That's Football...That's Life:Matt10's Houston Texans (NFL 2k5)

[Matt10]

Offensive tackle, Ryan Clady could be the only person in favor of this trade.

Alan Burge, Houston Texans Examiner

Quarterback Protection
Anyone else see the irony?

Definitely not for Graham Harrell.

What the hell was the point of this trade? How are the Texans prospering for the long run? Okay, right we get a decent player out of the trade - but seriously, our future was in Graham Harrell!

Is Matt Schaub REALLY the answer!? Honest to Texas...really? I'm sorry fellow Texans, this has to be the most ludicrous transaction I have seen from Texans management in a long time.

Let's talk a bit about Ryan Clady - okay, he is now a well established player in the league - he's been given his due credit. However, we have two considerable decent offensive tackles in Eric Winston and Duane Brown already....what was the point?

Maybe we are over reacting - as Texans fans that is a given, but maybe letting go of Texas Tech boy, Graham Harrell, is going to end up biting us in the you know where later on. It's not that I don't believe in Schaub - I just think with a little more time, Harrell could have been the best quarterback this league has seen.

I'm all for protecting the quarterback - and yes Clady might last 10-15 seasons in the game - but considering the 1-1 record and a heck of a tough game against the Titans upcoming - I'm just not feeling that so-called protection.

Alan Burge, (or 'aj' as he’s known to his Texans family and friends) joined the Examiner team after three years of writing fan-tastic articles for houstontexans.com. Alan has been following pro football since Joe Willie's guarantee and has been a regular at Houston home games since Earl's rookie season.

Alan is a Texans season ticket holder who brings his readers a blend of thoughtful analysis, passionate and insightful commentary, and well-informed opinion -- from the fan perspective. Alan's work is widely recognized and he has been heard talking Texans football many times as a guest on sports talk radio stations across the country.

Alan is a long time resident of the Clear Lake/Friendswood, Texas area and is a graduate of the University of Houston. When not immersed in all things NFL, this football addict/part-time sportswriter/aerospace enthusiast also likes to spend time with his family, travel and enjoy the great outdoors. Send Alan an email.

The Specifics
Second round consolation prize?

Losing our 1st rounder to make matters worse.Maybe we can get another steal in this year's draft....then let him go.

[Matt10]

The Passing Game: Two teams, practically rivals - both quarterback specific schemes in their offense - it's going to be down to Qbs today. Texans Matt Schaub has overcome the trade drama that eventually sent rookie quarterback, Graham Harrell, to Denver. The Texans passing game will be hard to call though because Schaub has not taken a snap this year - but he will be doing so with new offensive tackle, Ryan Clady - who should provide a better form of support. On the other side of the ball will be Vince Young. Young has put up incredible numbers through two games, and will be a force to be reckoned with. The problem that might arise for Vince, however, is the fact that starting running back Lendale White is out injured - so inexperienced rookie, Damien Fletcher might hold some form of uncertainty - which could place a burden on the Titans #10 to throw the ball a bit more than usual.

The Injuries: It's still early, but the Titans are already going through their own issues as far as migraines are concerned - someone get them some ibuprofen. The one that stands out the most though is Lendale White - a back that has plagued the Texans defense since his emergence into the NFL, White will be missing today's game.

The Score: 35-17 Texans. Matt Schaub is going to make his name heard today, I think that alone is going to make a difference. The Texans defense has been playing well and the Titans offensive passing attack is stoppable. I'm fairly sure Fletcher's inexperience will build too much expectation for Young's arm. Look also for the Texans receivers to step their game up today as well considering Andre Johnson is just begging to break loose.

Pregame done by Matt10

[Matt10]

[Matt10]

Rookie Quarterback, Stephen McGee (Texas A&M) has been signed for $2.41M, 2 years.

Gary Kubiak on McGee: "It was surprising to see him undrafted this year. I think he had a bad combine which nullified any chance he had with some teams. Stephen is a smart player, I think he can challenge Gradkowski for the backup role."

Texan fan: "Woooo Go Aggies!"

