That's Football...That's Life: Matt10's Houston Texans

[Matt10]

Hell yeah dude. You got a steal/sleeper with Harrell.

For serious, bro - I'm about to post up rookie signings here in a minute. Harrell = diamond

[Matt10]

*KEY - RRT (Run Route), CVR (Coverage), RCVR (Run Coverage), PSR (Pass Rush)

[Rylo]

Pretty good draft dude. Harrell is going to be a beast.

[Matt10]

Pretty good draft dude. Harrell is going to be a beast.

Yeah, I was pretty surprised with that high of a rating from him. Now I'll be okay if Schaub ever goes down.

[Rylo]

Shiiiit. Depending on pre-season, start that man!

[LC AAU]

Great work on this man, great work. This is really good.

Harrell is gonna beast.

[Rylo]

I wish I had patience to update 2k5 with real college players.

Can't wait for your next update.

[Matt10]

Thanks guys - update soon.

[Matt10]

[Rylo]

Noooo the Phins drafted WR at #1. Nooo..

Harrell is looking good so far.

[Matt10]

Houston wants a quarterback that can get the job done this year, but veteran or rook?

Alan Burge, Houston Texans Examiner

Hold on to your seats
Preseason controversy finale

When Graham Harrell was selected in the 6th round, 169th overall, of the NFL Draft, not many Texans fans cared.

What are they saying now, you ask? Matt Schlob? Who?

I haven't seen an arm on a kid like Harrell since Mr. B-Favre himself, the kid can gun that thing.

"When you have had the receivers I have thrown to in college, you start to realize how good you can really be," says Harrell, "But it's not a matter of pride - it's a matter of how that gained confidence contributes to my pride."

Despite all the hype for Harrell here in Houston, the doubters still say Matt Schaub is the man.

"All freaking out about nuttin," reflected John Davison, a local pizza delivery man, "Every year there is some kind of controversy with quarterbacks - I don't care how good this rook has been in the pre-season. Son, what matters is the regular season. Coach Kuby isn't going to put a rook in for the long haul."

I understand where the hype is coming from, after all - for those not paying attention - the Houston Texans have finished the preseason 4-0.

And which quarterback has a higher completion percentage?

Graham Harrell.

Harrell has finished 16-for-22, 348 yards, 4 TDs and ZERO interceptions - all for a 73 percentile rating.

Schaub? More yards because he has received more snaps, but 46-for-77, 580 yards, 2 TDs and 2 interceptions - all for a 60 percentile rating.

Yes, I hear what you all are going to say next. "Whaaa, it's preseason" - and "What's up with Schaub getting more snaps?".

I don't know Gary Kubiak, so I don't know why Schaub got more snaps considering it is in fact preseason, but maybe there is a little more than meets the eye. Maybe Kubiak is leaning towards the fresh Rookie.

I think Texans fans will rejoice for Harrell over Schaub personally. It's not that I don't like the guy, it's just that we have already seen him.

I think with the emergence of Chris Johnson (who has five touchdowns this preseason within 328 yards rushing) and rookie Patrick Turner catching everything that comes to him, the Texans could definitely afford to go a lot younger this year.

So maybe it's not just a quarterback controversy stemming - it could be a franchise decision.

Alan Burge, (or 'aj' as he’s known to his Texans family and friends) joined the Examiner team after three years of writing fan-tastic articles for houstontexans.com. Alan has been following pro football since Joe Willie's guarantee and has been a regular at Houston home games since Earl's rookie season.

Alan is a Texans season ticket holder who brings his readers a blend of thoughtful analysis, passionate and insightful commentary, and well-informed opinion -- from the fan perspective. Alan's work is widely recognized and he has been heard talking Texans football many times as a guest on sports talk radio stations across the country.

Alan is a long time resident of the Clear Lake/Friendswood, Texas area and is a graduate of the University of Houston. When not immersed in all things NFL, this football addict/part-time sportswriter/aerospace enthusiast also likes to spend time with his family, travel and enjoy the great outdoors. Send Alan an email.

[Matt10]

2009-2010 SCHEDULE

[Matt10]

*to be edited

[GoChargers]

Go with Schaub! He didn't play too bad last season. Interesting decision coming up

[Matt10]

The Runners: Even though the Oakland Raiders went 1-3 in the preseason, they have a new found talent in Kahlil Bell - who is approaching quickly on the heels of second year running back, Dareen McFadden. Bell possesses the ability to break arm tackles left and right, and at the same time catch some balls out of the backfield. The Texans also have a running back who can do everything in Chris Johnson, but the second year man is mainly known for his outstanding speed - something Houston have found successful considering their offensive line is lacking a bit.

The Quarterbacks: Jamarcus Russell did not have a stellar 2008, but with a weak backup in Andrew Walter and Tuiasosopo, the Raiders haven't found a need to change. Houston begins the 2009 season with a controversial decision when Gray Kubiak announced the promotion of rookie Graham Harell in place of 6-year, young veteran, Matt Schaub.

The Defense: The Raiders cornerbacks are two of the leagues best. Nate Asomugha and Deangelo Hall have proven that they are a force to be considered - and with Texans rookie Patrick Turner matched up against Hall - we should see some fairly aggerssive play. The Texans have a strong secondary but weak defensive line, the only considerable strength is Mario Williams - but other than that, Frank Okam and Travis Johnson have not lived up to their college careers.

The Score: 28-10 Raiders. I think the decision of Harrell over Schaub is going to dictate what happens in this one - whether the rook has the confidence needed to get the job done is another thing. As much as I hate to root against the Texans, I think the powerful offensive running game is going to wear and tear on the weaker Houston defense.

Pregame done by Matt10