Houston Texans 2009 Season Thread (2 Viewers)

[coolnerd]

Rumor: The Texans making a RB roster move. No details yet

 

[coolnerd]

http://twitter.com/ChronicleTexans/

Arian foster active Nadding cut, but probably back to the practice squad.

 

[coolnerd]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...nt/6732850.html

Running back Steve Slaton will be back in the starting lineup Monday night when the Texans host the Tenn Titans.

Slaton found out today he would start after having a good week of practices. Ryan Moats started the 20-17 loss to Indianapolis on Nov. 8 because Slaton had lost five fumbles.

“I had an assumption that I would start, but nothing was concrete until now," Slaton said after being told by coach Gary Kubiak that he would be starting. “I'm happy about it. It's an opportunity I have to take full advantageof.”

Slaton to start says nothing about the mix of carries.

 

[coolnerd]

Bernard Pollard interview....Attitude that is new to the Texans

http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/200...nock_the_1.html

 

[jamil]

Bernard Pollard interview....Attitude that is new to the Texans

http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/200...nock_the_1.html

is that the 1560 interview? that interview had me fired up. made me wanna "knock the piss out of somebody."

 

[coolnerd]

Bernard Pollard interview....Attitude that is new to the Texans

http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/200...nock_the_1.html

is that the 1560 interview? that interview had me fired up. made me wanna "knock the piss out of somebody."

Yes, I was pumped also.

 

[coolnerd]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...nt/6739116.html

Free safety Eugene Wilson, who suffered two broken toes in Monday's 20-17 loss to Tennessee, has been placed on injured reserve.

John Busing, who came off the bench to replace Wilson against the Titans, will take his place in the starting lineup.

Brian Russell, 31, was signed to take Wilson's place on the roster. Russell is a nine-year veteran who played for Minnesota, Cleveland and Seattle.

 

[coolnerd]

The Texans made a roster move in their secondary for the second consecutive day, placing cornerback Antwaun Molden (quadriceps) on injured reserve and signing cornerback Mark Parson from the New Orleans Saints' practice squad.

Parson, an undrafted rookie from Ohio University, was with the Texans from June 5 through the end of the preseason. The Texans released him in their final roster cuts on Sept. 5, then signed him to the practice squad. Parson was let go by Houston on Sept. 22 and signed by the New Orleans Saints to their practice squad on Nov. 4.

This is the second time in two seasons that Molden, a third-round draft pick out of Eastern Kentucky in 2008, has been placed on injured reserve. A physically gifted corner, he played in 14 games as a rookie and was one of the Texans' top special teams players with 19 tackles. He suffered a season-ending fractured ankle in the Texans' Week 15 victory over the Titans at Reliant Stadium.

Quadriceps and hamstring injuries had limited him to Molden to playing in just four games this season. He recorded two special teams tackles on the year.

On Wednesday, the Texans placed starting free safety Eugene Wilson on injured reserve with toe injuries. Veteran safety Brian Russell was signed to take Wilson's place on the active roster.

Follow Nick Scurfield on Twitter at twitter.com/NickScurfield or find him on the "I'm A Texan Club" at imatexan.com/profiles/Nick_Scurf/.

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5852

 

[jamil]

yikes i had no idea eugene wilson got hurt. Busing is back there starting again? against peyton... great.

 

[coolnerd]

yikes i had no idea eugene wilson got hurt. Busing is back there starting again? against peyton... great.

Lots of bad answers to the question of who replaces him1) busing-meh talent both physically and mentally2) Ferguson- mental ok, but age/physical limitations3) Barber- some hitting abiltiy, but really not fast or instinctive4) Quin- never played safety, while more physically talented than any of the other options5) russell- older, experienced, a little better Busing, just signed with team

 

[GregR_2]

How little I've posted in here this year speaks to just what a frustrating season this has been so far.

Though part of me is afraid to even say what I just said. Memories of 2-14 have held my tongue from complaining too much.

