The upcoming Titans game, 10/23/2011

Arky · #1 10-18-2011, 04:42 PM

The 3-3 Texans take to the road for the second straight week in a showdown with the Tennessee Titans to play for 1st place in the AFC South. Important game on many levels as it is not only a conference game but a division game that will bring a lot of plus or minuses in tie-break scenarios. Texans will probably be without receiver Andre Johnson who is still recovering from a hamstring/tendon procedure. The Texans are coming off a 29-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and the Titans are coming off their bye week.

The Titans are one of the surprising teams so far this year compiling a record of 3-2. They have a new coach (Mike Munchak) and a new QB (Matt Hasselbeck) and were not expected to be doing so well at this point in the season. They have victories over the Ravens, Broncos and Browns and losses to the Steelers and Jaguars. With WR Kenny Britt out, WR Nate Washington has become Hasselbeck's favorite receiver. Although camp-holdout RB Chris Johnson has had a mediocre year so far (83/250, 3.0 ypc), he cannot be overlooked.

TV = CBS (channel 11 local), 12 noon CST

Announcers = Marv Albert, Rich Gannon

Favorite = Titans by 3

"Come and listen to a story 'bout a man named Jed
Poor mountaineer barely kept his family fed
Then one day he was shooting for some food,
And up through the ground come a bubbling crude
(Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea)"

Fonz the Boss · #2 10-18-2011, 05:08 PM

Maybe they are throwing these AJ injury statements out there to mess with their defensive gameplan... Who knows but this game comes down to two things, if AJ plays we win... if he doesn't then we lose.

Nconroe · #3 10-18-2011, 06:01 PM

I think if our OL blocks well enough for Schaub to not feel hurried on passes and for RB to get decent carries, should do pretty good with or without AJ. Of course I expect Defense to get after it and keep Titans score pretty low.

HPF Bob · #4 10-18-2011, 06:45 PM

I think the key is stopping Chris Johnson, something the Texans don't do well in the losses but has done well in the wins.

In any case, once this game ends, the "easy season" begins and we can better assess if this club can win the division.

While going through the "bully stretch", we lost AJ and Mario. Losing Schaub would be the trifecta I didn't say this but I really wondered if the Ravens would take him out last week.

Protecting Schaub will be important but I thought they did a decent job through the air last week. If we can get off to a good start on the ground, the play action passes should open up.

nunusguy · #5 10-19-2011, 07:04 AM

In spite of whats happened in recent weeks (namely the Texans losing "winnable games" where expectations were high), I sense many Texans fans seem to have this underlying confidance that we will win this game against the Titans. Let me offer 2 caveats for those who might not be prepared for a possible big disappointment/letdown:
(1) The Titans QB led his 7-9 Seahawks to a win over the "visiting" defending Super Bowl champs, the NOLA Saints, in last years playoffs, (2) the "line" has the Titans favored by a FG, and it's correct in predicting the winning team far more often than not.

NBT · #6 10-19-2011, 02:46 PM

The running game is suffering because of the absence of our lead blocker par excellance, Vontae Leach, who we didn't bother to resign. Now teams are loading up on the defensive line and daring us to run. Thjen when it is second, or third and long, they are doubling OD and daring us to throw to either JJ or Walter, and they aren't even in AJ's league.

I predict this game with the Titans will be a very physical affair. One in which we are likely to lose some more players to the injured list. Never the less we need to win to keep our lead in our division. Especially we need to win in those last 10 minutes that we have been failing to do in all those "close" losses.

TheMatrix31 · #7 10-20-2011, 04:22 AM

Make sure Rob Bironas (yes) doesn't go off.

Make sure Chris Johnson continues to suck.

OL needs to block so Foster/Tate/Ward can run. If the run doesn't work early, abandon it and use the pass to set up the run. If you want the same effect as a run, then just turn them into Brian Westbrooks. Dumpoffs, screens, etc.

Use Mason and Walter more. Try to target OD more. He was blanketed against Baltimore. Dreesen would be nice, as would a healthy Casey.

Keep up the intensity on D. Reed, Watt, Barwin, this means you. Make Matt Hasselbeck humble. Hey Antonio Smith, don't do stupid shit. It's the only thing I ask of you.

And for the love of God, don't disappear for the second half.

If we don't win, Kubiak should be fired. Simple as that.

NBT · #8 10-20-2011, 01:37 PM

I am reluctantly beginning to agree with you. Only thing is I don't think I could stand to wait out the new coach getting his "own" troops in here. Another 3 years rebuilding? I hope not.

TheMatrix31 · #9 10-20-2011, 02:01 PM

I think we have enough pieces to be really good. Just need the mentality side of it down.

Wish we could just demote Kubiak to OC and get a motivator guy to be HC.

Really though, if Kubiak is fired at some point, then we need to find someone who will keep the same system and people in place. I don't think anyone can deny how awesome of a foundation for success we've built so far. Just need to work on depth (so losing a guy like Andre doesn't hurt "so" much) and game management stuff.

nunusguy · #10 10-20-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

Really though, if Kubiak is fired at some point, then we need to find someone who will keep the same system and people in place.

That would be Rick Dennison, the current OC. I'd be fine going straight ahead with him because he'd continue with the WCO, ZB schemes right thru the whole 9 yards because he's an old school guy from the Shanahan-Denver institution of pro football. But you know that wouldn't work.
McNair would have to go out and get a new coach with a name who would probably want to install his own system, both offensively and defensively.
That's why a new guy comes in. to shake up the status quo.
But on second thought, wonder if little Shanny would leave his old man in DC to become the Texans HC ?

