Official Texans vs. Patriots Game Thread, 01/03/2010

[Keith]

This is it. The big one.

If the Texans only show up for their typical two quarters, hopefully that's about how long the Patriots will play their starters.

[Arky]

Everything aside, I'd like to see 'em go 9-7 just so we can get over that hump - the 1st winning season. It ain't going to be easy........

[edo783]

This is it. The big one.

Is that you Red? :p

[chuck]

Well, eight years in and they're finally playing for something other than draft positioning in week 17. So that's something. Given the necessary outcomes it seems to me they are playing for maximum heartbreak, but who the hell knows.

Either way, unless I am totally wrong in my reading of the situation and delusional besides Kubiak will be back and next year's schedule will be MUCH tougher than this year's and there are still far too many holes to fill to get good enough to make the playoffs with the deadly combination of next year's schedule and Kubiak's legendary in-game incompetence.

But there's not going to be any NFL football in 2011 anyway so what the hell do I care?

Happy new year, everyone.

[TheMatrix31]

Just win, please?

ESPNews said Moss/Welker might not play. Please Lord, let them not play! Bench the starters, NE. You know you want to ;)

[cloudwasher]

I hope that for once the Texans can string together two consecutive halves of quality football.

With Denver benching Marshall, who knows maybe that game could go KC's way. Then hopefully the Bengals will decide theyd rather play the Texans than the Jets and theyll actually show up for the game tonight. And who knows, maybe the Raiders will have one of their rare games where they show up and be competitive...

Its a long shot, I know, but Im just excited at the very possibility of the playoffs after these last 8 years. At bare minimum, let's go out there and get our first winning season!

[Arky]

Patriots to kickoff....

AD brings the kickoff back to the 24.

1st down pass to AJ sails high.

Pass to KW good for 17. 1st down.

Pass to AJ good for 13. Ball at the Pats 46.

Foster for 1. Brings up 2nd and 9.

Foster around end for 19. Ball at the Pats 27.

Screen to AJ picks up 2.

[Roy P]

I'm wondering why he haven't seen Arian Foster earlier this season. It's not like our run-game should have precluded giving him a shot before week 16.

[Arky]

Dreesen wide open over the middle for 6 pts! 25 yards.

Texans 7, Pats 0

Nice drive - need about 6 or 7 more of them...

[Roy P]

If John Busing makes the roster next season, we have done something terribly wrong during the off-season. :(

[Arky]

Pats bring the kickoff back to the 25. 11:19 left in the 1st quarter.

Pass to Moss good for 11.

Brady can't find anyone open and chunks it out of bounds.

Run for 6. Brings up 3rd and 4.

Pass to Welker good for the 1st down. Welker injured on the play. Welker limps off. Ball at the Texan 46.

[TheMatrix31]

holy crap!

....woke up 10 minutes late, Texans up already! Nice!

[Arky]

Morris for 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Taylor for 4. Brings up 3rd and 4.

Morris TFL -1 by Cushing. 4th and 5 at the Texan 42 coming up. Pats to go for it.

Brady doesn't like something and calls timeout.

[Roy P]

Cushing and Barwin looking good. Not bad pick ups in the draft. They combine for a TFL.

[Arky]

Pats now decide to punt.

Punt rolls to the 10. Texans ball.

[HPF Bob]

Couldn't ask for a better start. Schaub leads them to a TD. The running game provides a threat. And an injury to a key Patriot makes them question how hard they should put out.

Update: Dolphins tie up Steelers, 7-7.

[Arky]

Foster for 1.

Foster for about 6. Brings up 3rd and 3.

3rd down pass to DA goes inc. Texans to punt.

Turk's punt rolls to the Pats 37.

[Roy P]

If we were to fire Gary Kubiak, I wonder how much interest the Bears would have in making him their Offensive Coordinator for Jay Cutler. Just a thought, since Mike Shanahan has already said he wouldn't take over in Chi out of respect for Lovie Smith.

[Arky]

Brady's short pass good for 3.

Pass to Watson goes inc. Brings up 3rd and 7.

Pass to Watson gets 14 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 46.

Morris for -1/no gain.

Pass to Baker good for 13 and a 1st down.

Pass to Moss over the middle good for 4.

