Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub has given fans reason to hope that their team might make the playoffs this year.
Houston Texans? Playoffs?
Usually, the only reason anyone mentions playoffs in Houston is to emphasize that the Texans have never been there.
In fact, the Texans have never even had a winning season.
So how can Schaub and head coach Gary Kubiak get such a lackluster franchise to a possible Wild Card appearance?
Simple: Just keep playing the way they did against Kansas City.
Coach Kubiak is smart. He knows not to get his team jumpy—to take it slow by focusing on one week at a time.
Just how slow has he taken it?
Kubiak told loyal fans to wait when he bypassed Vince Young and Reggie Bush for Mario Williams. He told them things would get better when the Texans were 4-10 going into a game against the Colts—which they won.
Not only that, the Texans won again the next week against Cleveland to finish the season 6-10.
Remember, San Francisco took the same approach under Coach Mike Nolan—and now people say they should get to the playoffs if they hold up.
Kubiak did take some quick action this offseason, replacing the oft-injured Domanick Davis with veteran RB Ahman Green.
But the biggest hype surrounded the arrival of Schaub from the Atlanta Falcons.
So far, he hasn't disappointed, throwing for 225 yards and a touchdown in Week One.
Can Schaub be the leader of a franchise that's needed one for years?
Most certainly.
First, unlike predecessor David Carr, Schaub claims to have confidence in his offensive line—which might explain why he was sacked only twice on Sunday.
Second, Schaub has forged a connection with Pro Bowler Andre Johnson that should carry the team throughout the season. Johnson had seven receptions for 142 yards and a career-long 77-yard TD against the Chiefs.
If that isn't good, I don't know what is.
And don't forget the defense. Larry Johnson was held to only 43 yards, and Williams' efforts are starting to pay off.
Overall, the Texans have the talent and experience to get to the playoffs. The thing they need to work on is their attitude.
Kubiak is good a motivator...but there are still some people out there who're a bit shy to admit that they're Texans fans.
6 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Dave Finocchio about 1 year ago
I wouldn't hang your head too high on the LJ shutdown. Your defense is good, but I suspect it's more a product of the Chiefs atrocious O-line.
As for playoffs, I'd say this year is a little ambitious...but I bet you'll be looking good for next year.
For now, let's all celebrate the fact that the Texans are finally on the up and up. Kubiak knows how to build a winning program (ala Nolan) and Schaub is a top 15 QB in the league (and maybe better).
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Dave Finocchio about 1 year ago
Or maybe you will sneak into the playoffs? If they can beat the Colts next week, the media's going to go nuts on the Texans. I'm officially rooting for you.
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Dave Nemetz about 1 year ago
When I saw the headline, my first reaction was: "Hell no!"
But I have to say you make a convincing argument. Like Dave #1, I don't think it'll happen this year. The Texans need to get a real running game, and I don't think Ahman Green is the answer. But given a solid guy in the backfield and perhaps a little more strength on the O-Line, I think they'll finally be on their way.
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Mike Hempel about 1 year ago
I definitely agree, I just wrote an article featuring the Texans as a week 1 "winner" in terms of their progress. I think Matt Schaub and Ahman Green are huge additions. even though Ahman isn't as productive as he once was, I think it at least shows the franchise's commitment in bringing in proven players who have won. I also agree playoffs this year, and maybe next are a little unreasonable, I think the AFC West and North will produce the two wild card teams, but they're definitely making a strong case in their week 1 game.
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Ernesto Maldonado about 1 year ago
<----Houstonian ...
Yes. FINALLY, I think I can say and even scream " GOOOOOO, TEXANS ." GREAT COACH , The O-line is a bit better but damn we lost our center for a while... Our defence is better too and now that we have a new Saftey, that just adds to my happiness... As far as green goes, do i even have to comment on that ? Vet = Experience . Which is a major plus. Schaub is looking great too ! ALMOST like a Tony Romo * by coming out of no where *2nd string* and stealing the show* . I hope Johnson comes back soon... I did a quick review of our schedule and i have our season marked as 10-6.
Yep... that's right . I think we will crush Miami/Atl and then our challenge will be with Jack and we should beat them but will loose to them at the end of the season . We will beat Teams that WERE great last year like N.o and THE CHARGERS .. oooo .. Sounds ludacris but I think we should be okay ...
Playoffs .... Ouch ... Maybe next year. I think we will end up with a better record than Tenn and even the jags... I mean who is the backup qb for jags ? He looks good so far but ........ I don't know i think we will do better than the jags this year..
This is all a brainstorm , Please Flame on =) .
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Hayes Charles about 1 year ago
God, I hope you're right. I'm tired of people asking me why I'm not a Cowboys fan. I get every Chiefs game up here in Manhattan, and the only Texans game I don't have to pay for is the one against the Chefs. Needless to say our 20-3 drubbing of those dirty S.O.B.s was awesome. Alas, we don't play them this year, but I imagine we'll meet them in the playoffs since we're on the way (kinda doubt they will be, though).
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