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HEY GARY, WHATCHA BEEN UPTO?



WHO ARE THE TEXANS?

    Hey guys and gals. When the idea was put forth, that one of us should take one of the OTHER 31 teams in competition with us, I thought that there was no way that I would have time for this.  And then I thought about "the guy," that I have been MISSING for the last four years.

    Gary, where R U?

    I remember Mr. Kubiac, on the sidelines,  (he was almost always there) and he was always warring a clipboard!

    I also remember the few times that he came in as relief for BIG JOHN, and I do NOT know of a time where he was anything but STELLAR, in his performance!  That being said, I had the notion that, after spending that many years on the sidelines, standing next to (no argument) the best offensive mind of the time, (hi Mike, how's the vacation going? I wish I could retire on your salary!) and watching the greatest comeback specialist of all time work his magic, well, what indeed, could Gary Kubiac have learned through all of that?

    His mind, body and family, were stolen from us, by the Houston Texans, a team who had only been in the league for four years! GO FIGGUR!

    HERE'S THE LOW DOWN.

    Just look  at  the facts.  (This is from the "Home Page" at NFL.com) I might mention here, that the "home page" for the Texans, leaves a lot to be desired. In other words, it is slow on its negotiations.  Perhaps they need someone like "the Guru", to get it all together for them, anyway, here we go...

    Sept. 6, 2000: The NFL's 32nd franchise is officially christened the Houston Texans before thousands at a downtown rally on Texas Avenue. NFL Commissioner Tagliabue introduces McNair, who then unveils his team's name, colors and logo to the crowd. The ceremony, televised live on ESPN2, includes simultaneous unveilings in Austin and San Antonio.

    Jan. 21, 2001: The Texans introduce Dom Capers as the club's first head coach. Capers comes to Houston from Jacksonville, where he served the previous two seasons as the Jaguars' defensive coordinator. From 1995-98, Capers was the head coach of the expansion Carolina Panthers, leading the team to the NFC West title and a berth in the NFC Championship Game in 1996.

    You would think that, with those credentials, this guy would "bring it all together for this franchise, but, here is what happened.  2002 - 4 wins.  2003 - 5,  04 - 7 wins,  2005 - TWO WINS?  OOOPPS! Your FIRED!!!  That is when they "ripped us off," for our Offensive Coordinator!  Mr. Kubiac sure could call the plays!



 

Star-divide

    Jan. 2, 06: The Texans dismiss Dom Capers as head coach one day after Houston completes the 2005 season with a 2-14 record. Capers leaves after four seasons with a record of 18-46.

    Jan. 26, 06: The Texans hire former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak as the second head coach in team history. Kubiak, a Houston native, had led the Broncos offensive attack for the past 11 seasons. His offenses totaled 66,501 yards from scrimmage, most in the NFL over those 11 years. His offenses scored 465 touchdowns over the same time span to lead the NFL. 
 

   Gary's wins with Houston over the years?  06 - 6 wins,  07 - 8 wins,  08 - 8 wins, and here he is,  begining his fourth year as HC.

    The Texans finished 2008 by tying a franchise-best 8-8 record and going 5-1 over the final six weeks of the season.
   
    The 08 - 09,  coaching staff "shake up!"
Out with the old.

    Dec. 30, 08: The Texans dismiss defensive coordinator Richard Smith, defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, defensive line coach Jethro Franklin and offensive assistant Mike McDaniel.

    Jan. 6, 09: The Texans announce that head athletic trainer Kevin Bastin and strength and conditioning coach Dan Riley would not have their contracts renewed.
In with the new.

    Jan. 13: The Texans promote senior defensive assistant Frank Bush to defensive coordinator, hire David Gibbs as defensive backs coach, and hire Bill Kollar as defensive line coach.

    Jan. 28: The Texans promote assistant defensive backs coach Ray Rhodes to senior defensive assistant and re-signs assistant head coach/offense Alex Gibbs.

