First off, I know qb8stunner is running his franchise with the Texans, but I haven't played a franchise with my favorite team since the Chiefs in the debut of Franchise Mode in Madden 99 (or whatever year it was). I also thought it would be interesting to compare the differences in how we run our respective organizations. I will be playing 10 or 12 minutes (undecided), accelerated clock on all-pro. Sliders will be adjusted as I go when I feel the need. Without further ado...
Houston Texans: 2004 Season Preview
OFFENSE
Three young, rising stars make up the core of the Texan offense. David Carr, the 3rd-year franchise man at quarterback. Dominick Davis, a diamond in the rough from the 2003 NFL draft, and 2003 NFL Rookie of the Year at halfback. Andre Johnson, the former Miami Hurricane, has the potential to be one of the top wide receivers in the league.
These three guys will go a long way in determining the 2004 season for the Houston Texans. The offensive line improved drastically last season, and added more depth this offseason with the acquisition of Todd Wade, leaving the team no excuse not to be able to hang with the best offenses in the league.
As with any successful team, role players are pivotal. Mark Bruener and Billy Miller both add to the offense in their own unique ways. Bruener, the veteran of many years, signed away from Pittsburgh, is a great blocker and a very underrated pass catcher. Billy Miller has been a favorite target of David Carr since the team was born, and should continue to contribute. Corey Bradford has been the deep threat for the past two years, and nothing should change that. Jabar Gaffney still has a lot of developing to do, but is a solid slot receiver and has the potential to be a starter. With Andre Johnson likely to run into more double-teams, Bradford and Gaffney become much more important.
The offense has plenty of depth to survive any injuries that may come about. Backup halfback Tony Hollings should see a good number of carries spelling Domanick Davis, provided he has recovered fully from his injury that kept him out all of last season. Tony Banks is a true veteran that has starting experience, and although he doesn’t have the physical talent of David Carr, he has the intangibles that make for a winning quarterback. Receiver Derrick Armstrong will compete for the slot position, but likely will be the fourth man on the depth chart. A fifth and possibly sixth receiver position will be up for grabs in the preseason.
DEFENSE
While the defense doesn’t have any true stars, they have a nice collection of solid veterans along with a couple of young, rising players. The secondary was the Achilles heel of the team last year, but one draft pick has given Houston high hopes in the pass coverage. Dunta Robinson, the Texans number one pick, will be thrown onto the field in a starting position, sliding Marcus Coleman to free safety. Robinson will only help himself by doing everything he can to follow veteran Aaron Glenn’s style of play. Eric Brown and Marlon McCree will compete for the starting strong safety position, but either should do an adequate job.
The line-backing crew is as strong as it has been in the Texans three years of existence. Jamie Sharper, the one-time Super Bowl champion, is the anchor of the defense. Super-tackler Jay Foreman will take the other middle linebacker spot in the 3-4 scheme. Veteran Kailee Wong will be the strong side outside linebacker, with rookie first round pick Jason Babin on the weak side. As with Dunta Robinson, the team has a lot riding on Babin to provide the pass-rush.
The defensive line was also bolstered in the offseason, adding Robaire Smith from Tennessee. If tackle Seth Payne can get healthy and stay healthy, he and Gary Walker along with Smith would form one of the top lines in the league.
The defensive depth was a question mark last year, and may continue to be that way this year. Special team standouts LB Antwaan Peek and DL Jerry Deloach help in this category, but two players is anything but depth. In the secondary, Kenny Wright and DeMarcus Faggins are both adequate nickel-backs, but unproven starters.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kris Brown has been everything the Texans expected since he arrived in the inaugural season. Chad Stanley was one of the top punters in the league last year. J.J. Moses arrived on the scene as an elite kick returner last season, but has yet to break one loose for a touchdown. His breakaway speed will continue to be a question until he does find the endzone.
COACHING (GAME PLAN)
Offensively, Coach Dom Capers and Coordinator Chris Palmer plan to keep Domanick Davis involved at all times, and keep the defense on their heels with a quick, potent passing attack.
