Battle Red Blog

Texans Lose To The Colts, What Else Is New?

2009-11-09T19:36:05Z

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

The Indianapolis Colts pushed their series record against the Houston Texans to 14-1 on Sunday. As that record indicates, the Colts have regularly dismembered the eight year old franchise en route to multiple AFC South Championships. Even though the result was the same, this didn't feel like the normal Colts vs. Texans match up. This may still be a little raw for many Texans fans who saw Kris Brown's 42 yard field goal sail just wide left, but here is what I saw of note from Sunday.

I was worried that we would lose this game, but if you told me Saturday that the defense would outplay Gary Kubiak's offense, "disbelief" is an understatement of what I would have felt. To say that a game in which the opposing quarterback threw 50 times for 38 completions and 318 yards is successful is bold, especially since the tight end set a franchise record for 14 catches and 119 yards, but I believe that was the case. In a pre-game post I wrote that the defense would have to adopt a "bend don't break" philosophy against the Colts, and that's exactly what they did. It was FAR from a perfect effort, but they gave the offense a few chances to win that game.

Antonio Smith - I feel that everyone maligning Smith as an overpaid free agent are watching different Texans games than I am. Smith added one sack to his tally, but his regular pressure forced many early throws from Peyton Manning as well as set up Mario Williams for a sack of his own. He seems to be getting better as the season progresses.

Connor Barwin - I've been huge on this guy since he was drafted, and I still feel that he will be a valuable contributor once he learns more than a speed rush, but those two penalties were unacceptable. Barwin is a smart guy, so for him to put the team in those situations, especially the infraction that gave the Colts field position at around the 50 in the fourth quarter, is frustrating.

Brian Cushing - For the first time since the beginning of the season, Cushing looked like a rookie. Frank Bush kept Cushing on the field for all downs despite Dallas Clark shattering his career record of receptions. It seemed that Bush was willing to concede the soft underneath throws to ensure the defense continued to stymie the run by selling out against it. The Texans played the run well again, holding Joseph Addai for only 63 rushing yards, although he did get a touchdown and 49 receiving yards that were part of the previously mentioned underneath routes.

DeMeco Ryans - I guess Rick Smith will not negotiate with Ryans for a new contract until after the season, even though Ryans increases his value every game.

Bernard Pollard - By far the best game he's played in a Texans uniform, and was the most valuable player on defense. The dig on Pollard coming out of Kansas City was that he was a liability in coverage, but he helped disspell that notion with two interceptions, three pass deflections and nine tackles. Granted, one of the interceptions came off a terrible play call involving a lame duck pass from Reggie Wayne. All the same, how silly do the Chiefs look for cutting this guy?

Glover Quin - Quin is playing extremely well, especially for a rookie. He is physical, which can possibly get him into trouble sometimes, but I love the reckless abandon he plays with. Several of his 4 pass breakups were on pivotal plays which allowed the Texans defense to get off the field. Call me crazy, but I think that he's the best corner back we have on the roster right now followed by Jacques Reeves and then Dunta Robinson. Whether you agree with my order or not, I think it's hard to argue that Dunta deserves to make 10 million dollars this season.

Matt Schaub - Schaub seems to be developing a tendency to start games slowly. Not many people would have thought he was in for a 75% completion, 311 yard day after the first quarter. The second interception was caused by a hit, but the first was because Matt locked onto his receiver and then threw into triple coverage. The Texans have now been outscored 47 to 31 in the first quarter, which is partially because Schaub's performance.

Andre Johnson - 10 catches for 103 yards on paper won't blow anyone's skirt up, but those catches were amazingly clutch. Johnson gets better when more is on the line. 4 of his 6 receptions in the second half were on third down and all of those produced first downs. Also, it speaks volumes that Schaub and Kubiak had the confidence in Johnson to throw to him on fourth and 1.

Jacoby Jones - Don't look now, but someone is becoming a wide receiver. I probably just jinxed him.

Duane Brown - Brown is much better than his rookie season, but Dwight Freeney showed him and us that he still has progress to be made.

