Talking your Houston Texans, straight from the Great British Isles.
Episode 152 – Texans Drop Another But Sitting Pretty in 1st Place
Joined by Cody Stoots from the Wheelhouse on ESPN Houston 97.5 to talk the Houston Texans loss to the Giants.
A 4th straight loss and despite a straining sense of repetition, the first overall pick in the draft seems even more likely.
Talking Houston Texans Football Straight From The Great British Isles.
Talking your Houston Texans, straight from the Great British Isles.
Episode 151 – Texans Battle But Downed By Undefeated Eagles
Joined by Ross Villarreal of Sports Talk 790.
As we talk over the Houston Texans 17-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football.
The highs, the lows the rookies, a want-away receiver, team needs ahead and is the GM on track to make it matter again?
Talking Houston Texans Football Straight From The Great British Isles.
Talking your Houston Texans, straight from the Great British Isles.
Episode 150 – Is the Texas sized hole getting worse?
Joined by Brandon Scott, from Radio 610, to talk the Texans loss to Tennessee, in a game that Lovie Smith admitted Houston was never in.
A defence that can’t stop the run was predictably hammered by the Titans ground attack and the scoreline flattered the Texans.
Rookie concerns and too many holes to fill, as the journey back appears to be getting longer, each week.
Talking Houston Texans Football Straight From The Great British Isles.
Despite the loss in Las Vegas, Sunday was undoubtedly Mills best performance of the year and perhaps of his career. As the Texans host Nashville and the undefeated Eagles on Thursday night football, Mills faces an uphill battle against a common strength.
What was different in Vegas, post bye-week?
Third down efficiency was the standout from the box scores, going 9 of 12 before the late 4th quarter failings that plague this offence. It was a season high of 404 yards on offence, 296 coming through the air. Mills’ footwork, pocket presence & touch was flowing freely. It looked smooth and confident to heights that were reminiscent of last years performances. A blemish of throwing a pick-six, showed a lack of elite resilience that is reserved for only a few. But it was his first serviceable road display & one that could be given pass-marks at this level.
☑️ snake hips
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) October 25, 2022
☑️ awareness
☑️ keeping eyes downfield
☑️ throwing on the run
☑️ throwing to his less favoured left
☑️ completion
lot to like – made some similar last year.
But this is now the baseline that needs to be reached most weeks, if theres Milage in mills#Texans pic.twitter.com/E95AbyEqpT
The success was largely supported by a growing run game, as the Texans O-Line improves under the stewardship of coach Warhop, they have become a far more proficient & willing run-blocking line. Their ability to clear lanes, with the emergence of Dameon Pierce, who’s reached over 500-yards through 6 games, is a major factor in team progression. The jump from blowouts to a series of close losses has been fulled by the run-game, requiring a true team effort.
like the stretch play from #Texans solid gain for Dameon.
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) October 25, 2022
Howard should have helped Brevin here. But should out for 9 for doing enough against Crosby, rest is blocked solidly.
Watch Brev's celebration as he see's Pierce get some space, guys pulling for one another!#Texans pic.twitter.com/YJTiC8qf50
A Far Sterner Set of Tests Await
The Texans are a self proclaimed “run-first team” but they are also a run dependant team. The Titans and Philadelphia are superior defences, ranked 3rd versus run and 4th overall, respectively by DVOA (footballoutsiders.com). Therefore, the glaring question will be answered: when limiting the run game, can the Texans continue to raise offensive performances & be competitive with two division leaders? It may appear rhetorical but will it provide a clearer barometer of Mills & team progression, rather than any potential post bye-week exceptions.
The comparisons of Mills versus his draft class need to be abdicated, as it’s entirely irrelevant as he steps under-centre each week. As tests against upper-end teams is a truer test of his viability. Rather than 400 yards against Raiders 3rd-worst passing defence in the league (DVOA), who have given up 7th most points per game, to date.
Underpowered Weapons, That May Weaken?
The time length of Nico Collins’ absence remains uncertain. A groin injury may prohibit him from meaningful action over these closely placed games. Further the questions around Cook’s drops, loss of form or reported trade-block status may leave the Texans without their top two wide-receivers. The undoubted impact of Jordan Atkins, who’s provided significant after-the-catch ability, will need to be relied upon. The recent signing of Tyron Johnson, who’s calling card is speed, combined with Phillip Dorsett may provide an avenue to stretch the field and alleviate some pressure off the run game.
