2018 Onward: Turning the Houston Texans Into a Winner

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Week 10 at the Titans (Try again)

After forcing a 3 and out, The Texans would get into field goal range, but would be cursed by another turnover, this time a 3rd down fumble by Cody Withers. The Titans would do nothing, off of that.

Into the 2nd, the Texans would put together their best drive of the day, 73 yards on 12 plays, 10 runs, but the touchdown would be a 25 yard pass from Withers to Vernon Davis, 7-0.

After traded punts, the Texans would get a 47 yard field goal just past the two minute warning. Both teams would punt again, and the Titans would throw a hail mary at the end of the half, intercepted by Biggs, who would be tackled at the 35. 10-0 at the half.

The Texans would take the 3rd quarter opening drive and hold it for 12 and a half minutes, with a 14 play, 72 yard scoring drive, capped off by an 11 yard TD pass on 3rd down from Withers to Vernon Davis. 17-0. The Titans on the next drive would get a 4th down at the 39 but be stopped, forcing a turnover on downs.

Ultimately, the Titans would score late in the 4th, but it wouldn't matter, 17-7 final.

Apart from the fumble, Withers was great, 10-13, 159, 2 TD. Mathis was a respectable 79 yards on 20 carries, while Hawkins sucked, 16 on 10 carries. Davis had 5 catches, 81 yards, 2 TD.

Young only threw 17 passes, completing 12, for 110 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. He also had 37 yards rushing, the RB Holliday had 15 on 13 carries.

So I still won, with no major injuries, and this DID save. Only one turnover is the way to go. Surprised they've sucked as hard as they have.

Up next, the rematch against the Jaguars.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Standings now:

AFC SOUTH
Texans 7-2
Colts 7-2
Jaguars 2-7
Titans 1-8

AFC NORTH
Ravens 6-3
Browns 5-4
Bengals 2-7
Steelers 1-8

AFC EAST
Dolphins 8-1
Patriots 5-4
Jets 5-4
Bills 2-7

AFC WEST
Broncos 9-0
Raiders 6-3
Chiefs 5-4
Chargers 3-6

Obviously, the AFC is stacked.

NFC NORTH
Vikings 6-3
Packers 5-4
Bears 4-5
Lions 2-7

NFC SOUTH
Buccaneers 7-2
Saints 6-3
Falcons 4-5
Panthers 3-6

NFC EAST
Cowboys 5-4
Eagles 4-5
Giants 4-5
Redskins 3-6

NFC WEST
Cardinals 6-3
49ers 5-4
Seahawks 5-4
Rams 1-8

Haven't been able to re-sign hardly anyone, sadly. Mathis hasn't shown back up, which is more than a little frustrating. It's soon time to open up the pocketbook, since I actually do have a decent amount of cap room for next year.

I was able to extend QB/HB Carmelo Goldwire for another season.

Also, Twan Hastings, my center on the IR, is going to retire at age 33. It's the first time I can really remember anyone on my TEAM retiring. Even odder, this man was brought into the league by myself. He was a 5th rounder with the 49ers in 2009. Oh, how time flies.

Same Jaguars team up next that I flattened defensively earlier, although Garrard's injury was only for that game. They are sucking it up, and hopefully this is another easy win, since the next 3 are tough road games.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Week 11 vs Jaguars.

Very uneventful game. Downfall was 3 times I was inside the 10 yard line, each time forced to kick a field goal. Duncan made all 3, and also made a 47 yarder, while missing a 50 yarder.

At the very end of the 2nd, the Jaguars were aggressively trying to move and I called a soft cover-2. He threw underneath and CB Brandon Biggs jumped it for a 40 yard INT TD to make it 13-0 at the half.

26-7 would be the final score, they would score on a late passing drive, my other TD came in the 4th, Carmelo Goldwire ran it 10 yards for the score.

Withers was 10-14, 117, but the key was no turnovers in the game. Mathis had 93 yards on 22 tries, Hawkins a meh 24 on 8, while Goldwire had 35 on 8.

