Battle Red Blog: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Around SBN: Shattered: Wisconsin's home winning streak ends

Is This The Make Or Break Year For Matt Schaub?

I leave town for a little bit and come back to hear that Texans QB Matt Schaub will be the highest paid player under center this season in the entire NFL. At $17 million, because of the way his contract was structured, he will be earning more green than Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Drew Brees in 2009. And I thought the pressure on him this year was already pretty steep.

The third year for a starting QB in the NFL is supposed to be the year of make or break. If the second half of 2008 was any indication, Schaub certainly seems on the way up. Except for a few idiots in attendance who were shouting "We Want Sage!" the week after the famous "Rosencopter" incident, I think that most Texans fans like Matt Schaub. Most think he can get the job done, if he can only stay on the field.

I believe after the misery that we sustained with David Carr, most Texans fans just have zero patience for any mistakes made at the QB position. A mishandled snap or a close interception is loudly received with boo-birds from the fan base. It’s hard to play mistake-free football in this league. But as I said, Texans fans are out of patience with quarterbacks.

Personally, I like Matt. Even if I wasn’t a Texans fan, I would have him in my top 10 QBs in the league without question (name 10 that are clearly better). When the guy stays on the field, he produces. Sure, having arguably the best WR in football helps to make you look good. Andre even made Carr look okay at times. But you don’t get national acclaim as the best WR in the game without a pretty good player throwing you the ball.

Sure, he has been what many would call injury prone. But they haven’t been Tracy McGrady injuries. A cheap shot by Jared Allen and a body slam by Albert Haynesworth are likely to put most players in this league on the shelf for extended time. It’s not like he sat out with turf toe or anything. I have to believe this is the year Matt stays on the field all season. Haynesworth leaving for Washington has to improve the chances for that already.

Someone brought up on Texans Talk the question of whether Matt Schaub could throw for 4,000 yards this season. Most of the posters seemed to think so. If the guy does indeed stay on the field this season, I really don’t see why not. In only 11 games played last season, he gained 3,043 total passing yards. And that’s even with that awful game he had against Oakland in Week 16. But what I would like is to see him raise that TD passes number from 15 to 20 or 25. As much as I love Kris Brown, I would like to see him for more extra points and less field goal attempts.

So, can Matt Schaub stay healthy this season? For $17 million, I sure as hell hope so. For his sake. Or else it may be his last in a Texans uni. Because I don’t see us keeping a backup QB that makes that kind of bread just to sit on the bench. Let’s just leave those kinds of situations to our buddies in Tennessee.

0 recs  |  Comment 23 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Battle Red Blog

2009 in Review: The Secondary

Feb 2010 by riversmccown - 99 comments

Super Bowl Prediction Thread

Feb 2010 by Tim - 42 comments

Teh Schaub to teh Pro Bowl!

Jan 2010 by tehGrindCrusher - 73 comments

Comments

Display:

Not pivotal

This year. Next year? Definitely. But barring an implosion this year, I think he’s in the clear. And he’s not going to implode.

by JimboTexan on Jul 16, 2009 11:55 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That does make a lot of sense. I remember after that 7-9 season, everyone thought we were on the way up and then Carr imploded. Not that Im saying Schaub or Carr are alike, that would be just downright disrespectful to Matt. You just never know, is all I am saying.

Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4
TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags

by Mike Kerns on Jul 16, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think is more a question of health

I think his play is fine but the leader of the team has to be on the field all the time, if he does that he is fine, if not someone else will start next year and they will release him. You need a health consitant guy, if he is always injured you are paying a guy to sit the bench.

by Texans-Brocos on Jul 16, 2009 12:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Matt Schaub is not the highest-paid QB in the league this year. The bonuses that would push his salary up to that number aren’t due until AFTER the season.

The bonus is due in March or April – I forget which. It doesn’t go on the NFL calendar for 2009. It’s considered 2010.

This has been mis-reported over and over, and I think it makes our front office look pretty stupid and bad.

by HoustonDiehards on Jul 16, 2009 12:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not to belabor the point, but...

From Rotoworld contract info:

3/21/2007: Signed a six-year, $48 million contract. The deal included a $7 million signing bonus. 2009: $6.95 million, 2010: $4.5 million (+ $10 million option bonus due in March), 2011: $5.7 million, 2012: $7.15 million, 2013: Free Agent

by HoustonDiehards on Jul 16, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks Chris. Heard it on Texans Talk and on NFL Network, so I guess I just assumed that part. Thanks for clearing that up.

Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4
TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags

by Mike Kerns on Jul 16, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who cares about the contract particulars???

True, Chris has a point that the bonus comes after the season, but that actually acts to support the main question rather than refute it.

The fact is yes, it’s a make or break year for Schaub if he wants that $10 million. He’s going to have to show the Texans that he’s worth buying the the last three years at the agreed upon rate. If he wants that $10 million, he’s going to have find himself some Wolverine magic healing potion or something….unless he’s going to start being smarter and quicker with the ball. If he doesn’t, that $10 million makes taking on the last three years much harder for the Texans to stomach. If Schaub was going to actually get somewhere in the neighborhood of $17 this year, then I’d say it was not a make or break year for ole Schaub. He would have already cashed out most of his contract.

