Texans Down The Cardiac Cats
Having everything to prove to themselves and the league, the Texans went to Cincy with an agenda.
From Matt Schaub showing his ability to lead his team to victory to Brian Cushing proving he was the best USC linebacker taken in the draft, the Texans met their objectives. The boys in Liberty White went to Ohio, and when it was all over, they left with nearly everything being crossed off their list.
Super Steve
I've been high on Steve Slaton from the moment he was drafted and my interview with John Antontik solidified my expectations. Even though it took Steve a few weeks to get going last season, he didn't disappoint. By year's end, he held the rookie rushing title (1,282), and captivated the hopes of the Texans faithful.
In his sophomore year, with the weight of expectation (and 10 lbs. of added bulk), Steve has undoubtedly struggled. Sunday, he did his best to change all of that. Even though his rushing yards from scrimmage were forgettable (19 carries for 43 yards), he did show flashes of a rookie rushing leader. He slipped tackles, moved piles, and most importantly, was a viable option underneath and in the flat. He took six receptions and turned them into 103 yards and six points.
I won't be convinced that we've solved our woes at running back until Steve can actually run the ball from scrimmage. That being said, I still have the utmost confidence in Slaton's abilities, and think that he is poised to break out of his sophomore slump.
Matt Schaub
When a team lets a couple of games get away in the final minutes, the quarterback is going to take a brunt of the criticism - and rightly so. But you can't put the lack of a short yardage back squarely on Matt's shoulders. Fact of the matter is that Matt Schaub has put his team in a position to win in two of the three games the Texans have lost.
However, ifs and buts don't win football games. What wins football games is a quarterback who can make smart decisions with the ball and keep his team moving down field. That is exactly what Matt did on Sunday. With four touchdowns and 392 yards, Matt played one of the best games of his career. He threw the ball away when he was pressured and checked down when it was necessary. Any Texans fan worth is salt can recognize the growth in Matt Schaub.
When Matt became the "new #8," he had a bad habit of forcing plays. Now in his third season as the Texans QB, he looks like he's finally learned to avoid the sack - and the ill-advised throw. His ability to avoid pressure, roll out of trouble, and when necessary, throw it to the sideline has certainly been key to being the league's leading passer (at present). [With Big Ben's 417 yards, Matt had since dropped to second on the list - Solis]
Take away the interception before the half, and Schaub's performance on Sunday would have been perfect. But Matt is not perfect. As Texans fans, we have should have come to accept that, but I think we can all agree he is pretty damn good. Sunday he made his case to all those concerned.
Texans Secondary
Can't talk about their success without mentioning Jacques Reeves. He was present on a couple of drive-stopping plays and was a reliable defensive presence. The fact that most of the plays were in front of him helped keep his eyes on the ball, but that's neither here nor there. Why take it away--Frenchy played well.
Dunta Dunta Dunta. Once the most popular player on the Texans, hands down. Now he's been relegated to a punchline/whipping boy. Now, personally, I still like Dunta, and believe he's still working off the rust from both the injury and the missed offseason. I know he comes across like a spoiled brat, but dude is tryin' to make his money. I can't fault him for that. If I'm alone in his cheering section, then I'm alone.
Anyway - Sunday, he played pretty well. Dunta kept Chad-O at bay by making a tremendous play on the ball and a touchdown-saving tackle in the second quarter. Sure, the Bengals' 85 went 100+ on the day, but a chunk of those yards came when the Texans went '93 Oilers in the fourth quarter. Dunta was a big reason Ocho Cinco didn't have any Seis point celebrations.
Brian Cushing
Speaking of holdouts... here's a kid who is showing up on the stat sheet week in and week out. In a showcase showdown with his former USC teammate, Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing made his case for being the best 'backer taken in the 2009 draft. Sunday, the rookie's stats were gaudy. Cushing finished the day with nine tackles, two forced fumbles, two passes defended, and one game-clinching interception. The kid is the real deal and is only going to get better. Sorry Rey, Brian is the better linebacker - by far.
What's Left to Prove
The Texans, with six games in the books, are an even 3-3. Reverse a couple of tough losses and the Texans are looking at their most promising start ever. Take away the drumming at the hands of the Jets, and the Texans have been in position to win every game.
I think the Texans have proved that they can play with the good teams; they just have to prove that they can beat the good teams. Taking out a Cincy squad that's only lost one game (on the flukiest play I've ever seen), on their home turf, goes a long way to show that the Texans aren't going away.
Not quietly, at least.
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not alone.
but in the minority. i still <3 dunta!!!! i thought he played a pretty good game. #80 made big plays, but Dunta kept him scoreless, and made some big hits.
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by chrisd21 on Oct 18, 2009 6:29 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Congrats to the Texans - nice game
And how about “The Peoples Elbow” being delivered to the sagging Tits. If you want a glorious experience in schadenfreud, go over to their site – it’s a riot (and I mean that in more ways than one).
Enjoy!
Neeed not worry about the Titans
They may have alot of trouble getting any victories this season.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
The Flavour of the Day is Turf. - Courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars
Keeper of the "That's what she said"
It is hilarious over there.
Makes me wish I wasn’t banned so I could join in.
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Happy Now Tits?
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On Vacation and missed the game
Thanks for the recap! Sounds like I’m in for a treat when I fire up the DVR.
Also saw the Titans lost a nail-biter… sweet!
I agree with your assessment of Dunta still on the comeback
I think he played his best game of the season today even though ochocinco had 100+ yards on him. I saw many plays from Dunta that reminded me of his old self. The run stopping tackles at the line of scrimmage when he comes flying in like a torpedo at the runners knees and that crushing blow right before Cush’s INT. Dunta did get beat and had a couple pass interference calls on him i believe (i know it was atleast 1) but he looks like he’s getting his speed, instincts, and confidence back from all his time off the field.
On another note…how bout the second half defense. Three(3) 3 and outs and 3 forced turnovers on the Bengals’ 6 second half possessions. IMO thats the best half of defense EVER played by the Texans (and the first half wasnt too bad either)
I think our best defensive preformance
was back in Pittsburg, when we won a game. Even though the offense put up negative yardage totals for the game. Think Glenn returned two picks for touchdowns.
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Dunta
Sorry, but he still looked like shit for 80-90% of the snaps today. The only reason he made a TD saving tackle is because he got beat like he stole something on that play. If his finger doesn’t hook 85’s shoelace, then he would have been burned for the TD. So forgive me if I don’t applaud his tackle on that play.
by Shake on Oct 18, 2009 7:04 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Didn't get beat, his man was a curl route
IIRC… his assignment was a short zone and he recovered on the play
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Agree to Disagree?
I never saw Dunta even hint at turning 85 over to a Safety up top. He was with him the entire route. And when I say “with him”, I mean that he was 5 steps behind and it would have been a TD if 85 doesn’t have to slow down for a slightly underthrown ball.
But I will give Dunta credit for the hit he laid on that crossing route in the 4th quarter. It just seems odd to pay $625k per game to get only 1-2 Dunta-of-old plays.
Also, it’s good to see that you’re not dead Solis. Even if it means I lost a bet.
I saw the same, for what it's worth.
Also, agree that it’s very good to see Solis back. Salutations, sir.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Shake and Beef
Two of the best when it comes to Texans banter… Glad to see yall are still alive too.
I rewatched that play (sober) and it did look like Dunta lost containment, but it didn’t help that Wilson didn’t provide any safety support whatsoever. In anycase, I still stand by my assertion that Dunta was a big reason that Palmer didn’t go Brady on our secondary.
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Sorry I can''t stay
Making some popcorn and going to enjoy whats going on at Music City Miracles.
Gimme some sack lunch
not a dime
That sorry bum Dunta ain’t worth a dime much less 23 million gaurenteed. Give some of that money to Casey Hampton this offseason.
Rumplestiltskin
Nice recap Solis
I am so glad that I was dead wrong about Brian Cushing. The rap on him was his tight hips that hept him from being effective at dropping into pass coverage. Really? Two passes defended and an INT would say otherwise. This kid has sprung onto the scene as well as he possibly could have. Meco and Mario, meet the third of the troika of defensive leaders. Cush is playing fantastic football.
It took the Astros 44 years to get to the Series, the Oilers-Texans are due to get to the big dance...Go Texans!!!!!
by oiler-texan diehard on Oct 18, 2009 7:33 PM CDT reply actions
I liked our approach to this game. Just the right mix of passing and rushing. Looks like Kubiak is catching on that this team is a passing team and not trying to force the run. He’s making great use of the personnel he has.
The big reason Slaton got all those yardage is they’re using him to his strengths. He’s great using screens. Might as well classify some of those ‘passing yards’ as rushing yards lol.
Cushing
So now what do you all think about Cushing in coverage? That and his durability was everybody’s biggest negative on him coming into the season.
He said this about his interception: “I was on backside trips. I knew they like throwing the deep-over route. They had been throwing a lot of checkdowns. They needed a big play. I was able to cheat, read Carson’s eyes and make an interception.”
This guy is starting to become a fan favorite, if not already one.
Pollard
no mention of the Bone Crusher?!
Frenchy and Pollard are the two reasons our last 3 games have been huge defensive juggernauts compared to our first 3 games.
Great game dudes! Our offense rocks.
wtf is up with Kris Brown?
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
biggest headline in houston this weekend?
TIT starting QB passing line:
2-12 for -7 yds.
karma?
yes karma.
after that asswhuppin/beatdown/teabagg deluxe….. bud should be sendin ALL that oiler gear back to houston on the first train smokin’.
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by chrisd21 on Oct 18, 2009 8:45 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
hate to shit on the parade...
but where the hell is Mario? I love the guy…but 6 games in and 2 sacks (which btw came against teams with a combined 2 wins). And he didn’t really look like he got close to Palmer today. Makes you wonder how bad that shoulder really is b/c he seems to be doing a lot of titty dancing and not really flying around like we’ve seen him do in the past. Peyton is going to rip us for about 800 passing yds this year if the pass rush doesn’t get better w/o having to blitz constantly.
Mario looks just as quick to me, I think the problem is the defensive scheme change. What I mean is now that we do ALOT of linebacker blitzes, the opposing offenses are countering this with lots of short passes. If you notice, we really dont get beat deep much, and you dont see opposing QBs taking shots down field. Because of this the QBs are getting the ball out very quickly, which means no time for Mario to get to him.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
Yeah, the sack numbers are down
…and honestly I do think he could be playing better.
But he has been DOMINANT against the run.
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Oct 18, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Sacks dont tell the whole story for d-lineman
Yeah he has 2 sacks, but he had 12 QB Pressures coming into todays game (4th in the league among DE’s) and 9 QB Hits (1st in the league). Those stats show that Mario is still getting to the QB and affecting the game even if he isnt getting the sacks. Also, like HoustonDiehards said:
he has been DOMINANT against the run.
by TexasHoosier on Oct 18, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
agree totally that he's probably the best DE in the league against the run
but that’s not what the Texans are shelling out the big bucks for. Also agree that sacks aren’t the whole story…pressures and hits are nice, but elite DE’s are expected to put the QB on his ass with more regularity than we’ve seen from Mario this year. I also don’t understand why he’s in his 4th year and still doesn’t really have any pass rushing moves to speak of. He seems to rely solely on his speed to beat the OT to a point in space, and if he gets beat to that point by the OT, he doesn’t seem to have any sort of counter move. Which I think speaks to piss poor coaching.
clearly I misspoke
But I’d also like to call into question the validity of the QB pressure / hits stats. Seems to me like keeping stats for almost hooking up with chicks. Maybe you can get her number (pressure), and maybe you can get her home (hit), but if you don’t get at least a blowjob, have you really accomplished anything?
by -Jay on Oct 18, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Something is accomplished in both cases
With a QB pressure/hit it can cause a bad throw on that play or put it in the mind of the QB for later plays. If you almost get that blowjob, you get blue balls.
by TexasHoosier on Oct 18, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought he
relied on his bull rush?
Yes, everyone on the defense isn’t doing well. But when we win every other week, lets save this talk for next week.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
In all fairness
I saw a couple of plays where Mario, despite being held, was within a foot of sacking Palmer… The refs really laid off the holding calls today.
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Aside from illegal formations and false starts
The refs pretty much swallowed their whistles.
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I love our passing attack
Every guy on our DC is a credible passing threat, from Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter to Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels, to even Joel Dreessen and yes, our I HAVE CONFLICTED FEELINGS ABOUT YOU Jacoby Jones. We have so much receiving talent that it makes my head spin.
Don't forget about David Anderson
String dance and all
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Welcome Back, Solis
Great post.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
Thanks Tim
Ah BRB, I love it so… The readers, contributors, and yes even the lurkers have taken what was once a small group of us Texans faithful, and turned into a widely read/ viable source for Texans info. Hats off to you Tim, and the rest of the gang for keeping the BRB flag flying high. I’ll do my best to stay in the picture – so to speak.
Looking forward to a strong finish this season.
Forever the optimist,
SOLIS
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Oh yes, I meant to say
I’m glad to see you back contributing here. I hope you can find time to keep it up. More SOLIS is a great thing.
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Oct 18, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm gonna add you to my PSN...
Get ready for some Texans on Texans action.
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This might be an issue...
I didn’t buy Madden 10. I have 09, but not 10.
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Oct 18, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm there with you...
I’m always a madden behind.
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Cool!
In that case we’ll have to get together online for you to whoop me. (I’m real good against the computer, but not so good against real people.)
I wouldn’t last on Madden Nation… but if I did end up on that show I would make sure the bus got driven off a 5000 ft gorge. Have you SEEN the tools on that show??
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Oct 18, 2009 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Bud's Karmic Retribution
He should have known better than to use those throw-back uni’s. Now he’s made the Karmic Lords angry. So they have chosen to return the Titans to 1972.
were the Titans
good in ’72?
They are not the Oilers. No matter how hard Bud tries to dress up the whore.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
The sad thing is that I loved that gdamn derrick.
It sucks to think that I can never honor the fandom of my childhood. Fuckin blows.
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I'm quite happy for them to keep wearing those unis
As long as they keep losing, it’s fine with me. Seems like they’re getting what they deserve.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Oct 19, 2009 3:50 AM CDT up reply actions
just wanted to say congrats on the nice win.
you guys came into the jungle and hit us in the mouth. we had no answer for slaton, which more than opened up the field for schaub to pick us apart. we played uninspired and lethargic offense, largely in part to your solid d-line play. really great job by a young squad.
you played a complete game and took advantage of our countless errors, both forced and unforced. there is nothing else to say about that game but that we simply got outplayed. keep it up!
by GrooveLeg on Oct 19, 2009 8:02 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Thanks
Good luck the rest of the way.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Oct 19, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions
And I was sorry
to see Odem and Peko go down with injuries.
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Happy Now Tits?
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You're a Class Act GrooveLeg
Don’t think for a minute this wasn’t a HUGE win for us. Who knows, if we get lucky, perhaps we could could even meet again later this season! Good luck!
Hope
we got it. We’ve had it before. And it makes it hurt more later. But I’m glad we got some.
The tits have none. And for that, I am happy.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
the best...
game this team has played. The talent was out there and Kubiak and Co called their best game ever. I really don’t know what else to say.
I thought the defense would be the difference in this game and it was. These guys are really playing well. They’re giving up 45 yards/game in their last 3. Pollard got his fumble recovery – I said he would force it but I can’t always be right :) I am in love with Brian Cushing. If i was a woman I would have his baby as long as he keeps playing the way he is. Ryans had a great game and Reeves and #23 both played well and I do think Wilson was at fault for the long Ocho pass you could see him trying to recover after he got past him. GQ has stepped in and is playing great. How bout Barwin and his first sack this season!
The offense played lights out. They got Slaton involved with the passes and everyone held their own. If Slaton can get 150 yards by catching and running I think we can go a long way this year. JJ’s touchdown was great and OD’s one handed grab was one of the best catches I have seen – pay him rick! (and Ryans of course).
