SB Nation User Blog: SOLIS

Super Bowl Recap - All Apologies Edition

SOLIS — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:03:06 -0000

Yes, I'm still walking among the living, albeit in on a slightly different path. Responsibilities at home and work have both increased two-fold, so my free time has been whittled down to near nil. Check out Energy Crisis by J. Martinez & McEnroe to get an aural rendition of the aforementioned explanation. Not to say that I'm jumping ship; in fact, I fully intend to forge ahead, sleep be damned.

With that being said, I thought it would be appropriate to touch on a few key points regarding last Sunday's Super Bowl. I'm sure if the Cards were setting a soundtrack to the days that followed the Super Bowl, my guess is that it would include this little ditty.

Cardinal Rules Go Unheeded

Heading into Sunday's game, the Arizona Cardinals knew that perfect play was the only way they were bringing home the Lombardi Trophy. They had to adhere to the basic rules that governed their run to the Super Bowl. And as close as they got, they made enough mistakes to deny themselves a ticker-tape parade.

Mistake number one: Playing too conservative for too long. Arizona was down double digits before they opened up their vaunted passing game. Midway through the second quarter, QB Kurt Warner finally went vertical, finding WR Anquan Boldin for a nice catch and run down to the one yard line. A play later, the Cards were in the end zone and back in the game. While this put the game close at hand, it wasn't long before the Cards found themselves down by ten again.

Mistake number two: Killing their own momentum. With the second quarter coming to a close and the Cards poised to take a 14 - 10 lead into the half, Warner channeled his inner (insert your favorite Texans signal caller) and threw an errant pass into the waiting arms of LB James "Defensive Player of the Year" Harrison who took it a Super Bowl record 100 yards to pay dirt. This put the Steelers up 17 to 7, and all but murdered the Cardinals' momentum.

Mistake number three: Not dancing with who brung 'em. Letting nearly fifty (50) minutes elapse before completing their second pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald is mind-boggling. I know Fitz was the focus of the Steelers' D, but he needed to be utilized a lot earlier. You don't allow (arguably) the best receiver in football to wait until fourth quarter to become a factor. It's no surprise that once Warner started to force the ball to Fitzgerald, the Cards were able to turn a thirteen (13) point fourth quarter deficit into a three (3) point lead.

Disclaimer: Look, I love me some AJ, (I have two jerseys to prove it) but Larry Fitzgerald is everything you'd want in a receiver. Coming into the league, Larry had the size, speed, and leaping ability that teams covet. Now he's demonstrated the ability to rise to the occasion. He's a playmaking receiver with an amazing set of skills who just so happened to lead his team on an improbable Super Bowl run... man. Larry Fitzgerald is a certified badass.

A Prevent D on Super Bowl Sunday - ? Well, That's Just Indefensible...

So yeah, we've all admired the relentless nature of the Steelers defense. And while James Harrison's stellar pick-six to end the first half was nothing short of amazing - the Steelers' defensive dominance dwindled in the second half. After keeping Warner in check for most of the first half, the Steelers let the 2 time league MVP carve up their (dare I say) prevent defense in the fourth quarter. It was a very un-Steelers-like performance that had Arizona flirting with an upset. Sure it made for entertaining football, but it showed what happens when a defense lets off the gas.

A Huge Pair

QB Big Ben Roethlisberger and WR Santonio Holmes showed a ton of moxie on the Steelers in crunch time. At one point early in their two minute and two second (2:02) game winning drive, the Steelers were faced with a 1^st and 20 after a holding call pushed them back to their 12 yard line. Undaunted, Big Ben and Santonio Holmes took the entire city of Pittsburgh on their back and set up a two minute drive for the ages. Using most of the 2:30 left on the clock, they marched 78 yards down the field and scored with one of the most picturesque catches in Super Bowl history. So the Steelers offense, which had been pretty pedestrian for the first 57 minutes or so, came alive for one last drive and brought the title back to Pittsburgh.

Defense Loses Championships

We all know the adage defense wins championships. In the case of the Cardinals, it was their inability to defend the Steelers on their final drive that cost them the title. The Cardinals' defense excelled for most of the game, allowing only 13 points up until that point. They held RB Fast Willie Parker to 55 yards on 19 attempts and even scored two points by forcing a holding call in the end zone. But nothing was more impressive than their six play goal line stand. After a roughing the holder penalty (really?) gave the Steelers another set of downs at the four (4) yard line, the Cards' defense remained stout, surrendering only the field goal.

