What happened to the 2-0 Texans?

[TheLBCoach]

The Texans have done a complete 180 and I'm wondering what the heck happened to the team that looked so cool and poised to start the season. Physical football doesn't seem to be in Houston and it need to be. They are getting pushed around out there on both sides of the football.

Lou Holtz, a guy I respect and admire greatly as a person and fellow coach once said, "Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it."

I have a question for the Houston Texans, "You got punched in the face today. How are you going to respond to it?"

[kcwilson]

A sprained knee happened...

[DeclanJr]

Sadly, a sprained knee and a separated shoulder didn't gash our defense today...

[B420tx]

Bob McNair is too classy to pay off the refs. (Had to do it)

[Pantherstang84]

It was neither the knee or the shoulder. The entire team (players, coaches) need to reevaluate themselves. They keep following the definition of insanity. Trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

[kenneth24]

they became the 3-3 Texans

[kenneth24]

It was neither the knee or the shoulder. The entire team (players, coaches) need to reevaluate themselves. They keep following the definition of insanity. Trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

do you mean like running it up the middle inside the 5 yard line and lining up 10-12 yards off receivers when they only need 3-4 yards?:D

[outofhnd]

They are injured!

No one respects the deep ball without AJ

[Pantherstang84]

do you mean like running it up the middle inside the 5 yard line and lining up 10-12 yards off receivers when they only need 3-4 yards?:D

Yeah. That's pretty much it.

[TheLBCoach]

You guys need to quit blaming injuries to Andre Johnson and others as the reason we aren't performing well. Does that play a factor in how opposing teams play us? Sure it does. But the Houston Texans are a football team. One or two players don't make the entire team. The other 31 teams in the league don't care about our problems, so why are you guys making exceptions and excuses for them. Gary Kubiak needs to perform a 'gut check' on his entire team and coaching staff and figure out if THEY really want it, or if they're just waiting for their superstar to come back and save the day.

[TheLBCoach]

my guess there superstar is bigger than you realize...he is the ONLY guy who gets respect and takes some heat off of everyone else...our run game was better with him NOT MCKINNEY....aj is what keeps other teams honest...they double and triple team him and it leaves holes elsewhere on the field...so ya he is a major reason why we have sucked this past few weeks..but our defense shouldnt be affected by that...i have no idea why they are regressing

I understand that, but he's out with an injury. It's time to get over it and try to win some games without him. I hope he comes back soon, but until then the other guys on the team need to step and play some good physical football.

[HydrOshocK]

You guys need to quit blaming injuries to Andre Johnson and others as the reason we aren't performing well. Does that play a factor in how opposing teams play us? Sure it does. But the Houston Texans are a football team. One or two players don't make the entire team. The other 31 teams in the league don't care about our problems, so why are you guys making exceptions and excuses for them. Gary Kubiak needs to perform a 'gut check' on his entire team and coaching staff and figure out if THEY really want it, or if they're just waiting for their superstar to come back and save the day.

I think the fans on this message board need to perform the same gut check and decide if they have what it takes to support this team. Every time we lose we have to listen to the gloom and doom sky is falling "its all over" crap. There are so many overly negative threads right now it's pitiful.

Jeezus people, if you don't have the stomach to support a struggling team and want to give up then go find one that never loses. We were out played and we lost the game. Get over it. To be saying it's the end of our season and we need to fire our coaches is not only premature, it's also ignorant.

[TheLBCoach]

I think the fans on this message board need to perform the same gut check and decide if they have what it takes to support this team. Every time we lose we have to listen to the gloom and doom sky is falling "its all over" crap. There are so many overly negative threads right now it's pitiful.

Jeezus people, if you don't have the stomach to support a struggling team and want to give up then go find one that never loses. We were out played and we lost the game. Get over it. To be saying it's the end of our season and we need to fire our coaches is not only premature, it's also ignorant.

I'm supporting them. I really am. I'm tired of seeing lackluster performances and hearing people on this message board whining about AJ still being out. Yes it hurts to see him out for so long, but we have to move on...the rest of the league is.

What I'm saying now is the same thing I would be telling my guys after a tough loss.

