Does Gary Kubiak Let Off The Gas?
by Jake on Dec 28, 2009 8:10 PM CST
in News
102 comments
The Houston Texans won their third consecutive game Sunday after losing four straight, all against divisional opponents. This has been an emotionally draining season for the Texans and their fan base, and now the team is staring another mediocre record in the face, although this year there is a slight glimmer of playoff hope as well. Tim couldn't have come up with a better banner slogan for this site than "The Roller Coaster That Is Texans Fandom".
Even though the Texans brought their franchise record against the Dolphins to an impressive 5-0 yesterday, the win itself left a little to be desired. After jumping out of the gate to a 27-0 lead in the first half, the Texans barely weathered a 20-0 Dolphins scoring run to win the game. The sad part is that I and most of you were probably not the least bit surprised. "The tale of two halves" is a common occurrence for the 2009 Texans, but why?
Many fans blame the coaching staff, namely Gary Kubiak. As the head coach he ultimately shoulders responsibility, something that he is quick to tell you after every disheartening loss. I wonder, though, if his coaching is really to blame. Critics speculate that Kubes "takes his foot off the gas" by reigning in his high-powered passing attack after building large leads. This "coaching scared" accusation is one of the rallying cries for detractors that would prefer to see Kubiak fired after another five hundredish season.
Looking over the results of the 2009 season, six games strike me as good samples for researching this hypothesis. In all six the Texans jumped out to big leads; in three they held on for convincing victories (Raiders, Seahawks, Bengals), and in the other three, they either eventually lost their lead or barely hung on for victories (Colts--Part II, 49ers, Dolphins).
The Texans built these leads through a pass-oriented offense. In those six games, Matt Schaub passed on 60% of the plays and he threw for 13 of the 18 offensive touchdowns. So what percentage of running the ball would constitute Kubiak easing up? Three quarters of the time? Only once, however, did the Texans run close to this proportion; Week 4 against Oakland when 72% of the second half snaps were running plays. In the other five games, the Texans ran the ball 58% (Seahawks), 55% (Dolphins), 52% (Bengals), 46% (49ers), and 16% (Colts) of the time, respectively. In my opinion, passing the ball this close to half the time does not confirm the "ease up" theory.
Even if the theory appears erroneous, accusing Kubiak of wrong doing seems mistaken. Most teams that produce big first half leads turn to running the ball because it makes sense. You decrease the risk of turnovers and eat the clock. The Texans feature the 30th ranked rush offense, however, so running out the clock is not even close to automatic. Oddly enough, the 4.8 yards per carry averaged in the three second half collapses is far better than the 2.6 yards per attempt in the three convincing wins.
The key to the Jekyll and Hyde act is the substandard secondary. In the convincing wins, the Texans gave up 45 yards (Seahawks), 81 yards (Bengals) and 173 yards (Raiders) passing in the second half. That substantially contrasts to the 134 yards (Colts), 206 yards (49ers) and 240 yards (Dolphins) given up in the collapses. By the way, the Colts game also featured 67 yards of pass interference and holding penalties on the secondary.
Before blaming Frank Bush, consider that the two best performing defensive backs have become Texans since he was promoted to defensive coordinator. Bernard Pollard's play and leadership has improved the defense and Glover Quin might be the best cornerback on the roster in his rookie season. It isn't Bush's fault that he has to feature Dunta Robinson in the first cornerback position or give significant playing time to John Busing and Dominique Barber. If I had written before the season started how often and how terribly all three would play this season and yet the defense would still be ranked 14th overall, I would have been banned.
Which brings me to a slight departure from the original argument. Last week Mike Kerns asked for reasoning to bring Kubiak back next year. I feel that Kubiak and Rick Smith haven't had the necessary time to build this team into a winning franchise. There is an impressive amount of starting talent in place that is certainly improved over the roster they inherited after 2005, but some starting positions have yet to be addressed with anything other than a temporary fix. Add to that the lack of depth in certain areas, such as defensive backs and offensive linemen, and the problems of this team, like the second half vanishing acts, are a little easier to comprehend.
