Unsung Hero: This One Is Probably A Few Weeks Overdue
by TexansDC on Dec 5, 2011 7:30 AM CST
in Unsung Heroes
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PrintBefore I get to this week's unsung hero, I have to address a few things.
First, Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson gets an honorable mention as unsung hero for his holding penalty, which nullified teammate Mike Peterson's interception return for a touchdown. If Dunta does not commit the penalty, we are talking about a considerably different game. Dunta did his part to help the Texans out and make good on that franchise money he took in 2009.
Secondly, attaboy T.J. Yates. That kid did a good job in yesterday's game. He looked like a pro and didn't seemed phased by anything. Yates made some mistakes and took some big hits but shook it all off. I think we are in decent hands with him moving forward.
Now, let's move onto the unsung hero. Who could be such a man?
I think that man is going to be general manager Rick Smith. I think, perhaps more so than anyone else, his job has gone severely unnoticed, but the fruits of his labor have been on display heavily this season. Would you like examples?
How about we start with the obvious example? No, I am not talking about the two star free agents or the incredibly impressive rookie class. I am talking about the injuries that have decimated the roster. This is a Texans blog, so I do not have to go down the entire list of the current 11 Texans on injured reserve or add in the missed time by a bevy of other players.
Think about that for a second. Each NFL team starts out with 53 men on the roster. Since the season began, eight Texans have been IR'd - this does not include Kasey Studdard and Shelley Smith, who both likely would have made the roster. That is a significant part of the roster. Yet, their back-ups have filled in, the roster continues to be filled out with practice squaders and street free agents, and the team keeps winning.
You just witnessed a fifth round rookie quarterback come out and step into the offense pretty seamlessly. Yates put up an 86.8 quarterback rating on a team fighting for a playoff berth. That does not happen without some savvy drafting on the part of Mr. Smith to identify a player who fit this offense and franchise. Season over? Not so fast.
This season, we have talked about the free agents, the draft picks, and the undrafted free agents who continue to impress, but not the man who played a significant role in bringing them all together. It is evident that this is a complete team. A tough team who continues to grind out wins and is not letting injuries slow them down.
This roster is a testament to Rick Smith. He deserves some applause for the job he has done. Here's to the GM - Week 13's unsung hero.
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I'd like to know one thing?
Where can I buy a Wade jersey?
Matt Schwab, Mary O' Williams, Adrian Foster, and Daniel Owens are my favorite Texans!
I heard academy was...
selling his pre-season shorts!
"Taco Joe - the beacon of optimism" TexansDC
THEREALALLENOU: "@Joeeatstacos... You're like the second testicle to my Tom green. I dont NEED you, but life is better when your around lol"
AllenOU is the Montgomery to my Patton
God blessed Texas, but he has forsaken the Texans
Follow @Joeeatstacos
Honorable mention
to Reliant. The place was insane from kickoff to finish.
by JMFC on Dec 5, 2011 7:58 AM CST reply actions 10 recs
I made a xcomment how
that is the loudest ive ever heard it. and my stream prob wasnt doing it justice
"Taco Joe - the beacon of optimism" TexansDC
THEREALALLENOU: "@Joeeatstacos... You're like the second testicle to my Tom green. I dont NEED you, but life is better when your around lol"
AllenOU is the Montgomery to my Patton
God blessed Texas, but he has forsaken the Texans
Follow @Joeeatstacos
I'm paying the price today. I literally have NO VOICE left and have to write everything down and hand it to folks to read
Never missed a home game, and we’ve never been that loud before. The closest was way back at the first game vs Cowturds. That place was coming off the rails yesterday!!
"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"
Now if only they'd do that on a weekly basis!
With the roof closed (like always) it could become one of the most difficult places to play in the league!
Despite my better judgment, a manager at Battle Red Blog.
Supreme Galactic Editor of Battle Red Onion.
I am a visionary, I am a genius, and now I am angry! Now where are those pants at?!
Football is war by other means. - Carl von Clausewitz...sorta.
by UprootedTexan on Dec 5, 2011 9:13 AM CST up reply actions
The way this defense is playing
The fans will be behind the team. All the fans have ever wanted was a defense they could cheer for. We’ve never really had one.
-- "...I was sick, napping, and then woke up and came to the computer to read a note from the Gingered Angel of Doom..." Martek - Dynamo Theory Blog
excellent point.
Fans were absolutely insane yesterday.
