Houston Texans forever - All D, no O (2 Viewers)

[GregR]

Anyone else reconsidering the notion that CJ is "Him"? I remember a feeling of relief thinking we finally found the QB of the future after all these years but now I'm having serious doubts. I think a mid QB like Baker or Stafford wins us those first two games. He seems a shell of his former self. Don't like all the sulking and aw shucks attitude either. And guess what's coming up soon? Contract time

The doubts started last year but are still very slowly growing over time. Think he should be doing better with what he has, but he is facing a ton of pressure too. I hope it hasn't ruined him.

 

[warpig33]

Kirk sucks. He'll probably hurt himself again. But if he's gonna produce anything...the jags are a good team to start off against.

 

[GregR]

Houston Texans

The early surprise: C.J. Stroud's high pressure rate.

The verdict: Real. Stroud has been pressured on 39.1% of his dropbacks, seventh most in the league, and that's not a mirage. It's a full malfunction, from the playcalling to getting pass catchers open down the field, to the pass protection plan, to the Texans offensive line struggling to block and sometimes Stroud holding the ball. The Texans' season will flop if they don't get this fixed, especially with better AFC opponents coming down the pike in Kansas City, Baltimore and Buffalo. -- DJ Bien-Aime

 

[Major]

Houston Texans

The early surprise: C.J. Stroud's high pressure rate.

The verdict: Real. Stroud has been pressured on 39.1% of his dropbacks, seventh most in the league, and that's not a mirage. It's a full malfunction, from the playcalling to getting pass catchers open down the field, to the pass protection plan, to the Texans offensive line struggling to block and sometimes Stroud holding the ball. The Texans' season will flop if they don't get this fixed, especially with better AFC opponents coming down the pike in Kansas City, Baltimore and Buffalo. -- DJ Bien-Aime

It seems like such an easy fix i.e. create more short game options. You see Baker do it on routine but it's like Bearded Bobby is oblivious. Marks and Noel would be perfect guys for that yet it always seems like the only calls are for routes 10+ yds where CJ holds the ball far too long.

 

[Buckna]

Anyone else reconsidering the notion that CJ is "Him"? I remember a feeling of relief thinking we finally found the QB of the future after all these years but now I'm having serious doubts. I think a mid QB like Baker or Stafford wins us those first two games. He seems a shell of his former self. Don't like all the sulking and aw shucks attitude either. And guess what's coming up soon? Contract time

The doubts started last year but are still very slowly growing over time. Think he should be doing better with what he has, but he is facing a ton of pressure too. I hope it hasn't ruined him.

Same, o'line is definitely an issue as are the rookie pass catching options. Stroud shares blame sometimes too but feel many of his issues are lack of good coaching IMO.

Wish we had found a new OC and o'line coach outside of the building and had a real plan for building the o'line instead of a bunch of bandaids.

 

[GregR]

So now the moment of talking anyone who needs it off the ledge.

Yeah it's a rough start, and they need to turn it around as coming back from 0-3 doesn't have a very good history.

But... they've played two teams who are leading their divisions. The loss against TB came down to a single play going different at any number of spots and the outcome changes. The Rams one was also winnable though they didn't, if not as close as Monday's game.

The first place schedule is going to make it rough. But they could still end up winning the division. Definitely need some improvement from the offensive coaching. Hopefully Caley is learning quick on the fly and getting some guidance to help.

 

[Major]

So now the moment of talking anyone who needs it off the ledge.

Yeah it's a rough start, and they need to turn it around as coming back from 0-3 doesn't have a very good history.

But... they've played two teams who are leading their divisions. The loss against TB came down to a single play going different at any number of spots and the outcome changes. The Rams one was also winnable though they didn't, if not as close as Monday's game.

The first place schedule is going to make it rough. But they could still end up winning the division. Definitely need some improvement from the offensive coaching. Hopefully Caley is learning quick on the fly and getting some guidance to help.

Another interesting stat I read is that the Texans have won their last 11 road games against divisional opponents so that bodes well for Sunday.

However, it just seems like this team's upside is where we got with BOB i.e. more meaningless division championships and early playoff exits

 

[GregR]

So now the moment of talking anyone who needs it off the ledge.

Yeah it's a rough start, and they need to turn it around as coming back from 0-3 doesn't have a very good history.

But... they've played two teams who are leading their divisions. The loss against TB came down to a single play going different at any number of spots and the outcome changes. The Rams one was also winnable though they didn't, if not as close as Monday's game.

