2-2 and the next month.

[painekiller]

Being a fan of this team is a roller coaster ride. Entering the season the hopes where high and play off where the goal. And the team laid an egg week1. Depression sets in and fire the HC threads become the topic of the day.

Week 2 the team goes into Nashville and stands toe to toe literally, and beats the Titans on the road. Elation, turn the corner threads every where.

Which team is this? Well a young inconsistent one for sure.

I think most had us 3-1 right now, well at least I did. So 2-2 is disappointing but not a bottomless pit. The Next 5 games define this team- @Cards, @Bengals, 49ers, @Bills, . @Colts. Those five games will tell if the team for real, or it's still pretending.

In the last few weeks I have been critical of Brian Cushing and the pick. I want to say he is bringing an attitude to the LBs. I will not bad mouth him anymore this season. I will let the man play.

What does this team need for a winning october

[Roy P]

What does this team need for a winning october

This team needs to create more turnovers than it gives up.

[barrett]

We need to score early. We have yet to put up points on the opening drive I believe.

Scoring early lets us get the play action going offensively. It pushing opposing teams into a pass heavy offense that is easier to defend and lets our DL get after the QB. It helps hide our swiss cheese run defense. And it is a huge help in winning the turnover battle Roy just mentioned.

And it will be doubly important against teams like SF and BUF who struggle in the passing game but run it well. We must come out hot offensively in those games.

[machoneil]

I don't think 'Da Fiddies' is a good nickname for our linebacker corps.

[WMH]

This team needs to create more turnovers than it gives up.

I was at the game, and haven't had a chance to watch the replay, but Slaton's fumble....Why was the challenge rescinded? From the board, it sure looked like the ground caused the fumble. Just wondering what the TV was saying.

As far as the next five.....who knows! Hopefully our "Hyde" defense shows up for the balance of the season, but since I have watched these yahoo's since inception, that might be a bit much to ask.....I would guess they will lay a turd in at least one of the 5, if not 2.

BUT, I will take 4-1 over the next 5 :p

[RunninRaven]

I was at the game, and haven't had a chance to watch the replay, but Slaton's fumble....Why was the challenge rescinded? From the board, it sure looked like the ground caused the fumble. Just wondering what the TV was saying.



The ground definitely caused the fumble, but Slaton tripped over his own man. He was not touched by any defenders, so he's not down by contact with the ground, and since he is not down, the fumble is still live. I was glad to hear the challenge rescinded because I fully expected Kubiak to lose another challenge on that one.

[WMH]

The ground definitely caused the fumble, but Slaton tripped over his own man. He was not touched by any defenders, so he's not down by contact with the ground, and since he is not down, the fumble is still live. I was glad to hear the challenge rescinded because I fully expected Kubiak to lose another challenge on that one.

Ah, that makes some sense. Thanks. I would assume that is what the officials were telling Kubes during the pre-challenge chat.

Slaton has GOT to hang on to the ball. PERIOD. He was prone in WV, not prone as a rookie, and now he is a fumble machine again? That doesn't make a lick of sense to me...

[Mike]

Being a fan of this team is a roller coaster ride. Entering the season the hopes where high and play off where the goal. And the team laid an egg week1. Depression sets in and fire the HC threads become the topic of the day.

Week 2 the team goes into Nashville and stands toe to toe literally, and beats the Titans on the road. Elation, turn the corner threads every where.

Which team is this? Well a young inconsistent one for sure.

I think most had us 3-1 right now, well at least I did. So 2-2 is disappointing but not a bottomless pit. The Next 5 games define this team- @Cards, @Bengals, 49ers, @Bills, . @Colts. Those five games will tell if the team for real, or it's still pretending.

In the last few weeks I have been critical of Brian Cushing and the pick. I want to say he is bringing an attitude to the LBs. I will not bad mouth him anymore this season. I will let the man play.

What does this team need for a winning october

They need to fix the run game so we can play action and keep third down managable and convert to keep drives alive.

The defense needs to get off the field. I hope getting Reeves and the safties solidified will help the number of easy completions we saw the first three weeks. We also need the Antonio Smith we saw this week play like that the rest of the year.