The resiliency of this team continues to amaze me
There have been so many opportunities for them to pack it in and say “this year is just not our year” but they refuse to do so. Credit to Rick Smith for having the players in place to weather this continued storm, but credit to the players and coaches as well for never giving up. No matter what happens the rest of the year or in the playoffs, I have never been more proud to be a Texan fan.
"Never underestimate the dumb with JJ" - Hugh Jarce
by Mumford on Dec 5, 2011 8:06 AM CST reply actions 10 recs
Rec'd for truthiness
This is certainly a team for one to be proud of – regardless of how the season ends.
"Lord, beer me strength."
This Texans victory was like a nice chocalate cake
…and Dallas icing their own kicker and losing in OT was the cherry on top.
Matt Schwab, Mary O' Williams, Adrian Foster, and Daniel Owens are my favorite Texans!
by MeSoLongHorny on Dec 5, 2011 8:06 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
*chocolate
Matt Schwab, Mary O' Williams, Adrian Foster, and Daniel Owens are my favorite Texans!
by MeSoLongHorny on Dec 5, 2011 8:07 AM CST up reply actions
yesss. you could really say
jason Garrett put the “icing on our cake!”
With the injuries to Quarterbacks Matt Schaub, and Matt Leinart, the entire fate of the Houston Texans 2011 season rest on the right arm of.... T.J Yates????
Oh boy...
by Carter Liles on Dec 5, 2011 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
think about it,
if he’d never sabotaged Wade’s tenure as Head Coach, we wouldn’t have THIS awesome defense that is hovering around the top of the league because we wouldn’t have our Wade Phillips nor Vance Joseph.
There are no accidents.
#Texans2011 — Where reality and dreams collide!
~~ Fuzion
by BattleRedFan on Dec 5, 2011 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
yupp. absolutely
Im a very very huge fan of teams sabotaging themselves for the texans favor.
With the injuries to Quarterbacks Matt Schaub, and Matt Leinart, the entire fate of the Houston Texans 2011 season rest on the right arm of.... T.J Yates????
Oh boy...
by Carter Liles on Dec 5, 2011 10:57 AM CST up reply actions
Kubes brass balls should deserve some consideration for unsung hero
for going for it on 4th and 1 on ATL’s 10 yard line with the game tied.
Matt Schwab, Mary O' Williams, Adrian Foster, and Daniel Owens are my favorite Texans!
by MeSoLongHorny on Dec 5, 2011 8:09 AM CST reply actions 8 recs
He was also going for it another time on 4th and 1 I believe
Before a false start messed it up. I like the bravado he is showing.
"Never underestimate the dumb with JJ" - Hugh Jarce
by Mumford on Dec 5, 2011 8:11 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Yeah he's really developed into a great HC
He also totally trusts the defense, and that gives him the comfort to take some risks. His total game management yesterday was fantastic! Quite the mastermind through the whole thing.
"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"
by MeMongo on Dec 5, 2011 8:47 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Konserviak is dead!!!!
Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."
by The Night Owl on Dec 5, 2011 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
LONG LIVE KUBIAK!
"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim." - George Santayana
Do you like Kubes brass balls?
Dirt dog pimp
by jahunter221 on Dec 5, 2011 8:40 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Yes.
Yes, I do.
Matt Schwab, Mary O' Williams, Adrian Foster, and Daniel Owens are my favorite Texans!
by MeSoLongHorny on Dec 5, 2011 9:03 AM CST up reply actions
Trusting the NFL #2 rushing O and the NFL #2 D to do what they are supposed to do
If Kubes had made any other move, we would be asking for his head on a platter.
"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster
by Rip Jersey on Dec 5, 2011 9:24 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow, Dude. Maybe my sample size is limited, but you never seem to give Kubiak credit for much of anything.
I agree with your point to an extent, but the fact that Kubiak is making rational, intelligent decisions based on the game flow and how is team is playing is a marked improvement from years past. If we are going to jump his shit when he shits the bed (ha! how about mixing those metaphors), then fairness dictates that we need to recognize his growth and give him the appropriate accolades.
Or if you just dislike him and will never be able to acknowledge the good things he does, might as well just say it….and maybe you have and I’ve missed it. If so, I’ll shut up.
by USMC_JA on Dec 5, 2011 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 7 recs
Eschewing a chance to take the lead in the 4th quarter isn't exactly what you're "supposed to do".