On the other side, Garrard was 9-18, 127, 1 TD, 1 INT. Only 21 yards on 8 carries for the HB Snipes. Once again, another EXCELLENT defensive performance, as I move to 8-2.

Standings
AFC SOUTH
Texans 8-2
Colts 8-2
Jaguars 2-8
Titans 1-9

Oddly enough, the Colts other loss was to the craptastic Jaguars, so I have the tiebreaker regardless.

AFC NORTH
Ravens 7-3
Browns 5-5
Bengals 3-7
Steelers 1-9

AFC EAST
Dolphins 8-2
Patriots 6-4
Jets 5-5
Bills 2-8

AFC WEST
Broncos 10-0
Chiefs 6-4
Raiders 6-4
Chargers 4-6

The AFC is absolutely stacked, and looking at it, it isn't too unreasonable to think that I could go 14-2 and end up with the THREE seed. Denver doesn't know how to lose, and Miami might not the rest of the way.

NFC NORTH
Vikings 7-3
Packers 6-4
Bears 4-6
Lions 2-8

NFC SOUTH
Saints 7-3
Buccaneers 7-3
Falcons 4-6
Panthers 3-7

NFC EAST
Cowboys 6-4
Giants 5-5
Eagles 4-6
Redskins 3-7

NFC WEST
Cardinals 7-3
49ers 6-4
Seahawks 6-4
Rams 1-9

Realistically, just about anyone could come out of the NFC. Although, I'd put my guys, Indy, the Dolphins, and Denver over whoever the hell the best team in their is. (49ers need to figure it out damn it, I want them to make it without me!!!)

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

I was able to give Vernon Davis and Mookie Hawkins one year contract extensions, but most of the others remain stubborn. Still no appearance from Mathis, sad face.

The Giants are 5-5 at this point in the season, still coached by Tom Coughlin. They have always given me a good fight, so even with a low record, this will likely be interesting.

QB: Jermain Smith (78)
HB: Ray Rice (89)
FB: Korey Hall (84)
WR: Braylon Edwards (92) Courtney Taylor (81)
TE: Brian McNeal (84)
T: Carlos Donaldson (87) Seth McLaughlin (89)
G: Tre Walker (91) Chris Snee (95)
C: Josh Ruud (95)

DE: Rico Reed (85) Tyheem Gomez (87)
DT: Shawntel Pleasant (89) Hank Smithers (88)
LB: Mathias Kiwanuka (85) C.J. Dutton (83) Michael Kuniff (90)
CB: Aaron Ross (89) Justin Miller (85)
S: Gerald Alexander (81) Chris Horton (80)

Rondell Owens (RT) is out with an injury. Shane Olivea will be moved to RT to start.

Also, here are some fun stats with the Giants. I am 6-3 in my career against them, all 3 losses game in the regular season with the 49ers. I also won 3 times against them in the playoffs with the 49ers (09 Wild Card, 10 Divisional, 12 NFC Championship) and I've faced them the last two seasons with the Dolphins in the Super Bowl, winning both time.

Another fun one, in games played at the Meadowlands, my record is 1-3. This upcoming game is in Giants Stadium.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Week 12 at the Giants

The Giants would start with the ball, and make it across midfield, but on a 3rd down pass, QB Jermain Smith (Former Texan starter) threw an INT to S Marcus Lopez. The Texans drive would be a 3 and out, and on the next drive, Smith would once again throw an INT to Lopez, putting the Texans at the NYG 42. But the Giants D would knock them backwards, forcing another punt.

Right at the start of the 2nd quarter, the Giants got stopped on the far edge of field goal range, and tried a 51 yarder. However, the kicker, Reed, did not have the leg strength and it was short.

Off of that, the Texans would finally put together a good drive. 8 play drive, 59 yards, 5 of them passes, and it would be a play-action pass out of goal-line to give it to Vernon Davis for a 2 yard touchdown, 7-0.

The Giants would end up with a 3 and out, giving the ball back to the Texans They would get into the red zone, but on 3rd down, like SO MANY FREAKING TIMES THIS SEASON BHSAIUSKDGBNVJKISHFDH!!!!! Withers would throw an INT, and LB Michael Kuniff would take it 86 yards for a touchdown to tie the game up.