Hope that Pollard is this years Demps from a few years back. We picked up demps and the secondary play improved.

2-2 is not out of it. But we need to go on a little run to position us for meaningful games in December.

[Fonz the Boss]

We will go 2-3 during tha stretch if we play poorly... 3-2 if we play good.

[nunusguy]

In the last few weeks I have been critical of Brian Cushing and the pick. I want to say he is bringing an attitude to the LBs. I will not bad mouth him anymore this season. I will let the man play.


I'd go so far as to say he's actually overshadowing DeMeco. Not necessarily outplaying him, but overshadowing or standing out more than DeMeco because of the nature of physical-play. Not bad for a 22 year-old rookie.

[bckey]

I said we would go 2-4 over the next 6 games before the Oakland game. I had us beating Oakland and Bufflalo and losing to the Cardinals, Bengals, 49ers and Colts. This would take us to the bye week. After the bye I have us going 5-2 and giving us another 8-8 year. If we can win 1 or 2 games that we are not supposed to win and win all that we are then we might get our first winning season. Although I don't believe we will make the playoffs. I think we would have to win our division to make the playoffs and the Texans don't have the secondary right now capable of shutting down Peyton. If we can rattle him with 4 full quarters of pass rush then maybe.


It would have been better for the Texans if the Titans would have beaten the Jags yesterday.

[Roy P]

They need to fix the run game so we can play action and keep third down managable and convert to keep drives alive.

The best way to run the ball with this team is to make the defense play against the pass. I'm talking about not necessarily using a FB in front of Slaton. We can put in Dreesen or Casey and use them as a threat of a pass. Spreading out the defense with 4 recievers can keep the defense honest and not allow them to concentrate their defenders in the "box" so to speak. Hitting a couple of passes in the middle of the field with our pass-catching TEs will make it easier for Slaton to find a crease. I would be happy to see the two TEs in the slot on both sides. We could also use 3 WRs, and a TE in a single-back as well. I guess I'm suggesting we essentially eliminate the FB position, and be willing to use Casey in the backfield on occasion as an H-Back.

Note to Shan

[sinnister]

The best way to run the ball with this team is to make the defense play against the pass. I'm talking about not necessarily using a FB in front of Slaton. We can put in Dreesen or Casey and use them as a threat of a pass. Spreading out the defense with 4 recievers can keep the defense honest and not allow them to concentrate their defenders in the "box" so to speak. Hitting a couple of passes in the middle of the field with our pass-catching TEs will make it easier for Slaton to find a crease. I would be happy to see the two TEs in the slot on both sides. We could also use 3 WRs, and a TE in a single-back as well. I guess I'm suggesting we essentially eliminate the FB position, and be willing to use Casey in the backfield on occasion as an H-Back.

Note to Shan

I couldn't agree more. It would make the offense that more unpredictable, and would get Casey in the game as well. From what I have seen, he has great hands. I also thought that strategy would have worked much better against the Jets.

[kravix]

It seemed to me that Studdard got pushed around quite a bit, perhaps some of our issues are a result of not having Pitts in the lineup.

Slaton has not looked hot either, some of it is the line but some of it is him hitting the wrong lanes. Brown was picking up more yards in the previous games than SS was, and I cannot believe it was a result of better blocking when he was in the game. Slaton has had some good lanes and holes, but seems to be taking the wrong ones. I hope he settles down and starts to trust his instincts rather than seemingly guessing where the hole might be.

[Nconroe]

I think most had us 3-1 right now, well at least I did. So 2-2 is disappointing but not a bottomless pit. The Next 5 games define this team- @Cards, @Bengals, 49ers, @Bills, . @Colts. Those five games will tell if the team for real, or it's still pretending.

What does this team need for a winning october

I agree , had them going 3-1, but then the Jets game totally shook my confidence in the team, so became satisfied with the 2-2.

Over these next 5 games I had them going 3-2, so, for now I'll stick with that, due to hope the defense has turned a corner. All being close games and tough with 4 of 5 on the road.

