Is Houston now set up to run the table? (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

The schedule puts them in a position to win them all down the stretch. They absolutely took Tampa Bay to the woodshed today and I am impressed. The Jets/Pats/Bills will all beat up on each other, Steelers/Ravens/Bengals will probably add a few more losses to each other, then the West is Oak/SD/KC/Den, they all are within a game of each other and 10-6/9-7 might take that division.

I'm talking #1 overall seed, 1st round bye, home field for the playoffs...not saying they would get to the Super Bowl if they did accomplish this but it seems like they are coming together and now they have a bye week, will get Andre Johnson back, can run the ball with more than 1 RB, the achilles heel here IMO is Matt Schaub as I don't feel he is clutch and has proven that a few times but you have to be impressed with what you saw today and how they are set up for the rest of the season.

@Jax,

ATL

@Cin

CAR

@Indy

TEN

Certainly 3 of those are pretty easy but I don't think Atlanta is that good, Cinci has been beating easy teams, and they smoked TN already. Houston fans chime and get excited, your time is fast approaching.

 

[Reepicheep]

Schedule looks friendly. Still not really convinced they'll be able to make any noise in the playoffs though.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Schedule looks friendly. Still not really convinced they'll be able to make any noise in the playoffs though.

Assume the AFC West is the 4 seed.1. Houston2. NE/NYJ3. Pitt/Bal...2 and 3 are interchangeable4. AFC WestWC1-Pitt/BalWC2-NE/NYJThe AFC West team will likely loose the 1st round, 3 seed will hold on and that means Houston could be facing a good team but it will be at home after that team has had to go on the road already and that's pretty tough. The other side will be in a war no matter who emerges so Houston could avoid a big mess by making a run to go after the 1 seed.

 

[GregR]

Houstonians aren't allowed to get excited about how our football teams are doing. City ordinance passed after the Oilers-Bills playoff game that instead requires us to bite our nails and wonder how they are going to blow it this time.

 

[bengalbuck]

The schedule puts them in a position to win them all down the stretch. They absolutely took Tampa Bay to the woodshed today and I am impressed. The Jets/Pats/Bills will all beat up on each other, Steelers/Ravens/Bengals will probably add a few more losses to each other, then the West is Oak/SD/KC/Den, they all are within a game of each other and 10-6/9-7 might take that division. I'm talking #1 overall seed, 1st round bye, home field for the playoffs...not saying they would get to the Super Bowl if they did accomplish this but it seems like they are coming together and now they have a bye week, will get Andre Johnson back, can run the ball with more than 1 RB, the achilles heel here IMO is Matt Schaub as I don't feel he is clutch and has proven that a few times but you have to be impressed with what you saw today and how they are set up for the rest of the season.@Jax,ATL@CinCAR@IndyTENCertainly 3 of those are pretty easy but I don't think Atlanta is that good, Cinci has been beating easy teams, and they smoked TN already. Houston fans chime and get excited, your time is fast approaching.

@Cincy is probably their toughest matchup, but even that they should be nearly a TD favorite, especially with Leon Hall out for the year. They have a great shot at 13-3 and even with one upset, 12-4 could be good enough for the #1 seed, depending on tiebreakers as I don't see anyone else in the AFC going 13-3.

 

[placebo]

Very excited about this team but I'm still worried about Kareem Jackson and Jason Allen opposite Joseph. I'd like to say they've been playing better lately but the Texans have faced some putrid WR cores the last 4 games. Atlanta and Cinci games will be good tests.

 

[Fensalk]

Houstonians aren't allowed to get excited about how our football teams are doing. City ordinance passed after the Oilers-Bills playoff game that instead requires us to bite our nails and wonder how they are going to blow it this time.

You got nothing on Cleveland. Hell, I still remember how the Oilers beat the Browns in the 1988 wild card game. There was a terrible blown call by the refs that cost the Browns the win. Tagliabue issued a formal apology in a letter but couldn't reverse the decision. That blown call set in motion the ENTIRE chain of events that brought down the Browns. Schottenheimer left for Kansas City, the team entered a downward spiral and never recovered. So boo hoo to Houston I hope you suffer!

 

[flapgreen]

Ok

 

[Fensalk]

I still remember that. Clay Matthews picked up the fumble and ran into the endzone for the winning TD. The refs reverse it. Everyone knew they were wrong. Oh and to top it off, the browns recover the onside kick at the end of the game, the replay clearly showed they got it, but the refs inexplicably awarded the Oilers the football claiming it didn't go 10 yards.