That was a ballsy decision, no matter how you slice it. And I assure you, it’s one that would have been met with outrage had they failed on 4th down.
they couldnt stop the run
the whole drive that took almost 11 minutes, why not go for it on 4th and 1? They did a study on espn about going for in on 4th down near the redzone is usually a good play. If they dont get it Falcons will have to drive the ball down to get a FG/TD anyways. And yeah some one already mentioned Kubiak has trust in the Defense now so he can take alot more chances.
by ArianNation713 on Dec 5, 2011 3:16 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, it was definitely a good call.
Actually, I read a study the other day (from Football Outsiders, iirc) that indicated that going for it on 4th and 3 or less is almost always a good decision. Although I can’t say I blame coaches for not doing so more often.
Good call. I always had confidence in Rick Smith.
This offseason, people were riding him HARD. A couple of us here pointed out all the players he has signed, re-signed, traded for and brought up through the practice squad.
Some people went off on him about asking Ahman Green if his injuries were real – I personally felt it was a difficult but fair question to ask for Rick Smith to protect this organization’s investments.
I always liked him. Kubiak too. I’m really happy to see that they are not proving me wrong. With our team on the cusp of winning the AFC South, there is almost no sense in even wondering about next year yet, but look at the team he has put together and ask yourself what we’re going to look like next year. We’re on the brink and the future is bright.
This season’s future is bright.
I had nearly forgotten about how bad offseason
and how he had to do some PR work by doing more interview’s and taking over MMQB from King.
"Lord, beer me strength."
That was probably the best MMQB I have ever read. I forgot about that!
He was very candid and honest. We should all go back and read it again.
Good call on Rick Smith
I have learned something here, that a GM and HC need some time to rebuild a team from the ground up, and that’s going to take 5 to 6 seasons of FA and drafting when the team is in shambles like ours was. Now we have depth, youth and experience all combined and it shows!
"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"
by MeMongo on Dec 5, 2011 8:48 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd for truth.
Dallas Cowboys, all hat and no cattle since 1996.
"Will it never be noon?" Duke of Orleans to the Dauphin and Constable of France every Sunday before the Texans play.
by Jonathan Fosburgh on Dec 5, 2011 11:49 AM CST up reply actions
Can we now have a "Unsung Jackass" of the week?
The field conditions at Reliant Stadium were beyond unacceptable. I’ve seen it in bad shape over the years, and it is almost always due to a High School or College game played a day or two before the Texans. I realize some NFL games are played outside in snow and mud, etc but in a covered stadium the players expect the field to be in good condition. As a result they wear shorter cleats to improve their speed. If the field is questionable, they wear longer cleats for sure footing but lose a bit of speed.
Bob McNair paid $700M for the NFL franchise license.
Houston fans and citizens paid $352M for Reliant Stadium.
Hundreds of millions have been paid for player salaries and ongoing ticket sales.
High School and College games need to be played elsewhere so we can protect our BILLION dollar investment and our players!!!!
Players claiming to be injured (minor or more) due to the turf conditions in yesterday’s game and said the field was horrible with seams exposed between the pallets:
Andre Johnson
Brian Cushing
Shaun Cody
Tony Gonzales
Brett Heartmann
AMR did a story on it here:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/04/texans-players-say-field-not-up-to-par/
"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"
by MeMongo on Dec 5, 2011 8:57 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
Want To Get Even Angrier?
The Meineke Bowl will be played at Reliant on December 31st. The Texans host the Titans in the final regular season game of the year on January 1st.
The field will be a mess.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Dec 5, 2011 9:16 AM CST up reply actions
What do you suggest the solution is?
Cancel all non-Texans games?
"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster
I would be more tolerant of College bowl games
But High School games? Sorry, there are plenty of other fields they can play on and not risk the health of our million dollar paid professionals.
"Never underestimate the dumb with JJ" - Hugh Jarce
So, the Meineke Bowl the day before the Titans is okay?
I agree with Tim. I am angry about the field conditions and the fact that they schedule Bowl games the day before a Texans-Titans game. It gives the field no time to recover. This is an issue.
"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster
Oh I didn't say it was ok
I just said I would be more tolerant for a college bowl game than I would be for a high school playoff game. High school kids can play anywhere.
"Never underestimate the dumb with JJ" - Hugh Jarce
I'm pretty sure the two are scheduled independently of one another.
I can’t really complain about it. I mean, I consider it the NFL’s fault more than naything else.
they should be playing high school games in the dome
I don’t care if the roof leaks, its still better than 99% of their school fields.
