Comcast Presents: Would You Rather Have Sage Rosenfels Backing Up Matt Schaub?
by Tim on Aug 6, 2010 3:58 PM CDT
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You read the title of that post right. No, I haven't been drinking. Yes, I remember this (NSFTF...as in "Not Safe For Texans Fans"). I am honestly asking you if you could make room in your heart for Sage Rosenfels to be the backup QB for your Houston Texans again. C'mon...stop screaming "NOOOOO!!!" and venture beyond the jump. You know a small part of you wants to see how I could ever dream of asking the question.
As I type this, Dan Orlovsky is the backup quarterback for your Houston Texans. Since we're going down YouTube memory lane, I'm required by the Hague Convention to link to this patch from the quilt that is Dan Orlovsky's life. Ugly, but you knew that. Thing is, I don't really even care about the play, even though that's what people know Dan Orlovsky for as a football player. I care infinitely more that all reports from training camp seem to rather uniformly state that Dan Orlovsky looks horrible. Diehard Chris weighs in:
DanO has not looked good. THAT is not an overreaction. He holds the ball too long. He rarely is able to find his second option once the first option isn’t there. Dan – I KNOW our secondary is not THAT good. Yesterday during 11 on 11s, Orlovsky pulled the ball down and ran with it at least four times. FOUR! Someone tweeted at practice yesterday (I think it was AJ but I’m not sure), none of the linebackers are standing out as being especially solid in pass coverage… so yeah, I’m definitely concerned about Orlovsky. Someone (I need to start writing this stuff down) also mentioned that Dan seemed to put too much zip on the ball when he needed touch, and too much touch when he needed zip. That’s also accurate. He’s been kind of a mess so far. Third-string QB John David Booty has looked like you’d expect a third-stringer to look – but he’s looked better than Dan. O needs to step it up quickly. I expect Kubiak will give him a ton of snaps in the first preseason game, because holy cow does he ever need them.
7 on 7: Orlovsky still throwing the 10 yard outs into the dirt. Call me unimpressed. That's maybe why he and Booty had to stay after school today and work with Greg Knapp (see slide show below). The Texans are a Schaub injury away from a bad season.
Word of caution, naturally, that those are just two (2) opinions from fans (albeit very well-educated fans). Yet combined with the fact that Rex Grossman beat Orlovsky out for the QB2 gig last year, I think Orlovsky's readiness to step in for Schaub this year (should anything happen, of course, and may Durga have mercy on us all if it does) is a real concern.
Salary-wise, Dan-O is entering the second year of the three year/$9,150,000.00 ($2,400,000.00 guaranteed) deal he signed in March of 2009. Keith at ITB estimates Orlovsky's 2010 cap number (in this uncapped year) to be $3,050,000.00, with $2,250,000.00 of that being base salary and thus presumably non-guaranteed.
Sage, as you know, could be as low as No. 3 on the Minnesota QB depth chart. I say "could" not because I think there's a chance Brett Favre might not come back--it'll be the surprise of the century if that drama queen doesn't play QB for the Vikings this year--but because, for reasons beyond me, Tarvaris Jackson was and appears to remain ahead of Sage on the depth chart. The Vikings reportedly paid Sage more than $3,400,000.00 in salary and bonuses last year; he's slated to make $2,600,000.00 in base pay this season; he's 32 years old; and he's scheduled to make $3,000,000.00 in base money next year. Not exactly what you want out of your QB3.
With all that in mind, would you cut Dan Orlovsky and bring in Sage Rosenfels? Presumably, Smithiak would have to part with a draft pick (the link above quotes a scout speculating that Rosenfels might fetch "maybe like a sixth- or seventh-round pick"), but that doesn't strike me as a deal-breaker. From his previous stint here in Houston, Sage knows Kubiak's offense. Unlike '08, there wouldn't be the slightest whiff of a quarterback controversy; Matt Schaub is the unquestioned starter. If Schaub did have to miss time, who would you feel more comfortable with stepping in--a QB who's run this offense before with some success, or one who hasn't?
