Grades: Week 9 @ Texans

[Superman]

 

 

Make him proud, boys.

 

Week 7 grades

Box score

 

Offense, C+: 58 plays, 314 yards, 17 first downs (11 passing, 3 rushing, 3 from penalty), 4/13 on third down, 2/4 in the red zone, 0 turnovers, 27 points; another slow start, blame it on play calling and execution

QB: Fits and starts for most of the game, and it was mostly because of dropped passes and heavy pressure. When he wasn't shrugging off defenders, he was being frustrated with balls hitting the ground that should have been caught. However, he missed a few reads himself: Whalen was open in the end zone on a play that Luck threw to a doubled DHB underneath, and he completely missed Fleener on the first two point conversion. Luck also overthrew receivers a handful of times, and almost put one in a corner's breadbasket down near the goal line. All that led to a 6/20 start, and an overall line of 18/40 with four sacks. No picks, finished with 274 yards and three touchdowns. He and Hilton put the offense on their shoulders and made plays to win it, and this exemplifies what makes him so special. Whether it's flicking the ball 50 yards downfield while being hit by JJ Watt, or it's converting on a two point conversion by hooking up with Fleener in double coverage, he showed the goods again. B+ (it's not obvious in the stats, but he played his butt off)

Backs / receivers / tight ends: Still not a lot of running success, and we abandoned the run game early in an effort to get something going. Only 14 rushing attempts in this one (and only 58 total offensive plays, so it's hard to complain about the run:pass ratio). Richardson missed a couple of chances to get to the second level, but there wasn't a lot of room for him. Brown got a nice gain on a cutback and finished it off with a stiff arm. He's still getting better situations than Richardson, but he also looks more explosive in general. Richardson gained some tough yards on a screen, and took another swing pass for a nice gain. Let's get him in space more often, right? The receivers were the bane of my existence for much of this game. I counted six drops: 2 by DHB, 2 by Whalen, one by Brown, one by Hilton. Two of those were on third down, leading to us starting out 0/8 on third down. No bueno. Especially with Reggie out, this will not fly. Some nice catches by Fleener, and of course, Hilton made up for his third down drop with the hat trick. Showed great speed, great hands, and great footwork, in that order, on his three scores. It's probably going to be up to him to pick up the slack. Whatever Reggie said to him at halftime worked. C+ (too many drops, lack of production on the ground)

OL / blocking: I can't understand why, of all people, we'd ever leave JJ Watt unblocked. I feel sorry for our linemen, because the Texans move Watt all over the field, so you can't really get in a rhythm against him and figure out how to approach the assignment. One snap he's at end, the next he's on the opposite side of the field at three-tech, next he's at one-tech... But still, he was abusing Cherilus, Thornton, pretty much anyone he lined up against. Probably the best defensive lineman in the game, but we simply whiffed on him a few times. Smith did his damage as well, and their line mostly won against our blockers. Our backs picked up some blitzes, but also missed some. Some of our schemes bought Luck some time, and we had some one on one success later in the game after their rushers started to get tired. For the most part, however, our line was overmatched, and you could really see it on the last drive of the game when we couldn't gain any yardage, much less get close to a clinching first down. If we want to be a power run game, we have to prove it against a fearsome front like the Texans'. We have to put the game away in a clock killing situation. Still a lot of work to do. C- (too many mistakes and matchup losses)

Defense, C+: 68 plays, 483 yards, 22 first downs (16 passing, 6 rushing, 0 from penalty), 6/14 on third down, 0/1 on fourth down, 1/2 in the red zone, 0 turnovers, 24 points; they dominated time of possession, scored on four possessions, and missed three makeable field goals

Defensive front: The Texans averaged 3.9 yards/carry on conventional runs. A lot of small chunks, 6 yards, 9 yards, 11, 9, 5, etc. No real busts in the run game, and we got some big stuffs, including the drive we stopped them on fourth down. Our run fits were pretty good, but every once in a while, we'd overpursue and miss an opportunity, turning what should have been a loss into a moderate gain. Franklin spent a lot of time on the ground. Moala and Redding displayed some poor technique, but Redding also made some plays (he was the first one through on the fourth down stop).  RJF was mostly good, and Hughes finally got on the field and did well, I thought. Mathis couldn't beat Duane Brown, who got a lot of help from schemes and alignments, but also played a really good game. Werner was limited, but had a pressure and had some chances in the run game. Walden made a couple mistakes, but made more plays, finally checking in with a sack. If he were a little more athletic, he'd be a game wrecker. Angerer was all over the place, and that's good because Freeman was MIA. We played the read option perfectly, after getting beat by it. That's how you run a scrape exchange, NFL. B- (effort was there, technique was lacking at times)

