Matt10
Gittin my draft on
Houston wants a quarterback that can get the job done this year, but veteran or rook?
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.
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.