I wish we could hire coaches without "having grown up in Houston" being a job requirement.
No
Too much revenue/PR for the stadium to do that.
I think my suggestion is that they replace trays of the field if they want to do that. Costs money and time, but the field should never be an issue in an indoor stadium.
"Lord, beer me strength."
yes
"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim." - George Santayana
/signed
We didn’t invest over a BILLION dollars for the NFL to play in Houston….
so that some High School teams and [insert latest sponsor] Bowl can trash the field and put our Texans player’s health at risk.
Play those games at:
Berry Center – a stadium that cost $73M and jacked up my school property taxes to pay for it.
ANY of these local stadiums: http://www.texasbob.com/stadium/region_index.php?Region=8
Rice Stadium
Robertson Stadium
"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"
I don't have a problem with them
Playing at Reliant, but do it on a Tuesday or Wednesday so the grounds crew has plenty of time to fix it up….
by SMITHILLIAK on Dec 5, 2011 11:53 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed
Playing at Reliant the day before a Texans home game should be prohibited.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Dec 5, 2011 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
Concur. I hate grass.
Dallas Cowboys, all hat and no cattle since 1996.
"Will it never be noon?" Duke of Orleans to the Dauphin and Constable of France every Sunday before the Texans play.
by Jonathan Fosburgh on Dec 5, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions
Players (and their knees) don't tho...
…and that is the bigger consideration.
However, if your natural grass surface is laid down with ankle and knee devastating GAPS, it kinda’ defeats the purpose.
"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim." - George Santayana
I love natural grass
But not on pallets. If you’re gonna go with grass you need an open air stadium, otherwise I think field turf is probably the best option.
I'm a man!! I'm forty!!
I think to blame other entities who use the field
is to ignore the heart of the issue.
The design of the field is the root of the problem; its overuse is merely the branches that spring from it.
But is there an easy fix?
Reliant was designed not only for football, but to host the rodeo, live concerts, and over the last few years, college basketball games. These events bring in a lot of money not only to the city, but to the sports authority and to Bob McNair himself. Therefore, a transplantable field, which the pallet design serves to accomodate, is absolutely crucial.
There’s no doubt it needs to be replaced with a more modern design, like field turf. Wes Welker (Red Raider, guns up), Andre Johnson, Brett Hartmann, and countless others have already suffered the consequences of this pitiful excuse for a playing surface. But there are logistics to overcome if it’s going to happen.
Kubiak believes in you
Cowboys Stadium has field turf...
and hosts way more other activities than Relient. I think Relient should switch to the turf system they use. That is the ONLY thing that they should do that the Cowboys do, however…
"...you may all got hell, and I will go to Texas!"
-Davey Crockett
They play a pretty fair number of high school games at Rice.
And it’s better than it used to be, turf wise. I remember playing on old astro turf there, and coming away with real sympathy for guys who play on it. Like playing on a sandpaper covered parking lot.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Twitter - xiane1
The Dreamshake
This is such BS!
The stadium’s “PRIMARY” use is to support the NFL Texans. Not:
High School playoff games
crappy non-BCS bowl games
Monster Truck events
Especially when these events all take place within 48 hours prior to a Texans game. Total horse shit. The fans need to really scream about this crap to protect the Texans and their chance to host their first playoff games. We’d be better off with an outdoor stadium and real grass, not this pallet crap with seams that gets shredded so easily.
They just invoiced me for two home playoff games. Now I gotta shell out $1,100 for two seats for two games to be played on this field?
"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"
Blame Katy
I’ve heard they paid in advance and booked Reliant specifically because they had expected to still be playing Saturday.
But I’ve been to Rice Stadium for a high school football playoff game, and honestly, it’s much better for the games. The closer atmosphere just makes it ROCK. So I concur. Use Rice for the Regionals and Semi Regionals, leave the Texans stadium for the Texans.
Also, I think the Dynamo Stadium will alleviate SOME of the issues, as they’ve said they will use it for games instead of Reliant.
-- "...I was sick, napping, and then woke up and came to the computer to read a note from the Gingered Angel of Doom..." Martek - Dynamo Theory Blog
When I was in HS
we performed at several marching band competitions at Rice. It is an absolutely flawless field.
It does beg the question: How does Rice, which brings in significantly less money from athletics than UH and barely scratches the surface of what the Texans make, have a far better playing surface than both of them?