    Everyone is talking around the league, about the Patriot connection in Denver! I think that we could start to call Houston, Denver South! Does anyone remember Alex Gibbs?  In 1984, he accepted a position with the Denver Broncos. The team appeared in two straight Super Bowls in 1986 and 1987. Gibbs became famous with the Denver Broncos http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Broncos and Terrell Davis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrell_Davis in the late 90's. He is best known for his zone blocking  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_blocking that he installed in Denver and later with the Atlanta Falcons in 2004.

    Feb. 27: The Texans hire Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews as an offensive assistant.  Bruce Rankin Matthews played  as an offensive lineman in the NFL  for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise from 1983 through 2000. He is considered one of the best offensive lineman in NFL history, and was also voted into the Pro Bowl 14 times.  He aught to be able to help the offensive line in Houston!

IT ALL BEGINS WITH COACHING.

    So at the top we have:                                   Gary Kubiak: Head Coach

   10262_medium

via www.houstontexans.com

by Spenser Harrison the bleacher report.
   

    Gary Kubiak had been a top choice for many NFL teams following the Broncos second Super Bowl victory but decided to stay in Denver and hone his skills. In fact, he was interviewed for the Texans head coaching position in 2002, and was reportedly a top candidate before being passed over for Dom Capers.
   

    On Jan. 26, 2006 Gary Kubiak was named the Texans second coach in franchise history.  He immediately shocked us all by having the brass to draft Mario Williams over Vince Young and Reggie Bush; a bold move that has already paid off and left doubters eating crow.  Since then Kubiak has led the Texans through two 8-8 seasons.
   

    Offensively the difference between Kubiak*s offense and that of the Capers/Palmer ERA is night and day. What was once a dink and dunk conservative offense has been transformed into a budding powerhouse populated with young stars. Since 2005 the Texans have improved from the 30th ranked offense, to 28th in 2006, 14th in 2007, and 3rd in 2008. (That sounds like somthing that is going on in Denver right now, out with the old & in with the new.)
   

    THOSE STATS can be deceiving! Listen to what JOHN McCLAIN Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle had to say.
   

    "We pretty much know what will be expected from an offense that ranked third in yards and 17th in points * reduced turnovers and improvement in the red zone."
   

    Sound familiar Denver fans? We were ranked 2nd in offence and BAD in the RED ZONE!  Houston was 8 - 8, and so were we.  We both missed the playoffs.

10263_medium

via www.houstontexans.com

 

Gibbs, Alex Assistant Head Coach/Offense
27_medium

via assets.houstontexans.com

by Spenser Harrison the bleacher report.
   

    Alex Gibbs is the tycoon of the trench, the connoisseur of the cut block, and the baron of the zone-blocking scheme.
   

    Alex Gibbs is most recognized for his tenure in Denver from 1995-2003 in which he worked with Gary Kubiak in helping build the Broncos into a perennial winner. It was his zone-blocking scheme that served as the catalyst behind Denver*s five playoff appearances and back-to-back SuperBowl victories in 1997 and 1998.
   

    Under Gibbs tutelage the Broncos built an envied running game that seemed to work regardless of who was in the backfield.  In fact, they were able to churn out four separate andconsecutive thousand-yard rushers in Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, and Clinton Portis. In the nine years Kubiak and Gibbs were together in Denver, the Broncos rushing attack led the NFL with 20,150 yards. 

    Following his success in Denver, Alex Gibbs was hired as the Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach from 2004-06. It didn*t take long for him to duplicate the success he had in Denver as the Falcons rushing attack led the NFL in 2004.
    

    Given his track record andformer stint with Gary Kubiak, it was no surprise that Kubiak and the Texans offered him a job, in hopes of an immediate help.
   

    In his first year, the Texans rushing attack improved in every statistical category from the year before. Their yards-per-carry went from 3.8 to 4.3, their total yards per game improved from 99.1 to 115.4 and they added four more touchdowns than the previous year. Perhaps most importantly however, the Texans overall offense went from 14th to 3rd. 
    