[TheMatrix31]

We HAVE to stop them on thirds.

[Roy P]

Pass to Watson gets 14 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 46.

Watson was covered by Cushing and Pollard. Pollard got a good hit on him, but Watson got loose from Cushing.

[Arky]

Taylor stopped for no gain by Mario. Brings up 3rd and 6.

Pass to Edelman goes for 25. Ball all the way down to the Texan 5.

Taylor sweeps left for the TD. Officially 4 yard run.

Texans 7, Pats 7

[Roy P]

Quinn, Pollard, and #42 all missed on Edleman. Setting up the TD.

[TheMatrix31]

Great defense on third, douches!

[HPF Bob]

Update: Steelers retake the lead, 14-7 over Miami.

[Big Texas]

Lets not get down on ourselves. Lets just switch things up a bit and come down and score again.

[Arky]

Nice return by AD brings the kickoff back to the Texan 40.

Pass to Dreesen good for 17. Ball at the Pats 44.

Moats for no gain.

End of 1st quarter.

[Roy P]

Joel Dreesen is looking like Owen Daniels early on in this game. Let's see some more Arian Foster between the tackles.

[Arky]

2nd down dump pass to Moats goes inc. Brings up 3rd and 10.

Deep pass to AJ goes inc. Texans to punt.

Punt is fair caught by Edelman at the Pats 8 yard line.

[TheMatrix31]

Playcalling leaves a lot to be desired since I woke up.

[Arky]

Brady is going to have to pass. I don't think they can run on us...

Ball at the 9.

Brady's 1st down pass sails inc.

Morris for 4. Brings up 3rd and 6.

Moss wide open over the middle for catch and run 42. Ball at the Texan 45.

Pass to Watson good for 7.

Morris TFL -5 by a host of Texans. Brings up 3rd and 8.

Deep pass to Moss inc. but flag on the play. Holding on DeMeco. 5 yards, auto 1st down. Ball at the Texan 38.

Morris for 3.

[Big Texas]

Playcalling leaves a lot to be desired since I woke up.

Playcalling needed to change after the first drive. Bilichick is not gonna let you beat him all game with the same gameplan

[TheMatrix31]

Effin A, DeMeco! Jeez!

[Big Texas]

I wonder what our run defense ranks since week 4

[Roy P]

We don't appear to be able to play Zone against the pass. That is sad.

[Arky]

Pats run for 2. Brings up 3rd and 5.

Brady's 3rd down pass goes inc. Pats to go for the FG.

51 yard FG is good.

Pats 10, Texans 7

[HPF Bob]

We finally get a third-down stop but NE gets the points, 10-7.

[Big Texas]

Dunta step for step with Randy after a busted play. Doesnt get much better than that.

[Arky]

AD brings the kickoff back to the Texan 21. 9:45 left in the half.

Dump to Leach goes for 26. Ball at the Texan 47.

Foster sweeps for 13. Ball at the Pats 40.

Foster for 3. Brings up 2nd and 7.

Pass to JJ good for 15. Ball at the Pats 23.

Moats for 3.

Pass over the middle to DA goes inc. DA popped in the head by the DB draws a hitting-the-receiver penalty. Ball at the Pats 9.

DA up and walking around....

Dump to AJ goes to the 3.

Foster to the 1. Brings up 3rd and goal at the 1.

[TheMatrix31]

I say we go for the halfback pass!!!

/

[Arky]

Schaub chased out of the pocket throws it away.

Texans to go for it on 4th down....

Timeout Pats.

[HPF Bob]

I say we go QB draw. They need to spread the field though. You can't run a QB draw lined up in the I.

[Arky]

Pass to AJ sails inc. Pats ball at the 1.

[TheMatrix31]

That was DUMB!

[Arky]

Fumble!!!!!! Diles causes the fumble, Pollard recovers in the endzone. 6 pts Texans!

K Brown's extra point no good.

Texans 13, Pats 10

[TheMatrix31]

YES! Only thing Antonio Smith has done in the season!

[TheMatrix31]

Oh FML. Cut Kris Brown NOW.

[HPF Bob]

Talk about a swing of emotions.

From, OH CRAP...to OKAY!...to OH CRAP.