Ryan Moats/Steve Slaton - Many of the offense's inabilities to sustain drives were due to lack of production in the running game. This wasn't completely Moats or Slaton's fault, although seeing both on the field in the same game made Moats appear as more of the one-cut back at this point. Slaton is more explosive in the open field and probably a better receiver, but the fumbles need to stop for more than one game splitting time before his starting role is given back.

Lastly, I have a huge bone to pick with the coaching staff. Without even seeing the replay, I was scared that Moats fumbled the ball before being downed/going out of bounds and was screaming for Schaub to snap the ball. Watching him run out the clock until the two minute warning was like watching a scene in a bad horror movie when you know exactly what is coming and are powerless to stop it. I just don't understand how if a majority of fans watching in their living rooms can tell it might be a fumble, how no one on the entire Texans coaching staff couldn't determine the same thing and made sure the next play was executed with haste. Although there are employees of the team charged with watching for the booth for challangeable plays, this ultimately falls on Kubiak's shoulders.

Colts 20, Texans 17: Rants and Raves Thread

2009-11-08T21:11:43Z

Why, Kris Brown, why?

Texans vs Colts coverage

Open Game Day Thread: Houston v. Indianapolis: 4th Quarter Thread

2009-11-08T20:22:59Z

I've got 911 on hold.

Texans vs Colts coverage

Open Game Day Thread: Houston v. Indianapolis: 3rd Quarter Thread

2009-11-08T19:50:21Z

Peyton Manning on track to throw 80 passes, Dallas Clark to catch over 20. And we're still in it? Well, yeah. It's 13-3 after an atrocious half of football.

Texans vs Colts coverage

Open Game Day Thread: Houston v. Indianapolis: 2nd Quarter Thread

2009-11-08T18:43:19Z

It's only the 2nd quarter. Lots of game left.

Texans vs Colts coverage

Open Game Day Thread: Houston v. Indianapolis

2009-11-08T14:00:23Z

Finally, after a rather busy week of exchanges with Colts fans (when and where it was permitted, that is), it's here. Your Houston Texans head to Indianpolis in search of the first win in franchise history within the Hoosier State. The odds and Peyton Manning are against them, but we should find out much more about how the Texans stack up against the best of the best today. Let's see what we shall see.

As always, leave your pre-game, in-game, and post-game ruminations and meditations in the Comments below. GO TEXANS!

Texans vs Colts coverage

Ryan Moats Will Start Against The Colts

2009-11-08T04:05:12Z

Per John McClain, Ryan Moats is getting the start in Indianapolis tomorrow. Steve Slaton's repeated inability to hang onto the ball has cost him the starting gig, though he's still expected to see action against the Colts.

This isn't really a surprise to most Texans fans, especially after how Moats performed in Buffalo and Kubes' well documented history of dealing harshly with fumblers. For fantasy football players who don't live and die with the Texans, however, this might come as a shock. The only words of solace I can offer Slaton owners (one of whom I was until Thursday afternoon) is that I fully expect this to be a temporary move, and I'd be more surprised than not if Slaton wasn't starting again after the bye. Share your thoughts on the new depth chart at RB in the Comments below.

Texans vs Colts coverage

CHFF On Matt Schaub

2009-11-07T16:37:58Z

CHFF On Matt Schaub

Put into a historical context, Matt Schaub's career passing yards per attempt could be an omen of very good things to come for your Houston Texans. Worth a read.

An Outsider's Review of Reliant Stadium

2009-11-07T16:14:30Z

An Outsider's Review of Reliant Stadium

Stadium Journey just chimed in with their review of the home of your Houston Texans. With several people planning to make their first pilgrimage to Reliant for MNF in a couple of weeks, this might make for some interesting reading. Enjoy.

Three And Out: Useless Predictions For Sunday's Game

2009-11-06T21:35:45Z

Last week, yours truly correctly predicted that (1) Jacques Reeves would have an interception and (2) Matt Schaub's streak of turnover-less football would end. Pretty good, right? Kindly ignore the misplaced faith in Steve Slaton's hands, Owen Daniels' health, Schaub's ability to limit his turnovers to one, and/or Kevin Walter's reincorporation into the offense. Nothing to see there, friends. Don't let the misfirings get in the way of admiring my brilliance.

