We're one week into the season and it's evident that you better do your Texans depth chart in pencil not pen. Running backs Ron Dayne and Samkon Gado are on the squad and they weren't around during training camp. Defensive tackle Thomas Johnson was cut by the Cowboys right before the season and actually played opening day. Roc Alexander was rescued from the wire at the 11th hour and promptly got knocked out for the season in the opener.
What does this mean? It means much of the talent on this team last year was clearly not what we had hoped. With five rookies starting and players getting picked up left and right and getting into games, we clearly are in construction mode. That doesn't mean the season is lost and you should get ready for '07. It means that this organization is doing everything possible to be as competitive as possible as quickly as possible.
The rookies were all at the annual Pancakes and Pigskins breakfast in the Woodlands Tuesday. I MC'ed and mentioned that the 5:30 a.m. bus departure from Reliant Stadium had to sound suspicious to the rooks as if it could be a joke for a hazing ritual. They came off well, sitting with donors and talking on stage in a Q&A with yours truly. The Texans Foundation and Junior Achievement benefited from the event.
The Colts are insanely good in September going 12-2 under Tony Dungy. Dungy took over a 6-10 team in '02 and has won at least 10 games per year since... going to the playoffs each year. No other team in the league has matched that. He's the best coach in the league no one talks about because he hasn't won "the big one." You would love to root for the guy, but he lives in our division. The Texans have had flashes of competitiveness against the Colts, but that's about it. They've actually sacked Manning more that any other team over the last three years.
Here's hoping that continues this Sunday.
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