Wasted Opportunities: Houston Texans Stumble Against Arizona Cardinals

In what is becoming a maddening and frustrating pattern, the Houston Texans followed up a win and overall solid performance against the Oakland Raiders by stumbling their way into defeat at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals.

Let's recap briefly, shall we? 

The Cardinals slowed down the Texans early in the first half and held a 7-0 lead.  As the Cardinals were moving inside the five-yard line, Kurt Warner hit Anquan Boldin on a quick slant, a staple of the Cardinals offense.

Eugene Wilson, never before confused with a heavy-hitting safety, smacked Boldin and the ball popped loose.  Linebacker Demeco Ryans picked up the pigskin and raced up field.

Now, good teams are able to respond to adversity.  Bad teams sometimes luck into good moments.  Let's see where our Texans stand as we continue our trip down memory lane.

After recovering the uncharacteristic fumble, the Texans moved downfield but stalled out well inside kicker Kris Brown's range.  Sadly, the attempt was blocked and the score remained 7-0 in favor of the home team.

It looked as though the Cardinals were the team responding to adversity and were able to gain a little momentum.  The Texans were unable to capitalize on the turnover and were unable to put points on the board.  Remember these three points.  They could play a factor later.

Fast-forwarding a little in the first half, Jacoby Jones showed why he is one of the most dangerous (if still a bit inconsistent, and I'm putting it mildly) return men in the game by returning a punt 62 yards into Cardinal territory. 

The Texans moved the ball into field goal range easily, but were unable to finish the deal.  On 4th and 1, Gary Kubiak called for a pass play.  Most teams would be able to run for one yard, whether by a running back or a quarterback sneak.  For whatever reason, call it strategy, Kubiak called for a pass play.

Matt Schaub seamed to panic as he threw to Andre Johnson in the end zone.  Johnson was double covered, and the pass fell incomplete.  Again, had the Texans attempted a field goal from this short distance, it's likely Brown would have been able to add a second field goal.  Let's remember these three points as well.

At the half, the Cardinals were leading 21-0 and it appeared to be a long second half on the horizon.  But, something happened at halftime. 

Whether it was a scheme adjustment or simply a re-doubling of effort, the Texans played inspired defense throughout the second half.  The high-powered Cardinals were held in check.

The Texans scored their first touchdown about half way through the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 21-7.  Chris Brown, brought in for short yardage situations, was able to score from the doorstep of the goal line.  New life, it seemed. 

The defense continued to play well and the Cardinals were unable to generate much offense.  The Texans scored another touchdown, as Johnson was able to slide across the goal line for his first touchdown of the day.  Just like that, the score was 21-14, and momentum appeared to be on the Texans' side.

Again, the defense held the Cards in check, and the offense glided down field.  Johnson scored again after a solid drive from the offense.  It appeared the Texans were on the verge of their greatest comeback. 

Once again, the defense forced the Cardinals to punt.  The score was tied and the clock was inside seven minutes.  The Texans started deep in their own territory.  The moved the ball through the air for a few first downs.

Maybe in an attempt to run the clock, Kubiak called for a run and Steve Slaton, who otherwise had a sold game, was swallowed up for a four-yard loss on first down. 

The Texans next play went for solid yardage, leaving a third and long play.  Schaub attempted an out just beyond the sticks to Kevin Walter, and hesitated just one second. 

As they say, if a quarterback waits, he's late.  The adage proved true as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie picked off the pass and raced untouched into the end zone with just over two minutes to go. 

Remember what we said earlier about good teams responding to adversity and bad teams being unable to capitalize?  Well, the Texans showed something on this drive, but I'm unsure as to what they showed. 

Andre Davis was able to return the Neil Rackers kickoff to the Arizona 40-yard line.  The offense moved the ball inside the five.

Here's where things go wrong.  Chris Brown comes into the game and tries to punch it in.  He's stoned at the line on second down. 

On third down, from the one, Schaub raced to his left and lofted a ball ever so slightly and tight end Joel Dreesen was unable to snag the ball and come down in bounds.

4th and 1.  With a chance to steal one on the road against the defending NFC champs.  A chance for the biggest comeback on team history.  Could the Texans prove capable of responding to adversity?

Let's pause to remember the blocked field goal and the earlier 4th and 1 incompletion.  The score could have been 28-27 and a third field goal could have pushed the Texans ahead.  They potentially could have won with a field goal and potentially could have avoided being forced to score a touchdown to tie the game. 

Back to the last drive of the game.  The Cardinals had been calling timeouts in order to save some time after what looked to be the game tying score.  4th and 1.  Even after those earlier blown opportunities, the Texans had a chance to tie the game.

The Texans attempted to run the ball with Chris Brown.  Center Chris Myers was literally thrown into the backfield by Gabe Watson and the Cards defensive line enveloped Brown before he could dive into the end zone.

The game was not tied.  The Texans failed to capitalize on good returns by both Jones and Davis.  The Texans failed to capitalize on the Boldin fumble.  The Texans failed to capitalize on Johnson's incredible game.  The Texans failed to capitalize on the defense pitching a shutout in the second half.

If good teams are able to respond to adversity and bad teams are unable, what do we make of our Texans?  Sure, they responded to some adversity, but it was not enough.  So, I think it's clear they are not a good team. 

At the same time, they were able to do some positive things.  The defense played exceptionally in the second half.  Special teams played well.  The offense moved the ball and put some points on the board.  But the team still fell short. 

Are they bad?  No.  Are they good?  No.  Are they somewhere in the middle?  Frustratingly, the Texans appear to be caught in that middle ground of mediocrity and are cursed with that dreaded "P" word: potential.

When they capitalize on that potential is anybody's guess.  But I'm starting to get the feeling Kubiak won't be around to realize the team's potential.  And I'm even more sure that Chris Myers won't, either. 

Routinely losing the physical battle falls both on the player and coach.  If the player is not good enough or strong enough, the coach must be able to identify that and correct the problem. 

A solution must emerge if anything is to be made of this season.  Or jobs will be lost.  And the fans will remain as frustrated as ever.