Texans Five On Five: Week Two
by Jake on Sep 17, 2009 9:33 AM CDT
in News
71 comments
The Titans are coming off a tough loss to the defending Super Bowl Champions in overtime, and will have an axe to grind in their home opener this week. Despite being known as a run only first team, Kerry Collins had decent passing numbers against a formidable defense last week. Their defense, which the Texans only managed to score 25 points on all of last season, looked physical and held the Steelers offense to only 13 points. After the egg that Houston laid last week, we need to bounce back against Tennessee this week. Here are the matchups that I feel are most integral to that end.
1. Brian Cushing vs. Chris Johnson - Cushing played well in Week One, but he’ll have another trial by fire in his second game. Johnson regularly gets opposing defenses to over-pursue and then cuts back and uses his famous speed for long gains in the open field. Cushing, a rookie with no playing time in the preseason, will have to stay disciplined in order to minimize that trend. All of the linebackers will have to step up to minimize the impact of Johnson, but if I was Jeff Fisher, I would test Cushing early and often.
2. Andre Johnson vs. Cortland Finnegan - The Steelers didn’t have much success running the ball last week, but Santonio Holmes made the secondary look silly with his 9 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. Last time the Texans and the Titans played, Andre Johnson had 11 receptions for 207 yards and a touchdown, most of which came while covered by Finnegan. Johnson needs to have a huge week in order to bounce back from his quiet performance last week and get the Texans offense back on track.
3. Justin Gage vs. Dunta Robinson - Gage may not scare many people, but he was able to get open several times against a good Pittsburgh secondary. Robinson and the rest of the defensive backs are coming off a bad outing in which they couldn’t provide the big stop that would force a fourth down. This week Dunta needs to worry more about sure tackling and less about his bank account. Many Texans fans don’t feel great about Robinson these days, but the fact remains that he is the best cornerback they have.
4. Alex Gibbs vs. Jim Washburn - Gibbs and Washburn are considered to be the elite at their respective positions. Washburn’s defensive line showed last week that losing Albert Haynesworth wasn’t going to stop the Titans from getting pressure on the opposing quarterback when they tallied 3 sacks. The one thing that may have left with Albert though is the ability to get pressure with only 4 rushers, as evidenced when pressure ceased after defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil quit blitzing. Still, Gibbs will have his hands full because as everyone saw last week, the key to shutting down the Texans offense is constant pressure.
5. Gary Kubiak vs. Expectations - Everyone expects the Texans to lose this week, maybe even the Texans themselves. The team is historically bad on the road, historically bad against the rest of the division, and is coming off a loss that may or may not have them doubting the optimism that everyone had for this season. Kubiak needs to snap them out of that and coach this game well. He is also fighting the reputation of leading a team that starts slow every year. If the Titans defense starts off strong, he needs to have a few go to plays (like a slant to Andre Johnson) readily available to help Matt Schaub and the offense get some rhythm. A win won’t be easy, but it can be done.
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Our pressure
The worst thing with our D getting to Collins is that he does an excellent job of, “if it’s not there, throw it away” and “hit that back step and throw it.” Better than Sanchez did, and WAY better than Schaub and Big Ben did.
An asterisk on the BESF’s sacks should be that Big Ben is an idiot in the pocket 80% of the time.
Nice job though, Jake!
Here’s to hope!!
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 17, 2009 9:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What worries me most...
Is that Fisher will switch them to a 3-4 this week, and find a Winnebago to play the nose for them.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 17, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
we need to put some hits on the quarterback even if he manages to get the ball out. We gave up big plays anyways, so might as well make the quarterback pay for some of his throws. Schaub was hit hard in the first series of the Jets game and played scared after that. I am so sick of watching people in number 8 jerseys play scared.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
by CFHTim on Sep 17, 2009 9:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Titans fan here
actually they sacked ben 4 times last week get your facts straight. Look Slaton isn’t going to run on the Titans D, it’s just not going to happen especially not at home. Your best bets are Johnson and Daniels in the middle of the field and down the seams, but even then you have to worry about your offensive line. I really don’t see you guys shutting down our run game or getting to Kerry Collins. It might be pretty ugly on sunday, but hey here’s to hoping.
You're not wrong walter, you're just an asshole.
by collinzoober5 on Sep 17, 2009 10:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure
Slaton ran for over a hundred in Tenn last year. Tits are overrated.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
by CFHTim on Sep 17, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunta will need help
but will not get it. I’m finally seeing the light that our safety play is probably the main reason we suck as a defense.