Defensively, Capers and Coordinator Vic Fangio will include more of the traditional 4-3 defense to change things up. In the 4-3, Gary Walker will slide over to tackle, while either Antwaan Peek or Jason Babin moves up to play the pass rush at defensive end. Capers is hopeful that this strategy will surprise the offense more often, causing confusion and leading to more broken plays and turnovers.
Ahhh... interesting. This will be fun to read and compare, definately. I already see one huge difference... you're utilizing the 43 more often than I ever do. That test will be nice to see. Whatever you do, please don't embarass my boys. Make them do good! Hehe!
__________________ Houston Texans (2-1) w/a loss against the Indianapolis Colts 30-24
My Observations/Player Notes:
1st string offense played the whole first half, and struggled. The Cowboys defense played like it was mid-season. Domanick Davis only averaged about 2.5 yards per carry, while Carr was 8/17 with 60+ yards and an INT. Tony Banks played one drive in the third quarter, and also struggled. Dave Ragone was the best QB on the day, going 9/14 with 90+ yards and a TD. JJ Moses and Kendrick Starling both had a good second half receiving the ball...Moses led the team with 3 catches and a TD.
Defensively, Jamie Sharper, Jason Babin, and Jay Foreman all stood out. Overall, the defense performed poorly allowing over 300 yards to the Cowboys offense. Testaverde looked very sharp, and Eddie George had 100 yards rushing in one half, including an 80 yard TD run. Terry Glenn worked rookie Dunta Robinson hard, catching 5 passes. One major defensive negative was Kenny Wright, who ran into the kicker on a FG (giving them a first down), kicked a punt into the endzone rather than downing it, and giving up a 60+ yard TD pass.
Dallas beat us both... not nice. It takes awhile to get used to the running game so hopefully the struggles will disappear soon. Lucky you for having an XBox, where you can update your roster. I wish I had Kendrick Starling, although they really released him. I adore J.J. Moses but he is far too small for the plays that are set up for the Texans' offense. I am glad, though, that he did well for you in as far as receiving.
__________________ Houston Texans (2-1) w/a loss against the Indianapolis Colts 30-24
Oh I completely forgot to mention Hollings. He had a great second half, gaining 76 yards on 10 carries. Although I think it was mostly due to the fact that the Cowboys second team defense was in. I'll have to get him in there against Pittsburgh's starters.
The offense didn’t come alive until the fourth quarter, with Dave Ragone giving a strong performance once again. The Falcons were up 14-12, when Ragone led a drive down the field, setting up a Kris Brown FG that would give Houston the lead. The Falcons would attempt a two-minute drill to win the game, but Dunta Robinson sealed the deal with a 38 yard INT return for a TD.
The first team offense struggled again, but the defense performed well. Jason Babin had another good game, recording a sack. Jabar Gaffney played like a true starter, recording six catches and a TD. Jonathan Wells jumped into the mix at HB, leading the team in rushing yards with 57. Hollings had 45 yards on 8 carries. Next game, Wells will see some action against Denver’s starting defense.
Week 3
Texans 24, Broncos 17
The first team offense came alive finally, as David Carr threw for over 200 yards in three quarters. Andre Johnson caught 5 balls, 2 for touchdowns, including a 57 yarder after Champ Bailey gambled on a pick. Corey Bradford had a 91 yard TD reception, after breaking a tackle on a curl route. All three HB’s did very well.
Jason Babin recorded two more sacks for the pre-season, and Antwaan Peek had a great game, making some unbelievable stops against the run. Dunta Robinson and Aaron Glenn both did a good job not only in pass coverage, but also tackling. Glenn made some nice stops on some outside runs, and Robinson even got a sack on a corner blitz. Backup MLB David Polk picked off his second pass of the pre-season
Week 4
Texans 22, Bucs 3
The defense was amazing, although it was mostly the second team in there this week. I really think the Bucs are headed for tough times with that offense. Tony Banks played the whole first half, completing 11 of 16 passes for 170 yards. Ragone did well once again, going 5 of 9 for 93 yards. It’s nice knowing I’ve got 3 reliable QB’s.
