Official Texans @ Vikings Thread, 11/02/2008

[Keith]

Can the offense keep it going today to make it four in a row?

Dick "Oh my!" Enberg and Randy Cross are expected on the call today. Game will be televised in Austin and San Antonio, but the DFW CBS affiliate has apparently chosen to air the Jets-Bills game instead. Losers.

Ahman Green (hamstring, groin) is expected to be a gametime decision, though he did work with the scout team on Friday.

With 10 receptions today, Andre Johnson will become the first to notch such a mark in four consecutive games. He'll also be the first to record 130+ yards in five consecutive days if he does so today as well.

[Arky]

Following are the inactives for the Texans' matchup with the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome.

Texans inactives are:
11 WR André Davis
30 RB Ahman Green
52 LB Xavier Adibi
64 G Kasey Studdard
87 TE Mark Bruener
97 DT Frank Okam
94 DE N.D. Kalu
78 T Rashad Butler

Changes to the Texans' starting lineup: Eugene Wilson will start at strong safety and Nick Ferguson will start at free safety.

Vikings inactives are:
4 QB John David Booty
21 CB Marcus McCauley
45 TE Garrett Mills
58 LB David Herron
72 OT Marcus Johnson
73 DE Otis Grigsby
89 WR Robert Feguson
98 DT Letroy Guion

Changes to the Vikings' lineup: Free safety Madieu Williams will start for Tyrell Johnson.

http://www.houstontexans.com/gameday/GameInactive.asp?game_id=119&team=y

[Arky]

Vikes receive opening kickoff.

First play, deep pass to Berrian - 55 yds. to about the 10 yd line.

Vikes run it in in short order - Peterson on the score....

Vikings 7, Texans 0

[Nconroe]

wow, what a rought start, Minnesota receives, 34 yard return, 55 yard pass, three runs by Peterson into endzone, yikes. We had good defense on the 55 yard pass, just an exceptional catch. so much for no arm by Ferotte.

[TexicanMexican]

That was a nice start. See what our offense can do.

[TexicanMexican]

With Green inactive the Texans have only Slaton and Moats at RB?

[Arky]

Texans get one 1st down then have to punt.

After a 15 yd facemask penalty on the Texans, Vikes take over on their own 38 yd line.

[Arky]

With Green inactive the Texans have only Slaton and Moats at RB?

Ya, I think so.

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

Yowser, pick 6 by Reeves! 44 yds.

Texans 7, Vikings 7

[Nconroe]

way to go Reeves for interception, and score, back in it at 7-7.

[WMH]

Allllllll righty then.......WE are back in it! That was a huge makeup play for Reeves!

[TexicanMexican]

The defense atones for the early TD to the Vikes. They need to watch the stupid penalties. No need shortening the field for Peterson.

[Nconroe]

and Leach and Sapp at FB, looks like Sapp may be knocked out, hope he's ok.

[Arky]

Texans kick off, Vikes have a 3 and out and have to punt.

JJ fields the punt and runs sideways - Texans takeover at their own 11 yd line.

[Nconroe]

lots of fan noise, quick start and delay penalties on the center, so 3 and out with a short kick. not good field position. Slayton ran ok but couldn't overcome the penalties. on the quick start penalty, looked to me they should have called DT Williams for encroachment.

[Big Texas]

so far it looks as if we are rusty. You knew their line we would be good. So lets make some adjustments.

[Arky]

Texans have a 3 and out and have to punt. Vikes take over in Texan territory - 47 yd line.

Myers having a rough go of it today....

[Arky]

Vikes convert 3rd and long for a first down in the red zone.

End of 1st quarter:

Texans 7, Vikings 7

[Nconroe]

we need a little more pressure on Ferotte, hope we get a sack soon.

[Arky]

Ferotte throws a 9 yd strike to Rice for 6 pts.

Vikings 14, Texans 7

[TexicanMexican]

we need a little more pressure on Ferotte, hope we get a sack soon.
I agree. Reeves has a big target on his back too.

[Big Texas]

someone please get jacque some glasses.

[Big Texas]

he had to have the ball fall in his lap in order to get an interception.

[popanot]

Mario is completely running past the play. How about a move or two? And Reeves f'ing sucks!

[NBT]

Have I mentioned I hate the defensive scheming for the Texans? These guys are better than what they are showing. Again, we are letting the Vikings dictate to us instead of taking it to them. We don't mask what we are going to do on defense worth a darn.

