Did anyone notice how the defensive line lined up in this game?  Williams lining up by himself at left end.  Okoye & Smith stacked at about the right end and Connor Barwin standing up like a MLB?  It seems that Frank Bush is trying to take advantage of Barwin's athleticism.  I saw it on a few plays.  Barwin would stunt around the end or drive right up the middle.  I imagine the look made it harder for Palmer to read the defense.  He had to account for a DE in the middle of the field.  I imagine with some work, it will make a four man rush harder for the opposing Olinemen as well.  Any idea what this formation is called?  What do you think Barwin is reading to determine if he goes up the middle or around the end?  Would the same look work with other personnel?  It seemed to be somewhat successful in getting pressure and stopping the run.

It's been a great homestand and a great opportunity to watch some Texans football.  But now our beloved Texans are hitting the road.

We at BRB wanted to organize a get-together to watch one of the road games.  There'll be the game,  some food, and of course knowledgeable and frenzied fans to share it with.

If you are planning on coming to the event, please RSVP to marroncito@yahoo.com with your contact phone number no later than November 13th.  We need to know how many are coming so we can plan adequate space, food, etc.

(images via houstontexans.com)

When the tale of the Texans 2008 season is told, I believe that one of the main threads running through it will be the story of a team that had to get out of its own way.

As the Texans have cleaned up their turnovers and improved their decision-making with the ball, they have started winning.

Week 1 @ Pittsburgh: The Texans did everything wrong.  The Steelers dominated, but the Texans sure poured gasoline on the fire with long drops and having a zone blocking line go man-up with the likes of Casey Hampton and James Harrison.

They were out of it the whole game.

Week 2 vs. Ike: A brief pause for all those who got through this storm and those who are still struggling.

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I won 2 tickets to this Sunday's game against the Bengals.  I won't be able to make it, so I thought it would be fun to give them away here on the blog.

I haven't picked them up yet, so I have no idea where the seats are or if there are parking passes or anything like that.

If you want to see the Texans roll to a 3-game winning streak, then I'll need you to post a comment with the following:

• What is your most memorable Texans moment?
• What is your most painful Texans moment?
• Who is your favorite non-starter on the Texans?

Last but not least, if you get these tickets, I want you to promise to take a camera to the game.  I want you to post some Fan Shots of all the action, whether the seats are nosebleeds or 50 yd. line.

My decision on the 'winner' is going to be completely arbitrary and subjective.  I'm going to try to pick someone that loves the Texans as much as I do and who I think would have fun at the game.

These tickets are in no way guaranteed.  I'll do everything I can to get them to you in a timely manner, but I nor Battle Red Blog make any guarantees about them.

I will update this post with the details once I pick up the tickets from the Sports Radio 610 offices tomorrow.

(special thanks to aatravelguide.com for the images)

UPDATE:

The tickets are for section 607, row M, seats 18 & 19.  Click on the map above and you'll find section 607 at the very top.  They look kinda like nosebleeds, but hey you're still at the Texans game.  No parking passes or anything like that :( 

Sports Radio 610 didn't hook me up all that much, even when I knew that only Clinton Portis had more yards from scrimmage than Andre Johnson.

Thanks for making this an awesome post.  I absolutely loved all the entries.  There's no way I could choose anyone on the merits of their fandom.  So many great fans on this blog. 

I chose one winner and one back-up.  The winner I chose was Southern Lion.  He's been a great contributor to the blog and is a great fan.  I would love to know that BRB was a part of getting him to a live game.  If he can go, the tickets are Southern Lion's. 

If he can't go for some reason, I chose Leein3D as a back-up.  I loved the South Park reference.  Great post.

The only thing I'm sad about is that I don't have tickets for everyone.  However, we at BRB are looking into more things to improve the site and really build the BRB community.  Keep your eyes peeled and your RSS readers locked here.  

Thanks again for participating and as Matt put it, "baring your soul".

Here are some thoughts that I'll try to elaborate on this week.

• The first half of this game is the team I have been talking about since Week 2.  The Texans are a team that can take it to anyone in the NFL like that.  The 2nd half is the team that everyone has been complaining about.
• Dunta Robinson being on the field is far more invaluable than his 2 tackles today.  He brings an energy and a leadership to the defenese.  There was a time last season, before his injury, that he was making the calls for the secondary from his CB position.  It's good to have that kind of leadership and enthusiam back on the field.
• More thoughts to come.
  

Offensive Rookie of Week

 

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans

16 carries, 93 yards, 2 TD; 1 reception, 3 yards

 

In what is a star-studded group of running backs, Slaton is becoming the elite big-play back.  His two-touchdown performance against the Colts showed his ability to break a big play and to be a dangerous all-purpose weapon.  Slaton’s vision and footwork have stood out in the Texans’ zone-based running scheme.  He has shown good patience and trust in his blockers.  Slaton’s value as a blocker is starting to show also

 

Best of the Rest

2. Duane Brown, OT, Texans - Both of Slaton’s touchdown runs were to the left side, where Brown was doing a solid job all day against a weaker Colts defensive line.  His one blemish was allowing a sack to Dwight Freeney.

Both Steve Slaton and Duane Brown were recognized by New Era Scouting as top rookies.

This cool little thing here to the left is a Wordle.  It takes writing and changes it into a graphical representation.  The more times a word is mentioned, the bigger the word appears inside the Wordle.  This Wordle is a combination of Mike Brisiel and Tim Bulman's interviews.  Take a moment to glance over it.  Click on it to make it bigger.

I asked them specific questions to show everyone what kind of heart the Texans players have.  Words like these don't come from the heart of a losing team.  The Texans are on the way up.

So how about some other reasons to be confident in the Texans...

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