Official Texans vs. Bills Game Thread, 11/4/2012

[chuck]

Originally Posted by popanot

As for Kubiak going for it, I understand the D was playing well and if the play worked he's a genius. However, that was still an extremely risky call at that point in the game.

I was more confused by the team's not going to Andre on a quick slant route on third down. Andre was demolishing whoever it was that was lining up against him; he got a HUGE cushion and it was obvious that the CB was terrified. I would have looked to Andre a lot more than they did (I know he caught a lot of passes but I would have thrown to him even more) and I certainly would have gone his way on third down rather than trying for a big gain like they did. That's pitch and catch and you keep marching.

[HPF Bob]

I agree with Chuck. They kept trying to get Foster his 100 yds but AJ was as good as a running play with those quick slants.

I read where Vegas took a bath this week because all the favorites won and they got killed on parlay tickets. Perhaps the early line of the HOU-CHI game is a reflection of some gunshyness out in Vegas this week.

Also keep an eye on the weather, this being a night game in Illinois in November. Could get chilly.

[popanot]

Originally Posted by chuck

I was more confused by the team's not going to Andre on a quick slant route on third down. Andre was demolishing whoever it was that was lining up against him; he got a HUGE cushion and it was obvious that the CB was terrified. I would have looked to Andre a lot more than they did (I know he caught a lot of passes but I would have thrown to him even more) and I certainly would have gone his way on third down rather than trying for a big gain like they did. That's pitch and catch and you keep marching.

Exactly. I don't have a problem with them going for it. I just think they should've ran a higher percentage play for the 1st down in that instance and milk the clock some more. With that being said, I certainly understand the intentions of why they ran play they did. AJ was beating his guy all day, and who knows, with the way the ref are calling PI this year at the drop of a hat, they were hoping AJ would either get the neccessary separation and/or the PI call.

[Keith]

Kubiak went for the kill to step on the opponents' throats. Something many if not all of us have been begging for him to do every chance he has had and passed up over the years. He finally did it, and now we're questioning him??!

At the time, I was surprised by the decision, but before the play was even snapped, I thought the Texans ought to go to the endzone and give it a shot. As such, I have no problem with the call.

[popanot]

Kill shots can happen in many different ways and at various times of the game. Simply getting a first down at that point would've been a virutal kill. My original point was not so much about the play or going for it, it was about the fact Kubiak going for there was more a sign, at least IMO, about his lack of confidence in our weak-legged Kicker than it was about him going for the kill.

But as far as the play goes, I'm not totally opposed to the play they ran or reaming Kubiak for it. I get it. If works he's a genius. But with that being said, I still think running something more conservative or higher percentage would've been better in that situation and at that point in the game. Again, first down = kill. JMHO.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by popanot

Kill shots can happen in many different ways and at various times of the game. Simply getting a first down at that point would've been a virutal kill. My original point was not so much about the play or going for it, it was about the fact Kubiak going for there was more a sign, at least IMO, about his lack of confidence in our weak-legged Kicker than it was about him going for the kill.

But as far as the play goes, I'm not totally opposed to the play they ran or reaming Kubiak for it. I get it. If works he's a genius. But with that being said, I still think running something more conservative or higher percentage would've been better in that situation and at that point in the game. Again, first down = kill. JMHO.

Kubiak did not call a deep pass to AJ. That was not the only route in the play. Schaub throws the pass because he likes what he sees there (and the CB is riding on AJ's back but is somehow not flagged).

As for no confidence in Graham from distance, get used to it. But even if we had Janikowski I say go for it. A conversion ends the game. A FG makes it 15 instead of 12 and does almost nothing for us.

[popanot]

Originally Posted by barrett

A FG makes it 15 instead of 12 and does almost nothing for us.

Requires them to score 2 TDs + a 2pt conversion. If we sit at 12, 2 TDs = Loss. I disagree with your point. Sorry. I also disagree with your point there were other options on that play. There might have been other players out there, but that play was intended from start to finish to go to AJ, and that's exactly what they did.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by popanot

Requires them to score 2 TDs + a 2pt conversion. If we sit at 12, 2 TDs = Loss. I disagree with your point. Sorry. I also disagree with your point there were other options on that play. There might have been other players out there, but that play was intended from start to finish to go to AJ, and that's exactly what they did.

You think Kubiak tells schaub to throw it before the play?

Without a bad corner playing press coverage (taking away the short route), with no safety help, that throw isn't even considered. Sometimes (especially in a 4th down situation), the defense dictates what you are going to do by taking something away. It doesn't mean that was your only intention as a play call.