2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Week 3, First Home game against the Redskins

Things started off well enough for the Texans, as the opening kickoff return by Washington would be fumbled, forced and recovered by Dimitrius Hibbert. However, Washington's D would force only a field goal, making it 3-0.

The Texan D would force a punt, and then the Texans would put together a great drive, 9 plays, 74 yards, ending in a 1 yard TD pass to Torrin Warrick, quickly 10-0 after one.

To start the second, the Redskins would drive into the red zone, but Rheem would let one get away, and Marcus Lopez would get an interception. After trading punts, the Texans would get it late and drive 6 plays, 39 yards, to score a touchdown with 10 seconds left, 5 yard TD pass to Vernon Davis.

But the Redskins would gain some momentum, as the kickoff at the end of the half would be returned by Reggie Bush 104 yards for a touchdown. 17-7 at the half.

The Texans would have a three and out, and then the Redskins would drive, the running game untouchable. They would go 10 plays, but get held to a field goal, 17-10. Off of that, going into the 4th, the Texans would drive into the redzone looking to put it away, but Withers would throw an INT to Grant Walker.

Once again, the Texan D struggled on another drive, unable to stop the run or get pressure. 8 plays in, the Redskins would try a pass, which would hit off of Biggs helmet and be intercepted by Raines. But the Texans next drive would only move backwards, forcing a punt with 5 minutes to go.

It would only take 3 plays, a 21 yard touchdown by Duvall Manningham, and the Redskins had tied the game at 17. The Texans would get the ball back, and Vernon Davis once again was awesome. Davis got open deep and took off for a 58 yard touchdown pass, giving the Texans back the lead 24-17 with 2:26 left.

The Redskins would get a quick first down, then found themselves on a third down with 2 minutes left. Then, the Texans would finally get pressure, the first sack of the game on a safety blitz by Raines. The hit forced a fumble, recovered by Larkins.

The Texans would add a field goal out of this to make it 27-17. The Redskins drove 80 yards on 7 plays to score a touchdown on the last play of the game, but they were out of time, as Houston moves to 2-1 with a
27-24 win.

Total tale of two halves, team looked great in the first but AWFUL in the second. Withers was 10-16, 212, 3 TD, 1 INT. Mathis had 76 on 27 carries, with almost all of the positive in the first half. Vernon Davis was 5-115-1. Raines was the defensive player of the week with 8 tackles, INT, sack, and FF.

Rheem was 14-21, 205, 1 TD, 2 INT. Manningham had 98 yards on 20 carries. Can't remember the last time I got run on quite like that.

A win is a win. The next task is rough, as I have to go to Indy to face the Colts. After them and the Eagles, it's the Colts again. So the division championship will probably be determined here. (Although they and the Jags are 2-1, Jags beat them this week)

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

The Colts are 2-1 and still boast a very dangerous team. Tony Dungy is still the head coach. Last season, they went 15-1, only losing to my Dolphins, and I beat them again in the playoffs.

QB: Matt Ryan (89)
HB: Chester Taylor (79)
WR: Roddy White (87) Marvin Harrison (80, age 46...insane) Cedrick McGoey (81)
TE: Dayne Davis (80) Joshua Brandt (81)
T: Tony Ugoh (89) Ike McGwire (89)
G: Ryan Lilja (89) Jamaal Darcy (87)
C: Jimmie Singleton (85)

DE: Robert Mathis (82) Elvis Dumervil (80)
DT: Scooter Jackson (79) Jamal Scantlebury (89)
LB: Darius Dargan (85) Eric Gwaltney (84) Karon Livingston (84)
CB: Kelvin Hayden (82) Jabari Greer (80)
S: Sean Cody (77) Jamil Meyer (81)

On paper they don't seem scary, but they always put up a hell of a fight.

I'm 7-2 against the Colts. The first meeting was 2009 with the 49ers in week one, I beat them 20-14 in overtime. The 2nd meeting was in the 2012 Super Bowl, my final game with the 49ers (Peyton Manning's last game as well) 22-3.

