The Epic Collapse of the Houston Texans

In 2011 the Houston Texans made the playoffs for the first time ever. They were led there by a stellar defense (4th in points and 2nd in yards) and the second best rushing attack in the league. At one point during the season they rattled off seven straight wins. The season wasn't with hiccups as they lost their starting QB, Matt Shaub, in week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, start running back Arian Foster continued to dominate and rookie T.J. Yates played well enough to keep the team in the hunt. They eventually went on to win their wild card round playoff game.

Going into the 2012 season, things were looking up. The team featured a two headed monster of a running attack of a 25 year old Arian Foster and a 23 year old Ben Tate. Both of these stars had near 1000 yds. The defense had no starters over 30, which is great for the NFL, and featured budding stars in J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing. Finally the team still had franchise receiving stud Andre Johnson. Houston's fans and the national sports media were riding high on the Texans.

The 2012 season didn't disappoint. The Texans finished 12-4 and won the AFC South. While the defense fell off a little, they stayed in the top ten in the NFL. J.J. Watt had a breakout year, amassing 20.5 sacks. On offense, Foster had another stellar year and Andre Johnson managed to stay healthy and play to his potential. Johnson amassed 1598 yds receiving. In a wild card rematch of 2011, the Texans beat the Bengals and moved on to the divisional round, where they lost a hard fought game to the Patriots. Going into 2013 things still seemed to be rolling.

They started the year out great, going 2-0, but then, in week three, things went bad. The defending super bowl champion Baltimore Ravens stomped the Texans, winning 30-9. Since that defeat, the team hasn't won a game. Quarterback Matt Shaub has been benched, injured, then benched again. Star running back Arian Foster got hurt and is now on IR. Linebacker Brian Cushing busted his knee and is also on IR. Basically nothing has gone right.

How did this happen?

2013 has been one of the most epic collapse for a highly regarded NFL team in recent memory. Sure the team has had a bunch of really unfortunate injuries, but that doesnt explain everything. There is definitely more going on in Houston than an injury bug.

Players all over the place have under performed. Their defense has dropped way off from the 2011 team. They are first in yards per game but 26th in points per game, giving up an average of 26.3. While the Offense is even worse. The Texans are 11th in yards per game but basically unable to score with all those yards coming in 30th in ppg. In the results driven, quick to blame and fire NFL, I gotta wonder if head coach Gary Kubiak's job is on the line.

The Texans season is definitely a lesson to all the NFL's hot teams, the Seahawks, Colts, Chiefs, etc, that success in the league isnt an entitlement. You have to earn it every single week. The spots a top the NFL peeking order are fleeting and the window of potential success slams shut quickly. But even with all that said, the Texans collapse has been exceptionally fast.

A Few Tidbits from Around the Web: Key and Peele are Funny Edition

In my opinion the funniest show on TV now days is Key and Peele. Their skits almost never miss. There best range from President Obama's anger translator Luther to some substitute teachers. These four are my favorite that have something to do with sports.

• The rookie McCringleberry goes a little too far after scoring his touchdowns. 
• Two sports fans duel over who has the better hat. 
• The classic East vs West college matchup.
• You know how everyone hates all the flops in soccer. Key and Peele show you just how extreme some players take it.

Pete Carroll Must be on the Take from Seattle Area Cardiologists

If you have ever listened to a Pete Carroll press conference you have probably heard a phrase similar to, "you cant win a game in the first quart, you cant win a game in the second quarter, you cant win a game in the third quarter, but you can win it in the fourth." That sentiment is one of Carroll's favorite. He utters different variations of it all the time. The thing is, his team appears to take it too seriously.

The 2013 Seahawks have continually gotten behind big in games.  The Texans, Titans and now, most embarrassingly of all, the  Buccaneers have out played the Seahawks for half of the game, only to lose in the fourth. So far it hasn't bit them, but you have to think, that if they keep playing this way, it will eventually. The biggest concern is it will be in the playoffs.

The coaching staff needs to get in these players heads. They need to get them ready and motivated to play the whole game, start to finish. They need to start outscoring the other team in the first, second and third quarters. The coaches need to look at themselves also. They need to come with a more complete game plan and not rely on making in play adjustments. Reacting to the other teams game plan has worked so far, but let's not keep testing it. Somebody tell these guys to try and win the first three quarters, even if it doesn't count for a win in the game.