As good as they were for the first 96.4% of the game, they played terribly with the game on the line. Case in point...rookie CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (remember him?) led his team with two passes defensed and was credited with five solo stops. But when it mattered most, his inexperience caused him to bite on two pump fakes, which all but denied Arizona its first Super Bowl.

With just over a minute left in the game, DRC was zoned up on the right side of the formation. As the play unfolded, he bit hard on a pump fake to RB Mewelde Moore breaking to the flat, which allowed Holmes a huge window to catch the ball and turn up it field. The play resulted in a 40 yard gain and set the Steelers up with a first (1st) and ten (10) from the five (5) yard line. If he stays in his zone, he easily keeps the play in front of him and Pittsburgh near midfield.

The second allowed the title clinching touchdown. With DRC lined up to defend the back corner, he bit on the pump fake to WR Hines Ward running an in-route at the goal line. That allowed Santonio to find himself alone in the back of the end zone and in position to make the game winning grab. If DRC keeps Holmes in front of him, then the outcome of that play would have been very different.

So, How Long?

You'd be lying if you looked at the Arizona Cardnials and their high flying offense, and didn't see a little of your Houston Texans. An All-Pro wide reciever, a standout rookie running back, a rock solid receiving corps...similiarities abound.

If the Texans defense can take a step forward in 2009 like the offense did in 2008, then the Texans will be poised to make their first playoff appereance in franchise history. That much is true. We know the playoffs are within reach, so it begs the question: How long will it be before the Houston Texans get their shot at a Super Bowl ring? The Cardinals' improbable run makes me believe that it may be sooner than expected.

Texans 31, Bears 24: Rejoice!

SOLIS — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:36:39 -0000

Fresh off a rousing win over the Bears to close out the 2008 season, your Houston Texans are again 8-8. Not the winning season we had hoped for, but not the dismal season we all envisioned after that 0-4 start. Starting the game down ten and then rallying to win says a lot about the boys in deep steel blue. Bottom line is that we won. And going 8-8 is a helluva lot better than 7-9 no matter how you slice it. So feel free to express yourselves to the fullest in the Comments down below.

Did Slaton Hit the Rookie Wall?

SOLIS — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:34:47 -0000

I know, I know... One subpar game by your standout rookie doesn't necessarily mean that he's hit the proverbial wall - but after last Sunday's performance, one has to wonder if he was really ready for the game in Oakland. With Slaton shouldering the load for all but a handful of plays this season, I was left wondering if he has anything left in the tank for Sunday's season finale.

As they say, "facts is facts". Heading into the game against Oakland, it could have been easily assumed (better yet, guaranteed) that Steve Slaton would run wild on the Raiders. Coming into the game, the Raiders run defense was in a virtual tie for last place with the winless Detroit Lions (167 vs. 168 ypg ), while the streaking Texans, winners of four straight, were paced by Slaton's remarkable thousand yard season. Averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and among the league leaders in all purpose yards, it was a foregone conclusion that Slaton would have a field day in Oakland. But that's the funny thing about assumptions...

Now, Slaton didn't have a terrible day (66 yards on 18 attempts), but when you're arguably the league's hottest rusher, it's obvious when you don't perform up your abilities. And Sunday, it was painfully obvious that Slaton struggled to get his legs under him. Of his 18 attempts, 11 went for 2 yards or less - ELEVEN. So it begs the question - what happened?

Mike Welsh - Image courtesy of HoustonTexans.com

Was it the pounding he took against the Titans last week? It was well documented that they were intent on keeping Slaton at bay. Prior to their December 7^th meeting, Titans' defensive captain Keith Bulluck said, "I don't think it sits too well that (Slaton) got that 100 (in the first meeting). We need to get some of those yards back." Titans' linebacker Stephen Tulloch said, "Chris Johnson deserves (rookie of the year). If that means shutting this guy down, which we plan on doing, then that's what we'll do." Despite their best efforts, Slaton was again able to hit triple digits against the Titans in his gutsiest performance to date.

