The ugly rash of injuries, that is.
And don't say Atlanta. I have a feeling that one's going to be more difficult than many expect. More on that later in the week.
There's no need to elaborate on the Colts game or the Texans' injury issues. Those are subjects that have been sliced and diced every which way possible by the media, sports talk radio and the message board communities over the past few days.
The injuries are frustrating from a fan's perspective – and I think Steve McKinney summed up the frustration best when he said – "just when you're starting to feel it turn around…"
Followed by someone else who said "that's life in the NFL…"
Yeah, it seems like we're snake bit, but there are a few other teams out there that are hurting almost as much as we are. *Almost *being the operative word. Here's a partial list of what's been going on in the league's bad break department:
Buffalo:
- J.P. Losman (MCL sprain) out at least two weeks
- Paul Posluszny (broken arm) lost for season
Washington:
- Jon Jansen (ankle), lost for season
St Louis:
- Orlando Pace (shoulder), lost for season
- Tye Hill, out 2-4 weeks with back and rib injuries
- Steven Jackson, out at least a week (probably more) with a torn groin muscle
Baltimore:
- Jon Ogden (foot/toe), has missed the last two games
Denver:
- Domonique Foxworth (ankle) missed the first two games of the season
Dallas:
- Terence Newman (torn plantar fascia) has missed significant time
Chicago:
- Tommy Harris (knee) could miss significant time
Miami:
- Zach Thomas is missing considerable time due to a concussion
San Francisco:
- Vernon Davis will miss at least two weeks with a knee injury
Tampa Bay:
- Sabby Piscitelli will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken foot
Jags:
- Brad Meester (ankle) missed all games so far
Vikings:
- Chester Taylor (hip) missed all games so far
The following players have all been placed on injured reserve due to torn ACLs: Manny Lawson (49ers); Marcus Tubbs (Seahawks); Mike Alstott (Buccaneers); Deuce McAllister (Saints); Mark Setterstrom (Rams); Brian Finneran (Falcons), B.J. Sams (Ravens); Kenny Irons (Bengals); Dusty Dvoracek and Mike Brown (Bears).
Yes, it's a violent game.
And I hope Mike Flanagan can hold up against the inside rush. The next two weeks will tell us a lot (more) about the quality of depth and coaching on this team.
On a lighter note, and just for you stats geeks, here's a little recap of where the Texans are after three games:
- Defense: 13th overall; 6th against the run (76.7 ypg); 16th against the pass (234.7 ypg)
- Offense: 23rd overall; 16th passing (215.7 ypg); 25th rushing (89.3 ypg)
- Amobi Okoye is tied for 4th in the league in sacks and leads all rookies in that department
- The Texans are 2 in turnover differential which is good for top ten in the league
- Kris Brown is 5 for 5 on field goals and 9 for 9 on PATs.
- Matt Schaub' QB rating of 100.9 is good for 9th among regular starting QBs
- The Texans have allowed only 5 sacks this season which puts them near the top in fewest sacks allowed. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have been sacked 3 times each. Joey Harrington has been sacked 14 times, Jon Kitna 12 times, and David Garrard 10 times.
Extras:
Despite the media onslaught, many fans didn't seem to get the word about Deep Steel Blue Sunday. There was as much red and white in the stands as there was blue.
With all due respect, please do away with the fan play-by-play announcer wannabe feature on the big screen during the games. That's a painful watch.
On the other hand, keep up with the "Quiet Please – Offense at Work" thing. It's an effective way to take care of that little problem, and most of our fans will never get it otherwise.
The Packers are 3-0 despite being last in the league in rushing (57 ypg).
The Texans' 16th rank in pass defense doesn't seem that bad when you consider that they went up against Steve Smith, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne the past three weeks. For all the people ripping the Texans (and specifically Petey Faggins) this week on talk radio, you would think they were last in the league or something.
You can contact Alan Burge at: ajtexans@yahoo.com