I'd agree with winning the turnover battle likely a key to winning any and all of these games. Would like to see Slayton stop the fumbleitis and get some 100 yard running games, together rb's got over 100 last game, but took a lot of carries to do it. If we can grind out the first downs, good things will happen.

[mussop]

What does this team need for a winning october

Playing the Raiders every week would be a good start. Seriously Im not as upbeat about this team as some of you. We are still to inconsistant for me to think we can win more than 6 games this year. We have pretty tough schedule coming up and some of you are riding to high after beating the Raiders. Most have the Cinci, Buffalo and Arizona as games we should or could win. I think they are underestimating them and overestimating us. I hope Im wrong. :(

[nunusguy]

I agree , had them going 3-1, but then the Jets game totally shook my confidence in the team, so became satisfied with the 2-2.

No kidding. I still think the way the team played in that game was unforgivable because while the Jets may be a pretty descent team, this was the season opener that was played here in Reliant and Kubiak had months and months to prepare. Then the Jags loss - if we were/are to be a serious playoff contender, you've got to atleast get a split in those first 2 home games to leave yourself with a 3-1 record at this point.

[Arky]

Well, they could go 5-0 over the next 5 games. Then again, they could go 0-5. Who knows? Chances are good they won't do either so the truth will probably turn out to be something in between. Like Berman says, "That's why they play the games."

What I do expect as a fan is continued improvement. The defense just may have found themselves a little bit of an identity against the Raiders. This last defensive lineup may be the core lineup to go forward with. When Jacques Reeves is ready, he'll get added into the mix.... The offense needs to not be so hot and cold (inconsistent) and to not get so bummed out when they have a turnover or blow a chance in the redzone.

I think they have the potential to beat anybody in the league - whether they do it or not is another story. There may be only one playoff team from the AFC South and that would be (of course) the division winner. If the Texans want the playoffs, they have to beat the Colts. Twice would be nice. The road to the playoffs goes through Indianapolis.....

[NBT]

In the last few weeks I have been critical of Brian Cushing and the pick. I want to say he is bringing an attitude to the LBs. I will not bad mouth him anymore this season. I will let the man play.



You won't badmouth him anymore? I know you really, really like Willis and all that, but You are a very hard man to please PK. Cushing is having a D rookie of the year type of season, and I hope I don't jinx him by saying so.

[NBT]

As far as 2-2 are concerned, I am really concerned that this next week we will revert to that clueless defense we have seen at times. I think this game with the Cardinals will go far in determining whether what we saw against a weak Oakland club was the real Texans, or what we saw the first and third week. Schaub and the running game must improve too. We must click on all cylinders to beat Arizona.

[Roy P]

Schaub and the running game must improve too.

Before we start thinking that Schaub is a hack.....take a look at the other AFC QBs.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&conference=0011&statisticPositionCategory=QUARTERBACK&season=2009&seasonType=REG&experience=null&tabSeq=1&qualified=true&Submit=Go

[popanot]

I think Schaub has been playing well so far. My big problem with him, and it seems like it's been this way since he came here, is his penchant for throwing an INT at the absolute worst possible moment - usually when we're in or close to the redzone. And it seems to happen on a weekly basis. Sometimes they overcome it, sometimes they don't.

[Nconroe]

I did a little stat checking at NFL.com. Schaub has thrown 3 INT's this year.

There are 16 teams with four or more INT's. Carolina with 8, Cleveland with 7.

Arizona along with 6 other teams has thrown 4 INTs.

Titans have 6, while Buffalo and Cincinnati who we play soon have 5 INTs.

The teams besides Texans at 3 include Colts, Miami, and San Diego, and Baltimore, so Schaub is in pretty good company there as far as QB's go.

San Francisco, another upcoming opponent has 1 and Denver has 0.

On fumbles, there are 10 teams with 4 or more fumbles lost.

The Texans and 7 other teams have lost 3 fumbles.

Arizona has had 9 fumbles and lost 3. Texans have 7 fumbles and lost 3.

Arizona is -2 on turnovers and Texans are +1 on turnovers.

Arizona has averaged scoring 19 points a game and Texans 23.5 per game.