[Big Texas]

Anybody still think we are being too harsh on Kris Brown?

[TheMatrix31]

Anybody still think we are being too harsh on Kris Brown?

Not anymore.

[Big Texas]

At times I think that Kris Brown has been paid to sabotage us this season. I haven't seen much emotion after his misses.

[Arky]

Nice tackle by Ferguson on the return. Stops the returner at the 18. Flag on the play. Unnecessary roughness on the Pats. Backs the ball up to the Pats 9.

Hoyer in at QB.

Pass to Edelman good for 5. 2nd and 5 coming up.

Hoyer scrambles for the 1st down. 3:46 left in the half. Ball at the Pats 24.

Hoyer avoids sack from Cushing and tosses it out of bounds.

Dump to Edelman goes for 17. 1st down Pats.

1st down pass goes inc. BS roughing the passer penalty. Moves the ball to the Texan 44.

Pass to Aiken good for 6.

[HPF Bob]

Getting visions of Ryan Fitzpatrick here.

[Big Texas]

Boy I tell you, we are good for making unknown qbs look like Joe Montana. What is the deal?

[TheMatrix31]

Getting visions of Ryan Fitzpatrick here.

Exactly what I JUST posted on another board.

[Arky]

Pass to Moss good for 7 and the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 31.

2 minute warning.

Sack by Cushing! -10 yards. Brings up 2nd and 20.

Dump to Morris gets 8. Brings up 3rd and 12.

Timeout Texans. 1:10 left in the half.

Pass to Edelman gets 8. Ball at the Texan 25. Timeout Texans. Pats to go for the FG.

43 yard attempt is good.

Texans 13, Pats 13

46 seconds left in the half.

[Arky]

Pats kickoff goes out of the endzone. Texans ball at their own 20.

Dump to Foster gets 9. 38 seconds left.

Pass to Dreesen goes for 10.

Pass to Dreesen goes for 9. Timeout Texans (last one). 14 seconds left.

Pass to KW goes for good yardage to the Pats 40. 1 second left as Schaub spikes it.

[TheMatrix31]

Please make it, Kris.

[Arky]

K Brown on for the 56 yard attempt....

FG is wide right, no good.

Score remains:

Texans 13, Pats 13

Halftime.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 11/19, 155 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT

Rushing: Foster 7/43, Moats 2/4, AJ 1/7

Receiving: Dreesen 5/74, AJ 2/15, many with 1 catch

Tackles: Ryans/Diles 6 each, GQ 5, Pollard 4, Dunta/Okoye/Cushing 3 each, Barwin 2

Turnovers: Texans 0, Pat 1

3rd down coversions: Texans 0/3, Pats 4/7

Time of possession: Texans 12:21, Pats 17:39

[Arky]

Pats bring the kickoff back to the 29.

Brady back in.

Morris for 9.

Brady's deep pass goes inc. Flag on the play. Holding on Texans 5 yards, auto 1st down.

Taylor for 3. Ball at the Pats 46.

Deep pass to Edelman goes inc. Good coverage by GQ. Brings up 3rd and 7.

Brady pressured dumps it inc. Pats have to punt.

Punt rolls out of bounds at the Texan 16.

[Big Texas]

Now we get to see if Kubiak makes any adjustments

[Arky]

Pass to AJ good for 23.

Foster for 5.

Foster for 9. 1st down.

Dump to Dreesen good for 7.

Whew, Moats breaks into the open and fumbles but recovered by the Texans. Recovered by JJ.

[TheMatrix31]

Goodness gracious.

[Arky]

On 1st down, dump to Foster good for 7. Ball at the Pats 19.

Foster for 4. 1st down at the Pats 15.

Schaub chunks it out of bounds. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Damn, pass bounces off JJ's hands and is INT'ed for a pick 6. 91 yards. :(

Pats 20, Texans 13

[TheMatrix31]

Un....****************ing....believable.

[Arky]

Gotta come right back at 'em, boys....

7:43 left in the 3rd quarter.

AD brings the kickoff back to the 27.

Big gain Foster. 24 yards. Ball at midfield.

Foster for 1.

Schaub pressured, throws it out of bounds. Brings up 3rd and 9.

Timeout Texans. 6:24 left in the 3rd quarter.