Look at the Steelers D with Polamalu and without. He stuffs the run, pressures the QB and helps out the DB’s. We get very little help from our safeties in any of these areas.
The good news is, I have Rick Smith’s ear, so I’ll tell him to draft a safety high next year. Help is comin!
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 17, 2009 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Getting Eugene Wilson back will help.
I’d describe him as “mediocre”; something that both starting safeties last week are going to strive for for the rest of their careers.
Ferguson should be moved to SS, and Barber should promptly be benched/tarred and feathered.
by Nashmeister on Sep 17, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
definitely an upgrade, yes
and I hope his mediocrity rubs off on the rest of the defense.
they all strive to attain average!
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 18, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re: Johnson
I see him getting stuffed a lot early, but, like he did against the Steelers, he’ll break a few long ones in the second half and get 120.
We will make stopping the run a focus, but against his style and speed its tough to contain the whole field.
Hopefully we break his will in the first half and he cries all the way to the lockerroom at halftime.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 17, 2009 10:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jake, you missed one...
It’s a recurring battle for the year.
6. The Texans defense vs. BFD’s liver
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 17, 2009 12:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It all starts with the O-Line...
The short of it is that if the O-Line plays well, we are always competitive. If they play like they did against the Jets, we have no chance.
Pretty frustrating to have alex gibbs and such an inconsistent O-line…
"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 Sep 17, 2009 12:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What's this "we" shit??
You quit on the Texans two days ago. Was the Cowboys blog not all you’d hoped for??
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 17, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
lmfao....... and rec'd...
for having a memory like a fucking ELEPHANT.
"If you're an asshole, you're gonna come back as a cockroach or a worm or a fuckin' anal bead, okay? If you're a man and you act heroic, you'll come back as an eagle. You'll come back as a dragon."
by chrisd21 on Sep 17, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know one thing...
this has been a long ass week. I’m so ready for another game, however I don’t expect them to win, I’ll be happy if the offense scores and Schaub makes it through the game.
GO TEXANS!!!!
This is the year.......
by Texanmaniac on Sep 17, 2009 12:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
well
look i’m a fair guy, a titans fan i may be, but i am a football fan first and i think the biggest lack of respect that goes around is to the Titans offensive line. They are easily the best in the NFL, i mean one sack against the best defense in the NFL? I know you have Mario Williams and i respect the guy, but do you really think you’ll pressure collins? Not to mention if you stack teh box with 8 guys, collins will pick you apart. Don’t say it can’t happen considering the guy threw for nearly 250 yards against again one of if not the best defenses in the NFL. Oh and i forgot it’s going to be in Tennessee, and the Titans are simply a better team.
You're not wrong walter, you're just an asshole.
by collinzoober5 on Sep 17, 2009 1:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Matt Schaub
is a better quarterback than Collins. Let that sink in, thats how sad the Titans quarterback situation is. Collins might pick us apart with screens and dump offs, veeery intimidating.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
by CFHTim on Sep 17, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who are you trying to convince??
We know the tits are a good team. Thanks for stopping by on that one, troll.
I don’t know of anyone who claims that your line sucks, either. As far as I’m concerned, they’re the best run-blocking line I’ve seen since Emmit Smith’s days in Dallas.
Again, who are you trying to convince, Captain Obvious?
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 17, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never said I quit on the team...
But since you apparently can’t read, I’ll break it down for you and I will try and stay away from too many vowels and polysyllabic words.
I said I stopped caring. It’s been to much of an emotional investment over the years to get worked up for each game. So until they show me that they can win consistenly, I’m not going get hyped up every week only to have them not show up.
I still watch them, and hope they win, but I’m done getting my hopes up until they prove to me that I should.
Here’s an idea. Roll over to the door to your parents basement. Now roll your pasty, gelatinous ass down the stairs and sift your way through the piles of discarded mountain dew cans and twix wrappers. Now, take ten or twenty minutes to catch your breath.
Ok, once you reach the computer, and if you can see through the haze of mountain dew laden sweat covering your eyes, go ahead and navigate to my original post on BRB. You may have to clean the cheetoh stains of the keys first, if so that’s fine, go ahead.
Now, read my post again. I suggest having a dictionary, or perhaps a speak and spell, handy. Please note that I never suggested quitting on the team. Note that I stopped caring until they finally did something WORTH caring about.