Kubiak believes in you
The plaing surface is relatively cheap
They just want to be one of the only “domed” stadiums with real grass…
"...you may all got hell, and I will go to Texas!"
-Davey Crockett
I was in marching band in high school.
I hated performing on natural grass.
Dallas Cowboys, all hat and no cattle since 1996.
"Will it never be noon?" Duke of Orleans to the Dauphin and Constable of France every Sunday before the Texans play.
by Jonathan Fosburgh on Dec 5, 2011 4:09 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed
Even on a good weather day, you may as well have been marching on quicksand.
Kubiak believes in you
i enjoyed performing on natural grass
then again we used jungle boots and the alternative was marching on concrete.
- Feeling the five stages of grief since 2002.
"It's either gonna make you a man or a coward. One of the two. I'm a be a man. I ain't never seen a coward, heard a coward, coward not in ma vocabulary." - Lawrence Vickers
by NoSafetiesNeeded on Dec 5, 2011 5:09 PM CST up reply actions
We used Dinkles.
And sometimes practice was in the parking lot (though rarely!). Our stadium was astroturf and it wasn’t bad (and turf reflects sound, which is a win).
We marched at Rice Stadium once for a Bands of America competition, though I don’t remember how the field was (ca. 1994). Similarly, I don’t remember how the field at the Hoosier Dome was. I suppose that means they were in good enough shape.
Dallas Cowboys, all hat and no cattle since 1996.
"Will it never be noon?" Duke of Orleans to the Dauphin and Constable of France every Sunday before the Texans play.
by Jonathan Fosburgh on Dec 5, 2011 7:49 PM CST up reply actions
I enjoyed marching on natural grass myself....
and we used just white, smooth soled shoes. The astro turf would catch the edge of you sole sometimes and just play havoc with marching, much less playing smoothly.
Just my $.02
Even duct tape can't fix stupid
Grass is slippery, and natural surfaces tend to be uneven.
I remember marching on some absolutely horrible fields where there were holes that you could twist your ankle in if you were just walking, let alone marching (or playing football).
Dallas Cowboys, all hat and no cattle since 1996.
"Will it never be noon?" Duke of Orleans to the Dauphin and Constable of France every Sunday before the Texans play.
by Jonathan Fosburgh on Dec 5, 2011 7:45 PM CST up reply actions
It kinda does belong to the entire county...
i.e. the taxpayers who paid for it. The problem is not the people who use it, but the stadium management who do not properly replace the grass when it is necessary. That’s like renting a tuxedo, and when you put it on, you relize that it’s disgustingly dirty. You don’t blame the guy that sweated in it the week before, you blame the tuxedo company that didn’t wash it.
They should use field turf like all the other domed stadiums (and even some of the outdoor ones).
"...you may all got hell, and I will go to Texas!"
-Davey Crockett
Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels and others regularly don't...
They take those days off to rest because of their knees.
by _empty on Dec 5, 2011 4:14 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
"Unsung Jackass" of the week goes to two:
NFL Referee Bill Leavy. Yeah the same one who admitted to blowing calls in 2006 Superbowl http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5444048
Hopefully the NFL reviews the horrible performance of Bill and his crew yesterday and tells them not to bother applying for next season.
Runner-Up: Field manager for Reliant Stadium who is responsible for several players being injured yesterday. He is welcomed to pass this award off to the manager at Reliant who schedules High School football games just a day or two before a BILLION dollar investment takes the field.
"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?"
by MeMongo on Dec 5, 2011 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
What happened to this idea?
Purchasing artificial surface for non-Texans games… http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Reliant-Stadium-may-use-turf-for-non-Texans-games-1710386.php
by The Arian Race on Dec 5, 2011 2:53 PM CST up reply actions
anyone
got replay of bret hartmann zigzag walk.. aint gonna lie i was crackin up lol
by ArianNation713 on Dec 5, 2011 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
I almost spit out my coffee
after reading the caption. Damn you, TDC!
Haven’t read the post yet, brb.
Capt. Nately: You're a shameful opportunist! What you don't understand is that it's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
Old man in whorehouse: You have it backwards. It's better to live on your feet than to die on your knees. I know.
-Catch 22-
Is it to early
To start growing playoff beards? Mine can get pretty gnarly in about 2 weeks.
by BricAM on Dec 5, 2011 9:40 AM CST via mobile reply actions
mine takes awhile to grow
but the last time i shaved the team lost we are 6-0 since then
Same here.
Semi-beard is staying until the final snap of the (post)season.