Don't know exactly what that means, but it shows Schaub is atleast in the top half of QB's for taking care of the ball, overall, better than many.

But, if those all come when we are about to score, I don't know for sure, it was against Oakland, it would be bad to take points off the board and maybe a win off the board. So, for sure, could be more careful.

Maybe this is a result of pressure by the other teams DL at these times.

Anyways, a good point on something to improve on is INTs and turnovers in the redzone, we have had fumbles down there as well, at just the wrong time, such as against the Jags.

[Roy P]

My big problem with him is his penchant for throwing an INT at the absolute worst possible moment - usually when we're in or close to the redzone.

Is there ever a good time to throw an INT?

The reason I don't like anecdotal evidence is because of selection bias. Have you ever found your keys or the remote and then say, "why is it always in the last place I look?" The answer is because we stop looking for something once we find it.

I don't mean to sound condescending. In fact there has probably been a time when Schaub has thrown an interception in the redzone. To be fair, he's probably not the first or last to have that happen though.

[NBT]

Before we start thinking that Schaub is a hack.....take a look at the other AFC QBs.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&conference=0011&statisticPositionCategory=QUARTERBACK&season=2009&seasonType=REG&experience=null&tabSeq=1&qualified=true&Submit=Go


Not a hack, just immobile. When he has the time, he is one of the best.

[popanot]

I think Schaub has been playing well so far. My big problem with him, and it seems like it's been this way since he came here, is his penchant for throwing an INT at the absolute worst possible moment - usually when we're in or close to the redzone. And it seems to happen on a weekly basis. Sometimes they overcome it, sometimes they don't.See what I mean? :mad:

[popanot]

Is there ever a good time to throw an INT?Well I can say throwing a floating pick-six at the end of the game after your team has scratched and clawed their way back into it is definitly NOT a good time. :p

[barrett]

We need to score early. We have yet to put up points on the opening drive I believe.

Scoring early lets us get the play action going offensively. It pushing opposing teams into a pass heavy offense that is easier to defend and lets our DL get after the QB. It helps hide our swiss cheese run defense. And it is a huge help in winning the turnover battle Roy just mentioned.

And it will be doubly important against teams like SF and BUF who struggle in the passing game but run it well. We must come out hot offensively in those games.

We continue to stink it up offensively early in games. We need to come out ready to play.

[Roy P]

The best way to run the ball with this team is to make the defense play against the pass. Spreading out the defense with 4 recievers can keep the defense honest and not allow them to concentrate their defenders in the "box" so to speak. Hitting a couple of passes in the middle of the field with our pass-catching TEs will make it easier for Slaton to find a crease. I would be happy to see the two TEs in the slot on both sides. We could also use 3 WRs, and a TE in a single-back as well. I guess I'm suggesting we essentially eliminate the FB position, and be willing to use Casey in the backfield on occasion as an H-Back.

Note to Shan

I'll stick by the above assumption until proven wrong.

I found it interesting that many times during the game, Vonta was out wide at the beginning of a play only to "go into motion" back to where he should be in front of Slaton. Are they trying to fool somebody? Does this let Schaub see if the defense is playing Zone? Do we have a play that actually leaves our FB out wide?

[NBT]

Not a hack, just immobile. When he has the time, he is one of the best.

What the heck, did I jinx the guy by praising him? He was throwing too high for too much of that Arizona game. Just when he seems to have settled down, he throws the quick six to Dominick-Cromartie.

[Nconroe]

Does anyone think we can still win the division? or how about a winning record within the division?

[WMH]

Does anyone think we can still win the division? or how about a winning record within the division?

Division winner....that would be a toughy with the way Indy is playing right now. Anything can happen, injuries, etc, but after a quarter of the season, they look pretty good, even if they haven't played the greatest of teams. That game against the Fins was ridiculous. To have the ball for 15 minutes, FOR THE WHOLE GAME, and win? That is crazy.

Winning record within the division - Doable - Sweep the Titans, and steal one back from the Hags....maybe even steal one from Indy ;)

Winning record overall - Doable

IMO - This is not a terrible team, that are just incredibly inconsistent. The defense is starting to shape up, and the offense (as long as we are 20 yards out) is pretty damn explosive.