As far as position battles go, it looks like Corey Bradford will remain the #2 WR while Gaffney takes the slot. Jason Babin will start at OLB, while Antwaan Peek will play some DE in the 4-3 scheme, moving Gary Walker to DT. Tony Hollings will be the backup HB, but Wells may see some carries also, especially in short yardage.
Overall, a very successful pre-season, and not just because of the 3-1 record. I was worried about depth, but my reserve units stood out in every game.
Ladanian Tomlinson had been looking forward to this day since the NFL released the schedules last spring. Going into week four of pre-season, he couldn't hardly wait to play in front of his family and friends in his home, Houston. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.
"It's dissapointing. One of those freak injuries, and my family won't get to see me play at home. I don't want to bring the team down though. The important thing is that we get in their and come out with a win", said Tomlinson.
The injury came after the first half of last week's final pre-season game, when Tomlinson complained of a sharp pain in his neck. Further examination revealed a pinched nerve, sidelining him for at least four weeks.
The game would go on without him, with a surprise move by Marty Schottenheimer. Drew Brees, slated as the starter all during training camp, out. Doug Flutie, ageless veteran, in. Flutie would start the game under center.
The first quarter started slowly for both teams, each punting after three and outs on the first drive. On the Texan's second possession, David Carr's first pass of the game would be picked off by Donnie Edwards, setting up San Diego with a chance to jump on top. Unfortunately for them, Aaron Glenn would take Doug Flutie's next pass over 60 yards the other way for a touchdown. The first half would then belong to the Texans, with Domanick Davis scoring twice, once on a 47 yard scamper, and then later on a 7 yard run completing a nice offensive drive.
The Texans, up 21-0 at this point, had another chance to score in the first half, but a nice drive of over 80 yards would be ended by Donnie Edwards, with his second pick of the day.
The second half would not go well for the Texans, with David Carr being sacked three times, and picked off again by Edwards. The Chargers would make a bid for a comeback, scoring two touchdowns, including a 16 play, 79 yard drive. Late in the fourth quarter, Doug Flutie would go down with a wrist injury, entering Brees into the game. The offense would stall under Brees, preserving a win for the Texans. Coach Dom Capers was happy with the win, but not satisfied by the teams' performance.
"It's always good to get a win in this league, and it's not usually easy. We've got some serious issues on this team that we need to correct quickly if we're going to continue to compete this year, but for now we'll take this win."
David Carr knows he has to step up for the team to continue winning. "I made some terrible decisions today, and (San Diego) took advantage. This should have been a blowout win after that first half we played, so I've got to make sure I protect the ball."
Chiefs Win, Injuries Mount
The Kansas City Chiefs won their season opener in Denver, but payed a price, losing several key players to add to the collection of injuries.
All-pro guard Will Shields went down with a knee injury, out 4-6 weeks. Linebacker Scott Fujita strained his shoulder tackling Garrison Hearst, knocking him out for at least the next 4 weeks. Star tailback Priest Holmes suffered a high ankle sprain, meaning he'll have to sit the next 6-8 weeks.
Box Score Texans 21, Chargers 14
Rush Yards: HOU 113/SD 6
Pass: SD 173/HOU 95
QB D.Carr 11/23 121 yds, 3 INT, 3 sak
HB D.Davis 23 car, 115 yds, 2 TD, fum; 7 rec, 59 yds
TE B.Miller 2 rec, 21 yds
LB J.Babin 8 tak
LB J.Sharper 5 tak, 1 loss
DB A.Glenn 5 tak, 2 int
QB D.Flutie 17/26 168 yds, 2 INT
HB J.Chatman 9 car, 16 yds
WR T.Dwight 6 rec, 52 yds
LB D.Edwards 6 tak, sak, 3 int
Texans Escape with Win in Detroit
Houston Chronicle
"I can finally cut my hair...that's the best thing about this win."