Capt. Nately: You're a shameful opportunist! What you don't understand is that it's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
Old man in whorehouse: You have it backwards. It's better to live on your feet than to die on your knees. I know.
-Catch 22-
mine isn't anything special just minor trims to even it up here and there
longest i’ve gone without shaving it
Have not washed the car since the BE-SF curb-stomping.
It was accidental at first because I had a sprained elbow, but the dirtier the car gets, the more they win.
It is now so filthy it is costing me gas mileage, but it is just gonna have to stay that way.
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
Dirty car for dirty team
With my last breath, I curse Zoidberg!
by RaY210 on Dec 5, 2011 11:30 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Smile when you say that, son.
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
I'm three weeks in.
Still patchy, though. Damn genetics… Why couldn’t I be Greek?
I guess im lucky
I got the Germanic barbarian blood in me. I could grow a fully beard my freshman year in high school. I’ll definitely be in the running for the “Best Playoff Beard” award.
by BricAM on Dec 5, 2011 11:04 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, mines pretty patchy as well.
And about three or four different colors to boot. lulz
Just my $.02
Even duct tape can't fix stupid
I would, but my job won't let me
Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."
by The Night Owl on Dec 5, 2011 11:30 AM CST up reply actions
Definitely overdue.
As a former hater, I have been forced to eat a murder of crows by Smith’s player moves.
Just compare his draft results since he’s been here to the Colts’ drafts over that period. Yes, he had two first round “misses” (for which I ripped him repeatedly elsewhere) with Okoye and K-Jack, but Amobi held a starting job, and Kareem might yet do that. Other than that, the Texans have drafted better than most teams in the league over that period, and 2011 was a home run. In the meantime the Colts have flubbed draft after draft, finding numerous busts and no impact players. As a result—and thanks to FA moves I haven’t even mentioned— the Texans are the new power in the division and the Colts will suck for at least a few years.
So yeah, good on ya, Rick Smith: outstanding job.
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
Too soon to tell on 2011, though the top two picks look like hits
The real home run was 2009. Cushing, Barwin, Caldwell, Quin, Casey, McCain, and Nolan.
Doesn’t get much better than that.
Goes to show that maybe Rick’s drafting wasn’t the problem that the coaching and development on the D side was.
Kubiak believes in you
Exactly.
While Wade has more toys this year than he show shall remained unnamed (but happens to coach LBs for the BESF), I have little doubt that if Wade had the exact same players as last years Texans on the defensive side of the ball, we would not have been at the bottom of the defensive rankings.
Too soon to tell on 2011?
He got two quality defensive starters and T. J. Yates, and we don’t know yet how a couple of others might develop. That’s a draft home run in my book. Any team in the league would be proud of it. Do as well every year and you’ll be a perpetual power in your division.
You’re right about 2009 though. The man and his personnel/scouting dept. did an awesome job then, too.
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
2007 and 2008 were still rough.
One quality starter from two drafts is a problem.
But yes, 2009 is starting to look epic, and 2011 has strong early dividends.
Yeah, he was pissed, & he admitted it
Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."
by The Night Owl on Dec 5, 2011 11:35 AM CST up reply actions
Well-deserved.
Great pick.
Got nothing more to add.
Capt. Nately: You're a shameful opportunist! What you don't understand is that it's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
Old man in whorehouse: You have it backwards. It's better to live on your feet than to die on your knees. I know.
-Catch 22-
Well Deserved pick for sure
"The greatest danger in planning for tomorrow is using yesterdays logic."
Marc Kahlberg
"Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them." - George Orwell
Off Topic
But why are we now the 3rd seed in the AFC?
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/standings/playoffrace
Matt Schwab, Mary O' Williams, Adrian Foster, and Daniel Owens are my favorite Texans!
Because CBS doesn't know how tiebreakers work.
If the playoffs started now, Houston would be the second seed behind New England.
GET A SILK BAG FROM THE GRAVEYARD DUCK TO LIVE LONGER.
by Synchysi on Dec 5, 2011 10:09 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Only because Houston's played 9 conference games while Baltimore's played 8.
If all 3 teams run to 13-3, Houston will be the #3 seed.
New England jumped ahead in Strength of Victory…Baltimore would own the head-to-head tiebreaker.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Baltimore should run to 13-3...
Schedule is easy enough (Ind, SD, Cle, Cin).
New England may drop one due to their defense (Wash, Den, Mia, Buff).
"Lord, beer me strength."