With the Dolphins, I lost in the AFC Final in my first year in a tough one, 20-17. Beat them in the 2014 regular season 17-7, lost in the 2015 regular season 24-22, only to beat them 17-6 in the playoffs that same year. The next year, I beat them 31-17 in the AFC Final. My last season, last year, beat them 38-31 in the regular season, and won 38-14 in the AFC Final.

Should be fun.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Week 4 at Indianapolis

The Colts started with the ball and had no trouble scoring on the opening drive, traveling 80 yards on 11 plays with an untouchable passing game, giving the Colts an early 7-0 lead. The Texans drive would be a three and out, and the Colts would get right near field goal range, but a 3rd down drop would force a punt.

The Texans first drive of the second quarter would end quickly, as Tanard Mathis would fumble, recovered by Robert Mathis. The defense would force a 3 and out, giving the Colts a 43 yard field goal try. But Aundre Wilder missed it wide right, keeping the score 7-0.

The Texans would move into FG range, but a terrible clipping penalty ultimately forced a punt. Off of that, the Colts would drive with ease, 9 plays, 80 yards, to take a 14-0 lead with about 3 minutes left.

The Texans would get inside the 10 yard line with time running down and timeouts to spare. At the 4 yard line, after 2 failed attempts at running touchdowns, they tried a play-action pass. Of course, this would be intercepted, Kelvin Hayden took it about 40 yards before being tackled. Colts lead 14-0 at the half.

The Texans would finally put something together offensively to start the 3rd quarter. 8 plays, 71 yards, including a 27 yard run by Mathis and set up a TD run by FB Ahmard Hall, 14-7. The Colts would then have to punt, but the Texans next drive would flop as well.

To the 4th quarter, the Colts passing game remained excellent, as they drove through the air for a 6 play, 57 yard drive ending on a 2 yard Chester Taylor run to reclaim a two possession lead, 21-7. But the Texans would respond right back, 6 play, 75 yard drive, ending in a 20 yard pass to Holyfield, 21-14.

The Texans would hold the Colts to a 3 and out and get the ball back, however the drive would stall, bringing up 4th and long at the 41. The Texans stupidly (I am dumb) tried a 58 yard field goal, which Duncan missed. With 4 minutes to go, Ryan completed a long pass to White getting them into field goal range.

On 3 straight runs, the Colts last yardage, moving back 9 yards. Still, it was a 49 yard field goal opportunity, and Wilder put it through this time, 24-14 just past the two minute warning.

The Texans would not be done yet though. It would take 4 long passes, but the Texans moved 80 yards in those 4 plays and scored a touchdown, getting it on a 17 yard pass to Casper Greer. 24-21 with 1:03 left, and all 3 timeouts.

But despite the fact that the Texans had held Taylor to NEGATIVE rushing yardage, on the first Taylor gained 9 yards. On 2nd down he picked up the first down, and the Colts pulled off a 24-21 victory.

Withers was 13-20, 271, 2 TD, 1 INT. The INT at the end of the 2nd was the killer. Mathis had 63 on 17, once again the run game was delightfully mediocre. The Colts had no trouble, Ryan was 24-31, 353 yards, 2 TD. Chester Taylor had 5 yards on 18 carries, of course getting those yards at the end.

This game sucked. Unfortunately, the Colts are just a better team at this point, and it sucks that I get to play them after my next game. Frankly, I don't know if I can win that game.

Right now, I have a good team. I have a team that could probably get a wild card, but not a Super Bowl team. Hosting the Eagles next and then hosting the Colts.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Week 5 is against the Eagles, who have fallen off and missed the playoffs in 4 straight years after Andy Reid left. They are coached by the massive Rex Ryan, and are 2-2 at this point in the year. They are listed to have a 4-3, 3-4, and 46 section of their playbook.