    With Gibbs working his magic, there*s no reason to believe this team*s offense will take any steps backward in 2009.

Kollar, Bill Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line       " Hey Bill, Make your point!"

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via assets.houstontexans.com

by Spenser Harrison at the bleacher report
   

    Hired on Jan. 20, 2009, as assistant head coach/defensive line coach, Bill Kollar is the newest addition to the Texans coaching staff.  During his stay in St. Louis, Kollar groomed Leonard Little into a premier sack artist, amassing 57 sacks in five seasons and helping the Rams earn a trip to the Super Bowl in 2001.

10261_medium

via www.houstontexans.com 
   

    He*s also coached the Falcons* defensive line in 1998, which led the NFL by allowing only six rushing touchdowns the entire season along with a remarkable 75.2 rushing yards per game.
   

    The Falcons defense under Kollar was a big reason for the franchises first NFC Championship victory and Kollar's defensive lines are known for their ability to shoot the gaps, high energy level, and a willingness to do everything in their power to disrupt the opposing offense.

    This is why the Texans are hoping Kollar*s intensity and fiery motor can translate into a more aggressive and effective pass rush, something the Texans need dearly, if they hope to make the playoffs a reality in 2009. (COME ON!  ISN'T THAT THE EXACT SAME THING THAT WE NEED?)

Bush, Frank Defensive Coordinator         Congrats on the promotion Frank!

21_medium

via assets.houstontexans.com

                 It looks to me like Gary Kubiak saw something in Frank Bush, that he did not see, in Rick Smith!


by Spenser Harrison at the bleacher report


    Prior to joining the Texans in 2007, Bush spent time with the Cardinals, Oilers, and you guessed it, the Denver Broncos. (Just one more former member of my team.)


    Although Frank Bush ushers in a change defensively, expect it to be more philosophical than formational.  Under Bush, look for the Texans defense to be more aggressive rather than sitting back, in fear of giving up big plays. (Sounds like Denver last year!)  To do so, they*ll likely rely on more substitution packages, player movement, and blitzing to keep opposing offense on their heels. (sounds like what Denver should do this year!)

  Expect Bush and the Texans to step up their pass rush by bringing extra heat from their young, athletic, linebackers.  Good greif man! IF THAT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE WHAT MY TEAM NEEDS, THEN... Moreover, don*t be surprised to see Antonio Smith move inside with Connor Barwin lining up at defensive end in passing situations.
    Frank Bush intends to light a fire, and ignite an aggression not seen in Texans defense of the past. Hopefully, his presence will be the missing piece needed to transform this young and ever improving defense, into a force to be reckoned with.
 

Kyle Shanahan: Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach

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via assets.houstontexans.com        Now there's a baby face for you!

by Spenser Harrison/the bleacher report
   

    With such a last name it*s not hard to figure out why Kyle is considered one of the rising young stars in the NFL coaching ranks.
   

    Although Shanahan is young, he comes from a winning pedigree and has an undeniable thirst for football knowledge. This thirst for gridiron knowledge was clearly displayed by a response regarding his coaching philosophy.

*I studied every potential Xs and Os play and issue possible,* Shanahan said. *I spent my whole life working on that. My goal was that any question a player could have about anything on the field, I'd be able to answer it.*   Following his playing days at the University of Texas, Shanahan served as an assistant coach in Tampa Bay under Jon Gruden, before being hired in 2006 as the Texans wide receivers coach. ( Gary watched this kid grow up!)
   

    At the ripe age of 26, Kyle Shanahan was the youngest position coach in the NFL. However, he quickly proved wise beyond his years by developing Owen Daniels and Kevin Walter into immediate contributors.  By 2008, Shanahan was promoted to offensive coordinator, becoming the youngest coordinator in the NFL. It didn*t take long for Kyle to exceed expectations, and Gary Kubiak handed him the play-calling duties by mid season. Once again, the young prot*g* didn*t disappoint, as he helped guide the Texans offense to third best in the league. (RED ZONE PROBLEMS should dissipate)
   

    The Texans and their fans should expect the offense to build and improve on last year just as Kyle Shanahan surely will. At this point there should only be one question left regarding Shanahan's tenure with the Texans. "How long can we keep this kid, before he's a  head coach somewhere else?"

