SB Nation User Blog: Mike Kerns

Schaub Plans To Play Sunday And Andre Johnson Wants To Retire a Texan

Mike Kerns — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:59:56 -0000

Everyone can stop worrying about Andre Johnson possibly becoming frustrated and wanting out of Houston. On 610 AM this morning, he stated his desire to be here and retire here.

Matt Schaub also said that he would rehab his injured shoulder and plans to start on Sunday against Seattle.

You can hear the podcasts here. Certainly worth a listen.

Jacoby Jones Misses Team Charter, Kubiak Tells Him To Stay home

Mike Kerns — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:13:01 -0000

Every time I think JJ is finally maturing, he goes and does something like this. Get your head on straight, Jacoby...

Battle Red Blog tailgate pictures

Mike Kerns — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:45:04 -0000

You can see the pictures that my lovely fiance took on my facebook page here:

*** EDIT: Due to request, I am taking the link down. If you were there and would like to see the pictures, email me and I will hook you up. Thanks for your understanding and apologies to anyone who may have been offended.***

Mike

Is Bill Cowher's Interest In Houston Legit?

Mike Kerns — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:45:43 -0000

Cowher is just about everyone's #1 choice to possibly replace Gary Kubiak if he gets fired. Now that Houston is apparently on Cowher's radar, does that make Coach Kubes seat even hotter?

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In a recent story by Jason La Canfora via NFL.com, he cites that sources have said that Cowher told the Buffalo Bills front office that he had no interest in joining a coaching staff until the end of the year. He also has several choices of where he wants to go in front of him. The most obvious being Carolina, since that is where he is from. It has been rumored since he left Pittsburgh that he was just waiting for John Fox's time to end with the Panthers.

But in this story, La Canfora stated this the Texans are one of the franchises that would "excite" Cowher. The others being, of course, Carolina and also Chicago. Fox has one more year on his deal in Carolina and Jay Cutler is warming up Lovie Smith's seat faster than he is throwing interceptions so far this year. Carolina has played better after a slow start, but team owner Jerry Richardson would not be met with serious shock if he chose to let Fox go.

But the question is if Bill Cowher has a legitimate interest in coaching Houston. Many believe that he is just going to use us as leverage to get what he wants from Carolina. Same with Chicago. But, this is all just idle speculation, really. All three of the mentioned teams still have a current head coach that we have no idea if they will be there next year or not. If all three of these teams finish strong until the end of the year, it wouldn't surprise me if all of them get to stay.

I haven't been on the "Fire Kubiak!" bandwagon many around the city have. But after last Monday's debacle, if Bill Cowher wants to come here...I will pack Gary's bags for him.

Bernard Pollard: Best. Interview. EVER!

Mike Kerns — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:46:46 -0000

This was too great not to make sure every Texans fan hears it.

In an interview with 1560 The Game today, Bernard Pollard was getting everyone fired up. In short, he will knock the piss out of you!

Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole interview.

Texans Promote Arian Foster, Place Nading On Waivers

Mike Kerns — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:28:32 -0000

Larry Johnson? No. Edgerrin James? Negative. But it was clear the coaching staff is frustrated by the abysmal running game so far this season. Therefore, the team h as promoted undrafted free agent signee Arian Foster from their practice squad. To make room for him, the team has placed DE Jesse Nading on waivers.

Thoughts?

Beware: Vince Young Fan Boys Soon To Be On The Prowl

Mike Kerns — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:05:19 -0000

We are sure to see and hear plenty of Vince Young supporters at Reliant stadium for Monday Night Football this year.

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Texans fans better begin preparing themselves for the biggest threat the Tennessee Titans will bring to Houston on Monday Night Football on November 23^rd. No, I’m not talking about the stiff rivalry these two teams have developed. No, not Chris Johnson, who tore the Houston defense to shreds in Week Two. And, no, not Kyle Vanden Bosch and his inevitable war with Eric Winston. The weapon that I am talking about is the devout and undying man-love of the Vince Young fan boys. You know who you are.

