Kubiak "Stopped Short" Of Declaring Matt Schaub Ready For Opener

by Mike Kerns on Sep 8, 2009 7:40 PM CDT in News

Texans starting QB Matt Schaub returned to practice today. He was still wearing an ankle brace after leaving the field.

It's from the good old national media, so take it for what it is worth. I am more inclined to listen to the local guys who cover the team (The Chronicle's Twitter is saying Schaub is expected to start), but thought this was worth passing along:

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub returned to practice Tuesday, though it's not clear whether he will start against the New York Jets in Sunday's season opener.

Schaub took half the snaps in practice, his first significant work since he sprained his left ankle during a Aug. 31 preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. He is listed as day-to-day.

"He took a big step forward (Tuesday)," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's progressing toward getting ready to go, so it's a positive move forward for him."

Kubiak stopped short of saying Schaub, who has missed five games in each of the last two seasons with injuries, would start against the Jets. The coach did announce that Rex Grossman would be Houston's No. 2 quarterback this week.

Also:

"Matt is hobbled, so they've got to be ready to go," Kubiak said. "But as I told Dan and Rex, I'm leaning toward Rex's experience and the way he handled himself, handled the team the other night. I'm kind of drawing from what I've seen him do in the past and (am) just very comfortable with him right now."

Hopefully, Kubiak is pulling a Belichick and not announcing his injuries until it is mandatory. Trying to keep your opponent guessing. If not, the Schaub haters are going to be out in full force at Reliant this Sunday...

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ugh....

wtf. somebody said “ben taub” shaub…. i like glass joe. either way, this is reeee dick you luss.

by chrisd21 on Sep 8, 2009 8:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

That's gonna pop a balloon in the BRB FFL...

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 8, 2009 9:09 PM CDT reply actions

I’ve had the feeling all week that Schaub’s not going to start. The fact that he took 50% of the snaps, though, makes me feel better.

I’d rather have an 80% Schaub than a 100% Grossman. I’m not getting tricked by that guy.

Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com

by HoustonDiehards on Sep 8, 2009 10:24 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Normally I'd agree

But, considering it’s week 1, I don’t want Schaub starting unless he’s 100%. Putting him out there at less than full strength makes me nervous he’s going to aggravate it further and make it an ongoing injury. 80% Schaub is much better than 100% Rex, but not if it puts the rest of his season in jeopardy.

It’s a good thing we still have a few days. I’d hate to be talking about this on saturday…

by BigTexBD on Sep 9, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm starting Schaub in FF

No way he doesn’t start, not in 100 years. If he had that injury in a regular season game he’d have been back after 1 series. They’re just keeping us on edge!

by WhiskeyR on Sep 8, 2009 11:24 PM CDT reply actions

Too true

Schaub wanted to play more that night but Kubes intervened. Kubes later commented that had it been a regular season game that he would have been back after getting retaped, braced or whatever. No way is Schaub not starting on Sunday. Weather may be bad on Sunday, but the roof takes care of that, so no sloppy turf. One less worry for Schaub. I love Matt Schaub’s playing and leadership skills. The Jets with Rex Ryan will do their best to test his mettle with a variety of blitzes, but Schaub will be ready, and given decent protection will shred the Jets D. GO TEXANS!!!!!!!!

It took the Astros 44 years to get to the Series, the Oilers-Texans are due to get to the big dance...Go Texans!!!!!

by oiler-texan diehard on Sep 9, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions

I've cleaned this up three times

Because I don’t want to be accused of playa hatin’. So, here goes: If Matt Schaub can’t start game one, then he can kick rocks. Seriously, I like him, but he’s not built like other QB’s. And by that I mean he isn’t built like a fooftball player. So, although I think he’s a heady athlete I just don’t think the NFL is the best place for him to perform. At least not here in Houston.

I was going to say that I thought he might be too skinny to earn a living in the NFL, but wow, that dude’s already struck it rich. Mother Fucker do we know how to pay quarterbacks!