[Matt10]

The Inevitable: Yes football fans. Today we will be audience to two of the best running backs in the league. The veteran, Ladanian Tomlinson - and the fearless young gun, Chris Johnson. Each have blazing speed - that, I'm sure we will see. What might not be seen is the fact that both these guys can catch the ball out of the backfield - look for that.

The Urgency: Matt Schaub held firm in the pocket last week - almost too much as he was sacked 6 times last week against the Titans. Gary Kubiak will hope that his QB1 will start finding some receivers in the endzone - or it could be an uphill battle not only for Schaub, but for his running back, Chris Johnson - who has six touchdowns this year.

The Score: 28-27 Chargers. This could be a back and forth kind of game. I think the stars will not dictate this game, but the kickers will. Colt David had his shot last week, he is going to need to make up and become a catalyst to the Texans victory. However, there will be an issue - or controversy better - in this one. Do not forget about what Phillip Rivers can do with a football.

Pregame done by Matt10

[Matt10]

Alan Burge, Houston Texans Examiner
CHOKE!!!!!!!!
Texans let Henry take over game, lose 28-24

The following is a recorded press conference with Houston Texans' head coach, Gary Kubiak, after the game. Because Matt10 is having template issues, this will be the reporting style until a resolution is found.

Please note that expletives are replaced with the word "eff" or "bs".
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Reporter1: Coach, was there anything you could say to the guys at in the locker room after this disappointing loss?

Kubiak: What could I say? Everyone knew I was going to rip into them, what in the eff could I have said. This is absolute bs.

R1: Maybe tell them it's going to be okay - we played well against a good team?

Kubiak: Are you serious? Did you not watch the game, son? I'm not going to answer anymore of your questions, let alone take your advice.

Reporter2: So Coach, in all seriousness - what happened? You had the game in your hands, where was the double coverage on Henry - who was an obvious threat?

Kubiak: You want to do my job, son? I know who their threat was,okay? You don't have to tell me that. This was simply a game of missed opportunities. I think its disgusting to think that we were THIS close to winning the effing game.

R2: Is it possible when Colt David missed that 48-yarder just wide, did that ruin the momentum/spirits of the team?

Kubiak: I'm not going to say that. But it didn't help.

R2: Coach - what is going to be the focus now? These are back to back close games that we just don't hold on.

Kubiak: Ya think? We are playing really good football, but today...today it was crap. Just utter bull crap. God made a bull one day - let it crap - and out came the Texans.

R2/All: (silence, with mixed murmurring)

Kubiak: Is that all the questions?

R2: Is that your way of telling us you quit, Coach?

Kubiak: Do you effing want me to quit, son? You think you can do this job?

R2: Quite frankly, no. But it's good to see that you're passionate about the effin game again.

Kubiak: Lookie here, son - don't talk to me with that tongue, or I'll eff you up!

I"LL EFF YOU UP!!!!!!!

(.....Kubiak rises out of his chair - glaring at reporter - being held back )

R2: You suck Kubiak! Get out of Houston!

(Kubiak somehow manages to grab a chair...flings it through the room...headed right towards the reporter)

SMACK!!!!!

R2: Ahhhck!!

-------------------end recording-------------------

Chris Henry celebrates one of his many touchdowns. Henry was also the recepient of the game winning touchdown for the Chargers.

[bhurst99]

Awesome post-game interview. I think a suspension is in order for Kubiak.

[cubsfan203]

That's what you get for trading Harrell.

[Matt10]

Quote: Originally Posted by bhurst99

Awesome post-game interview. I think a suspension is in order for Kubiak.

Yeah, I was having issues - so I made an issue happen.

Quote: Originally Posted by cubsfan203

That's what you get for trading Harrell.

Karma's my bitch, not the other way around.

But you're right, Ocho.

[cubsfan203]

Quote: Originally Posted by Matt10

Yeah, I was having issues - so I made an issue happen. Karma's my bitch, not the other way around. But you're right, Ocho.

My bad, I thought you said your girl's name was Konami.