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

[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.

[popanot]

Originally Posted by barrett

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

No, but I do think that play -in that instance- was specifically fully intended to go to AJ and that's exactly how they ran it.

Originally Posted by barrett

Without a bad corner playing press coverage (taking away the short route), with no safety help, that throw isn't even considered.

Maybe. But even if the S did come over to help, Schaub's other option is to throw it away - which I'm sure he would've done. I'm telling you there was no other receiver option on that play as there were only 2 players running a route (AJ and Walter).

Just for grins, I went back to the DVR and looked at it. On the play, there are 2 WRs lined up - AJ wide to the left, Walter wide to the right - both with one-on-one man coverage. As the play starts, Casey (not OD) stays shorts and takes about 2 steps and locks up with #54. Foster takes 2 steps and stops to block. AJ runs a straight endzone route along the left sideline and Walter runs a straight endzone route along the right sideline. Schaub takes the snap, looks to the middle of the field for a FRACTION of a second as he drops back (presumably to hold the S), then looks immediately to AJ and throws. This is a quick reaction play and it all happens in a matter of seconds. Schaub never once looked at Walter, Casey never turns around and dosen't even have time to do so, and Foster stays in to block. Only 2 real options and only 1 is even looked at by the QB. And actually, even though a S cheats over to help with Walter, Walter has gotten better separation from the DB and probably would have been the better target had Schaub waited and looked over there.

Whether Kubiak called it or Schaub called it at LOS (although it doesn't appear he audibled to it), Schaub's (the Texans) sole intention on that play was to go to AJ. The only way he doesn't is if BUF leaves Walter standing out there by himself uncovered.

Honestly, I'm not why we're beating this dead horse. I didn't have problem with them going for it, I don't really have a problem with the play they ran (although I would've went short for a 1st down), and I don't have a problem with Kubiak/Schaub calling it. My original comment was about a K, not a play.

Yes, I guess I'll have to "get used to" having a weak K, but that doesn't mean I like it and can't comment on it. Not much we can do now other than hope it doesn't bite us in the ass when we need a 40+yd FG to win home field or a playoff game.

[barrett]

There were some comments about the play call and I felt like Keith (we knock Kubiak for being conservative and then get upset when aggressive doesn't work). Those weren't your comments when I went back and looked. I think it was a good play call. It was clearly interference and it should have been called. That is the rare occasion I wish Andre was the vocal type of WR, because a huge gesture and waved arms probably gets him a call there. And I think Schaub could easily have checked out or looked elsewhere if they didn't line up the way they did. But they pressed AJ and that means the short stuff is not as easy and the deep ball was there.

Looking at the posts I see you were more concerned (justifiably) that we don't have a kicker who we feel good about outside of 40 yards. I am with you on that one, but that is what injuries do. It is also what happens when a team has cap issues. Specialists tend to suffer when there a shortage of dollars to go around.