With about 3 minutes left, the Texans would have a long pass on 3rd and 9 go 22 yards to keep the drive alive. From there, they got inside the 10 and let time tick down. On 3rd down and goal, after a run and a pass got them closer, Ahmard Hall would get the 2 yards for a TD, capping off a 9 play, 66 yard drive at the end of the half to take a 14-7 lead.

After traded 3 and outs, the Texans got to start the drive at midfield, and wouldn't go far. However, they would be perfectly centered for a 53 yard field goal try, and Duncan would make his career long perfectly, 17-7.

After this, the Giants started putting together their best drive of the game, coming across midfield inside the 30. Then, on a pitch to the outside, Ray Rice would get up-ended by Daniel Lawrence, causing a fumble, which DT Donald Worthy would pick up and take all the way down to the NY 3 before getting tackled.

To start the 4th, the first two tries would get one yard. On 3rd and goal, a QB sneak put it in to make it 24-7. The Giants next drive would be a 3 and out, with great field position once again, but that would be a 3 and out. Duncan would try a 50 yarder from the left hash which he would miss left.

On the next drive, Smith would let one get away and Chase Beck would get an INT. More time would run down, and the Giants would get it back at 2 minute warning, where on their first play, they would turn it over a 5th time, this time INT for Brandon Biggs. A 48 yarder for Duncan would be added, 27-7 final.

Withers was 10-12, 127, 1 TD, 1 INT. The freaking INT again, otherwise perfect. Also, fun stat, counting playoff games, in games where I throw 15 or fewer passes, the record is 36-0.

Only 56 yards on 24 carries for Mathis, so the run game was stopped, but once again, MASTERFUL defense. Ray Rice had 10 yards on 15 carries, Smith was 13-24, 179, 4 INT.

With that, 9-2, and an always tough New England Patriots waiting for me in Foxboro.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

The Colts surprisingly lost to the Bills of all teams, giving me a 1 game lead with the tiebreaker. However, getting a first round bye is still rough, the Broncos remain unbeaten and I am tied with Miami, who owns the tiebreaker over me.

AFC SOUTH
Texans 9-2
Colts 8-3
Jaguars 3-8
Titans 2-9

AFC NORTH
Ravens 8-3
Browns 6-5
Bengals 3-8
Steelers 1-10

AFC EAST
Dolphins 9-2
Patriots 7-4
Jets 5-6
Bills 3-8

AFC WEST
Broncos 11-0
Chiefs 6-5
Raiders 6-5
Chargers 4-7

NFC NORTH
Vikings 7-4
Packers 6-5
Bears 5-6
Lions 2-9

NFC SOUTH
Saints 7-4
Buccaneers 7-4
Falcons 5-6
Panthers 4-7

NFC EAST
Cowboys 7-4
Giants 5-6
Eagles 4-7
Redskins 3-8

NFC WEST
Cardinals 8-3
49ers 7-4
Seahawks 7-4
Rams 1-10

The Patriots, are of course, still the Patriots, right now they'd have a Wild Card. Still coached by Belichick, but I am 11-2 in my career against them.

QB: Jeff Meadows (92)
HB: Laurence Maroney (88)
WR: Alex Wilkes (88) Ray Brickley (80) Richard Blair (77)
TE: Colin Beal (77)
T: Matt Light (94) Andre Ricks (83)
G: Logan Mankins (94) Marvin Daily (85)
C: Dwight Terry (90)

DE: Ricardo Chapman (79, rookie) Richard Seymour (91)
NT: Dee McDowell (81)
OLB: Gerris Alexander (84) O.J. Prior (81, the BEAST Keith Rivers is hurt!)
MLB: Alex Tomasetti (89) Torry McMillan (83)
CB: Etienne Moss (85) Sylven Holloway (83)
S: Riley Mears (89...this F-er always gets an INT on me) Dashon Goldson (82)

I re-signed Jeromey Clary, just under $2 million for next year...there just isn't any worthwhile free agents or draft choices. It is low bonus, so he can be traded.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Bad news: My PS3 upon turning it on today decided just to shut itself off and now it's giving me a flashing red light...which according to most places I've looked is often the sign of complete and utter death. I'm letting it sit for a while before trying to do anything more.

