WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
Nico IR 4 weeks minimum next man up.
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Houston Texans forever - week off to get healthy (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter GregR
- Start date
Major
Footballguy
GregR
Footballguy
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon was listed as “questionable” on the team’s injury report after practicing Friday afternoon, raising the likelihood that he could travel with the team and play in its game Sunday against the New England Patriots.
It wasn’t all good news for the Texans. They’ll be without several key players. Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) was ruled out, as was safety Jimmie Ward (groin) and wide receiver Robert Woods (foot).
It wasn’t all good news for the Texans. They’ll be without several key players. Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) was ruled out, as was safety Jimmie Ward (groin) and wide receiver Robert Woods (foot).
WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
Too bad about Woods with Nico out he could have provided some veteran help.
GregR
Footballguy
Agreed. Maybe it'll be a chance for Metchie to start making a name for himself.
Major
Footballguy
I wish I shared your optimism but I think Metchie is cooked. Seems he's solely being rostered in hopes someone meets Casserio's asking price. I hope I'm wrong.
GregR
Footballguy
Listened to Seth Payne podcast about the game. He was talking about Schultz and surprised me when he said Schultz had the fewest drops (or maybe drop %) among tight ends last season. But went on to say that his drops always seemed to stand out.
Other comments: Texans the #2 passing yards offense. But were 19th in points coming into the game. Kind of backs up the belief the penalties were really the drive killers and a big part of the lower points output in the early games.
Defense held the Patriots running backs to 21 carries for 44 yards. Drake Maye was their only real rushing success.
Mentioned Neville Hewitt doesn't have Al-Shaair's cover ability, but had a nice game. Apparently he only had 1 snap going into today's game, Texans have just been using 2 LBs really. Can really use Christian Harris back.
Dameon Pierce looked good. Hopefully he can keep it going and this wasn't just a one game showing.
Other comments: Texans the #2 passing yards offense. But were 19th in points coming into the game. Kind of backs up the belief the penalties were really the drive killers and a big part of the lower points output in the early games.
Defense held the Patriots running backs to 21 carries for 44 yards. Drake Maye was their only real rushing success.
Mentioned Neville Hewitt doesn't have Al-Shaair's cover ability, but had a nice game. Apparently he only had 1 snap going into today's game, Texans have just been using 2 LBs really. Can really use Christian Harris back.
Dameon Pierce looked good. Hopefully he can keep it going and this wasn't just a one game showing.
GregR
Footballguy
Was good to see the sack numbers coming up this game. Texans have been one of the top teams in pressures, but weren't seeing the sack rate there as much.
Not counting today's game, Hunter was #10 and WAJr #13 in pass rush win rate per ESPN.
As a team ESPN had Texans #4 in pass rush win rate, and #10 in run stop win rate.
Blocking, they have us 25th and 28th for passing and rushing block win rate.
Not counting today's game, Hunter was #10 and WAJr #13 in pass rush win rate per ESPN.
As a team ESPN had Texans #4 in pass rush win rate, and #10 in run stop win rate.
Blocking, they have us 25th and 28th for passing and rushing block win rate.
GregR
Footballguy
Some of the freebies associated with the Texans for you other Houston based folks.
Free donut at Kroger
The day after every Texans' win, Houston-area Kroger stores are giving Texans fans a free donut.
Free nuggets at McDonald’s
This one doesn’t even require a win. You just need the Texans to score on a passing touchdown, and you get six free McNuggets from Houston-area McDonald’s locations.
Free wings Buffalo Wild Wings
Whenever the Texans' defense forces a turnover, fans get six free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. The offer is limited to one order per person and you must dine inside the restaurant.
Half off at Pizza Hut
After every Texans' regular season win, Pizza Hut offers 50% off menu-priced pizzas for online orders using the code TEXANS.
Free donut at Kroger
The day after every Texans' win, Houston-area Kroger stores are giving Texans fans a free donut.
Free nuggets at McDonald’s
This one doesn’t even require a win. You just need the Texans to score on a passing touchdown, and you get six free McNuggets from Houston-area McDonald’s locations.
Free wings Buffalo Wild Wings
Whenever the Texans' defense forces a turnover, fans get six free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. The offer is limited to one order per person and you must dine inside the restaurant.
Half off at Pizza Hut
After every Texans' regular season win, Pizza Hut offers 50% off menu-priced pizzas for online orders using the code TEXANS.
