'Twas seven nights before Training Camp, when all thro' the stadium
Not a creature was stirring, not even Steve Slaton;
The helmets were hung by the lockers with care,
In hopes that St. Andre soon would be there;
The fans were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Lombardi Trophies danc'd in their heads....
According to the Mothership's little countdown clock, we are exactly seven days from the opening of training camp at the time I hit post this morning.
With less than seven days until we really get into the 2010 NFL season, I figure we have some time to kill. What better way to use that time than to opine once more on the season that was 2009 for your beloved Houston Texans?
For me, the 2009 season signified the real end of the honeymoon. It has been great to see the birth of an expansion team, and the pure novelty of it all eased any pain. However, that god-awful team is dead and gone.
Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak have built a very capable roster in Houston. Last season's successes, not to mention one of the league's most potent offenses, have raised the expectations. While we should've earned a playoff birth, I view 2009 as a success because this franchise now feels like a real football team. It took longer than we would have liked, but we now arrive at a season where moral victories do not exist thanks to 2009.
Yes, I'll say it: 2007 2008 2009 2010 is our year. I have great expectations, but that's for another post. Let's beat a dead horse reminisce one last time about 2009. Let it all out in the comments, folks. Cling to the greatness that was your GREATEST TEAM EVER~~!!!~!!11!!! or spit venom at the shortcomings of Chris and Kris Brown. Talk about the heights achieved by Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson's Juggernaut imitation or spit hot fire at in the direction of the running fumbling backs. Before we turn the page to 2010 for good, how will you remember the 2009 season?
Seven days, folks, and it begins once more. If you need to be fired up on this lovely Friday then hit the jump.
Bernard Pollard and the Texans send a clear message to opponents. (via TheRudyMJ)