I fully realize this is idle speculation, and the chances of it happening could be nil. We're not privy to what goes on behind closed doors, so for all we know, Kubes feels fine about Orlovsky as his QB2. But the reports out of camp are enough to at least spark a discussion, aren't they? Thus, I ask: Would Sage Rosenfels be an upgrade over Dan Orlovsky at QB2 for your Houston Texans? And if so, would you make the move if you were Smithiak?
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I Say
Bring back Sage….I would feel a whole lot better with Sage than Dan Orlovsky. Really? Really!
My attitude is like a virgin......I dont give a fuck!
I agree
I’d love to see Sage back in Houston
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Aug 6, 2010 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions
No.
1. A backup QB is not on the roster to take you to the playoffs or SB.
2. We already know what Sage’s maximum potential is. We have no idea what Dan-O’s is.
I realize that Sage is probably a better backup QB, game manager, etc. right now. And I realize that it is a gamble to hedge on the fact that Dan-O might become a better backup or even starting QB.
But that gamble is nowhere near as large as a gamble where you take off running while leading the game by a few scores, and then proceed to jump into the air and get the shit knocked out of you (taking the ball with it). And all just to bounce back so you can commit another turnover ASAP.
In other words, my heart says Fuck You Rosencopter no.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
to that I say
1. Orlovsky will guarantee that prognostication
2. I want to say I’m done looking in the rear-view mirror. If Rosenfels is an option, I would take him over Orlovsky.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Not arguing #1...not even a little
And as TDC said below, it’s hard to really say anything about Dan-O until we at least get to see him in some Preseason action later this month.
But let’s all face it. It’s once a decade that a team has a backup QB that could be anywhere as good as Schaub showed us he can be last season.
And unless our GREATEST DEFENSE EVAR all of a sudden becomes some mixture of the 2000 Ravens and 2007/2008 Vikings, then we aren’t talking about just needing a solid game-manager to get us to the Superbowl.
2 years ago, I would have had a completely different answer. The sort of answer that was affected by wanting to see a 9 or 10 win season more than anything.
But I’m past that now. My expectations have risen. Playoffs or draft picks, folks. And 99% of backup QBs aren’t going to get us there….especially the Rosencopter.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Shake, it appears you're on a small island re: Rosenfels
and re: DanO. I saw all I need to see last night, with no pass rush and hugely open WRs running amok. He was holding onto the ball in a world of indecision. It would be painful to watch DanO take over the helm during the season. I can’t say he will ever be ready to lead the team. I’m not saying he doesn’t have the arm or the physical tools. I’m saying he’s not near being ready. When? That isn’t a like a light switch you can turn on and off. In fact, I tend to think you either have it or you don’t and I can’t say he has it.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Oh?
The Patriots might disagree about back-ups taking you to the SB.
by DisplacedTexan on Aug 6, 2010 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Right
Because a huge majority of backup QBs turn out to be Tom Brady….or even just fuck a supermodel
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
WTF dude
Any pro athlete can fuck a supermodel. It’s part of the deal.
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
by tehGrindCrusher on Aug 7, 2010 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Hell, Kyle Boller got himself a Miss America
and married her on top of it, & he wasn’t even that good of a QB
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Aug 7, 2010 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Oops, my mistake, that's Miss California
Also let’s not forget about Jeff Garcia’s wife
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Aug 8, 2010 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I now know what Dan-O's portential is
It is the potential to destroy a season. I’d been listening to all the chatter about Danny Orlo being turrible, etc etc and thought “How bad could it be?” That question was answered for me last night at the open practice. For a second, let’s forget about accuracy, decision making, pocket presence…you know, the things that make a good quarterback…and let’s just focus on one thing: handing the ball off. He couldn’t even do that right. For the sake of the children we won’t even get into the other parts of his game. All of us had better be making serious sacrifices to Deity of choice that The Schaub stays healthy all 19 games. Bring back Sage! Bring back Sage! Bring back Sage!
(I had to dust off this ol’ nic since my laptop was stolen last night. I can’t remember what email/password i used with the other one. Carry on.)
