Rubes

I thought it was going to be 56 yds, but someone else here said maybe 52.

In the first half, sure. Not in the second half. And the Texans didn't lose because they could convert a 3rd and 18, and by escaping a certain sack.

The problem as I see it is that Daboll relies too much on pass plays (like this one) that takes too long to develop. You can do that when you have a strong offensive line that can give their QB the time for that to develop. It should have been clear to him in the second half that the line was seriously struggling to block anyone, and not to rely on slow developing plays.

And there's no reason he shouldn't have known that.

It's the play that stands out the most, I agree, but like I said the game was lost many ways, that being one of them. I just don't think it was the biggest overall.

Guess I'll just disagree. Allen was under constant pressure from guys who seem to have forgotten how to block. And it wasn't Allen's idea to send DiMarco on a freaking fly pattern.

Mostly by the offensive line, but also the TEs. I was just left speechless by how many times offensive players could have blocked someone but didn't, or whiffed so quickly and thoroughly it should be a crime. Not just the times that JJ Watt just walked into the backfield, but other ways as well. A great example was the Josh sweep in overtime...he had three guys in front of him, each of whom had a clear line to the defender, and all three chose not to block the guy. Just ran right by him. If any one of them decides to block the guy, Josh is sprinting down the sidelines. Why nobody wanted to take the guy out is just baffling. Lots of folks are dogging Allen on this one, but to me it had everything to do with the really crappy blocking in the second half.

It's s ***** call, but it's still the rule. You can't block someone while facing your own end zone.

I've been following his grades all year, and they seem pretty good and fairly assessed. It would be interesting to see how he grades veteran QBs using the same system. The trouble with a grading system like this is that it's not totally clear what each grade represents, or if he's taking into account the fact that they are all young and inexperienced -- so, is an A+ for Lamar Jackson the same as for Drew Brees? Or is it adjusted for the fact that he's a second-year QB? If it's the latter, then it would seem like Lamar probably deserves a higher grade. If it's not, my sense is that Josh probably deserves a slightly lower grade.

Just caught this thread today. That was a nice review. I'm especially glad he called out Brown on that ***** route on 4th down against the Ravens, I was thinking the same thing when it happened.

I want Levi to be playing as much as anybody, but if the Texans don't have Fuller, I'm less concerned. Plus, we're both out a similar starter, so that evens it out. Less excuses.

No, because anyone you sign from another team's practice squad has to be placed on the active roster. Non-playoff teams have no active roster anymore.

When you think “return specialist” you think of generational talents? Hester is one of the top returners of all time, ever. Having someone who can change the game even a little bit is better than having a punt catcher.

It's all about special teams. That's why we see DiMarco, Perry, and Foster, among others, rather than Yeldon or Duke.

Just want to say thanks to everyone for an awesome and fascinating thread!

Great. Then we’ll be starting Barkley in the wild card game.

Gotta think teams are definitely interested in being the #3 seed over the #4 seed, enough to give it full effort this weekend. Better chance for home playoff games down the line.

You *could* say the best way to stick it to the Jets is by advancing deep into the playoffs and proving to them just how much farther ahead of them we are...

I get people saying we need the reps, but let's face it: every team loves having a bye week to heal up, rest up, and prepare, and we've been gift-wrapped a second bye week right before the playoffs start. You take it. You have to. Our playoff path will likely be: Texans > Ravens > Chiefs/Patriots****. We need everybody as healthy and ready to go as possible for that gauntlet.

I wouldn't either, but you don't get the best defensive player in football in his prime for a first and a third.

I wouldn't *not* like him on our team, but I can't see Beane giving up multiple 1st round picks, which is what it would take. Nor would I want to give that much up.

That would definitely be huge. Much rather go against the 28th-ranked defense right now, with or without JJ Watt. He's a force for sure, but I wouldn't expect him to be in playoff shape after missing so much time.

As mentioned, the most likely path will be Texans / Ravens / Patriots****. Not easy, but man if they could somehow pull that off it would sure exorcise quite a few demons.

I don't expect more than three prime time games next year, probably even just two. I'd guess one Sunday and one Monday nighter, and one Thursday nighter. Highly doubt four.

Good read, thanks. I think the key to this game is if we can keep Allen upright and comfortable. When he gets pressure and doesn't have lanes to run, bad things happen. If we start seeing sacks and pressure early, it will be a long night. This one is all on the offensive line.