If you can’t understand the difference, that’s okay. I understand that concepts like this are difficult for sheep to grasp. So let me sum it up for you.
I HOPE they do better. I don’t EXPECT them to based on what I have seen. I’m done believing that they will get better based on hyperbole. I want to see tangible results.
Fkin douchebag.
"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 Sep 17, 2009 1:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Boy, that escalated quickly… I mean, that really got out of hand fast.
You know... for kids.
by Jake on Sep 17, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Glad you cleared that up...
because I thought sure you’d quit.
Also, news flash…. more people use the internet than just stereotypical hacker types.
I’m actually a fairly normal asshole. I got a job and everything.
The job I had before this one, I stopped caring about. They thought I’d quit, too, so they stopped paying me. Small world, eh?
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 17, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Glad you cleared that up....
I just assumed that when you responded to someone’s frustrated, opinion post by saying “fuck off”, you were likely a stereotypical hacker type.
"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 Sep 17, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
apology accepted.
Welcome back, Cotter!
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 17, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol Kotter...
That was TV worth watching…
"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 Sep 17, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are fairly normal?
I call bullshit.
Yay, sports.
by MDC on Sep 18, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...And there is a Texans Dictionary
Check it out.
If you add words or phrases they get added to the list.
by 8AintGreat on Sep 17, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is truly hilarious.
Rec’d for that.
by Nashmeister on Sep 18, 2009 1:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
better than.........
"If you're an asshole, you're gonna come back as a cockroach or a worm or a fuckin' anal bead, okay? If you're a man and you act heroic, you'll come back as an eagle. You'll come back as a dragon."
by chrisd21 on Sep 17, 2009 2:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
we don't have chair-a-pults..
…and we were never cousins.
So it can’t possibly get better than Maury.
"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 Sep 17, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You Might Be Cousins
Beefy is an Aggie living in Waco. Those people get around.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Sep 17, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh mah gawd...
you’re a horse?
In Canada our balls are bigger
by canadian texan on Sep 17, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Feeling About Sunday's Game
Sort of like that split-second before a car accident happens, when you actually KNOW a car accident is about to happen.
I pray that said negative feeling is just gas, but I really, really don’t feel good about playing a rested, angry Jeff Fisher-coached team on the road this week.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Sep 17, 2009 2:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I do...
This is EXACTLY what the Texans need. Go on the road against a great team that’s pissed off and owns you 13-3 for the series.
If they went to play, say, an easy team like the raiders chiefs, then it would prove nothing.
Instead, they have an opportunity to show that they aren’t the pop-warner wannabes that showed up to Reliant last Sunday.
Win this game, and you may get some respect back.
"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 Sep 17, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Prove Nothing?
I understand the sentiment, but I’d rather be playing a doormat this week. The Texans need a win, and the caliber of the opponent matters much less to me than the bottom line.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Sep 17, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you got your ass kicked...
….by your best friend, you aren’t going to get any respect back by beating up your kid sister.
I’m just sayin….let’s take down an opponent worth taking down.
"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 Sep 17, 2009 3:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
this is the nfl
a win is a win is a win.
Especially for the Texans.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 18, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A win is a win
but I think division games are more important.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
by CFHTim on Sep 18, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You will not get sacks on Kerry Collins.
Pittsburghs D is better than the Texans. And even if you get pressure in the backfield, if you watch the Pitt game, Kerry does a great job of identifying and avoiding blitzers and rushers. You will have to show up in run stops and coverage, because pressure will not be constant.
Who doesn't want to be a promiscuous dope fiend?
by BonzosMontreaux on Sep 17, 2009 5:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The patting yourself on the back routine is getting old
Talk to me about the infallibility of this o-line if they finish the season without a sack. until then i will continue to believe they can be beaten. if kerry collins were such a great qb it would not have taken him this long to come of age
In Canada our balls are bigger
by canadian texan on Sep 17, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kerry is pretty veteran
And he’s better than you’d expect at moving around the pocket.
However, he will get sacked and he will get pressured. Last year, Amobi pressured him into making a bad throw and Fred Bennet got an interception.
Also, we have Mario Williams. There isn’t a qb in the league that he can’t sack.
Nice name, btw.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 18, 2009 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only thing that gives me hope
Is that after a completely abysmal start to last season, we recovered and played some decent ball, including beating the BESFs. This team has come back from playing like ass to play well. Maybe they can do it again.