Kubiak and Smith have drafted or acquired players that will be the cornerstone of this franchise for years to come whether Kubiak is kept for another season or not. This includes a 4,500 yard passer, a defensive rookie of the year linebacker (possibly two), a Pro Bowl tight end who was on pace for All Pro status, and one of the most controversial (and correct) number one overall picks in recent history. Given not only that player acquisition track record but their performance on the field for this coaching staff, I think the team is drastically improving under Kubiak and Company, even if the record isn't... yet.
Just think...we're going into the last game of the season with a possibility for the playoffs, albeit a slim one. Four years ago this week, we were hoping for a loss so we could lock up the first selection for an unnamed new coach.
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I Don't Think He Lets Off The Gas
I do think he resorts to "safer’ play calling. That is, they throw passes highly unlikely to be intercepted if overthrown, or run in situations where a pass seems more likely to succeed. if we had a better running game, I doubt that many of us would be complaining. But because our running game has been so bad, the strategy has some problems.
But hey, Foster has a better burst than I remembered from preseason. Maybe between Moats and Foster, our running game will pick up next week.
True about the running game...
The fact is, we cannot run the ball this year, and that makes us a pretty fucked up team when we’re trying to close out a game. Throwing the ball is an artform, and if you’re FORCED to throw it, bad things tend to happen, like sacks, sack/fumbles, tipped balls for picks, pick 6’s, incomplete passes stopping the clock, etc. There’s just a shitload that can go wrong when you have to throw the ball so much. These are things that will let teams back into games they were seemingly out of.
When we can’t run the ball or get a couple of first downs throwing it, like in Miami, the game lies solely on the defense and our DB’s. Sometimes they come through and we can hang on…. sometimes not so much.
Excellent post, Jake, and nice comment Koz!
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Yeah, I threw it in on another thread, but you're right.
Now, the flipside of that is this… Is there a certain amount of blame that can head to Kubes for the running game not working? Honestly, I don’t know. It did well last year, so I can’t tell. I’m leaning towards the players here, but I wouldn’t have a great argument if THAT was something a Kubiak head hunter brought up, but I never hear that one.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
I caught it after I replied to this one.
Even if you had a great argument for it, the head hunters would dismiss it. They’re gonna say that it’s Kubiak’s fault for not having a reliable back up running back or not making it his top priority to obtain a big name RB.
Of course that reasoning is flawed but that wouldn’t matter. Everything is Kubiak’s fault.
Let off the gas
and resorting to safer play calling. What exactly is the difference between the two?
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:17 PM CST up reply actions
Two Words
Halfback Pass
I would’ve fired Kubes on the spot for that
Christian Ponder in 2011! Bring him home Wayne, he can actually play QB in the NFL
Big Cat Country Radio, Every Wednesday Night at 10 PM EST
by Jonathan Loesche on Dec 28, 2009 8:32 PM CST reply actions
Yep.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 28, 2009 11:43 PM CST up reply actions
Yep
Yep.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 5:23 AM CST up reply actions
The pats ran that play this weekend
But their RB had the sense to throw it away
You can't fix Dumb or being a VYFB
by Texans-Brocos on Dec 29, 2009 1:32 AM CST up reply actions
Fire Belicheck!!!
What kind of idiot runs that play???!!
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Apparently this didn't go down in the Yahoo Box, because I don't see it.
But I’m willing to be that given the Pats won the game 35-7, it came at a lot more appropriate time than “down 11 in the 4th quarter on first down”.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 29, 2009 11:49 AM CST up reply actions
We wouldn't be having this conversation
if a) we could run the ball and close out games that way, and b) had some depth on the defense so we don’t play guys like Busing or Barber.
