Official Texans vs. Falcons Fake Game Thread, 08/16/2014

[nunusguy]

Well that was fun, but here's my question: is it possible that Clowney will be even better than JJ ? On the basis of only brief appearances in 2 preseason games I'm certainly not making that prediction now, but I don't think any player the Texans have had to date has made a better impression this early in his career. And there's no question about his incredible natural ability, and it's entirely possible that he could have a better 2014 statistically (sacks & TFLs) than Watt, especially given that he's the weak-side edge rusher while JJ is primarily an interior DLineman (of course all lineman in this 3-4 are). So what about Watt's expectations of a monster contract if he's only the second best player on the defense ? Guess that's the kind of problems we would hope for.

[Keith]

I wouldn't worry about Watt. I think he is set for some long-term success and deserves to be paid as one of the best players in the league even if one day he becomes the 2nd best player on the defense.

Clowney reminds me a little of Jevon Kearse (although Clowney can lay a far better hit). When Kearse was at his athletic peak, he was devastating. Clowney is showing early success because his first step and his instincts are amazing. Hopefully he'll continue to develop beyond what Kearse did in his career.

To think that the rest of the decade could include both Watt and Clowney on this defense is pretty encouraging. Those are two cornerstones that could keep the defense at a high level for many, many years.

[Nconroe]

I just hope JJ and Jadeveon both have a successful and long , fairly paid, career in Houston. Both guys seem to be very easy going, fan friendly.

[Arky]

Thoughts on the game:

Much as I hate to say it, K Martin had a good showing last night. So far, he hasn't done anything to suggest he shouldn't make the team. Did well on his returns and as a receiver. I'm hoping he doesn't turn into the disappointing mediocre slug I've seen in the past when the real bullets start flying. One alternative could be....

Labhart. I thought he looked good in his opportunities. Nice little punt return. Shifty guy. I wasn't a fan initially but I am now. My other underdog favorite Lacoltan Bester, just hasn't had that many targets/opportunities, yet. Preseason game #4 might be the only time some of these guys get chances. Hoping one or both make it to (at least) the PS.

I thought DE Lawrence Sidbury looked good. Played hungry - like a guy looking for a job. His stats say he was a 4-year backup w/Atlanta. Didn't play last year (injury?) but had 4 sacks in 2011.

Fitz looked like a different person this week. And I think Keenum is showing growth as a QB despite the INT. That INT could've had several outcomes so I can't fault the vertical throw (does Fitz have the arm to even attempt that?). Savage - still a work in progress. I keep waiting to see him show off that big arm. Based on this game, I would be comfortable with all three QB's on the 53.

There were a number of other players who had shining moments but Atlanta's depth might be worse than ours. The real test will be in the "dress rehearsal" against Denver on Saturday and to a lesser extent, the 49'ers the following Thursday.

[HPF Bob]

Kinda hard to believe this was the same team we saw in Phoenix. Are the Falcons that much worse than the Cardinals or was there a hell of a lot of coaching this week? Was it impressed on certain players that no jobs are guaranteed on a 2-14 team?

Interesting under-the-radar signing of Ronnie Brown and I sort of like it. He's no longer able to be a feature back but he's a versatile veteran that can go do a lot of good "little" things to help you win. He's a capable receiver and a solid blocker. I can see him seeing a lot of playing time on third downs.

The announcer noted that practically all our draft choices had good games - Clowney, Feidorewicz, Hal, etc. That FB from Auburn is dynamite. Of course, Nix did not play and I didn't see anything particularly good/bad about Sua-Filo. Savage was nothing special and I didn't really notice Pagan but I think this year's draft class has the potential to be the best draft class we've ever had.

The dress rehearsal game with Denver will go a long way to tell us what to expect this season. I think Manning will shred our secondary which seems the obvious weak link.

I would not be shocked at all if Blue is our starting tailback by season's end. He looks like that classic underused SEC running back that could be looked at as a steal down the road. Don't know yet how he is in pass receiving but if he can do that, he could be our next star back.

As for bringing in/out the QBs, it serves the backups no good if you only get to see them against the backups. We ought to see all three get some action against the 1st and 2nd teams. I though Keenum generally looked good and some of his bad throws were probably misreads from the young receivers. There's a spot for all three - at least for this year.

[barrett]

It wasn't just a case of ATL being much worse than ARI. If that was the case than ARI would not have had their defense taken apart by the Vikings. I think it was just a case of we were that bad last week.

Rookies did look very good, and I am with Bob that Blue looks like the starting RB of 2015 (if not sooner). He could seriously be a Priest Holmes/Willie Parker type. The truth is that low college miles is a plus not a minus in the NFL at the RB position. As long as the talent is there. I think Ronnie Brown is cut unless they have zero confidence that Foster will play.

Labhart looked good. Did anyone notice if he played on ST coverage? It very well could come down to that for WR 4 and 5 (assuming Posey is a lock, which I hope). Tuggle looked good too.

I think at QB we saw the best of Fitzpatrick. If he can be mediocre but also move the chains twice a game with his legs, then we can try to win 10-7 football games. They seem determined to protect Savage and only call screens and runs when he is in the game. Not a good sign, but I suppose we knew he was a project.

As for this being the best draft class ever, I think it would be hard to top 2006 (Mario, Demeco, OD, Winston, and David Anderson's String dance).

[Nconroe]

The OL did much better and they were resting Duane Brown and Chris Meyers?

And DL did pretty good even without JJ Watt playing any.

Special Teams did pretty good, blocking a punt, and a FG attempt, and scoring 7 points.

So in addition to JJ, brown. Myers atleast 12 others were Sitting out- Arian Foster, Johnathan Joseph, Shiloh Keo, Lonnie Ballentine, Elbert Mack, Brian Cushing, Conor Boffeli, Will Yeatman, Brandon Brooks, Andre Johnson, Mike Thomas and Louis Nix.

This next week Brandon Brooks is supposed to be back on the OL.

And Louis Nix returns for the DL. Hope we get to see what he can do pretty soon.

I'm hoping we get to see AJ, Foster and Cushing a series or two this week. But may not if they get enough workout during the week since have three weekday practices with Broncs.

Here's hoping we see a few less penalties this coming week.