My crystal ball (which may or may not be an empty can of Coors Light) reveals that the following shall come to pass on Sunday in Indianapolis:

1. Ryan Moats will get the start and finish with 13 carries for 57 yards, as well as 3 receptions for 27 yards. Steve Slaton will finish with 9 carries for 64 yards and 4 receptions for 36 yards. Slaton will find the end zone, but he will also put the ball on the carpet again. And then we will be treated to two (2) weeks of chatter about whether Slaton should start on Monday Night Football against Bud Adams' Army of Darkness. Yippee.

2. If the Colts get the ball to start the game, I can't shake the feeling that Peyton Manning's going to have them up 14-0 before we know what happened. If the Texans get the ball to start the game, there will not be a two TD lead at any point all afternoon by either team. Needless to say, I'm going to be paying close attention to the coin toss. Personally, I'd go with tails.

3. The Colts are ravaged with injuries to their secondary, and Matt Schaub's going to take full advantage of it when Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis aren't in his grill. Schaub finishes with 284 yards passing, complete with 3 TDs and 1 INT. He'll also be dropped a total of three (3) times by the Indy defense. Owen Daniels is gone, but Joel Dreessen and Kevin Walter will pick up his slack. Between the two of them, they will account for 122 receiving yards and a TD.

PUT YOUR NAME ON IT: All hyperbole about this being the biggest game in franchise history aside, your Houston Texans are playing with house money on Sunday. No one expects them to beat the mighty Colts on the road. And with good reason--the Texans have never done it before. Unfortunately, I think this is the week that the Texans secondary gets exposed. I mean, it's Peyton Manning; he's the best QB in the league, and the Texans have yet to face a QB in the same zip code of excellence as the one in which Peyton resides. He's going to be the difference, though I think the Texans are going to make it tough on him, particularly in shutting down the Colts' running attack. Texans 24, Colts 30.

Texans vs Colts coverage

Bernard Pollard: One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

2009-11-06T16:05:18Z

More photos » by Matt York - AP

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Safety has been a position of need pretty much since the Texans inception in 2002. Eric Brown, Glenn Earl, Jason Simmons, C.C. Brown, Nick Ferguson, Dominique Barber and John Busing are just some of the names who came and didn't work out at the spot. But something odd has happened this season. Houston seems to have finally found someone who has shored up the Strong Safety position well. Extremely well.

I remember watching NFL Network right near the end of preseason for the names of all the final roster cuts for every team. There were obviously several names that I immediately put on my "Texans Wish List." One of those names was former Kansas City Chief, Bernard Pollard.

By the end of Week 1 of the 2008 season, almost everyone knew who Bernard Pollard was. While it wasn’t necessarily for his play on the field. It was more for being known as the man who ended the season of Patriots QB Tom Brady. Not that his play on the field was lackluster.

I have several co-workers at my office who are Purdue alumni, and I remember one of them mentioning Bernard Pollard while he was still playing for the Boilermakers. He was referred to as "The Bonecrusher" for his really physical play and devastating hits in college. Something that earned him honors as a first day draft pick, going in the 2^ndround and #54 overall to Kansas City.

After starting every game and leading The Chiefs with 98 tackles in 2008, I think it surprised almost everyone when his name was on the final cuts list at the end of camp this year. Especially Chiefs fans.

With us staring a year of Dominique Barber and John Busing at safety in the face, I hoped Houston would take a flyer on him. And that they did. So far, it seems to have been one of the smartest in-season pickups the Smithiak regime has ever had. Since being inserted as a starter, Houston is No. 1 in the league against the rush.

By this point, everyone is scratching their heads and wondering why Kansas City let him go. When asked about it, Pollard simply says that he was just as confused and surprised as everyone else:

"It was very difficult," he said. "You don't know what's going on. You don't know who said what about you. You don't know how they labeled you. When you don't know, that's the worst thing."

When credited for Houston’s defensive revival, Pollard is humble and gives his teammates credit by saying that he is just another piece to an already great defense.

Another Purdue alum, Jacques Reeves, says that he isn’t at all surprised about Pollard’s huge impact on the defense:

"I knew what kind of player he was and I figured he would come in here and make an impact," Reeves said. "I don't know what else went along with him being cut, but I do know he is a good player and he's playing good for us."