J-Aitkin making things happen, in-part coutresy by 25 taking a chance with his angle to the ball.
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) October 25, 2022
But nice timely release by Mills, watching some of these throws then there's a stern level of competence & confidence that was void before the bye week.#Texans pic.twitter.com/hkxS85C5Gh
It can’t be argued that Mills was left under-served by the front office in terms of skill position talent. But what may just be a narrowly un-settled debate, is if Mills can elevate others, rather than being reliant upon them.
A Texans Sized Hole That Can’t be Covered
Mills cannot be simply judged on wins. This team’s deep flaws on both sides of the ball, exclude that from being a fair judgment. Particularly, as Houston’s run defence continues to be an abysmal line that opposing running-backs and motioning receivers break through with relative ease. They’ve already recorded a dizzying per-game average of 164.7 rushing-yard conceded, prior to meeting the proverbial buzzsaws of Philly & Tennessee. Neither will be a welcomed sight.
it might be a sensible plan vrs Tennessee to stack the box with 7/8 men and take your chance on the back end.
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) October 25, 2022
won't work versus Philly but selling out to stop Henry might be best means of hanging with them next week.#Texans pic.twitter.com/QgRBTRAHMX
Derrick Henry has 263 yards & 7 touchdowns in last three games against Houston. Stacking the box with 7 or 8 defenders and hoping the day’s of AJ Brown & anonymous tight-end’s being the resulting punishment are gone. The turnover at Titans skill positions have undoubtedly weakened them but it presents a faint hope to predicate Sunday’s game plan.
A Cross-Roads In The Season and Future Outlook
If the Texans are to lose, as expected, to Titans & Eagles, then the outlook on their flaws may have worsened. But in doing so this may give the whole team some freedom to experiment and understand every player in the building. As what they can offer in two years time becomes more important than the now. So development becomes paramount, even more so than it’s been.
Similarly, if Davis can come out of this double-header, playing on a short week, in a growing positive light, then it might be time to re-evaluate. But form what we’ve witnessed to date, the debut of the battle red helmet is a more probable highlight than any on-field success, beyond more rookie development & future hope.
Talking your Houston Texans, straight from the Great British Isles.
Episode 149 – Late Flags & 4th Quarter Fading
Joined by John Crumpler from USA Today/Texans Wire.
Talking the Texans lost to the Raiders. A series of late of late flags & coughed up ground-yards confined Houston to a loss in Vegas.
A season high from Mills wasn’t enough as Josh Jacobs steam rolled the Texans as their run defence continues to be woeful.
Talking Houston Texans Football Straight From The Great British Isles.
After 5 games, have the Texans improved? What lies ahead for the remainder of the 12 games? What does the front office need to see from this coaching staff & players to rebuild stronger than the last two off-seasons?
After 5 Games – What did we learn?
Week 1 – the Texans tied 20-20 with Indianapolis as the offence failed to capitalise on when the opponents gifted them a result, blowing a 17-point lead. Lovie Smith shied away from kicking a field goal and opted to defend for the tie, rather than entrusting his $4m-a-year kicker.
Week 2 – the 16-9 loss against a stuttering Denver offence & head coaching blunders, was another game squandered. The offence couldn’t muster a single touchdown and gradually faded. So much so, that Denver’s only 6 of the day, in the third quarter, effectively ended the contest. The defence held admirably but faded late, with overuse.
Week 3 – the late 23-20, 4th quarter loss, was gifted by Davis Mills air-mailing an interception into the chest of a Chicago linebacker, who then kicked the winning field-goal. Jalen Pitre announced himself to the league with a 2-interception game, but the defense gave up an ungodly 280-yards on the ground. And despite Chicago’s offensive struggles the Texans offence stalled too often & continued their ineptness in the 4th quarter.
Week 4 – an abject start left Houston down 21-points to Justin Herbert’s Chargers. Despite drawing within three points, their inability to convert a red-zone fumble into a 7, saw the game drift away. The Texans settling for a field-goal, allowed L.A. to drive the field with considerable ease. Houston’s offence found some sporadic flashes but it was too infrequent to consider win-worthy, for a 4th consecutive week, 34-24 the final.
