SEAN GARZA'S TEXAN TUESDAY REPORT - SEAN GARZA - SEPTEMBER 7, 2010

Texan Tuesday



The tune-ups are done and the Texans are ready to begin their 2010 campaign with their season and home opener Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts. Now, the starters are pretty much set for Game 1 and you wouldn’t expect to see any of them in their last game. However, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th string guys had a chance to display their talent, not only for the Texans, but for the entire NFL with roster cuts coming the following day.

First off, Dan Orlovsky started the game and was expected to play the majority of the game. He started out 8 for his first 8 and began to show his doubters why he belonged as the Texans backup quarterback. His next pass was completed to Corey Lynch for a touchdown. Never heard of Corey Lynch you say? Well, he plays for the Bucs and he returned Orlovsky’s pass for a long TD.

Later in the game, Orlovsky apparently thought that Lynch didn’t get enough practice because he threw another interception to him. “Oh-no”lovsky finished the game 11-16 for 113 yards and 2 interceptions. That is why he is the backup. Let’s all hope Matt Schaub can stay healthy for the entire year and dazzle us again.

As the 3rd quarter started, 3rd string QB John David Booty came in and it’s almost as if the offense ran more smoothly. Almost as if someone actually knew what they were doing. Booty threw the ball crisply and without error. He also threw two touchdowns to bring the Texans within striking distance of a win, however his 4th down pass couldn’t be brought in. Booty finished the game 17 for 37 for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns. After that game, I almost for sure thought that the battle for backup QB could be cloudy with the play of Booty.


On offense, the running looked spotty. Chris Henry and Jeremiah Johnson received the majority of the carries and didn’t blow me away. Henry ran the ball 16 times for 51 yards (3.2 yards per carry) and Johnson had 3 carries for 20 yards (6.7 yards per carry) before leaving the game with a toe injury. I at least expected Henry to show something playing against backups and he didn’t show much.

On a positive swing, James Casey showed me that he needs to be included in the offense somewhere. Anywhere. This guy can flat out play. Casey showed good route running and great hands hauling in 8 catches for 81 yards. The Texans are very deep at TE, but they should really look into involving Casey because he is too talented to be sitting on the bench.


On defense, the front line did not look good. Tampa Bay is not expected to be a great team this year, but after watching the front line of the Texans you’d think they lead the league in rushing. It wasn’t a mind blowing statistic for the Bucs, but when Kareem Huggins rushes for 37 yards for 6 carries (6.2 yards per carry) then something is wrong for sure.

The secondary wasn’t all that great. I was greatly disappointed in Jacques Reeves. After giving up a touchdown in the 4th quarter, Reeves still has this problem of not turning around and looking for the ball while it’s in the air. I’m almost positive I have seen high school players play better than Jacques.

Lastly, the kicking battle may have shown a victor. Neil Rackers was perfect on a 21-yard field goal and an extra point. Kris Brown, missing on a long, long field goal, probably kicked his last as a Houston Texan.


Now, to be real and fair the majority of the players playing on Thursday night won’t see the field for the Texans or the majority of teams unless there are injuries. Some of them are likely heading for the practice squad. I was curious to see who was coming and who was going as the cut to get down to 53 players came down.

On Saturday, the official list of cuts came down from the Texans and are as follows:


Jack Corcoran FB Rutgers
Derek Fine TE Kansas
Isaiah Greenhouse LB Northwestern State
Brett Helms C LSU
Steve Maneri T Temple
Mark Parson CB Ohio University
Will Patterson LB Indiana
Cole Pemberton T Colorado State
Nicholas Polk S Indiana
DelJuan Robinson DT Mississippi State
Malcolm Sheppard DT Arkansas
Adam Stenavich T Michigan
Derrick Townsel WR Murray State
Mitch Unrein DT Wyoming
Chris White C Southern Mississippi
Bobby Williams WR North Alabama
Torri Williams S Purdue
John David Booty QB USC
Jacques Reeves CB Purdue
Chris Henry RB Arizona
Jeremiah Johnson RB Oregon

Along with those cuts, WR Andre Davis and K Kris Brown were both placed on I.R. (Injured Reserve) and TE Anthony Hill was placed on P.U.P (Physically Unable to Perform). Now, with the cut of both RB’s Jeremiah Johnson and Chris Henry, the Texans worked out and signed former New York Giant and Tampa Bay Buccaneer RB Derrick Ward. Ward will probably be third on the depth chart behind Steve Slaton and start Arian Foster.


On Sunday, the Texans announced the release of LB Danny Clark who was originally brought in to replace Brian Cushing for the first four games of the season due to his suspension. They also claimed second year LB David Nixon and rookie CB Jamar Wall.

Also, it’s been confirmed that the Texans have signed to a one-year deal with former Arizona Cardinal QB Matt Leinart. I’m mixed on this particular signing. To me, Leinart hasn’t proved anything positive since he’s been in the league. He had the opportunity to learn a lot under Kurt Warner, but it has appeared to go in one ear and out the other. Although, I’m curious if Gary Kubiak can work with him and make him a respectable backup. I’m not sure how much better or worse he is than Dan Orlovsky, but I’m not real thrilled with either one at this point.

Finally, the Texans open up their season with the Colts on Sunday. Both teams are healthy and have everyone that they should (except Brian Cushing). Again, I’m going out there and saying that the Texans will beat the Colts on opening weekend. Call it what you want, but I think the Texans have the tools, talent, and attitude they need to finally notch another win against the Colts. GO TEXANS!


HMW

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