The first place schedule is going to make it rough. But they could still end up winning the division. Definitely need some improvement from the offensive coaching. Hopefully Caley is learning quick on the fly and getting some guidance to help.

Another interesting stat I read is that the Texans have won their last 11 road games against divisional opponents so that bodes well for Sunday.

However, it just seems like this team's upside is where we got with BOB i.e. more meaningless division championships and early playoff exits

Yeah I feel ya there. The optimism I had after the first year with coach and Stroud is pretty diminished.

 

[GregR]

Grand jury declines to indict Jimmie Ward in domestic violence case​

HOUSTON -- A Montgomery County (Texas) grand jury has decided not to indict Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward, months after he was arrested on suspicion of third-degree felony domestic violence.

The grand jury didn't find probable cause that Ward committed the alleged crimes against the woman involved in the incident.

"I can finally move forward," Ward told KPRC-TV on Thursday.

Ward is currently on the NFL's commissioner exempt list stemming from his arrest in Montgomery County, Texas on June 12 for the alleged family violence in his Magnolia home. Ward may not practice or attend games while on the list.

"We continue to monitor all developments in the matter, which remains under review," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy wrote in an email to KPRC-TV.

Ward's attorney, Steve Jackson, said he expects that his client could come off the commissioner exempt list next week.

 

[Buckna]

If you want to feel sick a bit, there's some video breakdowns making the rounds on the social media sites of that final drive and To'oTo'o completely whiffing past Baker for an easy sack on 4th & 10 where Baker ended up running for that long gain. Literally went for like a knockout blow type hit and flew past him without even touching him when all he had to do was wrap him up to end the game.

 

[Houston turmOiler]

If you want to feel sick a bit, there's some video breakdowns making the rounds on the social media sites of that final drive and To'oTo'o completely whiffing past Baker for an easy sack on 4th & 10 where Baker ended up running for that long gain. Literally went for like a knockout blow type hit and flew past him without even touching him when all he had to do was wrap him up to end the game.

Texans gonna Texan. All he had to do was break down and stay in front and it's game over.

 

[Buckna]

So now the moment of talking anyone who needs it off the ledge.

Yeah it's a rough start, and they need to turn it around as coming back from 0-3 doesn't have a very good history.

But... they've played two teams who are leading their divisions. The loss against TB came down to a single play going different at any number of spots and the outcome changes. The Rams one was also winnable though they didn't, if not as close as Monday's game.

The first place schedule is going to make it rough. But they could still end up winning the division. Definitely need some improvement from the offensive coaching. Hopefully Caley is learning quick on the fly and getting some guidance to help.

Another interesting stat I read is that the Texans have won their last 11 road games against divisional opponents so that bodes well for Sunday.

However, it just seems like this team's upside is where we got with BOB i.e. more meaningless division championships and early playoff exits

Yeah I feel ya there. The optimism I had after the first year with coach and Stroud is pretty diminished.

Same - last year it felt like the cringey 1st time ever playoff appearance with Bob where they wore the matching letterman jackets and had all this swagger and got absolutely embarrassed. Offseason last year reminded me of that in that they had big heads and were overconfident and playing with house money with big FA contracts and big trades like for Diggs but ignored the o'line. I'm not sure they've learned their lesson, the draft added some nice foundational long-term pieces IMO, but they once again traded like crazy and made some head scratchers. And the treatment of the o'line thinking they can just find guys off the street to fill holes and get by is the same problem we had under Bob and Rick Smith in particular for a decade and a half. Ersery looks like a nice piece early on but there's 4 other spots.

Really needed a win out of these 2. The schedule is killer, I don't see us winning against BAL, BUF, or KC which is 5 losses. Tough to sweep the division with the other 3 teams shaky but improved from last year. Being optimistic if you go 4-2 you're then at 7 losses and have to be perfect in all other games to get to 10 wins. Going to be tough with Den, 49ers, Sea, & LAC. I don't think 9-7 gets a playoff spot in the AFC this year IMO. Best to hope for is the offense can figure something out and improve/come together and we can manage some upsets against the top of the AFC.

 

[Major]

If you want to feel sick a bit, there's some video breakdowns making the rounds on the social media sites of that final drive and To'oTo'o completely whiffing past Baker for an easy sack on 4th & 10 where Baker ended up running for that long gain. Literally went for like a knockout blow type hit and flew past him without even touching him when all he had to do was wrap him up to end the game.

SWARM btw. Maybe Demeco should teach them basic fundamentals instead. This Defense has been a disappointment to me. They're far from elite.

