Official Texans vs. Vikings Game Thread, 12/23/2012

[chuck]

Originally Posted by barrett

We are rarely attempting to throw the ball deep, we have almost stopped running the bootleg, and have completely stopped the bootleg throwback. Kubiak has gone into ultimate "no chances/play not to lose/conservative mode" and the execution has not been there to convert the 3rd downs (or make the early downs work).

I'm completely puzzled by this. It's like Kubiak feels like since he's got the division wrapped up he doesn't want to show future opponents anything. I have to hold out for the idea (stupid though it may be) that he's gone back to pre-season mode on offense so that they can 'surprise' people in the playoffs. Otherwise we're all going to have to conclude that he's lost his mind.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by chuck

I'm completely puzzled by this. It's like Kubiak feels like since he's got the division wrapped up he doesn't want to show future opponents anything.

I had this same thought, but that makes no sense, does it?

[HPF Bob]

It made sense against Indy and New England because we were apt to see them again. It makes no sense against Minnesota because it wouldn't matter what they saw against us. There is the thought of keeping something off future game films but, otherwise, why would they ever run some of the plays? It's usually only trick plays that you keep off of film.

[barrett]

There is nothing left to hide with this offense. Everyone in the NFL is familiar with the principals since it has been continuously used since the mid 80s. None of our players are a suprise either. I can't come up with any other reason why we're calling plays like this, but it still blows my mind that we all of a sudden stopped doing all of the things that worked so well. Especially since we built the whole offense around the bootleg and none of the pieces are really equipped to excel in a drop back offense or in a power running scheme. We have to create run/pass confusion or we are not very good.

[chuck]

It's as if Kubiak doesn't understand his own offense, doesn't understand the strengths and weaknesses of his own team.

[popanot]

The reason the Texans offense is struggling is because Kubliak is a conservative idiot and the players are slow and plodding. This offense plays at a slower pace and speed than any of the top-to-average offenses in the league. It's amazing to me how slow this team looks. Add slow skill players, spotty OL play and a QB that can't carry the team, you get an offense that can't match up against a physical, fast defense.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by popanot

The reason the Texans offense is struggling is because Kubliak is a conservative idiot and the players are slow and plodding. This offense plays at a slower pace and speed than any of the top-to-average offenses in the league. It's amazing to me how slow this team looks. Add slow skill players, spotty OL play and a QB that can't carry the team, you get an offense that can't match up against a physical, fast defense.

And it's so weird what we're seeing now compared with earlier in the year. Remember when the team played far more up-tempo? The first six or eight games the team would occasionally or even often employ what they called a sugar huddle. Our complaint back then was that the team would come out red hot and score two or three times before the opponent had had a chance to figure out what the hell was going on and then Kubiak would take his foot off the pedal. Little did we know we'd end up longing for those days.