A month ago this guy was looking for a job. Someone to give him a shot. Most agree that he is making the most of the opportunity.

"I just want to play football," he said. "I want to be able to show management or teammates what I'm able to do. You know what they say; one man's trash is another man's treasure. I'm thankful for where I'm at."

And most Texans fans are thankful to have him here.

However, as always, there are detractors. There are some who say he will give up the big play to try to make a big hit. In fact, I even remember him on 790 AM here in Houston saying:

"You just got to establish yourself....let them know that I'm going to hit the ever-loving **** out of them. Sorry to say that, but that's how I feel, that’s how I play."

Sorry, but what fan isn’t going to like hearing a player for their team say that? Along with Brian Cushing, Pollard has given the Texans defense a swagger and a mean streak that we have never seen out of this team before.

I say lock the guy up. He is only 24 (25 in about a month and a half) and in his prime. I know there are many who are worried he is just another Will Demps. And that could be true. But you don’t want to have the fix in your hands and let him walk next season. Pollard talks about how much he likes it here and the direction the team is headed. Unfortunately, there are going to be many other contract renewals and extensions to worry about this offseason. But let Rick Smith worry about that. It’s his job, not ours. Just like Pollard’s is to keep knocking the ever-loving **** out of ‘em, and the contract will take care of itself.

Bob Sanders Hurt Again

2009-11-06T15:12:16Z

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

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Bob Sanders not only missed his second straight day of practice for an elbow he injured in the game against San Francisco, but he also flew to Alabama to see the famous Dr. James Andrews. That can't be a great sign that Sanders couldn't wait until the day after the game, which NFL teams don't generally use to practice, to make this visit.

Sanders is quickly becoming a tragic figure. He is undoubtedly one of the best defensive players in the league when healthy enough to actually play. The problem is that since his first full season as a starter (2005), he has played in just 41 games out of a possible 71. As much as I wish to see a safety of Sanders' talent playing for the Texans someday, I would imagine it would be excruciating to know you have that kind of player but he can only get on the field about half the time. Colts fans, I'm very curious to hear your reaction to Sanders' continuous injury woes.

Texans Five on Five: Week Nine

2009-11-05T15:44:26Z

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

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Many people are calling the game on Sunday between the Texans and the Colts the biggest football game for the City of Houston since the Oilers played there. The Texans have their best record in franchise history but are staring down the barrel of an undefeated Colts team. The Texans will have to play close to perfect to come away with what would be the most important win in their history thus far. These are the five matchups I feel will make or break the Texans on Sunday.

1. Amobi Okoye vs. Mike Pollak - Pollak, the Colts' right guard, had issues last week against San Francisco. The 49ers' defensive line was able to get penetration early and often, which did not allow Manning to step up in the pocket. Even though the Niners lost, I think they showed exactly what we need from Amobi Okoye this week--penetration.

2. Dunta Robinson vs. Reggie Wayne - I hate this matchup. I have visions of Wayne running loose all over the place on Sunday. Last time I said that Robinson had to prove he was worth the money he demands, he was burned for 5 receptions for 103 yards and a lengthy pass interference penalty to boot while covering Chad Ochocinco. Dunta will have to limit Wayne as best he can if he wants a leg to stand on next time he writes on his shoes.

3. Duane Brown vs. Dwight Freeney - Last year, Freeney abused Brown for three sacks in two games. That means that roughly 30% of Freeney's sacks in 2008 came at the expense of Brown in his rookie season. Brown has probably been the most improved player on the offense and a big reason that Matt Schaub has performed so well. Brown needs to continue to give Schaub the time he needs despite the history he has with Freeney.

4. Steve Slaton/Ryan Moats vs. Clint Session - The Colts have given up the fewest points in the NFL, but opponents have rushed for an average of 4.5 yards per carry against them. Outside linebacker Clint Session has the second most tackles on the team, but safety Antoine Bethea has the most, and it's never a good sign to have a member of your secondary lead that category. Whoever runs between the combo of Slaton and Moats needs to run well in order to open up the passing game.