His clock management on that final drive was also suspect. Two timeouts with the clock stopped was a head scratcher. It's not like the offense needed much to get in range for a Fairbairn attempt. It's almost like he's so laser focused on Defense that he has no concept of the other facets at play. I often feel he makes a better cheerleader than a HC. Maybe we should get him a cute outfit and some lipstick if they lose in JAX.

 

[Buckna]

Whelp that was a quick season. 2018 Texans are the only team in the last 25 years to start 0-3 and make the playoffs. And I don't see lightning striking twice this year with our tough remaining schedule.

So which OT we drafting: Spencer Fano UT, Xavier Chaplin Auburn, or Kayden Proctor AL?

Although if we end up with a top 10 pick watch them draft Peter Woods at DT or something. Certainly a need and a good player but would be just like us to ignore o'line again.

 

[Major]

Good news is that they're playing the Titans next week. Good news meaning that if they lose, it will give McNair and co enough ammunition to burn it all down and start over. The parallels with BOB are uncanny.

 

[Jayded]

Whelp that was a quick season. 2018 Texans are the only team in the last 25 years to start 0-3 and make the playoffs. And I don't see lightning striking twice this year with our tough remaining schedule.

So which OT we drafting: Spencer Fano UT, Xavier Chaplin Auburn, or Kayden Proctor AL?

Although if we end up with a top 10 pick watch them draft Peter Woods at DT or something. Certainly a need and a good player but would be just like us to ignore o'line again.

We might need a new QB. Caserio has completely botched CJ’s rookie window. If we extend him it might look just like Jax where you wonder if he’s still the guy while he eats more cap

They might be forced to trade CJ and restart the clock with how they’ve mismanaged this.

 

[Buckna]

Whelp that was a quick season. 2018 Texans are the only team in the last 25 years to start 0-3 and make the playoffs. And I don't see lightning striking twice this year with our tough remaining schedule.

So which OT we drafting: Spencer Fano UT, Xavier Chaplin Auburn, or Kayden Proctor AL?

Although if we end up with a top 10 pick watch them draft Peter Woods at DT or something. Certainly a need and a good player but would be just like us to ignore o'line again.

We might need a new QB. Caserio has completely botched CJ’s rookie window. If we extend him it might look just like Jax where you wonder if he’s still the guy while he eats more cap

They might be forced to trade CJ and restart the clock with how they’ve mismanaged this.

We'll have to see how they respond the rest of the season. If they continue to fight and try to improve or not. Playoffs may be mathematically out of reach but I do think we can still win 7~8 games total if they don't totally collapse or Ryan's loses the team. Will need to use this time to evaluate Stroud the rest of the year and see if he can improve or show signs of being the future guy or growing from this. If there's any question by season's end if Stroud is the guy I hope they don't decide to go ahead and extend this next year. Who cares if he costs more waiting a year, it's better than being stuck with Tlaw's contract like the Jags are for the next 3 or 4 seasons.

I don't think Ryan's gets fired unless its a Kubiak or BoB type implosion the rest of the year. I get the frustration and anger with the obvious issues that aren't getting better, but two division wins and two playoff wins is not something to totally throw away after one bad season. We're also not privy to who behind the scenes was driving the Tunsil trade and o'line bandaids with castoffs from other teams as some sort of "plan." As someone said in the game thread, Caserio should be getting way more heat for his draft and FA misses at o'line. Plus his constant trades that have burned us depth-wise.

 

[Major]

Whelp that was a quick season. 2018 Texans are the only team in the last 25 years to start 0-3 and make the playoffs. And I don't see lightning striking twice this year with our tough remaining schedule.

So which OT we drafting: Spencer Fano UT, Xavier Chaplin Auburn, or Kayden Proctor AL?

Although if we end up with a top 10 pick watch them draft Peter Woods at DT or something. Certainly a need and a good player but would be just like us to ignore o'line again.

We might need a new QB. Caserio has completely botched CJ’s rookie window. If we extend him it might look just like Jax where you wonder if he’s still the guy while he eats more cap

They might be forced to trade CJ and restart the clock with how they’ve mismanaged this.

We'll have to see how they respond the rest of the season. If they continue to fight and try to improve or not. Playoffs may be mathematically out of reach but I do think we can still win 7~8 games total if they don't totally collapse or Ryan's loses the team. Will need to use this time to evaluate Stroud the rest of the year and see if he can improve or show signs of being the future guy or growing from this. If there's any question by season's end if Stroud is the guy I hope they don't decide to go ahead and extend this next year. Who cares if he costs more waiting a year, it's better than being stuck with Tlaw's contract like the Jags are for the next 3 or 4 seasons.

