Texans vs. Patriots Pre-Game Discussion

[Arky]

Originally Posted by barrett

We definitely aren't a good run blocking team, but Miller tries to bounce everything. He created multiple negative runs the other day by trying to bounce. We run blocked much better when Grimes took the ball and got up field.

So, with our OL, would you start Grimes ahead of Miller?

See, this is one of my gripes with our coaching staff. It's like they're oblivious to what's working sometimes. Case in point: Akeem Hunt. To say Hunt has been used sparingly is an understatement. He's been stopped a few times (which is quite normal) but more than once, he comes in, rips off a 16-19 yarder or catches a screen for a similar gain and then it's "back to the bench with you, young man". What are they saving him for? Use him!

Blue, Grimes and Hunt should all be getting at least 5 touches/game, IMO. Mix it up and take a load off L Miller while you're doing it....

[chuck]

Ervin was a fourth-round pick. Hunt was undrafted and has mostly been a practice squad guy. I see what everyone else sees with Hunt - production. But this may be a case of draft status favoritism.

Anyway, if they let Ervin return punts Saturday, and I assume they will, it will tell us quite a bit about the organization.

[chuck]

By the way, I don't recall a single pass to anyone out of the backfield last week. Am I wrong? Hang on. Nope. I don't understand why RBs aren't more incorporated into the passing game, especially given BO's many limitations.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by chuck

By the way, I don't recall a single pass to anyone out of the backfield last week. Am I wrong? Hang on. Nope. I don't understand why RBs aren't more incorporated into the passing game, especially given BO's many limitations.

That's a good point. Who knows?

I'm still waiting for Oz to take about 10 step drop, have the linemen peel off their blocks to set up the screen and softly lob it to the RB.... When it's done right, the RB will have 2 or 3 linemen waiting to move him upfield. Beautiful when done correctly and a great blitz buster for a QB feeling harassed...

[popanot]

Originally Posted by chuck

By the way, I don't recall a single pass to anyone out of the backfield last week. Am I wrong? Hang on. Nope. I don't understand why RBs aren't more incorporated into the passing game, especially given BO's many limitations.

Maybe BOB has held out those RB screens all year waiting for this one game. Shock the Pats!!! Ah, hell, who am I kidding... It's probably more due to the fact BO has no touch and fires fastballs on every throw.

[barrett]

I would not start Grimes. Miller is the better back. But there is no reason for Miller to get 31 carries. He doesn't get better as the game goes on. He doesn't wear down a defense. And he doesn't like hammering away on inside runs. So give Grimes 5 carries and Blue/Hunt/whoever's active 5 carries. Then Miller can carry it 20Xs and that might leave him fresh to make a few catches.

Who knows why Ervin is even rostered at this point. I actually hope it is a draft position thing, because stubborn is slightly more forgivable than cluelessness.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by popanot

Maybe BOB has held out those RB screens all year waiting for this one game. Shock the Pats!!! Ah, hell, who am I kidding... It's probably more due to the fact BO has no touch and fires fastballs on every throw.

Yep, instead of a nicely setup screen pass we get the fastball to the wideout with just the slot guy for blocking.

Who needs those big fat playbooks when you can put your entire game plan on a Post-it?

OK, I'm done.....

[chuck]

I'm strangely optimistic about the game today. I'm not predicting a win or anything but I think our guys will keep it close. Of course, I'm widely hailed for my relentless optimism.

[Keith]

I'm optimistic to the point where I think this could be a one possession game very, very late. And that's where I get pessimistic. There's been very little to make me think that O'Brien is going to out-strategize Belichick in both game and clock management in the latter half of the fourth quarter.

The Texans are going to have to get out of their comfort zones to make this upset happen... yes, limiting Osweiler turnovers is important, but that does not mean a run-run-pass-punt offensive approach. Hop will be double-teamed, so read the options and don't force the throws.

And on defense, they will need to blitz the A gaps, not just rely on Clowney and Mercilus to come from the edges. They cannot keep giving these cushions to the Pats receiver as Brady will eat them up in small bites all game.

And rookie returners on special teams is usually a bad idea (Ervin), but maybe give one of them (Fuller) a shot again on punt returns.

[Arky]

A stroll down memory lane - Texans vs Pats recent history:

2009, Wk 17: Texans get their only victory against the Pats 34-27 behind Schaub and Foster. Pats were in rest-up mode for the playoffs but Belichick kept Brady in quite a bit going for the W. The win gave the Texans a 9-7 record for the year and their franchise first winning season.

2012, Wk 14: The 11-1 Texans travel to Foxboro for MNF and lose 42-14 in the infamous "varsity jacket game" (Expect CBS not to let this little nugget go by on Saturday's coverage). Schaub threw for no TDs and had one INT. Foster was locked down for 15/46. It was 42-7 at one point as TJ Yates finished the game with a QB sneak TD at the 2 minute mark.

2012, Divisional playoff: Texans head to Foxboro again, played better but still get eliminated from the playoffs losing 41-28. Schaub threw for 343 and 2 TDs but had the only turnover by both teams, an INT.

2013, Week 13: Case Keenum nearly leads the upset but the Texans fall 34-31 at Reliant/NRG. The Texans entered the game on a 9-game losing streak and finished the season 2-14.

2015, Week 14: The Brian Hoyer led Texans only get 7 first downs and fall to the Pats 27-6 @ NRG. JJ Watt had broken his hand earlier in the week and played with a club-like cast on his left hand.

2016, Week 3: The Texans go to Foxboro and lay an egg 27-0 on TNF. The Texans had 3 turnovers, Pats had none. Charles James and Tyler Ervin both had lost fumbles, Brock Osweiler had 1 INT.