Those words from Texans quarterback David Carr in an ecstatic locker room after a big win in Detroit. You'd think the team just won a playoff game, but in reality it was the first winning streak in franchise history. After a game including six lead changes and a last second win, it had the same feel as a playoff game, something this team has never experienced.
After a slow start, the teams erupted with big plays. Late in the first quarter, down 3-0, Texan corner Aaron Glenn stepped in front of a goal line pass to Roy Williams and cruised down the field for a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown. He high stepped into the endzone for the second week in a row after an interception.
The Lions wouldn't wait long to answer back, sending out four wide receivers to start the next drive. The fastest of those receivers, Az Hakim, had Kailee Wong covering him. 77 yards later, Hakim left the Texans defense in the dust to give Detroit the lead back.
Two drives later, the Texans would strike right back, as if it were a boxing match. On first and ten, the Lions lined eight men up in the box. Domanick Davis took it outside of the box. 67 yards later, the Texans had the lead once again.
Houston would expand the lead to 17-10 in the second half after a field goal. Things would slow down a bit on the next Lion drive, but the same result was achieved. Halfback Artose Pinner would cap off a five-plus minute drive with a 13 yard touchdown, tieing the game.
Fast-forward to the fourth quarter, when Jason Hanson would give Detroit a three point lead on a 54 yard field goal. The Texans offense, which had struggled despite the big plays, would finally make something happen. David Carr manufactured the best drive of the game, going over 70 yards in six minutes to make the score 24-20 in the Texans favor.
It appeared the Lions were done-for when Harrington was picked off by Eric Brown in their own territory, setting up the Texans with an opportunity to slam the door. The Detroit defense wouldn't let it happen, holding them to a Kris Brown field goal. The Lions would receive the ball with two minutes and 14 seconds on the clock.
Joey Harrington then led a two-minute drill nearly as perfect as it can be, completing six passes in a row. Cory Schlesinger would take the final pass into the endzone, tieing the game again with 44 seconds on the clock.
"With the way this game had gone, we knew 40 seconds was an eternity for us to make something happen," said Coach Capers. "Overtime was not an option."
Two completions later, enter Kris Brown. Jabar Gaffney caught the ball over the middle, near mid-field, forcing the Texans to use their last timeout with 12 seconds left. Kendrick Starling, who had dropped a ball previously on the drive, caught this one and took the ball out of bounds at the 34 yard line, three seconds to go.
Brown absolutely nailed the 51 yard field goal as time expired, silencing the Detroit crowd and sending the Texans sideline into a frenzy. The field goal would have easily been good another five yards back.
"As the kicker, from week to week you can go from being the team hero to the guy sitting alone in the corner of the locker room. I'm not going to be that guy sitting in the corner," said Brown, "I'll make 'em when they count."
================================================== ======== My Comments
Thanks for reading, KingJames. Carr has been struggling, but he put together two very good drives this week. The Lions had a strong pass rush, so with my offensive line I was limited with what I could do through the air. I wouldn't say these two weeks would be on par with his numbers for the rest of the season...but all I really care about is the W's. Domanick is really doing well, though he has fumbled in each game...both were recovered by the offense. The defense definitely has to step it up, especially next week against KC (though Holmes is out, they are still 2-0).
Sometimes I think i'm reading my own posts Hehe. Great job! I am glad that Domanick is doing so well for you. He only had eleven carries yet netted over 130 yards! Outstanding. Carr isn't off to his realistic high precentage games, but that is understandable. How 'bout Aaron Glenn. Awesome!
What difficulty do you play on again and what did you decide to do with the quarter length?
__________________ Houston Texans (2-1) w/a loss against the Indianapolis Colts 30-24
The Texans came in to week three 2-0. They had finally won consecutive games. That means the pressure is off, they can rest. Right?
Wrong.
Dom Capers stressed all week how important it was to keep the intensity level up. “The pressure is still on, and it will be all season. The ultimate goal for this team is the playoffs. We’ve got 15 weeks to get there.”