Was it the culmination of averaging 23 attempts per game over the past four games? Heading into last Sunday's game, Slaton had seen his carries per game increase a full 60%. Prior to week twelve in Cleveland, Slaton had been averaging just under 14 attempts per game (13.8). It's easy to see how that sharp spike in carries could affect even the toughest of rookie rushers.

Was it the season-long effects of playing four of the five top run defenses in the NFL? When talking about Slaton's accomplishments, what often gets overlooked is the competition he's faced in his rookie season. Sure, he's seen his fair share of tomato cans (read: Lions/Bengals), but he's also seen four of the NFL's top run defenses. In order of total rushing yards allowed: 1^st Vikings, 2^nd Steelers, 3^rd Ravens, and 5^th Titans( x 2). The only team that's missing from that list is the Chicago Bears at 4^th best... and they are coming to town this Sunday. That's a tall order for any running back, especially one in his rookie season.

I'm convinced that all of these factors contributed at least in part to Slaton's downturn last Sunday. With the Texans hosting the Chicago Bears this week, Slaton is going to have his work cut out for him. But if there is one thing Slaton has hung is hat on this season it's this: he never gives up on the play, and keeps the legs churning .

If I were a betting man, it would be hard for me to count him out. I have a feeling that whatever he has left in the tank, he's going to leave it all on the field this Sunday at Reliant.

Live Game Thread Quote of the Day the game she is ugly. Only way we have a shot is a TD and a...

SOLIS — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:48:07 -0000

Live Game Thread Quote of the Day

the game she is ugly.

Only way we have a shot is a TD and a TO. Otherwise its over.

Please draft some defensive stars for the next DC.
by texanphil on Dec 21, 2008 5:12 PM CST reply 0 recs

The game looked like it was over before the end of the 2nd quarter. How a team goes from winning a toe-to-toe battle with the 13-2 Titans to losing a gimme-game against the now 4-11 Raiders is beyond me... Un-freakin-believable.

http://www.battleredblog.com/2008/12/21/698982/open-game-day-thread-houst#

Live Game Day Thread Quote of the Day Dear Bud Adams HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! When...

SOLIS — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:21:43 -0000

Live Game Day Thread Quote of the Day

Dear Bud Adams
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 14, 2008 3:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

What do you do when you win your fourth game in a row, snapping a seven game losing streak to a division rival that has the best record in the league? Laugh hysterically...

Side note: This week's live game thread was one of the best ever. From guys wanting to bear Slaton's children to Diehard Chris wanting to throw shoes at Kubiak's presser, it was hard to single one out. In any case, thanks goes out to everyone who participated and made it one of the funniest reads of the year.

http://www.battleredblog.com/2008/12/14/691476/open-game-day-thread-tenne#

A Grand Total

SOLIS — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:46:53 -0000

Steve Slaton, the Texans' sensational rookie runner, posted his second consecutive 100+ rushing game and his fourth of the season. In the brutal cold (3° F), Slaton had a career high 26 carries for 120 yards. More importantly, he became the second player in franchise history to rush for over 1,000 yards. Currently at 1,024 yards, he only needs 164 yards over the next three games to break the Texans single season rushing record currently held by Domanick Williams (formerly Domanick Davis).

As much success as he's had this season, Slaton is third in rookie rushing behind Tennessee's Chris Johnson (1,094) and Chicago's Matt Forte (1,081). While he may be trailing for the rookie lead in total yards rushing, he is the rookie leader in running plays over twenty yards (11) and is tied for the league lead in plays of over fourty (4). He's also among the league leaders in yards per carry with 5.0.

On the season, Slaton has hauled in 37 passes for 290 yards. As a rookie running back, he is second to only Forte in yards (395); however, unlike Forte, who hasn't had a single reception over 19 yards, Slaton has caught four of over twenty yards.

Even the most fervent Texans fan has to admit that Slaton's ability to shoulder the load has been a surprise. While I was fully on board the Steve Slaton Express from day one, even I've been wowed by just how good Slaton is becoming. And I use the word "becoming" because he seems to get better with each and every week.

So the question remains: Just how good will Slaton become?

