Dear Richard Smith: All is Forgiven
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 27, 2009 8:16 PM CDT
91 comments
Err, OK, not really. But after three games, it's starting to look like our defense is regressing under Frank Bush. I see little reason for optimism defensively. The problem isn't just that the defense is bad. We are horribly, comically, and historically bad.
After today's effort, the defense is allowing 436 yards per game. To put this in current context, the 2008 Detroit Lions gave up 404 yards/game. You have to go back to 1950 to find a team as helpful defensively as your 2009 Houston Texans. The 1950 Colts allowed 450 yards/game, an ignominious record still well within our reach. (Note: If anybody knows of a database I can drop into Excel, please let me know.)
Let's look at the teams we've played: New York Jets, Tennessee BE-SFs, and Jacksonville Jaguars. In games NOT against us, these teams have averaged 242, 260, and 300 yards/game, respectively. This would rank them all in the bottom nine offensively. Yet, our defense has managed to turn them all into the New Orleans Saints. What the hell are teams like Arizona, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and for the love of Durga, Indianapolis going to do to us? You know, those with actually decent offenses.
And it's not like we're making up for our new "aggressive" defense by creating more turnovers or sacks. We've created only three turnovers this year (no, I don't count the Kerry Collins gimme fumble). Worst of all, and something Frank Bush and Bill Kollar were supposed to specifically solve, we have created one sack. One.
There is plenty of blame to go around. Dunta Robinson and especially Fred Bennett have been off-the-charts bad. At best, our safety play has been dog shit. And there's no logical reason to believe any of these guys are reliable tacklers. Our LB play has been equally poor. We are susceptible in the short and intermediate passing plays, and that we've given up a number of huge runs is a direct indictment of their play (and play-calling). We need to give Antonio Smith the number 98 and just be done with it. Connor Barwin, for all the hype and expectations, has a grand total of one solo and one assist.
Not even Mario is immune. Teams have learned he has one move, a speed move upfield, and they are taking advantage of his losing containment. And Busing and Cushing and Diles and Robinson, for that matter. Our complete ignorance of talent at safety and NT is killing us.
Offensively, wow. There really aren't enough superlatives to go around. Kevin Walter's 2009 debut was a grand success. When you consider his pass-catching, run blocking, and his new-found rushing skills, my goodness. I had been lukewarm on re-signing him, but he's a truly special player. Kasey Studdard's play is worrisome, but we did a fine job protecting Teh Schaub all game. One of his two sacks was just poor decision-making on Schaub's part.
Hell, Kubiak even won his first ever challenge!
I know a couple people believe we didn't deserve to win the game. But the fact is we are an offensive force. That, alone, keeps us in games.
This is a team of extremes, and it makes the whole experience frustrating. And bi-polar. Roller coaster. Nauseating. DisplacedTexan killing. And kinda fun. At times, it's like watching a real-life version of Tecmo Bowl, and both teams have Bo Jackson.
Unless we make massive changes defensively, and we simply don't have the personnel or, obviously, coaching talent to do so, I suggest we just enjoy the fireworks. At this rate, this will be Gary Kubiak's last season. Somebody will have to take the blame for the team's lack of defensive preparedness...and just the fact we hired Frank Bush. We are blessed with an offense that's a blast to watch (unless we are playing a 3-4 defense with a capable NT). Because of this, we'll win a couple of games, so let's enjoy what we have.
1 recs |
91 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Great Post BFD
I think something has to change quickly or the season will be a complete loss. We are having defensive tryouts in regular season games, ridiculous. And whats worse is we are not devoid of talent on defense. I think we upgraded from last year, changed coordinators and got worse some how.
If carrots got you drunk, rabbits would be fucked up.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
by CFHTim on Sep 27, 2009 8:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
raises hand
Yeah, I’m one of the people who think we didn’t deserve to win…
though our offense is kick-ass and should at least keep us in most games. Yet we have taken the 2007-08 Saints playbook of “strong offense, non-existent defense” to a new extreme. It’s going to give me a damned heart attack. And I’m only 32.
by grungedave on Sep 27, 2009 9:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
oh a follow up
I hope you aren’t saying we lack talent on defense (Mario, Dunta, DeMeco and Cushings are hella talented, and that’s a healthy portion of the D). The problem – in my opinion – is that we have guys who are playing for individual reasons…
1. Dunta wants his contract so he is constantly gambling (the fumble today was nice though)
2. Mario is thinking “sack, sack, sack” (and getting none, but that’s another issue)
3. Bennett is trying to avoid being recognized as Petey Jr. (he’s failing… Petey would have been an upgrade to the Fred today)
the result is that gaps – big, huge, gaping holes – are open every 4-5 plays because of Texans players ad-libbing and guys like MJD and Chris Johnson abuse these mistakes. Next thing you know – we’ve given up 400 yards. Again.
by grungedave on Sep 27, 2009 9:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
was NOT calling you out
just to be clear.
