Houston Texans 2009 Season Thread (2 Viewers)

[GregR_2]

Well, it turned out to be a decent run in the end. A lot of lost opportunities. Really sucked to watch the Bengals not show up, but not like I can blame them for not being motivated. Texans have no one to blame but themselves for being in a situation they needed help from 2 other teams to make it.

Glad that Kubiak is staying. I still think he has more growing to do as a head coach. There are still things the team doesn't do well that are his responsiblity, and motivation sometimes seems to be a problem for the team. But in general they seem to keep moving the right direction. I just wish it was with some bigger steps than the baby steps they've taken each year.

 

[Nate]

Frustrating season. Looked dominant at times but dropped so many winnable games that no lead was ever comfortable. It was good to see the big comeback win in week 17, that was something new.

I look forward to ignoring Kris Brown's career in the CFL. Not that he was the problem here, he just happened to be the guy to touch the ball last in two of the most heartbreaking games this season.

Glad Kubiak's going to have another kick at the can. This team is very close to being "good".

Still sore about the Colts laying down for the Jets week 16. I know it'll never happen but I'd love to see the NFL outlaw teams throwing away late-season games for any reason. That said, the Texans only had to hit a FG on two different occasions, or punch in a 1 yarder, or hold on to the ball, etc. etc. etc. and the Jets in week 16 would never have mattered.

 

[GregR_2]

...I'd love to see the NFL outlaw teams throwing away late-season games for any reason. ...

I think this is one of those things that the only way it would make sense to try to implement is that you have to make it so that playing to win the game is worth more to the team than resting their starters.And I don't know how you do that. I don't think just giving out punishments for tanking is going to work. It would have to be a pretty big punishment, and I just don't know if that is the atmosphere I want to see in the NFL.

They could try something about tying draft position to number of wins so that every win helps you out more, but I really don't know how to do that in a way it would make a difference and not destroy the goal that already is there of letting the worse teams pick first.

 

[Jayded]

...I'd love to see the NFL outlaw teams throwing away late-season games for any reason. ...

I think this is one of those things that the only way it would make sense to try to implement is that you have to make it so that playing to win the game is worth more to the team than resting their starters.And I don't know how you do that. I don't think just giving out punishments for tanking is going to work. It would have to be a pretty big punishment, and I just don't know if that is the atmosphere I want to see in the NFL.

They could try something about tying draft position to number of wins so that every win helps you out more, but I really don't know how to do that in a way it would make a difference and not destroy the goal that already is there of letting the worse teams pick first.

Maybe if they moved the inter-conference games to the final two weeks it'd help some. You may have the Colts tanking the final two games and potentially interfering in the seeding for the NFC, but they aren't directly affecting the seeding in their own conference. In that vein you'd have to place a lot more importance on conference record, but it could lead to less animosity over the resting of players if it had a lot less bearing on the outcome of the playoff seeds.

 

[Nate]

...I'd love to see the NFL outlaw teams throwing away late-season games for any reason. ...

I think this is one of those things that the only way it would make sense to try to implement is that you have to make it so that playing to win the game is worth more to the team than resting their starters.And I don't know how you do that. I don't think just giving out punishments for tanking is going to work. It would have to be a pretty big punishment, and I just don't know if that is the atmosphere I want to see in the NFL.

They could try something about tying draft position to number of wins so that every win helps you out more, but I really don't know how to do that in a way it would make a difference and not destroy the goal that already is there of letting the worse teams pick first.

Maybe if they moved the inter-conference games to the final two weeks it'd help some. You may have the Colts tanking the final two games and potentially interfering in the seeding for the NFC, but they aren't directly affecting the seeding in their own conference. In that vein you'd have to place a lot more importance on conference record, but it could lead to less animosity over the resting of players if it had a lot less bearing on the outcome of the playoff seeds.

NFC or AFC won't really matter; the Colts weren't tanking to improve their matchup. If it were the Saints or whoever tanking I wouldn't feel any better about it.I really think that playing a game non-competitively should be penalized somehow. The Rams can't go and tank games to ensure a better draft choice. A playoff team can't tank a game to improve a matchup (can they?). It shouldn't be allowed under any circumstance. It's not fair to the Colts' fans and it's not fair to the league.

 

[dhockster]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

 

[coolnerd]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

I am going to argue that this was the biggest area of improvement was in the general aggressiveness and more importantly production of the defense. They improved in all areas including fumbles, Int, sack, yardage, points, etc. The physcial nature of all the newest editions are very noticable. Cushing, Pollard, Smith, Quinn are all physical attitude players. Honestly, after the first three games (they do count), the Texans were a top 10-12 defense in the league.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Kubiak ...hate that guy. Shanahan X2 with how he runs his backfield. And stop before you post how he doesn't care about FF. I get it.