The true test in the life of a Texans fan is how gracefully you endure it.

by TexanKurt on Jul 16, 2009 1:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Great take, Kurt. Especially the part about Wolverine Magic Healing Potion. If that stuff is real, I am sure Les Alexander would like some for his Rockets medical staff…

Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4
TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags

by Mike Kerns on Jul 16, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was in no way trying to refute anything. Just saying that he’s not scheduled to make 17 million in 2009. I think that’s a very, very important distinction… especially when TEN MILLION of that ONLY happens IF he plays well enough to earn it.

by HoustonDiehards on Jul 16, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No problem, Chris. I should have known better than to take NFL Network’s word as Gospel. In all honesty, when it comes to Salary Cap and all that, I’m not at the top of my game. Thanks for pointing it out.

Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4
TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags

by Mike Kerns on Jul 16, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is definately the year Schaub earns that bonus!!

I mean, he has too. If we go 8-8 again, miss the play offs, would the team fork out another $10 million on Schaub, or do we get rid of him before the bonus is due and look to the draft. Then we’d have to go into the season with Orvlosky (??Spelling) or Grossman. But is that worth saving the money?

by distant_texans_fan on Jul 16, 2009 2:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Definitely not. I would rather lose the money than give the keys to the franchise to Danny-O or Rex Grossman.

Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4
TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags

by Mike Kerns on Jul 16, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

great article ...

 hell yeah… he will pass for 4500 or so and have at least 25 td..
 this is his national spot light year…. cinderella time to go to the ball !!!!

by yovicone on Jul 16, 2009 5:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!

I am sure I speak for us all when I say that I hope this comes to fruition.

Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4
TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags

by Mike Kerns on Jul 16, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

4500 is a lot

To me, that sounds like our running game wouldn’t be too great… but I’d take it in a heartbeat!

by HoustonDiehards on Jul 16, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dude...

showed some toughness, I think he will be breakin out this year!

GO TEXANS!!!!

This is the year.......

by Texanmaniac on Jul 16, 2009 6:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Slaton stays healthy, Schaub does well

Stevie Ballgame stays on his feet all year, Matty will prosper.

by Cactus Jack Sancho on Jul 17, 2009 2:25 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Matty

I have complete faith in Schaub. People around here knock him for his injuries but they have all been legit. I think he is going to have a breakout year this year and lead the Texans not only to their first playoff appearance but also to their first AFC South Championship. I expect this to be a HUGE season for our Texans… anything less than playoffs will be a failure. Saying that, I still wouldn’t get rid of Schaub or Kubiak if we failed to make the playoffs.

by wasteph on Jul 17, 2009 6:38 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think if we have a situation like New England did last year where we have a great finishing record (10-6 or better) and dont make the playoffs, no one will be fired or released.

Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4
TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags

by Mike Kerns on Jul 17, 2009 6:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Place the offensive line in the position it was end by the last game of the ’08 season at the beginning of the year, and Schaub’s injury doesn’t happen.

Going into ’09 with an experienced and gelled O-line that knows its biz will float this offense like whipped crème at the local Starbucks.

Schaub will set a record or two this year.

by SBond on Jul 19, 2009 1:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What do you mean, 'break year'

You guys are going to the playoffs…………..period………

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on Jul 19, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That's my boy!

Welcome back Mike. Hope to see you a lot around here.

How are things up in Denver?

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Jul 20, 2009 12:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

talking about changes would be another 5000 word esay...

I’m excited to see if the changes are as positive as I believe.

And we have just a few weeks to go to start seeing……….."What’s Up! "

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on Jul 20, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Your home for analysis and rants about all things Houston Texan.
Start posting about the Texans »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Comcast NFL RedZone Moments from SB Nation

Music City Miracles
Tennessee Titans Red Zone Report
Bleeding Green Nation
Comcast NFL Red Zone stat of the week - Something doesn't have to give
Niners Nation
49ers Red Zone numbers: How effective are they?

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Falconry_t-shirt72_small
Big Time Falcons
N1519980050_30046950_9681_small
Fellow Battle Red Blogger Needs your help!

Recent FanPosts

Bwhorns_small
Maybe the real answer to the Houston Texans' 1st round draft is...
Small
Chester Taylor available?
11wsmaller_small
Texans Make Two Staff Changes
Stars_moons_planets_small
Fuzzy Math: Why the Texans Should Select an O-lineman In the 1st Round
Rump_20motocycle_small
2010 Houston Texans????
10docwtf_small
Goodell is thinking of banning 3 point stance
Johns_small
LT a fit in H-Town
Stars_moons_planets_small
Mock Draft Tracker
Football-girl_small
Funny SB Prop Bets

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Latest NFL Headlines from SB Nation

Turf Show Times
Random Ramsdom 2/7
The Falcoholic
Hat Contest Winner #3 - Dirtybird915
Windy City Gridiron
The Bears Den: 02/10/2010

Editor

Brb_small Tim

Managers

Receiverchart_small bigfatdrunk

Funny_kubiak_small Jake

Authors

Dan_halen_small MDC

Falconry_t-shirt72_small tehGrindCrusher

Comic_zombies_attack_circa_1999_small Riott

Sunaipa_small Mike Kerns

Pimp_small DreKeem

000xx1hf_small riversmccown