New England may drop a game
I think their best chance to drop one is going to be against either “He Who Just Winz” or Miami. Miami has been playing really well lately, they’re a trap game for sure.
My thoughts are like Brian Cushing on the field: Everywhere.
Tebow will smite all those who stand before him from the evil empire
Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."
by The Night Owl on Dec 5, 2011 11:40 PM CST up reply actions
If NE drops a game, we will be #2 seed
If Jags win tonight, our strength-of-victory is tied, and we grab #1 seed from strength of schedule.
If everybody was somebody, then nobody would be anybody - Gilbert and Sullivan
As far as I can tell, that will get us number one seed again (for now)
If Jags win tonight, we gain 2 points on Strength -of-victory. The current tiebreaker between us and the Pats is Strength-of-victory: 43-41. Next tiebreaker is strength-of-schedule, and we win that.
If everybody was somebody, then nobody would be anybody - Gilbert and Sullivan
If someone finds an error in my calculations
please don’t beat me up. I have to go get my kids and I won’t be back to defend myself till tonight.
If everybody was somebody, then nobody would be anybody - Gilbert and Sullivan
hehe ok awesome info
Go glitter kitties!
/can’t believe she’s rooting for the Jaguars
#Texans2011 — Where reality and dreams collide!
~~ Fuzion
I'll join you in that sentiment.
Go Team Turquoise.
Ugh. I feel dirty now…must go wash.
where is the Balt. vs SD, game?
that could be the only chance other than cincy.
Pats may have trouble against their last 3 opponents, but may or may not lose one.
Beer, it's not just for breakfast anymore
Strange
that New England went UP in strength of victory by beating the only winless team in the NFL at home, by only seven points….
God is not on our side because he hates idiots also.
by Meta Sandoval on Dec 5, 2011 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
I believe
they improved in the “in conference” win record.
I was under the impression head-to-head wasn't used as a tiebreaker in the event of a three-way tie.
GET A SILK BAG FROM THE GRAVEYARD DUCK TO LIVE LONGER.
by Synchysi on Dec 5, 2011 12:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Doesn't this mean we have a new fanbase?
Shouldn’t the BE-SF’s be cheering us on to beat the Bengals next week to help their wild-card aspirations?
Too busy, probably. Monday is meth-cooking day.
Also Tuesday, Wednesday…
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
I almost would say lose just to give them a big FU
We all know they are losing to the Saints, so they would still be 2 back of us AND one back of Cinci as well.
"Never underestimate the dumb with JJ" - Hugh Jarce
Um no.
I need playoffs guaranteed as soon as possible.
by chrisjay84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:29 AM CST up reply actions 8 recs
HEAR FUCKING HEAR!!!
-- "...I was sick, napping, and then woke up and came to the computer to read a note from the Gingered Angel of Doom..." Martek - Dynamo Theory Blog
This.
Plus, we’re losing players at an alarming rate. If this were Mutant League Football, we’d have to forfeit the last three games of the season. Best to win while we still have warm bodies on the field.
Well, let's check the map...
If I’ve done the math correctly…
A Texans win on Sunday + A Titans loss on Sunday = Houston’s 1st division championship
"Lord, beer me strength."
lol
forreal man. Is this even a question!??! Screw the Titans wc chances, they’re out of the 1st round regardless.
I'd like to make it clear that I would never say to lose a game on purpose
I just meant the thought popped into my head.
"Never underestimate the dumb with JJ" - Hugh Jarce
This game is HUGE for tiebreaker purposes.
"Lord, beer me strength."
by TexansDC on Dec 5, 2011 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yup.
Must defeat all AFC scum!
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
Y U DELETE THE OTHER POST AS I WAS COMMENTING?!
Capt. Nately: You're a shameful opportunist! What you don't understand is that it's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
Old man in whorehouse: You have it backwards. It's better to live on your feet than to die on your knees. I know.
-Catch 22-
I didn't delete it
I hid it temporarily while I was correcting it.
It’s back up now.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Glad to see my flagging of Mongo's comment is still there
Capt. Nately: You're a shameful opportunist! What you don't understand is that it's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
Old man in whorehouse: You have it backwards. It's better to live on your feet than to die on your knees. I know.
-Catch 22-
3 words to calm everyones nerves about next weeks game
TAYLOR JONATHON YATES
by HTown80 on Dec 5, 2011 11:24 AM CST via mobile reply actions
3 words to calm everyones nerves about next weeks game
TAYLOR JONATHON YATES
by HTown80 on Dec 5, 2011 11:24 AM CST via mobile reply actions
You talkin' 'bout WEEEEEJAAAAAYYYY!!!!!