[popanot]

I said last week I'd like to see more of JJ at WR. That's why. Get the guy in the open field.

[TheMatrix31]

Good Lord.

[TexicanMexican]

Nice momentum killing INT. @#!!#!

[Arky]

Eeesh, bad throw/decision by Matt. Vikings INT inside the Texan 10 yd line.

[Nconroe]

Schaubs knee hurt, so, threw an interception instead of complete to open Leach for TD. Defense really needs to step it up now.

[Big Texas]

Shaub is hurt. You can tell that he is really looking for andre johnson. Of course after the previous games he has had they will be surrounding him.

He did not have to make that throw. slaton was open in the flats. Just settle down and take what the defense gives you. No need to force plays.

[Arky]

That a way, defense. Cochran with the sack. Vikes have to punt.

Texans takeover on their own 37 yd line.

[popanot]

Schaub needs to wake the f' up and stop making plays that hurt the team. Every damn game he has a bonehead moment. If he's hurt, then get the hell on the sideline!

[Big Texas]

This has got to be the best game I have seen Diles play.

Cochran lined up at DT!!

[TexicanMexican]

Big stand by the defense. Offense needs to check itself and get going again.

One of the things I hate about the defense is lining up the corners on their respective side of the field and not matching up a corner on the same receiver. At least make the QB look for the match ups and not just give him the knowledge before hand.

[Big Texas]

Schaub needs to wake the f' up and stop making plays that hurt the team. Every damn game he has a bonehead moment. If he's hurt, then get the hell on the sideline!

He knew he was hurt. He should really got out of bounds

[popanot]

Schaub needs to wake the f' up and stop making plays that hurt the team. Every damn game he has a bonehead moment. If he's hurt, then get the hell on the sideline!Jeezus HC! Sit him down for a drive or two.

[Big Texas]

Do we need to get shaub some glasses too. Leach was rolling out to the flats. Even he was covered an incomplete is better than standing there taking a sack.

[Joshua]

Has Schaub ever played a game against a good D where he didn't come up hurt? I'm being serious. He's really good when he plays in basically a flag football game, but once it becomes tackle football, he's always nursing some injury and his body language is always terrible.

And now he just got sacked and fumbled.

[Arky]

Oy, Schaub sacked and fumbles. Vikes take over at their own 44.

Thought we were over these kinds of things......

[Big Texas]

Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers!!!!

[Arky]

Vikes beat the blitz and hit pass to Berrian 49 yds. A lot of YAC.

Vikings 21, Texans 7

Wouldn't mind a shootout but our shooter is not shooting real straight........

[Big Texas]

points off of turnovers!!!!

[Big Texas]

They sent the house and no one came close to frerotte. What the hell kinda blitz was that?

[popanot]

I should have started Ferotte in my fantasy league against this sorry bunch. And I can't believe I just said I should have started Ferotte. :mad:

Bring in Sage. Schaub has more talent, but I'm sick of seeing him play like a wuss.

[WMH]

Dunta is just not ready yet.

[Big Texas]

it would seem as if at least one person would make it through.

This game has the makings of something terrible. And its not peterson beating us.

[Nconroe]

Schaub is still in, why?

[Arky]

That flat pass to Slaton should be there several more times....

[Joshua]

I should have started Ferotte in my fantasy league against this sorry bunch. And I can't believe I just said I should have started Ferotte. :mad:

Bring in Sage. Schaub has more talent, but I'm sick of seeing him play like a wuss.

I'm not quite ready for Sage, but I'm very concerned about Schaub's, um, testicular fortitude. Physical football always seems to rattle him. Well, this is the NFL. To play with the big boys, you have to be tough enough to handle this.

[Big Texas]

The screen has been there all day. They are triple teaming AJ and blitzing everyone else. Come on this isnt the Lions.

[Big Texas]

You cant expect to win every game with the quick slant to Andre. Mix it up. Make them respect slaton. right now they could care less about slaton. They are letting the tackles take care of him and droppin everyone else back on andre.

Damn it make a change.

I hate this hard headed offense.

[Arky]

Texans nearly fumble away the ball again and have to punt.

Touchback. Vikings set up at their own 20 yd line.

