While it is commonly believed that the 4th game of the Preseason is pretty much a wasted game where teams showcase the players that they are planning to cut. Typically, this game either gives these players some exposure to be seen by other teams who may pick them up or gives some guys who are “on the bubble” of making the cut, a last minute chance to show the coaches why they should. For the most part, starters don’t even play a down in game 4.
Gary Kubiak, however, is looking at this game quite differently. In an interview earlier this week on Sports Radio 610 in Houston, Kubiak stated that there are still a number of starting positions up for grabs and potential starters will be playing in this game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. From Chester Pitts fighting for his starting tackle position to the mess of Defensive Tackles trying to stake their claim, we will see some decent starter action in game 4.
(It may not be against Tampa starters, but it should help make a normally dull football game, slightly interesting.)
If they happen to decide to take time to watch the game tonight, despite it being the 4th Preseason game, there are 3 big things beyond the aforementioned starter battles that Texans fans should be watching and could get into a little.
1) The Quarterback Situation
Yes. Matt Schaub sprained his ankle last week. It WAS a freak play where his cleats couldn’t get the right traction to slow him down from a full speed run as he went from grass to the track-turf. And, no, he wouldn’t have played in this game whether he was injured or not. So forget about the ankle. The Quarterback situation should be fun to watch in this game.
Although Kubiak and staff say that the back-up position is sealed up with Dan Orlovsky, Rex Grossman gets a chance to come back from his injury and show this team why he should have chance at that spot. Orlovsky should play the majority of the game to help gain him more experience, but fans can expect a big –competitive second half from Grossman too. The Texans would be smart to make room for both guys…just in case the naysayers are correct and Schaub turns out to be injury prone.
2) Defensive Line
Jeff Zgonina should also be another fun element to watch against the Buccs. The 39 year old Defensive Tackle is fighting to make the team and, honestly, he’s putting up a good fight. This game should be his make-or-break game that decides if the veteran gets to stick around.
Frank Okam and Deljuan Robinson should also put up some strong performances, trying to prove that they have what it takes to be the run-stuffing starters that the team so desperately needs. If they don’t prove anything, Kubiak will have no choice but to pick up a free agent or make a move to get someone in there who is a big, physical presence.
3) James Casey
I don’t know what it is, but there is something about this Rice alum. He had the city behind him and can play a multitude of positions. Not only that, but he can play them well. Add in that Rice University education and Casey proves to be smart enough to play any position you throw him in. This kind of versatility makes him a great weapon that the Texans have at their disposal.
In his Sports Radio 610 interview, Kubiak said that we should see James at Tight End, Full Back, Tail Back and “all over the field.” The last bit makes me think we may see him try his hand in a wild cat formation or at Quarterback. Look for Casey to play nearly the entire game at multiple positions and do pretty darn well at it to. (I just hope Kubiak isn’t doing that to feature him to other teams. KEEP CASEY, KUB!)
There are a number of other things to watch in this game, but you should tune in to the game and see for yourself. Go Texans!
0 comments:
Post a Comment