Three And Out: Useless Predictions For Sunday's Game

by Tim on Sep 26, 2008 3:29 PM CDT in News Comment 4 comments

I'd like to thank SOLIS for ably filling in for me last week when I was battling the Gulf Coast's return to medieval times. That whole no-electricity thing made me feel like a freaking serf without a lord, and I have the utmost sympathy for the approximately 19% of my neighbors who are still without power today. I'm keeping a good thought for all of you, and I hope the lights come on as quickly as possible.

Not coincidentially, that's the same wish I have for your Houston Texans. After the abominations that were visited upon us in Pittsburgh and Nashville, it's high time that Kubes & Co. give us something to believe in. Hell, I'm not even demanding a win. I just want a football team to show up on Sunday to play the Jags. That's not too much to ask, I don't think. Enough of my whining...three (3) things that will happen on Sunday afternoon:

1. Matt Schaub will look like a professional QB. I'm not saying he's going to channel his inner Tom Brady and throw for 300 yards, but I do believe that we'll all be breathing a bit easier come Sunday night. I'm calling 247 yards through the air with two (2) TDs (one of which will be caught by Andre Johnson) and one (1) INT. That's reasonable, isn't it?

2. The pass rush is still going to stink, despite the battered state of Jacksonville's offensive line. I'd love to be able to excitedly call for an Okoye sack, but he's looked more like Anthony Weaver than Super Mario. Look for David Garrard to get hassled a time or three (3) by "The Biggest Bust In the History of Mankind," yet for Garrard to have ample time throughout most of the game to pick apart a Houston secondary ripe for exploitation. I'll be bold and predict that Fred Bennett snags his first INT of the season, though I think that will be the lone bright spot defending the pass all afternoon.

3. Looking for a ray of light? Steve Slaton will be one. I don't see 100 yards on the ground in his future; instead, let's say he accounts for 100 total yards (71 on the ground and a few receptions for 29 via the air).

PUT YOUR NAME ON IT: Man, I'd love to predict a Houston victory. After the first two (2) games of the season, however, that would merit commitment to a mental hospital. The Texans have looked really bad on balance thus far, and that's the state of the union until further notice. I see a friskier effort that makes us feel better; unfortunately, I also see another loss. Texans 20, Jags 27.

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state of the texans

I think you’re spot on that we’re not where we need to be.

The best thing about our situation is Jax and Indy both have the same number as us in the all important loss column. The next two weeks will define our season. If we go 0-2 how can we possibly have hope as an 0-4 team 0-3 in the South? On the other hand…

I think Slaton’s great week helps slow the rush simply because he’s a threat that they need to keep an eye on. This, coupled with Jax’s weak front four and I think Schaub will finally be comfortable. Now we just need Shanahan to make a tremendous leap in the play calling, and we may score > 20 pts.

If all that happens, we may very well win this game.

Healthy and Turnover free 2008-09, and we win 11!

by texanphil on Sep 27, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I may be wrong but it appears to me that Kubiak is calling the plays

What he needs to do is allow the OC to be the OC, go upstairs to get the proper view of the action, and send plays to Kubiak. If Kubiak wants to change the play, then that is his perogative. I don’t like seeing Shanny standing next to Kubes clutching a clipboard. Makes him look about as useless as Dom Capers. I really hope there is at least one offensive coach upstairs seeing what is going on. Gibbs (I assume) has to be on the sideline coaching up the linemen between series. There’s your 3 top offensive coaches all on the sideline. That leaves John Benton – OL Coach, Chick Harris – RB’s, Larry Kirksey – WR’s, Brian Pariani – TE’s, and some assistants. Who the heck is upstairs? I would like to know. Any help anyone?

As far as the game tomorrow. Jags are clearly not the team they were at the end of last year. Texans cannot let this opportunity to beat a team when they are hurting. Texans win 23 – 20 and give everyone a reason to come out and get a little crazy next Sunday vs the Colts.

GO TEXANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by oiler-texan diehard on Sep 27, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coaches' Whereabouts

I can confirm that Gibbs was definitely on the sidelines last week. And I agree—K. Shanahan should be in the booth. Having him shadow Kubes during the game would seem to rob the team of the “eyes in the sky” nearly every other OC uses.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Sep 27, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I, like many other kool-aid guzzlers, have effusively showered Smithiak with praise

but if I find out that we do not have one offensive coach in the booth relaying information to the sideline, then I will have to rethink my position. I know I have seen Kubes going over photos, but post facto still frame analysis is not nearly as important as having one of your most trusted offensive strategists upstairs. This is right out of football 101. I do not have the patience or wherewithall to research how many NFL or BCS conference teams call plays strictly from the sideline. Maybe marroncito could work on that. My guess is Zero, unless we’re the only one.

Can anyone on the BRB staff inquire as to how the Texans go about gameday playcalling? This doesn’t sound like proprietary information, and considering the number of questionable play calls during the 1st 2 games, I think this topic is worthy of investigation.

Actually I’d much rather have a few wins so we could forget about dissecting the negatives. Let’s start that tomorrow and I’ll shut up about the play calling strategy.

GO TEXANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by oiler-texan diehard on Sep 27, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs