Texans Five on Five: Week Nine
by Jake on Nov 5, 2009 9:44 AM CST
in News
85 comments
Many people are calling the game on Sunday between the Texans and the Colts the biggest football game for the City of Houston since the Oilers played there. The Texans have their best record in franchise history but are staring down the barrel of an undefeated Colts team. The Texans will have to play close to perfect to come away with what would be the most important win in their history thus far. These are the five matchups I feel will make or break the Texans on Sunday.
1. Amobi Okoye vs. Mike Pollak - Pollak, the Colts' right guard, had issues last week against San Francisco. The 49ers' defensive line was able to get penetration early and often, which did not allow Manning to step up in the pocket. Even though the Niners lost, I think they showed exactly what we need from Amobi Okoye this week--penetration.
2. Dunta Robinson vs. Reggie Wayne - I hate this matchup. I have visions of Wayne running loose all over the place on Sunday. Last time I said that Robinson had to prove he was worth the money he demands, he was burned for 5 receptions for 103 yards and a lengthy pass interference penalty to boot while covering Chad Ochocinco. Dunta will have to limit Wayne as best he can if he wants a leg to stand on next time he writes on his shoes.
3. Duane Brown vs. Dwight Freeney - Last year, Freeney abused Brown for three sacks in two games. That means that roughly 30% of Freeney's sacks in 2008 came at the expense of Brown in his rookie season. Brown has probably been the most improved player on the offense and a big reason that Matt Schaub has performed so well. Brown needs to continue to give Schaub the time he needs despite the history he has with Freeney.
4. Steve Slaton/Ryan Moats vs. Clint Session - The Colts have given up the fewest points in the NFL, but opponents have rushed for an average of 4.5 yards per carry against them. Outside linebacker Clint Session has the second most tackles on the team, but safety Antoine Bethea has the most, and it's never a good sign to have a member of your secondary lead that category. Whoever runs between the combo of Slaton and Moats needs to run well in order to open up the passing game.
5. Frank Bush vs. Peyton Manning - Everyone knows this is the guy you need to at least slow down in order to have a chance. If you blitz him too much, he'll gouge you with huge plays. If you don't apply any pressure, he'll nickel and dime you all the way down the field. Bush will have to come up with the right mixture to try to limit #18 as much as possible. Even though 347 yards passing doesn't sound like a bad day, San Francisco was able to frustrate Peyton for zero touchdowns. Three words will have to sum up the Texans defensive philosophy on Sunday--"Bend, Don't Break."
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I like this. This is a cool article format.
put stars next to 3 and 4. Those will decide the game. We all pretty well know how the other 3 will wind up.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
by AJforAZ on Nov 5, 2009 10:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I'm misinterpreting your comment, but it seems you are discounting Amobi's recent play
I think he has picked it up the last 4-5 games, and has started to show some real promise. He, along with Antonio, have helped get a better, more consistent push up the middle. The Texans haven’t racked up very many sacks, but they have done a much better job at limiting the time opposing QB’s have had to wait for WR’s to come open. The DL has forced more hurried and/or bad throws than in recent years. Amobi has been a contributor to this, and could be a + factor on Sunday.
cotlsfan723 notes below that he expects Kyle DeVan to take Pollack’s place. Hopefully that won’t be before Amobi makes a few plays at his and Peyton’s expense.
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 Nov 5, 2009 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he was scoring #1 for the Texans, and #2 for the Colts
I don’t think there are many Pollak believers around.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Nov 5, 2009 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
this^^
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
by AJforAZ on Nov 5, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My bad
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 Nov 5, 2009 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude are you serious….there is no way dunta can stop REGGIE WAYNE i mean reggie wayne is one of the best WR’S in the NFL i mean dude got burned by chad johnson come on chad johnson out of all people…. I DONT MEAN ANY DISRESPECT DUNTA OR CHAD BUT dunta yours chances of stopping reggie wayne is a little slim to none….. COLTS ARE GOING TO BE 8-0 THIS WEEKING BEACAUSE DUNTA robinson cant stop reggie wayne dude iam in middle school and i can stop reggie and you cant all i can say is the texans waisted there time and money on this dude ps. all i can is good luck. ……. AND THE HOUSTON TEXANS SUCK ASS
by colts_Fan843 on Nov 6, 2009 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
BANNED!
Oh, wait, we don’t do that here.
Also: Ochocinco > Wayne.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
BIGBADBRAD Jr.
dude iam in middle school and i can stop reggie and you cant all i can say is the texans waisted there time and money on this dude ps. all i can is good luck. ……. AND THE HOUSTON TEXANS SUCK ASS
I loved that part.
Hope to hear more from ya.
by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
heh
And it appears the school is failing that whole “No Child Left Behind” thing, too.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Nov 6, 2009 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I wanted to break it apart and tear it down piece by piece.
But that would ruin the joke. So im just gonna rec it so everybody can see.
by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Waitaminute
Didn’t realize that Tits fans were smart enough to make sock puppets. They are evolving.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Nov 7, 2009 8:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Very nice write up...may want to add...
6. The Wildcard – Matt Schaub was injured and did not play in 3 of the last 4 games against the Colts. The Game he did play against the Colts was a 24-20 loss that was winnable. So while the Colts have pllenty of experience against the Texans in general, they do not have muc experience with Schaub. I think this will be the wildcard matchup and may spell trouble for the Colts if Freeney doesn’t have a big day.
Anothet thing to consider is that the 49ers spent their entire week on defense just practicing red zone defense.
Why you ask?
Because NOONE is going to stop Peyton Manning from moving the ball between the 20’s. What you have to so is stop them in the red zone, and the 49ers were able to do that pretty effectively.
So will the Texans learn from that and work red zone drills all week? I hope so.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 5, 2009 10:11 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Also I can't type for shit....obviously.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 5, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Am I the only one
who heard Dwight Freeney is taking the week off for rest purposes?
"I am from one of the top 15 cities in the world. Buffalo, New York." - TrentEdwardsHoF2018
by Artest4Prez on Nov 5, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He rested yesterday
but participated fully today – I think that’s not uncommon for him
How can you not love a team that does this?
by LovinBlue on Nov 5, 2009 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
He’s been nursing a quad injury if I’m not mistaken.
"I am from one of the top 15 cities in the world. Buffalo, New York." - TrentEdwardsHoF2018
by Artest4Prez on Nov 6, 2009 9:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
mathis is fine he has not been injured with the quad for weeks but he
just gets a day of rest per week
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by ANGELSFAITH on Nov 6, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I expect him in the game.
I think he’s almost got for 1 or 2 sacks.
I haven’t really seen what Mathis can do besides that one monster game he had against the texans. Who do you think will have the most impact between them two?
by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 9:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if the last few years are any guide
Freeney will draw more attention from the line, Mathis is more likely to get a sack.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Nov 6, 2009 10:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point about Schaub
Not to mention the only game he did play against the Colts was without Andre Johnson and Ron Dyane for the whole game and no Ahman Green for three quarters. We lost Jacoby Jones in the second half due to a separated shoulder.
We had to rely on Samkon Gado for three whole quarters for our “balanced” attack. Schaub made one huge mistake in that game when he threw a pick deep in Colts territory, but had Dre and Green been healthy, then the game would’ve had a different outcome IMO.
You could definitely chalk up both games last season as possible wins with Rosenfels at the helm. However, we all know how the game at Reliant turned out.
"There's two kinds of coaches, them that's fired and them that's gonna be fired." ~ Bum Phillips
by H-town Fanatic on Nov 6, 2009 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice write up Jake.
I love the dig on Robinson. It seems like he always proves us right when we call him out and when we forget about him, he does good. Here’s to hoping that he can contain RW.
by Jordann on Nov 5, 2009 10:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
it's too god damn early....
for dunta bashing.
You are banned from Music City Miracles. (twice)
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
by chrisd21 on Nov 5, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
better pic.
lordy….. PLEASE let me shut down mr. wayne this sunday!
You are banned from Music City Miracles. (twice)
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
by chrisd21 on Nov 5, 2009 10:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
The only way to shut down Wayne is to get to Manning.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 5, 2009 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
.....or brass knuckles...
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 5, 2009 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
The only way to shut down Wayne is to have Willis cover him.
You should’ve known this by now TF.
by Jordann on Nov 5, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Or how about Brian Boitano?
He would kick an ass or two. That’s what Brian Boitano’d do.
by danger man on Nov 5, 2009 11:50 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Oh yeah....wow can't believe I forgot.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 5, 2009 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAAHAH!!!
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Nov 5, 2009 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
One thing
After Pollack’s douche bag play last week (and most of the year for that matter) I think (hope) the Colts will use Kyle DeVan more. DeVan is better than Pollack could ever think to be.
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
by coltsfan723 on Nov 5, 2009 12:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I would be really interested to see Ugoh there
even in his pretty disastrous start at LT this year he was good, even great on some plays, run blocking. I think he could maul at guard and they wouldn’t have to worry as much about his lapses.
Pollak getting bull rushed over was awful. You rarely see a guy stay in the game after he lets that happen. If a guy shows he can go straight through you, he owns you for the rest of the game.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Nov 5, 2009 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That could be an interesting/successful experiment
Here’s hoping you guys try it after we are done playing each other this year.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Nov 5, 2009 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have been saying the same thing Shake
I think instead of calling Ugoh a bust and complaining cause he cant play tackle we should move him to guard. At least try to get something out of him rather than him being a healthy scratch taking up roster space. Like you said, and I agree100%, Ugoh can run block very well. I dont see a problem in trying it, cause there’s no way in hell he’s worse than Mike Pollack
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
by coltsfan723 on Nov 5, 2009 5:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It looks like....
we’re not the only one who’s struggling with injuries in our offensive line.
I think it’s a division curse or something
by Jordann on Nov 6, 2009 9:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
cushing player of the game
with the amount of pressure that will or will not be put on manning cushing will have to break up any type of rhythm they may try to create. If he can do that it will give our offense a chance to jump ahead.
by txoutlaw on Nov 5, 2009 12:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He was definitely a consideration
This was the hardest week I’ve had to limit it just to 5 different match ups. It will be interesting to see how Bush uses to cover Dallas Clark.
You know... for kids.
by Jake on Nov 5, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
WOW!!!
The Colts fans are giving us zero chance to win this game. They believe it will be a blow out. Granted we may not win, but I don’t see the game being a massacre.
by Jahon on Nov 5, 2009 4:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
well the line is at 9 right now
though it looks like the +9 is a bit more popular at the moment
http://contests.covers.com/Handicapping/consensusPick/daily-consensus-picks.aspx?sport=1
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Nov 5, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
what was the line
v. SF last week?
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Nov 5, 2009 4:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
12.5?
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Nov 5, 2009 5:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't sweat it.....
As this chart, obtained from a reputable football stats site, clearly indicates, the Texans will win.
1. Andre Johnson is clearly awesome sauce, so much so that Patrick Willis’s first aspect falls short in coverage.
2. Reggie Wayne Clearly comes in at 5 and is under tough coverage from Patrick Willis and a “randy” Brian Boitano.
3. Courtland Finnegan is a Douche.
Again, you can argue all you want, but you can’t argue with science.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 5, 2009 4:53 PM CST up reply actions 8 recs
We're Reaching A Point
Where I simply have to rec every graph submitted.
Nice work, TF.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Nov 5, 2009 4:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
h/t xkcd
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Nov 5, 2009 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Anything that says Courtland Finnegan is a douche...
…always gets a rec.
by TexansDC on Nov 5, 2009 5:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he was a little pussy bitch lady...
Did he buy you guys dinner to get bumped up to only “douche?”
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Nov 6, 2009 12:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That makes everything clear.
And should be sponsored by mastercard.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Been waiting for your graph.
And it was definitely worth the wait.
by Jordann on Nov 5, 2009 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I swear I wish TF would save these for times I'm not at work.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Brought to you by Courtney Finnegan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tqEBQjWRws
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
6. Colts v. Patriots
thats what Peyton and co. are thinking about.
They have a three game lead on us right now. We’re the lowly Texans. They can beat us even if they’re down by 17 with 8 mins to go in our own house.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Nov 5, 2009 4:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hadn't seen this posted yet...
Marlin Jackson out for the game, and the season, with a Torn ACL. Could help us a little.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Nov 5, 2009 5:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ya I actaully had a better one in mind but my kids were draped all over me so I went with this budget option.
Next one will be a winner.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 5, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder how long he could be out for...
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Nov 6, 2009 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
would be the second time in two years he's torn his ACL in practice
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Nov 5, 2009 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting data here.....
Both teams have played easy schedules.
The Colts have had the easiest opponents by far, but the Texans haven’t played powerhouses either.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 6, 2009 8:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
a little bit of cause/effect
unless those are saying “in games other than against us”
Cuz the Titans give their team an easy win, making their schedule look harder. Indy has the opposite effect.
Should exclude the game played v. the opponent.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here is something on the Texans Defense improving and the numbers behind it.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Nov 6, 2009 8:22 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I saw that
and what kills me is in the first three games teams could pass or run.
After that game, after realizing they couldn’t run, the passing numbers still dropped.
To me, that chart shows a significant improvement. If the Pass yards/game improved even a little bit, instead of also decreasing, then it would be less significant.
Nice job Bush.
The real test for our run defense will be MNF.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Nov 6, 2009 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As much as I want to wish an injury on VY I don’t think I have it in me. Hopefully Pollard lays him out and cries all the way to the bench for most of the game.
by nolander on Nov 6, 2009 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Naw, just don’t want to be a Cortland Finnegan.
by nolander on Nov 6, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
That guy is a scientifically proven douchebag. True fact.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Nov 6, 2009 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess
Based on this we shouldn’t even bother watching the game apperently all of the experts think that the Colts will win, nobody even picked us as upsets.
You can't fix Dumb
by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 1:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
really i saw two pick the texans on first take
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by ANGELSFAITH on Nov 6, 2009 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Apperently the "experts" at ESPN.com don't agree
You can't fix Dumb
by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Somebody
Picked Caralina over the Saints but no one picked the texans over the Colts
You can't fix Dumb
by Texans-Brocos on Nov 6, 2009 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They will all look even more ignorant on Monday.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by CFHTim on Nov 6, 2009 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep only two...
Sterling Sharpe of NFL Network and Matt Bowen for the National Football Post have picked us to win. That’s it!
I would love nothing more than for our Texans to prove these two guys right.
by Jahon on Nov 6, 2009 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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