A complete screwjob.

 

[Major]

Houstonians aren't allowed to get excited about how our football teams are doing. City ordinance passed after the Oilers-Bills playoff game that instead requires us to bite our nails and wonder how they are going to blow it this time.

Unfortunately, this is me. I have no faith in Kubiak. His coaching style brings back visions of Ian Howfield shanking kicks - not clutch. I can't even enjoy this run b/c I know it's going to end in the first round

 

[coolnerd]

At the Sunday night game, the broadcast showed the Patriots schedule it is easier than the Texans. Also, given the history of Pats if some team will blindly run the table its them. The Texans are in control of making the playoffs as they don't face a really team is not beatable though. Honestly though, I just enjoying the team playing good football and seemingly getting better every week. After the Astros recent colaspe and the Texans never doing anything, I am appreciating just having a good team. Oh, I want that Superbowl win, but sometimes just not watching mediocore to awful is underrated.

 

[Major]

At the Sunday night game, the broadcast showed the Patriots schedule it is easier than the Texans. Also, given the history of Pats if some team will blindly run the table its them. The Texans are in control of making the playoffs as they don't face a really team is not beatable though. Honestly though, I just enjoying the team playing good football and seemingly getting better every week. After the Astros recent colaspe and the Texans never doing anything, I am appreciating just having a good team. Oh, I want that Superbowl win, but sometimes just not watching mediocore to awful is underrated.

That's a good way to look at things - enjoy the ride while watching some quality football. Thanks for being the glass half full guy

 

[dhockster]

Consider this also: The Texans are likely to play 4 rookie QB's in their last 6 games. They will definitely play 3 (Gabbert, Dalton, and Newton), and will likely play Locker the last game of the season, assuming Tennessee is out of the playoff hunt. The other two QB's? Curtis Painter and Matt Ryan in Houston. With the defense continuing to learn Wade Phillips system, it is conceivable that the defense gets better over the last 6 games. Considering the opposing QB's, and the offense getting Andre Johnson back, there is really no reason why Houston SHOULDN'T win all 6 remaining games. And I am by no means a Kubiak fan.

Now the playoffs? No guarantees there, because I think that is where head coaches make the biggest difference. Kubiak and Phillips will have to

step up their games come playoff time. They might just have the right team in place to do that.

 

[Vision6]

they got a nice thing going but Schaub will be their downfall. Guy turns to goo under pressure

 

[Buckna]

Kubiak and company still have a long way to go to earn the fanbases trust. They are doing all the right things and I think a large number of us will just be happy making the playoffs. However, there are a lot of people that still won't believe, 10 years of mediocrity to downright awful play has given much of the fanbase a negative mindset.

They need a strong showing in their first ever playoff game, because if they fail to show up and get pasted, it will erase much of the strides forward made this year in a lot of peoples eyes.

 

[Major]

they got a nice thing going but Schaub will be their downfall. Guy turns to goo under pressure

Schaub + Kubiak =

 

[ivnabru]

Based on remaining schedules I think Pats/Texans in some order are the 1/2. I think Cincy, Atlanta, Buffalo are the only 3 teams left on either schedule above .500.

It's still early enough in the season for that to change of course.

 

[RUSF18]

Have Schaub on my main team and have been trying hard to upgrade. For those who didn't see, a goal line interception was overturned after it was ruled that Derrick Mason knocked the ball loose from the defender prior to him having full possession. It was initially ruled an INT-fumble-recovered by TB. The pass was horrible and was to no one. Just a terrible decision that I feel could come up again in the playoffs.

 

[irish eyes]

Houston will be one and done in the playoffs regardless of the seed...BOOK IT!

 

[GregR]

Have Schaub on my main team and have been trying hard to upgrade. For those who didn't see, a goal line interception was overturned after it was ruled that Derrick Mason knocked the ball loose from the defender prior to him having full possession. It was initially ruled an INT-fumble-recovered by TB. The pass was horrible and was to no one. Just a terrible decision that I feel could come up again in the playoffs.

That isn't an accurate description of the play. The Bucs blitzed 6 players and Schaub had to dump off the ball quick. Derrick Mason was running a WR drag route and was open when Schaub threw it, but Mason never looked for the ball until it was almost to him.

The only thing Schaub did poorly on the play was he didn't lead Mason quite enough. But if Mason had been looking he should have at least gotten his hands on the ball.

The replay they show from the end zone really shows the whole play perfectly. Announcers words, "Schaub has to let go of it early. Problem is Derrick Mason is not even looking for the ball, he's not expecting it. And Aquib Talib jumps in and makes the play."