TheMatrix31 · #11 10-20-2011, 06:30 PM

Not sure Baby Shanny has enough of that "oomph" we need at HC to change the mentality.

Maybe.

I'm not a terribly big fan of Dennison as OC. Seems like he's somewhat castrated the offense. More balanced, maybe, but I feel like our passing attack is not nearly as lethal with "him calling" the plays.

barrett · #12 10-20-2011, 07:06 PM

We have good players. Many of them would be effective in any system. The OL is probably the only offensive piece that would have to change dramatically with a new system. I actually think Schaub fits almost any other NFL system better than ours (with the possible exception of the decades out of date downfield attack in Oakland). We have one of the least mobile QBs in the NFL for the offensive system that calls for the most QB mobility. Ive never been able to figure that out.

As for our OL, I think moving Winston to RG and drafting an OT for either side would do most of the job of getting us to a non-zone group (Brown could definitely go to the right since he is a great run blocker). The truth is I wouldn't mind this even if Kubs stays. And probably a bigger center if it was any kind of power running game.

But the truth is that you could plug Schaub, Foster, AJ, and Daniels into any NFL system and it works.

As for our defense I would like to see the 34 remain long term regardless. we have great DEs for it and seem to be looking good at OLB and Cushing is fantastic in the middle so far.

nunusguy · #13 10-21-2011, 07:21 AM

Dang I hate to be the pessimist, but that's kinda my mood about Sundays game. If you'd have asked me before the Raiders game, "is the Raiders at home or the Titans there the more likely win", I'd have picked the Raiders game. Well there you have it, we lose the game I'd have thought the more likely win, so why feel positive about going to Nashville this weekend ?
Tenneesse is coming off of a bye, we are banged up real good, traveling, and you gotta think our confidence at this point is a bit wobbly ?
Man I sure hope I'm wrong about this, but it's starting to feel like the last couple seasons, i.e., deja vu all over again with Kubiak.

Joshua · #14 10-21-2011, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NBT

I am reluctantly beginning to agree with you. Only thing is I don't think I could stand to wait out the new coach getting his "own" troops in here. Another 3 years rebuilding? I hope not.

So, a Texans' blowout this weekend since the Titans have a new coach and are just beginning their 3 year rebuilding plan?

WMH · #15 10-21-2011, 11:01 AM

We are 1 game off the pace that we all kinda figured we would be. That is pretty much a fact. We were "in" all the games that we have lost, just came up a little short. We get teased into thinking we are invincible, and it grants utter disappointment when we fall short. It happens, likely in just about every market.

Our D is VASTLY improved, and I believe our O will come around, with (hopefully sooner than later) or without Andre. Being able to be competitive in the NFL is more than half the battle. We have a competitive team, and it is very likely that we will be "in" all of our remaining games.

To see some of this board jump ship this early in the season is a little concerning. I've always liked it here, as it has usually been a pretty good spot to intelligently chat about our beloved team. MUCH better than the team boards, where most can't spell Cover 2, LB blitzes are Greek, and they can't comprehend over the top help from a S. Whether or not we have success, I sure hope we can get back to that, I would sure hate to have work more......

My cup is still half full - 24-21 good guys

NBT · #16 10-21-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua

So, a Texans' blowout this weekend since the Titans have a new coach and are just beginning their 3 year rebuilding plan?

HUH! How the hell did you get that out of my post you quoted?
Talking about taking something out of context.

Nconroe · #17 10-21-2011, 01:55 PM

Come on, show a little confidence. We got this game.

Sure, frustated a little with Oakland game results, bad memories, but this is a way different team.

I'm thinking 35-14, Texans.

Fonz the Boss · #18 10-21-2011, 08:55 PM

No AJ confirmed and likely no JC either... By the time the final whistle blows we'll be 3-4.

barrett · #19 10-21-2011, 11:19 PM

Without AJ we are still better than the Titans. They are without Britt. No way does Aj being out equal a loss or an excuse. If we lose this game it is not because of AJ but because we wet the bed. The Titans are just not very good.

TheMatrix31 · #20 10-22-2011, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WMH

We are 1 game off the pace that we all kinda figured we would be. That is pretty much a fact. We were "in" all the games that we have lost, just came up a little short. We get teased into thinking we are invincible, and it grants utter disappointment when we fall short. It happens, likely in just about every market.

Our D is VASTLY improved, and I believe our O will come around, with (hopefully sooner than later) or without Andre. Being able to be competitive in the NFL is more than half the battle. We have a competitive team, and it is very likely that we will be "in" all of our remaining games.

To see some of this board jump ship this early in the season is a little concerning. I've always liked it here, as it has usually been a pretty good spot to intelligently chat about our beloved team. MUCH better than the team boards, where most can't spell Cover 2, LB blitzes are Greek, and they can't comprehend over the top help from a S. Whether or not we have success, I sure hope we can get back to that, I would sure hate to have work more......

My cup is still half full - 24-21 good guys

I agree. We're one game off the pace I thought we'd be on at this point, which is fine. You win some, you lose some. Just don't want to blow games the same way we've blown them in the past. That's the disconcerting part. Also the injuries scare the hell out of me.

At the very least, the training staff needs to get canned if we get one more BS injury like this.