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
lol
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
Wow, so our IR is at half a team.
Dallas Cowboys, all hat and no cattle since 1996.
"Will it never be noon?" Duke of Orleans to the Dauphin and Constable of France every Sunday before the Texans play.
by Jonathan Fosburgh on Dec 5, 2011 12:05 PM CST reply actions
If that's the case
When our IR is healthy, it can beat a lot of other teams.
Aaron Rodgers of 2015
The Packers were smart – drafted Rodgers and let him sit behind Favre for 3 or 4 years. Could TJY be the Rodgers of 2015? Schaub’s going to be back next year and have three more good years. Leinart will stick around next season but he’s either gone on 2013 or gets released or retires – why would he be a backup for another 2 ar 3 years after that? I had thought the Texans need to draft a replacement and groom him. Maybe they have already.
Heh
why would he be a backup for another 2 ar 3 years after that?
Easy Money! That is why.
"The greatest danger in planning for tomorrow is using yesterdays logic."
Marc Kahlberg
"Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them." - George Orwell
by Barryfromtexas on Dec 5, 2011 1:42 PM CST up reply actions
First, Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson gets an honorable mention as unsung hero for his holding penalty, which nullified teammate Mike Peterson’s interception return for a touchdown. If Dunta does not commit the penalty, we are talking about a considerably different game. Dunta did his part to help the Texans out and make good on that franchise money he took in 2009.
fuck dunta thanks dunta. we are officially even now.
Michael: The feeling that you're feeling is what many of us call...a feeling.
Gob: It's not like envy, or even hungry...
by chrisd21 on Dec 5, 2011 12:34 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
and i totally agree.
actually tweeted that to @zepp1978 yesterday, smith definately deserves consideration for GM of the year.
Michael: The feeling that you're feeling is what many of us call...a feeling.
Gob: It's not like envy, or even hungry...
I saw Kareem's picture and thought he got the award.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
same here
- Feeling the five stages of grief since 2002.
"It's either gonna make you a man or a coward. One of the two. I'm a be a man. I ain't never seen a coward, heard a coward, coward not in ma vocabulary." - Lawrence Vickers
by NoSafetiesNeeded on Dec 5, 2011 2:37 PM CST up reply actions
I've been saying Rick Smith was an unsung hero
since week 7. The emergence of Brice McCain as a legit slot corner, savvy trades that have built some of the greatest strengths on our team: including trading a 7th rounder to get Chris Myers, trading 2 2nd rounders for Matt Schaub, and trading down to get Duane Brown. Also, he has a nack for finding versatile players deep in the draft, including: Glover Quin (FS/CB), James Casey (FB/TE), Barwin (DE/OLB), Brooks Reed (DE/OLB), TJ Yates (a mobile QB who fits our offense), Brett Hartmann (punter and deep kickoff guy) and this isn’t even considering that Foster was a street free agent.
But, I think Kareem was this week’s unsung hero. Sure, he made mistakes, but he made some big plays when we needed him to step up. I think he should get the nod.
As much as I've cursed and moaned about KJ,
I find myself rooting for the guy now.
"Gut Feeling"
Gastrointerologists confirm the human gut contains no rational thoughts.
What it IS full of is fairly well known.
Same here.
I have a lot of appreciation for him being the first Texan player in franchise history to not bite on a flea-flicker. Though admittedly, it was probably because he had his back to the QB.
Me too.
I hope the kid keeps battlin’ and proves many of us wrong….although he us already noticeably better than last tear. Plenty of room for continued improvement.
*year
- Feeling the five stages of grief since 2002.
"It's either gonna make you a man or a coward. One of the two. I'm a be a man. I ain't never seen a coward, heard a coward, coward not in ma vocabulary." - Lawrence Vickers
by NoSafetiesNeeded on Dec 5, 2011 11:38 PM CST up reply actions
Kind of excited to see what Smith and Wade
can do in next years draft and free agency after seeing this year’s crop pay off so well so fast. (Not that I’m wanting this season to end yet)
by HabitualHoustonFan on Dec 5, 2011 8:56 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
Yea I want to see the creativity they use with the 32nd pick.
Follow me on twitter: @Super_Stud2100
by Antho10000 on Dec 6, 2011 12:36 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
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