Week 5 – Houstons first win (13-6) was a product of the defence’s best outing to date, holding the Jaguars to 6-points, turning the ball over 5 times, negating the need for more than the 13-points put up by the Dameon Pierce lead offence. The running back’s highlight play sealed it, as he bounced off 7 would-be tacklers to set up 1st & goal, before punching it home two plays later. It was not a reliable winning formula but removing the winless tag, was an important one for coaching staff and players.
Area’s of Focus Post Bye Week
DEFENSE
The lack of pace in this rebuild is concerning. It will take time but they have to getting younger and faster, which is needed no more so than at linebacker. Garrett Wallow & Christian Harris need to be battled tested after this season, to avoid facing the need for three new starting linebackers.
hard to see the downside in giving Wallow as many snaps as possible of the D for the remainder of the year.
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) October 11, 2022
none of the other LB who were out there Sunday can make a play like this – helped stall Jags drive after a couple of solid gains.#Texans pic.twitter.com/vaJLRPGCDh
The drop in play from Roy Lopez has been notable, can he get back to the levels of late in the ’22 season where he looked highly promising? As his inability to defend the run, having his pads consistently turned towards the sideline with limited rush ability, are adding Defensive-Tackle to the team’s endless list.
Roy Freaking Lopez – most excited of all the rookies in terms of his future. Strike, Drive, leverage of his body angle, play recognition. against a Pro-bowl type tackle in Lewan.
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) January 11, 2022
Love to see where he takes his game in year 2 – technique for days. So advanced as a rook.#Texans pic.twitter.com/TM4tqd2Zr9
OFFENSE
The Texans have a big decision to make with BOTH their tackles this off-season. The cap/cash hit makes Laremey Tunsil either a risky trade candidate where his contract will limit other clubs willingness to give up draft capital or an he can be extended. His pass-protection has never been in doubt. But the improvements or willingness in the run-game has been a stark improvement. With his play being at such a high level, it has justified a 3 or 4 year extension, at a crucial position.
Tytus Howard is similarly putting together a nice year and has shown developments under new coach George Warhop. The 2019 1st-round pick is set to play out the ’23 season on a fully guaranteed 5th year option. Being in a position to lock-up both players as book-ends would be a sign of stability and direction this re-build currently lacks. Whilst allowing consideration of how they address the interior of the line, as a solid OL group is something all good teams boast.
Tytus has been getting up and running in a big year for his future with the #Texans.
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) October 11, 2022
Development in run-game will be on FO's mind when decding how they move forward.
Combo-blocks w/60 on the DT, OJ handling Walker, then goes back to the lane to move 23.
Like it. pic.twitter.com/rfpcccMqwl
Can Nico Collins handle a workload? Although he currently leads the team in yards, there’s a constant cry to hive him more touches. The inconsistencies perhaps preclude him from WR1 consideration but can he prove to become a reliable weapon? The flashes are clear & fear of over-working should be dismissed. Looking his way, in the context of diminishing returns from Cooks, has to be a focus. Otherwise the position may be completely overhauled.
when they actually go to Nico – it can look smooth and care free. Doing it more often, is the trouble. maybe even go as far as something that can keep Mills playing time viable as right now, the O is too variable and inconsistent. #Texans pic.twitter.com/6gset4OEjU
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) September 27, 2022
There’s limited doubt about Dameon Pierce as a starting calibre tail-back but keeping him healthy will be vital. Overworking a running back, within the context of this season, would be short-sighted. So finding more players they can trust to take some carries, seems like an inevitable move. However, based on record of this team’s management of the position, it’s a viable concern.
it can be a beautiful game, at times!
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) October 4, 2022
long-speed, burst, blocking executed perfectly on a simple play design.
just hope they preserve DP for when it matters.#Texans pic.twitter.com/sHNkjiCvPG
The Tight-End position is one that has churned over unexpectedly with the release of Pharaoh Brown. The return of Brevin Jordan should be watched with intrigue as he must show he can outplay Jordan Atkins who, after his release form the Giants has undoubtedly looked the team’s best pass-catching option at the position. Tight-End is a multi-year acclimation but Brevin must show he’s worth the teams faith going into next year as an F-TE. As the primary blocking role may have been filled by O.J. Howard as the teams primary Y-TE. Not forgetting the wildcard of Teagan Qintoriano, he could be something, he could be nothing. But we can’t afford to not find out.