[TheMatrix31]

Jacoby Jones is more trouble than he's worth.

[Arky]

Pass to JJ good for 17 and the 1st down.

Foster good for 4. Ball at the Pats 28.

Pass to JJ good for 9. 1st down.

Schaub can't find anyone open and chunks it out of bounds. Brings up 2nd and 10.

Moats TFL -2. Brings up 3rd and 12.

[TheMatrix31]

Blowing that timeout will hurt later.

[Big Texas]

The fact that Foster is doing so good makes me wonder about the Texans talent scouting. There is no way Brown should've been playing this year with Foster available.

[Arky]

On 3rd and 12, pass AJ goes for no gain. Texans to go for the FG.

K Brown is no good on the 38 yarder.

Score remains:

Pats 20, Texans 13

[TheMatrix31]

**************** you, kris brown.

[Big Texas]

I like they way Wilcots put it. Brown is tied with Folk "formerly of the Dallas Cowboys" for most misses in the league with now 11. That is unacceptable. Kubiak claps as Brown walks back to the sideline. WOW!!

[Big Texas]

What did the clap mean?

[Roy P]

The fact that Foster is doing so good makes me wonder about the Texans talent scouting. There is no way Brown should've been playing this year with Foster available.

Was Foster injured all year? Could he not read the Playbook? There has to be some reason this guy hasn't gotten a shot until now. :confused:

[Arky]

2:57 left in the 3rd quarter. Pats ball at their own 29.

Dump to Edelman goes for 6.

Dump to Edelman gets 6 more and a 1st down.

Pass to Moss good for 12.

Pass to the sideline goes inc. Brings up 2nd and 10 at the Texan 45.

Pass to Edelman gets 10 and a 1st down.

Taylor for 12.

End of 3rd quarter.

[TheMatrix31]

This game's done. Season's done. It was done when we lost to Indianapolis the first time.

[Big Texas]

Had Brown done what gets paid to do (The only thing he gets paid to do) this game would be tied right now.

[Arky]

This game's done. Season's done. It was done when we lost to Indianapolis the first time.

Still a quarter to go.... Turn that frown upside down.... ;)

[Big Texas]

I think its also worth mentioning that we haven't gotten into the endzone since the first drive.

[TheMatrix31]

Still a quarter to go.... Turn that frown upside down.... ;)

Ya right, man. Maybe if we haven't seen this story before.

[Arky]

Pass to Watson goes inc. Brings up 2nd and 10 at the Texan 23.

Dump to Edelman goes for 12 and a 1st down. Ball at the Texan 11.

Taylor runs it in from 11.

Pats 27, Texans 13

[Arky]

Ya right, man. Maybe if we haven't seen this story before.

Got any stock market tips?

[Big Texas]

Wow. How many times will they gain 10-12 yards on the quick screen before we do something about it.

Its about adjustments. Bilichick realized that we have been very aggressive with the blitzes. So as we all know the key to stopping an aggressive defense is the screen.

So as we also all know this team has an issue with halftime adjustments. So what are we gonna do to adjust to their adjustments?

NOTHING...

[TheMatrix31]

Got any stock market tips?

LOL. No stock tips. Watching sports is dangerous enough for my blood pressure---and I'm 22!

[Arky]

AD brings the kickoff back to the 31. 14:04 left in the game.

Schaub scrambles for 3.

Dump to AJ gets 11. 1st down.

[NBT]

Kubiak sure lives on the edge. A 9-7 season. Mayhap I was a little hasty in predicticting his demise, as the Texans were able to rally in the 4th quarter over the Pats. We will just have to wait and see now

[TheMatrix31]

Bye, Bye Kubiak. Just couldn't get over the hump. Ho Humm another 8-8 mediocre season.

Read a Schefter tweet before the game saying Kubiak is probably safe, but I don't know if anything changes after today.

[Arky]

Ball at the Texan 46.

1st down pass is deflected inc.

Dump to KW goes for 13.

Oh jeez, Foster had some daylight and slipped for 3 yards.

Schaub sacked -8. Brings up 3rd and 15.

Pass to JJ good for 17 and the 1st down.

Deep pass to AD draws the PI flag on the Pats. Auto 1st down at the 3.