 

[coolnerd]

How little I've posted in here this year speaks to just what a frustrating season this has been so far.Though part of me is afraid to even say what I just said. Memories of 2-14 have held my tongue from complaining too much.

the season is playing out like they are going to be a "better" 8-8 team than last year. In 2007 the texans were a C- team. 2008 the Texans were a C team, the 2009 versus is probably a C + team, but barring something I am not seeing from them curently the report card is still going to read C and 8-8.

 

[GregR_2]

How little I've posted in here this year speaks to just what a frustrating season this has been so far.Though part of me is afraid to even say what I just said. Memories of 2-14 have held my tongue from complaining too much.

the season is playing out like they are going to be a "better" 8-8 team than last year. In 2007 the texans were a C- team. 2008 the Texans were a C team, the 2009 versus is probably a C + team, but barring something I am not seeing from them curently the report card is still going to read C and 8-8.

I think that is a pretty good summary, yeah. I'd agree they are better than last year. The defense is finally doing decent. If they hadn't of lost Pitts and Brisiel for the year, maybe that might have made a difference. But "if" doesn't matter because you have to deal with such things when they happen. Obviously we either don't now have the line for a running game and/or don't have the depth to handle those injuries.I said after the first couple of games that I was pretty much going to temper any expectations I had for the team and not expect much until they showed they'd earned the benefit of the doubt. I was getting closer to giving it to them. And really we're a couple of Kris Brown kicks and a couple of fumbles away from them deserving it. But hey, they didn't win those games, and winning teams overcome such things. I'm back to going into Sunday just emotionally neutral about their games. Still making as much noise as I can with the other team on the field, but not getting let down so much again when they fail to pull it out.

 

[coolnerd]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...gle+Feedfetcher

The Texans’ performance in their last five games will determine the fate of coach Gary Kubiak and his assistants.

Owner Bob McNair is disappointed in the 5-6 record, the three-game losing streak and their inability to win close games. He hasn’t given up on the season, and, as always, he’ll evaluate Kubiak after the season.

“Right now, I have a coach,” McNair said Tuesday. “Since I have a coach, and I haven’t made any decisions to replace my coach, I’m not even thinking about anybody else. I’m just thinking about winning this next game against Jacksonville.”

The Texans play Jacksonville, Seattle and St. Louis in their next three games. They close against Miami and New England.

“This is a critical time,” McNair said. “My true feeling is we have our best chance of developing a winning team with Gary as opposed to someone else, at this point in time. Making a change is very disruptive.

“This is a critical time. I want to see how Gary manages it. In the past, he’s managed it very well when his back’s been against the wall. I hope he will now because I think he’s very sound.

“Even though you’re very sound and have a good relationship with the players, you still have to get them to perform. If we win the next five games, we’d be 10-6 and in the playoff race. That would be an outstanding performance. If we lose the next five, well, we’re in trouble.”

Since their opening loss to the New York Jets, the Texans have suffered five losses in which they had a chance to win or force overtime the last time they had the ball.

“I’m as upset as everybody else,” McNair said. “Clearly, we’ve got the talent to play with one (Indianapolis) of the best teams in the league. We’ve been doing that since the first game of the season. It’s very frustrating that our players haven’t learned yet to finish the game.

“But we evaluate everybody after the season. We look at what the circumstances were, what they had to work with, what kind of obstacles they faced and what the performance was in light of that.”

McNair said a big part of the blame should be placed on players who continue to make mistakes that cost them games rather than making plays that pull out victories.

“The coaches responsibility is to get the players ready,” McNair said. “I think they’ve done that. Opposing teams haven’t been doing things we haven’t prepared for. There haven’t been surprises.

“The players have to perform on the field. They have to develop that consistency. The coaches can’t run, catch, throw and tackle. They’re not in the huddle. That’s on the players. Players know that.

“When the coaches don’t put the players in the best position, they tell the players that one was on me, and it won’t happen again.”

McNair said leadership among the players is of the utmost importance.

“We’re starting to develop leadership on the team, but we’re not there yet,” he said. “They need to step up and take charge when they’re on the field and not let these mental lapses occur. Maybe we need to bring in more players to develop more leadership. We’ll have to see how we do in these last five games.

