Impressive Texans Win, But Play Still Concerning

On Sunday, the Houston Texans pulled out one of the most impressive victories in their short existence.  On the road in Tennessee, against a 13-3 team from a year ago, and against a team they have been historically dominated by, the boys in deep steel blue came back from as many as 14 points down to notch an unexpected victory.

Some things that impressed me:

1. The Passing Game:  This, of course, starts with Matt Schaub.  After a very shaky opening game against the Jets, the 6th year veteran out of Virginia looked like a Pro-Bowl caliber player throwing for over 320 yards and a career-high 4 touchdown passes. 

Part of the reason Schaub looked so good was the improved play of the offensive line.  A week after a putrid performance against the Jets in which it looked as if they could not block anybody, the fat guys (I say that lovingly) did not give up a sack and gave Schaub time to pick apart the Tennessee secondary.

Another reason for the success of the passing game was due to the play calling of offensive coordinator Kyle Shannahan.  The 'vanilla' offense from week 1 was a distant memory as Shannahan called a good game, mixing in some play-action that resulted in big plays.  Furthermore, the improved play selection or some poor defense allowed for Andre Johnson to get some man-to-man (and sometimes man-to-nobody) coverage, which helped him snatch 10 balls.

2. The 'F' Word is now 'Ferocious':  The Texans toughness was brought into question after the week 1 debacle against the Jets.  Linebacker Bart Scott said that they were a 'Finesse' team, which is like saying 'You hit like my little sister'.  But, the entire team's attitude seemed to change one week later.

Brian Cushing, where have you been my whole life?  With a team high in tackles, the rookie outside linebacker from USC (I won't hold that against him) was plugging the hole and hitting hard.

Andre Johnson might be the softest spoken elite wide receiver.  So, when he starts talking trash, you know he's mad.

David Anderson, my favorite Texans player, helped start a pseudo-melee in which Titan defensive tackle Jason Jones threw a punch at my boy and got ejected.  He's just lucky Anderson didn't Conan String Dance some punches back.  I take D.A. in that fight.

Seriously, it is a relief to see the Texans play with some spirit.

However, with the good, there were still some troubling issues the Texans need to address if they are going to have a shot at making the playoffs.

Some things that did not impress me:

1. Run Defense:  Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, and Chris Johnson are really good running backs.  But, good defenses hold their own against good running backs.  And, the Texans are not going to the playoffs without a decent run defense.

I am not asking for much, but the run defense was nauseating against the Titans on Sunday.  Allowing 240 yards of rushing is embarrassing.  With all the 'talent' in the front seven, that should never happen.  The big concern is that this seems to be becoming trend as throughout the preseason and first two games, teams have been able to move the ball on the ground.

This is a big problem that needs to be fixed immediately.  Too many people are missing assignments or making mistakes.  It's time to start holding people accountable, and I am looking at you Okoye, Adibi, and Barber.

2. Run Offense:  All Texans fans were elated last year to see rookie Steve Slaton emerge as a weapon at running back, something the Texans have generally lacked.  This year, to be able to carry the full work-load for an entire season, Slaton gained a few pounds and claimed to have lost no speed.

Well, someone is lying to me: my eyes or Mr. Slaton.  Amassing 34 yards on 17 carries is not good enough.  I will concede that the Jets and Titans run defenses are very good, but Slaton looks slower and more timid to hit the hole.

The Texans need Slaton to find his form from last year if they want a chance at making the playoffs.  It seems likely that he will get back to form against some weaker run defenses that near in the schedule.  But, if he doesn't, the Texans are in trouble.

Overall, the Texans were an improved team on week 2 compared to week 1.  While there are some things to be happy about, there are still some concerns that need to be addressed. 

Head coach Gary Kubiak agreed: "I don’t think this game answers anything,” said Kubiak, who was dead serious, not working to spin. “I’m concerned about our inconsistency as a football team. Very concerned.”