 

[Buckna]

Well, nevermind.

 

[GregR]

And this is why Texans fans don't start threads like this.

 

[RUSF18]

Have Schaub on my main team and have been trying hard to upgrade. For those who didn't see, a goal line interception was overturned after it was ruled that Derrick Mason knocked the ball loose from the defender prior to him having full possession. It was initially ruled an INT-fumble-recovered by TB. The pass was horrible and was to no one. Just a terrible decision that I feel could come up again in the playoffs.

That isn't an accurate description of the play. The Bucs blitzed 6 players and Schaub had to dump off the ball quick. Derrick Mason was running a WR drag route and was open when Schaub threw it, but Mason never looked for the ball until it was almost to him.

The only thing Schaub did poorly on the play was he didn't lead Mason quite enough. But if Mason had been looking he should have at least gotten his hands on the ball.

The replay they show from the end zone really shows the whole play perfectly. Announcers words, "Schaub has to let go of it early. Problem is Derrick Mason is not even looking for the ball, he's not expecting it. And Aquib Talib jumps in and makes the play."

It was 3rd and goal from the 5...he didn't have to do anything.

 

[Major]

At the Sunday night game, the broadcast showed the Patriots schedule it is easier than the Texans. Also, given the history of Pats if some team will blindly run the table its them. The Texans are in control of making the playoffs as they don't face a really team is not beatable though. Honestly though, I just enjoying the team playing good football and seemingly getting better every week. After the Astros recent colaspe and the Texans never doing anything, I am appreciating just having a good team. Oh, I want that Superbowl win, but sometimes just not watching mediocore to awful is underrated.

That's a good way to look at things - enjoy the ride while watching some quality football. Thanks for being the glass half full guy

And just when I bought into the whole glass half full thing

 

[QuizGuy66]

It's Leinartime!

-QG

 

[coolnerd]

they got a nice thing going but Schaub will be their downfall. Guy turns to goo under pressure

Thanks for this sentence.

 

[firstseason1988]

At the Sunday night game, the broadcast showed the Patriots schedule it is easier than the Texans. Also, given the history of Pats if some team will blindly run the table its them. The Texans are in control of making the playoffs as they don't face a really team is not beatable though. Honestly though, I just enjoying the team playing good football and seemingly getting better every week. After the Astros recent colaspe and the Texans never doing anything, I am appreciating just having a good team. Oh, I want that Superbowl win, but sometimes just not watching mediocore to awful is underrated.

That's a good way to look at things - enjoy the ride while watching some quality football. Thanks for being the glass half full guy

I don't settle for being decent, maybe it's just me, or it could be the problem.

 

[coolnerd]

At the Sunday night game, the broadcast showed the Patriots schedule it is easier than the Texans. Also, given the history of Pats if some team will blindly run the table its them. The Texans are in control of making the playoffs as they don't face a really team is not beatable though. Honestly though, I just enjoying the team playing good football and seemingly getting better every week. After the Astros recent colaspe and the Texans never doing anything, I am appreciating just having a good team. Oh, I want that Superbowl win, but sometimes just not watching mediocore to awful is underrated.

That's a good way to look at things - enjoy the ride while watching some quality football. Thanks for being the glass half full guy

I don't settle for being decent, maybe it's just me, or it could be the problem.

Unless, you are an owner or a part of a team, what you settle or don't settle for means little to nothing. I have stopped "the unless my team wins it all the whole experiences sucks," because I am setting myself up to never enjoy a game or season.

 

[TheFly06]

And this is why Texans fans don't start threads like this.

Amen. Where's Sage Rosencopter when you need him? :(

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Sorry if I jinxed you all

 

[GregR]

Sorry if I jinxed you all

That occurred to us. Coolnerd talked everyone out of tar and feathering you.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Sorry if I jinxed you all

That occurred to us. Coolnerd talked everyone out of tar and feathering you.

I just was so impressed with the way they disposed of TB and took control of the AFC, this is not going to end well with Leinart under Center. The only good thing is they have a pretty amazing running game and can do a lot of damage with 2 different backs. Suddenly Tennessee doesn't seem so far back.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Should Houston reach out to Brett Favre? Offense is something he could definitely pick up fast.

 

[GregR]

Sorry if I jinxed you all

That occurred to us. Coolnerd talked everyone out of tar and feathering you.