Support doesn't always have to be in the form of "RAH RAH RAH GO TEXANS RAH RAH!!"

[Marcus]

Something else to consider here.

When we played Carolina, at the time, they were being built up as a playoff team. But as it's turning out, both KC and Carolina are dogs.

We might be good enough to beat the dogs, but that doesn't mean we're good enough.

We're just not.

[aj.]

You guys need to quit blaming injuries to Andre Johnson and others as the reason we aren't performing well. Does that play a factor in how opposing teams play us? Sure it does. But the Houston Texans are a football team. One or two players don't make the entire team. The other 31 teams in the league don't care about our problems, so why are you guys making exceptions and excuses for them. Gary Kubiak needs to perform a 'gut check' on his entire team and coaching staff and figure out if THEY really want it, or if they're just waiting for their superstar to come back and save the day.

You asked a question, got some valid answers (injuries that have played a part) and now chastise those people for making excuses. Why not give us your theory instead of rejecting the very answers that you asked for.

This just in: The Texans don't have a lot of quality depth. When you lose your starting center and replace him with a guy who's barely serviceable, lose your #1 WR, top kick returner and punt returner, and #1 RB for better than a month, it makes a difference. That's not an excuse. It's something a team with little depth can't absorb. The Atlanta game upset me more than this one.

They are 3-3. A win over TN next week and they are 4-3. Considering the injuries (that in this case you can't ignore) and the overall lack of qualilty depth on this team and I'd say that's a pretty good record going into week 8. Those who need a reality check are the ones who were predicting playoffs and 10+ wins for this team.

[outofhnd]

They dont respect the deep ball because AJ is the only threat to take it to the house.

[TheLBCoach]

You asked a question, got some valid answers (injuries that have played a part) and now chastise those people for making excuses. Why not give us your theory instead of rejecting the very answers that you asked for.

This just in: The Texans don't have a lot of quality depth. When you lose your starting center and replace him with a guy who's barely serviceable, lose your #1 WR, top kick returner and punt returner, and #1 RB for better than a month, it makes a difference. That's not an excuse. It's something a team with little depth can't absorb. The Atlanta game upset me more than this one.

They are 3-3. A win over TN next week and they are 4-3. Considering the injuries (that in this case you can't ignore) and the overall lack of qualilty depth on this team and I'd say that's a pretty good record going into week 8. Those who need a reality check are the ones who were predicting playoffs and 10+ wins for this team.


My point is that while they do have injuries, it's up to them to come together as a team and try to play their hearts out and possibly win some games while AJ is on the sidelines. There aren't any excuses to be made here. There simply aren't. Injuries are NEVER an excuse.

Is the lack of AJ on the field a reason we lose some games? Possibly. But you don't use that as a crutch to stand on when trying to understand why you lost a game.

I understand and respect your position aj, since you've been a member of this board a lot longer than I have (I've been a member for about a week), but I also know what I am talking about. We may not agree, but that's okay. Yes, the lack of depth hurts, but it's time to suck it up and go out there and punch some people back.

[aj.]

My point is that while they do have injuries, it's up to them to come together as a team and try to play their hearts out and possibly win some games while AJ is on the sidelines. There aren't any excuses to be made here. There simply aren't. Injuries are NEVER an excuse.

Is the lack of AJ on the field a reason we lose some games? Possibly. But you don't use that as a crutch to stand on when trying to understand why you lost a game.

I understand and respect your position aj, since you've been a member of this board a lot longer than I have (I've been a member for about a week), but I also know what I am talking about. We may not agree, but that's okay. Yes, the lack of depth hurts, but it's time to suck it up and go out there and punch some people back.

Injuries and lack of quality depth may not be an excuse in your opinion but it sure is a reason in my opinion. If you go a year with Andre Davis as your #1 WR instead of Andre Johnson, you're not going to win as many games. Talent wins games. Watch New England today?

Length of board membership/post count means nothing to me. Each post stands on its own whether it's your first or 10,000th.

[sleepwalker]

We lost all our momentum. We had it going too. D is playing horrible lately, our front 7 can't stop anyone's run game, can't score TD's.

