Better Know Your Doppelgangers: Ask Battle Red Blog

Some people will blame the coaching since they don’t run the ball with Arian Foster enough. They feel as if Foster would’ve ran wild in Indy and could’ve converted all the 3rd and shorts against San Diego.

Some blame the porous defense who can’t cover, tackle, or generate a pass rush. Those fans don’t think the offense should have to score 30+ to win because the defense gives up TDs in the red zone. There’s not a single fan who can say one nice thing about defensive coordinator Frank Bush.

The offense gets some blame….the line couldn’t stop Dwight Freeney in Indy nor could they score TDs against the Chargers (2 TDs in 6 red zone appearances).

There’s truth in all of these reasons really. You don’t become an inconsistent .500 team without having a few issues.

1) defense
2) Our offense could overcome the defense, but some questionable play calling has stood in the way of our offense living up to their full potential.

where Schaub looks like the QB he was last season, but yeah…the line has allowed a ton of pressure and sacks. Another problem is that he seems to focus on one or two targets, and he’s forcing the ball into double and triple coverage.

Squandering a great 2-0 start has left everyone deflated. The players believe, but the fans are talking draft and coaching changes.

The pass rush’s biggest problem is that Shaun Cody starts at DT. There’s a real lack of inside push so when Williams and Antonio Smith force a QB to step up….no one’s there. Mario’s also disappeared really and isn’t taking over games as he used to. The loss of DE Connor Barwin has hurt the pass rush a lot more than people thought.

people are now predicting a 6 or 7 win season for us.

He’s been under the radar, but he’s one of the league’s better LBs….and Houston could use a LB this season.

Maybe Knighton, but at this point with how bad the secondary is, I need all my linemen to be able to get a pass rush.

but he improved from the Indy game to last Sunday. I expect more improvement on Sunday. He has looked a bit sluggish out there, but I, and speaking on only my behalf, always thought he’d need 4 games to get back to speed after the suspension. Again….Sunday is the game where I’ll really be watching. I know his role is different, but I still expect the rust to be gone for good.

Personnel wise, The Texans signed FA LG Wade Smith in the offseason, and he’s a starter who ProFootballFocus says is having an All-Pro year.

The big change is health. Unlike a year ago, the line’s been healthy. C Chris Myers is healthy (had an ankle injury last year) and looks to be the best overall lineman, IMO. RG Mike Brisiel has returned from last year’s IR trip to be a mauler inside.

The run blocking, as evidenced by Arian Foster and Derrick Ward, is much better. For whatever reason, the pass blocking isn’t. Duane Brown and Eric Winston are struggling at the edges with speed. Winston is really having problems with blitz pick-up. Aaron Kampman could have a good day because of this.

I’d mix-and-match. Arian Foster and MJD would make a great 1-2 combination while I think we could build a somewhat decent defense by taking the best of both defenses….Mario, AK, Alualu/Knighton, and Antonio Smith with Cushing and Smith at the LB?

Gun to my head, I’d pick the Texans…simply because the pass offense is better. Plus, I <3 Andre.

When he remembers Arian Foster is back there…good things happen. When he throws three times for every run called or lets Derrick Ward do sweeps and pitches then the Texans offense will collapse like David Carr under a 3-man rush.

Shit, wait.

I’ll be driving the John Fox Bandwagon.

This franchise has never seen anything above a mediocre defense…I’d want a defensive guy. Given the inability to develop a defensive back, I’d want a guy with that in his background. Also, I want a guy who is a proven winner…John Fox has all of those qualities…and I don’t think he’d tinker too much with the offense either. Seeing his defense produce still, despite losing major talent, only adds fuel to that fire.

How about you, which bandwagon will you sit in should JDR get the axe?

As well as some for Les Frasier, Gruden, Mike Zimmer.

Frank Bush usually keeps a corner on the side of the field…and Kareem plays the left side. He’s typically drawn the #2 WR, but I’ve seen other guys line up against him.