Flag pre-snap..... False start D Brown -5.

[TheMatrix31]

Terrible PI call.

[Arky]

1st and goal at the 8.

Pass over the middle to JJ gets the TD! Nice catch!

Pats 27, Texans 20

9:53 left in the game.

[TheMatrix31]

Force.A.Turnover.

[Big Texas]

Kris Brown deserves every bit of those boos. On a positive note good throw by Shaub.

[Big Texas]

Force.A.Turnover.

We need to just worry about stopping that damn quick screen.

[Big Texas]

I guess Brady walking out there eliminates them running the ball 3 and out.

[Big Texas]

Thats what I'm talking about Mario. Hell yeah.

[Arky]

Pats bring the kickoff back to the 23.

Brady still in.

Dump to Aiken good for 3.

Green-Ellis for 3. Brings up 3rd and 4.

Brady sacked by Mario -5! Pats have to punt.

Nice return by JJ! 30 yards on the return. Ball at the Pats 35.

[TheMatrix31]

Maybe they woke up?

[Big Texas]

I know Jacoby had the tip for the pick 6, but he has been one of the MVPs of this game.

[Big Texas]

This is what I am talking about. Show some damn fight for a change. If they lose a hard fought game I will be ok. If they just lay down...

[Arky]

They got a shot.....

Dump to KW goes inc.

Dump to Foster get 10 and a 1st down.

Foster TFL -2. Brings up 2nd and 12.

Pass is tipped at the LOS inc. 3rd and 12 coming up.

Pass to AJ good to the 11 yard line. 15 yards and a 1st down.

Pass to AD good to the 1. 1st and goal at the 1.

[Big Texas]

I dont know if anyone has noticed, but Winston has been getting it handed to him all game.

[Arky]

Foster for the 1 yard TD!

Texans 27, Pats 27

4:43 left in the game.

[Big Texas]

All I can say is WOW!!!

[Arky]

Pats bring the kickoff back to the 22.

Brady still in.

Dump pass goes for TFL -4.

Brady's pass is INT'ed by Pollard! Good pressure DL!

Ball at the Pats 28.

3:49 left in the game.

[Big Texas]

This has got to be the hardest fought game I have seen by the Texans ALL season.

Lets not try to run the clock out. Lets try to win damn it.

[TheMatrix31]

OMG! Pollard gets a pick!

[Big Texas]

We cant rely on Kris Brown PERIOD.

[Arky]

Foster for 6.

Foster all the way to the 10 yard line. 12 yards.

Foster for 7. Ball at the 3. 2nd and goal.

2 minute warning.

[Big Texas]

All year long he's been on the practice squad. WOW. I wonder whose decision that was.

[Arky]

Foster powers in for the score! 3 yards on the TD.

Texans 34, Pats 27

1:54 left in the game.

[TheMatrix31]

They POUND it with Foster.

Couldn't they have pounded it with Foster in the Arizona and Jacksonville game?

[Big Texas]

Lets Go Defense!!! Dont forget. Moss is still on this team.

[Big Texas]

They POUND it with Foster.

Couldn't they have pounded it with Foster in the Arizona and Jacksonville game?

No they felt Chris Brown was the better option. LOL

[Arky]

C'mon Defense!

Pats bring the kickoff out to the 34.

Hoyer in at QB.

Pass to Watson good for 11.

Green-Ellis for about 5. Ball at midfield.

Pass to Edelman good for 9 and a 1st down. Ball at the Texan 41. 50 seconds left in the game.

1st down pass goes inc. but flag on the play. 12 men on the Texans. 5 yards, 1st and 5.

Pass to Slater goes to the 13 but flag on the play. Holding on Pats - bring it back.

[Arky]

1st and 15.

Pass to Edelman goes inc. 29 seconds left.

Green-Ellis for 11. 23 seconds left. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Timeout.

[Arky]

Pass goes inc. Brings up 4th and 3. 18 seconds left.

Pass is dropped! Nice breakup by McCain!

Texans win!

Final score:

Texans 34, Pats 27

Wooohoooo!!!!!

[TheMatrix31]

Thank the Good Lord!

GO RAIDERS! GO CHIEFS! GO BENGALS!

[Arky]

Excellent job, boys!