5. Frank Bush vs. Peyton Manning - Everyone knows this is the guy you need to at least slow down in order to have a chance. If you blitz him too much, he'll gouge you with huge plays. If you don't apply any pressure, he'll nickel and dime you all the way down the field. Bush will have to come up with the right mixture to try to limit #18 as much as possible. Even though 347 yards passing doesn't sound like a bad day, San Francisco was able to frustrate Peyton for zero touchdowns. Three words will have to sum up the Texans defensive philosophy on Sunday--"Bend, Don't Break."

Texans vs Colts coverage

Shiny, Huggy, Rainbow Unicorns Happy Love Part 2 Colts Thread of Love

2009-11-05T13:33:52Z

Part I was probably the best pre-game football discussion thread in the history of man. Or close to it, at least.

Here's another discussion thread for the smackdown between your JUGGERNAUT and the Colts. 1000 comments was breaking the Interwebz, and breaking stuff is CFHTim's sole (soul?) duty.

Texans vs Colts coverage

Brian Cushing Named AFC Defensive Player Of The Week

2009-11-04T22:49:20Z

For the second time in three weeks, no less (tip o' the cap to Bobobigbro). From the official website, a few tidbits:

Cushing (6-3, 265) led the Texans with 10 tackles and had one sack, one pass defensed and an interception against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The interception was his second of the season and sealed the Texans' 31-10 victory.

The last rookie to win multiple weekly NFL awards was Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month twice in 2007. Peterson was a consensus choice for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year that season.

The last defensive player to win two weekly awards was Ravens safety Ed Reed in 2008. Reed was a consensus All-Pro and finished third in voting for AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Cushing leads all rookies and ranks fifth in the NFL with 66 tackles this season. He has led or tied for the team lead in tackles six times in eight games.

When you're keeping company with Adrian Peterson and Ed Reed, as a rookie, you just might have a future in this league, no matter what a moronic blogger says about you. Congratulations to Cush.

Ask Some Colts Fans

2009-11-04T03:25:36Z

Usually someone more important from Stampede Blue starts this, but apparently they are a little slow this week, so I'll be doing this.

Obviously, we all know that this is a HUGE game for the Texans and the Colts. The Colts are trying to keep a firm grasp on the division, conference, and league, and the Texans are going for the upset over a division rival. I've seen this described by some people as "the biggest game in franchise history" for the Texans, but I guess you guys would know better than me and everyone else I've heard talk about this game.

This is definitely the best Texans team in franchise history at this point, and the Colts are keeping up a winning tradition by starting 7-0 for the fourth time in five years. Even with Owen Daniels and Anthony Gonzalez out, this should be an offensive battle.

So if you have any questions about the Colts, here is the place to ask. This always gets good responses and is very interesting, so this should be fun. A lot of Colts fans will be coming by here to answer questions, so you should get your responses quickly. At Stampede Blue we have a dedicated (insane) group of people that will almost always be around to answer questions.

Fire away, Texans fans.

UPDATE FROM TIM: Thanks to the Colts fans for doing this; I've returned the favor over at Stampede Blue with this FanPost. Head on over there to see what they're asking about and feel free to chime in with answers of your own.

UPDATE THE SECOND FROM TIM: BigBlueShoe has decided to lock our FanPost over at Stampede Blue "because the chatter at Battle Red Blog has gotten a bit out of control." He has further encouraged his writers and readers not to comment or post over here. While I vehemently disagree with his decision, Stampede Blue is BBS' domain, and there's nothing I can do about it. What I can do, however, is keep this thread open for fans of the Texans and Colts to continue the discussion, even if we're not permitted to do so over at Stampede Blue. And that I shall do. Keep on keepin' on.

BRB's Comcastic Red Zone Review: Texans v. Bills

2009-11-04T13:00:21Z

Brought to you by Comcast's Red Zone Channel, a quick look at how your Houston Texans fared in the red zone last week in the win at Buffalo:

Trips to Red Zone: 5
Scores in Red Zone: 5 (3 TDs from Ryan Moats and 2 FGs by Kris Brown in the red zone)
Red Zone Efficiency: 100%

Texans vs Bills coverage
Texans vs Bills recap

Texans NFL Power Rankings Week 9

2009-11-04T01:19:31Z

More photos » by Mike Groll - AP

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At the end of Week 8, the Texans find themselves with the best record in franchise history after a third consecutive win. The average ranking for the Texans rose from 17 last week to 14 after the win against the Bills. Additionally, SB Nation is now polling the writers of each blog to create their own Power Rankings, which I have for you after the jump.

