<TABLE class=sectionhead style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #e1e1e1 2px solid" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=660 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD height=27>Houston Texans Football </TD><TD class=dateline noWrap></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- begin middle column --><!-- end f.attachment.f.top-photo -->
Sept. 21, 2007, 11:30PM
TEXANS SUMMARY
By DALE ROBERTSON AND CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICES
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
Jones earns start
Texans coach Gary Kubiak on why rookie third-round draft choice Jacoby Jones will start in place of the injured Andre Johnson against the Colts on Sunday: "I think he's earned the right. He's played extremely well, and he was working as our third (receiver).
"We wanted to see how he responded to this opportunity in practice this week, and he's been very good. He's gotten better each day, so the kid deserves a chance."
Peyton's pace
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown for 25 touchdowns while having only four passes intercepted for a 119.3 career rating against the Texans.
In each of his past three meetings with the Texans, Manning has had three touchdowns with no interceptions. If he does it again Sunday, he'll be the first quarterback to accomplish the feat in four consecutive games against the same opponent.
Manning's touchdown-to-interception ratio against the Texans is 6.25-to-1, the second-highest ratio for a quarterback against an opponent in NFL history. It trails only Neil O'Donnell's vs. Cincinnati: 22 TDs vs. three interceptions for a 7.33-to-1 ratio. Manning would need five touchdowns and no interceptions this weekend to surpass O'Donnell's record.
Dayne iffy
Coach Gary Kubiak said running back Ron Dayne will be a game-time decision for the Texans on Sunday after missing Wednesday's practice and seeing only limited action Thursday and Friday because of a chest injury.
"He's still a little sore," Kubiak said, adding Samkon Gado will replace him in the rotation with Ahman Green.
After taking it easy Wednesday because of a sore knee, Green went full speed Thursday and Friday.
Kubiak also said defensive tackle Travis Johnson will play against the Colts after sitting out the Carolina game with an ankle sprain. Like Dayne, cornerback Fred Bennett (thigh) and defensive end Earl Cochran (knee) are questionable. Cochran sat out Friday's workout, but Bennett participated.
Hobbled Colts
Colts linebacker Rob Morris might miss his second straight game because of a strained abdominal muscle.
Morris has been bothered by the injury since suffering it in practice late last week. He was held out of the Colts' 22-20 divisional road win over Tennessee and hasn't practiced since.
Colts coach Tony Dungy said Morris was not expected to play Sunday, but a decision on his availability will be made that morning.
Tight end Dallas Clark and offensive tackle Ryan Diem also are listed as questionable with sore necks. Both sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday, but took part in Friday's workout.
Second-year offensive tackle Charlie Johnson, who missed the Colts' first two games due to a sprained left knee, returned to practice Thursday and might play Sunday.
Linebacker Freddy Keiaho, who missed the game against Tennessee after dislocating his right elbow in the season opener with New Orleans, will return to the starting lineup against the Texans.
DALE ROBERTSON and CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICES
Sept. 21, 2007, 11:30PM
TEXANS SUMMARY
By DALE ROBERTSON AND CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICES
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
Jones earns start
Texans coach Gary Kubiak on why rookie third-round draft choice Jacoby Jones will start in place of the injured Andre Johnson against the Colts on Sunday: "I think he's earned the right. He's played extremely well, and he was working as our third (receiver).
"We wanted to see how he responded to this opportunity in practice this week, and he's been very good. He's gotten better each day, so the kid deserves a chance."
Peyton's pace
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown for 25 touchdowns while having only four passes intercepted for a 119.3 career rating against the Texans.
In each of his past three meetings with the Texans, Manning has had three touchdowns with no interceptions. If he does it again Sunday, he'll be the first quarterback to accomplish the feat in four consecutive games against the same opponent.
Manning's touchdown-to-interception ratio against the Texans is 6.25-to-1, the second-highest ratio for a quarterback against an opponent in NFL history. It trails only Neil O'Donnell's vs. Cincinnati: 22 TDs vs. three interceptions for a 7.33-to-1 ratio. Manning would need five touchdowns and no interceptions this weekend to surpass O'Donnell's record.
Dayne iffy
Coach Gary Kubiak said running back Ron Dayne will be a game-time decision for the Texans on Sunday after missing Wednesday's practice and seeing only limited action Thursday and Friday because of a chest injury.
"He's still a little sore," Kubiak said, adding Samkon Gado will replace him in the rotation with Ahman Green.
After taking it easy Wednesday because of a sore knee, Green went full speed Thursday and Friday.
Kubiak also said defensive tackle Travis Johnson will play against the Colts after sitting out the Carolina game with an ankle sprain. Like Dayne, cornerback Fred Bennett (thigh) and defensive end Earl Cochran (knee) are questionable. Cochran sat out Friday's workout, but Bennett participated.
