Mallett Named Starter

[HPF Bob]

Rotoworld called our offensive line "terrible" while I've been criticized for pointing out Brooks and Newton as weak links. Truth, though, is that Duane Brown has backslid this year, Jones is spotty and Sua-Filo still hasn't won a job either. Foster, for his part, seems to find most of his holes behind Brooks and Newton but neither is all that good in pass-blocking.

So, we'll see if Mallett gets Keenumitis and how he handles it but I still prefer giving the kid a chance. Lord knows he's waited long enough.

[Nconroe]

I've kinda flip-flopped on the OL, and I think it depends which play look at, so inconsistency and concentration seem to be part of the issue. maybe due to way plays change, or called on the line depending on coverage? I guess OL needs to improve its play for offense to improve , but it is a team game. Denver, San Francisco, and Arizona OL all rank lower than Texans, so there are other key ingredients to success, perhaps the QB, or coach even?

I've seen some big running holes and I've seen Fitz have a long time to get off a pass, and some of sacks are on Fitz for sure. And then see lots of run plays get stuffed and see pass protect totally break down if blitzed.

And I think this is a mostly big OL other than Meyers, who is only 287 or so. And does seem Duane Brown is not performing as good as other years for some reason, or atleast we notice his mistakes more this year.

Looked at http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol
so a few of their stats show a pretty good balance across line and best run is up the middle. overall ranked 19 or 20 so this more middle than terrible.

RUN BLOCKING
Team Adj. Line Yards RB Yards Power Success Power Rank Stuffed Stuffed
Rank 2nd Level Yards 2nd Level Rank Open Field Yards Open Field
19 HOU 3.89 4.48 63% 19 19% 21 1.15 17 1.05 2

PASS Protection
Team Rank Sacks Adjusted Sack Rate
HOU 20 20 7.1%

this is to show efficiency running left, middle, right, rank 9 up the middle
LEFT END LEFT TACKLE MID/GUARD RIGHT TACKLE RIGHT END
TEAM ALY Rank ALY Rank ALY Rank ALY Rank ALY Rank
19 HOU 2.76 26 3.75 17 4.23 9 3.54 25 4.05 15

this shows runs in each direction, Texans very balanced
Team RB Carries LEFT END LEFT TACKLE MID/GUARD RIGHT TACKLE RIGHT END
2 HOU 242 5% 20% 45% 22% 8%

In the interviews Mallett looks mature, confident, and ready to lead the team. He has waited quite a while for his chance so hoping this turns out to be a success.

[popanot]

Gee...I actually can't wait for the next game. Mallett might ultimately suck, but at least the franchise is moving forward.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by popanot

Gee...I actually can't wait for the next game. Mallett might ultimately suck, but at least the franchise is moving forward.

I'm excited to, imagine a lot of us are just for the suspense of what the tall, rangy Mallett with the cannon-arm might accomplish in his NFL debut. Why I'd be willing to bet that the Chuckster was squealing like a giddy little high school girl going to the prom with her favorite beau when he first heard that Mallett would be starting for the Texans after the bye week.

[Foo'ball Fool]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Why I'd be willing to bet that the Chuckster was squealing like a giddy little high school girl going to the prom with her favorite beau when he first heard that Mallett would be starting for the Texans after the bye week.

To paraphrase Keith in the Pick'em/Survivor thread:
Taunt at your own risk
During his deep bye week sleep
The Chuckster monster.

Actually, I think everybody not named Ryan Fitzpatrick is looking forward to it.

[chuck]

I warmly support the move, if that's the issue at hand. I am not, however, in the It can't get any worse camp. Because it can, and it might very well.

But who cares, really? At least we have a reason to keep paying attention.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by chuck

I warmly support the move, if that's the issue at hand. I am not, however, in the It can't get any worse camp. Because it can, and it might very well.

But who cares, really? At least we have a reason to keep paying attention.

Well that's good enough for me. In the meantime, the long-term forecast for next weekend in Cleveland is windy with a hi of 36 and snow, so it's probably a good thing that Sunbelt native Mallett has spent the last 3 years in New Englands weather and also has that big gun.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by chuck

I warmly support the move, if that's the issue at hand. I am not, however, in the It can't get any worse camp. Because it can, and it might very well.

But who cares, really? At least we have a reason to keep paying attention.

I think it will get worse. I don't really think Mallet will be any kind of answer (short or long term). And yet I'm still more excited for it than almost anything this season because of the eternal optimism brought on by the unknown.

Hopefully his debut can exceed the excitement of Clowney's debut.