Bottom line, we should by able to hang in with every team left on the schedule. Brain farts, missed assignments aside, we should end up OK.

That's what I THINK at least.....they have proved me wrong before.

[nunusguy]

Does anyone think we can still win the division?

We're already 3 games behind the division leader, but it's still a real possiblity for us to win the division as long as we just sweep Peyton. Shouldn't be a problem, right ?

[WMH]

We're already 3 games behind the division leader, but it's still a real possiblity for us to win the division as long as we just sweep Peyton. Shouldn't be a problem, right ?

Indy is 2-0 in division
We are 1-1.

Still a LONG shot, but we aren't 3 games back in the division....yet.

[Arky]

Division winner....that would be a toughy with the way Indy is playing right now. Anything can happen, injuries, etc, but after a quarter of the season, they look pretty good, even if they haven't played the greatest of teams. That game against the Fins was ridiculous. To have the ball for 15 minutes, FOR THE WHOLE GAME, and win? That is crazy.

Winning record within the division - Doable - Sweep the Titans, and steal one back from the Hags....maybe even steal one from Indy ;)

Winning record overall - Doable

IMO - This is not a terrible team, that are just incredibly inconsistent. The defense is starting to shape up, and the offense (as long as we are 20 yards out) is pretty damn explosive.

Bottom line, we should by able to hang in with every team left on the schedule. Brain farts, missed assignments aside, we should end up OK.

That's what I THINK at least.....they have proved me wrong before.

Yep, I agree with all of this. In fact, the division scenario you outline is a "must accomplish".

2-3 is not the end of the world.

To remain in the mix, they have to stay near .500 and at some point go on a mini-run (4-1, 5-2, etc...)..

[NBT]

Kubes needs to quit talking about the run and become more proactive. We have started slow every game, seems like, and have to play from behind. We need to get out in front and just go with it.

[Big Texas]

I agree. Lets come out firing for a change. I guarantee we will be in better position. Then when we get the lead, don't get the dive syndrome.

Speaking of running the ball. They think they are being so creative. Splitting Leach out wide then having him motion into the backfield. WHO IN THE HELL WERE YOU FOOLING? NOT JUST ONE TIME, BUT MULTIPLE TIMES THROUGHOUT THE GAME, THEY DID THAT. I think it was the LSU/Florida game that I saw the same playcalling. So we are running a college offense now?

Kyle probably thinks that he is being creative, but because his lineman are so SORRY, the DLine is beating them off the snap. By then they can't even complete there pulls, stunts, and such...Dlineman are in the backfield blowing up the run.

Let's try some hard snaps or something.

[Roy P]

Splitting Leach out wide then having him motion into the backfield. WHO IN THE HELL WERE YOU FOOLING? NOT JUST ONE TIME, BUT MULTIPLE TIMES THROUGHOUT THE GAME, THEY DID THAT.

I mentioned this in another post. That is about the craziest thing I've seen an offense do. Maybe in game 15, they'll leave him out wide and throw him a SLUG-GO deep.nn:rolleyes:

[Roy P]

Does anyone think we can still win the division?

Am I the only one with Jim Mora Sr.'s voice going off in my head? "Playoffs?!?! Playoffs?!?!"

[popanot]

We all know about the running game, but in the passing game, I find it incredible that Kubiak and lil'Shan haven't figured out a way to get the ball to Slaton or JJ in open space more often. Especially considering the attention AJ gets. Those two guys are our most deadliest weapons in the open field so it would stand to reason you would run a few clear-out plays and try to get one or both of them a few touches a game where they have room to roam. I know JJ's not best "hands" WR on the team, but he's shown me he deserves a few touches and we all know what he can do when he has a chance to scan the field and run.

[NBT]

Don't forget Andre Davis. He is very explosive given the opportunity. But yeah, I hear what you'er saying.

[Roy P]

get the ball to Slaton or JJ in open space more often.

Imagine a direct snap to Slaton while Jacoby is coming in motion. Wildcat anyone?