Maybe.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 18, 2009 12:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Texans season
i have season tix in the “Bull Pen” but i have never seen the “rowdies” who sit there as quit and disappointed as they were last Sunday.
It’s time for a major change. Even though i like Kubiak, he needs to go. Schaub, our q-back of the future..what about our q-back for this season. he looked totally lost out there last week. i don’t see anything better coming from them this week
Dunta..that shoe sit was NO CLASS, you lost me as a fan of yours- go play elsewhere!!
by shoedziner2000 on Sep 18, 2009 12:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reactionary
I think talking about firing Kubiak after one game is flat out wrong and impatient. We have a ONE game losing streak.
You know... for kids.
by Jake on Sep 18, 2009 7:58 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd Reactionary
It was just one game and we were beat in every which way we could be but again it’s one game. What will you say if the Texans come out better prepared, more physical, and win the game? It is possible. What if we end up 10-6 and make a wildcard or just end up 10-6 and no playoffs. Would you still want to run everyone off? What if Shaub does stay healthy and ends up a top 5-7 quarterback this year. It is possible. Would you still want to runn everyone off? My point is that there are still a lot of possibilities for this season after just one game. Another possibility is that we suck the rest of the season but you can’t determine that or any of the other scenarios listed above by just one game. I do agree with you on D-Bag though, he can go and let the door hit him on the way out. He is not a Texan!
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
by Bobobigbro on Sep 18, 2009 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No..
…we have a three year losing streak interrupted by a one season flirtation with mediocrity,
I like Kubiak on a personal level. He seems to be a great guy and hard worker.
The number don’t lie though, if we don’t go 9-7 this year or better, he needs to go.
"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 Sep 18, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
it’s been two seasons of mediocity and I really don’t give a shit about the previous years anyway. You’re right numbers don’t lie but that was last year and the years before and not this year. I don’t disagree with you on making changes if we don’t have a winning season. My point was it was just one game and yes it very well could happen again this week but we don’t know how this season will turn out after just one game. Here’s hoping for a win this week. How about we all get excited and hope for the best on Sunday and if it doesn’t work out then we can bitch about again next week (I know I will) but I’m a Texan fan and always will be.
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
by Bobobigbro on Sep 18, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
way too early to talk about Kubiak
its a good thing you’re not in charge of this decision.
Results are everything, but one thing I saw last year out of Kubiak is never giving up. Started 0-4 and one play from 0-5, and never quit.
How his team responds this week will show us more of how good of a coach he is. How his team plays for the whole season will tell us all we need to know. So give him this year, then take a breath, and cast your vote.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 18, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 18, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Shaub isn't allowed to change a play at the line of scrimmage when he sees
something then it’s almost like he is playing with one arm tied behind his back. I’m pretty sure that at least a few plays could have been salvaged last Sunday if he could have.
by shiner37 on Sep 18, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally Agree
in 8 years I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Texan quarterback allowed to audible out of a play. But Mark Sanchez can do it in his first NFL start.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
by CFHTim on Sep 18, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
This is the exact same system that’s been run for years and years and years under Kubiak, with great success. He said they have adjustments that Matt can make on each play, which should work in any situation. My point is, even though the system obviously didn’t work against the Jets (not the 80’s band), it’s the same one that’s won a super bowl in denver, and has had success all along the way.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 18, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Disagree
Elway was allowed to audible.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
by CFHTim on Sep 18, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
corrections
who sit there so quiet
that shoe shit
by shoedziner2000 on Sep 18, 2009 12:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's almost a haiku
And a fairly awesome one at that.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 19, 2009 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least you guys are going to get to watch the game....
i have to friggin work sunday….
by turnip73 on Sep 18, 2009 12:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If This Sunday Is A Repeat Of Last Sunday
Those of us watching the game could well be envious of you working.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Sep 18, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If this sunday is a repeat of last sunday...
…the only saving grace will be that it is an away game. Given how rowdy the crowd got in Reliant, can you imagine the next home game if these performances continue?
"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 Sep 18, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can also
imagine how rowdy the crowd will be if we win this week!
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
by Bobobigbro on Sep 18, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My Man....
Keepin’ it Real… Thank you, Bobo!!
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 18, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is STILL one part of the Texans organization that...
…we can all get BEHIND!
"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 Sep 18, 2009 11:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"Cushing played well in Week One,"
Aside from all those plays in which he didn’t.
Yay, sports.
by MDC on Sep 18, 2009 5:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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