What's next?

[Nconroe]

I suppose I could see Schottenheimer being next consultant to Mr. McNair.

Four more games first.

Then depends on the Owner-Players Union negotiations, which appear to be moving some
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-nfllabor

My guess is the changes will be minimal, maybe new secondary coach(s). Then if next year isn't more consistent, see the big changes.

[edo783]

Originally Posted by Nconroe

My guess is the changes will be minimal, maybe new secondary coach(s). Then if next year isn't more consistent, see the big changes.

Unless we lose out, that's about how I see it. New DC and DB coaches, then if it goes in the toilet again, it all gets blown up. Look for more activity in FA as they try and shore up in a much more "Win now or be fired" mode.

[chuck]

Watching the game tonight puts in sharper relief just how far the Texans have to go before they can seriously contemplate any sort of postseason run. The defenses of both teams are fast, aggressive, smart and violent. Unless you have an exceptional offense and special teams this is exactly the sort of defense you typically need to have any success in January and beyond.

Comparing tonight's defenses with the Texans is a profoundly depressing experience. There is almost nothing that you can parallel. It's exactly the way I felt years ago watching Carr and the other idiots under Capers play. I'd watch them and then watch a real team run their offense and it was like I was watching a totally different sport. There is absolutely no comparison you can make between those two defenses and the Texans' defense. The Texans have a LONG way to go.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by chuck

Watching the game tonight puts in sharper relief just how far the Texans have to go before they can seriously contemplate any sort of postseason run.

I'd trade Mario straight up in a heartbeat for Ngata.

[popanot]

What's next...?? Probably a total ass-whoppin by a real defense. Can't wait to see the awesome game plan our 'coaches' come up with to combat the Ravens D. I have a feeling it will be similar to the Cowpie and NYG games where it's the "Run for Your Life, 2-yard Pitch and Duck" plan.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

I'd trade Mario straight up in a heartbeat for Ngata.

Mario's a very good (if always injured) player, but you're right, there are a couple of guys out there that are plainly much better, much more disruptive and consistent than Mario is. Ngata's one of them. That guy is freaking all over the place just causing chaos wherever he goes. You NEVER watch a series and then wonder, Now, where the hell was Ngata? There are plenty of series throughout any given game where I find myself wondering, Where the hell is Mario?

[painekiller]

I would play some of the guys who have flashed but have not played, guys like Nolan. See what you have here. I would get Dickinson on the field to see if he is worth having. Why hasn't he been worked into the redzone package.

Molden would be given some quality snaps.

If these guys can not play then get draft better players. Casey should be played more, he has mismatch potential, and Daniels is gone after the season.

The results can not be any worse and you see what you have.

And along the Mario lines, shut him done and have the surgery to correct the problem, then he has a shot at being available again come training camp. Right now he is not he disruptive force you need when he is only 75%.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by painekiller

I would play some of the guys who have flashed but have not played, guys like Nolan. See what you have here. I would get Dickinson on the field to see if he is worth having. Why hasn't he been worked into the redzone package.

Molden would be given some quality snaps.

If these guys can not play then get draft better players. Casey should be played more, he has mismatch potential, and Daniels is gone after the season.

The results can not be any worse and you see what you have.

And along the Mario lines, shut him done and have the surgery to correct the problem, then he has a shot at being available again come training camp. Right now he is not he disruptive force you need when he is only 75%.

We should absolutely play the younger and/or relatively inexperienced guys the team wants to keep and develope once we are mathematically eliminated from playoff consideration , but you know Kubiak won't do that and instead will play every game to the very end with all of his top guys to maximize his W/L record.

[NBT]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

I'd trade Mario straight up in a heartbeat for Ngata.

If you were to trade Mario for Ngata straight up (and that will never happen), then you would have the middle covered and the outside become a problem. Better to hope that Fairly would be available in the Draft (again if there is to be one), and hope he would be there for us.

[Warren]

I thought this article has some interesting points, particularly this quote from an anonymous NFL executive:

"That's what would worry me if I inherited that roster — who are the leaders?" the exec said. "Andre Johnson is talented as could be, but he is not a vocal leader. (ORT) Eric Winston is a rah-rah, fake tough guy. Schaub does not inspire confidence. Foster is a different bird.

"Offensively it's lacking, and then you look at the defense without Ryans. Pollard got run off from Kansas City because he did not fit the culture. Mario (Williams) is a quiet, country kid. This is a tough game, a team game. If you don't have a strong locker room, you don't have a chance."

[chuck]

Originally Posted by Warren

I thought this article has some interesting points, particularly this quote from an anonymous NFL executive:

Excellent article, thanks.

I'm learning a number of things being able to watch a full slate of weekend games.

One, all the good defenses run the 3-4. Maybe they're on to something.

Two, all very good quarterbacks have the latitude to field general on the line of scrimmage. They change protections, change plays, all sorts of things. Maybe they're on to something.