These aren't new criticisms for Kubiak or Schaub, as they are understated and not extroverted personalities. I think a lot of the criticism stems from the general mindset that if your coach or players aren't screaming on the sidelines or displaying a lot of emotion then their "too soft" for football. Never really agreed with that but I can see the argument.I'm guessing your point on a lack of "nastiness" is directed only at the offense. The defense, with JJ, Ninja, Cushing, and Joseph, has alot of nastiness. I do think Kubiak is somewhat conservative with his playcalling, but I don't think he is trying for field goals over TDs or trying not to close out an opponent. He is a run first coach. He wants to run the ball when he has a lead, somewhat to the point of stubbornness. Unfortunately, the whole right side of the oline has not been up to the task to allow them to be a grinding run based offense. So then you have to turn to Schaub on the playaction, and frankly, his decision making was sub par last season. Couple that with an already weak arm and it didn't end well. The defense getting healthy again will make a big difference, but the bottom line is this team will only go as far as Schaub can take them. No one in the media is saying it, but I really think this is a make or break year for him. If he doesn't lead this team they need to bring in legitimate competition next year.The Texans lack a team identity and more to the point a general nastiness. I do not mean this to be an attack on them but I was just wondering if you all see the same thing or am I way off base?
I will go a little more into it. The Texans are fine with getting a lead and grinding out the win. I personally would like to see them running up the scores a little bit, going for more TDs in the 4th instead of FGs, generally just playing with more aggression. I think it is a combination of Schuab and Kubiak who both seem to be more passive types. I think it leads this team into a "we are going to come to work, do our job and that should work." Clearly, these are professional players and I don't think anybody is actually saying those words to themselves or anyone else but it is a subtle message that can be felt. Not to mention the fact that emotion driven teams are the ones who usually get "hot." Cushing come back and Ed Reed should help improve this aspect of the team but I was wondering what your guys thoughts on this were.
Most of the fan base has closed the book on Schaub as a choker/mediocre and given up on him. IMO, he's a lot better than that (although not elite obviously) but this will not be a make or break year unless he is just absolutely terrible. With a healthy defense (particularily in the secondary) and hopefully some semblance of pass-rush which was non-existent outside of Watt last year, Schaub will probably not need to do much in many of our games. There shouldn't be too many excuses though with the addition of Hopkins although the right side of the line is likely still going to be a major issue this year.
For better or worse, with Schaub's contract we are probably married to him thru the 2014 season, but after that the cap savings would make it easy to cut or trade him if need be. The bigger question is where the heck do you find his replacement? High quality QB talent does not grow on trees.