Major
Footballguy
I picked up one of those Kroger donuts today. Still as awful as I remember them. Fellas - save your calories for something worthwhile.
GregR
Footballguy
Agree about Kroger donuts.
Pan pizza with pepperoni, bacon and extra sauce was delicious though. Saved about $3 versus the usual deal price.
GregR
Footballguy
Several key defensive starters were missing from Thursday's practice, which is normally a strong indicator of status for Sunday's game.
Starting linebackers Henry To'oTo'o (concussion) and Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin) were all out with injuries. Lassiter and Ward did not play last week and aren't expected to play Sunday.
Also out was Mario Edwards, who was suspended earlier this week.
The good news for the Texans is that running back Joe Mixon (ankle) and left tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle) both practiced for the second consecutive day Thursday and appear set to play Sunday. They are two of the Texans' most important offensive players.
Starting linebackers Henry To'oTo'o (concussion) and Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin) were all out with injuries. Lassiter and Ward did not play last week and aren't expected to play Sunday.
Also out was Mario Edwards, who was suspended earlier this week.
The good news for the Texans is that running back Joe Mixon (ankle) and left tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle) both practiced for the second consecutive day Thursday and appear set to play Sunday. They are two of the Texans' most important offensive players.
GregR
Footballguy
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a noncontact right leg injury toward the end of the first half of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Watson's leg appeared to hyperextend as he tried to carry the ball on the first play after the 2-minute warning. Watson immediately gave himself up and fell to the ground.
A cart shortly thereafter came onto the field and carried the emotional Watson off the field. The entire Browns sideline came onto the field as Watson was placed on the cart.
Watson's leg appeared to hyperextend as he tried to carry the ball on the first play after the 2-minute warning. Watson immediately gave himself up and fell to the ground.
A cart shortly thereafter came onto the field and carried the emotional Watson off the field. The entire Browns sideline came onto the field as Watson was placed on the cart.
Major
Footballguy
Hopkins to Chiefs for a 4th.
And BOB gave him away for a 2nd and a bad RB in his prime.
I still get upset thinking about that trade but seeing what we got for Deshaun helps ease the pain.
And they used that 2nd on a DT who they traded away 2 years later for a 6th & 7th. Just so bad. ARI should have paid us a 2nd just to take on David Johnson's awful contract.Hopkins to Chiefs for a 4th.
And BOB gave him away for a 2nd and a bad RB in his prime.
Then combine that with the trade for Tunsil. At least Tunsil has given us a pro-bowl caliber LT despite his many flaws. But the cost was enormous: the #3 overall & #36 in 2021, the #26 in 2020. Could have had Jamaar Chase or Penei Sewell with that #3 pick, or traded it to SF for a bunch more 1sts like Miami ultimately did.
GregR
Footballguy
I somehow missed Alers being traded to Vikings. Swapping
If I remember right, Barnwell I think it was, who has his formula for what pick compensation equates to what salary cap amount, said at the time of the trade that an even straight up trade for David Johnson would be the Cardinals giving Johnson and a 3rd away to the other team for taking Johnson.
And they used that 2nd on a DT who they traded away 2 years later for a 6th & 7th. Just so bad. ARI should have paid us a 2nd just to take on David Johnson's awful contract.Hopkins to Chiefs for a 4th.
And BOB gave him away for a 2nd and a bad RB in his prime.
Then combine that with the trade for Tunsil. At least Tunsil has given us a pro-bowl caliber LT despite his many flaws. But the cost was enormous: the #3 overall & #36 in 2021, the #26 in 2020. Could have had Jamaar Chase or Penei Sewell with that #3 pick, or traded it to SF for a bunch more 1sts like Miami ultimately did.
If I remember right, Barnwell I think it was, who has his formula for what pick compensation equates to what salary cap amount, said at the time of the trade that an even straight up trade for David Johnson would be the Cardinals giving Johnson and a 3rd away to the other team for taking Johnson.
Major
Footballguy
I somehow missed Alers being traded to Vikings. Swapping
And they used that 2nd on a DT who they traded away 2 years later for a 6th & 7th. Just so bad. ARI should have paid us a 2nd just to take on David Johnson's awful contract.Hopkins to Chiefs for a 4th.
And BOB gave him away for a 2nd and a bad RB in his prime.