[popanot]

I'm not quite ready for Sage, but I'm very concerned about Schaub's, um, testicular fortitude. Physical football always seems to rattle him. Well, this is the NFL. To play with the big boys, you have to be tough enough to handle this.I'm ready to send Schaub and the team a message. This is ridiculous and unacceptable, IMO, and Schaub and Reeves are pretty much the main ones screwing up right now.

[Nconroe]

another fumble by Schaub, luckily Brown covered it. anyways three and out. offense, er Schaub, not handling this pressure at all.

[popanot]

Nice tackling. 3rd and 9 and they can't bring him down.

[Big Texas]

Someone please bench Reeves. this guy just does not look for the ball. DAMN

[Big Texas]

Sure he got the offense PI but who cares they have labeled you and are going after you.

DAMN!!!!

[Arky]

51 seconds left in the half, Vikes have to punt.

Ball goes out of bounds inside the 20.

Texans have a long field with 43 seconds left....

[Arky]

Halftime:

Vikings 21, Texans 7

Stats:

Schaub: 11/16, 139 yds, 0 TD's, 1 INT, 2 fumbles (1 lost)

Rushing: Slaton 7/33

Rec: Slaton 5/44 (8.8 avg), Daniels 3/32 (10.7 avg), Jones 1/31, Johnson 1/4

Leading tacklers: Diles 7, many with 3

Time of possession: Texans 13:50, Vikings 16:10

[HPF Bob]

Imploding on the road....a Houston tradition!

[Arky]

Rosencopter to the rescue?

[Big Texas]

I am just curious as to whether or not we scout other teams. Or do we just come in with the mentality that we have a game plan that we are sticking to no matter who we face.

It sure seems like everyone else scouts us. Andre has been smothered all game. And we keep trying to run the ball right at the Williams brothers.

The reasons we are losing right now:

Shaub looks like a deer in headlights in the pocket. (look for rollouts in the second half)

Reeves is just racing the receiver every time out. This time he ran into someone faster (berrian)

Our blitz packages have got to be the worst in the nfl. It seems as if we get more pressure with our front four than when we blitz. (hence the two sacks by cochran and bulman)

[Arky]

Attaway OD. Texans moving right down the field.

at the vikes 23 yd line...

---------

Still a winnable game here, folks.....

1st down Texans at the 10 yd. line

[Big Texas]

Wow this drive speaks volumes about Shaub.

[Arky]

TD pass to David Anderson.

Vikings 21, Texans 14

[popanot]

Go have a seat Schabby! Don't get too cocky, Sage!!!

[Keith]

Viva la string dance!

[Big Texas]

he took what the defense gave him. If they are going to smother AJ then use your other weapons.

[Big Texas]

Go have a seat Schabby! Don't get too cocky, Sage!!!

I second that!!!

[bono]

Wow this drive speaks volumes about Shaub.

oh yeah? like what

[popanot]

Come on D!!

[TexicanMexican]

Anyone listening to the radio broadcast? If so, was Schaub out to injury or "injury" <wink wink>?

[TheMatrix31]

WHAT?! That's a first down?

[Nconroe]

on scouting, overall we are stopping what had been the top weapon, which was RB Adrian Peterson.

Rosenfelds, why does our OL look better when he's in there.

[Arky]

Freddy B makes me involuntary scream on the missed INT......

Vikes punt.

JJ steps out of bounds. Texans takeover on their own 25.

[TexicanMexican]

Freddy B makes me involuntary scream on the missed INT......

Not me. My scream was very voluntary.

[popanot]

Rosenfelds, why does our OL look better when he's in there.Because he has a feel for the pocket and he's not a statue in there. He also gets rid of the ball faster. Now if he (or both) can stop the stupid mistakes...

[Big Texas]

I love the way sage plays, but I just feel as though at any minute...

[Arky]

Because he has a feel for the pocket and he's not a statue in there. He also gets rid of the ball faster. Now if he (or both) can stop the stupid mistakes...

His (Sage) ball looks faster and spirals better....

[Nconroe]

man, two red ones interceptions

[popanot]

Now if he (or both) can stop the stupid mistakes...And there ya go.... :mad:

[Arky]

Whelp, Sage throws the INT in the endzone. :(

Touchback, Vikes ball at their own 20.

[Joshua]

I love the way sage plays, but I just feel as though at any minute...

And there it is.

[WMH]

I love the way sage plays, but I just feel as though at any minute...

And there it is. Rosenblunder strikes again.

[Big Texas]

This is what I am talking about. Was 3 points not ok. Wow. What a play!!!