We had a franchise-record 5 road wins, have a shot at a franchise-record 9 regular season wins, and 4 straight wins to end the season. Even though this team has a chance to be the best in franchise history, we have some significant holes. Patience should pay off for the Texans. I feel like this offseason period could really push the team over the edge – playoffs or not.
Isn't it amazing
how some people start screaming for a coaches head if the team isn’t going undefeated. I think Kubiak should at least get the rest of his contract time to get the Texans to the playoffs. Just remember where the Texans were a few short years ago.
by exsquid on Dec 28, 2009 9:07 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I'm gonna expand on this tomorrow
I just want to put it out there so it can be discussed.
Why are we forgetting to give credit to the opposing team. They have coaches and pro-bowl caliber players too. They make the necessary adjustments to get back into the game. We’ve seen our team do it so why do we keep forgetting that other teams can do it too? Don’t the opposing coaches and players get paid to lead their team to victory too? That’s why teams spend top money, so they can win games.
I know that there’s plenty of blame being thrown at Kubiak’s direction, some of them are justified and some of them are not. We get so caught up in how good/awful our team plays that we forget to give credit to the opposing team.
by Jordann on Dec 28, 2009 10:57 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
The way I've seen it is this
We’re a one-dimensional offense: Passing. If a team came into halftime, they only need to make adjustments against the pass…
As for the defense…most times they do well. This time, I think they got a bit tired. One long drive to end the 2nd quarter, one long drive to start the 3rd….no depth….Miami upped the tempo on them….luckily, we did just enough to win.
RE: One Dimensional Offense.
Exactly.
The opposing coaches already know what we’re gonna do. Run the clock. And they also know that we’re not very capable of doing that. So they game plan around that weakness and stack the box.
Prevent Offense/Defense
Kubes and Bush are creating tape for their prevent defense. They know there is gaping holes on our prevent defense, every one complains of why we play the zone when we know it sucks. Zone plays are a big part of prevent defense schemes If you knowingly know your weakness and you shy away to playing only one style of defense then u deserve to lose. I’m all for this style of playing football. U call it letting off the gas I call it strengthening another style of play that we know is weak. Good franchises see their teams/players weakness and focus on fixing that at all costs. And what way to better practice these schemes then in real life scenarios, practice field and game time are two diffferent worlds. Still hopeful for a playoff berth and believe they’ll give any opposing team a run for their money. I’m proud of this team. We are a few heads away from being a bowl caliber team. Go Texans!
I don't mind letting off the gas
but at least wait until the 4th quarter to do so after you put the game completely out of reach. If the run game ain’t working, use more screen passes. The Texans have shown they’re good at that, so use that more in place of the running game late in games
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Dec 29, 2009 12:15 AM CST up reply actions
EVERY team plays zone coverage. The only thing preventing it from working when you need it to is the players on the field. If you play man every play, I hope you like seeing the other team throw a few 60yard TDs on you.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
I have a huge problem with this
if thats what is actually going on, and it caused us to lose even one game this season.
One game may keep us out of the playoffs.
We don’t practice on Sundays. We don’t try new things out to the detriment of our team and risk losing. We should put the best 11 defenders out there and make the best defensive play call on every play in the second half of every game, according to the situation.
The “putting the running game on film” comment from Kubiak after the Raiders game is likely where you are getting this from, and that half of play burned me up. It leads to an attitude shift in the players. Take it easy when you get a lead, protect the lead at all costs. This is not how to win in the NFL. This is how you go 8-8 in the NFL.
/rant over
Mount Cody in round 1
???
???
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 5:24 AM CST up reply actions
Trolling at it's finest.
Good job sir.
by Jordann on Dec 29, 2009 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It isn’t Bush’s fault that he has to feature Dunta Robinson in the first cornerback position or play give significant playing time to John Busing and Dominique Barber. If I had written before the season started how often and how terribly all three would play this season and yet the defense would still be 14th overall, I would have been banned.
Is it Bush’s fault that we continue to employ a zone defense at the end of each half that PREDICTABLY gives up points?