QB: Kevin Kolb (86)
HB: Brian Leonard (89)
FB: Champ Danielson (75)
WR: Donovan Campbell (82) Jacoby Jones (78)
TE: Jake Clark (61, starter is Winslow who is injured(
T: Lewis Greenwald (86) Eric Winston (90)
G: Todd Herrmans (87) Fred Fielder (87)
C: Adrian McKendrick (89)

DE: Chris Kelsay (82) Rusty Foster (80)
NT: Noel Hills (86)
OLB: Victor Porter (81) Vernon Gholston (81)
MLB: Chauncey Webber (79) Stewart Bradley (81)
CB: Dez Miller (82) Corey Bulluck (82)
S: Drew Brackins (82) Rashanti Hasty (81)

Another middle of the road team who will provide an interesting matchup.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Week 5 vs Philly

Eagles would punt on the opening drive, and the Texans would move with ease with a 10 play, 78 yard TD with 7 runs and 3 completions to Vernon Davis, the TD being a 7 yarder to Davis. After forcing another punt, the Texans would score quickly, Greg Jennings would get deep and break one tackle to go 84 yards for a TD.

Eagles would punt in the 2nd, and the Texans would do it again, 10 plays, 60 yards, ending in a 4 yard TD run for the FB Hall. The downfall was that Duncan missed the extra point. 20-0.

The Eagles would then throw an INT to Biggs, whose TD return would be called back on a hold. The Texans would get close, but then Withers made ANOTHER red zone mistake, an INT to the safety Hasty, who took it 103 yards for a touchdown right before the two minute warning to make it 20-7.

But with 2 minutes left, the Texans would try to drive, and get into field goal range until Vernon Davis decided to fumble with about 30 seconds left. But the Eagles one play later would throw an INT to Marcus Lopez. 3 plays later, 42 yards total, a 6 yard TD to Kennison, 27-7 at the half.

Unfortunately, Tanard Mathis would go down with an injury (as would two OL) and it took a while for the run game to find any life. But in the 4th, it would be an 80 yards, 12 play drive, 11 runs, for a TD, again punched in by the FB Hall. The Texans would add another FG in the 4th, and the Eagles would get two garbage time TDs, one a 86 yarder, the other a 31 yarder. 37-22 was the final.

Withers was strong again, 16-21, 311, 3 TD, but he really needs to stop with the red zone INTs. Mathis had 36 on 9 carries before his injury. Goldwire (the 3rd string QB who also serves at RB) was the top backup with 60 on 11, although he fumbled. Hawkins had 29 on 7, Riggs had 13 on 7.

Defensively, Oden had 10 tackles and 4 sacks. Kolb was 12-26, 263, 2 TD, 2 INT, Leonard had 3 yards on 10 attempts.

Solid win to move to 3-2. Mathis' injury is listed as one week, getting him back is CRUCIAL to having a chance against the Colts. Also out, new center Dan Koppen, out 4-5 weeks. So crappy Emmanuel Gibson (sign) gets to start.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Standings after 5 weeks

AFC SOUTH
Colts 4-1
Texans 3-2
Jaguars 2-2
Titans 1-4

AFC NORTH
Ravens 4-1
Browns 4-1
Bengals 1-3
Steelers 0-4

AFC EAST
Dolphins 4-0
Jets 3-1
Patriots 2-2
Bills 1-4

AFC WEST
Broncos 5-0
Chiefs 3-2
Raiders 2-3
Chargers 0-4

NFC NORTH
Vikings 5-0
Bears 1-3
Packers 1-3
Lions 1-4

NFC SOUTH
Buccaneers 4-1
Saints 3-2
Panthers 2-2
Falcons 1-3

NFC EAST
Cowboys 3-2
Eagles 2-3
Giants 2-3
Redskins 0-4

NFC WEST
Cardinals 3-2
49ers 3-2
Seahawks 3-2
Rams 1-4

Up next, the Colts once again, although this time at home. Obviously, they are the exact same team. Losing this game would likely eliminate any shot at winning the division, so this game really is a MUST win. Plus, 4-2 is much better than 3-3, boom.