Then combine that with the trade for Tunsil. At least Tunsil has given us a pro-bowl caliber LT despite his many flaws. But the cost was enormous: the #3 overall & #36 in 2021, the #26 in 2020. Could have had Jamaar Chase or Penei Sewell with that #3 pick, or traded it to SF for a bunch more 1sts like Miami ultimately did.
If I remember right, Barnwell I think it was, who has his formula for what pick compensation equates to what salary cap amount, said at the time of the trade that an even straight up trade for David Johnson would be the Cardinals giving Johnson and a 3rd away to the other team for taking Johnson.
That's exactly how I remember it. BOB was paying up for a toxic asset that other teams would need compensation for. He loved his aging RBs. I would have loved being a fly on the wall during these trade talks in ARZ - probably a lot of laughter, cigars and questioning if this guy is really that stupid.
GregR
Footballguy
Barnwell article on older RBs this year.
How Joe Mixon has outperformed Houston's other RBs
Mixon's deal with the Texans: Three years, $27 million
Mixon, on the other hand, is a mere fourth among all running backs in yards before first contact. He's averaging 5.2 yards per carry, a pittance as compared to what his free agent colleagues are doing. And while Henry is averaging 124.7 yards per game and Barkley ranks second at 109.7, Mixon is all the way back in third, at 100.3.
I'm kidding, obviously.
Mixon has been extremely valuable for the Texans, and we can see his impact in part by what has happened when he has gone down injured. After racking up 159 yards on 30 carries in the opening-week win over the Colts, he left the Week 2 victory over the Bears with an ankle injury after what he believed to be a hip-drop tackle. He returned in Week 6, and he has had 100-yard games in back-to-back weeks, scoring four touchdowns over that span.
Without Mixon, the other Houston backs have delivered replacement-level work:
Joe Mixon Vs. The Rest of The Texans' RBs
The success rate metric is what stood out to me. Keeping the offense on schedule 25% of the time just isn't acceptable for an offense; the worst rushing attack in the league, that of the Raiders, has a rushing success rate of 31.8%. The non-Mixon backs basically have one big run from Dameon Pierce in garbage time against the Patriots and have otherwise been setting the team backward, which is one of the reasons the Texans were likely comfortable trading Cam Akers back to the Vikings.
Even with Mixon, the Texans' 33.5% success rate is the league's second worst. And while he is elevating this offense's performance, a 39% success rate is still below-average. NFL backs on the whole have produced successful carries on 34.6% of their first-down runs this season. Mixon is down at 28.9%. (To contrast, Barkley is succeeding on 42.3% of his first-down runs, while Henry is at 36.3%.)
I'd be cautious to pin that entirely on Mixon, given that he has had more success on those carries than the other backs on this roster, but it's a real problem for this Texans offense. The cheat code on offense for Kyle Shanahan and the coaches in his tree has always been ripping teams apart on first down. Last season, the Dolphins (second), 49ers (third) and Texans (sixth) all ranked among the league leaders in expected points added (EPA) per play on first down.
This season, the Texans rank 22nd on first downs by that same metric. They're not generating steady yardage to begin series. As a result, their average third down has come with 8.2 yards to go. Only the Seahawks and Browns have faced more difficult third downs. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is capable of brilliance on third down, but even he can't be expected to convert third-and-long all day. In Houston's two losses this season, Stroud and the offense have gone 8-for-27 (29.6%) on third downs. More than 70% of those have been third-and-longs.
While Barkley and Henry have been both consistently moving the chains and racking up huge plays, Mixon is succeeded by generating something in between. He has only two runs topping 20 yards, but 11 of his 77 carries have generated 10-plus yards, good for a 14.3% clip. That's better than either Barkley or Henry. Mixon probably doesn't have their acceleration at this point of his career, but he has great agility and timing.
The other issue is the Texans have mostly played Mixon as a two-down back and used Dare Ogunbowale as their third-down option. Mixon has caught 10 passes this season, but he has only been on the field as a pass blocker for seven snaps. Barkley and Henry are on the field blocking more often. Mixon's deal (essentially a two-year, $17 million pact) wasn't quite as lucrative as Barkley's, but it was more than the maximum value of Henry's two-year, $16 million deal. Mixon hasn't been the problem with Houston's offense, but he hasn't been the sort of force Barkley and Henry have been, either.