I just was so impressed with the way they disposed of TB and took control of the AFC, this is not going to end well with Leinart under Center. The only good thing is they have a pretty amazing running game and can do a lot of damage with 2 different backs. Suddenly Tennessee doesn't seem so far back.

It definitely helps the Titans chances and I wasn't writing them off even before this, but the Texans should still win the division with what they have. Titans are a game and a half back, behind on head to head and on division record for tiebreak, so it's likely they'll have to have a better record outright.Houston and Tennessee both play the division one more time and both play the Falcons. But then after that, Houston has the Bengals and Panthers.... Titans have the Saints, Bills, and Bucs. Schedule is definitely favoring Houston there.

 

[GregR]

Should Houston reach out to Brett Favre? Offense is something he could definitely pick up fast.

My gut says no but I might have to think about that for awhile.

 

[Gopher State]

Should Houston reach out to Brett Favre? Offense is something he could definitely pick up fast.

Yes, the shark move

 

[coolnerd]

Sorry if I jinxed you all

That occurred to us. Coolnerd talked everyone out of tar and feathering you.

Wow, you guys actually listened. I was just playing devil's advocate.

 

[dhockster]

Consider this also: The Texans are likely to play 4 rookie QB's in their last 6 games. They will definitely play 3 (Gabbert, Dalton, and Newton), and will likely play Locker the last game of the season, assuming Tennessee is out of the playoff hunt. The other two QB's? Curtis Painter and Matt Ryan in Houston. With the defense continuing to learn Wade Phillips system, it is conceivable that the defense gets better over the last 6 games. Considering the opposing QB's, and the offense getting Andre Johnson back, there is really no reason why Houston SHOULDN'T win all 6 remaining games. And I am by no means a Kubiak fan.Now the playoffs? No guarantees there, because I think that is where head coaches make the biggest difference. Kubiak and Phillips will have tostep up their games come playoff time. They might just have the right team in place to do that.

My opinion of how the Texans will do changes only slightly with Schaub out. In my original comment, I talked mostly about the inexperienced QB's they will play, their improving defense, and getting Andre Johnson back. None of that has changed. The only thing that will kill them is if Leinart is horribly inaccurate and turns the ball over a lot. How likely it that? Well, he is coming into a situation that is about as good as you could ask for a back-up to come into. First, he is coming in to play on the bye week so he has an extra week to get up to speed. Second, he has a great running game to rely on. Third, he has good safety valves to throw to in Foster out of the backfield and Daniels and Dressen at Tight-end. Fourth, he has a number one receiver who can make the catch or outmuscle defenders for the ball if the throw is not totally accurate. Fifth, he has a solid defense which will likely keep the Texans in every game. Finally, he has a favorable schedule in which the Opponents have inexperience at QB, and only one team (Atlanta at #12) is ranked in the top half of the league in forcing turnovers.I think at a minimum the Texans still win at least 4 of their final 6 games. 5 is still possible (especially if Tennessee is eliminated from the playoffs before the Texans play them on the final week) and I still think that 6 can happen if Leinart has actually learned this system and is accurate with his throws. Schaub has not been very accurate this year, and the Texans have left some points on the table when Schaub underthrew open receivers who did not score as a result.

 

[pittstownkiller]

Should Houston reach out to Brett Favre? Offense is something he could definitely pick up fast.

Yes, the shark move

Do you think the NFL would have a problem with Favre returning; I think half the reason they didn't pursue the Jenn Sterger thing was because he was retiring.

 

[Sabertooth]

I still think Houston wins Afccg.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Halfway there

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Congrads to the Houston Texans fans, home playoff game in at least the W/C round, maybe a 1st round bye.

 

[GregR]

Amazing endings... Titans and Texans had nearly identical situations... about the five yardline, 8 and 7 seconds left.

I may need to get one of those defibrillators installed in my house.

 

[SacramentoBob]

Now imagine they didn't have a 3rd string QB and weren't missing the best WR in the NFL.

 

[GregR]

With how Carolina is playing and with Tennessee possibly playing for a wildcard the last week of the season, I won't be surprised if the Texans drop one of those two games.

 

[solorca]

With how Carolina is playing and with Tennessee possibly playing for a wildcard the last week of the season, I won't be surprised if the Texans drop one of those two games.

Carolina could very well be up 30-3 at halftime. Wouldn't matter though, as they would figure out yet another way to choke away a game.

 

[coolnerd]

Amazing endings... Titans and Texans had nearly identical situations... about the give yardline, 8 and 7 seconds left. I may need to get one of those defibrillators installed in my house.

My wife just recounted the gray hairs in my beard.