Pass defense: What the heck happened? The guy who looked like an All Pro last time out came down to earth with some big mistakes in this one. So did everyone else, unfortunately. Bethea seems to being having trouble playing the ball. The corners got beat by some good route running and some excellent throws (Keenum was on point everywhere on the field; it wasn't just a case of him throwing the ball up for his receivers). Secondary kept battling and made some plays in the second half, but still just gave up too many big gains. I counted six pass plays that went for 20+ yards, and there's easily another eight or nine that went for 10+, including the last two to set up the field goal try. The linebackers did a decent job, but we let Graham catch four balls. Started flying to the ball and making stops underneath, and Davis did almost have a pick on a nice coverage. The third AJ TD was covered pretty good, but Davis couldn't quite get to the ball. It wasn't all bad, but we really gave up too many big plays, and against a third string QB. We almost let Johnson beat us singlehandedly, and their run game was at 70%. C- (I think I'm being nice, but the point is that we can't give up big plays like we did)

Special teams: Okay, seriously, what the heck happened?!!!?!? The coaches need to understand that Matt Overton CANNOT block JJ Watt on FGAs. Then we let pressure in on the punt. The specialists did fine, aside from McAfee dropping the snap. We even got some nice returns. And we covered well. But the basics should be a given on special teams, and they weren't. Thankfully, the Texans couldn't capitalized, because this game could have been out of hand in the first quarter. B-

Coaching / playcalling, C+:
I think Manusky called a great game. Our run fits were great, and the little issues we had from time to time (like the read option) were fixed quickly. We just missed chances with overpursuit and poor technique. The secondary was in good situations, but corners bit on double moves and let receivers behind them, and Bethea lost the ball in the air. I didn't like the pass coverage on the final drive, when we played kind of soft shell coverage. If the Texans had managed the clock a little better, they might have gotten another play off, and Keenum wasn't having any trouble finding ways to throw on that zone scheme. We were probably trying to keep them from getting a touchdown or getting out of bounds, which we did. In all, while the defense gave up a bunch of big plays, I think it was due to execution, not coaching. And we mostly got it fixed in the second half. B

Hamilton, on the other hand, doesn't seem to get it. Takes too long to get the backs involved in the pass game, and still hasn't found a way to put his shiny new toy (which maybe isn't as shiny as we thought) to good use. Not so much heavy personnel in this one, but that's mostly because we couldn't get any drives going early on and had to scrap the power runs. Look, Luck can do whatever you want him to do. Let him. And give your backs a chance to be successful by getting them the ball in space and on the outside, rather than predictably pounding it up the middle. I don't think we need to completely abandon the power run game, but we need to make some adjustments at this point. Maybe we can finish games with strong running, but we obviously aren't able to start games that way just yet. The weapon that is shining brightest right now and is most important is wrapped in a #13 jersey. We've got to get him the ball early and often. C-

Nice challenge. Pagano kept the team on task like almost always. I get the two point conversion, just don't think we should have gone for it right there. We wound up scoring 21 points to end the game, and we would have without the two point tries. Just was too early to start chasing points. Kind of conservative at the end of the first half, but understandably so. Maybe could have gone for it on fourth down in the first quarter from Houston's 43, but the offense hadn't really earned any confidence at that point. Good job overall. B

Game ball, offense: TY Hilton. My skill position grade up above is harsh, but Hilton deserves credit for his performance. Aside from the early drop on third down, he was incredible. Like Luck said, if they didn't know who he is, they ought to now. We need him to dominate from here on out.

Game ball, defense: Erik Walden. Doesn't have the closing speed needed from a good pass rusher, but he was the only one getting consistent pressure. He made a number of stops, including a sack and a TFL. Also knocked a pass down. He was often the difference between a 4 yard gain and a potential 15 yard gain. Probably his best game of the year, and probably the last time he's even in the running for a game ball. 

