurricane Ike had only gone towards Florida, I'd be watching the game at home and I'd have electricity.

[TheMatrix31]

What a waste of a forced punt.

[chuck]

Kubiak shows zero confidence in Schaub that series.

[Roy P]

I might start the "Fire Alex Gibbs" bandwagon. Duane Brown can't even cut block a CB. Haynesworth tackled Slaton before he even got the hand off. I'm starting to think Big Big Uglies might be a better option.

[Roy P]

Frank Okam is now playing :D Let's see if we can stop this running game.

[Arky]

Texans punt to Titans 40 yard line.

Collins hits long pass near Reeves to the Texans 28....

[Arky]

Haynesworth tackled Slaton before he even got the hand off. I'm starting to think Big Big Uglies might be a better option.

Pitts got owned on that one.... Albert left him face down on the turf...

Titans convert FG.

Titans 24, Texans 12

[TheMatrix31]

Obviously premature and just curiosity more than anything else , but for someone who doesn't know anything about college football....who are the QB prospects for the 2009 draft?

[Roy P]

Obviously premature and just curiosity more than anything else , but for someone who doesn't know anything about college football....who are the QB prospects for the 2009 draft?

From Great Blue North

*Matthew Stafford, 6-3, 237, Georgia*Tim Tebow, 6-3, 235, Florida
Hunter Caldwell, 6-5, 235, Louisville
Curtis Painter, 6-4, 225, Purdue
Chase Holbrook, 6-5, 235, New Mexico State
Chase Daniel, 6-0, 225, Missouri
Graham Harrell, 6-2, 200, Texas Tech
Willie Tuitama, 6-2, 220, Arizona (XC)
*Dan LeFevour, 6-3, 225, Central Michigan
*Nate Davis, 6-2, 220, Ball State
*Matt Grothe, 6-0, 213, South Florida
Drew Weatherford, 6-3, 220, Florida State
Rudy Carpenter, 6-2, 200, Arizona State

[Roy P]

Andre Davis shows the other Andre how to make a catch.

[Nconroe]

great catch by Andre Davis, plus the ruffing penalty

[TheMatrix31]

If that was coming back, I was going to do something very bad to myself or my property.

[popanot]

Andre Davis, as always, comes up BIG. Why he's not the #2 WR is beyond me.

[Arky]

Oooh baby, where have you been AD?

49 yards.

Plus roughing the passer.

Ball at the 16 yard line.

[popanot]

Go for the points, Kubiak!



Edit: F'ing dumbass!!!

[TheMatrix31]

Screens usually involve blockers. I wonder if the Texans know that.

[Arky]

Texans fail to convert on 4th and 4. Titans take over. Ball at the 9 yard line.

[Roy P]

The Defense has got to get a turnover here. Perhaps a Pick 6 or a Scoop and Score.

[TexicanMexican]

Wow. I wanna say gutsy call going for it on 4th but taking the points gets it to a one possession game.

[TheMatrix31]

Wow. I wanna say gutsy call going for it on 4th but taking the points gets it to a one possession game.

Taking the points would get us within 9...

[Roy P]

Weaver and Okoye stop the run on 1st and 2nd down, then Mario makes Roos false start. Now let's pin our ears back.

[Roy P]

It would have been nice if Jacoby could have had a big return. However, I'm happy he didn't fumble.:p

[TexicanMexican]

Taking the points would get us within 9...
Oh yeah. My bad...

[Arky]

Texans 3 and out. Turk punts. Titans set up shop at the 16 yard line.

[Keith]

against a pretty good team

I refuse to believe the Titans are a pretty good team. A pretty good team would have buried the Texans by the first quarter ...like the Steelers did in Week 1.

[TexicanMexican]

UnTexans related but any see Ronnie Brown's line for Miami?
1-1 19 yds passing 1-TD
113 yds rushing 4-TDs

[Arky]

Titans 3 and out and punt.

Penalty on the punting team.

Texans complete pass to OD to around midfield.

End of 3rd quarter.

[TheMatrix31]

From Great Blue North

*Matthew Stafford, 6-3, 237, Georgia*Tim Tebow, 6-3, 235, Florida
Hunter Caldwell, 6-5, 235, Louisville
Curtis Painter, 6-4, 225, Purdue
Chase Holbrook, 6-5, 235, New Mexico State
Chase Daniel, 6-0, 225, Missouri
Graham Harrell, 6-2, 200, Texas Tech
Willie Tuitama, 6-2, 220, Arizona (XC)
*Dan LeFevour, 6-3, 225, Central Michigan
*Nate Davis, 6-2, 220, Ball State
*Matt Grothe, 6-0, 213, South Florida
Drew Weatherford, 6-3, 220, Florida State
Rudy Carpenter, 6-2, 200, Arizona State

Cool, thanks man. Any reason why those three are in bold?

[popanot]

If Daniels follows his blockers that's likely a TD.

[popanot]

Why can't we get any penetration from our DL? The opposition is constantly in our backfield.

[TheMatrix31]

What's Gannon talking about? We hit Andre Davis on a 50 yard pass, and the rest of the drive was squandered.

Thank God for Slaton.

[Arky]

Red zone opportunity #204....

4th and 3.

[TheMatrix31]

Gotta kick a FG here now. Burning that timeout will hurt us later on if we're down by 12 instead of 9.

[Roy P]

Cool, thanks man. Any reason why those three are in bold?

Those are the guys I like. :)

[popanot]

ARGH!!!! Short yard screen pass and we have Anderson in to block (in which he completely misses his man)!!! What are these guys thinking??!! :mad:

[TheMatrix31]

Phew. Andre didnt drop it.