The game is the Sunday Night primetime game. Of course, Mathis is out for the game, which is a significant loss. I'd honestly be shocked if I walked away from Indy with this one.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Week 6 hosting the Colts

The Colts would start with the ball and slowly start moving down the field, but the Texans would force a punt after the Colts got to the HOU 42. The Texans would punt it right back, and the Colts would follow that with a 3 and out.

With good field position, the Texans would move into field goal range. Then, on a 3rd down, Withers would throw a bad interception to Bright. To the second quarter, the Colts have a 3 and out, and the Texans get close to field goal range but not risking a 58 yard field goal, they punt as well.

The Colts would quickly have a 3rd and long, but the Texans would blow coverage. It would be a 76 yard touchdown from Matt Ryan to Cedric McGoey to make it 7-0.

On 2nd down of the Texans next drive, Withers would fire quickly to Bryant Holyfield, and he would break two tackles and take it 76 yards himself for a touchdown to quickly tie the game at 7 with about 3 minutes in the 2nd.

The Colts would move to about midfield right before the two minute warning, and Ryan would look to throw over the middle, but he just missed his target, and Marcus Lopez would get the interception, giving the Texans the ball 54 yards away with 1:55 left.

There would be what SHOULD have been a pick six, but was dropped by the defender. 3 other passes put the Texans inside the 10, where they led the clock drain down. It would take 3 running plays, and a QB sneak would score the touchdown to give the Texans a 14-7 lead at the half.

The Texans would start with the ball, and would successfully pound the ball on the drive. Mookie Hawkins was effective, and he with a 37 yard touchdown pass to Holyfield led to a 11 play, 90 yard drive in total, taking up most of the 3rd quarter, and giving the Texans a 21-7 lead.

The Colts would drive into the red zone through the air quickly, but Sanrick Raines would come out of nowhere and get a huge interception, denying the Colts of points.

Off of that, it was full "sit on the lead mode." Hawkins would just slowly run the ball. On one 3rd down, it was a QB sneak, and a fumble was ruled. It was recovered, but behind the first down marker. It would be challenged and overturned. One play later, Hawkins would fumble, but Withers picked it up.

One long pass would take up a chunk of yardage, and then back to running. And then, out of nowhere, Hawkins would take a run up the middle 21 yards, rolling through the defense for a 21 yard touchdown run. 12 minutes would be run off the clock, 12 plays run, 11 of them on the ground, and 80 yards traveled. This gave the Texans an unprecedented 28-7 lead with only 4 minutes to go.

The Colts would have low time, and quickly would have 3rd down, and Ryan would throw another interception, giving Sanrick Raines his second of the game. The Texans would effectively run out the last 3 minutes, and hold on to pull off a surprising 28-7 win.

Withers was 8-12, 238, 2 TD, 1 INT. Didn't pass much, but each completion was a huge gain. INT is still annoying. Hawkins was a stud, 120 yards, 25 carries and a TD, couldn't have asked any more. Holyfield was 3-141-2 TD.

Raines had 2 INT, which was the difference. Ryan was 15-21, 212, 1 TD, 3 INT. Still was completing a lot of passes but the INTs were huge. Taylor had 9 rushing on 9 carries.

BIG, big win. First time this season that I felt like I have a true contender. Having a great running game is the key, the fact that Hawkins did well was a shock, especially considering not having Koppen or Clary on the OL and no Mathis.

Hopefully the run game can be better, as Mathis barely has 3 a run. Not that Hawkins was any good before this week, but I've faced a few Cover-2's and still struggled, which is a but worrisome.

Defense was solid again, the turnovers are the key and they were getting them. Record is now 4-2, which is crucial, since the Colts are 4-2 and not going to lose often. Another big division game is up next with the Jaguars, who are also right in this battle.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Jeromy Clary (RG) is out for a week, and with C Dan Koppen still out, I signed Max Starks off the street to play backup RG, with Gibson starting at C. Shane Olivea will start at RG.

