Thoughts on the Texans-Eagles
- The first offensive and defensive drives were sensational, and like a puppet, I told my wife that it was clear that "this year's going to be different". Turns out I was wrong, but I am not as negative as many (which is admittedly odd).
- The crap about Mario Williams being "unenergetic" or "uninspired" is hilarious. You want inspired? Draft Tony Robbins. You want energetic? Draft Jim Cramer. I want a large, powerful, athletic defensive lineman with the potential to create havoc for opposing offenses for the next decade. I want Mario Williams.
- If I have to hear how many "all purpose yards" Reggie Bush had on Saturday one more time, I am going to spew my lunch on my desk. You want "all purpose yards"? Draft Dave Meggett. If Reggie Bush proves to be LaDanian Tomlinson or Barry Sanders, then the Texans MAY have made a mistake, but only if Gary Kubiak cannot pull another Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson or Reuben Droughns out of his hat, which I am confident that he can.
- For those who believe that I am an un-objective hater of David Carr, read this: David Carr had a nice game. For several flashes, he looked like a genuine NFL starting QB. He sat in the pocket, made a couple of reads and threw the ball downfield. I am sure that his refusal to do this over the past few years is not entirely his fault, thanks to an unimaginative coaching staff, a bad offensive line and marginal receiving targets. However, I truly believe that much of the blame should be placed on David, and if only for a week, he appeared to shake the dust off and look to make plays downfield. It truly is amazing how forgotten of a man Andre Johnson has become. Eric Moulds was also a valuable target on Sunday, and if the Texans can mix in Owen Daniels or Jeb Putzier somewhat regularly, there is no excuse for David Carr not to average nearly 250 yards a game through the air.
- The running game was bad, but not as bad as the blitz pickup. On passing plays, the running backs looked lost trying to locate their blocking assignments, and on running plays, the line rarely provided any semblance of a gap for the back to hit. I would not expect this to get much better on Sunday in Indy, but the Giants did run for nearly 300 yards on the Colts' D, and the Texans' must know that their only hope of staying within 20 points is to shorten the game and run the ball, so I imagine they'll give it their best shot.
- Dunta Robinson is outstanding, and Lewis Sanders had a nice game at the other corner. The linebackers, led by Pro Bowler-to-be DeMeco Ryans, were solid as well. The defensive problems were nearly all rooted on the line, where there was no run stopping or pass rush to be found. With the depth and talent that the Texans seem to have generated up front, one would think that this would be an isolated incident. If not, this is going to be a verrrrrry long season.
- Charles Spencer did not impress. Of course, it was his first game, and the Eagles ends (Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse) are high-quality. However, Spencer's struggles do not bode well for Sunday when Dwight Freeney lines up on the other side of the ball. At least it's not Victor Riley, eh? Spencer seems to have all the tools to develop into a very good left tackle in the NFL, but with Jevon Kearse, Dwight Freeney, Andre Carter and Jason Taylor in his first four weekends, Charles' learning curve is going to be awfully steep.
- The crap about Mario Williams being "unenergetic" or "uninspired" is hilarious. You want inspired? Draft Tony Robbins. You want energetic? Draft Jim Cramer. I want a large, powerful, athletic defensive lineman with the potential to create havoc for opposing offenses for the next decade. I want Mario Williams.
- If I have to hear how many "all purpose yards" Reggie Bush had on Saturday one more time, I am going to spew my lunch on my desk. You want "all purpose yards"? Draft Dave Meggett. If Reggie Bush proves to be LaDanian Tomlinson or Barry Sanders, then the Texans MAY have made a mistake, but only if Gary Kubiak cannot pull another Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson or Reuben Droughns out of his hat, which I am confident that he can.
- For those who believe that I am an un-objective hater of David Carr, read this: David Carr had a nice game. For several flashes, he looked like a genuine NFL starting QB. He sat in the pocket, made a couple of reads and threw the ball downfield. I am sure that his refusal to do this over the past few years is not entirely his fault, thanks to an unimaginative coaching staff, a bad offensive line and marginal receiving targets. However, I truly believe that much of the blame should be placed on David, and if only for a week, he appeared to shake the dust off and look to make plays downfield. It truly is amazing how forgotten of a man Andre Johnson has become. Eric Moulds was also a valuable target on Sunday, and if the Texans can mix in Owen Daniels or Jeb Putzier somewhat regularly, there is no excuse for David Carr not to average nearly 250 yards a game through the air.
- The running game was bad, but not as bad as the blitz pickup. On passing plays, the running backs looked lost trying to locate their blocking assignments, and on running plays, the line rarely provided any semblance of a gap for the back to hit. I would not expect this to get much better on Sunday in Indy, but the Giants did run for nearly 300 yards on the Colts' D, and the Texans' must know that their only hope of staying within 20 points is to shorten the game and run the ball, so I imagine they'll give it their best shot.
- Dunta Robinson is outstanding, and Lewis Sanders had a nice game at the other corner. The linebackers, led by Pro Bowler-to-be DeMeco Ryans, were solid as well. The defensive problems were nearly all rooted on the line, where there was no run stopping or pass rush to be found. With the depth and talent that the Texans seem to have generated up front, one would think that this would be an isolated incident. If not, this is going to be a verrrrrry long season.
- Charles Spencer did not impress. Of course, it was his first game, and the Eagles ends (Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse) are high-quality. However, Spencer's struggles do not bode well for Sunday when Dwight Freeney lines up on the other side of the ball. At least it's not Victor Riley, eh? Spencer seems to have all the tools to develop into a very good left tackle in the NFL, but with Jevon Kearse, Dwight Freeney, Andre Carter and Jason Taylor in his first four weekends, Charles' learning curve is going to be awfully steep.
posted by Scott | 11:27 AM
6 Comments:
Charles Warren??? I'm guessing you meant Charles Spencer.
Anonymous beat me to it. Perhaps a review of the Texans' roster is in order, Scott. You're turning into my father.
Hey Paige Kimble, double-check your work. I don't see "Warren" anywhere in my post, Hoss Cat. And take your buddy Jacques Bailly with you as you go.
Deadspin's commenters have nothing on those at H-Town Sports. Thanks for the valuable contributions, guys!
You want Charles Warren? Draft Charles Spencer. Then let Scott inhale some Elmer's and stick him in front of a keyboard.
Really nice review of the game.
It is remarkable to read something about a game I watched and have it resemble what actually transpired. How refreshing.
Post a Comment
<< Home