I feel especially let down by the D the past 3 games. They are boring and predictable. No idea if it's the coaching or what, but it's really painful to watch.

[TheLBCoach]

Injuries and lack of quality depth may not be an excuse in your opinion but it sure is a reason in my opinion.

Length of board membership/post count means nothing to me. Each post stands on its own whether it's your first or 10,000th.

I mis-spoke when I said it wasn't a reason. What I should have said is that it's not something to point to as to why your team lost. That would be like openly admitting that your team is almost nothing without AJ and our starting C or starting RB...or whoever. Coach Kubiak doesn't point to it at his postgame presser, why should we? I'm looking at it from a coach's standpoint (because I am one) and not as a fan, but we're each entitled to our own opinions.

[outofhnd]

People are matching their best receiver on faggins. their receiver will win that battle everytime. Just got to hope Bennett improves before week 16.

[aj.]

I mis-spoke when I said it wasn't a reason. What I should have said is that it's not something to point to as to why your team lost. That would be like openly admitting that your team is almost nothing without AJ and our starting C or starting RB...or whoever. Coach Kubiak doesn't point to it at his postgame presser, why should we? I'm looking at it from a coach's standpoint (because I am one) and not as a fan, but we're each entitled to our own opinions.

If you're looking for those 'it' pshyco things that make teams tick, I think the defense is getting tired of the offense's inability to score TDs and lack of running game. But they have no room to point fingers with the yards and first downs they gave up today. I keep coming back to not having your #1 WR and #1 RB - among others. I think Kubiak is doing a pretty good job of holding it together at 3-3 all things considered. Win vs. TN next week and I'm happy as a clam at 4-3.

[Towlie]

You all are wrong... this oline came back to earth

[outofhnd]

Lets give credit this jags front four is by far the most powerful and complerte we have played against.

[TheLBCoach]

If you're looking for those 'it' pshyco things that make teams tick, I think the defense is getting tired of the offense's inability to score TDs and lack of running game. But they have no room to point fingers with the yards and first downs they gave up today. I keep coming back to not having your #1 WR and #1 RB - among others. I think Kubiak is doing a pretty good job of holding it together at 3-3 all things considered. Win vs. TN next week and I'm happy as a clam at 4-3.

I definitely agree that he's doing a good job of holding everything together. Did you see the defense sucking air after a few of those long, time consuming Jacksonville drives? I would be getting tired of my offense's lack of performance if I was a player as well. A Tennessee win should get things back on track. At least I hope it will. We're sitting at last place in the division now and that's something I can't even bear to look at.

Question aj, in the NFL do players go back to practice on Monday after a loss? Or is it Wednesday regardless of win/loss?

[aj.]

Normally they go in on Monday for treatment, meetings and film review. They are off Tuesday and start back up on Wednesday.

[TexasToro]

The Texans have done a complete 180 and I'm wondering what the heck happened to the team that looked so cool and poised to start the season. Physical football doesn't seem to be in Houston and it need to be. They are getting pushed around out there on both sides of the football.

Lou Holtz, a guy I respect and admire greatly as a person and fellow coach once said, "Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it."

I have a question for the Houston Texans, "You got punched in the face today. How are you going to respond to it?"

#1MendenhallFan, I have a couple of questions for you. Before last month were you a Texans fan? Second, before last month had you even heard of Rashad Mendenhall of Illinois? I must admit for someone who has joined the board this month, your number of posts is quite impressive, but let me explain something to you. Professional football teams are not built overnight, and the Texans are a much better team this year than they were last year. I know this because I was a fan this time last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. In fact I've been a fan since Paul Tagliabue announced the Houston franchise. You can not underestimate the fact that this is a young team that is growing and learning every game. If you are a fair weathered fan like many on the board, your exit is coming up in the next quarter mile or so. I would suggest becoming a Patriots fan, they look like they will provide you with the type of team that you want right now. But if you are going to be a real Texans fan, realize that they are still a work in progress and don't criticize every move they make or don't make. By the way, Mendenhall is a good back, but playing in the Big Ten tends to inflate the numbers of the backs that play in that conference for the most part. Other than that, have a great day.