I also re-signed C Twan Hastings, the one who blew out his spleen, to a decent deal. With the next draft AWFUL at OL, it's an insurance policy, and it's a cuttable deal if need be.

The Jaguars are coached by Gary Kubiak, who took over last season in all his suckitude. They are 2-3 right now, with the Titans struggling, so I can win and put them out of their misery for the division title. The game is at Jacksonville.

QB: David Garrard (88)
HB: Jarrell Snipes (78)
FB: Shannon Shoemate (78)
WR: Aundray Bender (90) Reggie Wayne (77)
TE: Andrew Witherspoon (65)
T: Bradley Cage (83) Tony Pape (88)
G: Maurice McKenzie (84) Matt Hoover (87)
C: Samson Satele (91)

DE: Jay Nedney (86) Micah Powell (82)
DT: Cliff Ryan (85) Herman Cable (81)
LB: Luther Mungro (79) Travis Stockton (88) Jamychal Lankster (81)
CB: Rashean Mathis (86) Antoine Cason (83)
S: Tyler Doleman (79) Laurent Curry (89)

Should be a team I can beat, but they'll put up a fight.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Week 7 at Jacksonville

The Jaguars would start with the ball, and quickly punt after two sacks, one of which injured David Garrard, replacing him with a schmuck named Jason Evans. On the Texans opening drive, they would move 53 yards on 9 plays for a touchdown, scoring on a 10 yard pass to Vernon Davis.

The next Jaguar drive would end in an interception, Daniel Lawrence would get one. Tanard Mathis would get hurt (BAH!) and the drive would be a 3 and out, still in field goal range. But Jason Duncan would miss the 43 yarder wide left from the right hash.

The Jaguars offense would fail again, and into the 2nd, Houston would get into the red zone. But, because I was in the red zone, there had to be an INT. S Laurent Curry took it 96 yards for a touchdown to tie the game.

Houston would get the ball back and get back into the red zone, but this time, FB Ahmard Hall would fumble the ball, turnover number two. With about two minutes to go, despite no pass rush, the Jaguars would throw an INT, and Brandon Biggs would take it 29 yards for a touchdown.

The Jags would have a 3 and out, giving the Texans the ball with about a minute left, near midfield. But disaster would strike, Withers threw ANOTHER INT, INT by LB Lankster, and he would take it 55 yards for a touchdown. The Texans would run it out to make it 14-14 at the half, despite the Jaguars having NEGATIVE yardage.

The Texans would play it safe to start the 3rd, and it would work. 10 play drive, 9 runs, went 69 yards in 8 minutes as the run game was dominant. Carmelo Goldwire would run it in for a touchdown, making it 21-14.

The Jaguars once again would have a 3 and out, remaining at negative yardage on the day. Off of that, the Texans would once again play it completely safe, not letting the offense blow the game. A 12 play, 10 minute drive, mostly runs, ran it down long into the 4th quarter. It set up a 26 yard field goal which Duncan banked in. 24-14.

The Jaguars would get only their 2nd first down of the game on the next drive, but fail after that, and punt it away with 4:30 left, and the Texans strong run game would run out the clock from there, 24-14 final.

In total, with sacks factored in, the Jaguars had 8 yards. Frankly, with the D playing that well, this game shouldn't have been close. Evans was 4-12, 35 yards, 2 INT, D had 7 sacks, and they had 14 yards on the ground.

Withers was good minus the interceptions as always, 11-14, 150, 1 TD, 2 INT. These damned INTs might not lose a game against the Jaguars, but in the playoffs, it won't get the job done.

Despite Mathis' injury (He's fine, btw, and he was 6 yards on 6 carries anyway) Hawkins was excellent again. 98 yards on 22 carries. Riggs had 27 on 8, Goldwire had 22 on 5 with a TD. Withers even had 24 on 3, Hall had 18 on 4.