Is it Bush’s fault that we play this same damn zone all the time when we are leading comfortably?
Is it Bush’s fault that we routinely haven’t gotten to the quarterback for most of the season (with a caveat that we have been improving recently, albeit against mostly bad offensive lines)?
Yes, the players are a problem. However, Bush and company should realize that there are multiple street free agents that should be able to produce at, if not average levels, better than replacement player levels. They have gone into free agency and found Brian Russell. They have continued to play Dunta Robinson on two corner coverages despite him getting abused all season.
I could come up with the same sort of list regarding Kubiak. You can’t just throw the players under the bus when there is someone else deciding who plays and what they do.
…though I do agree with your main theory in this post. The playcalling hasn’t been all runs, no. They have done plenty of passes. I’d like to see more play-action, like in the Seattle game. We practically abandoned it against Miami.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
This.
Specifically, the constant zone, starting with the last drive of the first half. I know the idea of the zone is to slowly constrict the opposing offense to death by causing them to take inordinate amounts of time off the clock when driving, but we’re so bad at it that teams score on us quickly.
If we are sure to give up quick points when we go with zone, why don’t we just stay in man? At least we have a chance then. We’re actually decent at man coverage (as long as we give Dunta lots of help). Our zone d looks like Richard Smith drew it up. It makes me want to vomit.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 5:28 AM CST up reply actions
(as long as we give Dunta lots of help).
He’s gonna get safety help this Sunday.
From John Busing or Brian Russell.
/faints
Calling those two safety help isn't very comforting
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Dec 30, 2009 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
zone can allow underneath dink and dunk passing completions, but constantly playing man coverage would allow the other team to throw down the field and score in seconds, instead of long clock eating drives. Every team in the NFL uses zone coverage. Saying they ‘predictably’ give up points is stupid. Are you expecting shutouts every game? The problem is the offense sputtering and not scoring points to match the other team and maintain the lead, not the defense. 20 points is below our season average, so Im not sure how the defense is to blame. Dunta is disappointing, but saying there is a street free agent who can come in and replace him is a bit retarded.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Dec 29, 2009 8:48 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
You're right, it's totally unpredictable!!!
First Tennessee game: End of 2nd quarter drive: 2:08. 10 plays-59 yards, Field Goal.
Arizona game: End of 2nd quarter drive: 1:14-(0:53). 3 plays-48 yards, Touchdown.
Cincinnati: End of 2nd quarter drive: 2:19-(1:31). 6 plays-69 yards, Touchdown.
The entire SF second half, which made Alex fucking Smith a starter again.
Buffalo: End of 2nd quarter drive: 2:08-(1:51), 8 plays-31 yards, Field Goal.
Second Tennessee game: End of 2nd quarter drive: 3:54-(3:04), 8 plays, 75 yards. Touchdown
End of 4th quarter drive: 2:52-(2:02), 9 plays, 59 yards, Field Goal
Second Jacksonville game: End of 2nd quarter drive: 4:28-(4:15), 10 plays, 64 yards. Field Goal.
Seattle: End of 2nd quarter drive: 3:29-(2:15), 6 plays, 84 yards. Touchdown.
St. Louis: End of 2nd quarter drive: 4:11-(2:24) 7 plays, 25 yards, Touchdown.
Miami: End of 2nd quarter drive: 4:19-(4:12), 18 plays, 61 yards, Field Goal.
Clearly that zone defense is excellent! It slows them down so well!
Thank you for your application of NFL norms to the situation. I had no idea a zone defense was supposed to allow underneath dink and dunk completions that eat up time, as I am a Texans fan that only understands zone defense giving up points every time I see it.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 29, 2009 11:45 AM CST up reply actions
most of the dribble you just dumped on the screen just supports my post regardless of the fact that all you did was throw up some drive stats with no regard to the game situation or if they were even in this dreaded zone coverage you hate so much. Not sure what you are trying to accomplish. 3 and 4 min drives with 8 and 9 plays are much better than a line that could read (:39) 2 plays, 72 yards, Touchdown because you got burned in man coverage. Or are you suggesting that you feel more comfortable watching Dunta or Frenchie running down the sideline repeatedly by themselves?