Joe Marciano: Special Teams Coordinator
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via assets.houstontexans.com

by Spenser Harrison at the bleacher report
   

    Marciano*s NFL career as a special teams coach has spanned twenty-three seasons, during which he*s established himself as one of the top coaches in his field.
   

    Marciano has been the Texans special teams coordinator since the start in 2002, and is the only remaining coach from the Dom Capers area.

    While Joe "Fuzzy" Marciano is now living in the deep south, his roots hail back to Bunker Hill in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Some of his friends from back home in NEPA include Frank "Buzzy" Padula and Joe "Mazz" Mazzarella.

By Michael A. Lutz , HoustonTexans.com
  

    He leads a double life, and his players know both men. He*s the Texans' tough-talking special teams coach on the field and the gentle, single father who leaves practice to attend to his autistic son.
   

    Players see him on the job as a lightning rod of energy, charging around the practice field, demanding the best from his players. He splices boxing fights and race car crashes into training videos to inspire the controlled violence and effort he expects.
   

    Then, they see him walk off the field into the world of autism, an affliction where a child*s fantasy is more plausible than reality; where beautiful children can*t vocalize to their parents how much they love them or to even look into their eyes.
   

    Autism causes moments of tantrums because mommy and daddy don*t understand that the yellow gummy bear is not in it*s proper place or that his or her little people toys must be located at all cost.
   

    Marciano makes the transition from barking coach to caring dad appear seamless. But, even this bare-knuckles Pennsylvanian acknowledges reality.
   

    "It*s hard," he said. "But once you realize it*s hard,  and difficult, and you accept it, it becomes a little bit easier."  I sacrifice during the season. I spend all day here on Tuesday, all night on Tuesday and try to get all my work done for the whole week so I can go home a little early on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Basically*I can spend five or six hours with my son. I*m a little tired the next day, but it*s all worth it."

Remember this Hall Of Famer?

10256_medium

via www.houstontexans.com   Bruce Mathews,  the new Asst. O line coach.

Feb. 27: The Texans hire Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews as an offensive assistant.

WHATS NEXT?
                                                                                        THE DRAFT!
  3655_medium

via assets.houstontexans.com  The #1 pick


  Rd 1, Pick 15 (15) Cushing, Brian OLB    Rd 2, Pick 14 (46) Barwin, Connor DE     Rd 3, Pick 13 (77) Caldwell, Antoine OG    Rd 4, Pick 12 (112) Quin, Glover CB    Rd 4, Pick 22 (122) Hill, Anthony TE    Rd 5, Pick 16 (152) Casey, James TE    Rd 6, Pick 15 (188) McCain, Brice CB    Rd 7, Pick 14 (223) Nolan, Troy S
   

    The draft for Houston gave the nod to the defense, on the last pick, with 4 picks for the D and 3 for the O, but the thing that I found to be interesting is that they picked not one, but two corners and two tight ends.  But why?
   

    Here is Gary's take on all that.  (on TE James Casey) "He's just versatile.  We know he can play tight end...I also think that he can play some full back...he's a very smart young man...When you have tight ends on your team who can play special teams, (it) gives you a lot of options on game day."  The Texans only show 4 TE's on the roster.
   

    (on the CB's) "We were looking specifically for someone who could play the nickel position...andgot Glover Quin. Then...we were able to pick up Brice McCain.  To come out of the draft with two guys who look like they also have some flexibility makes it even better. You never have enough corners in this league.  The Texans now have 6 CB's on the roster.

