The upcoming Colts (#2) game, 12/22/11

[Arky]

The 10-4 Texans have a short week as they travel to Indianapolis for a Thursday night game against the Colts. This is the Texans only prime time game this year and they might have only got it because the powers-that-be probably thought the Peyton would be playing. (Note: the bulk of the NFL games this weekend will be on Saturday due to Christmas being on Sunday. There will still be SNF and MNF). Texans rookie QB TJ Yates had a rough go of it last Sunday in 28-13 loss to Carolina. The banged-up but playoff bound Texans need to rally together and put forth a better effort if they want to improve their positioning for when the playoffs begin. The Texans won the first meeting 34-7 back in Week 1 when Kerry Collins was the QB.

The 1-13 Colts now have ex-Texan Dan Orlovsky at QB. Orlovsky has been a decent replacement passing for 693 yards, 64.3% completion rate, 4 TD's, 2 INT's, 85.9 rating and has been the Colts starter for their last three games. Orlovsky got his first career win as a starter and the Colts got their first W of the season last week in a 27-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Orlovsky will be throwing to usual suspects Pierre Garcon (62/ 875 yds), Reggie Wayne (59/781 yds) and Austin Collie (42/369 yds) among others. TE Dallas Clark is out. The rushing attack is led by Donald Brown (115/ 586 yds), Delone Carter (95/ 372 yds) and Joseph Addai (91/ 355 yds). The Colts defense allows 385.1 yds/game (28th) and ranks 24th in passing and 28th in rushing. Football Outsiders has them dead last (32nd) in defensive efficiency.

To get back in the win column, the Texan offense should lean on the run and then throw the occasional intermediate to deep pass to keep the defense honest. The Texan defense needs to do the things they do best - pressure the QB and stop the run.

TV = NFLN, 7:20 pm CST, Thursday

Announcers = Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock

Favorite = Texans by 5.5 to 6

[Nconroe]

Like Dan Pastorini said on radio this AM, treat these last few games as pre-season to the post season since we already clinched the post season.

stress the teamwork

[NBT]

There sure wasn't much teamwork in the Carolina game. I'm still P.O.'d about that game. It's all about momentum. you either have it or you don't!

[HPF Bob]

AJ has already been ruled out. But don't worry. The Colts won't win two games as long as the Vikings are there to keep them honest. Would the Vikes take Luck despite having Christian Ponder? In a heartbeat.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

AJ has already been ruled out. But don't worry. The Colts won't win two games as long as the Vikings are there to keep them honest. Would the Vikes take Luck despite having Christian Ponder? In a heartbeat.

I think Luck is overrated. He's probably going to be a solid starting QB in the NFL, but I don't think he's necessarily the best prospect in this years Draft, perhaps not even the top QB coming out ?

[NBT]

We will see when Bill Polian makes his 1st pick next April. Personally I think Luck is the real deal.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

I think Luck is overrated. He's probably going to be a solid starting QB in the NFL, but I don't think he's necessarily the best prospect in this years Draft, perhaps not even the top QB coming out ?

What leads you to this conclusion?

I know group think takes over in draft thinking, but every person who watches film and reviews prospects agrees he is the top prospect. Arm Strength, accuracy, ability to read defenses, top coaching, pro style offense, mobility, size, deep ball, work ethic. I have not seen a single knock on him.

What specifically are you seeing that would indicate he won't be that good in the NFL? What are you seeing in other prospects that says they are better?

[HPF Bob]

I think, like his father, Luck is a B athlete but an A brain which means he can read defenses and make adjustments, things NFL types are very impressed with. Typically, the NFL gets A athletes with B-D brains for quarterbacks but there are some like Bob Griese and Tom Brady who are very smart in the way they run an offense and use that to hide their physical limitations. I think Drew Brees probably fits that title too - guys who don't have the body or the gun to be a great quarterback but know how be a great executioner and cover their weaknesses.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by barrett

What leads you to this conclusion?

I know group think takes over in draft thinking, but every person who watches film and reviews prospects agrees he is the top prospect. Arm Strength, accuracy, ability to read defenses, top coaching, pro style offense, mobility, size, deep ball, work ethic. I have not seen a single knock on him.

What specifically are you seeing that would indicate he won't be that good in the NFL? What are you seeing in other prospects that says they are better?

I thought that Luck had the second best arm in the game in both the USC & Oregon games, the only complete games I've watched him play this year.
Maybe that's not very representitive, and I don't claim to be a QB expert but that's my opinion. I think he'll be a solid starting NFL QB, but I think he's unlikely to be a great one. JMO.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

I think, like his father, Luck is a B athlete but an A brain which means he can read defenses and make adjustments, things NFL types are very impressed with. Typically, the NFL gets A athletes with B-D brains for quarterbacks but there are some like Bob Griese and Tom Brady who are very smart in the way they run an offense and use that to hide their physical limitations. I think Drew Brees probably fits that title too - guys who don't have the body or the gun to be a great quarterback but know how be a great executioner and cover their weaknesses.

Everyone who evaluates talent says he has a plus arm and he is very athletic as a runner. Especially for how big he is. I am not sure what he is at the next level, but he is no Drew Brees. Brees was undersized and underarmed. Luck is neither of those things and is a better athlete. I also highly doubt he is Drew Brees in the head. If he is he'll be the best QB in the NFL. Brees almost is with half the tools.

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by barrett

Everyone who evaluates talent says he has a plus arm and he is very athletic as a runner. Especially for how big he is. I am not sure what he is at the next level, but he is no Drew Brees. Brees was undersized and underarmed. Luck is neither of those things and is a better athlete. I also highly doubt he is Drew Brees in the head. If he is he'll be the best QB in the NFL. Brees almost is with half the tools.

Well I, for one, am glad we lost to the Colts.

We aren't going ANYWHERE in the playoffs with Yates, but at least we made it that much more difficult for the Colts to get Luck in the draft. I think he's better than anybody we currently have at the QB position. The last place I'd like to see him go to is to the Colts, who we've never beaten on the road.