Playing Catch-up

Ok, so I didn't cover any of the preseason and subsequent roster moves. Truth is I got a little busy and when not busy I got a little lazy.

A quick recap - The first team offense and defense were both firing on all 8 cylinders at Arizona. Houston ended up losing the game in the 4th quarter when the offense couldn't seem to get anything going. Things sort of fell apart in New Orleans when the Saints just steamrolled to an easy victory. Both first teams got it back together in a big way when Dallas came to town for a visit. The second team offense seemed to have a hard time against Tampa Bay, but Jon David Booty brought the Texans back knocking on the door in the 3rd and 4th quarters before time simply expired. The Texans finished the pre-season 1-3. I was rather happy with what I saw, however, and my excitement for this season continues unabated.

As for the subsequent roster moves, there weren't many surprises there, but a couple did leave me scratching my head. The first was the cutting of Jacque Reeves. The team's oldest Cornerback (Antwaun Molden) now is going into his 3rd year in the NFL. While none of the CB squad is a bad player, I think some veteran leadership at the position would have been prudent, especially with the loss of Dunta Robinson. I also questioned the cutting of Danny Clark at Linebacker. Starting LB Brian Cushing is still suspended for the first 4 games, and at this point I still don't know who is going to be starting in his spot (although all indications point to Xavier Adibi). Finally there is the question of Quarterbacks. Dan Orlovsky did not have a very good preseason and Booty clearly beat him out in the final preseason game. Jon David Booty ended up being on the chopping block, however. I appreciate Gary Kubiak's commitment to Orlovsky, but I just don't think he's got what it takes to be a QB in the NFL. It was announced on Labor Day that QB Matt Leinart signed a 1 year deal with the team after being cut by Arizona. I think I would have rather seen Booty kept on as the 3rd QB.

I would have also like to have seen Jeremiah Johnson make the team as he had a pretty good preseason this year. Unfortunately, the RB corps has been depleted with injuries. The team could not afford to leave him on the roster (he was injured against Tampa Bay) while Steve Slaton is also nursing an injury. To fill the gap the team signed veteran RB Derrick Ward, who should provide some capable backup to Arian Foster until Steve Slaton returns.

There is the quick and dirty recap up to this point. The regular season starts in 2 days when the Vikings prepare to get smacked down by the Saints once again. I will have my predictions up in the next 48 hours.