                                                                                     THE OFFENSE

Quarterback

10254_medium

via www.houstontexans.com  Matt Schuab

10 Brink, Alex 6'2" 208 6/2/1985 1year  Washington State    Grossman, Rex  6'1" 217 8/23/1980 7years Florida
7 Orlovsky, Dan  6'5" 230 8/18/1983 5years Connecticut    8 Schaub, Matt  6'5" 234 6/25/1981 6years Virginia
   

    The Texans certainly aren't lacking in competition at this position, although I rather doubt that Matt will lose the starting spot, but competition is a good thing. It tends to push everyone to get better but someone is going to have to go.  No team can afford to keep that many QB's.

by Chad Washington  at the bleacher report.
   

    ...where's the drama going to be in Houston for the summer time?  It's at the Texans camp!
   

    ...with signing two quarterbacks that started games last season in the NFC North, training camp could be interesting this year. Dan Orlovsky and Rex Grossman, castoffs from the Lions and Bears, respectively, will battle for the right to be Matt Schaub's backup. The question is which is the lesser of two evils?
   

    You can give Orlovsky a mulligan for playing on a really bad Detroit team, but how much? He did have a great receiver in Calvin Johnson to throw to, but that was when he was very young and still learning the ropes in the NFL. And the Texans did throw a lot of money at him, which must mean that they believe he's a pretty good player.
   

    But then why sign Grossman? He did lead Chicago to the Super Bowl, but that was more of the players around him. His confidence has to be shot after being decimated day after day on Chicago talk radio and on Bears' fan pages. But could a new start get him to be the quarterback that he was supposed to be back in 2002? The quarterback duel will be just one of the things to look at when Texans training camp opens...

Running Back

10259_medium

via www.houstontexans.com    Steve Slaton

The Texans have 5 RB's and 1 FB on the roster.   Steve Slaton,  Chris Brown,  Ryan Moats  Clifton Dawson
Arian Foster  and  Jeremiah Johnson.

Steve Slaton    268 carries for 1282 yards.   4.8 average/att.

by Dave Mundy the bleacher report.

    Havethe Houston Texans found the tough-yardage back they*ve wanted for so long?

    Not yet, says head coach Gary Kubiak*but when training camp starts July 31, he*s not exactly going to be moaning over the lack of talent.

    *It*s hard to tell, but they all have the ability to run the ball and have the foot quickness,* Kubiaksaid in the team*s daily media circular. *But you find out a lot about backs when you put pads on and start picking up blisters (interesting point) andtaking that pounding every day. So come July 31st, we*ll find out more.*

    The Texans will enter pre-season with last year*s pleasant surprise, Steve Slaton, firmly entrenched as the starter. From there, however, it*s up for grabs. 

 Wide Receiver

    The Texans currently have 8 WR's on the roster.

Rk       Player               Team   Pos  Rec  Yds    Avg  Yds/G  Lng TD 20+ 40+ 1st 1st% FUM
1   Andre Johnson        HOU  WR  115  1,575  13.7    98.4     65    8   20     4   79   68.7   1

10248_medium

via www.houstontexans.com

    Andre led all NFL Wide Receivers in three categories above.  And, so far at least, he seems to be a humble, (imagine that) hard working, stand up sort of a guy!  TE Owen Daniels and WR Kevin Walter combined for another 130 catches and 1761 yards to help Houston's Offence rank third in yards/game, but like #2 ranked Denver, couldn't seem to punch it in when they needed to.

Tight End

Owen Daniels 70 rec.     862 yds   12.3 average/catch   2 TD's

    Tight end Owen Daniels took his game to a new level in 2008, finishing the season with 70 receptions for 862 yards and averaging 12.3 yards per catch. The third-year pro ranked third among NFL tight ends in receiving yards and fifth in receptions.

    At 6' 3" and 247lbs., this guy  is a load to take down,  and keep in mind that last year was only his third year in the league.