“I think the coaches have done a good job. We don’t have the record I hoped we’d have, and that’s disappointing. I know Gary’s disappointed, too. The key is for us to focus on going to Jacksonville and trying to win this game. If we keep it at six losses, we’re still in the hunt.”

john.mcclain@chron.com

 

[jamil]

How little I've posted in here this year speaks to just what a frustrating season this has been so far.

Though part of me is afraid to even say what I just said. Memories of 2-14 have held my tongue from complaining too much.

the season is playing out like they are going to be a "better" 8-8 team than last year. In 2007 the texans were a C- team. 2008 the Texans were a C team, the 2009 versus is probably a C + team, but barring something I am not seeing from them curently the report card is still going to read C and 8-8.

I think that is a pretty good summary, yeah. I'd agree they are better than last year. The defense is finally doing decent. If they hadn't of lost Pitts and Brisiel for the year, maybe that might have made a difference. But "if" doesn't matter because you have to deal with such things when they happen. Obviously we either don't now have the line for a running game and/or don't have the depth to handle those injuries.I said after the first couple of games that I was pretty much going to temper any expectations I had for the team and not expect much until they showed they'd earned the benefit of the doubt. I was getting closer to giving it to them. And really we're a couple of Kris Brown kicks and a couple of fumbles away from them deserving it. But hey, they didn't win those games, and winning teams overcome such things. I'm back to going into Sunday just emotionally neutral about their games. Still making as much noise as I can with the other team on the field, but not getting let down so much again when they fail to pull it out.

i was down after the first indy game but i was ok with it cause it was in indy. became depressed though during the TENN game. after halftime of IND I called the comeback after the first drive and proceeded to remove all my emotions from the game.

 

[coolnerd]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...nt/6753350.html

Texans running back Steve Slaton is expected to miss Sunday's game against Jacksonville because of numbness in his arms.

The numbness is a result of a previously undisclosed shoulder injury. Coach Gary Kubiak did not completely rule out Slaton, but the fact he did not practice Friday makes it unlikely he will play.

"It's something he has been dealing with for awhile but it's gotten worse in the last 24 hours," Kubiak said.

Left tackle Duane Brown, who suffered a knee injury against the Colts, went through practice and is expected to play.

 

[coolnerd]

http://twitter.com/NickScurfield/status/6344870506

Kubiak announced following injury news: Duane Brown is in. Glover Quin is out. Slaton will be a game time decision. Chris Brown to start

 

[coolnerd]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6755181.html

Texans receiver Jacoby Jones missed the team’s charter to Jacksonville on Saturday and will not play in today’s game against the Jaguars.

Jones, who has four touchdown catches and a kickoff return for a touchdown, was told to stay in Houston rather than fly to Jacksonville, Fla., on his own. Glenn Martinez will replace him at receiver and as a punt returner.

 

[coolnerd]

slaton out

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/12/06/texans-rb-...out-vs-jaguars/

 

[Buckna]

How little I've posted in here this year speaks to just what a frustrating season this has been so far.

Though part of me is afraid to even say what I just said. Memories of 2-14 have held my tongue from complaining too much.

the season is playing out like they are going to be a "better" 8-8 team than last year. In 2007 the texans were a C- team. 2008 the Texans were a C team, the 2009 versus is probably a C + team, but barring something I am not seeing from them curently the report card is still going to read C and 8-8.

I think that is a pretty good summary, yeah. I'd agree they are better than last year. The defense is finally doing decent. If they hadn't of lost Pitts and Brisiel for the year, maybe that might have made a difference. But "if" doesn't matter because you have to deal with such things when they happen. Obviously we either don't now have the line for a running game and/or don't have the depth to handle those injuries.I said after the first couple of games that I was pretty much going to temper any expectations I had for the team and not expect much until they showed they'd earned the benefit of the doubt. I was getting closer to giving it to them. And really we're a couple of Kris Brown kicks and a couple of fumbles away from them deserving it. But hey, they didn't win those games, and winning teams overcome such things. I'm back to going into Sunday just emotionally neutral about their games. Still making as much noise as I can with the other team on the field, but not getting let down so much again when they fail to pull it out.

i was down after the first indy game but i was ok with it cause it was in indy. became depressed though during the TENN game. after halftime of IND I called the comeback after the first drive and proceeded to remove all my emotions from the game.

