Rumors

[chuck]

Originally Posted by Arky

McClain (if you believe him)

You'd be an idiot to believe anything he says.

Originally Posted by barrett

He would never report anything the Texans didn't want reported because his employment depends on access.

It shouldn't be like this. Despite being an idiot he has, as BOB would say, a lot of juice. Before the Texans came along to ruin all of our lives Pancakes was the NFL reporter for what passes as the local newspaper. And unless I am very mistaken for the first few years of the Texans' existence he was not in fact the beat reporter; he remained the NFL at-large guy. Then the paper reigned him in, or, possibly, demoted him, and he became a Texans beat reporter.

It pains me to say it but he knows something about football and his rolodex is incredibly impressive. If he wanted to he could be a real journalist and maintain his access to the team. Plenty of real journalists push back against the people and entities they cover and find themselves continuing to cover their beat well. But, of course, he doesn't want to, and the media culture in Houston is such that consumers do not demand it.

This is not a chuck-Bob spat, though. I mean, sure, I dangled a worm and he took the bait. Big deal. It's easy to make him dance, especially after all these years. (He did call me a bigot. That was cool. Getting called a bigot by Bob makes me tingly all over.) As Arky points out this story is everywhere. And whatever our differences Bob and I aren't even disagreeing about the main points in the story line, at least not as far as I can tell. As barrett mentioned, the central thrusts of Bob's narratives can be challenging to unpack.

But you have to admit, this is fun, right? (It reminds me of the 1993 Oilers in a way. Team Turmoil. Of course the '93 Oilers had a quarterback.) The Texans are lining up for the firing squad. We all know it. If they get by Oakland (and if they don't that will be hilarious and the aftermath great fun to witness) they will be summarily executed by New England. My guess is that Belichick will show no mercy at all. And none will be warranted. At least now we have something entertaining to talk about. And it might even be real.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by chuck

You'd be an idiot to believe anything he says.

Oh, come on. He at least has the broke clock thing working for him. I think he and I are about the same age and when he starts rambling about childhood, sports, growing up in Texas in 60's and the names he drops, I know exactly what he is talking about. Difference was, I grew up in Houston (Oiler fan), he grew up in Waco (Cowboy fan). I think I've heard and read him enough to know when he's BS'ing and when he's not.

It shouldn't be like this. Despite being an idiot he has, as BOB would say, a lot of juice. Before the Texans came along to ruin all of our lives Pancakes was the NFL reporter for what passes as the local newspaper. And unless I am very mistaken for the first few years of the Texans' existence he was not in fact the beat reporter; he remained the NFL at-large guy. Then the paper reigned him in, or, possibly, demoted him, and he became a Texans beat reporter..

Yep, started out as the Houston Aeros reporter in the 70s then, (foot firmly in door), moved on to Oiler coverage. When the Oilers left, he became the NFL guy. I believe it was Chronicle cutbacks and the arrival of the Texans that grounded him (no more flying around the country every weekend for you, meester).

............
But you have to admit, this is fun, right? (It reminds me of the 1993 Oilers in a way. Team Turmoil. Of course the '93 Oilers had a quarterback.) The Texans are lining up for the firing squad. We all know it. If they get by Oakland (and if they don't that will be hilarious and the aftermath great fun to witness) they will be summarily executed by New England. My guess is that Belichick will show no mercy at all. And none will be warranted. At least now we have something entertaining to talk about. And it might even be real.

No kiddin', I started to bring that up earlier in the thread. That there have been a few teams in the history of sports that are outwardly a wreck, that go out and win despite all the obstacles. The Billy Martin Yankees come to mind, the Chuck Finley A's.....there' more.... Could our boys finally be showing some personality and identity? Might be too late..... Today's athletes are programmed behind the scenes (hello, Hard Knocks) and don't really talk to the media the way they use to.....

Should the Texans get by Oakland, there only hope (1% chance?) against New England is that defense. I'd like to see them cover the spread, at least - but yep, it might be a slaughter. Obviously, they've got to get by Oakland, first...

[HPF Bob]

Far lesser teams have succeeded using the "us against the world" mantra to pull off the unthinkable. There could be some method behind all this madness.

Oh, and just for you, Chuckster, a clip of Big Enos and Little Enos. This is what I imagine you think all Texas businessmen are like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIgGZA4qQoc

I can just see them now offering a contract to Osweiler. "What you need is a REAL challenge!"

[nunusguy]

A surprising new name has been added to the Rams’ coaching wish list: Mike Vrabel.
Vrabel, the Texans’ linebackers coach, will interview with the Rams next week, Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reports.
Vrabel is best known to football fans for his 14-year career as a linebacker for the Steelers, Patriots and Chiefs. After retiring as a player he spent three years on the coaching staff at Ohio State, and then spent the last three years on the Texans’ staff.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ching-vacancy/