What to make of the 2009 Houston Texans. Let's look at what we have so far...
A stinker, followed by an defining win, followed by a stinker. And, what a stinker it was....Not only did the Texans come out (again) flat and uninspired, but the defense looked like a group of practice squad players dressed up as an NFL team, the offense is spotty and unimaginative, and the coaching is sub-par...and that's being nice. A week after finding their heart against the Titans, the Texans lost it again vs. the 0-2 Jaguars.
Since this has become something of a habit, let's throw out some grades....
Quarterback: C-
Schaub under pressure is looking more and more like a second-tier quarterback. Not only that but, if he keeps getting hit, odds are the sex cannon is going to get to fire his shot before long.
Running Backs: D+
There were signs of life in the running game this week, but big play after big play wasn't made by the Texans duo. Add Chris Brown's drive ending fumble and well...it ain't pretty.
Wide Receivers: B-
Nice to see Kevin Walter back out there, and Owen Daniels had a decent game, but too often the receivers are covered and don't seem to be working hard enough to get open. They get a passing grade in this game, but they have to get better fast for the Texans to win.
Offensive Line: F
Whiffs, no surge, no nothing. Right now the Texans O-line isn't really doing anything worth mention...if you subscribe to the "If you can't say anything nice" axiom. As for me? I'm just tired of talking about it.
Defensive Line: F
Zero sacks, and Maurice Jones-Drew had three rushing touchdowns. For all of the money the Texans have invested in the D-line you'd think they could rate out passing at least once this season. I'm starting to have my doubts. The only D-lineman playing worth a damn is Tim Bulman.
Linebackers: C-
It was bound to happen, Brian Cushing had a terrible game. After all he is a rookie. What I didn't expect was for the rest of the LB's to look so bad.
Defensive Backfield: F-
Let's see, where to start? Missed coverages, poor tackling, terrible run support angles. Dunta Robinson is starting to look like a perennial back-up (much less a $10 Million dollar man) and Busing doesn't seem to have a clue where to line up to defend a toss sweep. Fred Bennett and Dunta Robinson may be the worst two staring CB's in the entire league.
Coaching: F-
It's very simple: If you can't motivate a team after last week's win you shouldn't be coaching in the NFL period.
The offense scored 24, which should be enough to win an NFL game, unfortunately the Texans defense is terrible, borderline pathetic. Still, until the Texans improve their line play and running game they're not going to fare well against most any team in the NFL.
It's going to be a long season.