For the first time ever, I left at the 2 minute warning at the Monday Night game. I knew they were going to blow it and I couldn't watch them do it again. Maybe they can roll off 5 straight wins but I highly doubt it. I never did secure my rights to season tickets next year, maybe I'll get another chance for them even cheaper a few weeks from now.

 

[plymkr]

Any thoughts on Chris Brown from the homers? DWill out and I am plugging in Felix Jones, but Brown is available on the wire. What do you guys think? (I also start Schaub so I don't want all of my eggs in one basket but its a big game (fantasy).

 

[coolnerd]

http://twitter.com/caplannfl

Chris to be signed to the active roster

 

[coolnerd]

Texans Slaton will land on injured reserve

Steve Slaton - RB - HOU - Dec. 9 - 10:12 a.m. ET

Steve Slaton (neck) will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

Slaton visited a spine specialist about the numbness in his shoulder on Tuesday and obviously got bad news. With Slaton inactive last week, Ryan Moats rushed 12 times and was targeted three times in the passing game. He'll share snaps with Chris Brown for the rest of the season. Slaton's long-term prognosis is unknown, but the Texans will almost certainly look for another back in the draft or free agency.

 

[Buckna]

I hope he's okay longterm. Breaking out my jump to conclusions mat, that sounds like it could be nerve damage and possibly career threatening. Let the rumors start on what RB we are signing/drafting in the offseason.

 

[High Speed Reject]

Let the rumors start on what RB we are signing/drafting in the offseason.

My guess = Lawrence Maroney. Seriously.

 

[Nate]

I hope he's okay longterm. Breaking out my jump to conclusions mat, that sounds like it could be nerve damage and possibly career threatening. Let the rumors start on what RB we are signing/drafting in the offseason.

I wouldn't get too carried away. Neuritis can cause the same symptoms, and they can linger long enough to warrant putting someone on IR.

 

[coolnerd]

If i am not mistaken the only way for the Texans to get in is if they are 9-7 and the rest of the group is 8-8 or worse.. The 1-5 division record is a killer as is 6 loses in the AFC. After Week 14 the percent I saw was less than 1%. Pretty sure it went up this week but is still the longest of shots.

Think this translates to:

If the Texans win out, in order to make the playoffs, at least 4 of the following 5 rows needs to happen:

The Broncos need to lose at Philly AND vs. Kansas City

The Ravens need to lose at Pittsburgh AND at Oakland

The Titans need to lose vs. San Diego OR at Seattle

The Jaguars need to lose at New England OR at Cleveland

The Jets need to lose at Indy or vs. Cincinnati

or

if the Bengals lose their final 2 games and the Ravens win their final games then the Ravens win the division and we hold the tiebreaker over the Bengals. (assuming no other 9-7 team)

 

[coolnerd]

So while not great we still have a chance...assuming we beat the Pats.

 

[Boulder Toads]

So while not great we still have a chance...assuming we beat the Pats.

No doubt HOU can play with the Pats ... unfortunately we're gonna have to rely on them playing a full 60-min of football ...I'm hopeful it happens, but just can't see them getting beyond another 8-8 ... which is OK I suppose. Still feel like the franchise is on the right track.

 

[editor47]

how many games has this team blown this year? 2, 3, 4?

the patriots will win a shootout i predict.

 

[Instinctive]

Would like to see a good OLineman brought in so we could build some kind of running game. Gruden would be nice too

 

[Lobary]

how many games has this team blown this year? 2, 3, 4?

How many games has Khris Brown blown this year? All of the losses except for the Jets game?

 

[coolnerd]

how many games has this team blown this year? 2, 3, 4?the patriots will win a shootout i predict.

So I can sound like a good homer I want to say that every play we credited them with blowing was only a chance to tie. that said, assuming we tied four of those games, assuming that we split those evenly that would give you 2 games and probably a wildcard birth already wrapped up versus needing to win and hoping on the Raiders/Chiefs to help us out.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Cushing is turning into one of my favorite players to watch. This kid is really really good.