ESPN: 14

The upcoming trip to Indianapolis is only the most significant game in franchise history.

Fox Sports: 18

Houston fans are itching to dive into the deep end of the Texans pool. At 5-3 with an exciting offense, this year's team represents the bet team in Houston since Warren Moon was QB-ing the Oilers.

CBS Sports: 13

The improvement of the defense to go with the passing game has really helped this team. They do have a lot of premium talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Yahoo Sports: 15

Can we commend Ryan Moats for being a lot more aggressive toward opposing tacklers than he is toward overzealous law-enforcement officers?

Pro Football Weekly: 13

Who had Ryan Moats in their fantasy lineup Sunday?

Pro Football Talk: 10

Maybe Steve Slaton can move to tight end.

NFL Experts Average Ranking: 13

My Rankings:

1. New Orleans Saints - Dominant on both sides of the ball and they find a way to win.

2. Indianapolis Colts - This team will always be good with Peyton Manning at the helm.

3. Minnesota Vikings - Brett Favre should be fourth on the team MVP vote.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers - Handed away a couple of games early but have found their stride.

5. Denver Broncos - This team is very tough, but their schedule might be tougher.

6. New England Patriots - Tom Brady has very quietly returned to form.

7. Cincinnati Bengals - The ground attack and the defense has a nasty attitude.

8. Philadelphia Eagles - Could be the best in the NFC East this year.

9. Dallas Cowboys - Beat Atlanta and Seattle, but what about division opponents?

10. Baltimore Ravens - Finally won a tough game they could have.

11. Green Bay Packers - A better offensive line makes this the best NFC North team.

12. Atlanta Falcons - On the wrong end of the most entertaining MNF game all year.

13. Houston Texans - The defense is playing well, and they'll have to against Indianapolis.

14. Arizona Cardinals - They did beat the Texans and New York, but they are so inconsistent.

15. New York Giants - Three weeks ago they were considered the best team in football.

16. San Diego Chargers - The classic underachieving team.

17. San Francisco 49ers - They might be 3-4, but this team is better than their record, specifically the defense.

18. Miami Dolphins - Have now beat trash talking Rex Ryan twice.

19. New York Jets - The combination of losing Kris Jenkins and starting a rookie QB might be too much.

20. Chicago Bears - Sure they beat Cleveland, but it wasn't very impressive.

21. Carolina Panthers- Best thing Jake Delhomme did all season was hand the ball off 41 times.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars - How can you not give MJD the ball until halfway through the second quarter?

23. Seattle Seahawks - They may not admit it, but this team is in rebuilding mode.

24. Buffalo Bills - You just can't win giving up 174 yards per game.

25. Oakland Raiders - This team would be so much better with any other quarter back.

26. Washington Redskins - This once proud franchise has turned into a circus led by Dan Snyder.

27. Tennessee Titans - Good to make your first start the same week that Chris Johnson goes for 228 yards.

28. Kansas City Chiefs - They need an offensive line in the worst kind of way.

29. St. Louis Rams - Snap a 17 game losing streak is easy when you play Detroit.

30. Detroit Lions - Fans heckling their franchise rookie quarter back is pretty bush league.

31. Cleveland Browns - Eric Mangini is the worst coach in the league.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Looking at their schedule, they might not win a game all year.

Texans Creek: Week 3

2009-11-03T23:04:03Z

Texans Creek: Week 3

"No more putting my soul on the carpet!"--Steve Slaton.

I really don't think I could enjoy this anymore than I do. The boys at 1560 have outdone themselves again.

Moats vs. Slaton: Let’s Take an Unbiased Look

2009-11-03T20:25:53Z

More photos » by Dean Duprey - AP

Ryan Moats has made a good case to get more opportunities from out of the Houston backfield.

Browse more photos »

It is no big secret that Steve Slaton has had a rough go at his sophomore season in the NFL. You can blame the offensive line for not giving him any lanes to run through. You can blame him for adding bulk in the offseason. You can even blame the playcalling for making running plays too predictable. All of that is fine and good. But the bottom line remains that he has endured the fabled "Sophomore Slump." Half of an NFL season is a good measuring stick to make that assumption.