Buck
by ArtistFormerlyKnownAsBuck on Aug 6, 2010 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
DanO sucks tits
we need a backup QB to maybe Win 2 out of 4 games if Schaub goes down for a few games. sure a backup is not going to take you to the promise land or be worth a crap if schaub went down for the whole season, but you need a guy you can you win with for short term injuries.
Don't ask me! Ask Google, you dumb Yahoo!
Rosencopter!!!!
Ok i saw the game live
I saw the game on NFL network 27 times. and i saw the game on sports center as well. the fucking helicopter in the air lookin like john elway and shit.
iT was bad BUT. thats what everyone remembers him for. i can remember when Schaub was first brought here and went down. i was wondering if Rosenfels was actually better than Schaub. i know it sounds crazy but Rosenfels is a good backup quarterback and i would feel way way better than having DanO in there.
I have been to three of the texans practices so far this season and am going again on saturday morning. Orlovsky looks HORRIBLE.
Cut DanO and bring back Elway/Rosenfels.
by houstonduckhunter on Aug 6, 2010 4:30 PM CDT reply actions
Bring back Rosencopter
Yeah i saw it. A very bad decision on his part, but it showed he had heart and courage, trying to get the extra yards for the first down.
Besides that play, overall he did fairly well back then.
however, i wouldn’t give up much for him.
LOL!!!
No theres like 3 more on there lol
by houstonduckhunter on Aug 6, 2010 4:53 PM CDT reply actions
My concern
My only major concern on this years team is our back up QB spot. I have absolutly no confidence in Dan O, none. Sage made a mistake that Im sure he will never make again. Tell you what tho…..Our boys look pretty good and not one team on our schedule scares me. We can play with anyone! We can beat any team we play. If they put 4 quarters of Texans ball together (which they will this year) its going to be hard to beat us! CAN I GET AN AMEN
My attitude is like a virgin......I dont give a fuck!
by The Abrego on Aug 6, 2010 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd....
and and AMEN!!!!
Please Durga don’t let Schuab go down if we go into the season with DanO as our back up.
Just my $.02
Even duct tape can't fix stupid
I'll let Dan O have a chance to show me something in the Arizona game....
then I’ll freak out or not.
While I hope Schaub remains healthy for the next 27 Sundays (Starting at the HOF game, it’s 26 out of 27 Sundays with Football), I recognize that you still need a back-up just in case…..Sage would know the offense better, but I am going to give Dan O a chance….can’t panic now…..can’t panic now, right?
"Lord, beer me strength."
No.... its certainly time to panic!!!
rosencopter knows the system, has had some success in it, and shows some heart when he plays.
of course, there can be no QB controversy now…..so what would it hurt?
bring back sage!
"No matter where you go....There you are" - Buckaroo Banzai
by buckaroo_banzai on Aug 6, 2010 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Remember Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Relax.
We haven’t even played a pre-season game yet and people are in mild-histrionics over our back-up QB. Based on some practices in shorts. People, if one of our biggest worries is our back-up QB I’ll happily take it.
I’m not saying DanO is Mario-reborn, but I don’t think we need to start speculating about the return of a man who likely shattered the dreams of numerous children in about 3 seconds.
But how about we see DanO in action in some pre-season games before calling the Waaambulance for a Tim-induced stroke?
Jets' Ryan: 'My crystal ball, I'm seeing a Super Bowl trophy'
This guy has some big balls!!!! Fuck the Jets
My attitude is like a virgin......I dont give a fuck!
I don't get why the Jets are getting the hype
I mean, I do….ESPN, pretty boy QB, and New York, but it doesn’t make sense.
They were 9-7 last season and got into the playoffs because 2 teams sent back-ups out there. Their AFC playoff run? Against the injured Bengals and choking Chargers.
Their schedule’s tougher this year, they got rid of their leading rusher, their best player isn’t happy, their pass rush is questionable (and what cost them against the Colts), they added a bunch of personalities, and they’re hoping for progression (not a certain thing) for a QB.
