During a recent NFL Network "32 Teams in 32 Days" feature, Rich Eisen, Trent Green, Michael Lombardi and Marshall Faulk assessed the Texans chances in the AFC South and the NFL this season.
The network has the Texans ranked #22 which could be considered a slight downgrade from their '08 finish since 16 teams finished with a better record than the Texans last season. The Texans were one of five teams with an 8-8 record last year.
Trent Green was the first to point out the potential for the Texans to finish higher than 22nd overall in the league. Green and Eisen cited the need for the Texans to get off to a faster start and not fall into a hole record-wise as they did in past seasons.
Green also mentioned that the Texans signing of Rex Grossman could mean the Texans aren't sold on Dan Orlovsky. That thought crossed my mind when Grossman was signed.
Our friend Michael Lombardi had an ideal stage to rip Matt Schaub's leadership skills again, but he stayed in more familiar territory by citing the need for "Schwab" to stay healthy and commit fewer turnovers, and stating concerns about "Osowski" being able to pick up the slack if "Schwab" goes down.
One thing Lombardi got right was that the defense needs to get better if the Texans intend to improve on their historically poor road record. I'll add to that hard hitting analysis by saying it's hot outside.
Faulk, who hasn't been all that kind to the Texans over the years, gushed over Steve Slaton during a brief film review. He said Slaton's moves against a Bengals safety "gave him chills" and reminded him of himself.
You can watch the entire segment below, courtesy of Texans TV.
Comments
I would like to point out that the ranking for the NFL network's "32 teams in 32 days" was the result of an online pole of fans.
Since when has the national media ever analyzed the Texans accurately? Everyone thought that us taking Reggie Bush was a no-brainer, and this year they still thought we were going to pick Beanie Wells. Mel Kiper's the only one who got it right, but he actually does his homework.
I was also gonna add that the Texans' being ranked at 22 was a result of fan voting. Considering our low national profile that's not too bad.
As for Lombardi, every time he said "Schwaub" I thought he was losing credibility with any real fan of the NFL. Then to butcher Orlovsky's name the way he did. Does this guy actually follow the league? What a clueless joker.
Even he will know how to pronounce #8's name by December.
@Carson & Cap
Thanks for the clarification on the fan vote. I didn't pay attention to where the ranking came from, but that isn't bad considering it was a fan vote and considering all the negative inertia the Texans have to overcome from their losing years.
I don't care so much about the ranking - I was more interested in what the guys had to say ... but it turned out they didn't have much new to say, except that I liked Faulk's game tape review of Slaton.
Lombardi is good at times, but he looked like a fool in this segment.
The Texicans are playing for the wildcard. Take Tennessee down, they might have a chance.
Let's see how your DOLTS fare this season....Even that panty waisted sissy you guys call a QB can have a down year.....and she is due!
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