Hosting the Rams, who are a mess right now. Good defensive front, some playmakers on defense, some youngsters with potential on offense, but they've lost three in a row, two of them at home, and are down to Kellen Clemens at QB. If we're really a title contender, we have to win this game, and it shouldn't be close.

[21isSuperman]

I would decrease the QB rating.  I think Luck had a C game until the 4th quarter, where he played great.  Overall, he missed several throws and made some bad reads, missing some wide open guys.  I would give him a B-

[jmac_48]

I think you are being generous with the C- grades, but a win mitigates a great deal of the bad play.

Still find it hard to believe we won, Gotta love Luck & TY, everybody gutted it out at the end!

 

Agree with your assessment mostly, thanks for your efforts.

[Superman]

I would decrease the QB rating.  I think Luck had a C game until the 4th quarter, where he played great.  Overall, he missed several throws and made some bad reads, missing some wide open guys.  I would give him a B-

 

I thought he was plagued by drops and constant pressure. His lack of production was more the fault of his teammates, IMO.

[Superman]

I think you are being generous with the C- grades, but a win mitigates a great deal of the bad play.

Still find it hard to believe we won, Gotta love Luck & TY, everybody gutted it out at the end!

 

Agree with your assessment mostly, thanks for your efforts.

 

You're probably right. Namely the offensive line and the pass defense. I think the pass defense improved tremendously in the second half, but the blocking was bad all night.

[Dustin]

Pretty much agree with all of those, but I would have given Angerer the game ball JMO.

[SkyBane]

Pretty much agree with all of those, but I would have given Angerer the game ball JMO.

Angerer had himself a ballgame. Wonder how many people will come out to call him a bum this week

[Superman]

Pretty much agree with all of those, but I would have given Angerer the game ball JMO.

 

It was between him and Walden. I chose Walden not only because he'll never have a shot at a game ball again, but mostly because I thought he did a good job controlling action in the run game, and most of Angerer's stops were the result of Walden doing a good job funneling the ball carrier to the outside. Of course, Angerer was also excellent in coverage.

 

I'm trying not to do co-game balls; just make a decision. But I almost did one this week for those two.

[Horse Shoe Heaven]

Pretty much agree with all of those, but I would have given Angerer the game ball JMO.

Both walden An Angerer played great!!

[WastedColt]

C- is way too nice for the offensive line. They were flat out dominated.

Otherwise I mostly agree.

[beavis]

Seriously, what happened on the 2 point conversion, did they just not want the points?

[Superman]

Seriously, what happened on the 2 point conversion, did they just not want the points?

 

Yeah, I didn't even mention that. Could have gotten set and quick snapped it to Richardson at the top of the screen. Then Luck locked in on the wrong receiver. Really frustrating.

[beavis]

Yeah, I didn't even mention that. Could have gotten set and quick snapped it to Richardson at the top of the screen. Then Luck locked in on the wrong receiver. Really frustrating.

Someone needs to start a topic about it because that was the biggest cluster@#$% ive seen in a long time and I really want to know what went wrong.

[Superman]

Someone needs to start a topic about it because that was the biggest cluster@#$% ive seen in a long time and I really want to know what went wrong.

 

It's Luck's mistake, plain and simple. Richardson could have tried to get his attention, but by then it would have been too late. Luck should have seen it, gotten everyone set, and thrown Richardson the ball for the score. He didn't see it, and by the time he did, the Texans had already fixed their alignment.

 

Then on the pass, Luck made the same mistake young QBs often make, something that has plagued Luck since day one. He locked onto a primary target rather than picking out the open man. This will improve as he starts to own the offense a little more, but for now, it's a beginner's mistake. It happens.

 

By the way, if there's any way Luck's development will be benefited from Reggie's absence, it's this. He can't zero in on #87 anymore. Has to own his progressions and make better decisions. 

[beavis]

Were there any updates on DHB?

[21isSuperman]

I thought he was plagued by drops and constant pressure. His lack of production was more the fault of his teammates, IMO.

NBC showed a few replay where there were wide open receivers and he missed them.  He also overthrew some guys.  There were drops and a fair bit of pressure on him, but Luck did not play well for most of the game.  I think on that 2 point conversion, Fleener was completely wide open, but Luck didn't look his way.