 

[Getinthemix]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

I am going to argue that this was the biggest area of improvement was in the general aggressiveness and more importantly production of the defense. They improved in all areas including fumbles, Int, sack, yardage, points, etc. The physcial nature of all the newest editions are very noticable. Cushing, Pollard, Smith, Quinn are all physical attitude players. Honestly, after the first three games (they do count), the Texans were a top 10-12 defense in the league.

Agreed. Their D finally showed some attitude this year. Loved it. I love watching Cushing play. He is a monster. To get that many tackles and big plays from a rookie SLB is incredible. Look at Aaron Curry for comparison's sake.

 

[coolnerd]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

I am going to argue that this was the biggest area of improvement was in the general aggressiveness and more importantly production of the defense. They improved in all areas including fumbles, Int, sack, yardage, points, etc. The physcial nature of all the newest editions are very noticable. Cushing, Pollard, Smith, Quinn are all physical attitude players. Honestly, after the first three games (they do count), the Texans were a top 10-12 defense in the league.

Agreed. Their D finally showed some attitude this year. Loved it. I love watching Cushing play. He is a monster. To get that many tackles and big plays from a rookie SLB is incredible. Look at Aaron Curry for comparison's sake.

The numbers are even better over the last 13 than I thoughthttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...nt/6800669.html

Now let's look at the defense. Fans and the media were ready to run first-year coordinator Frank Bush out of town after the third game, when the team was 1-2 and allowing 436 yards per game, including 205 rushing.

The Texans went 8-5 over their last 13 games, in which they ranked among the top five in yards allowed and surrendered only 85 rush yards a game.

Star-studded defense

Overall, the defense set team records for fewest points and yards allowed. The Texans were tied for 13th in total defense, including tied for 11th against the run and 18th against the pass.

Three defensive players, linebackers DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing and end Mario Williams, were voted to the Pro Bowl. Strong safety Bernard Pollard should have been.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I think a roll of the dice to acquire Brandon Marshall might not be a bad play.

 

[dhockster]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

I am going to argue that this was the biggest area of improvement was in the general aggressiveness and more importantly production of the defense. They improved in all areas including fumbles, Int, sack, yardage, points, etc. The physcial nature of all the newest editions are very noticable. Cushing, Pollard, Smith, Quinn are all physical attitude players. Honestly, after the first three games (they do count), the Texans were a top 10-12 defense in the league.

There definitely was improvement this year, I was wrong in not saying that. I guess I am thinking more about the 4 game losing streak against divisional opponents. They gave up 20, 20, 35, and 23. They never seemed to make the big play when they needed to, and ultimately that stretch of games doomed their season. Pollard and Cushing both helped alot in their aggressiveness, they need to continue in this direction.Next years schedule looks pretty tough with only three games where the Texans would seem to be large favorites: Home against the Chiefs, At Oakland, and at Washington. Contrast that with this year when the Texans got to play the Raiders, 49ers, Seahawks, Rams, and Bills. None of them had offenses which scared you a whole lot. If the Texans can add a run stuffing d-lineman, get Mario fully healthy, and find a shutdown corner, then they should be in great shape.

 

[Buckna]

This should be an interesting offseason as there are lots of personnel decisions that need to be made and they will be affected by the Collective Bargaining Agreement talks. I'm assuming Owen Daniels will be a RFA because of the CBA not being renewed, so we will have next year to evaluate him after his injury. Schaub has earned his big roster bonus extension that activates the last 3 years of his contract. However, how much will the $10M he's owed influence money available for Dunta or DeMeco?

Is Dunta worth the $$$ he wants? Personally I don't think so, but I shudder to think of our secondary if we let him go. I'm guessing DeMeco will be a RFA because of the CBA as well. Walter is a FA, do we resign him or let him walk? Do we bring in a FA RB or do we draft one? We've gotta get Pollard resigned as well.

Lots to talk about!

 

[coolnerd]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

I am going to argue that this was the biggest area of improvement was in the general aggressiveness and more importantly production of the defense. They improved in all areas including fumbles, Int, sack, yardage, points, etc. The physcial nature of all the newest editions are very noticable. Cushing, Pollard, Smith, Quinn are all physical attitude players. Honestly, after the first three games (they do count), the Texans were a top 10-12 defense in the league.