There’s a difference between talent and production. You specifically mention two LBs, but then how do you explain our tendency to give up 50+ yard runs? Or one sack? And what about the other seven guys?
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 27, 2009 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to put words in grungedave's mouth but...
Baseball is only the really sport where you’re running a team of individuals out there, where true talent trumps all. With football, especially on defense since you need every individual player to be doing good work on every play, rather than just one receiver out of four or everyone blocking in the area of a run to work out, you need 11 good players at once to have a good defense. You can get by with 4 stars and 7 solid players, hell you could even forge a competent defense with maybe 1 or 2 stars and 9 solid players, but the Texans stars (which I would say only definitely include DeMeco and Mario) and solid players (Smith, Cushing, Dunta, maybe Bennett…actually I’ll write a Fanpost about that, and maybe Wilson) are being asked to carry 2 absolute duds (The NT and S) and other guys who are hardly consistent (Amobi and the Diles/Adibi spot). Combine that with an absolutely incompetent scheme (particulary the 10 men in the box wrinkles where one missed tackle is a 20+ yard gain) and I find it hard to be particularly critical of the stars, no matter how bad their stats or the overall defenses stats look.
This is a shitstorm by depth and incompetence, not a failure of the stars IMO.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement
by riversmccown on Sep 28, 2009 6:43 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hard to disagree
Where I disagree is that neither Dunta nor Bennett are solid (average, or close to it), and Smith and Cushing are slightly below average at their positions. Then it becomes, where does the fault lie with idiocy like this:
Not seen: Dunta on the far right.
I “highlighted” our three linebackers – Cushing, Ryans, and Diles from L to R. With Cushing lined up over C, we have four guys to the STRONG side of the ball: Bennett, Bulman, and DelJuan with Busing at S. At the snap, the o-line goes to the weak side, and we crash down as a response. But, oops:
Already, every single LB has run themselves out of the play. When Bulman crashes right, he’s out. So we now have MJD and Mike Thomas being covered by, essentially, Bennett.
Busing has now officially run himself out of the play (after this, Barber saw most of the action at SS). They’ve got two skill guys with speed and momentum going strong, and we’ve got one guy on the right side of the hashes. Eugene Wilson is imitating a statue…extremely well, too. Bennett doesn’t take Drew, biting on the fake, and MJD has the easiest touchdown of his career, second only to Chris Johnson.
So where are the faults here? I’ve been bitching all season about our LB placement. Instead of containment and discipline, we bite on the misdirection. Should Ryans or Wilson or SOMEBODY see we’re in a lot of trouble. And who had responsibility for Thomas?
There’s a whole lot of suck going on in this one play.
Screenshots from NFL.com.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bennet didn't bite on the fake
He was simply playing contain as he should. If he “bites” inside and they give the ball to the WR on the reverse, it’s an automatic TD because as you’ve said there’s no one else on that side of the field whereas there’s at least a chance that someone will make a play if he’s able to kick the play inside. As you said though, Bennet was basically playing 1v2 there, to contain on the play he had to contain the outside man which puts him way out of position on Jones-Drew, but he really did the only thing he could in that situation.
Alot of the trouble on that play, was just the play call as we have most of our defenders trying to work themselves into the play while it’s going to the opposite side of the field from where they are. Bottom line there though is that if Busing makes a decent read there at safety, it’s about a 3-4 yard gain at best.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
The problem is the hand-off has already been made at this point, Drew is hitting the line, and Bennett is still on Thomas. Bennett, though, was in serious no-man’s land there, and he has all the reason to expect LB and safety help.