In all, 48 rushing attempts (Not counting kneels) 195 yards, 4.06 a run. That's what I like to see.

It puts me in an interesting spot, Mathis is the only good RB who will hit free agency, and the Draft sucks. Yet, he's been ineffective, and this schmuck Hawkins has been good. Odd.

5-2 now, the Buffalo Bills at home are next.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Standings heading into Week 8

AFC SOUTH
Texans 5-2
Colts 5-2
Jaguars 2-4
Titans 1-5

AFC NORTH
Ravens 5-2
Browns 5-2
Bengals 2-4
Steelers 0-6

AFC EAST
Dolphins 5-1
Jets 4-2
Patriots 3-3
Bills 1-5

AFC WEST
Broncos 6-0
Chiefs 3-3
Raiders 3-3
Chargers 2-4

NFC NORTH
Vikings 5-2
Packers 3-3
Bears 3-3
Lions 2-5

NFC SOUTH
Buccaneers 5-2
Saints 4-3
Panthers 3-3
Falcons 3-3

NFC EAST
Giants 4-3
Cowboys 3-4
Eagles 2-5
Redskins 1-5

NFC WEST
Cardinals 4-2
49ers 4-3
Seahawks 3-3
Rams 1-5

Buffalo remains coached by Dick Jauron and have struggled this year. They run a cover-2 D. First, a story on the QB, a guy named Reuben Love. His overall is 68, yet they have started him (Not the first year) over Jason Campbell (86)

Actually, his arm is solid, 94 THP, 90 THA, 75 AWR...not bad. His 33 learning kills the overall but the Bills don't care. And I thought I was one who didn't pay attention to learning. Although it's the HB Flynn who has given me trouble.

QB: Reuben Love (68)
HB: Jacob Flynn (86)
WR: Lee Evans (82) Steve Smith (my Steve, the NYG Steve 84)
TE: Jason Witten (89) Everson Jacobs (74)
T: Jason Peters (93) Andrew Scheffey (88)
G: Beau McLaughlin (85) Phil Cooley (84)
C: Steve Rogowski (89)

DE: Luke Wynn (84) Tyshawn Reese (82)
DT: Brandon Mebane (86) Babatunde Oshinowo (80)
LB: Antrel Preston (69, injury replacement) Russell Harris (79) Toby Crane (80)
CB: DeMario Waddell (92...the big free agent addition, man, myth, legend) Cedric Boothe (85)
S: C.J. Bell (78) Kelin Johnson (79)

I'm 10-2 against the Bills and Jauron, both losses coming in the disaster missed playoff year of 2014. Still, they'll put up a fight.

Koppen is the only injury.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Week 8 vs Buffalo

The game would not start well for the Bills, as on the first play, usually reliable RB Jacob Flynn would fumble the ball, forced by Daniel Lawrence and recovered by Bennie Quinn, putting the offense only 15 yards from a touchdown, and it would take two runs by Mathis to make the game 7-0.

Buffalo would then drive down the field into the redzone through the air when Flynn on a run fumbled for a second time. Once again, Lawrence forced it, and Vontae Hall recovered it. The Texans would punt off of that, however, and Buffalo would punt next to end the 1st.

To start the 2nd, the Texans run game was excellent. They ran an 11 play drive, 9 of them runs (of the 2 passes, one complete, the other SHOULD have been picked off) and traveled 58 yards for a touchdown, scored on a 18 yard run by Mathis, 14-0.

On Buffalo's next drive, Reuben Love would get sacked by Dan Connor, forcing a fumble right at the goalline. Chase Beck would fall on the ball in the endzone for the touchdown, making it 21-0.

The Texans would also add two short field goals to make it 27-0 at the half. The run game remained great, although Mathis would get hurt (He's fine moving forward) Mathis would fumble once, and Duncan would miss a 34 yard field goal. The Bills would get a TD in the 3rd but the final score would be 27-7.