How Joe Mixon has outperformed Houston's other RBs
Mixon's deal with the Texans: Three years, $27 million
Mixon, on the other hand, is a mere fourth among all running backs in yards before first contact. He's averaging 5.2 yards per carry, a pittance as compared to what his free agent colleagues are doing. And while Henry is averaging 124.7 yards per game and Barkley ranks second at 109.7, Mixon is all the way back in third, at 100.3.
I'm kidding, obviously.
Mixon has been extremely valuable for the Texans, and we can see his impact in part by what has happened when he has gone down injured. After racking up 159 yards on 30 carries in the opening-week win over the Colts, he left the Week 2 victory over the Bears with an ankle injury after what he believed to be a hip-drop tackle. He returned in Week 6, and he has had 100-yard games in back-to-back weeks, scoring four touchdowns over that span.
Without Mixon, the other Houston backs have delivered replacement-level work:
Joe Mixon Vs. The Rest of The Texans' RBs
Code:
Player Att Yds Y/Att RYOE Success Rate 20+ Yd Runs
Joe Mixon 77 401 5.2 +91 39.0% 3
All Other HOU RBs 83 318 3.8 -30 25.3% 1The success rate metric is what stood out to me. Keeping the offense on schedule 25% of the time just isn't acceptable for an offense; the worst rushing attack in the league, that of the Raiders, has a rushing success rate of 31.8%. The non-Mixon backs basically have one big run from Dameon Pierce in garbage time against the Patriots and have otherwise been setting the team backward, which is one of the reasons the Texans were likely comfortable trading Cam Akers back to the Vikings.
Even with Mixon, the Texans' 33.5% success rate is the league's second worst. And while he is elevating this offense's performance, a 39% success rate is still below-average. NFL backs on the whole have produced successful carries on 34.6% of their first-down runs this season. Mixon is down at 28.9%. (To contrast, Barkley is succeeding on 42.3% of his first-down runs, while Henry is at 36.3%.)
I'd be cautious to pin that entirely on Mixon, given that he has had more success on those carries than the other backs on this roster, but it's a real problem for this Texans offense. The cheat code on offense for Kyle Shanahan and the coaches in his tree has always been ripping teams apart on first down. Last season, the Dolphins (second), 49ers (third) and Texans (sixth) all ranked among the league leaders in expected points added (EPA) per play on first down.
This season, the Texans rank 22nd on first downs by that same metric. They're not generating steady yardage to begin series. As a result, their average third down has come with 8.2 yards to go. Only the Seahawks and Browns have faced more difficult third downs. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is capable of brilliance on third down, but even he can't be expected to convert third-and-long all day. In Houston's two losses this season, Stroud and the offense have gone 8-for-27 (29.6%) on third downs. More than 70% of those have been third-and-longs.
While Barkley and Henry have been both consistently moving the chains and racking up huge plays, Mixon is succeeded by generating something in between. He has only two runs topping 20 yards, but 11 of his 77 carries have generated 10-plus yards, good for a 14.3% clip. That's better than either Barkley or Henry. Mixon probably doesn't have their acceleration at this point of his career, but he has great agility and timing.
The other issue is the Texans have mostly played Mixon as a two-down back and used Dare Ogunbowale as their third-down option. Mixon has caught 10 passes this season, but he has only been on the field as a pass blocker for seven snaps. Barkley and Henry are on the field blocking more often. Mixon's deal (essentially a two-year, $17 million pact) wasn't quite as lucrative as Barkley's, but it was more than the maximum value of Henry's two-year, $16 million deal. Mixon hasn't been the problem with Houston's offense, but he hasn't been the sort of force Barkley and Henry have been, either.
GregR
Footballguy
ESPN, trade topics and cap room ranking:
23. Houston Texans
Cap space: $8.3 million
Even though the Texans are dealing with injuries -- specifically to their linebacker unit, as Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and Christian Harris (calf) have missed time -- don't expect any big moves. There has been buzz about them potentially adding a safety, but they like their room and a rising rookie in Calen Bullock, who has three interceptions on the season. They definitely have the space to make a move, but their roster is pretty set. -- DJ Bien-Aime
23. Houston Texans
Cap space: $8.3 million
Even though the Texans are dealing with injuries -- specifically to their linebacker unit, as Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and Christian Harris (calf) have missed time -- don't expect any big moves. There has been buzz about them potentially adding a safety, but they like their room and a rising rookie in Calen Bullock, who has three interceptions on the season. They definitely have the space to make a move, but their roster is pretty set. -- DJ Bien-Aime
Major
Footballguy
Any good OL available? I admittedly don't focus on the line individually and just look at it as a whole unless of course Tunsil is getting penalized.