I don't think Ryan's gets fired unless its a Kubiak or BoB type implosion the rest of the year. I get the frustration and anger with the obvious issues that aren't getting better, but two division wins and two playoff wins is not something to totally throw away after one bad season. We're also not privy to who behind the scenes was driving the Tunsil trade and o'line bandaids with castoffs from other teams as some sort of "plan." As someone said in the game thread, Caserio should be getting way more heat for his draft and FA misses at o'line. Plus his constant trades that have burned us depth-wise.

I don't think Demeco gets fired either but I'm so tired of his schtick. Listening to him in the post game presser telling us that "they're close". Close to what? close to being terrible? Getting beat by a horrific Jags squad in a rebuild should tell you that you're not close to much other than being 0-4.

Personally, I think you cut ties with Caley to salvage the season. This offense is going nowhere with him. It's like he forgot everything McVay taught him and reverted back to his NE days. I'd also like to move on from Casserio in the off season. This Patriot mentality has run its course. Rid yourself of any of that stench and start fresh. He's had a long time and a lot of rope to build something special and it seems like we're right back where we started (and possibly worse?)

 

[Buckna]

Whelp that was a quick season. 2018 Texans are the only team in the last 25 years to start 0-3 and make the playoffs. And I don't see lightning striking twice this year with our tough remaining schedule.

So which OT we drafting: Spencer Fano UT, Xavier Chaplin Auburn, or Kayden Proctor AL?

Although if we end up with a top 10 pick watch them draft Peter Woods at DT or something. Certainly a need and a good player but would be just like us to ignore o'line again.

We might need a new QB. Caserio has completely botched CJ’s rookie window. If we extend him it might look just like Jax where you wonder if he’s still the guy while he eats more cap

They might be forced to trade CJ and restart the clock with how they’ve mismanaged this.

We'll have to see how they respond the rest of the season. If they continue to fight and try to improve or not. Playoffs may be mathematically out of reach but I do think we can still win 7~8 games total if they don't totally collapse or Ryan's loses the team. Will need to use this time to evaluate Stroud the rest of the year and see if he can improve or show signs of being the future guy or growing from this. If there's any question by season's end if Stroud is the guy I hope they don't decide to go ahead and extend this next year. Who cares if he costs more waiting a year, it's better than being stuck with Tlaw's contract like the Jags are for the next 3 or 4 seasons.

I don't think Ryan's gets fired unless its a Kubiak or BoB type implosion the rest of the year. I get the frustration and anger with the obvious issues that aren't getting better, but two division wins and two playoff wins is not something to totally throw away after one bad season. We're also not privy to who behind the scenes was driving the Tunsil trade and o'line bandaids with castoffs from other teams as some sort of "plan." As someone said in the game thread, Caserio should be getting way more heat for his draft and FA misses at o'line. Plus his constant trades that have burned us depth-wise.

I don't think Demeco gets fired either but I'm so tired of his schtick. Listening to him in the post game presser telling us that "they're close". Close to what? close to being terrible? Getting beat by a horrific Jags squad in a rebuild should tell you that you're not close to much other than being 0-4.

Personally, I think you cut ties with Caley to salvage the season. This offense is going nowhere with him. It's like he forgot everything McVay taught him and reverted back to his NE days. I'd also like to move on from Casserio in the off season. I'm so tired of this Patriot mentality. Rid yourself of any of that stench and start fresh. He's had a long time and a lot of rope to build something special and it seems like we're right back where we started (and possibly worse?)

Agreed, didn't like Ryan's or Stroud's rhetoric this past week after the TB loss. Hopefully this gives them a wakeup call because we are essentially out of it now and they are going to have to be thinking of their jobs and their future. IDK when Caley and the o'line coach get canned but there's no way they last the full season at this rate.

Would love for Caserio to go, still think its ridiculous they kept him since he was tied in with all the Jack Easterby nonsense. But that's Cal McNair for you. Gonna be tough to bring in a replacement GM though, Caserio has also done a poor job managing the cap. We've got boatloads tied up next year in mediocre players like Tytus and Schultz and there's not much cap relief to cut them next year due to restructures and void years. Plus another $25MM in dead money thanks to void years on old guys he traded for that will be FA's (Kirk & Cam Robinson the two biggest.)