And this isn’t even taking into account his fumbling problem, which isn’t as surprising to me as it has been for many of my fellow Texans fans. One of his negatives before the draft was that he had a hard time hanging onto the ball while at West Virginia at times.

But the reaction to his benching against Buffalo last Sunday has been met with mixed feelings from many. Some feel that it was about time and others were criticizing head coach Gary Kubiak for not having patience with a young player going through a hard time. I have to disagree. Kubiak has been more than patient with Steve and has handled it the best way imaginable. By benching him for an entire game, and watching another guy have a career day in his place, had to be an eye-opening experience for Steve. The axiom that "The NFL stands for Not For Long" isn’t just a clever catch phrase.

Then we have his backup, Ryan Moats. A guy who before Sunday was known more for his offseason issues with a Dallas police officer than he was for his play on the field. A guy who has waited patiently for his opportunity and kept his mouth shut and capitalized when his number was called. And when asked after the game if he thought that he should be the starter, he remained humble when he had every reason to brag a little bit.

A third round pick out of Louisiana Tech in 2005, Moats was stuck behind Philadelphia Eagles standout Brian Westbrook for most of his time there. He broke his ankle in the Eagles first preseason game in 2007 and missed the entire season. It would be the last time he played for them, as he was released in the final round of cuts the next season. He stuck around on Arizona’s practice squad for about three weeks before he was released again. Houston quickly snatched him up a week later to their own practice squad. After cutting Darius Walker and multiple injuries to Ahman Green, Moats was promoted to the active roster and quickly rose to second on the depth chart behind Steve Slaton.

Now that you know a little more about the guy, we can move towards the debate. Many are calling for Moats to get the start at Indianapolis this Sunday over Slaton. Yet, others are saying Buffalo’s awful run defense was the only reason he had the breakout performance. Me? I don’t care. I want whoever gives us the best chance to win. I am completely unbiased on the issue.

Of course, I feel that Steve is the more talented player. I mean, the guy is electric and can score almost any time he touches the ball. But, much like Jacoby Jones, you start to hold your breath every time he has the ball now. Seven fumbles in eight games doesn’t even happen in a video game. That is a hell of a bad run. And it isn’t anything that can be corrected without getting the opportunity on the field. But could you imagine the fallout if we are right there about to beat The Colts on Sunday and Steve puts it on the ground, and it turns out to be the play that costs us the game? That would be Sage Rosenfels all over again. And I wouldn’t wish that on any player.

I am all for starting whoever Coach Kubiak chooses and then having them split carries evenly. Let’s see how Ryan Moats runs against someone that isn’t Buffalo. Not that Indy is world-beaters against the run or anything, but at 8-0 they surely aren’t awful.

So, let’s hear it, BRB nation. Who you got starting this Sunday, and why?

Poll

Battle Red Blog

Texans Lose To The Colts, What Else Is New?

Colts 20, Texans 17: Rants and Raves Thread

Open Game Day Thread: Houston v. Indianapolis: 4th Quarter Thread

Open Game Day Thread: Houston v. Indianapolis: 3rd Quarter Thread

Open Game Day Thread: Houston v. Indianapolis: 2nd Quarter Thread

Open Game Day Thread: Houston v. Indianapolis

Ryan Moats Will Start Against The Colts

CHFF On Matt Schaub

CHFF On Matt Schaub

An Outsider's Review of Reliant Stadium

An Outsider's Review of Reliant Stadium

Three And Out: Useless Predictions For Sunday's Game

Bernard Pollard: One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

Bob Sanders Hurt Again

Texans Five on Five: Week Nine

Shiny, Huggy, Rainbow Unicorns Happy Love Part 2 Colts Thread of Love

Brian Cushing Named AFC Defensive Player Of The Week

Ask Some Colts Fans

BRB's Comcastic Red Zone Review: Texans v. Bills

Texans NFL Power Rankings Week 9

Texans Creek: Week 3

Texans Creek: Week 3

Moats vs. Slaton: Let’s Take an Unbiased Look

Ryan Moats or Steve Slaton. Who would you prefer to see start on Sunday?