Now, I know everyone in Houston remembers the war that went on between the Reggie Bush fans and the Vince Young fans before the 2006 NFL draft. It was painful and something none of us wish to relive. Plenty of things were said and outrageous (sometimes asinine) claims made. And in the end, Houston didn’t draft either of those guys. Which turned out to be the right pick, truthfully (and if you still doubt this, Mario should come to your house and kick you in your throat).

In his rookie season, Vince Young seemed to prove many of his detractors, myself included, wrong by winning the Offensive Rookie of The Year. But plenty weren’t fooled. Again, myself included. All the things being said about Vince Young’s game were all the same things said about Michael Vick. And we all saw how much Vick’s game declined once defenses learned how to stop him. And for my money, Vick was probably better than Vince ever was. But that isn’t the debate here. Many of us knew that Vince’s reign in Tennessee was going to be short lived. So his benching in favor of journeyman Kerry Collins came as no surprise to most.

Let’s be honest: When you can’t beat out Kerry Collins for the starting job, you may be a little overrated. And he still wouldn't be playing if Titans owner Bud Adams hadn't forced Jeff Fisher's hand. VY fan boys love to throw out the phrase "All Vince Young does is win!" That is complete garbage. If the defense has five sacks, two interceptions and a return for a touchdown, it has nothing to do with Vince. Yet, they seem to claim he "wills" them to victory. It is quite ridiculous.

Then there are the ones who call into local sports radio and say Vince is better than Matt Schaub. Again, a complete joke. I mean, reading some of the stuff said on blogs and message boards is downright laughable. There are even guys who claim VY is better than Schaub because he is better looking. No kidding. And then they wonder why I accuse them of having an unhealthy crush on VY. Please...Matt Schaub is being mentioned with guys like Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees and Carson Palmer now. And you’re comparing "125 yards passing" Vince Young to him?

WAKE UP!!!!!

The funny thing is that I always get called a "UT hater" because I don’t have unquestionable devotion for Vince. Which is unbelievable when you factor in that I am a University of Texas fan. Quite a big one. I cheered for Vince in college. I liked him. But there are several players I liked in college that I don’t judge the same in the pros. I don’t care what you did in college and I don't care what city you were born in. Reggie Bush did a lot in college, too, didn’t he? How's that working out? The NFL is a completely different world. So that accusation holds absolutely no water.

Look, if you want to be a Vince fan, that is your choice. I don’t have anything personal against the guy. I just think he is overrated by the Houston sports fan. And I am pretty sure that this is the only city in America that it still happens in. I am simply saying that if you’re going to defend Vince, come up with some better points than "All he does is win." Because I remember a guy named Trent Dilfer that did nothing but win in 2000. And I am pretty sure it wasn’t all because of him.

If you want to flame me and say I am against the "hometown guy," go for it in the comments section below. But it is just untrue. I am certain this is about to cause a lot of debate between the pro-VY and anti-VY camps, but that is kind of the point. What else are we going to do during a bye week? I guess we can all watch Vince walk on water or cure the blind or something.

Bring the pain and fire away in the comments below.

Titans vs Texans coverage

Reliant Stadium Named NFL’s #1 Tailgating Venue

Mike Kerns — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:07:37 -0000

The guys down at Texan Mojo. Shotgun Time!!!

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While this is old news (about a month old), I figured I would save it until the bye week to write about it.

In a review written by Scott Bowen of Forbes Traveler, he names the confines of Reliant Stadium the cream of the crop when it comes to NFL tailgating festivities. Being a season ticket holder and avid tailgater for years, I may be a little biased when I say I have to agree with him.

I have only tailgated at a few venues other than Reliant, honestly. The Georgia Dome in Atlanta and The Superdome in New Orleans being the only other pro ones I have had the joy of tailgating at. I have been to several college stadiums before, but this review is about the pros, so I will stick to that.

Bowen graded the venues on parking space, family, tradition, fan intensity and of course, great food. Now, food should be a given. This is Texas, after all. While he gives credit to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City the most credit on food, it is closer than you think. "One place that could give Arrowhead’s chefs a run for their money are the grill-masters down at Reliant Stadium, in Houston, where the Texas-style barbecue rules," Bowen claims. I am quick to agree with him. The people I have met in the Yellow Lot know how to cook.

