Houston Texans Fan Speaks His Mind About the 2011 Team: The Voice of Jackson

Damali had the pleasure of interviewing a football pundit named Charlie William Jackson, Jr.
This NFL fan looks you straight in your eyes and he tells it like he sees it, with no hesitation. Let’s hear what he has to say about the Houston Texans.

Interview of NFL fan Charlie William Jackson, Jr.

On Aug. 15, the Houston Texans will play their first preseason game. What do you think the outcome will be?

(1) I would like to think the Texans will win, but the Jets had a pretty good post-lockout free agency signing spree. Ultimately, the real purpose is to see who can/will be able to step in and contribute on behalf of both teams.

This game will give the prospective coaching staff the chance to get a good look at its draft choices and free agent acquisitions. I heard Coach Kubiak said that he was going to let his rookies get lots of playing time. Hopefully, those who play will show sufficient enough skills to dodge the "Turks" blade.

Gary Kubiak has coached for five years. His record was very good in 2009 but in 2010 it dropped a bit. What do you think caused this decline in performance?

(2) I've heard lots of pundits declare that in most of the losses he was out-coached. My personal opinion is that with various and sundry injuries to key players, his vision for each game was affected greatly.

My research shows that the Texans dropped more than 40 percent in efficiency after bye week. Have you noticed this type of decline in performance after bye week?

 (3) Yes, I have.

What do you think causes this type of decline?

(4) Complacency, on the part of the players. And the necessity on the part of the coaching staff to remind the team of their collective responsibility to continue performing at a high level.

Who do you think will be the starters in 2011?

(5) The folk who put out the most effort in practice. My personal opinion, coming from the years I've coached various sports...baseball, football, basketball...games are won on the practice field, contrary to what Allen Iverson believes. I used to tell my teams "winning is a by-product of being prepared" and "necessity is the mother of repetition". "If you can't practice hard...you won't play hard".

Are you satisfied with the quarterback for the Texans?

 (6) Personally, I think Matt Schaub is one of the best QBs in the NFL. His numbers speak to that. He makes good throws and good leadership choices. I think his main hindrance is a group of offensive coordinators over the years, along with a head coach who don't see the value of the "killer instinct".

He has the best wide receiver in the league in Andre Johnson, and some very good complimentary receivers in Jacoby Jones and others. The Texans coaching staff needs to open up the playbook.

What do you think Adams will bring to the Houston Texans?

(7) Other than a good name...nothing!

Was that a wise move to add him to the coaching staff?

 (8) Not in my opinion. His defensive philosophy is not conducive to the types of players the Texans have on their team. Additionally, I don't understand the thought that going to the 3-4 will do anything to improve the woefully lacking pass rush that the Texans have had the last couple of years.

As a coach...there is no way I would give up the opportunity to put pressure on any QB, which is what you essentially do when you go to a 3-4. Mario Williams is a defensive end, he may be able to handle the run well in his new role as a LB, but I don't think he has the speed to drop and cover. In short...they should have found a coach who was/is married to the 4-3, with emphasis on pressuring the QB...all the time. Hey...they could've hired me.

What do you think the win-loss record will end up being in 2011?

(9) Their won/loss record directly corresponds to their defensive ability this season, and the ability of the offense to put points on the board.

Now, both of these things are related to several factors...offensively, the ability of the running backs to move the sticks and remain healthy, and of the defense to do what I don't think they will be able to do, and that is pressure opposing QBs to the point of giving the overloaded defensive backfield (chance) to capitalize on the pressure.

If all things fall into place, I can see them going 13-3, or even 14-2...but under the prevailing conditions, 12-4 at best, they should be flogged if they don't go at least 10-6.

Do you foresee an appearance in a playoff?

 (10)  Yes...see number "9".

In a Super Bowl?

 (11) Too many other teams would have to suffer dreadful circumstances for the Texans to make the "Big Dance". I don't think this is their year. But, I don't claim any modicum of clairvoyance.

Answers from the desk of
Charlie William Jackson, Jr.