But even if Busing is in better position, it becomes Busing vs. Drew in the open field 1-on-1. I’ll take Drew to win.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't
Even if he broke free of Busing’s tackle defense he’d have nowhere really to run as Bennet would be right on top of him onthe outside and literally everyone else on the Texans defense to the inside. If Busing makes the right read that play isn’t going to be broken for more than 6-8 even if he gets ran over on the tackle attempt. It’d still be a good pickup on the ground, but even in that case 6-8 yards given up is a heck of alot better than 60+.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would partially agree with this. The fault lines with Busing for not containing that side and at least slowing down Jones-Drew, but I also have to agree that the LB placement was very suspect. Why did they overload the weakside? Why is Wilson not AT LEAST playing center field instead of being over on the weakside? We basically allow them to have more blockers to the strong side, which never makes sense. At the snap you can see we have the LBs and DE covering the gaps on the weakside, why is Wilson not floating over to the strong side? He still has Dunta to his weakside for backup, but pretty much nothing to the strong side. I see no reason for Wilson to be where he was.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Sep 28, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Jags overloaded the "weak" side with WRs
That alone forces the Texans to shift defensively to that side. The problem is the defensive play that was called doesn’t really work with that particular defensive shift and an adjustment needed to be made at the line and didn’t. I don’t know how much of that is on the captain of the defense not making the correct on field call, and how much is Bush not allowing his defense to audible out of bad plays.
I agree that Wilson should have played the run better than he did, but technically he looked like he was playing his defensive assignment, it was just a bad play call from the start. Alot of those yards and the score would come back had Busing made the correct read, but anytime a 3 yard gain is the best case scenerio for your defense, you’re running the wrong play.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For example
If the Texans didn’t shift their LBs then Jax would have known they were in man coverage and that they were bringing 1 or more LBs on blitz. More than that, it’s possible that they could even have determined who was coming on the blitz and who was dropping back based on our alignment. They would have simply audibled at the line and taken advantage of the mismatch on their reciever in the slot and likely still would have a big gain or even TD on the play.
I have less of an issue with the LB shift than I do with the particular play call and player reads during the play.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I only count 2 receivers on the weakside, yet there are 6 Texans lined up on that side. Still doesnt make alot of sense to me, especially with the jags lined up in an I formation.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Sep 28, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to shift
In order to disquise your defensive package. If they weren’t going to shift their LBs they would have needed to bring Bennet over or the Jags know that the FS is going to be in man coverage on their slot reciever and if they do they’ll know that Bennett/Texans are in man coverage. It was only two recievers, however since they’re running a twins WR package, it forces the Texans to show more of their defense than they want. The only way to disguise what you’re doing really in that situation is to shift LBs.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In this case
The Texans were bringing 3 LBs in what looks like was designed to be a run blitz, the problem is after shifting to the weak side of the line, the run blitz is pretty ineffective unless the Jags run a weakside run which is unlikely considering they’d be runing towards their twin WRs and the shifted defensive formation it caused. The play should have immediately been changed at the line based on formation, but wasn’t. I wish I knew whether it was a on the field goof by Ryans (assuming he’s the def cpt in charge of audibles) or Bush wanting his players to stick to the plays called and not screaming like a banshee on the sidelines when he saw the formation and knew the playcall they were in, which he should have been doing in either case really.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Am I missing something
I’m reading the comments and looking at the screenshots…I see Bennet, but where’s DB or the other cornerback? Thompson comes back behind and Diles hooks up with the slot, but where’s the corner from that side? Essentially we’re a man down on this play, right? Or, am I missing something.
by RenoTexans on Sep 28, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunta is off screen to the right.
If carrots got you drunk, rabbits would be fucked up.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
by CFHTim on Sep 28, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aggression
Overpursuit has been a hallmark of this team since…ever? They don’t have the speed to go sideline-to-sideline, so anyone that can gives them trouble. I’m more inclined to believe this is a spillover philosophy from Richard Smith and that Bush just continues to implement it, albeit by making things even worse since everyone is at the line and out of position.
Also, sure am glad we didn’t draft a safety! It’s always great when your coach can’t bench either one of them fast enough. Just give them all Matt Stevens jerseys and be done with it, ugh.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement
by riversmccown on Sep 29, 2009 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beauty
“Just give them all Matt Stevens jerseys and be done with it.”
Congrats, Rivers, you win the Internet today! Please don’t drop it.
I saw people begging the question on whether or not this would be better solved by moving away from the Smith-ian read and react. But I never understood this argument.
I see a lot of people here saying over-pursuit, losing containment, etc., is a function of our team youth. Outside of Cushing and possibly Busing, everybody else is at least in their third year. Sure, that’s young, but should they still be so sucky?
To me, it goes back to coaching.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 29, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we deserved
at least a tie.
We earned it once. The BE-SF on our roster is a double agent.
But deserved a win? I put our chances below 30% even with the Referee not handing the game to the Jags. But thats at least a chance.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 27, 2009 9:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nah, we sucked.