I’m not saying the Jets are bad or won’t be contenders for a playoff birth, but I don’t get where the elite hoopla is coming from.
"Lord, beer me strength."
by TexansDC on Aug 6, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Re: Ryan's Big Balls
If he’s married, then technically his wife has ‘em in a jar on the mantle. Just sayin’.
"I like watching the old naked couple on public access...until the guy stands up, then it sux." ~ BFD
While I'll say that I'm not impressed with Orlovsky
I don’t think Rosenfels is a real answer either.
Then again, I have a preference for high-upside backups. While Orlovsky very well may have fit the criteria when Smithiak signed him, I think he’s legitimately proven he can’t get it done.
If we’re going to be moving a pick for someone, I’d want someone like a Troy Smith, Josh Johnson, or a Tony Pike. A young QB, low on the depth chart and with a low trade value, who needs an opportunity. That way, you have a chance (however small) that when you have to put said QB in, he gives you something like Matt Moore gave last year’s Panthers.
My theory being: if the Texans don’t get solid QB play, they’re done. If you’ve got a 90% chance of getting just average or below-average play (Kelly Holcomb) play from Rosenfels, why not try your hand at a younger guy and see if you can get lucky? The worst case is you wind up with another Orlovsky and you’re out a piddly amount of money.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter | SB Nation Houston | Battle Red Blog
D Ware...Cowgirls
Out 4-6 weeks. Spained knee.
My attitude is like a virgin......I dont give a fuck!
I know Spears
i know spears was hurt but heard a minute ago Ware went down today from a Cowgirl fan. I will do some research.
My attitude is like a virgin......I dont give a fuck!
lets all be honest here
we need Matt Schaub all season to go to the playoffs and beyond. Whether it’s DanO or Rosencopter (Rosencopter would clearly fair better but still would lead us to a sub .500 record), we’re screwed without Schaub.
Atleast 30 or 31 out of 32 teams would be done as well if their QB went down…backup QBs like Tom Brady only happen…well the one time it was Tom Brady.
Whatever happened to Boyd & Zanbransky?
I’d take those two over Dan-O & Sage. At least with Zanbransky you know he can handle big pressure situations (Ask any OU fan, they know that very well)
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
Zabransky was disappointingly cut in the preseason after we signed him.
Shane Boyd… I don’t remember. We should go re-sign Craig Nall, though. He demolished the UFL last year IIRC.
Anyhow, I would be in favor of bringing in Rosenfels again. Not because I think we can still make the playoffs if Schaub goes down, but because I’d like to not lose to a terrible team like the Jaguars because our QB has to get his shoulder popped back into place during the 1st half, long enough to let our back-up put the game out of reach.
Ha
Should have read your comment before I posted mine.
by MadMartygan on Aug 7, 2010 12:12 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t think the issue is a backup being able to lead us to the playoffs. Let’s say schaub goes down for just a game against Oakland or Denver or a team like that. If we get beat because we have a useless backup, that one game could mean no playoffs. If schaub goes down for the season, then yeah backup doesn’t matter.
by MadMartygan on Aug 7, 2010 12:09 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Really
it doesn’t have to be Sage. But, unless something weird happens, DanO is not good enough to be our backup QB. Given the Texans past history, they need a good enough backup QB. I have no idea whether that is JDB, or Sage, or someone else, but its looking like its not DaveO. Ya, they paid him money, but don’t fall into the sunk costs trap!
Let's see what he really has
I was a big fan of Orlovsky when he was in CT, and when the Texans signed him I was excited to see his potential. I don’t think we’ve seen what he’s capable of yet.
It’s training camp right now, time for pulling apart the things that don’t work in your game and fixing them. It’s the right time for him to be making mistakes, if he’s trying to fix a weak part of his game.
I want to see how he handles himself in a preseason game in our system before we throw him under the bus, especially since we’ve invested so much money in him as a back up. I feel like last year he was shortchanged on his opportunity when the coaches were blinded by Sexy Rexy and his Superbowl pedigree.
Give Orlovsky the preseason before we making a final decision, and keep an eye out for other options that have some upside. Rosenfels has had his opportunities, lets see what Orlovsky really has.