Sunday’s game featured two undefeated teams, meaning it was a game in the national spotlight. This was something the Texans weren’t really used to, and perhaps it showed in the first half.
The sub-par defense of the Chiefs would hold the Texans offense to two measly field goals the whole half. They would actually get to the five yard line at one point, but Mark Bruener would drop a wide open touchdown catch. That mistake, paired with poor blocking, triggered Dom Capers to enter Bennie Joppru as the new blocking tight end. Domanick Davis, who led the team in total yardage coming in, was a non-factor. The Chiefs were clearly determined to make someone else beat them.
That someone else was a collection of guys, but more than anyone, it was Dom Capers and his coaching staff. The Chiefs would lead 10-6 at halftime, after Dante Hall caught a 56 yard touchdown pass as time expired. That’s when Chris Palmer suggested that the rookie Dunta Robinson cover Dante Hall, and the veteran Aaron Glenn take the other side of the field.
The Chiefs would take the ball to open the second half, and what happened next was something that couldn’t be coached. Dante Hall would take the kick, shake off tackler Kendrick Sterling, and take it 95 yards for his second touchdown in as many plays. This had the Kansas City crowd feeling comfortable with a 17-6 lead.
Houston would go scoreless the rest of the third quarter, hampered by a poor running game. The Chiefs offense was starting to come alive, even without the injured Priest Holmes, and that’s when Capers switched to his 4-3 defense. Antwaan Peek, the defensive end in this scheme, would make it pay off, recording a sack on third down to force the punt.
Capers would make one final switch that really sparked the offense. Tony Hollings would enter the game for the final eight minutes, replacing Davis. Immediately the running game came alive, also ignighting the passing game for David Carr. An 11 play, 4:30 drive would end in an Andre Johnson 12 yard touchdown reception. The Texans were down by four with three minutes left.
The Chiefs would get the ball and try to milk the clock, but had no answer to the 4-3 defense. On third and long, Derrick Blaylock would take the draw for no gain, forcing the punt. The Texans received the punt with 2:01 left on their own 31.
David Carr would complete his next four passes, but then would take a sack with the clock running under 1:30. The next pass would go incomplete, setting up 3rd and 16 for the Texans. Kendrick Sterling came through in the clutch for the second week in a row.
“I saw David rolling out, so I started to fade to the first down marker. I wasn’t even supposed to be a factor in the play…it was just a decoy slant route…but I ended up being his only option.”
Carr lofted the ball over the middle of the field, hitting Sterling for the first down at the 15 yard line. Two plays later, Tony Hollings would take it into the endzone to capture another come from behind win for the Texans.
The Texans get set to play the Oakland Raiders (2-1) at home next week.
================================================== ======= My Comments:
Fearme, thinks for putting the jinx on DD. Hehe, just kidding. Stunner, to answer your questions, i'm on all-pro, haven't tweaked the sliders yet, and 10 minute quarters with accelerated clock. Right now that's getting me about 45 or 50 plays, which is decent. I still may bump it up to 12 minutes next season, the only reason I didn't was because I didn't want scoring to get too unrealistic.
I think I got pretty lucky in this game, to play the Chiefs with so many injuries. Dante Hall single-handedly put them in this game, but once I put Robinson on him and the 4-3 he didn't do much. It's nice to know I have some security at the HB position, and Wells really hasn't even gotten in yet. Hollings will definitely see more carries after this performance.
3-0 start, huh? Pretty impressive, especially with those two come from behind victories. Your team deems solid once they put the whole package together.
Wow, I thought I was reading the review of the actual Texan-Chiefs game, hehe. Finally Carr did well in the passing department! Sorry about Double D but he'll bounce back. Quality depth at the specialist positions are essential. I'm glad to see that your use of the 43 on some downs is working for you. Go Antwan Peek!
__________________ Houston Texans (2-1) w/a loss against the Indianapolis Colts 30-24
The Raiders took advantage of three big mistakes by the Texans offense and special teams, but the Texans found a way to win to stay undefeated.