Hobbled Colts
Colts linebacker Rob Morris might miss his second straight game because of a strained abdominal muscle.
Morris has been bothered by the injury since suffering it in practice late last week. He was held out of the Colts' 22-20 divisional road win over Tennessee and hasn't practiced since.
Colts coach Tony Dungy said Morris was not expected to play Sunday, but a decision on his availability will be made that morning.
Tight end Dallas Clark and offensive tackle Ryan Diem also are listed as questionable with sore necks. Both sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday, but took part in Friday's workout.
Second-year offensive tackle Charlie Johnson, who missed the Colts' first two games due to a sprained left knee, returned to practice Thursday and might play Sunday.
Linebacker Freddy Keiaho, who missed the game against Tennessee after dislocating his right elbow in the season opener with New Orleans, will return to the starting lineup against the Texans.
DALE ROBERTSON and CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICES
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October 07, 2007
Special teams earn an A+
QUARTERBACKS: B-
Matt Schaub threw the ball down the field. Five players had catches of at least 19 yards. He was terrific on the winning drive.
RUNNING BACKS: D
Ron Dayne carried 16 times for 40 yards. Samkon Gado gained 19 yards on eight carries.
RECEIVERS: B-
Owen Daniels had his best game with six catches for 96 yards, two on the winning drive. Kevin Walter and Andre Davis combined for nine receptions.
OFFENSIVE LINE: D
The run blocking continues to be mediocre, but part of the problem is the backs. Matt Schaub was sacked two times.
Mario Williams had the only sack to go with three tackles. Amobi Okoye had four tackles. The Dolphins averaged 5.5 yards on 25 carries.
LINEBACKERS: C-
DeMeco Ryans had seven unassisted tackles. Morlon Greenwood had five. They played a role in allowing the Dolphins 5.5 yards per carry.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: B
DeMarcus Faggins bounced back with a good game. Dunta Robinson was superb again. C.C. Brown had an interception and a team-leading eight unassisted tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A+
Kris Brown kicked five field goals, including three of at least 54 yards. His 57-yarder with one second left won the game.
COACHING: C
Gary Kubiak and his assistants barely escaped with a victory at home over a winless team using a backup quarterback.
A pro football (and video) blog with John McClain
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
October 07, 2007
Special teams earn an A+
QUARTERBACKS: B-
Matt Schaub threw the ball down the field. Five players had catches of at least 19 yards. He was terrific on the winning drive.
RUNNING BACKS: D
Ron Dayne carried 16 times for 40 yards. Samkon Gado gained 19 yards on eight carries.
RECEIVERS: B-
Owen Daniels had his best game with six catches for 96 yards, two on the winning drive. Kevin Walter and Andre Davis combined for nine receptions.
OFFENSIVE LINE: D
The run blocking continues to be mediocre, but part of the problem is the backs. Matt Schaub was sacked two times.
• • •
DEFENSIVE LINE: C-Mario Williams had the only sack to go with three tackles. Amobi Okoye had four tackles. The Dolphins averaged 5.5 yards on 25 carries.
LINEBACKERS: C-
DeMeco Ryans had seven unassisted tackles. Morlon Greenwood had five. They played a role in allowing the Dolphins 5.5 yards per carry.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: B
DeMarcus Faggins bounced back with a good game. Dunta Robinson was superb again. C.C. Brown had an interception and a team-leading eight unassisted tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A+
Kris Brown kicked five field goals, including three of at least 54 yards. His 57-yarder with one second left won the game.
COACHING: C
Gary Kubiak and his assistants barely escaped with a victory at home over a winless team using a backup quarterback.
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Texans flunk: 'F's all around
QUARTERBACKS: F
Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels threw interceptions. Quarterbacks who throw interceptions don't give their teams a chance to win.
RUNNING BACKS: F
Ahman Green sat this one out. Ron Dayne, well, was Ron Dayne. Adimchinobi Echemandu didn't deserve this grade, but it's guilt by association.
RECEIVERS: F
TE Joel Dressen - Joel Dressen? - had a touchdown catch. Overall, they dropped too many passes. And they didn't get yards after they made the catch.
OFFENSIVE LINE: F
They got worked over by an outstanding three-man front. They had trouble with run blocking and pass protection.
DEFENSIVE LINE: F
They played the run well, but they didn't put consistent pressure on Philip Rivers.
LINEBACKERS: F
Like the linemen, they played the run pretty well, but that's about it. They play on this defense.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: F-
Somehow, they managed to leave TE Antonio Gates, the Chargers' best receiver, wide open for two easy touchdowns.
SPECIAL TEAMS: F
Kris Brown kicked a field goal, but the first bad snap of Bryan Pittman's career after 598 good ones set up a touchdown.
COACHING: F
Check out last week's explanation. Or the one before that. Or the one before that.
