Matt Schaub, Brian Griese, and other Musings

 Here we go! After poor performances in the first few weeks of the season, the Texans are righting the ship. The Texans were like Ashlee Simpson singing live, but now they are much more like a digitally remastered version of Sinatra.

       In the first half of Sunday’s game with Detroit, Houston looked dominant. The running game has come alive and the passing game has become eerily familiar. Hmm Zone blocking scheme running for yards at will and a passing game that has the bootleg pass as a staple. The Texans have an offense that ranks in the top two in the AFC and a running game that is ranked in the top 5 in the conference. Sound like you have heard this description before? Yes, we are now “Denver South.”

       This is, of course, exactly what the Texans leadership expected when they hired the former back-up quarterback and offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos-Mike Shanahan’s clone. Hey, if you can’t date the cheerleader, date her little sister. Now the question is-Do we have John Elway or Brian Griese?

      Here are the stats:

                                      Brian Griese in 1999 (For Season)              Matt Schaub in 2008 

Passing Touchdowns                     14                                                               7

Interceptions                                 14                                                               7

Fumbles                                       16                                                               6

Fumbles Lost                                 5                                                                2

         I have to admit it. I like Brian Griese, but only in the way I liked Ramen noodles in college. Hey, if it’s all you got . . .    The Griese-lead Broncos finished 6-10 in 1999. The Houston Texans are currently 3-4.

        In looking at the schedule, over the next few weeks Houston plays Cincinnati and Minnesota.                     .

        I suggest a closer look. If you crowned the division leaders today -  the Buffalo Bills, the Tennessee Titans, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the aforementioned Denver Broncos; that would leave two playoff spots. So, in the wildcard race, there is EVERYONE else, except Kansas City and Cincinnati. You are right, forget about Oakland too. If you look at the other contenders and the games scheduled for next week, then there is reason optimism.

                           Jacksonville (3-3)                           vs.               Cleveland (2-4)

                           Indianapolis(3-3)                            vs.                Tennessee (6-0)

                           New England(4-2)                     vs.                St. Louis( 2-4)

                           New York Jets (3-3)                       vs.                Kansas City (1-5)

                           Miami (2-4)                                    vs.                Buffalo (5-1)

                           Baltimore (3-3)                               vs.                Oakland (2-4)

                           San Diego(3-4)                               vs.                New Orleans(3-4)

                           Houston(2-4)                                  vs.                Cincinnati(0-7) 

        After next week, Houston will be at 3-4 and the climb will continue, At best, the other wildcard contenders will have 4 wins(except for New England), but many will lose and Houston will be tied in the win column with several. The truth is, with the slow start of many, an 8-8 record is in play for the extra season. Last year, a 10-6 Cleveland was left out. So, with parity comes hope.

There will still be nine games to go and they will be in the hunt. Just hope that debacle against Indianapolis a few weeks ago doesn’t cost them a playoff spot.