Schaub Named AFC Player of the Week

SOLIS — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:12:17 -0000

Schaub Named AFC Player of the Week

Ol' Matty Boy's 414 yard, two touchdown performance won the Texans their second consecutive Offensive Player of the Week award. RB Steve Slaton's 186 total yard explosion on Monday Night Football earned him the nod last week. This week, QB Matt Schaub kept the party going with an impressive showing of his own.

Like the Wu said - The Houston Texans ain't nothing to F' with. Yeah - it's like that.

Special K

SOLIS — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:29:08 -0000

WR Kevin Walter is arguably the best unheralded wide receiver in the league. He runs exact routes and has excellent hands. Through the first thirteen games of the season, Walter has 851 yards and is among the league leaders in touchdowns (8). Of the 31 players with at least 55 receptions, only Roddy White (ATL), Greg Jennings (GB), Steve Smith (CAR), and Calvin Johnson (DET) are averaging more yards per catch.

Mike Welsh - Image courtesy of HoustonTexans.com

Houston's K-Dub is hauling in yardage at 15.5 yards a catch and at 65.5 yards a game, he is on pace for the first thousand yard season of his career. If he's able to gain 149 yards through the next three games, he will join WR Andre Johnson to give the Texans the first pair of 1,000 yard receivers in franchise history.

Sunday at Lambeau Field, Kevin Walter had one of the best days of his career, hauling in six passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. As consistently good as Kevin Walter is, Sunday was his first hundred yard game of the season. What's even more mind boggling, it was only the second 100+ yard receiving game of his career. His first game surpassing the century mark was an eleven (11) reception, 160 yard game at Jacksonville last year.

But it's not just his ability to catch the ball that makes him special. Kevin Walter is also an outstanding blocker in the run game. In today's era of prima donna wide receivers, Walter's selflessness has been key in the Texans offensive success.

When asked about Kevin Walter's outstanding 2008 season, Kubiak said:

"He’s (WR Kevin Walter) a special player. He plays hard in the running game. He seems to make big plays for our team all the time, very unselfish player. For us to get him for a seventh round draft choice a couple of years ago has been just a tremendous steal. I’m really looking forward to his future. I don’t think he’s scratched the surface. I think he’s going to be a fine, fine player for a long time. He takes care of himself. The game is very important to him. People can count on him."

As defenses continue to roll coverage to WR Andre Johnson's side of the field, one thing is certain - Kevin Walter will find holes in the defense and help move the Texans down the field. Throw in his ability to seal off defenders down field in the run game, and you have one of the most complete complementary receivers in the league. I fully expect to remain a threat as long as he's sporting the Battle Red, Liberty White and Deep Steel Blue. Special K indeed.

Live Game Day Thread Quote of the Day He'll redeem himself I have a hunch... Got Texans? Visit...

SOLIS — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:52:31 -0000

Live Game Day Thread Quote of the Day
He'll redeem himself
I have a hunch...

Got Texans? Visit BattleRedBlog.com for the latest on your Houston Texans!

by SOLIS on Dec 7, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply 0 recs

Yep, I called my own number for this one. After K Kris Brown missed a 41 yard field goal at the end of the half, I had a feeling that he would come back and win the game. The feeling stuck with me as the game unfolded... and true to my hunch, Kris Brown split the uprights as time expired. Sweet sweet victory.

http://www.battleredblog.com/2008/12/7/683883/open-game-day-thread-houst#

Live Game Day Thread Quote of Day STEVIE WONDER IS AN EBONY GOD He’s Reggie Bush at 1/100 the c...

SOLIS — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:47:11 -0000

Live Game Day Thread Quote of Day

STEVIE WONDER IS AN EBONY GOD
He’s Reggie Bush at 1/100 the cost!

by Only_A_Lad on Dec 1, 2008 10:31 PM CST reply 0 recs

Steve Slaton's star shone bright under the lights of Monday night. We've seen it all year - a crease is all he needs to break a big run. But it's not just his speed that's impressive; it's his ability to bounce out of the grasp of would-be tacklers and turn would-be losses into big time gains. With 182 yards from scrimmage, the nation caught a glimpse of Houston's latest sensation.

http://www.battleredblog.com/2008/12/1/676790/open-game-day-thread-jacks