If the refs had initially ruled Chris Brown’s carry a TD instead of a fumble, or if they’d not thrown the flag on Kevin Walter, we still most likely would have lost.
The Jags would’ve had just under two full minutes and a timeout to get into field goal range. Who honestly thinks we could’ve stopped MJD in four-down territory? Raise your hands…thought so. And even if we would’ve stopped them to force OT, there’s no garauntee that we win the coin toss.
What sucks is as soon as Schaub threw that redzone pick I turned to my buddy and said that’s gonna cost us. I had nightmares of MJD (also playing against the FF team) all week. With a ground game like they have, and DT’s like we have you can’t afford to turn the ball over. That simple.
Anyone else see Amobi get blown out of the hole by MJD? Yeah, that’s our top-ten DT. The little bowling ball dragged our promising youngster three yards after the initial contact. What a joke this scheme is.
And heaven forbid we spend a first-day pick on a real safety.
by carsonwayne on Sep 28, 2009 2:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think Schaub’s pick played much of a factor at all. They got the ball back at the 10 yard line, it would have been little different than us punting. They still had to drive all the way down the field, its not like we gave it to them in field goal position. The offense did their job, this is nearly 100% on the defense.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Sep 28, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea i am with you
I dont think the pick was that bad…Probably the best pick he will throw all year…
by schillingb on Sep 28, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The offense did their job in the first half, but they didn’t look too great in the second half. They had their moments, but only scored 3 points.
by RenoTexans on Sep 28, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our offense has been that way.
Other teams adjust at halftime and we don’t.
If carrots got you drunk, rabbits would be fucked up.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
by CFHTim on Sep 28, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least there wasn't a rosencopter.
Nothing else positive to add.
by WhiskeyR on Sep 27, 2009 9:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
at least rosencopter looked cool
deffense just makes me cry
by schillingb on Sep 28, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
HA!
When Schaub tried to scramble for a first, I was thinking: please don’t jump.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3-4, please.
Denver’s defense was absolute dog-shit last year. Worse than ours, easily. They promote a former offensive coordinator to head coach, switch to a scheme that they have absolutely none of the personnel for, and suddenly they’re giving up about 6 points per game. Who is their giant nose tackle again?
The Jets crush. The Ravens crush. The Steelers crush. Meanwhile our defense sucks hard.
by Nashmeister on Sep 27, 2009 11:15 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Let’s get this correct. The three teams the Broncos have faced. Bengals, Browns, and the Raiders. None of those teams are great on offense (Bengals are on their way back up though), so to compare what the Texans are going through is a bit much. Don’t get me wrong, the Texans defense looks like a high school defense playing in the pros. But some teams can run a 3-4, others do just fine in the 4-3. Eagles, Giants, Vikings, Every year before this year’s Bucs are all great 4-3 defenses…the point being that I am tired of people saying that 3-4 is the way to go when really, teams like the Ravens and Steelers have exceptional talent on defense and a great defensive mind at coordinator. All the Texans need is a competent defensive coordinator and a gap-control, run stopping DT to make them a decent defense.
by theaxeeffect4721 on Sep 28, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In fairness, the Raiders haven't played the Texans yet.
I agree with the basic point of this though; I don’t think you shift from 4-3 or 3-4…neither one of them is as important as having the players to implement the one you have right. The Texans don’t have the full boat of players to run either, nor do they have the defensive mind apparently.
Long story short, pile of suck.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement
by riversmccown on Sep 29, 2009 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question...
Do we have a Champ Bailey?
Huge difference.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Sep 28, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we have a couple guys
who have met Bailey before. That’s about it.
Yay, sports.
by MDC on Sep 28, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't know
Champ’s been sitting out a few plays in recent years.
by grungedave on Sep 28, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
UMMMM....
Trade up for Eric Berry or Taylor Mays please…This defense is killing me. It is almost an embarrassment to wear my Texans jersey in San Diego. Slaton jersey at that. I constantly have people coming up to me at the bar saying how much promise we have and it kills me because I’ve seen the same thing for the past three years.
I play real sports...Not try to be the best at exercising.
by wescox10 on Sep 28, 2009 12:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a separate thread, but
Trading up is never a good idea. Ever. Trade down and get two safeties at half the cost in the second.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 28, 2009 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I understand that
BUT, do you sacrifice for top tier talent?? Of course we don’t know how college guys will transition to the pros but I think these guys are the REAL deal. There comes a point where you have to sacrifice to satisfy the needs of the team. I’m sure we could pick up some good talent in the second round but we need some big time changes and that starts with some big time moves…..that includes analyzing our DC.