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
Well it's no use arguing with you
You clearly know the Texans aren’t predictable enough to play the same zone coverage at the end of every half/game they are winning. That would NEVER happen. It’s not like this has been a huge complaint around here all year. Nope, this is totally new!
Secondly, yeah, I would rather they get burned early if they are going to get burned. At least that way Schaub and the offense has some time to pick their sorry asses up (until Kris Brown misses)
Thirdly, how come our terrible man-to-man defense that always gives up touchdowns seems so great throughout the rest of the game in comparison to our wonderful zone defense that is blessed with the might of the faeries, elves, and Baby Jesus?
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 29, 2009 12:14 PM CST up reply actions
umm dude half of your example drives are from games we were not leading.
And you are saying you would prefer to get burned in man coverage quickly? Did you even watch the games? Giving the offense more time to go 3 and out isnt exactly helping.
Where is this great man coverage you speak of? I pretty much put a box cutter to my penis in preparation anytime I see Dunta out on an island.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
Again
the point is not that we were leading or not in a certain point in the game. The point is that we give up points quickly, regardless of the game situation, when we zone. So therefore we probably shouldn’t zone.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
Im sorry where in his examples does it show when they used zone coverage? Throwing up some scoring drives with no explanation or links to support your point and then saying things like “we always get burned in zone when we are winning” when half of your examples arent from a winning situation doesnt go a long way to convincing an opposing viewpoint.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
You could take his word for it that they were in zone then
Or not.
But before you make your decision, remember that Rivers charts every game the Texans play. So he’s probably a good authority on the subject.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
Two things:
1) I’m beginning to think you are the one not watching games if you think our zone defense is anywhere near acceptable.
2) This conversation is going nowhere. You’re trolling hard with strawmen.
Point: The Texans Zone Defense (particularly at the end of the first half) is terrible
DaGoat: Zone defense is supposed to be good.
Point: The Texans isn’t
DaGoat: It’s better than Dunta all alone!!!
Point: Uh, actually it hasn’t been this year. See examples quoted.
DaGoat: That just helps prove my point! (somehow!)
Stop. Refocus. Try again. This isn’t going anywhere.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 29, 2009 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
haha Im trolling because you throw up examples, that a) dont show any proof of even being in zone coverage, and b) dont even represent a winning situation like you claimed?
you claim we are terrible in zone coverage, yet provide nothing that supports the claim, nor explain how operating in man coverage the majority of the time would be more beneficial. We are 17th against the pass overall and 15th in points allowed and 12th in passing TDs allowed so Im failing to see how zone coverage is so terrible that its causing our defense to be destroyed.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
I don't know what proof you need
I’m not going to go dig up game pictures and coverages for specific plays (don’t even know where these would be available) to win an internet argument with someone I have no respect for. I have watched every game intently and charted half of every game for FO, mostly first halves. If that isn’t proof enough for you, then I dunno what to tell you. Pretty sure I can figure out a zone coverage from a non-zone coverage at this point.
Winning situation was a slash mark that you continue to cling to, a clear mistake in my syntax. Shocking that you’d cling to that while ignoring everything else. Shocking.
I have a whole blog full of entries devoted to why the Texans zone coverage is terrible based on watching the games, replaying certain plays 5 or 10 times over again. If that isn’t proof enough for you, again, I don’t know what to tell you.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 29, 2009 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
I think zone would work better if.....
1. You can generate a better pass rush with 3 or four men, so you can leave LB’s in the zone and maybe drop a DL into a short zone too.
2. A ball hawking Safety who comes down from over the top to grab interceptions.
We need to improve at least one of those this offseason. I still can’t believe that our DL can’t dominate. We can’t seem to get it happening up front.
by distant_texans_fan on Dec 29, 2009 2:18 PM CST up reply actions
I think some here have touched on it a time or two...
