Official Texans vs. Redskins Game Thread, 9/7/2014

[HPF Bob]

It was a great to get a win, particularly in O'Brien's debut. But we beat a dysfunctional team that was barely better than us last year.

Fitzpatrick is like the Scott Feldman of NFL quarterbacks. He's a .500 pitcher that is largely a game manager not a game winner. But we knew that. He's good enough to beat the teams in the NFC East and the AFC South (excluding Indianapolis) and a couple others but he'll be overmatched when we play good teams.

For right now, that's okay. When the surrounding cast gets better, we're going to want a better QB. Mallett? Savage? Not sure about either one but Fitz will at least keep 2014 manageable.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Fitzpatrick is like the Scott Feldman of NFL quarterbacks. He's a .500 pitcher that is largely a game manager not a game winner. But we knew that. He's good enough to beat the teams in the NFC East and the AFC South (excluding Indianapolis) and a couple others but he'll be overmatched when we play good teams.

Agreed, but what is fascinating is how poor the Texans 2014 opponents seem to be as a group, especially now after week 1 in how overrated the NFC East seems to be, I mean they're more-than-normal overrated this season. There's maybe a bit of a tough stretch in October-ish schedule for the Texans, but there's nine wins on this slate for a team that has no business winning even six.

Believe me, I am not getting over-excited after a 1-0 start over a 3-14 team... the two touchdowns the Texans scored (the punt block and the one deep ball to Hopkins) could be chalked up to flukes. Take away those two plays and maybe the team loses 6-3, ick.

But this team has a run game and a defense, and maybe some hope for a positive turnover margin. And teams have done good things when it has those three things in its favor.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

It was a great to get a win, particularly in O'Brien's debut. But we beat a dysfunctional team that was barely better than us last year.

Fitzpatrick is like the Scott Feldman of NFL quarterbacks. He's a .500 pitcher that is largely a game manager not a game winner. But we knew that. He's good enough to beat the teams in the NFC East and the AFC South (excluding Indianapolis) and a couple others but he'll be overmatched when we play good teams.

For right now, that's okay. When the surrounding cast gets better, we're going to want a better QB. Mallett? Savage? Not sure about either one but Fitz will at least keep 2014 manageable.

Actually, Fitzpatrick is the opposite of a game manager. He is a high turnover risk taker. He makes plays with his legs and he'll try to put the ball in places his arm can't make happen. He is a homeless man's Brett Favre more than he is a game manager. He has never managed games for anyone.

But I agree 100% with your 2nd paragraph.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by Keith

Agreed, but what is fascinating is how poor the Texans 2014 opponents seem to be as a group, especially now after week 1 in how overrated the NFC East seems to be, I mean they're more-than-normal overrated this season. There's maybe a bit of a tough stretch in October-ish schedule for the Texans, but there's nine wins on this slate for a team that has no business winning even six.

Believe me, I am not getting over-excited after a 1-0 start over a 3-14 team... the two touchdowns the Texans scored (the punt block and the one deep ball to Hopkins) could be chalked up to flukes. Take away those two plays and maybe the team loses 6-3, ick.

But this team has a run game and a defense, and maybe some hope for a positive turnover margin. And teams have done good things when it has those three things in its favor.

Yep, yep. The ball really bounced in our favor (for a change) on Sunday. But I'm glad to put that losing streak to rest, so I'll take it.

I think what we're seeing right now is an evolving team. While the defense looked pretty sharp, they're probably a long ways away from being fined tuned. At this stage, I think you could see a real stinker from them (I'm looking at you secondary) or they might play adequate to good.

The passing offense just looks scrappy at this point. No rhythm. I would like to see Arian not take so much of the load in the run game..... Let some of the other guys have a few carries....

If they go up to Oakland and win that one to go 2-0, I'll have to check myself from thinking ahead too much. As always, the critical games will be against our fellow AFC South opponents.

[Arky]

Video: O'Brien mic'ed up during the Redskin game