Offensive Line

    All five starting offensive linemen will return to the lineup in 2009, and Kubiak thinks they could be strongest part of the team. Making the calls at center was Chris Myers, who joined the team via a trade withthe Broncos.  Rookie left tackle Duane Brown, became a valuable member of an offensiveline that was the foundation of the NFL*s third-ranked offense.  Left guard Chester Pitts, a second-round pick in 2002, served as the anchor of this young line andcontinued his streak of being the only player to start every game in team history.  Right tackle Eric Winston, a third-round pick in the 2006 draft, also took his running-blocking skills to the next level.  Mike Brisiel, who was signed off of the practice squad in late 2007, started every game at right guard and was key to the success of the run game.

DEFENCE

The Line

    A year after his team-record 14-sack season, defensive end Mario Williams anchored the Texans* defensive line with 12 sacks and was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2008.  Williams, a second-team All-Pro and the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2007, finished 2008 with more sacks than any other AFC defensive end.

    Outside of Williams, who accounted for 48 percent of the team*s sacks, the Texans struggled to finda consistent pass rush from their front four. But defensive end Tim Bulmanemerged to finish secondon the team with 4.0 sacks.

    Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye was slowed by an ankle injury and didn*t make the jump in his second season that head coach Gary Kubiak had hoped for. The 2007 first-round draft pick found some consistency at season*s end, showing flashes of pass rushing ability that made him a first-team all rookie in 2007. Tackle Travis Johnson, the

    Texans* 2005 first-round pick, continued his solid play in run support.

    End Anthony Weaver started all 16 games in his third season in Houston.

    The Texans finished 27th in the NFL with 25 sacks. They were 23rd against the run, allowing 122.6 yards per game. Defensive line coach Jethro Franklin was dismissed after the season after two years with the team.

Line Backers

    Anchored by middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the Texans* linebackingcorps got more formidable in 2008 with a boost from two young players and a versatile veteran newcomer. Ryansplayed through an ankle injury all season but, instead of complaining, woundup leading the Texans with112 tackles. He had five double-digit tackle games andnow leads the NFL with 19 double-digit games and 310 solo tackles since 2006. Ryans has led the Texans in tackles in 24 of 48 career games.

    Rookie Xavier Adibi, a fourth-round draft choice from Virginia Tech, and second-year pro Zac Diles, a seventh-round pick from Kansas State in 2007, showed the potential to be playmakers for years to come.
Seventh-year player Kevin Bentley became a valuable contributor when Dileswent down with a midseason injury, and Morlon Greenwood added another veteran presence to the mix.

    Ryans was named a first alternate for the 2009 Pro Bowl after serving as a Texans defensive captain for the second consecutive season.

Corner Back

    Jacques Reeves, signed from the Dallas Cowboys before the season, was the only member of the Texans* secondary to start all 16 games. He led the team with four interceptions, returning one for a 44-yard touchdown on Nov. 2 at Minnesota. Reeves also had 50 tackles and a team-high 19 passes defensed, a testament to his ability to keep pace with most any receiver in the league.

 

    Dunta Robinson, who suffered career-threatening leg injuries in the midst of a Pro Bowl-caliber 2007 season, came off of the PUP list in Week 7 andreturned to the starting lineup fiveweeks later at Cleveland. The hard-hitting, emotional leader of the secondary recorded two interceptions and38 tackles in only 11 games. The Texans went 5-1 in games with Robinson in the starting lineup.

    Cornerbacks Fred Bennett and Demarcus Faggins both played in every game andsplit starting duties before Robinson returned. Bennett, who as a rookie in 2007 led the Texans with three interceptions, came to life at the endof 2008 with two picks in the final six games.

    Rookie cornerback Antwaun Molden, a third-round pick out of Eastern Kentucky, saw limited action on defense but was a special teams demon, finishing second on the team with 19 special teams stops along with a fumble recovery.

Safties

    Free safety Will Demps andstrong safety C.C. Brown were the opening-day starters, but neither retained that role past the fifthgame of the season. Brown had 15 tackles through three games but was placed on injured reserveon Sept. 30 with a broken arm. Demps, a Pro Bowl alternate in 2007, made 30 tackles in the first five games before being relegated to backup and special teams duty for the remainder of the season.