[rdnk]

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

Plus, 4-2 is much better than 3-3, boom.

Ahh vintage Madden.

One of my QB's once retired at 30. Was total garbage.

Sucks about the PS3, now you know what us 360 users go through.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Now the dreaded "yellow light" has shown up, so it's very likely this series will end abruptly if the PS3 is dead.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Question for anyone who knows PS3, if I had to buy a new one, could I move over the hard drive and preserve the files on my current PS3?

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Well, with the help of my brother and Youtube, the PS3 has been resurrected from the dead! (At least for now) I also took some save files off in case it crashes again.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Note: This game actually was played before the PS3 crapped out. It is working now, but the fan was on hyperdrive yesterday and I had to power down after an hour because it gave me an overheating warning. I'm hoping to be able to continue Head Coach here.


Week 13 at the Patriots

The Texans had not allowed more than 1 touchdown defensively since week 5, but the Patriots would quickly look to change that. It took them 9 plays to go 89 yards on their opening drive, with no defense in site, scoring on a 7 yard run by Laurence Maroney, 7-0.

After that, the Texans through mostly passes moved down the field, on a 10 play drive, however they were stopped at the 7 yard line, and had to settle for a FG, 7-3.

The Patriots would have another unstoppable drive going into the 2nd quarter. 14 plays, 83 yards, Maroney getting a TD again this time on a one yard run, and the Patriots were quickly ahead 14-3.

The Texans, whose run game was non-existent, put together a quick passing drive. 5 plays, 4 passes gained all 66 yards and a touchdown was scored by Torrin Warrick on an 11 yarder, 14-10 with 4 minutes in the 2nd.

The Patriots would put 8 plays together but would get stopped with 1:05 left at the HOU 32. With a weak leg and wind in his face, Gostkowski shorted a 49 yard field goal.

With the little time, the Texans got into field goal range, but ran out of time, having to settle for a 34 yard field goal try. Of course, from the right hash, Duncan pulled another shank to the right, 14-10 Patriots lead at the half...

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

To the 3rd quarter, Houston would continue to try passing, as the running game was simply non-existent. They would get around midfield when Withers would throw his first INT of the day to Dashon Goldson. But the defense would force a 3 and out. Houston would punt it right back.

After that, the Patriots would get stopped and once again try a long field goal, but Gostkowski shorted the 48 yarder. One play into Houston's drive, Riley Mears would intercept Withers. But the Patriots would be held to a three and out. Then, the SECOND play of the next Texan drive, FB Ahmard Hall found fumble, giving the Patriots the ball at the 15. On the second play, Meadows hit Brickley for a touchdown, 21-10.

To the 4th quarter, the Texans would get into field goal range but be stopped at the 32. It was 4th and 4, and with Duncan's struggles, the Texans went for it. But everyone would be covered on the pass try, prompting a blind heave deep which would fail. Turnover on downs.

The Patriots offense would get very conservative into the 4th quarter. After punting, the Texans got it back and move into field goal range again. But the last two plays of the drive would be sacks, bringing a 4th and long, forcing a field goal try. Luckily, Duncan actually made the 43 yard kick, 21-13 with 6:48 left.

The Patriots would run clock but have a 3 and out. The punt would be bad, and Texans would have great field position, starting at the NE 44. 4 plays later, it's a touchdown on a 6 yard Mathis run. They would try a play-action pass on the 2 point conversion but it would be incomplete. 21-19 with 3 minutes left.

The Patriots would get it back, and the run would be stopped. The Texans would get it back with two timeouts and 1:48, after the return, great field position again, starting at the 41.

1st down would be a drop, 2nd down nearly INT, but 3rd down would be a completion to Holyfield down to the 25. The Patriots would call a timeout with 1:30 left. With a bad run game and lack of trust in Duncan, the 1st down play would be a pass.