That really was a great game and I can’t wait till SF this weekend.
I called 24-14 and was not too far off and Who-Dey didn’t agree and had a few things to say (although I’m still trying to figure out what he said). I thought about all the things to say to him but I just won’t say anything – I think the Texans did all the talking . Great game Texans!
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
just call me Cayce.......
i see Matt tossing 4 TDS and over 350 yds passing.
by chrisd21 on Oct 17, 2009 7:00 AM PDT via mobile
no worries BRB… Texans win big in Cincy. our history says Dre
will get a long TD, our defense forces 2+ turnovers, and we get back to 500.
by chrisd21 on Oct 18, 2009 6:37 AM PDT via mobile
while Dre didn’t get a TD, he did get the long play.. so it counts. also called the turnovers.

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over at MCM it looks like this....

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by chrisd21 on Oct 19, 2009 9:25 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
I love it !
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Happy Now Tits?
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or this. lol.

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by chrisd21 on Oct 19, 2009 9:27 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
good calls chris
and great pics too! SS Tits – too funny.
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
I even cAlled cushings int
I said here it comes on this play. He then forced the fumble where pollard recovered, then later got the int
nice game for jj too
and we need more zgonina seeing as this is his last go at it
what a class act that guy is
take all the duntas and Antonio smiths and give me a
bunch of bulmans and zgoninas
by AllenOU on Oct 19, 2009 9:38 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Some people still don't see it...
And you’re clearly one of them, but Antonio Smith is playing really fuggin well. That 3rd and 1 stop that Cush made only happened because of Smith. He made 3-4 other really good plays overall, but I’ll need to consult the film for details.
Stop hating the guy. DE’s are expensive, dude. Deal with it.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
He is playing better, absolutely.
But it only started a week or two ago, inexplicably.
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Oct 19, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
beef i would agree you on that.
People don’t always SEE what the guys are doing unless it’s from a sack or a tackle for a loss, etc… There are some people on chron.com talking about Mario being garbage? These are the people that need to be told someone is doing a good job. Yes Mario has only 2 sacks so far but he leads the league in QB knock downs and is top 5 in QB pressures. He has been an animal at stopping the run and if people don’t watch close enough they wouldn’t see that he fights off his blocker, can run all the way down the line of scrimage and tackle the ball carrier after a 1-2 yard gain – now that is what you call athletic and or beast. Smith is doing similar things and these guys are holding the front down. Okoye is also doing some good things this year. We had 1 sack yesterday and not much more pressure but the front line made it impossible for the #1 rated RB in the league to get going and held up great against the short pass. As a unit yesterday every man on the defensive side of the ball earned his paycheck and I find it hard to call anyone out yesterday. I know your main focus was on Smith and I know I mentioned Mario more but I think you need to look at what Smith is doing the same way you look at Mario and to somewhat a degree of what Okoye is doing.
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
And by "you" you meant "everyone else" right?
I see those things you mentioned. Because I watch the games.
Other folks… not so much.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Totally agree
The difference between him and Weaver is profound.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Oct 19, 2009 11:08 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Next on my wish list.
I sure as hell hope we can keep this thing going...
i’m trying to keep my emotions as contained enthusiasm but damn i am ready for the next game. I am really starting to enjoy watching this defense play.
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
Solis??
I had to take a double take at the author, nice to have you back and great post!
Do you think Brian Cushing could be our Vrabel??
I’m going to the niners loss and I cannot wait!
GO TEXANS!!!!
This is the year.......
by Texanmaniac on Oct 19, 2009 11:43 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks TM
Vrabel is a fair comparison – but for what it’s worth, I think our boy Cush is going to better than Vrabel. There is a strong posibility that Cush may end up being a Junior Seau-type player. Too early to say, but his motor/skillset mirrors that of a young Seau. Only time will tell… (how’s that for rose colored glasses?)
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by SOLIS on Oct 19, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
no doubt...
Cush will be a better player, I’m thinkin we put him in during goalline situations.
GO TEXANS!!!!
This is the year.......
by Texanmaniac on Oct 19, 2009 1:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

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