Who In the Hell is Next Man Up Now?

[popanot]

Let's all catch our breath for moment...... Whew, that was nice... I for one am not ready to sing gloom and doom or throw in the towel. Actually, I felt all along Yates was the better option and would eventually take over the starting role - even with a healthy Leinart - once he had time to work in some first-team practice reps and the coaches had time to see check-down Charley, er Leinart, in action.

I firmly believe Yates knows the playbook by now and can run this offense. It's just a matter of can he read what the defense is doing and be able to adjust accordingly relative to the speed of the game. I had the same questions about Leinart and nothing has convinced me since he's been here that he'd do any better than Yates. At least Yates gives us someone with a decent arm and that can move out of the pocket and scramble if need be. He also removes any that left-handed BS where they have to flip-flop their roll-outs and blocking schemes, etc. Honestly, I'm hoping he can inject some enthusiasm after the downer of losing Schuab and play a similar game to what Ponder has done in Minnesota since taking over for McNabb, only, the Texans having a much better supporting cast (and I like to believe a better coaching staff).

I'm hoping for these first couple of games Yates can cram in what he needs and Kubiak can device a game plan that provides him some security outlets, in addition to our D and ST helping out with some timely stops and good field position. After these first couple games, as long as he comes out healthy (knock on wood), I think he'll be OK as along as he doesn't try to be a hero. And I like our chances in the playoffs if the Texans can hold on and manage a bye or a home game. A rookie having some success in the playoffs is not unheard of.

As for Rosenfels, I'd definitely like us to get him. I think he's a much better option than Clemens as a backup or potential starter if Yates falters. But again, he hasn't had any quality playing time in 2 years and he hasn't practiced at all or he's been fairly limited this year. Is he really a better starting option than Yates at this point? Sorry, I just can't get excited about Favre. That last year in Minny convinced me he was done and no longer had the game to be successful. He was a sack and INT machine - even worse than what he was already.