    Veteran free safety Eugene Wilson, who spent the previous fiveseasons withthe New England Patriots, supplanted Demps in the rotation. Wilson started 10 games andled the Texans* secondary with63 tackles while showing good ball skills with two interceptions and seven passes defensed.

    Strong safety Nick Ferguson, a ninth-year veteran and former Denver Broncos standout, played in 14 games with nine starts in his first season in Houston. Ferguson provided a physical presence in run support and finished the year with 52 tackles and a forced fumble.

    Second-year pro Brandon Harrison, who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, played in all but one game and started six times at strong safety. He wound up with 30 tackles. Rookie safety Dominique Barber from Minnesota played mostly on special teams but stepped up on defense in the final two games, recording three tackles, a pass defensed and his first-career sack.

Htc9_medium

via assets.houstontexans.com   Looks like Houston has some great "assets."

                                 Well, there you have it boys and girls.  Class dismissed!  OOOOPS! Not quite.

                                                                                           Projections?

    This year is pretty much the same as last year, with the Crows (MSM writers) cackling about how they think that "this is Houstons year" to take over their division, but, look who is in that division.  The former Houston Oilers (Tennessee Titans), Indi and Jacksonville will each have thier input two times a year and none of them are exactly push overs.

    For Gary Kubiacks sake, I hope that they have a very good year and make the play offs for the first time in their teams short history.
                                                                        "BEST OF LUCK TO YOU, KUBE"

                                                         GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

                                                                                            BRONCOS

Poll
How many Wins do you think that Houston will have this year?
The Super Bowl
0 votes
14 -16
1 votes
11 - 13
27 votes
8 -10
57 votes
Loosing season and Gary gets fired!
2 votes

87 votes | Poll has closed

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

10 recs  |  Comment 26 comments

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When you say "never anything but stellar" as backup....

I don’t know how to say this … but it isn’t an understatement that’s for sure. O.K. is more like it. Don’t get me wrong, I pulled for Kubes every time he was in there, but this is a fact-based site I hope. His QB rating was 70 over his career! While that is not the sine qua non of a bad quarterback, check this out (from Wiki):

In nine seasons, Kubiak went 3-2 as a starter, throwing for 14 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and 1,920 yards while part of three AFC championship teams.3
The website Football Outsiders named their player projection system after Kubiak because of his statistically mediocre career, in homage to Baseball Prospectus’s PECOTA system.

"Kool-Aid Kool Aid, Tastes Great, We Want Kool Aid, Can't Wait" -- Kool-Aid Man

by littletinybroncos on Jun 29, 2009 6:10 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

I stand corrected ltb.

It may be the orange sunglasses I’m waring.

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jun 29, 2009 6:18 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Minor point, he kind of lobbed the ball around and I still like him then and now

"Kool-Aid Kool Aid, Tastes Great, We Want Kool Aid, Can't Wait" -- Kool-Aid Man

by littletinybroncos on Jun 29, 2009 11:02 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

As a starter yes

But he had some terrific saves too.

"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"No, I'm from Iowa, I only work in outer space."

by KaptainKirk on Jun 29, 2009 8:18 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

He beat the Raiders when he wasn't supposed to

that makes him a stellar backup in my book.

by CoastalBronco on Jun 30, 2009 10:54 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great preview of the Texans metalman,

and I keep wondering if the correlation between Kubiak and Shanahan may be the reason for the failures in the RedZone. Their offenses were great at putting up the numbers, but struggled in the scoring department. Hmmm. Great job, it brought out things I never realized. I’m sure glad we got Orton instead of Grossman, he has always seemed scared to me. The leadership of Grossman was lacking IMO. I’m lookin forward to the other teams preview…where you at guys…

by bfree2bronc on Jun 29, 2009 6:38 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

I think that you are somewhat right about all that especially based on one of the comments that I read ...

about Kyle Shannahan taking over the playcalling at the end of the year and that is when they won 4 of the last 5 games if I’m not wrong.

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jun 29, 2009 7:42 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very fine preview metalman...