Foster = 20 carries for 119 yards. Awesome!

JJ making up for his drop. Awesome!

Texans never quitting. Awesome!

1st winning season. Awesome!

[bono]

I have to wonder if the Patriots didn't lay down in the end.

[NBT]

We might ought to consider keeping that Foster kid. Just kidding. The kid is going to be a good one.

[HPF Bob]

I have to wonder if the Patriots didn't lay down in the end.

I don't know if they laid down but I think Mario's rush which led to Pollard's pick convinced Bellichick not to use Brady for the final drive. I do know the Patriots were using few d-linemen in the fourth quarter which is part of the reason the running game perked up at the end.

But CONGRATS to the Texans for going 9-7 and forcing the hand of the other Wild Card hopefuls.

[Roy P]

We might ought to consider keeping that Foster kid. Just kidding. The kid is going to be a good one.

I liked what he showed in three games, but I don't know if we put all our eggs in his basket. It may prevent us from using higher than a 4th round pick on a RB in the draft, but I still think we will draft a RB.

[TheMatrix31]

Secondary, secondary, secondary, secondary, OL, K, RB.

[nunusguy]

Tremendous comeback ! Great Win !
9-7, our first winning season. Hey that's worth something.

[Roy P]

Secondary, secondary, secondary, secondary, OL, K, RB.

I'm curious about who may be available and who we will be replacing. Do we get an extra pick and trade Dunta or is it just a cut. While Dunta is a good player, he's not worth his contract. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Jacques Reeves and Fred Bennett seemed to take a step backwards. Antuan Molden has been an injury-prone player that we haven't been able to really assess. I love what Pollard has been able to do once we got him on the field, and I was pleasantly surprised by Glover Quinn. The question comes down to, can we draft a starting CB to replace Robinson, a FS to play instead of Barber/Busing, and a CB to eventually take over for Reeves? That would be hard to do in a single draft and expensive to do in Free Agency. Then there is the chaos that is the draft trying to guess who will be available when we pick who fits our system....

1. CB Patrick Robinson F.S.U.
2. FS Darrel Stuckey K.U.
3. OL Kyle Calloway Iowa
4. RB Ben Tate Auburn
5. CB Brian Jackson Oklahoma

[TheMatrix31]

I'm curious about who may be available and who we will be replacing. Do we get an extra pick and trade Dunta or is it just a cut. While Dunta is a good player, he's not worth his contract. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Jacques Reeves and Fred Bennett seemed to take a step backwards. Antuan Molden has been an injury-prone player that we haven't been able to really assess. I love what Pollard has been able to do once we got him on the field, and I was pleasantly surprised by Glover Quinn. The question comes down to, can we draft a starting CB to replace Robinson, a FS to play instead of Barber/Busing, and a CB to eventually take over for Reeves? That would be hard to do in a single draft and expensive to do in Free Agency. Then there is the chaos that is the draft trying to guess who will be available when we pick who fits our system....

1. CB Patrick Robinson F.S.U.
2. FS Darrel Stuckey K.U.
3. OL Kyle Calloway Iowa
4. RB Ben Tate Auburn
5. CB Brian Jackson Oklahoma

I don't know man.....I'm no college guy so I don't know those players but we have to do SOMETHING to shore up the secondary. It's been a PLAGUE for this team.

[HPF Bob]

Hey, we still have a chance on THIS season. Denver is losing by 10 to the Chiefs and the Ravens lead Oakland by only a point. Both games in the third quarter.

[Roy P]

Hey, we still have a chance on THIS season. Denver is losing by 10 to the Chiefs and the Ravens lead Oakland by only a point. Both games in the third quarter.

JaMarcus is now in the game after pulling Frye. My hopes have dwindled.

[Roy P]

Derrick Johnson doing his part to help the home team. INT for a TD against the Broncos north.

[Keith]

http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2010/20100103.html

Gotta like Derrick Johnson doing his best to be a Texan... :p

[HPF Bob]

Speaking of Longhorns, Jamaal Charles is killing the Broncos, too. 259 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Derrick Johnson, two pick sixes.

Color the Broncos done. However, the Ravens won so now it comes down to the Bengals beating the Jets and we're in. If the Jets win, we're out.