WEEKLY TEXAN REPORT: TENNESSEE TITANSWritten by: Sean GarzaDate posted: 12/22/2010
It is bad enough that the Texans have managed to drop six of their last seven games and have basically written the book, “Every Way to Lose a Football Game”. The only light shining, dimly I might add, is the fact that while swirling down the playoff drain the Texans managed their best game of the season with a shutout of the Tennessee Titans a few weeks earlier. Not to mention the fact Texans WR Andre Johnson and Titans CB Cortland Finnegan went “Fight Club” on each other during the game resulting in an ejection for both players. Sunday, the Texans had the opportunity to up their conference record to 3-2 and stay out of last place in the AFC South with Round Two against the Titans. Apparently, the Titans didn’t forget the whooping they took because they came out of the box aggressively. If Tennessee wanted to make a statement, they did. In the first quarter alone, the Titans put up three touchdowns to put the Texans down early, 21-0. QB Kerry Collins hit Nate Washington and Justin Gage for short TD passes followed by an 11-yard Chris Johnson TD run. This of course is no surprise to the artists formerly known as “Texans Fan”. The offense's inability to get things going in the first half of ball games has gone from “it’s just one game” to “What is wrong with the offense” to finally “what else is on TV?” In typical Texans fashion, kicker Neil Rackers added three points to bring the Texans within 18 as the first half was coming to a close. The Titans were making a final drive in the first half when the Texans were flagged with a personal foul penalty for Brian Cushing’s helmet coming off. After looking at the replay, his helmet was taken off during a fight with his teammate Antonio Smith. Great! First, we’re fighting with the opposing team; now we’re fighting with each other. The Texans have done it. They have given up and are now fighting among themselves.
With the third quarter starting, the Texans found themselves down, 24-3. The Texans picked up where the second halves normally start, which is with a touchdown pass to Andre Johnson. The Texans have pulled within two touchdowns and should be poised to make a run as usual. Tennessee responded with a 7-yard TD run by Javon Ringer to increase the lead to 21. The 4th quarter is primarily where the Texans do the majority of their damage because NFL games, in their eyes, only run two quarters. However, on this day, the Texans were unable to put together some solid possessions and only managed to put together seven points in the 4th quarter with a 4-yard TD pass to Kevin Walter. At the end of the day, the Texans put themselves in prime position for a great spot……in the draft. Their record has fallen to a miserable 5-9 with two games remaining against Denver and at home vs. Jacksonville. It is very possible that we are looking at a 6-10 season.
The NFL’s leading rusher Arian Foster was only able to put together 15 yards on 11 carries. As of right now, the Texans are a mess in all aspects. The offense is underachieving with the talent they have. They have a top tier running back in Arian Foster and a top tier wide receiver in Andre Johnson. Matt Schaub has proved that he can stay healthy for 16 games for two straight seasons, however, he has not played well this year and Owen Daniels can be a major weapon in this kind of offense if he can stay healthy and stop worrying about a contract.
Gary Kubiak and Rick Dennison have a great amount of talent on that side of the ball and are wasting it; however, they are far from blame when it comes to the team’s lack of success. The defense needs to be revamped. First, Frank Bush needs to be relieved of his duties as the defensive coordinator. They have obviously not responded to criticism by the media, fans, and hopefully, the coaches. They are not only having trouble with the complex scheme, but also the basics. Tackling is a major concern. Too many times I have a watched a game and watched defenders “bump” offensive players like bumper cars in hopes to knock them down as opposed to wrapping them up and hitting the ground. Their inability to stay within “making a play” range on receivers when the ball is thrown is also a concern, especially with a very youthful secondary. The absence of DeMeco Ryans hurts the linebacking corps, but Brian Cushing doesn’t appear to show the “game making” plays he did a year ago. Believe what you want on why, but he hasn’t played to expectations. 
The theme of the year is underachievement. The players and coaches have not done what they need to for the team to be successful. I will not say that Kubiak has lost the team, however, I will say I think it’s time for a change at the top. Rumors in the streets say that former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher is interested in the Texans because they have talent and just need to be pointed in the right direction. I’m assuming also they need a swift kick in the a$$ when things are not done well in a game. I’m sure there will be other viable candidates if Gary is let go, but the power of Cowher could be what they truly need.SEAN GARZAHMW
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The theme of the year is underachievement. The players and coaches have not done what they need to for the team to be successful. I will not say that Kubiak has lost the team, however, I will say I think it’s time for a change at the top. 
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