There definitely was improvement this year, I was wrong in not saying that. I guess I am thinking more about the 4 game losing streak against divisional opponents. They gave up 20, 20, 35, and 23. They never seemed to make the big play when they needed to, and ultimately that stretch of games doomed their season. Pollard and Cushing both helped alot in their aggressiveness, they need to continue in this direction.Next years schedule looks pretty tough with only three games where the Texans would seem to be large favorites: Home against the Chiefs, At Oakland, and at Washington. Contrast that with this year when the Texans got to play the Raiders, 49ers, Seahawks, Rams, and Bills. None of them had offenses which scared you a whole lot. If the Texans can add a run stuffing d-lineman, get Mario fully healthy, and find a shutdown corner, then they should be in great shape.

In today's NFL 20 points is around the league average, so I would not kill them for those total efforts (minus that 35 point dog), but yeah a key big play here or there would be is next level play from that unit.

 

[pablito]

Congrats Houston on your best season yet... I think you guys are really on the cusp.

What can the Skins expect from Kyle S? Do you all give him the credit for Schaub's improvement? Did he set the offensive game plan or call the plays or was it a joint thing with Kubiak? Any insight appreciated!

 

[Txns8]

I think a roll of the dice to acquire Brandon Marshall might not be a bad play.

Huh? We just threw for 4700+ yards without our #1 TE for most of the year. Offense isn't the problem. Walter is a perfect #3 behind Daniels and Johnson.

 

[Nate]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

I think by far the biggest weakness on the Texans this season was the running game. The Texans were unable to protect leads, grind out the clock, and keep opponent's offensive playmakers off the field. Not sure what the stats are but the Texans have got to be one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL.Inconsistency at safety was a big problem in the beginning but that really straightened out as the season wore on. What a pickup Pollard turned out to be!

 

[coolnerd]

I think a roll of the dice to acquire Brandon Marshall might not be a bad play.

Huh? We just threw for 4700+ yards without our #1 TE for most of the year. Offense isn't the problem. Walter is a perfect #3 behind Daniels and Johnson.

I like Walter well enough, but he is an upgradeable player and a free agent. Maybe not a crazy high priority, but if an opportunity presents itself, putting more pressure on a defensive backfield is a way to strenghten a strength. On Marshall specifically, he is anti-Texan in terms of the type of player the generally go after. Even if he were, the wanting Andre Johnson catches and wanting Andre Johnson money would be a major deterent.

 

[Txns8]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

I think by far the biggest weakness on the Texans this season was the running game. The Texans were unable to protect leads, grind out the clock, and keep opponent's offensive playmakers off the field. Not sure what the stats are but the Texans have got to be one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL.Inconsistency at safety was a big problem in the beginning but that really straightened out as the season wore on. What a pickup Pollard turned out to be!

More simply, just HOLD ONTO THE BALL!

 

[Buckna]

I think a roll of the dice to acquire Brandon Marshall might not be a bad play.

Huh? We just threw for 4700+ yards without our #1 TE for most of the year. Offense isn't the problem. Walter is a perfect #3 behind Daniels and Johnson.

I like Walter well enough, but he is an upgradeable player and a free agent. Maybe not a crazy high priority, but if an opportunity presents itself, putting more pressure on a defensive backfield is a way to strenghten a strength. On Marshall specifically, he is anti-Texan in terms of the type of player the generally go after. Even if he were, the wanting Andre Johnson catches and wanting Andre Johnson money would be a major deterent.

I think it became painfully obvious once OD went down that the only other weapon on offense is Andre. Walter was a non-factor this year and Jacoby is too inconsistent to be counted as a #2. OD's health and contract status are up in the air. Another good WR could take an already strong passing game and turn it into an elite passing game. It doesn't seem like we'll be fixing the running game anytime soon with the way the interior line blocks.

 

[Getinthemix]

A nice ending to the season for the Texans. As I said before, I think they need some leadership to really stay motivated and move forward. Whether that comes from Kubiak or from the players, it really doesn't matter.

The other thing that the Texans really lack is a defense that dictates to the offense. They always seem to be reacting rather than attacking the offense. It would be nice to have the ability for the defense to win a game if the offense has a bad game.

Biggest offseason needs are help on the defensive line (as always) and a shutdown corner. I don't know if there is one available in free agency, but if there is they should go after him.

I think by far the biggest weakness on the Texans this season was the running game. The Texans were unable to protect leads, grind out the clock, and keep opponent's offensive playmakers off the field. Not sure what the stats are but the Texans have got to be one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL.Inconsistency at safety was a big problem in the beginning but that really straightened out as the season wore on. What a pickup Pollard turned out to be!

The best part of the Pollard signing, as long as they resign him, is that it should eliminate the chance of them taking Taylor Mays. Definitely don't need to SS's in the back end.

 

[Buckna]

Didn't see this posted "officially," and it's not surprising at this point, but Cushing named DROY