But a mammoth NT would prolly go a pretty long way in making Amobi, Mario, Antonio, and Conner look pretty freakin sweet. Without one, we’ve gotta bring heat from other positions, or risk making opposing Olines way too effective.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Right
So we should trade up and draft Suh!
/sarcasm
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
by Shake on Dec 29, 2009 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes Suh!
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 29, 2009 7:18 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
This is the problem in a nutshell
A properly executed zone should allow dink and dunk completions, but ours just allows the other team to march down the clock in about three minutes or so (see Rivers’s post) and score.
Meanwhile, when we play man, we are much likely to keep the opponent from scoring. Conventional wisdom says that you’re supposed to zone with the lead, but when we aren’t good at it, our brain trust should be smart enough to realize this and try something else instead.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:22 PM CST up reply actions
I dont see the evidence that we are good in man coverage. When the opponent throws down the field, it usually results in Dunta getting a pass interference call. Our corners arent good enough to do alot of man coverage, I cant fathom how anyone can sit there and tell me they prefer that. I think they only time I like our DBs in man is if we are blitzing 2 linebackers and a safety.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
I'm on board with how bad Dunta is
But if you look at the drive stats that Rivers posted, the numbers indicate that we are significantly worse at zone than at man.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
it's not that he lets off the gas
he’s just a terrible coach. he will never never never never ever ever make halftime adjustments, whether we are losing or winning. he needs to be fired. we need leslie frazier!!!
Rockets>>>>>>Jazz
Texans>>>>>>>Titans
Super Mario>>>>>>>Vince Young
What are you talking about?
Of course he makes halftime adjustments. If he didn’t, we would be running up the score & have Schaub already over 5,000 yards passing with him doing his best Grossman impersonation saying “Fuck It, I’m going deep”, & Andre Johnson would be over 2,000 yards receiving. The adjustments he makes slows the game down & screws up the timing. He’s not a believer in the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy.
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Dec 29, 2009 3:04 AM CST up reply actions
obvious troll is obvious
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
wow dude a troll?
im a texans fan and ive been on this blog awhile. there are many more texans fans wanting kubes gone, just like me.
Rockets>>>>>>Jazz
Texans>>>>>>>Titans
Super Mario>>>>>>>Vince Young
by Rockets 4 Life on Dec 29, 2009 11:03 AM CST up reply actions
I guess he called you a troll
because you didn’t really back up your statements. I understand that you’re voicing your opinion, but you’re coming off as a troll when all you’re saying is “FIRE KUBIAK” without any kind of supporting evidence.
perhaps if you didnt make ridiculous statements like saying Kubiak doesnt make halftime adjustments win or lose. Not liking Kubiak is fine, but at least attempt to sound like you know what you are talking about when you are throwing your hate around.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
you forgot to add
he will never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever EVER EVER make half time adjustments.
he is just a bad two-half coach.
he would be a tremendous OC anywhere.
Rockets>>>>>>Jazz
Texans>>>>>>>Titans
Super Mario>>>>>>>Vince Young
by Rockets 4 Life on Dec 29, 2009 3:34 PM CST up reply actions
nah, I'd rather he be our Head Coach...
Being that, he’s doing a pretty good job of it.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
I thought he was
Head Coach – Offense.
I think I read that somewhere.
Mount Cody in round 1
would you guys have kubes or leslie frazier?
Rockets>>>>>>Jazz
Texans>>>>>>>Titans
Super Mario>>>>>>>Vince Young
by Rockets 4 Life on Dec 31, 2009 1:19 AM CST up reply actions
Yes he does
It is obvious that he lets off the gas. Why coaches quit what works always baffles me. Yes, many “switch to running” when they are ahead. And some go to “prevent” defenses, which only prevents you from securing a win.