I play real sports...Not try to be the best at exercising.
by wescox10 on Sep 28, 2009 1:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why
is this the case? Generally I totally agree, but when we have such a huge gaping hole at safety and really, really need someone to come in and make an impact on day one (of, err, next year), why is trading up to get one of the two players who could do this a bad call?
by killtacular on Sep 28, 2009 1:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because we can fill the hole with people that are equally as likely to work out
For a fraction of the cost. You have to pay a king’s ransom to move up into the early rounds and with the same money/picks you gave up you could draft more players that are just as likely to be successful. There are NO guarantees in the draft. Ever.
So you minimize your risk and maximize your cost effectiveness by taking players in the late first/second rounds. Especially this year, where the draft is deep at S and NT.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 28, 2009 4:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The best thing about Mays and Berry
is they will be taken before we pick, so we can get the third best safety.
Who am I kidding, we’ll wait and find us a hidden gem in the 7th!
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 28, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
People were screaming for Vontae Davis this last draft. He isnt impressing much in Miami. You just never know with these defensive players out of college. Personally I would be inclined to draft a lesser known one for cheaper and look at someone more proven in free agency. We should be at the building through the draft stage honestly, we need to fix out holes NOW and make a run. I dont want to go drafting safeties and corners and waiting for them to develop, our offense is primed for a run now, if we wait for the defense to catch up, it could be too late.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Sep 28, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that should say, shouldnt be at the building through the draft stage.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Sep 28, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But if Taylor Mays falls into the lap of the Texans, it will be a happy day for all.
by theaxeeffect4721 on Sep 28, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have to disagree a little here
…but not too much. It’s a little deceptive to look at sacks as the only metric for measuring pass rush. My own informal analysis indicates that we’re getting more pressure on the QB than we did last year. Granted, that’s not exactly saying much, but it remains true. Garrard did a good job of getting rid of the ball, but we hit him a lot. I don’t recall seeing us do that too much last year.
As far as Smith vs Bush, it’s kind of a case of pick your poison. Under Smith we gave up 7 yards per play, every play. Under Bush we seem to be getting stops in the backfield and at the line, something we didn’t do in the previous regime. However, we also seem to be giving up big plays. It’s like we have a greater standard deviation of suck.
The only cause for optimism with respect to the defense is that it’s probably better to start out too aggressive than to start out too passive. We’ll start getting their with our blitzes, and their is a distinctly nonzero chance that we’ll learn to wrap up defenders and tackle properly.
The problem is, it’s kind of a hard time to be learning being three games into the season already. By the time we get it figured out, we’ll be 6-6.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 28, 2009 12:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Also, for "their" read "there"
Ultimate irony when a spelling/grammar nazi makes spelling/grammar mistakes.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 28, 2009 12:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I won't ban you for the spelling
But I will for liking Justice’s column. HAHAH!! C ya pal.
“we have a greater standard deviation of suck.” That’s it exactly. You posted that article from FO last week talking about how we restricted Chris Johnson…aside, you know, from those three long touchdowns. The problem is our new-found aggressiveness isn’t paying off in sacks or a related event in turnovers.
My old IM team from college could tackle better than these guys, and we played flag football.
It just seems to me these are fundamentals which should already be known or taught, and it’s a direct indictment of Bush.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're right about fundamental mistakes being made
But I don’t think that’s really a huge indictment at this point as most of the “fundamental mistakes” are being made by players with 0-2 years of NFL experience. Those same players would be making mistakes for pretty much any DC in the league if they were on the field.
What’s happening is the Texans are playing much more aggressive on defense and in doing so there’s less room for player error, but there’s no way around those mistakes when you have as young a defense as we do. You can see the good in the scheme for 2-3 plays at a time then someone makes a mistake and suddenly we give up a 20+ yard play. We force teams into alot of 3rd and longs, the problem is we give up alot of those 3rd and longs, mostly due to someone blowing an assignment which young players will do occasionally…, the problem is 3/4 of our defense on the field at any given time is made up of these “young players” so the likelihood of giving up the big play is pretty high.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which leads me to believe
By the end of the season as the young players get more experience in the scheme there will be fewer mistakes and you’ll begin to see more 3 and outs whereas now we’re stopping the first two plays on alot of possessions only to give up the 5+ or whatever’s needed on third down. I don’t think we’ll have a great defense, but with our offense I expect it to be more than enough to get Ws whereas now we’re getting Ls. The problem is we’re yet again hoping their season ending stretch of good play comes early enough to put us in contention for the playoffs. Untill we field a team that plays at its full potential from day one of the regular season, we’ll never be a consistent playoff contender.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with that...