Withers was 4-6, 69 yards. Mathis had 126 yards on 21 carries for two touchdowns. Hawkins had 55 on 15 carries, Goldwire had 43 on 5 carries.

On the other side, Love was 13-24, 168 yards. Flynn had 30 yards on 11 carries with the two fumbles.

Overall, that game went about as well as one can. Didn't need to pass the ball, the run game was awesome and the D was strong again. That makes me 6-2 heading into the bye week, with the Titans awaiting at the end.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Random: Ted Washington is now 50 years old
Stats at this point in the season

Withers: 101-146 (69%), 1830 yards, 16 TD, 10 INT. Apart from the INTs, he's been excellent. The INT number is bad though, one per about every 14-15 passes is not good at all.

Mathis: 422 yards on 117 attempts (3.6), 2 TD, 3 fumbles
Hawkins: 323 yards on 81 attempts (3.9), 1 TD, 2 fumbles
Goldwire: 158 yards on 34 attempts (4.6), 1 TD, 1 fumble
Hall: 70 yards on 16 attempts (4.3), 3 TD, 1 fumble
Riggs: 52 yards on 17 attempts (3.0)
Withers: 41 yards on 14 attempts (2.9), 1 TD

Run game has been alright, could be better but could be worse, it has picked up as the season has moved on. Goldwire has shown definite flashes while playing RB (Remember, he's a QB)

Holyfield: 576 yds on 25 rec (23.0), 5 TD
Kennison: 445 yds on 24 rec (18.5), 2 TD
Davis: 417 yds on 32 rec (13.0), 5 TD
Jennings: 289 yds on 11 rec (26.2) 1 TD
Warrick: 60 yds on 6 rec (10.0) 1 TD
Greer: 40 yds on 2 rec (20.0) 1 TD
Whitmore: 3 yds on 1 rec (3), 1 TD

Davis has been the most targeted. The other guys have all been great at getting big gains. Few drops as well. Kennison has likely earned a new contract, Jennings not so much, considering they both want to get paid.

Offensive Line: 9 sacks allowed on 146 attempts, (6% sack rate) 1066 rushing yards on 279 carries, (3.82 a run) About middle of the road overall, injuries haven't helped.

Defensive Player stats
Oden: 37 tck, 16 TFL, 11 sacks
Raines: 36 tck, 5 TFL, 4 INT, 5 PD, 1 FF, 46% catch rate
Beck: 35 tck, 13 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 PD, 1 FR, 1 TD
Branch: 31 tck, 11 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 PD
Lopez: 30 tck, 3 TFL, 3 INT, 5 PD, 45% catch rate
Connor 29 tck, 16 TFL, 9 sacks, 4 PD, 1 FF
Lawrence 22 tck, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 2 PD, 2 FF, 70% catch rate
Quinn 19 tck, 8 TFL, 6 sacks, 3 PD, 1 FR
Hall 17 tck, 8 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PD, 1 FR
Williams 16 tck, 1 PD
Biggs 14 tck, 3 INT, 4 PD, 2 TD, 50% catch rate
Larkins 11 tck, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR, 100% catch rate (yikes)
Knight 11 tck, 2 INT, 80% catch rate
Hibbert 5 tck, 1 FR, 1 FF
Worthy 4 tck

The defense as a whole has been very solid. The numbers that stand out are my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th CB's catch rates. The 3rd and 4th make sense, my dime packages have been pretty useless.

Surprising that my 2nd ILB (Oden) leads the teams in tackles. He's been great, glad I brought him back.

Also surprising is the fact that Mario Williams has done absolutely nothing special. The other DE, Quinn, has made some plays, but Mario has been very forgettable.

Duncan: 8-12, one missed XPT. His misses come from each range, one 50+, one 40s, one 30s, one 20s. He has not been to my liking.

Randall: 16 punts, 36.7 average, none inside 20.

Yeah, this punter is garbage.

Kennison 27.2 KR, Jennings 25.1 KR
Kennison 7.7 PR

Decent special teams.