Last year I made several friends at SBN’s Houstan site (joining them in game-time threads) and giving them hope that Kubiak was traveling the right path. I really think you should copy and re-post this write at “Battle Red Blog.”

I think they will really like it. Make sure you tell them that you are from Mile High Report. Maybe even tell them that ‘Mike Clark’ made you do this…I know you’ll get a great reception.

and you’ll meet new friends.

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on Jun 29, 2009 7:20 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanx for the kind words Mike.

I just may do that, if I can squeez out the time.

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jun 29, 2009 7:43 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

It doesn't take any time, just select and copy the post and paste it to a new post at Battle Red Blog...it would only take a moment.

At that point you could add a small introduction that you are from MHR and that someone suggested you put the post at Houstan site also.
I know you will get a great reception there. The Houstan blog has some really great fans

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on Jun 30, 2009 3:49 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

thanx man! If it is that simple then it is a done deal!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jun 30, 2009 10:21 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right on Metalman!

Nice format. It was informative. Thanks for your time. This is perfect timing too.
I’m with bfree, where are the other team reports people? Rec’d

"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"No, I'm from Iowa, I only work in outer space."

by KaptainKirk on Jun 29, 2009 8:21 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

I know some wanted to wait until preseason to do theirs and thats cool,

I have been keeping track of all and will do a post (reminder) this week to see if those people are still interested. Some who said they would do one haven’t been on here in awhile, I hope everything is OK with them…seem like family…brotherhood of the game.

by bfree2bronc on Jun 29, 2009 8:29 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm keeping track also

if only for a refresher before we play each team. It’s all good, but if they start trickling in soon, it will help us make it through til camp.

"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"No, I'm from Iowa, I only work in outer space."

by KaptainKirk on Jun 29, 2009 9:25 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice job!

Informative and detailed. Way to go!

I like the Texans, since Kubes was hired, and hope they do well.

Take my advice... I'm not using it!
Just click your heels together three times and say, "There's no player like Hillis... there's no player like Hillis."

by BroncTastic on Jun 30, 2009 11:23 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

And another thing...

I’m zeroing in on Matt Schaub as the QB for my FFL team. I think he’s going to stay healthy and have a breakout year. Getting him in the middle rounds of a FFL draft should turn out to be a steal (please stay healthy, Matt… pretty please?).

Take my advice... I'm not using it!
Just click your heels together three times and say, "There's no player like Hillis... there's no player like Hillis."

by BroncTastic on Jun 30, 2009 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

thanx man. there was a lot more that I could have shared, but, at some point in time you just half to say NO!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jun 30, 2009 10:25 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll grab Orton in the late rounds...

since everyone else in the league will be buying into the MSM’s “Orton Sucks!” theme. I’ll have a stellar backup QB on my FFL team for a late round pick. Gotta love the MSM making it easy on us Bronco fans to draft our players this year!!! :o)

Take my advice... I'm not using it!
Just click your heels together three times and say, "There's no player like Hillis... there's no player like Hillis."

by BroncTastic on Jun 30, 2009 11:33 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Okay... enough FFL talk...

I know a lot of MHR’s don’t FFL, I just couldn’t help myself with this good breakdown of the Texans.

Take my advice... I'm not using it!
Just click your heels together three times and say, "There's no player like Hillis... there's no player like Hillis."

by BroncTastic on Jun 30, 2009 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do appreciate the accolades my friend!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jun 30, 2009 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

That’s a lot to swallow in one sitting. Love Kubiak, he was probably the best Offensive Cooridinator we ever had. Thanks for putting in the time to put this together.

by bchiper on Jun 30, 2009 1:30 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

thanx to U!

I feal the love!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jun 30, 2009 10:35 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great job MM!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.

by boydy2669 on Jul 1, 2009 7:20 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

I'll skip the football stuff...

…because you did such a great job covering every angle.

Dude! Check out the cheerleaders! Did you notice they have a set of twins on the front row? WOW!

Rec’d

: )

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 2, 2009 10:44 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

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