…is you have to assume other teams aren’t improving and maturing, as well. This takes good coaching, something I don’t believe we have.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
But a team that is as young and is making as many mistakes as the Texans are right now is going to improve more from maturation throughout the season than a team that is playing more veterans and making fewer player errors on the field, which is pretty much every other defense in the league.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly.
i hate when people get off… and get back on the bandwagon. i assumed our bloggers and fans were smarter than that. hey, at least we killed the “start sexy rexy” movement…. geez. so now some people wanna run koob, bush, AND CB out of town. lol.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by chrisd21 on Sep 28, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not a bandwagon type of guy
If I’ve been blogging about the Texans for three years, and on this site for four, I think it’s safe to assume I’m not fair-weathered.
Especially after pre-season, I really haven’t seen much of a reason to believe in Frank Bush. The sad fact is, we are fielding one of the worst defenses in football history. Might we get better? Of course. But outside of the 4th quarter against he BE-SFs, I’ve seen little reason to be optimistic.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
knee jerkers....
is who i was referring to BFD. honest critisism isn’t the same, which is what you, as well as a few others, provide. but we do have SOME that overreact… and that’s who i was aiming that last 3 round burst at. lol
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by chrisd21 on Sep 28, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's so much people being bandwagoners
So much as some people are just more pessimistic by nature than others and when things are bad they won’t believe in them getting better until they see proof that it’s actually going to happen. Is it better to be an optimist or pessimist? I don’t know, I don’t think there’s any right or wrong way to be a fan, and the parity in mindsets is what makes blogsights and msg boards worthwhile.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no such thing as a bandwagon fan
…of a team that’s never had a winning record. I tried to get this point across to oilzwell once, but apparently it was time for orange slices and fruit cups, so he wasn’t at his computer.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 28, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
And now you’re bad-mouthing orange slices and fruit cups? YOU BASTARD! I’ll ban you for sure now!
/looks up, sees god-like image of Tim staring down and shaking his head like Lee Trevino in Happy Gilmore/
Oh, never mind.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
orange slices
FTW!
In Canada our balls are bigger
by canadian texan on Sep 28, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's an interesting concept
and one I hadn’t previously considered, but I think you are right. Bandwagoning implies that you are only there for the good times. Not having a winning record precludes having any good times. I smell what you’re steppin’ in.
Yay, sports.
by MDC on Sep 28, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think its one thing to be critical and mad about a bad game(that much is justified), and another thing to declare the entire season lost, demand so and so fired, and that the sky is falling after 3 weeks in the season. Lets at least get to the bye week before people start slitting their wrists.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Sep 28, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that your answer?
Let’s enjoy it? You don’t seem like you’re having fun…
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Sep 28, 2009 6:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My assessment...
The Texans played tough, the defense made way to many mistakes, but they still could have overcome them. It simply came down to turnovers and stupid plays such as the Mario Horsecollar.
I was sick, but didn’t feel real horrible about this loss, The Jags were up and I thought the play calling was shoddy. I would have made Mathis intercept more, because I would take that matchup with AJ 9 of 10 times.
As of right now, I still think and hope we have a decent season.
GO TEXANS!!!!
This is the year.......
by Texanmaniac on Sep 28, 2009 6:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
deffense
now like everyone know , our deffense sucks . the thing that troubles me the most though is that kubiac dosnt seem to be doing anything to fix the problems at all .when ever ask he comes out with the same fall on the sword its all on me or the just as pathetic im worried about it too .is it too much to ask for the coaching staff to actually take some actions to fix the problems.we have lots of young tallent and all kinds of potential on that side of the ball .so where do we go from here ? im just worried that our should be play off season is being coached down the drain .
by Mike 76 on Sep 28, 2009 6:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Come On Guys,
These RB’s we are facing have been Bona-Fide stars…
Chris Johnson “God’s gift from hell or whatever..” MJDrew, Adrian Peterson, Mike Bell….wait NO?
At first, I thought giving up the big play was a glitch…destined to be ironed out…but after those preseason games & these first three…I’m starting to get nervous. As the great General Beringer once said, “Mr. McKittrick, after very careful consideration, sir, I’ve come to the conclusion that your new defense system sucks!”
by Smittybaby on Sep 28, 2009 8:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The season is not over
after week 3.