Rosencopter
was a solid backup. He went out and won a couple games for us, not to mention the 29 point 4th quarter game against the BESF’s (somebody please tell me what that means, I’m new to the blog)….
Any time DanO’s name is brought up all I can remember seeing is him in a lions uniform stepping a yard or two out of the back of the endzone and keep going as if he had no idea. Not to mention he got beat out by Rex F’n Grossman for the 2nd string job. Horrible. And thats all I gotta say about that.
Sage was given time to develop as the Texans 3rd stringer, once
Orlovsky may be terrible now, but it’s still very early in the process. You’d think he sacrificed every virgin in SE Texas, with all of this hate he gets. This will only be his 2nd year on our roster. Let’s see how he looks further into camp, before we dismiss him completely.
True,
But it sounds like John David Booty is already well on his way to surpassing Orlovsky. I’m not saying he is there yet, but come the end of pre-season, you might see a change in the Depth Chart.
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Aug 8, 2010 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes - it's about time to admit that throwing all that money at DanO was a mistake
He apparently hasn’t progressed at all and we should go in a different direction. Even if Sage costs the same $$$, he would be a better short term solution than DanO. As others have stated, if Schaub is gone for an extended period it likely will be moot as to who is taking the snaps. If, however, he misses only a few quarters having a proven commodity could be the difference between playoffs and disappointment this year.
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 Aug 7, 2010 10:44 PM CDT reply actions
The First Cut
The first cut is Aug 31st (Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players) and then Sept 4th (Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players). I would shop the first cut… Nalls aint a bad choice, but if Sage is there and the price is right… Make a move. If you could get both do it.. If neither are available it is possible that some of the other teams will relase some decent QB talent. However contrary to possible belief there have been some back-up QB’s that have kept a team on track for the playoffs and superbowls… Errol Morral in 1972 miami, jefferson Street Joe Gilliam w/ Pittsburgh, Craig Morton with Dallas, Frank Reich with Buffalo, Jeff Hostetler for NY Giants, Vinny Testeverde Jets 1998, and I am sure there are more. So chose wisely… and don’t Bank on Orlousy or the Bootyman… Hell I would damn near say call David Carr… Must be tired… Well he’s better than what we have and shucks…. he does have a Superbowl ring…
Like it or not folks, we'll be going forward with something fresh.
What’s next? Pining for David Carr to be our backup???
Capers/Casserly-era retreads….. no thanks!
yes
Sage is a better QB. End of story. Dan might be younger, but he’s got enough experience that the development clock is running out. I wouldn’t give up anything for Sage, but if he’s released( and he will be when diva comes back) and we can get him at a decent price. Do it.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
by papabear on Aug 8, 2010 10:43 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
How Bout Another Direction
I say we drop Dan don’t pick up Sage and try to get Pat White from the Dolphins, I don’t know if you guys followed West Virginia University football or not but Pat was amazing four back to back bowl victories over a 1000 rushing yards he is a QB mind you and he is extremely accurate. And with Slaton already playing for us, why not try and reunite them and see what kinda magic they can make happen
Pat White?
Good kid with limited NFL skills. The only thing that scares me is if he would bail and not exercise patience… If he was the man we probably need to put in some sets that play to his strengths… Here’s another thought.. What about Jim Sorgi or Seneca Wallace… decent back-up material… but I think Sage if he’s a bargain would be a go… then if we could get white or one of these others we would be pretty got at that spot.
You think that Parcells is gonna give away the future of the Wildcat offense?
As much as I would like to have him here, I just don’t see Parcells giving him up
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Aug 10, 2010 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Hold the train!!!
What makes anyone think Rosenfels wants to be a backup anywhere, let alone here in Houston?
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 Aug 10, 2010 12:59 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Re: Train
Oh, I’m sure Sage would love to start somewhere, but that’s not looking like a realistic option at the moment. I am guessing, however, that he’d prefer to be second-string somewhere, as opposed to the third-string that he’ll likely be in Minnesota.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
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