Intercepted. O.J. Prior would get the INT on a terrible throw by Withers with 1:26 left. The Texans two timeouts could prevent the game from ending. On first down, Maroney would get outside and get a first down, but stupidly ran out of bounds.

The next 3 runs would be stopped. Kennison would return the punt to the HOU 40, giving Houston 20 seconds left. The first pass would be incomplete with 3 seconds elapsed. The second down throw deep would be caught deep by Jennings at the NE 42. The Texans would hurry up and spike the ball, stopping the clock with 2 seconds left.

The only hope now was to try a 59 yard field goal for Duncan. With the 20 MPH wind to his back, leg strength was not the worry on this kick. If he hadn't missed a chip shot earlier, if the team hadn't failed all game, this wouldn't be needed.

He tried the 59 yard field goal, and it barely had enough distance. But it was just wide right, ending the game, Patriots win 21-19.

Withers was 23-38, 317, 1 TD, 3 INT. As always, I was forced to pass, and lost as a result. Mathis had 8 yards on 8 carries. Any attempt at a run was a lost cause, sadly. Davis had 150 on 11, Holyfield 92 on 6.

The defense could not stop Meadows all day. 25-31, 256, 1 TD. Maroney 55 yards, 22 attempts.

Obviously, my team turned it over 4 times, they turned it over 0. You will lose every time in that situation.

Now, I am truly worried about any playoff success. I have played 4 games against playoff teams, 3 on the road, and all 3 road games were losses (Dolphins, Colts, Patriots) I did beat Indy at home, but all of my wins were against crappy teams.

And winning will have be done on the road. Although Denver did just get their first loss, it's very likely that them and Miami will take seeds 1-2. And, if I lose again, I might be a wild card.

It's a major worry going forward. (That, along with the PS3 working, of course.) Up next is another road game against a playoff team, Dallas. 3 home games finish after that, Titans (suck), Jets (eh) Chiefs (above eh)

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

Standings:

AFC SOUTH

Texans 9-3

Colts 9-3

Titans 3-9

Jaguars 3-9

AFC NORTH

Ravens 8-4

Browns 6-6

Bengals 3-9

Steelers 1-11

AFC EAST

Dolphins 10-2

Patriots 8-4

Jets 6-6

Bills 4-8

AFC WEST

Broncos 11-1

Chiefs 7-5

Raiders 7-5

Chargers 5-7

NFC NORTH

Vikings 8-4

Packers 6-6

Bears 5-7

Lions 2-10

NFC SOUTH

Saints 8-4

Buccaneers 8-4

Falcons 5-7

Panthers 5-7

NFC EAST

Cowboys 7-5

Eagles 5-7

Giants 5-7

Redskins 3-9

NFC WEST

Cardinals 8-4

49ers 8-4

Seahawks 8-4

Rams 1-11

As documented, the NFC is very tricky, as anyone could seed anywhere. Meanwhile, it looks very certain that I will be a 3 seed at best, although Denver's first loss did come, to Seattle of all teams.

Dallas is 7-5, on top of a crappy NFC East. They are still coached by Wade Phillips.

QB: Andrew Goodson (87)
HB: Marion Barber (86)
FB: Chuck Traywick (75)
WR: Syndric Johnson (93) Mario Manningham (89)
TE: William Nix (81)
T: Marquay Traylor (85) Trevis Howard (84)
G: Freddie Sampson (84) Jacob Bell (81)
C: Devin Kinney (87)

DE: Tamba Hali (85) David Finley (88)
NT: Red Bryant (86)
OLB: Andy Richardson (85) DeMarcus Ware (92)
MLB: Jeremy Leman (81) Joel Adkins (81)
CB: Tellis McDonald (88) Kovey Davis (83)
S: Shane Beckett (83) J.T. Morton (81)

They have a very strong team, this will be a tough one.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

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

I was just through the first quarter when the PS3 crashed again. Awesome.

Well, I don't know if or when I'll get a new PS3, so this is back on hiatus for now.