On the first drive of the game, punter Chad Stanley would kick the ball of the side of his foot, setting up the Raiders with great field position. On the next play, Rich Gannon would hit Joey Porter for the early touchdown.
Later in the first half, the Texans would get within scoring range, but Phillip Buchanon took a David Carr pass over 90 yards for a touchdown. The Raiders would be up 14-7 at halftime.
After being pinned at the one yard line, the Texans offense would take the field again. Seth Wand would miss his block, leaving Domanick Davis open for a big blow, in which he would fumble the ball. Warren Sapp would recover the ball in the endzone to give the Raiders another defensive touchdown.
The Texans would put together a furios rally in the fourth quarter, with David Carr hooking up with Billy Miller and Jabar Gaffney multiple times. Domanick Davis would score his third touchdown of the game, putting the Texans down by three. The defense would blank the Raiders in the quarter, giving Kris Brown a chance to win the game after he had nailed a 38 yarder on the previous drive. Brown easily hit the 29 yard field goal to give the Texans the lead, and the Raiders two minute drive comeback attempt would fail.
My Comments:
I wasn't happy with the way this game was played, but once again I'll take the win. I lost a starter on defense, SS Eric Brown (leading tackler this season), for 8 weeks with a leg injury. Billy Miller was HUGE this week, and he will be rewarded with more playing time. Mark Bruener is making his way to the end of the bench...Benny Joppru will also see some time when extra blocking is needed.
Amazing comeback. Good to know your team can step up when they really need to. Don't forget...a win is a win, just make sure you learn from your mistakes.
Good job! How odd that the Franchise nearly depicts the actual season... I mean, Eric Brown is really out... The Raiders WERE 2-1. Ok, just two things match, but anyhow... great game!
__________________ Houston Texans (2-1) w/a loss against the Indianapolis Colts 30-24
Looks like you shy away from throwing the ball when down in the endzone. No faith in Carr? How come so many completions but only 205 passing yards. Even though it practiclly a 1st down per attempt I usually average 300yrds a game passing. I just like to throw more because I know its harder and AJ ly sucks
__________________
Quote:
Males shouldn't be jealous that's a female trait -- Jay Z
The reason for only 205 yds is Charles Woodson and Phillip Buchanon. And DD was taking some fairly long runs into the endzone, besides the one on the goal line. It's not that I'm avoiding throwing in the endzone, it's just that running seems to be more successful for me. That's how I've always been for the most part. And you saw what did happen when I passed in the endzone, Buchanan ran it all the way back.
I just like to make sure I control the game and the clock with a successful running game...if I get 300 total yards with a good rushing attack, it usually means a win.
My Comments:
I really felt like I should have won this game, unlike most of my other wins when I didn't really play well enough to deserve the win but won anyway. Every time I was about to stop them, it seemed like Moss came through, especially down by the endzone. I was down by one late, with Minnesota driving, when Kleinsasser put it away. He caught a short pass, broke THREE tackles, and took it over 30 yards for the TD. I felt like putting my controller through the TV screen, but fortunately I laid back.
I probably should have taken more chances deep, but I was moving the ball well with the run and short passes (see Davis's 7 receptions). Ultimately the defense lost this game.
BTW, Slick, I'm playing All-Pro with some of the sliders adjusted.
The Houston Texans went into Tennessee Sunday looking for their first franchise victory against their division foes, the Titans. They didn’t care about statistics, especially this week . . . all they wanted was a win.
The Texans would lead 7-0 after a quarter of stuffing the Titans offense, but not before ruining an early chance to score. Domanick Davis fumbled inside the Titan 30 on the first drive of the game, killing the early momentum. Tight end Bennie Joppru scored on a 70 yard touchdown reception on the second drive of the game. The Titans offense would finally move the chains a couple of times on the next trip down the field, but were forced to punt. On the next play, David Carr would attempt a quick-out route to Corey Bradford. Andre Dyson was all over it from the second Bradford turned to the sideline, as he picked the pass off and took it the short distance for the touchdown.