The parking in Yellow Lot is spectacular as well, being one of the only places to have grass instead of concrete for its tailgaters. And if you get there before 10 a.m. usually on game days, there is plenty of space on said grass. Fan intensity is never in question. There are so many groups out there doing whatever it takes to get fans rowdy and making sure everyone is having a good time. "Raging Bull" is said to be the best tailgating group out there, but I am not sure what lot they are in. In the Yellow Lot, the highlight is Texan Mojo. This group is big supporters of Miller Lite and every 30 minutes, they provide free Miller Lite shotguns for any who are willing. This is accompanied by a usually hilarious speech by "The Preacher." You should certainly check them out if you get a chance.

All in all, I am not surprised that Reliant is getting this kind of national love. Because you know the tailgating has to be amazing for us Houstonians to suffer through the heat and humidity to do it every Sunday. It’s a great time and every fan should try it at least once. If you are ever in the Yellow Lot, stop by and have a Shiner. We are there every home game. Because there ain't nothing like cracking open a beer while the sun is coming up over the stadium.

Also, in case you missed it, Tim is putting together a meetup tailgate for the upcoming Monday Night Game. Hope to see you guys there!

Bernard Pollard: One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

Mike Kerns — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:45:25 -0000

More photos » by Matt York - AP

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Safety has been a position of need pretty much since the Texans inception in 2002. Eric Brown, Glenn Earl, Jason Simmons, C.C. Brown, Nick Ferguson, Dominique Barber and John Busing are just some of the names who came and didn't work out at the spot. But something odd has happened this season. Houston seems to have finally found someone who has shored up the Strong Safety position well. Extremely well.

I remember watching NFL Network right near the end of preseason for the names of all the final roster cuts for every team. There were obviously several names that I immediately put on my "Texans Wish List." One of those names was former Kansas City Chief, Bernard Pollard.

By the end of Week 1 of the 2008 season, almost everyone knew who Bernard Pollard was. While it wasn’t necessarily for his play on the field. It was more for being known as the man who ended the season of Patriots QB Tom Brady. Not that his play on the field was lackluster.

I have several co-workers at my office who are Purdue alumni, and I remember one of them mentioning Bernard Pollard while he was still playing for the Boilermakers. He was referred to as "The Bonecrusher" for his really physical play and devastating hits in college. Something that earned him honors as a first day draft pick, going in the 2^ndround and #54 overall to Kansas City.

After starting every game and leading The Chiefs with 98 tackles in 2008, I think it surprised almost everyone when his name was on the final cuts list at the end of camp this year. Especially Chiefs fans.

With us staring a year of Dominique Barber and John Busing at safety in the face, I hoped Houston would take a flyer on him. And that they did. So far, it seems to have been one of the smartest in-season pickups the Smithiak regime has ever had. Since being inserted as a starter, Houston is No. 1 in the league against the rush.

By this point, everyone is scratching their heads and wondering why Kansas City let him go. When asked about it, Pollard simply says that he was just as confused and surprised as everyone else:

"It was very difficult," he said. "You don't know what's going on. You don't know who said what about you. You don't know how they labeled you. When you don't know, that's the worst thing."

When credited for Houston’s defensive revival, Pollard is humble and gives his teammates credit by saying that he is just another piece to an already great defense.

Another Purdue alum, Jacques Reeves, says that he isn’t at all surprised about Pollard’s huge impact on the defense:

"I knew what kind of player he was and I figured he would come in here and make an impact," Reeves said. "I don't know what else went along with him being cut, but I do know he is a good player and he's playing good for us."

A month ago this guy was looking for a job. Someone to give him a shot. Most agree that he is making the most of the opportunity.

"I just want to play football," he said. "I want to be able to show management or teammates what I'm able to do. You know what they say; one man's trash is another man's treasure. I'm thankful for where I'm at."

And most Texans fans are thankful to have him here.

However, as always, there are detractors. There are some who say he will give up the big play to try to make a big hit. In fact, I even remember him on 790 AM here in Houston saying:

"You just got to establish yourself....let them know that I'm going to hit the ever-loving **** out of them. Sorry to say that, but that's how I feel, that’s how I play."

Sorry, but what fan isn’t going to like hearing a player for their team say that? Along with Brian Cushing, Pollard has given the Texans defense a swagger and a mean streak that we have never seen out of this team before.