Is Kenyon Green as much of a bust as I perceive him to be? How's the rookie Blake Fischer looking?
GregR
Footballguy
Green has a 43.6 pff rating.
Houston turmOiler
Footballguy
Well the Texans played brutally bad there last year. Seems like a bad matchup with our porous OL vs their defensive front... If they can keep Mixon in check on the ground. Just my guess.
Major
Footballguy
Also Nico and probably Diggs out
But these are The Jets who just lost to The Patriots.
Even with Diggs and Nico out The Texans have a much better offense than The Patriots.
And if the Texans jump in front early the crowd at Metlife will turn on the home team and that advantage will be gone.
Playing at home. Only reason. They suck and is an easy win if you bet on Houston
Jayded
Footballguy
Call a spade a spade. We MUST see Tank step up this week. He's clearly sophomore slumping for some reason, and a lot of that appeared to be target share. When he was hitting on all cylinders last year he was getting nearly 10 targets a game. This year he's closer to 4. Diggs ate into his share much more than he impacted Nico.
With both Nico and Diggs likely missing for some period of time, the big onus has to fall to Tank. Hutchinson, Woods, and Metchie playing complimentary roles will also help and be key. But Tank needs to finally pull it together and Schultz also needs to be a factor so teams back out of the box and Mixon can still rush effectively as well.
With both Nico and Diggs likely missing for some period of time, the big onus has to fall to Tank. Hutchinson, Woods, and Metchie playing complimentary roles will also help and be key. But Tank needs to finally pull it together and Schultz also needs to be a factor so teams back out of the box and Mixon can still rush effectively as well.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Diggs ACL Season over
Sorry Texans fans
Sorry Texans fans
Jayded
Footballguy
Bad timing for someone like Johnson to get dealt elsewhere too. Curious if we make a move, especially with Tank slumping. If he was firing on all cylinders, we'd just wait for Nico and play it out a lot like last year I would think.
With him now out, I'm curious if we hold or if we make a move and who'd be available. Kupp isn't going anywhere now either. Hopkins wouldn't have been dealt back within the division I wouldn't think.
Dreaded Thursday night game, easy to expect it's going to be a low scoring affair. Hopefully a better showing than last year's embarrassment against the Jets. I expect a lot of Mixon who hopefully will be the difference maker this go around as the Jets are poor at run defense especially compared to their pass defense.
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WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
Same too bad he's made of glass and can't stay healthy or he'd be here.
WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
Doesn't matter if they can't figure out their offensive line on passing downs. No time to throw.
WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
Not great against the run as well they have just been fortunate teams haven't stuck with the run against them.
Unfortunately Patterson's injury was a concussion, highly likely he won't be cleared by Thursday. Wonder if they shuffle the line around. Going to have to do something or Green's going to get eaten alive by the Jets pass rush.
GregR
Footballguy
Tank is probably going to have Sauce Gardner on him all game. So looking even more to the other guys to step forward.
Major
Footballguy
Sounds like he'd fit right in with our WRs
GregR
Footballguy
The Texans allowed 20 pressures on 28 drop-backs in the first half and just three in the second, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Green was responsible for seven of those pressures.
This season, Green has given up 33 pressures, which is more than any guard, left or right, in the NFL. He's also allowed five sacks, which is tied for the second-most among guards.
Shaq Mason has also allowed five sacks.
This season, Green has given up 33 pressures, which is more than any guard, left or right, in the NFL. He's also allowed five sacks, which is tied for the second-most among guards.
Shaq Mason has also allowed five sacks.
WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
Unfortunately Ryans came out yesterday and seemed to indicate the offensive line is doing very well and protecting Stroud just fine. I 100% disagree but I'm not the coach so maybe my eyes are lying to me while I watch the game.
WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
I hope so he's been their worst defensive back this year. Sauce got lit up by some dude name Boutte last game. Sauce has sucked this year.
WaltonGoggins
Footballguy
FYI: NYJ are favored to win the game. Texans are the underdogs.
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