Houston would put together a nice drive with time running down at the end of the half. The running game came alive, with Domanick Davis gaining over 30 yards on three carries. Under two minutes, inside Titan territory, Carr would be pressured into rushing a throw on third down. This pass would be picked off by Samari Rolle, and taken the distance for another Tennessee touchdown. The Texans were hurting themselves more than they were helping, but they would salvage a field goal to end the half, making it 14-10 in the Titans favor.
The second half found Carr under more pressure from the Titans defense, and Carr would throw another interception in the third quarter. The Titans would not score this time, but Carr’s confidence had clearly taken a shot.
Late in the fourth quarter, still down 14-10, the Texans would attempt to make this week another one of those “we’ll take it any way we can get it” type of wins. Carr would put together a masterful drive, althought the clock continued to run down. After 11 plays, the Texans would find themselves at 4th and goal at the 11 yard line. Forty-one seconds remained on the clock, so the Texans knew with only two timeouts they had to go for the win now. Carr took the snap, threw it on a frozen rope to Billy Miller, who dropped the ball at the two yard line as he was hit. It was unlikely he would have gotten in, as there were three Titans waiting for him at the goal line.
The Texans drop to 4-2 on the season. The Titans are now 3-3.
My Comments:
Very tough loss, I should have won this game. Both of the interceptions thrown that were returned were almost completely my fault...the line could have protected better, but I forced the throws. The Titans have a damn good pass rush in this game.
On the bright side, Bennie Joppru is playing some great football. Now I can use him to block and recieve...with Bruener, he was so slow it was nearly impossible to gain any decent yardage passing to him. As you can see, the tight ends are an important part of my gameplan. Billy Miller has put together two very nice games, despite dropping that last pass. Next up is the Jaguars...this game is HUGE...here's what the AFC South looks like right now:
Defense Steps Up Against Jags
The Texan Chronicles
In the biggest game of the young season, the Jacksonville Jaguars came to Houston looking to narrow the lead in the AFC South. Coming off of a bye week, the Texans had plenty of time to prepare for the gritty Jaguar defense and the abilities of Byron Leftwich. The Jaguars had lost in week seven, leaving them hungry for a victory.
The Jaguars would start the game with a sense of urgency, with Leftwich leading the offense down the field in a frenzy. They got all the way down to the 15 of the Texans, when Dunta Robinson would take it the other way. He would patiently watch Leftwich as he geared back and turned toward Reggie Williams. Robinson timed it perfectly, and jumped out to catch the ball, taking it 93 yards for the score.
The Texans defense would shut down the Jaguar offense quickly the next drive, and got great field positon to set up one of three Kris Brown field goals. By the end of the first, the Texans had jumped out to a quick ten point lead.
The Jaguars would back down, however. Leftwich rallied the offense late in the second quarter, eventually hooking up with the promising rookie Reggie Williams for a 33 yard touchdown pass.
On the Texans next possession, Carr would try to hit Billy Miller over the middle, only to have it picked off by Mike Peterson. The Jaguars had the ball in Texan territory with plenty of time left to score before the half. They would do just that six plays later, with Fred Taylor scoring from seven yards out.
The Texans would attempt to put together a drive in less than a minute, and the attempt was successful. Andre Johnson caught the ball on a flag route to get the ball within field goal range, allowing Kris Brown to cut the lead at halftime.
The second half, particularly the third quarter, would belong to the Texans. The offense would keep the ball for roughly eight minutes during the ten minute quarter, scoring on two drives and only allowing three plays by the Jaguar offense. The scores would come on a 13 yard pass to Tony Hollings, and a six yard run by David Carr.
Jacksonville would try to put together a comeback attempt in the fourth, but two bone-headed turnover cost them any chance. Byron Leftwich missed on a toss to Fred Taylor, allowing Aaron Glenn to jump on the ball. That set up Kris Brown’s third and final field goal of the game. Late in the game, Leftwich would be picked off for the second time to kill any chance of a comeback.
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Linear Mode