[TheMatrix31]

I can't believe they didn't run on second or third.

[Roy P]

We need to go to our TD machine.......Joel Dreesen, where are you?

[Arky]

I can't believe they didn't run on second or third.

Me either. Don't get cute - just run it over Winston 3 times....

[TheMatrix31]

And you run it on fourth? Is this Gary Kubiak coaching our team?

[TexicanMexican]

Ouch, they should have run it on the previous downs. This is extremely frustrating to watch!

[Roy P]

Well, we went to the well too many times. Slaton has had about as many rushes as I feel comfortable with. We have 14 more games and no bye weeks left.

[Keith]

There have been some really questionable coaching decisions in this game.

The players were understandably rusty to start, but I can't remember second-guessing the team's strategy this much since Dom Capers and company were here.

[popanot]

Coaching is as much of a problem as the players right now.

[chuck]

Terrible, terrible play calling. I really want to like Kubiak, but his in-game management has not improved since his first year. Not challenging that play in the fist half was absolutely unforgivable, and not taking the three points in the third has caused them to have to continually chase TDs rather than take another three to get within one score.

[chuck]

I refuse to believe the Titans are a pretty good team. A pretty good team would have buried the Texans by the first quarter ...like the Steelers did in Week 1.

Their defense is good.

[jppaul]

I second that I have absolutely no faith in the teams playcalling

[Roy P]

Mario is still playing hard. The Defense has done well on a couple of series this game. The Offense is the reason we are going to lose this game.

[TheMatrix31]

Botched PAT looks really bad now. Because if we score a TD now, it's still two possessions. If it was 13-20, a 2 point conversion would put it at 21-24, and we'd only need a FG.

[chuck]

The Offense is the reason we are going to lose this game.

I see some unbelievably bad decisions made by the coaching staff. Not only the obviously idiotic things that Kubiak's been doing, but having Mario drop into coverage? You have one guy who can rush the passer and you want him twelve yards downfield chasing a tight end? That is just incredibly stupid.

[TheMatrix31]

Welp, time to switch it to the Red Zone Channel.

[Roy P]

I thought Shanahan was going to call the plays.

At least the 4th down INT moves the ball down the field instead of the spot. A de facto Punt.

[popanot]

I have to believe this team would be much better with someone like Fisher coaching them.

[Roy P]

I have to believe this team would be much better with someone like Fisher coaching them.

Or maybe Jason Garrett.

[TheMatrix31]

This game isn't over.

[Arky]

Hmmm, this is interesting...

Jacoby on the big return with a penalty....

Red zone opportunity # 205

[TheMatrix31]

Where was this shit with more time on the clock?

[Roy P]

Steve Slaton still kickin' it. I hope he doesn't get hurt.

[chuck]

Boy, that PF was a terrible call. The refs also missed that illegal procedure call on the Texans that Fisher was going nutso about earlier. I'm relieved to see that they spread it around enough to where their awful calls benefit both teams.

[popanot]

Yeah, that's it , Kubiak.... Run the ball. :rolleyes:

[TexicanMexican]

Time is of the essence and they run it, sack, 4th down.

[TheMatrix31]

This team is hilarious.

[Roy P]

Van Den Bosch jumped off-sides on the play before the INT but no flag?

[TexicanMexican]

INT for TD puts the exclamation point on this one....goodnight Gracie.

[chuck]

I don't understand how Vandenbosch or whatever the hell his name is can be so obviously offsides twice and the refs just don't call it.

I also don't understand their calling a running play in that situation. They pass when they should run and run when they need to manage the clock.

This is not a great team in terms of personnel, but it is a terribly coached team.

[Arky]

Van Den Bosch jumped off-sides on the play before the INT but no flag?

Ya, how do they miss that one?

Oy, this one is wrap.... 99 yard INT by Finnegan...

Final score: Titans 31, Texans 12

[popanot]

This team is lucky it's not 50-something to 12. Ridiculous!

[jppaul]

If we had taken all those field goals we would have won

[chuck]

I'll be fascinated to hear Kubiak's post-game comments. I'll maintain a lot of respect for him if he says, Yeah, I f'cked up.

But I don't see that happening. He'll blame turnovers, who knows what.

[jppaul]

This is embarassing

[Roy P]

I'll be fascinated to hear Kubiak's post-game comments. I'll maintain a lot of respect for him if he says, Yeah, I f'cked up.

I think he'll own that one. There's lots of excuses, including a Hurricane, but Kubiak we'll tell us that one was on him. I'm sure of it.

[coloradodude]

My Texans SUCK!!!!!!!!!

[Mike]

I'm not sure where to start. Defense was terrible in the first half. The officials really jobbed us on the long pass and #8 is a really, really big question right now.

Slaton is legit.

The rest of our offense looks like dog crap, or whatever else kind of crap comes out of a mammal. If we go 0-3, we can start the draft talk. The brains at Reliant Park are going to seriously consider what is to do with #8. Maybe burn the number and let Schaub start all over. If not, serious consideration has to be given to starting #18 next week. I am not a fan of changing QB's at the drop of the hat, but I am now seriously concerned with Schaub.

[HPF Bob]

Pittman has had a couple of bad snaps. not good.

He has a few disastrous snaps every year and yet manages to keep his job. Remember that beauty he launched over Turk's head in San Diego last year?

[chuck]

There's lots of excuses, including a Hurricane, but Kubiak we'll tell us that one was on him.

I've watched only his interview with Bob Allen but I didn't hear this from him at all.