[TheMatrix31]

This team is so stressing to watch.

[Arky]

Peterson with a big gainer.

Texans just gotta get a stop here and put an end to this crap.

Mario with the sack..... that's a start...

End of 3rd quarter.

Eheh, Gibbs.....

[Arky]

Vikes pooch kick a punt.

JJ with the fair catch at about the 9 yd. line...

[Big Texas]

Well any question as to whether or not Ephraim should be starting?

[Arky]

Well any question as to whether or not Ephraim should be starting?

Eheh.... Allen just ate him up on that one play....

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

Texans have to punt from about midfield.

Vikes fair catch at their 15 yd line. About 10 minutes left in the game.

Peterson rips off a 22 yd'er...

[popanot]

The play calling on the last 5 or so plays leaves much to be desired. Our tackling sucks in the 4th. We need stops!!

[Nconroe]

I like Slayton, but AP is something special. come on defense.

[Big Texas]

We are imploding...

we are really relying on our defense TOOOO much.

[Big Texas]

I hate to sound pessimistic, but the ending of this game looks extremely pre-scripted. And it doesnt look good.

[popanot]

Welp, that'll do it. Nice job, Texans!!! Way to take that next step to respectability! :rolleyes:

[Arky]

Defense misses Shiancoe in coverage... TD Vikings.

Vikings 28, Texans 14

[TexicanMexican]

Surprisingly I haven't thrown anything at the TV. Yet.

[Arky]

Rosenfels hits AJ for the TD.

Vikings 28, Texans 21

2:58 left in the game.......

[Arky]

Texans are gonna get the ball back with 2 minutes to go.

Punt goes out of bounds at the 10 yd line. 90 yds to go in 2 minutes...

No timeouts.

[popanot]

Time for a big play from AJ.

[Arky]

They should be able to hit the medium stuff pretty easy....

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

Oy, looked like a horsecollar to me. Texans get sacked into oblivion....

Vikes kneel it out.

Final score:

Vikings 28, Texans 21

[TheMatrix31]

What a waste of a game.

[popanot]

This team lacks toughness. When they go down, they go down with a wimper.

[Nconroe]

they are gonna look back at this and Indy game as games that should have been. gotta take care of that pig skin better.

[TexicanMexican]

I thought the defense played well enough to win. They made a few crucial stops and did a decent job of keeping Adrian Peterson in check for a while.

The turnovers by both Sage and Schaub were killer. Two redzone turnovers won't win you many games. I don't know off the top of my head what the points off turnovers was.

It doesn't get any easier against the Ravens defense next week.

[nunusguy]

Texans had their opportunities again, but they didn't take advantage of them, again.
I dunno, are we set at QB with either Schaub or Sage ? Just when ya think one them is OK, he screws up. Then the other guy plays well for awhile, but then he ends up also screwing-up.

[Joshua]

I greatest concern is that Schaub continues to come up lame (scared) in physical games. It's probably just selective memory, but has he ever finished a game when the other team is able to get after him (or at the very least, not hobbled around and basically looked like he wants to go home)? To play QB in this league, you have to be tough. Every opportunity he has had to show toughness, he has come up woefully lacking.

[NBT]

I thought the defense played well enough to win. They made a few crucial stops and did a decent job of keeping Adrian Peterson in check for a while.

The turnovers by both Sage and Schaub were killer. Two redzone turnovers won't win you many games. I don't know off the top of my head what the points off turnovers was.

It doesn't get any easier against the Ravens defense next week.

Uuuhh, yeah - the defense overplays the run and gives up big passing plays to an offense not noted for it's passing. Good defense? Guess you were watching a different game.

[Keith]

http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2008/20081102.html

I greatest concern is that Schaub continues to come up lame (scared) in physical games. It's probably just selective memory, but has he ever finished a game when the other team is able to get after him (or at the very least, not hobbled around and basically looked like he wants to go home)? To play QB in this league, you have to be tough. Every opportunity he has had to show toughness, he has come up woefully lacking.

Schaub has taken some beatings on the road though. Take a look at the play where he got injured again and tell me that wouldn't hurt just about any QB. Give him credit for sticking it through the half. The redzone INT was not a great decision (is it ever a good one when it involves throwing to Vonta Leach, regardless how open he is?), but it was obvious that the injury kept him from making the pass he envisioned in his head.

