Official Texans vs. Vikings Game Thread, 8/31/2009

[idymoe]

I replayed that run about 10 times last night in stop action. Mario was basically stood up at the los by one blocker. I'm not sure what "crashing inside" means. If he had penetrated outside the block, he would have been even more out of the play than he was. The right tackle basically had him sealed, and it appeared Mario was pretty content just to hold his position.

Let me back-track and set up the defense. The ball was on the right hashmark. Diles was up on the los on the strong side. (defensive right side). Ryans was in the middle of the hashmarks and Adibi was on the right hashmark, just about lined up with the center. The play was zone blocked to the strong side with the right tackle sealing Mario as I mentioned. Bennett was outside Mario. I don't know what the hell Bennett was doing. Once the play started, he took himself completely out by running right up into Mario's back. Weird. Adibi took himself out of the play by ignoring his gap responsibility and going with the flow to his right. It was an easy play for AD and was basically all over but the shoutin' about 4 yards beyond the los. McCain was lightly engaged by a wide receiver, but AD is so fast, I'm not sure he could have made the play in that much space even if he was unblocked.

Adibi has to take most of the blame. Mario did nothing on the play. If Bennett has contain responsibilities, then Mario should be sliding over to help fill that gap. Bennett might as well not even have been on the field. Maybe what Mario did or didn't do confused him. Those three were the culprits.

[idymoe]

In an earlier post, I wrote that Barwin caused McKinney to have to tackle him, resulting in a holding penalty. Upon further review, it was 93, not 98, so Bulman had the strong rush from RE.

Also, I watched the 1st half again last night and was looking for Molden. I found him on that last series before the half. I thought he did reall well in run support and also had good coverage of his man. He took out McKinney on a sweep to his side, which allowed pursuit to catch up to the play and keep the gain small. He was also in on another tackle or two. He did let Rice make a nice move over the middle for a reception. That was the one that McCain had the big hit on.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by idymoe

I replayed that run about 10 times last night in stop action. Mario was basically stood up at the los by one blocker. I'm not sure what "crashing inside" means. If he had penetrated outside the block, he would have been even more out of the play than he was. The right tackle basically had him sealed, and it appeared Mario was pretty content just to hold his position. Your likely correct in that assessment, Mario would have outside contain

Let me back-track and set up the defense. The ball was on the right hashmark. Diles was up on the los on the strong side. (defensive right side). Ryans was in the middle of the hashmarks and Adibi was on the right hashmark, just about lined up with the center. The play was zone blocked to the strong side with the right tackle sealing Mario as I mentioned. Bennett was outside Mario. I don't know what the hell Bennett was doing. Once the play started, he took himself completely out by running right up into Mario's back. Weird. Adibi took himself out of the play by ignoring his gap responsibility and going with the flow to his right. It was an easy play for AD and was basically all over but the shoutin' about 4 yards beyond the los. McCain was lightly engaged by a wide receiver, but AD is so fast, I'm not sure he could have made the play in that much space even if he was unblocked.

Adibi has to take most of the blame.In this defense the LBs have to fill the holes and not get blocked, Adibi is continuing a problem we have had since Kubiak got here, out OLBs have sucked and we need to upgrade the play of the younger LBs. Mario did nothing on the play. If Bennett has contain responsibilities, then Mario should be sliding over to help fill that gap. Bennett might as well not even have been on the field. Maybe what Mario did or didn't do confused him. Those three were the culprits.

Over pursuit is as bad in the NFL as under pursuit

[idymoe]

Here is a post-game quote by Kubiak. " But the bottom line, we made the same mistake on the backside of the play and how we insert on the play from a defensive end and corner standpoint." If Mario had contain on the play, then Bennett went as brain-dead as anyone I've ever seen. He literally ran right up into Mario's back for no apparent reason. It wouldn't surprise me if Mario was supposed to slide over into the gap and Bennett had contain. Bennett would have to loop around Mario to fill.

[papabear]

I have no idea what Mario's responsibility on that play was. That being said if the LB's are clean the defensive line did at least an OK job regardless of what their responsibilities are, and the LB's should be expected to make that play...or at least put up a little resistance.

[idymoe]

Adibi ran himself out of the play. If he stays home, he's cleaner than a broke-dick dog.

[coloradodude]

Originally Posted by idymoe

The right tackle basically had him sealed, and it appeared Mario was pretty content just to hold his position.

And my comment was not even about the first play because the LB's were responsible for making that tackle, not to mention a safety.

This quote does though sum up my feelings about Mario's play when it comes to the run. He excels at getting to the QB when he's told to go...and he better because he sucks at the run.

Another poster mentioned that the Texans lack a mean streak which I agree with. That starts with Mario. Reminds me of one of those 180 lb Rottweiler's that anyone can walk up to and pet. Sure he'll get his 10 to 14 sacks this year but I don't anticipate many double team situations on him.

Teams will have to account for Barwin though. He's coming every single play. And because of that, people are gonna think Mario is the best thing since sliced bread.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by coloradodude

Teams will have to account for Barwin though. He's coming every single play. And because of that, people are gonna think Mario is the best thing since sliced bread.

I have no problem holding the stars to a higher level, but saying Mario sucks against the run and then pimping Barwin makes no sense at all. Barwin has a great motor, but he's getting taken out of the play on the run pretty often. I think he's going to be very good, but he's still got to prove it...and he has a lot of work to do first.

I'm not saying Mario doesn't make mistakes against the run. He does. He clearly said "my bad" after one run play, but saying he sucks is taking it way too far in my opinion. I think some of Mario's problem is he feels like he has to do everything instead of just taking care of his own stuff. Barwin could help change that. Compared to other elite pass rushers Mario is better than most against the run.

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by papabear

I have no problem holding the stars to a higher level, but saying Mario sucks against the run and then pimping Barwin makes no sense at all. Barwin has a great motor, but he's getting taken out of the play on the run pretty often. I think he's going to be very good, but he's still got to prove it...and he has a lot of work to do first.

I'm not saying Mario doesn't make mistakes against the run. He does. He clearly said "my bad" after one run play, but saying he sucks is taking it way too far in my opinion. I think some of Mario's problem is he feels like he has to do everything instead of just taking care of his own stuff. Barwin could help change that. Compared to other elite pass rushers Mario is better than most against the run.

I'm sure some habits developed with Mario since he was literally the only player on the team that could provide pressure. As this season continues and other guys prove to be playmakers, I don't doubt we will see Mario play more disciplined against the run.

Regarding the Mario to Barwin comparison, certainly Mario is the better player. But, it is clear that Barwin has an intensity, motor, and tenacity that is very rare. Barring injury, that guy is going to be a special player and there are about 50 guys on the team that could learn a few things watching that guy play. He and Demeco are at the ball every single play, regardless of where the play goes... His backside pursuit is something we've never had here.