Offense: C+
Backup QB Kerry Collins had a good day, going 25 for 42, 280 yards, and no interceptions. He also strung together a nice drive with less than a minute to go, putting the team in field goal range for the ultimate Bironas game-winner.
Special Teams: B
Decent overall. Hentrich continues to be one of the best punters in the league, and newcomer Michael Griffin shows lots of potential as a kick returner.
Defense: A+ (first 70% of game), F- (last 30%).
This one has me stumped. After putting on a clinic the first half (plus the first couple minutes of the third quarter), they gave up a whopping 29 fourth-quarter points. Here's the rundown of the the Texans' first 2 1/2 quarters:
| 1st Quarter | |||||
| Start Time | Time Poss | Drive Began | # of Plays | Net Yards | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30 | 0:45 | HST 24 | 2 | -1 | Fumble |
| 10:50 | 0:59 | HST 14 | 3 | 1 | Punt |
| 08:03 | 2:25 | HST 42 | 5 | 11 | Interception |
| 00:52 | 1:52 | HST 17 | 3 | 1 | Punt |
| 2nd Quarter | |||||
| Start Time | Time Poss | Drive Began | # of Plays | Net Yards | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:46 | 1:41 | HST 18 | 3 | 8 | Punt |
| 05:36 | 1:37 | HST 25 | 3 | -1 | Punt |
| 01:06 | 0:21 | HST 21 | 1 | 13 | Fumble |
| 3rd Quarter | |||||
| Start Time | Time Poss | Drive Began | # of Plays | Net Yards | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:00 | 0:52 | HST 20 | 3 | 5 | Interception |
| 10:53 | 1:28 | HST 20 | 3 | 5 | Punt |
Solid. Any team would be proud to have a defense show up like that. And then the last quarter came along. After scoring almost immediately, here's what the Texans did:
| 4th Quarter | |||||
| Start Time | Time Poss | Drive Began | # of Plays | Net Yards | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:08 | 3:53 | HST 2 | 7 | 98 | Touchdown |
| 04:30 | 0:16 | HST 12 | 1 | 0 | Interception |
| 03:47 | 2:10 | HST 25 | 12 | 75 | Touchdown |
| 01:37 | 0:40 | HST 34 | 3 | 66 | Touchdown |
Awful. Just flat-out awful. The inexperience of the secondary was definitely visible, as Texans backup QB Sage Rosenfels(!) lit up the Titans for 290 yards and 4 TDs. This left the Titans down by a point with :57 left in the game. Thankfully, we had this guy:
Rob Bironas: A+++
See also "the only reason we won this game. " Bironas scored 26 total points, and set a new NFL record for most field goals in a single game (a perfect 8/8).
So there you have it folks-the whole ugly thing. Hats off to Bironas for being a truly clutch player today. As for the defense, shame on you. No more taking a nap in the 4th quarter. A 32 to 7 lead should not turn into a near cardiac arrest over the course of 15 minutes of playing time. You nearly killed Tim. Seriously. At any rate, a win is a win, but jeez-no more like this, OK? Onward.
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