 

[jamil]

wish i was gonna be here to be able to go to the game next week. finally a week 17 game that matters.

 

[GregR_2]

From NFL.com:

Houston clinches a playoff spot:

1) HOU win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie

2) HOU win + NYJ loss or tie + DEN loss or tie

3) HOU win + BAL loss or tie + DEN loss or tie

So basically Texans have to beat the Patriots, and we need for any 2 of the Broncos, Ravens, or Jets to lose or tie.

 

[Stewy]

Let the rumors start on what RB we are signing/drafting in the offseason.

My guess = Lawrence Maroney. Seriously.

That'd be nice. I think he'd be a real nice fit for the zone scheme.Ultimately I think the Texans will bring in a veteran RB (i.e. Maroney) and draft a RB. Hopefully with those two plus Foster and Slaton you have some decent competition and a good player or two comes out of it.

 

[dhockster]

I just have a hard time seeing the Patriots not resting some of their players this weekend. They have locked up a home playoff game wildcard weekend. they can't get a bye. This is the only week that they can get some rest for some players who have minor injuries and could play but really could benefit from a week off. The only thing they lose if they finish with the 4th seed vs. the 3rd, is home field against the Bengals if both get to the AFC Championship. I would say that is a pretty remote possibility.

I live in Houston so I like the Texans and would like to see them win. While last week was a nice win, winning this week and finishing with a 4 game winning streak in games that actually mattered will really show me that the Texans are learning how to win. Lose this game against a good team that doesn't have a whole lot to play for, and I would say that the progress this year will have been pretty minimal.

Kubiak's biggest weakness is getting his team to play hard for 60 minutes and not make mental mistakes. He either needs to find a better way to motivate his players, or he needs to bring in some players who are leaders, who can motivate their teammates. Cushing seems to be a potential leader on defense, but I really don't see any motivational leaders on offense. Their two best offensive players, Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub, are both quiet, lead by example type guys. I think they would benefit from having someone who will get in people's faces when they are messing up.

 

[Nate]

how many games has this team blown this year? 2, 3, 4?the patriots will win a shootout i predict.

Jags week 3: Chris Brown GL fumble for the tie, 2:10 remaining.Cards week 5: Schaub pick 6 for the GW TD, 2:30 remaining, then Chris Brown stuffed on 2nd & G on the 1 and 4th & G on the 1.Colts week 9: Brown missed 42yd FG for the tie, 1 second remaining.Titans week 11: Brown missed 49yd FG for the tie, 6 seconds remaining.Colts week 12: Blown 17pt lead.Jags week 13: Texans down by 5 and 4:10 remaining, MJD pounds it 7 times in a row for 38 yards and 3 first downs to end the game.All of those were winnable, IMO. One or two plays go a different way and we're looking at an entirely different season.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

From NFL.com:Houston clinches a playoff spot:1) HOU win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie2) HOU win + NYJ loss or tie + DEN loss or tie3) HOU win + BAL loss or tie + DEN loss or tieSo basically Texans have to beat the Patriots, and we need for any 2 of the Broncos, Ravens, or Jets to lose or tie.

That's a rough combo to happen, and I am rooting for the Texans to get in.

 

[NYRAGE]

how many games has this team blown this year? 2, 3, 4?the patriots will win a shootout i predict.

Jags week 3: Chris Brown GL fumble for the tie, 2:10 remaining.Cards week 5: Schaub pick 6 for the GW TD, 2:30 remaining, then Chris Brown stuffed on 2nd & G on the 1 and 4th & G on the 1.Colts week 9: Brown missed 42yd FG for the tie, 1 second remaining.Titans week 11: Brown missed 49yd FG for the tie, 6 seconds remaining.Colts week 12: Blown 17pt lead.Jags week 13: Texans down by 5 and 4:10 remaining, MJD pounds it 7 times in a row for 38 yards and 3 first downs to end the game.All of those were winnable, IMO. One or two plays go a different way and we're looking at an entirely different season.

This is probably true for almost ever team on the bubble right now (my team included - the Jets found several ways to lose games that they had dominated). Good/great teams find ways to win. The rest are inconsistent.