We have a lot of blitzing on film for our opponents to see. How about get ourselves into the 3rd and long, and SHOW a blitz and drop back to protect the draw/screen? I think that woulda gotten us off the field a bunch yesterday.
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 28, 2009 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was out of town
And therefore unable to watch the game, which probably saved me from an afternoon of stress. I will make myself watch the dvr later, but until then don’t have anything to add.
I did rec the post for this line though:
At times, it’s like watching a real-life version of Tecmo Bowl, and both teams have Bo Jackson.
Good job, bfd.
You know... for kids.
by Jake on Sep 28, 2009 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice post
and I certainly agree with everything that has been said. Absolutely pathetic. Even though at this point in the season playoffs is completely out of the question, you have to think that Roger and the rest of the NFL execs have to be rooting for the Texans to make the postseason. Now, I know nothing about advertising and marketing, but it has to be pretty simple to market a game in the wildcard round where it is 99% guaranteed that each team will score at least 30 points (unless, of course, the 3-4 causes us trouble all season and we meet the Steelers Ravens or Jets.) Everybody loves a shootout.
by Mookazoid on Sep 28, 2009 9:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
amnesia
i swear some people have it. did we not know this was our team coming into the season? did we NOT know that Cushing was gonna start slow, considering this is only his 3rd game… EVER in the NFL? or that our secondary was going to suck ASS.. considering dunta didnt practice during preseason? didn’t we know there were huge question marks at safety? i mean CMOOOOOOOOON! relax! last year we were 0-4 out the gate and we still won 8. a team does not gel overnight. it takes time, it takes practice, it takes communication. we are weak at some areas, but so is every other team in this league. you dont think the Jags would kill to have our talent at reciever? or you dont think Indy would LOVE to have a cushing or super mario for their defense? our offense will save us… and the defense will BE better.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by chrisd21 on Sep 28, 2009 10:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve actually been very impressed with Cushing, i think hes played better than expected. I did think the secondary was going to be weak, but I thought the front 7 would apply enough pressure that they wouldnt have to mantain coverage for long. That just hasnt happened.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Sep 28, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What happened was we went from one extreme to the other
Last year our secondary was exposed because we couldn’t get pressure on the QB, this year our pressure up front (which we are getting by the way) is being nullified by the inferior play we’re getting out of our secondary.
by Bryan72076 on Sep 28, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cushing
I think Cushing has been good. I wish he didn’t keep backing up as Garrad ran into the endzone, but he’s been doing well for a rookie. I think he’ll only get better.
by RenoTexans on Sep 28, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LONG TERM we need defensive changes
But short-term, I believe the season is salvageable.
Don’t feel like retyping so here is the link to what I posted. Little change = BIG dividends in my opinion.
"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 28, 2009 12:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
and now we bring to you....
MEET THE TROLLS… starring JAGMAN4EVA. he enjoys hitting gay bars… taking long moonlight strolls on the beach with his man crush MJD, and watching his precious FAGS play for the #1 pick in next years draft. here’s a highlight of his notes so far here on BRB….
Joined Battle Red Blog – 09/28/09 8:35 AM
The ball was fumbled by Brown b4 his knee was down and b4 it got to the goal line. Or did you not watch the replay? Not enough video to overturn that call. Sorry! Nice home coming for the texans! There were several calls by the refs that were terrible on both sides of the ball. But shit happens! Deal with it. What about when the texans were on defense and umpire in the defensive backfield basically stopped Jones-Drew from scoring a 4th touchdown? If the idiot ref wasn’t in the way, you know no one on the texans defense would have stopped Jones -Drew as he exhibited that earlier in the game! It was an exciting game and the Jags deserved to win on this particular Sunday!
yawn. obviously we DIDN’T watch the same game dumb ass, it’s OBVIOUS that he was down.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
must be looking at yourself while you wack off with tweezers… i would find that fairly funny myself.
If the offense played good enough to win. Why isn’t there a W in the result column?
because the refs felt sorry for the FAGS. duh?
12-4 HAHAHAHAHAHAHA That’s some funny shit chris! What is BRB brothers? Broke Back?
no, it stands for Battle Red Blog. and i assume Big Cat Country isn’t talking about all the prostitutes running around jacksonville, right?
What kind of broke back mountain shit is going on in texas? I thought that was the old west. I guess it’s in the gene pool!
gene pool for jacksonville….. a sorry ass football team, old folks in black socks and sandals with white shorts on… muttering about how loud the music is.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by chrisd21 on Sep 28, 2009 1:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Can You Say REBUILDING Year?