Matt Schaub is a nice fellow and I think he’s swell. Again, no bad-mouthin’ players from me.

by carsonwayne on Sep 9, 2009 3:39 AM CDT reply actions

I don't care if he's at 20%

If I’m Kubiak, he’s starting no matter what. Even if it’s not the best decision for the Jets game, at some point he needs to assert himself as tough enough to hang in this league. Sitting out a very winnable game with a minor ankle injury isn’t going to help in that regard.

Like many of you, I’m in the camp that says he’s gotten a bum deal due to cheap-shots. But if he can’t make this start, I’m gonna turn on him pretty damn quickly.

by Nashmeister on Sep 9, 2009 5:09 AM CDT reply actions

Schaub haters?

I do not see a lot of Schaub haters out there. I see a lot of Schaub disappointment. The guy was hyped and we gave away a lot for him and so far he has spent lots of time on his back.

Schaub has taken some cheap shots but so has every QB in the league. You have to get up from them.

Now let’s kick the crap out of those damn Jets.

by Micah B on Sep 9, 2009 9:15 AM CDT reply actions

Seriously?

Shit, try coming to a tailgate. People out there wanted to start Sage THE WEEK AFTER ROSENCOPTER! Hell, on the radio THIS MORNING that were people saying they wanted Grossman for starter.

After dealing with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming for the past four years, Houston sports fans have zero tolerance for injured athletes. It dont matter if it is their fault or not.

Sorry, you may not hear it. But I hear people putting down Schaub all the time. Hell, the Monday after he threw for 400 yards against Green Bay people were still saying they wanted to move him for a “good Qb.”

Okay, sorry. End of my rant…

BattleRedBlog.com DontMessWithTexans.com
Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4 TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags
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by Mike Kerns on Sep 9, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

I see your point...

but I do not see that as hate. It is reasonable to question Schaub. I have an unreasonable hatred of Vince Young. Nothing that man does will change it and it is completely based on the fact that he belongs to Bud Adams. Schaub can change the opinions of fans by getting on the field and playing hard regardless of whether he is hurt.

My point was that all the people bashing Schaub are not necessarily haters. They are just upset that he has the durability of spun glass.

by Micah B on Sep 9, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

To refresh...

Schaub has missed games because of three hits that were all flagged. Yes, the latest tweak was kinda stupid and weinie, but there aren’t many QBs who survive having Fuck Jared Allen lunge at their knees three seconds after the ball is released.

I do understand your frustration, though.

And Mike knows sharing those stories send my pressure through the roof.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Sep 9, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Just keeping you on your toes, big guy.

BattleRedBlog.com DontMessWithTexans.com
Clutchfans.net - Chuck 4 TexansTalk.com - Frak The Jags
Twitter - Zepp1978 Facebook - Zepp1978

by Mike Kerns on Sep 9, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

But the rosencopter game

That was because he had like montezuma’s revenge or something. I am totally pro Schaub, but damn that doesn’t really scream Joe Montana and chicken soup. I’m just getting nervous now. I do not want to have to draft a QB in round 1 for a long time.(takes pull of Jameson)

by MadMartygan on Sep 9, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Is Jameson

…a nickname you gave a certain part of your body?

I keed, I keed!!!

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 9, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

it is now.

by MadMartygan on Sep 9, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions

remind me...

never to high 5 your ass please.

by chrisd21 on Sep 9, 2009 6:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

You have

to be reminded of this??

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Sep 10, 2009 7:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Texans Lose

Sorry fellas, but the Jets are winning this Sunday. WIth much respect to your team. They are definitley legitimate contenders, but Schaub is going to be limping around and running for his life all day. Darelle Revis will lock down Andre Johnson. Go Jets!!!

by GangGreen75 on Sep 9, 2009 11:17 AM CDT reply actions

lol

how cute! we got a jets fan hatin lol

by chrisd21 on Sep 9, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Revis

Really? AJ has 5" on the guy and like 30 lbs. And AJ had more catches and yards than any reciever in the NFL last year. You better be double coving him to even slow him down.