[TheLBCoach]

#1MendenhallFan, I have a couple of questions for you. Before last month were you a Texans fan? Second, before last month had you even heard of Rashad Mendenhall of Illinois? I must admit for someone who has joined the board this month, your number of posts is quite impressive, but let me explain something to you. Professional football teams are not built overnight, and the Texans are a much better team this year than they were last year. I know this because I was a fan this time last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. In fact I've been a fan since Paul Tagliabue announced the Houston franchise. You can not underestimate the fact that this is a young team that is growing and learning every game. If you are a fair weathered fan like many on the board, your exit is coming up in the next quarter mile or so. I would suggest becoming a Patriots fan, they look like they will provide you with the type of team that you want right now. But if you are going to be a real Texans fan, realize that they are still a work in progress and don't criticize every move they make or don't make. By the way, Mendenhall is a good back, but playing in the Big Ten tends to inflate the numbers of the backs that play in that conference for the most part. Other than that, have a great day.

1) I've been a Mendenhall fan since he was a Senior in high school. But his name is Rashard, not Rashad...so I must ask you, are you a fan? If you are, spell his name correctly.

2) Let you explain something to me?

3) I've been a Texans fan since they announced some guy named Bob McNair was trying to get a pro football team back in Houston.

4) I'm not just a fair-weather fan, but I will be critical of their play on the field while still realizing that they are a work in progress. Support can be shown in other ways than "RAH RAH GO TEXANS RAH RAH!!" I'm very analytical when I watch football games and expect nothing less than perfection from MY players every time they step on the football field. I don't think it's unfair to expect the same from the Texans. I also don't think I have been too unjustly hard on them with my previous posts. I'm simply calling things like I see them.

[TheLBCoach]

Pretty bad day considering Jags offense isn't that good.. Great Defense we got that gave up over 200 yards of rushing..

David Garrard STILL has yet to throw an INT this season. Very impressive.

[TheLBCoach]

Yeah but he throws Carr type passes.. It works but it isn't that impressive.. Does he even have 3 TD passes?

He has yet to throw 3 TD passes in one game, but the Jags are 4-1. I don't care how you slice that, he's making smart decisions and is leading that team extremely well. What more can you ask from your starting QB?

[outofhnd]

When you are getting the production out of your running backs like jacksonville is why would you throw 3 tds?

[TheLBCoach]

When you are getting the production out of your running backs like jacksonville is why would you throw 3 tds?

Good Point.

[TexansFaninNC]

Injuries and playing very good teams happened. The Texans play in the best division in football, bar none, and with so many injuries this is going to happen.

[TheLBCoach]

I didn't mean in a game. And yes we all know wins are all that matters.. I just said it wasn't impressive, jesus..

Relax 420, I wasn't attacking you. I was just making my point.

[wildroot]

Look, we're still a few years away from getting anywhere close to the "Promised Land". Seems like half this Board went nuts when we won a few games, talking play-offs and Superbowl. It got so if you tried to Post some realism here you'd get shot down as being anti-Texan. Now where are all the yah-hoo's that all of the sudden started jumping on? Hell, they're scattering big time.
We're not going to be good enough until we can win with injuries. It's part of the game. The good teams win regardless. Look at Indy last week. I think they were missing Harrison and their RB. Still winning. It's not about just putting the best 22 on the field, but you gotta have depth too. We're still trying to get those first 22. You have to be real lucky to make it like that all season, dosen't happen too often. Injuries hit and you gotta have someone to step in. We're still working on out running game. We got a 34 year old starter on his last leg and a bunch of no-names behind him. We're at least two years away.
I feel better about our recievers though. Seems like we've got some good talent there. We're deep at WR.
Defense has got to get it together. Seems like they're still trying to find their way.
But guys, get with the program. We can't fire everyone everytime we hit a bump in the road. See it for what it is. We're a young team building for the future and unfortunatly the future's not right now. It'll come.

[TheLBCoach]

TexasToro, I like that little hit and run job you did earlier. Where are you now? That's cheap man...real cheap. You don't blast someone and not stick around for a rebuttal.