I kinda choke halfway through that word, but the defense is so putrid the Texans may spend all season trying to rebuild the defense.
Because they can’t stop the run (or the pass on third down either), this the formula for a Texans victory:
1. Flawless 30+ point performance from the offense
2. Good special teams play
3. Win the turnover battle
4. Hope that luck/officials are on their side
Any of those four not happening = LOSS.
Getting stops on third down is looking next to impossible. That’s something they might not be able to fix. They may be able to make changes to prevent these long touchdown runs (i.e. electric shock collars may be necessary), but that may be at the expense of not getting alot of third and longs like they have. The fact that the Texans have forced alot of third and longs is a huge positive. They haven’t been able to do that in the past. Pancakes has just written that this defense is worse than the one in 2006 when Richard Smith started and the worst ever. Hey, that defense hardly even saw third down in its first three games. That was a consistent 5-8 yards a clip march backwards with a 50 thrown in.
The true test in the life of a Texans fan is how gracefully you endure it.
by TexanKurt on Sep 28, 2009 1:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think its way too early to give up and declare “rebuilding” or anything else. Lets go up to the bye week and evaluate where we are. 4 or less losses at that point and its still a good run. I think we will be fighting with the Patriots, Steelers, and Bengals for 2 wildcard spots.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Sep 28, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No giving up...
And I still choke halway through the word ‘rebuilding’, but it appears that those four items will have to happen in the games leading up to the bye week if the Texans are to win those games. That’s a hard row to hoe.
The true test in the life of a Texans fan is how gracefully you endure it.
by TexanKurt on Sep 28, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do have some real hope that Pollard and Reeves can seriously help our d. Pollard can at least tackle from everything I’ve heard, and Reeves is probably a better corner now days then Dunta or Bennet. Hell if he actually is able to find the ball in the air I think reeves would be a fairly fantastic corner. There is still hope! I hope.
by nolander on Sep 28, 2009 1:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I do love me some Frenchy these days, and if Pollard can re-capture what he showed his rookie year, he’ll be a HUGE upgrade at SS. Of course, my 3-yo daughter would be an upgrade, too.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've always thought that Frenchy was better than most other BRB posters
I mean, Fred doesn’t turn his head either, but at least Frenchy can cover guys while he’s not turning his.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 28, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Requiring the WR to just reach a little higher to make his catch
is not really “covering”.
That said, I really think bfd with his bum knees and caucasian speed would be an upgrade out there.
Yay, sports.
by MDC on Sep 28, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you look at Reeves stats.
He really isn’t that bad, just always had fans watching him, and everytime he didn’t turn and look for the ball everyone attacked him.
If carrots got you drunk, rabbits would be fucked up.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
by CFHTim on Sep 28, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glenn Martinez
Do some pushups, and work on your backpedalling.
By MNF I want him starting at Safety for your Houston Texans!
Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.
by texanphil on Sep 28, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
heh
At least HE can tackle.
Note to self: Insert something witty here.
by bigfatdrunk on Sep 28, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why
Why, why, why do I constantly get my hopes up for a team that has proven that they don’t have the tougness nor the leadership to win in this league. Our FO makes incomptent decisions in hiring coaches (Frank Bush). I am far from throwing in the towel on the season but I have to admit that I am very disappointed in this team. We are three weeks into a season that I thought was promising and I am wondering what the hell happened. Do these guys have no pride. This has been a pathetic start to a season but with this team I don’t know why I would expect anything different. I would love to see us fire Frank Bush today but the truth is that we won’t. Kubiak and Smith are in trouble, they should have hired someone qualified for the job instead of hiring the usual… a friend. I would love to go back to the old Oiler days. Hire Buddy Ryan and let him piss everyone off but at least the Dome use to be called the House of Pain. I like smash mouth defensive football and this team is far from that. It’s depressing to be honest with you.
by wasteph on Sep 28, 2009 4:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And nobody needs to criticize Schaub.
How long would it have taken mittens to put up 7 touchdowns?
If carrots got you drunk, rabbits would be fucked up.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
by CFHTim on Sep 28, 2009 5:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHA
If Schaub is kept upright he is good enough to win in the NFL. If only we could stop the opposing team once in awhile. And as much as I would like to see a top ten defense for once in our history, a middle of the pack defense would probably be enough to win the division, with this offense.
If carrots got you drunk, rabbits would be fucked up.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
by CFHTim on Sep 28, 2009 6:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Battle Red Blog
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