There are only a few coaches that have figured out to not change what works – very few – and they get blamed for “running up the score”
by a_goodsinner_badsaint on Dec 29, 2009 2:26 AM CST reply actions
Here we go again.
If he keeps running the same plays and sticking with what worked during the first half, the other team would eventually catch on to that?
It's also a pretty good way to get your QB hurt.
You know the one… the one leading the league in passing, even though our coach sucks? That one.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
It's because of the hair
The wonderful hair of the chestnut stallion.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
I think I'm in love
mmmm, gay man love for mittens.
by distant_texans_fan on Dec 29, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
whoa now
your argument when the play goes wrong is that its not the coaches fault, its the players that screwed up.
You lose the right to then give credit to the coach when the player does well.
You are playing both sides of the coin.
Mount Cody in round 1
New England **cough** 18-0 **cough cough**
Letting off the gas wins super bowls. Unless you have loads of 2nd and 3rd string depth in which u can afford to mash on the gas. Coaches have to think as the team as a whole. That’s why Indy plled its starters. Let the zone coverage grow stronger… we will be a better team if we let it grow. Plus if you kept passing and going full throttle we would end blowing the game with some horrible turnover. Last horrible memory of us going full throttle was the epic rosencopter. I still have nightmares about that.
Kubes is a keeper. Where's Schaub?
Kubes has done everything right to get the team heading in the right direction – good drafting, nice FA pickups, managing the salary cap (very important).
Reality is, this team is young, which means they are going to be up and down, they will choke at times, and they will at times look lost. On the bright side, they will continue to get better.
On offense, IMO, Schaub needs to step it up. Pit, Indy, Pats, when things get tight on offense, they got QBs who step it up, not so much in being a QB but in being a leader to the team – not sure Schaub is there yet. Guys got a great arm, think he needs to starting asserting himself and taking responsibility for pulling the team up and together when they start to wander.
why do assume that he does not? If you are some sort of insider then do tell, but as a fan who isnt in the locker room, at practices, or interacting with the players, how do we assume he doesnt provide good leadership?
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
That's easy to do.
Just as easy as it is to assume that Kubes does nothing but sit in his office by himself, not making halftime adjustments each game during the break between the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
People are doing that pretty easily, so why stop there??
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
He sits in his office
singing the Kit Kat jingle.
“Give me a break, Give me a break. Give me a piece of that KIT KAT BAR.”
If only Schaub could step it up and become some sort of 4,000 yard passers
Then people would be happy!
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 29, 2009 11:54 AM CST up reply actions
Drugs
Please quite them.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
I mean 'quit' them.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
I just can’t quite you.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Dec 29, 2009 12:31 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Rec
I deserved that.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
If he keeps running the same plays and sticking with what worked during the first half, the other team would eventually catch on to that?
You obviously have to make some adjustments in our offense in the second half just as the opposing coaches makes adjustments on defense. You certainly don’t abandon what has been working for you the first half (ie 27-0 lead) and revert to a completely dfferent scheme. Andre Johnson 1 catch in the second half?? Are you f’n kidding me – dolphins secondary ain’t that good, buddy. Has it never crossed anyones mind that the Texans have ONLY 1 WIN against a team with a winning record this year (bengals). And the fact that we have had the lead or tied at halftime against good teams/must win games only to squander the game in the second half should be enough proof NOT to shut down the offense that got us into the game in the first place.
The Reply Button is your friend.
I hate that reasoning. With a passion. Only one win against a team with a WINNING RECORD.
Guess what? Right now, with how standings are; there are only two teams that have WINNING RECORDS. That’s Indy and the Bengals. So there ya go, we went 1 for 2 against teams that have winning records. Now that it’s pointed out to you, it doesn’t seem so relevant anymore right? I mean we beat the Bengals convincingly and we lost to the Colts(The same Colts team that beat everybody else in their schedule except for the Jets because they like screwing the Texans over).
So can we not use that reasoning anymore?