 

[GregR_2]

how many games has this team blown this year? 2, 3, 4?the patriots will win a shootout i predict.

Jags week 3: Chris Brown GL fumble for the tie, 2:10 remaining.Cards week 5: Schaub pick 6 for the GW TD, 2:30 remaining, then Chris Brown stuffed on 2nd & G on the 1 and 4th & G on the 1.Colts week 9: Brown missed 42yd FG for the tie, 1 second remaining.Titans week 11: Brown missed 49yd FG for the tie, 6 seconds remaining.Colts week 12: Blown 17pt lead.Jags week 13: Texans down by 5 and 4:10 remaining, MJD pounds it 7 times in a row for 38 yards and 3 first downs to end the game.All of those were winnable, IMO. One or two plays go a different way and we're looking at an entirely different season.

There was also Moats fumble at the goal line against the Colts week 9. Though that wasn't at the end of the game, it still probably cost them a win.

 

[Nate]

how many games has this team blown this year? 2, 3, 4?the patriots will win a shootout i predict.

Jags week 3: Chris Brown GL fumble for the tie, 2:10 remaining.Cards week 5: Schaub pick 6 for the GW TD, 2:30 remaining, then Chris Brown stuffed on 2nd & G on the 1 and 4th & G on the 1.Colts week 9: Brown missed 42yd FG for the tie, 1 second remaining.Titans week 11: Brown missed 49yd FG for the tie, 6 seconds remaining.Colts week 12: Blown 17pt lead.Jags week 13: Texans down by 5 and 4:10 remaining, MJD pounds it 7 times in a row for 38 yards and 3 first downs to end the game.All of those were winnable, IMO. One or two plays go a different way and we're looking at an entirely different season.

This is probably true for almost ever team on the bubble right now (my team included - the Jets found several ways to lose games that they had dominated). Good/great teams find ways to win. The rest are inconsistent.

I'm sure just about every team has a few winnable games they'd like to have back; I wasn't claiming this was specific to the Texans. I was just illustrating the pain and misery it's been to be a Texans fan this season.

 

[Txns8]

I think we win, but I can't find a way the Jets lose to the Bengals or the Ravens lose to the Raiders. I think KC has a shot vs Denver, but those matchups are all terrible for us.

 

[Txns8]

1 down, now we need a Bengals win. It was so frustrating rooting for the Raiders....

 

[coolnerd]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl//6796978.html

Owner Bob McNair said after Sunday's 34-27 victory over New England that coach Gary Kubiak will return for his fifth season.

McNair said last month that he didn't want to make a change because change would be disruptive and that he would wait until after the season to evaluate Kubiak.

The season ended Sunday with a 9-7 record and a four-game winning streak.

"Gary's my coach," McNair said after the game. "I know there was speculation that he might not be, but he is. He'll definitely be back. I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be.

"The team matured today. It was a great victory for us."

McNair also said last month that he thought the Texans had a better chance of being a better team in 2010 with Kubiak than a new coach.

"Look at the conditions he coached under, all the injuries," McNair said. "I like Gary for a lot of reasons. He's got a great offensive mind. He has a great sense of how to push players and when to back off. He also doesn't play favorites. He treats players the same, and they respect him for it."

 

[PatrickT]

congrats to Houston for first winning season!

 

[SierraKiloBravo]

Just out of curiosity, if you're playing for the Texans, do you just go home and invite your teammates over to watch the ball game tonight or do you order pizzas and / or barbeque and have it delivered directly to the locker room and watch it there?

 

[Txns8]

Just out of curiosity, if you're playing for the Texans, do you just go home and invite your teammates over to watch the ball game tonight or do you order pizzas and / or barbeque and have it delivered directly to the locker room and watch it there?

Option 2. Go Bengals!

 

[editor47]

Just out of curiosity, if you're playing for the Texans, do you just go home and invite your teammates over to watch the ball game tonight or do you order pizzas and / or barbeque and have it delivered directly to the locker room and watch it there?

apparently, if you're the QB who has just gotten a $10 million extension, or whatever it was, you go out to dinner with your family, follow the game on your phone and don't watch. then you call and announce this on SNF.