It took 8 weeks for the #Texans to play rookie TE Brevin Jordan. Whatever reason you want to believe as to why, I dont have the energy to argue, but he should’ve been playing earlier. Glad he’s showing his stuff now. pic.twitter.com/OIQnRMkBm7
— Jordan Pun (@Texans_Thoughts) November 28, 2021
Continued Rookie Development
There’s no doubting the clear potential of Derek Stingley, Kenyon Green & Jalen Pitre. They’ve all had high’s and lows as they navigate the climb from college to become a certified pro. But lasting & significant progress towards genuine competitiveness for Houston would be if, Caserio can check-off three cornerstone position. A depth chart with a lock-down corner, a mauling left guard and play-making safety are three facets the Texans have rarely had the luxury of calling upon all at once.
this maybe sting's best rep. just brings so much more value pressed up at the line, using his frame and speed combo.
— Turn Up For Watt? Podcast (@PodcastTexans) October 4, 2022
little overthrown sure but Williams one of the best and he hangs in there, does just enough not to foul.#Texans pic.twitter.com/BP5eAeA0zS
Practice Squad Raiding
This squad’s needs at premium positions will need to wait until the draft and may be partly eased, yet not solved in free-agency. However, any player with a semblance of value should be explored and given game time. Picking guys from practice squads is not a straightforward process and requires some luck but any pay-off would far outweigh any risk. A luxury that ownership may well not accept beyond this year.
Post Bye Week Outlook
2022 has shown that the Texans progress is not ahead of schedule by any means. A consecutive free agent class has been expensive paying limited dividends. The investments made via the draft will take time to mature but the early outlook is positive. Davis Mills has nearly all but proven he’s incapable of leading a team to wins, so their plans at quarterback remains a mystery. And Caserio faces more questions about the remainder of the roster than he can possibly address in a single off-season. So any utilisation of the remaining games to uncover even modest levels of talent, would help ease his ever lengthening talent wish-list.
Talking your Houston Texans, straight from the Great British Isles.
Episode 148 – Texans Go Country Boy On The Jags
Joined by Cody Johnson of the Lead Houston Sports, to talk the Texans win in Duval County.
As the defence holds Trevor Lawrence to 6 points and Dameon Pierce has his signature play, in front of his home crowd.
After the first win of the season (finally) what does this change for the outlook of the team for the remainder of the season & beyond.
Talking Houston Texans Football Straight From The Great British Isles.
Talking your Houston Texans, straight from the Great British Isles.
Episode 147 – Another Variation On A Theme For The Texans
Joined by Jeremy Branham on ESPN 97.5 show the Killer Bee’s.
We Talking the only winless team in the NFL after the loss to the Chargers, where this leaves these players, the coaching staff & the front office.
It’s hard to see a win coming, as the Texans, Mills and this young team look promising but devoid of winning instinct.
Talking Houston Texans Football Straight From The Great British Isles.
Talking your Houston Texans, straight from the Great British Isles.
Episode 146 – A Late INT Leaves Texans Empty Handed In Chicago
Joined by Shaun Bijani from Radio 610 to talk Houston Texans late loss to the Chicago Bears.
Can we see the positive glimmers within these competitive loses?
As Mills, Pep & the offence grind to a halt, the Texans drop another close game, where it seemed the harder option to choose.
Where has a it gone wrong for the O? Why does the Defence continue to pleasantly surprise?
We ask, just after any loss – where do we go from here? A lot find out but a lot has been established already & much needs to change.
Talking Houston Texans Football Straight From The Great British Isles.
Talking your Houston Texans, straight from the Great British Isles.
Episode 145 – It Ends In A Tie, As Lovie’s Texans Shy Away From The Dub
Joined by Ron “The Show” Hughley to talk the Houston Texans 20-20 tie against the Indianapolis Colts.
In a game where Indy did everything to throw the game away, the Texans offence stalls for over 27 mins in an odd game, even for week 1.
Talking Houston Texans Football Straight From The Great British Isles.
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