And the Texans obviously made some adjustments in the second half. They chose to protect our key players. They decided that letting our QB sit in the pocket to look for an open receiver is not a good idea because he might get injured. They did the same against some guy named Andre Johnson. Remember the Panthers game two seasons ago? We had the game in hand, yet we still had our star receiver in the game. Do you remember what happened? He got injured. And what did the fans do? Bitch at Kubiak for having our best player that late in the game when we already had the win.
Can we restrict the commenters to people that actually watched the games, please?
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
I was watching the play clock when we went into run mode in the 4th quarter.
With around 8 minutes left, we were hiking the ball with 10-15 seconds on the playclock each time.
If you are going to go into shut down mode, at least run the playclock down every single time. Even if there are 15 minutes left, just do 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
I wasn't paying much attention to the playclock so I can't refute your statement.
But if we were doing that, don’t you think that Schaub is at fault?
No
It was Kubes. He forgot to make that adjustment at halftime.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:27 PM CST up reply actions
Look at the game and think before you reply guys!!!
The key thing here is that when a team builds a 17 or 27 point lead is that the defense must be able to keep the opponents from coming back. The good thing in the Dolphins game is that the defense got a stop when it was needed the Special Teams ran the Onside Coverage to perfection and the Offense was able to run the ball (which was a first this season) and pick up first downs to bleed the clock at the end of the game.
The defense did help us a lot
When they weren’t in a useless zone (or at least when they got pressure in that zone). And let’s not forget that the Dolphins have a pretty good offense that probably took a half off at the worst possible time.
However, we still ran way too much zone for my taste.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:29 PM CST up reply actions
Resting starters for a must win game?
This situation obviously does not apply to the Texans as it did to the Colts for ‘protecting their players’. This was a must win game obviously, you don’t go into shut down mode when your team is known for completely imploding all year with a lead. Texans were lucky that the Henne-Gin TD was called back and Carpenter’s FG was missed. OTHERWISE WE LOSE. Your point/claim of protecting Schaub and Johnson for a must win game is completely irrevalvent is this occured.
*Cardinals have a WINNING record btw. The fact that we have more talent than most teams we played (since our schedule was patheticly easy) and we are only 8-7 says a lot about our game planning, or lack there of.
or it could say alot about parity in the nfl and the effect of injuries on your scheme. But hey lets just continue to think that just because someone has more losses than wins it means they are supposed to be gimme wins.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
Right...
Thank God we found 8 complete fuckups to play this year, that didn’t even try to win against us! Otherwise, tying the 0-16 record was unavoidable.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Lemme try this again. The REPLY button IS your friend.
First of all, The Colts situation had NOTHING to do with the conservative play of the texans in the second half of the game. We didn’t sit Schaub or Andre. We just chose to limit their role in the offense so we can avoid injuries. If Schaub or Andre got injured, wouldn’t you blame Kubiak for keeping them in the game and running up the score?
Second, name any other game(besides the previous Colts game) that we managed to squander a lead and LOSE the game because we went in our prevent offense? NONE.
IF the officials didn’t see the tripping call and the TD was given to them they would have had the lead. Bear with me on this one, I know it’s a crazy thought; but don’t you think that the play calling would change because we actually have to attack the defense and score to win the game? I know that’s hard to believe that our offense would actually try to score if we’re behind but I think that we would be more aggressive if that happened. Maybe im just crazy, I dont know.
Oh, and one last thing. The Cardinals do have a winning record now. But when we played them, did they have a winning record? See how flawed that reasoning is? You still dont? Oh, okay.
Nice try
Tell him that clicking the Reply link before typing will blow his fucking mind. Sometimes that works. Sometimes there is no mind to blow.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Sometimes
I love us.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 29, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
this probably is a great post
but I stopped reading after “You decrease the risk of turnovers and eat the clock.”
Believe me, our running game does neither. Maybe this works in theory, or in Madden, but if Kubiak believes this is true for our team, its an error in judgement.
Mount Cody in round 1
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