LaTunaNostra
He Made the Difference
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...at least for the next eight days until the Giants game? 
That it was 'just Houston" is a given, but this was a game to build some rhythm and momentum on. A lot of positives today, and perhaps enough to keep folks upbeat for a week:
1) It was a Parcells type win…predicated on strong and aggressive defensive play, and relentless running. I think this team could take the next step with the relatively low cost move of a de facto offensive coordinator move…and even if that title/actual job position went to Palmer, it would beat the 'offense by committee' appproach. Weird as it sounds, the offensive skills players' talents might be too great for multiple voice input..and the still existing flaws (inconsistent pass protection, QB immobility) perhaps could benefit from a simplified command system.
But this was a satisfying Tuna-style victory. Props, BILL and ZIM!
2) The run game. JJ was breaking them off tackle, and up the middle. He had good runs off right guard and left T. He is approaching tailback stardom with reliability, patience, and burst. MB III remains a powerful change up. Thompson's speed is compelling, and he appears less a straight line runner lately. The Green kid played a heads-up return game after his first miscue. Looked very aware.
And naturally, the oline run blocking deserves its kudos.
3) That Aussie. What can I say…is it like OKAY to fall in love with a kicker? McBriar's a tough cookie, and it shows.
4) Mr. Owens. Yes, he’ll take just four receptions if three are for TDs, thank you. Even more encouraging than the redzone power moves on defenders, imo, was the fluidity of his legs and increased explosiveness he demonstrated on plays that weren't even completions. On that first quarter rain-caused "'slip", he looked to me physically like the Owens of old…powerful and quick. Getting out there with Bledsoe this week in extra practice….it apparently paid off.
5) The ENTIRE DEFENSE. From AH's crafty coverage of the big and dangerous AJ to the dline's push to the Ellis-Newman combined turnover to freakin NUMBER 31's whole field tour de force, it was a very promising glimpse into what this defense CAN be. Yes, the Texans running game woes qualifies the performance somewhat, but for those who yearned to see forced turnovers, this was the ticket.
Great game for Patrick as well…love seeing Owens in the slot and Patrick slyly hauling them in along the sidelines. Wonderful Hurd reception on that highest pass from Romo, who also impressed with his cool and measured stint. And a special hats off to my boy TG, who has drawn the role of TO's counselor (per Owens himself in his Friday radio interview) and remains a player whose satisfaction is derived from "seeing my teammates happy" and not having to always be the 'star'.
Only "Houston", yes….but it's hard not to be thrilled with the bounce back from a very diffcult loss like week.
Now for the Jints….
That it was 'just Houston" is a given, but this was a game to build some rhythm and momentum on. A lot of positives today, and perhaps enough to keep folks upbeat for a week:
1) It was a Parcells type win…predicated on strong and aggressive defensive play, and relentless running. I think this team could take the next step with the relatively low cost move of a de facto offensive coordinator move…and even if that title/actual job position went to Palmer, it would beat the 'offense by committee' appproach. Weird as it sounds, the offensive skills players' talents might be too great for multiple voice input..and the still existing flaws (inconsistent pass protection, QB immobility) perhaps could benefit from a simplified command system.
But this was a satisfying Tuna-style victory. Props, BILL and ZIM!
2) The run game. JJ was breaking them off tackle, and up the middle. He had good runs off right guard and left T. He is approaching tailback stardom with reliability, patience, and burst. MB III remains a powerful change up. Thompson's speed is compelling, and he appears less a straight line runner lately. The Green kid played a heads-up return game after his first miscue. Looked very aware.
And naturally, the oline run blocking deserves its kudos.
3) That Aussie. What can I say…is it like OKAY to fall in love with a kicker? McBriar's a tough cookie, and it shows.
4) Mr. Owens. Yes, he’ll take just four receptions if three are for TDs, thank you. Even more encouraging than the redzone power moves on defenders, imo, was the fluidity of his legs and increased explosiveness he demonstrated on plays that weren't even completions. On that first quarter rain-caused "'slip", he looked to me physically like the Owens of old…powerful and quick. Getting out there with Bledsoe this week in extra practice….it apparently paid off.
5) The ENTIRE DEFENSE. From AH's crafty coverage of the big and dangerous AJ to the dline's push to the Ellis-Newman combined turnover to freakin NUMBER 31's whole field tour de force, it was a very promising glimpse into what this defense CAN be. Yes, the Texans running game woes qualifies the performance somewhat, but for those who yearned to see forced turnovers, this was the ticket.
Great game for Patrick as well…love seeing Owens in the slot and Patrick slyly hauling them in along the sidelines. Wonderful Hurd reception on that highest pass from Romo, who also impressed with his cool and measured stint. And a special hats off to my boy TG, who has drawn the role of TO's counselor (per Owens himself in his Friday radio interview) and remains a player whose satisfaction is derived from "seeing my teammates happy" and not having to always be the 'star'.
Only "Houston", yes….but it's hard not to be thrilled with the bounce back from a very diffcult loss like week.
Now for the Jints….