As a team, I am 2nd in points per game, behind Denver and just in the top 10 in points allowed. 2nd best on 3rd downs at 50% (Denver is at 61%!)

The most damning stat, my team is tied for the WORST in the league in Red Zone scoring percent, at 68%. So many freaking turnovers close, ugh. In a positive not, I'm tied for 3rd with most RZ appearances.

On the other coin, I have the BEST red zone defense, allowing only 63%, and the fewest appearances at 11.

Turnover difference is at even par, (0) 18 takeaways (3rd) and 18 giveaways (worst)

Defensively, I have allowed the fewest total yards, like always, best against the run, 6th against the pass at just over 1500. 3rd on offensive total yards, with the most running yards in the league (I do run it much more than anyone else) and a middle of the road passing number.

Really, if I can cut on the turnovers, I think this is a team that can win it all.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Standings heading into week 10

AFC SOUTH
Colts 7-2
Texans 6-2
Jaguars 2-6
Titans 1-7

AFC NORTH
Ravens 6-3
Browns 5-3
Bengals 2-6
Steelers 1-7

AFC EAST
Dolphins 7-1
Jets 5-3
Patriots 4-4
Bills 1-7

AFC WEST
Broncos 8-0
Chiefs 5-3
Raiders 5-3
Chargers 2-6

NFC NORTH
Vikings 6-2
Bears 4-4
Packers 4-4
Lions 2-6

NFC SOUTH
Buccaneers 6-2
Saints 6-3
Panthers 3-5
Falcons 3-5

NFC EAST
Cowboys 4-4
Giants 4-4
Eagles 4-5
Redskins 2-6

NFC WEST
Cardinals 5-3
49ers 5-3
Seahawks 4-4
Rams 1-7

Contract negotiations have stalled with basically everyone. I'm annoyed because I had a deal with Mathis done before the game froze, and since I had to reload, he hasn't even SHOWN UP. Ugh, free agency/draft sucks balls for HB this year.

Kennison is a tough one, I don't want to give him a long deal (he's 30), but that's the only choice. I may let him and Jennings go with a strong WR class, but it's risky.

Connor wants too much to stay, also Beck has been giving me trouble, I want to keep him. But the Draft LB group is solid (And at least for now, Patrick F. Willis and Keith F. Rivers are both free agents) Haven't seen Lawrence yet, oddly enough.

Also, O-line is tricky. I don't necessarily want someone like Clary starting, but the free agent pool and Draft class is very dry at OL, so I might have to.

The Titans have been just brutal so far this season. Jeff Fisher remains their head coach.

QB: Vince Young (83, SO CLUTCHY! /sarcasm)
HB: Cornelius Holliday (66...the starter, Dash, is IR'd...although Holiday is ahead of a 77 OVR...confusing)
FB: Beck Weismiker (78)
WR: Donald Driver (78) Larry Kingsley (81)
TE: Andre Kennison (81)
T: Darius Richardson (94) Mickey Little (87)
G: Erick Samples (85) Ben Grubbs (88)
C: Jay Jay Wilson (73, starter hurt here as well)

DE: Tra Mathers (85) Justin Tuck (83)
DT: Garrett Vann (83) Lorenzo Spragan (82)
LB: Clifford Avril (83) Bradie James (85) Channing Crowder (79)
CB: Cortland Finnegan (81) Tarrance Williams (80)
S: Michael Griffin (88) Kenny Phillips (89)

Offense certainly looks like a pushover. Defense could give me some trouble. Here's hoping for no turnovers. The game is at Tennessee in the rain, and everyone is healthy.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

Somehow, the game DID NOT save after my victory over the Titans, so there went 2 hours of my life. The game was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoo long, drawn out, boring, awful, etc. NOT looking forward to having to waste my life away playing it again.

And knowing my luck, this time I'll probably lose.

[hockeyplaya2724]

Re: 2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

That sucks

Good job getting the Texans off on a 6-2 start