 

Overall, I'd say the team's awareness and fundamentals were both very poor.  I recall one play where T-Rich was lined up to the right of the offense near the goalline as a wide receiver.  There wasn't a single DB on him.  But instead of jumping up and down or doing something to get Luck's attention to snap the ball quickly and throw it his way, Luck signaled for the motion and he motioned to the backfield (I see you covered that point already).  I think the blame falls with giving the team the week off.  They played sloppy

[Blueblazes]

Good evaluation. Nicely generous on C- Pass Defense, but they did fix a lot of the issues after halftime. Good coaching eval as well.

[NewEra]

Great write up. Couldn't agree more. I was giving Pep a pass but he needs to learn how to adjust his plays to the strength of the team and not trying to do my way or the highway. I agree with not scraping the power run but there's a time and place. Not from our end of the field. We can still run the ball. Need to get more dump offs, screens and running to the outside going.

[Danfish98]

I thought it was RJF to stuffed the 4th down play.  Either way it was an awesome play and I love feeling confident the D is going to stop a 3rd/4th and a yard.  Haven't felt that way in all my time as a Colts fan that I recall.  TY proved that he can step up and be a big time receiver, but the rest of the receivers are a problem.  Even if you buy TY as a possible #1 (and I'm starting to do that after his performance on Sunday) the team needs more at the WR position.

 

I agree on the 2 point conversions.  I've seen that in more games this year than I ever remember.  Coaches seem to be going for 2 earlier this year.  I always wondered why in previous years so many coaches wouldn't go for 2 in the 3rd or early in the 4th quarter.  I now understand as it always seems like the first 2 point conversion is missed and it comes back to bite that team, causing them to have to convert the second 2 point conversion that wouldn't be required if you just took the point the first time around.

[Superman]

NBC showed a few replay where there were wide open receivers and he missed them.  He also overthrew some guys.  There were drops and a fair bit of pressure on him, but Luck did not play well for most of the game.  I think on that 2 point conversion, Fleener was completely wide open, but Luck didn't look his way.

 

Overall, I'd say the team's awareness and fundamentals were both very poor.  I recall one play where T-Rich was lined up to the right of the offense near the goalline as a wide receiver.  There wasn't a single DB on him.  But instead of jumping up and down or doing something to get Luck's attention to snap the ball quickly and throw it his way, Luck signaled for the motion and he motioned to the backfield (I see you covered that point already).  I think the blame falls with giving the team the week off.  They played sloppy

 

I agree about the sloppiness. While I understand the desire to give the guys some time off, they really didn't respond to it very well. Maybe some walkthroughs and film time would have been a good idea. Then give them Friday off, and come back to work on Tuesday or something. But not all week. That didn't go well. 

[Superman]

I thought it was RJF to stuffed the 4th down play.  Either way it was an awesome play and I love feeling confident the D is going to stop a 3rd/4th and a yard.  Haven't felt that way in all my time as a Colts fan that I recall.  TY proved that he can step up and be a big time receiver, but the rest of the receivers are a problem.  Even if you buy TY as a possible #1 (and I'm starting to do that after his performance on Sunday) the team needs more at the WR position.

 

I agree on the 2 point conversions.  I've seen that in more games this year than I ever remember.  Coaches seem to be going for 2 earlier this year.  I always wondered why in previous years so many coaches wouldn't go for 2 in the 3rd or early in the 4th quarter.  I now understand as it always seems like the first 2 point conversion is missed and it comes back to bite that team, causing them to have to convert the second 2 point conversion that wouldn't be required if you just took the point the first time around.

 

RJF was there; he was everywhere, really. Probably our most consistent lineman on Sunday night. But Redding got through first. RJF actually had his back to the ball carrier, stopping up traffic, but he wouldn't have gotten the stop if Redding didn't penetrate. 

 

Our defensive front has done a pretty good job in short yardage situations. Some mistakes, but more and more, we're shutting down the run in short yardage.

 

Hilton still has a lot of work to do, but he has the stuff to carry a passing attack. He needs help, though. We dropped too many passes, and we didn't work the backs and tight ends in enough. Fleener should probably get more targets. He was our second most productive receiver, but only got five targets. Whalen got nine. That ain't right (and I like Whalen).

 

I agree on the two pointers. That's why you wait. The way the score was, you figure you're going to need a two pointer eventually, but what if they score again? What if you just score three touchdowns (which we did)? Just wait until later in the game when you absolutely have to get a stop, and you know absolutely what the score is going to be when the game is on the line.