[NBT]

Schaub is a quality QB when he has time in the pocket. Chase him out, or get in his face and he is an entirely different sort. I didn't like Kubiak's offensive scheme today. He mostly does the same old things and it is too easy for the defense to prepare for him, especially when it is the #2 defense in the league. The defense was yet again good in one respect (defending the run), but they gave up too much to a team that doesn't pass all that well.

[barrett]

Schaub is a quality QB when he has time in the pocket. Chase him out, or get in his face and he is an entirely different sort. I didn't like Kubiak's offensive scheme today. He mostly does the same old things and it is too easy for the defense to prepare for him, especially when it is the #2 defense in the league. The defense was yet again good in one respect (defending the run), but they gave up too much to a team that doesn't pass all that well.

that easy to prepare for, easy to predict scheme put up 389 yards on that #2 defense. It is most definitely not the scheme. Schemes don't turn the ball over, and that is the only problem this offense has.

[coloradodude]

Well, I'll say it.

It's time for Schottenheimer or the Running Shoot. I no longer care about going "deep in the playoffs". I just want to win 12 games in a season.

BTW, if we win ONE more game this season I'll be suprised.

[KJ3]

I no longer care about going "deep in the playoffs". .

yup. schottenheimer is your man.

[chuck]

I'm on the move and was not able to watch the game. Three quick questions - how much did Brown play versus Salaam? Did the Vikings' QB pressure come from up the middle or the edges or blitzes? And what was Gibbs' reaction to Sage's INT on the Vikings' 18? Thanks.

[WMH]

And what was Gibbs' reaction to Sage's INT on the Vikings' 18? Thanks.

The camera had a GREAT angle on that.....

"What the F*ck was that!"

Classic.

[Arky]

The camera had a GREAT angle on that.....

"What the F*ck was that!"

Classic.

Eheh. Sage was walking off the field after the INT and he and Gibbs were making eye contact.

Even the worst lip reader in the world would have had no trouble with that one..... ;) Sage just hung his head....

[Arky]

how much did Brown play versus Salaam?

I'm pretty sure they were using Salaam every third series like they did against Cincinnati...

Did the Vikings' QB pressure come from up the middle or the edges or blitzes?

Minnesota was getting good pressure from just the front four all day. I don't recall too many blitzes but I'm sure they did a few....
Myers had problems all day - many poor snaps in the shotgun formation.... he was totally distracted by his opponent, IMO...
Jared Allen came on strong in the 2nd half literally running over Salaam one time...

[coloradodude]

yup. schottenheimer is your man.


Yeah, he might not get the big trophy but 10+ wins every year is a reality. We just snapped our little 3 game win streak against three scary teams. Finally faced a team led by Gus Ferotte and lost in embarrassing fashion.

And if you want to get technical about Schottenheimer, then go back and look at his playoff losses. I'd still take him.

You though, you're more of a Norv Turner kind of guy.

[KJ3]

The camera had a GREAT angle on that.....

"What the F*ck was that!"

Classic.
i for one enjoyed it, but also can't believe cbs put that on the air. there has to be somebody monitoring that kind of stuff....right? oh well, it was still funny to hear the commentators..."uhhhh...let me paraphrase that..."

lost in embarrasing fashion? c-dude, we've lost in embarrassing fashion, quite recently too, i can't believe this even qualifies. anyway, you keep schottenheimer, his playoff losses and that attempt at a burn.

[popanot]

I'd hire Schottenheimer in a heartbeat --- to be DC (if he's willing to do it). Wade Phillips will probably be available too at the end of the year. Sure he's a lousy HC, but I'd take him or Schotty at DC anyday. Marvin Lewis will probably be available as well. Kubiak wasn't afraid of hiring Sherman and it's probably going to take a bold move like that to get the defense into the realm of non-suckitude.

I'm willing to give Kubiak one more year to turn this crap around, but only if he makes some changes in personnel and certainly at DC. If Smith is the DC again next year, that tells me Kubiak is senseless and/or stubborn and is done as far as I'm concerned. I don't lay all defensive woes on Smith, but they do suck (and suck even more in the red zone) and someone's head needs to roll.

[TexicanMexican]

Uuuhh, yeah - the defense overplays the run and gives up big passing plays to an offense not noted for it's passing. Good defense? Guess you were watching a different game.

Maybe the fact that it was still a game late skewed my take? I think. It could have been a lot worse. Basically I think this defense is Mario, Demeco and a bunch of guys.