Posted by John McClain at 05:46 PM | Comments (130)
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Texans flunk: 'F's all around
QUARTERBACKS: F
Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels threw interceptions. Quarterbacks who throw interceptions don't give their teams a chance to win.
RUNNING BACKS: F
Ahman Green sat this one out. Ron Dayne, well, was Ron Dayne. Adimchinobi Echemandu didn't deserve this grade, but it's guilt by association.
RECEIVERS: F
TE Joel Dressen - Joel Dressen? - had a touchdown catch. Overall, they dropped too many passes. And they didn't get yards after they made the catch.
OFFENSIVE LINE: F
They got worked over by an outstanding three-man front. They had trouble with run blocking and pass protection.
• • •
DEFENSIVE LINE: F
They played the run well, but they didn't put consistent pressure on Philip Rivers.
LINEBACKERS: F
Like the linemen, they played the run pretty well, but that's about it. They play on this defense.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: F-
Somehow, they managed to leave TE Antonio Gates, the Chargers' best receiver, wide open for two easy touchdowns.
SPECIAL TEAMS: F
Kris Brown kicked a field goal, but the first bad snap of Bryan Pittman's career after 598 good ones set up a touchdown.
COACHING: F
Check out last week's explanation. Or the one before that. Or the one before that.
Posted by John McClain at 05:46 PM | Comments (130)
:monsters-
Uh, what? I'm sure we'd have quite a few wins less.
However, that being said, if the Saints line is under -10, eveyrone should jump all over it. Dunta was the only corner capable of starting on any other NFL team.
Our secondary is going to get toasted when the Saints come to town.
No failing grades for Texans this week
QUARTERBACKS: C
Sage Rosenfels started for the third time in his career and his first for the Texans. He threw one terrible pass that was intercepted and one great one that produced a 42-yard touchdown.
RUNNING BACKS: A
They rushed for 159 yards, including 122 by Ron Dayne. Ahman Green took a screen pass 53 yards to set up the first touchdown. Dayne and Green scored touchdowns.
RECEIVERS: C+
Andre Davis caught a 42-yard touchdown pass. Owen Daniels had four catches for 41 yards. Kevin Walter had three for 33. Walter's biggest play was covering the onsides kick that secured the victory.
OFFENSIVE LINE: A
The linemen opened holes for the running game to amass 178 yards and average 4.6 yards per carry. They also didn't allow a sack.
DEFENSIVE LINE: C+
They had problems against the run. Amobi Okoye had his fifth sack. The linemen got a few hits on Josh McCown, forcing him to get rid of the ball before he wanted.
LINEBACKERS: B
Morlon Greenwood and Danny Clark tied with five unassisted tackles. Clark and DeMeco Ryans had interceptions. Greenwood led with seven tackles.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: C
With Dunta Robinson going down, Fred Bennett stepped up with an interception and a big hit. DeMarcus Faggins covered well, had five tackles but made some mistakes.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C-
Kris Brown kicked a field goal and had another one blocked. Matt Turk had a 10-yard punt. Jacoby Jones and Dexter Wynn did well on returns. Coverage was good.
COACHING: B
Gary Kubiak and his coaches were desperate for a victory. They came to the West Coast a day early to prepare the team. They got off to a good start. Posted by John McClain at 08:07 PM | Comments (25)
QUARTERBACKS: C
Sage Rosenfels started for the third time in his career and his first for the Texans. He threw one terrible pass that was intercepted and one great one that produced a 42-yard touchdown.
RUNNING BACKS: A
They rushed for 159 yards, including 122 by Ron Dayne. Ahman Green took a screen pass 53 yards to set up the first touchdown. Dayne and Green scored touchdowns.
RECEIVERS: C+
Andre Davis caught a 42-yard touchdown pass. Owen Daniels had four catches for 41 yards. Kevin Walter had three for 33. Walter's biggest play was covering the onsides kick that secured the victory.
OFFENSIVE LINE: A
The linemen opened holes for the running game to amass 178 yards and average 4.6 yards per carry. They also didn't allow a sack.
• • •
DEFENSIVE LINE: C+
They had problems against the run. Amobi Okoye had his fifth sack. The linemen got a few hits on Josh McCown, forcing him to get rid of the ball before he wanted.
LINEBACKERS: B
Morlon Greenwood and Danny Clark tied with five unassisted tackles. Clark and DeMeco Ryans had interceptions. Greenwood led with seven tackles.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: C
With Dunta Robinson going down, Fred Bennett stepped up with an interception and a big hit. DeMarcus Faggins covered well, had five tackles but made some mistakes.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C-
Kris Brown kicked a field goal and had another one blocked. Matt Turk had a 10-yard punt. Jacoby Jones and Dexter Wynn did well on returns. Coverage was good.
COACHING: B
Gary Kubiak and his coaches were desperate for a victory. They came to the West Coast a day early to prepare the team. They got off to a good start. Posted by John McClain at 08:07 PM | Comments (25)