I say lock the guy up. He is only 24 (25 in about a month and a half) and in his prime. I know there are many who are worried he is just another Will Demps. And that could be true. But you don’t want to have the fix in your hands and let him walk next season. Pollard talks about how much he likes it here and the direction the team is headed. Unfortunately, there are going to be many other contract renewals and extensions to worry about this offseason. But let Rick Smith worry about that. It’s his job, not ours. Just like Pollard’s is to keep knocking the ever-loving **** out of ‘em, and the contract will take care of itself.

Moats vs. Slaton: Let’s Take an Unbiased Look

Mike Kerns — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:10:09 -0000

More photos » by Dean Duprey - AP

Ryan Moats has made a good case to get more opportunities from out of the Houston backfield.

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It is no big secret that Steve Slaton has had a rough go at his sophomore season in the NFL. You can blame the offensive line for not giving him any lanes to run through. You can blame him for adding bulk in the offseason. You can even blame the playcalling for making running plays too predictable. All of that is fine and good. But the bottom line remains that he has endured the fabled "Sophomore Slump." Half of an NFL season is a good measuring stick to make that assumption.

And this isn’t even taking into account his fumbling problem, which isn’t as surprising to me as it has been for many of my fellow Texans fans. One of his negatives before the draft was that he had a hard time hanging onto the ball while at West Virginia at times.

But the reaction to his benching against Buffalo last Sunday has been met with mixed feelings from many. Some feel that it was about time and others were criticizing head coach Gary Kubiak for not having patience with a young player going through a hard time. I have to disagree. Kubiak has been more than patient with Steve and has handled it the best way imaginable. By benching him for an entire game, and watching another guy have a career day in his place, had to be an eye-opening experience for Steve. The axiom that "The NFL stands for Not For Long" isn’t just a clever catch phrase.

Then we have his backup, Ryan Moats. A guy who before Sunday was known more for his offseason issues with a Dallas police officer than he was for his play on the field. A guy who has waited patiently for his opportunity and kept his mouth shut and capitalized when his number was called. And when asked after the game if he thought that he should be the starter, he remained humble when he had every reason to brag a little bit.

A third round pick out of Louisiana Tech in 2005, Moats was stuck behind Philadelphia Eagles standout Brian Westbrook for most of his time there. He broke his ankle in the Eagles first preseason game in 2007 and missed the entire season. It would be the last time he played for them, as he was released in the final round of cuts the next season. He stuck around on Arizona’s practice squad for about three weeks before he was released again. Houston quickly snatched him up a week later to their own practice squad. After cutting Darius Walker and multiple injuries to Ahman Green, Moats was promoted to the active roster and quickly rose to second on the depth chart behind Steve Slaton.

Now that you know a little more about the guy, we can move towards the debate. Many are calling for Moats to get the start at Indianapolis this Sunday over Slaton. Yet, others are saying Buffalo’s awful run defense was the only reason he had the breakout performance. Me? I don’t care. I want whoever gives us the best chance to win. I am completely unbiased on the issue.

Of course, I feel that Steve is the more talented player. I mean, the guy is electric and can score almost any time he touches the ball. But, much like Jacoby Jones, you start to hold your breath every time he has the ball now. Seven fumbles in eight games doesn’t even happen in a video game. That is a hell of a bad run. And it isn’t anything that can be corrected without getting the opportunity on the field. But could you imagine the fallout if we are right there about to beat The Colts on Sunday and Steve puts it on the ground, and it turns out to be the play that costs us the game? That would be Sage Rosenfels all over again. And I wouldn’t wish that on any player.

I am all for starting whoever Coach Kubiak chooses and then having them split carries evenly. Let’s see how Ryan Moats runs against someone that isn’t Buffalo. Not that Indy is world-beaters against the run or anything, but at 8-0 they surely aren’t awful.

So, let’s hear it, BRB nation. Who you got starting this Sunday, and why?

Poll

Ryan Moats or Steve Slaton. Who would you prefer to see start on Sunday?

Steve Slaton

626 votes

Ryan Moats

673 votes

Chris Brown...You know you love him...

39 votes

1338 votes | Poll has closed