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Sep 9, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions

I understand you plan on starting Sanchez.

I hope he likes Mario Williams, because they’re going to be very close by the end of this game. In a prison sort of way.

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

by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 9, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

You better hope Rip doesn't see this comment.

If he does he’s gonna start lecturing us about how insensitive it is to joke about the serious topic of rape.

by Jordann on Sep 9, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

Well, he's from NY, so he probably thinks it means

…he’s just gonna get unemployment benefits…

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 9, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions

ha!

mobile rec’d lol

by chrisd21 on Sep 9, 2009 6:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I wonder

if Chushing already knows him that way, The where “roommates”?

You can't fix Dumb

by Texans-Brocos on Sep 9, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions

GREAT Commments, All!!!

As it sould be, discussion on Matt Schaub is peaking already; days before the first game! This just accentuates the hope the team and fans have in the success of this season relying on a healthy Matt Schaub. One can not refute that Schaub has been dealt his most severe injuries from “vicious” cheap shots. So vicious that the league enacted a special rule now called the Schaub/Palmer Rule making those kinds of hits illegal. My only regret is that we can’t go back in time to imprison Jared Allen for his acts. If you haven’t seen those shots recently, I advise you to check them out on youtube. I would provide a link, but I am on my BB right now.

No doubt, Matt Schaub has the ability to lead this team. I haven’t seen anyone say he can’t. But, it always comes with the phrase, “if he can stay healthy” attached to it. Those two thoughts go together like popcorn and butter. Even with the admission of the vicious hit injuries, it is hard to dismiss that Schaub is built like he is just looking to be injured when he steps on a football field. He is as tall as Peyton Manning but he does not have the build of Manning. And, we know Manning is not immune to injury, even though he may have the best field awareness, the quickest release, and he has had a quality O-Line. I list those qualities because in addition to not having a football body, those are things that Schaub needs to improve in order to overcome his frame and stay out of harms way.

So, all great discussion here. Schaub is our guy, if he can stay healthy. If he can’t, then Rexy is our guy and if Rexy can emulate a Kerry Collins a little more I think he can manage this offense to some wins while Schaub gets back to health. This team has some weapons to work with. Rexy said himself that there is always something open here. If he gets in, he just has to remember that when there isn’t an opening to get rid of the ball without a mistake and get to the next play.

That’s my take.

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 9, 2009 11:24 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

our defense the last two years

was good enough for 8-8 with a good move-the-ball offense, but average scoring offense.

Our defense may be better, we’ll see, but if our offense takes a step back with our QB2 playing more or worse, we may be in trouble.

I am of the opinion that the offensive system Kubiak has makes QB’s play better, and you could put any of our 3 QB’s out there and we’d “move the ball.” The scoring/turnovers are the variable, and are huge, obviously. All three of our QB’s have too high of a turnover/score ratio, so Schaub’s leadership is the main factor he’s the obvious QB1.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Sep 9, 2009 11:34 AM CDT reply actions

oh please

Schaub is gonna play. Bet the farm on it.

by grungedave on Sep 9, 2009 12:12 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs

yep

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Sep 9, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions

and let me add...

See the games the Lions are playing with the starting QB? Think Kubes is doing the same? I do.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Sep 9, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions

That's my thinking as well

I mean, why not use this to your advantage?

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

by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 9, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions

right

Cuz if you’re Rex Ryan, you have a choice. Do you prepare to rush six and line up the other guys 40 yards down-field. Or you can actually have to game plan.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Sep 9, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd

Because no team wants to gameplan against the “Fuck it, I’m goin’ deep” philosophy.

So you're saying that now I have to think of some witty Sig that will be applicable across all the SBN sites? Go Texan Horn Stro Kets!

by Shake on Sep 9, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Re: Belicheck

Before it was Belicheck’s move to treat injuries like that, it was coined and perfected by Mike Shannahan. I’ve seen Kubes pull the “Shanny” before. Sounds like that’s the case on this one.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Sep 9, 2009 12:46 PM CDT reply actions