Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Texans: Coach Gary Kubiak reiterated his faith in Matt Schaub, who has thrown five interceptions and one touchdown in Houston’s first two games — both losses. Kubiak said everyone, including Schaub, needs to improve. “In this business every person, whether they’re playing or coaching, if they’re not doing their job then there’s a chance they could be replaced,” Kubiak said. “But when I look at the big picture, if I felt like one player was the reason why we were not succeeding, then that would be easy. But I don’t see it that way. I see a lot of reasons we’re not succeeding and we all need to fix those issues.” Schaub was 17-of-37 for 188 yards and three interceptions, with Cortland Finnegan returning the last one 99 yards for a touchdown in Sunday’s 31-12 loss to Tennessee. He wasn’t the only one who struggled against the Titans, with Andre Johnson having an uncharacteristically sloppy game, dropping passes, including one in the end zone. “He had his mistakes, but he also did some good things that would have given us a chance to be in position to win the football game,” Kubiak said of Schaub.
Vikings: After more dominant defense and a steady performance in the passing game by new quarterback Gus Frerotte, it was possible to examine this first win and believe Minnesota is back on track. But Frerotte’s 15 years in the league have given him proper perspective. “It takes the pressure off for one day, anyway,” he said. “Once we come back Wednesday, we’re right back at it.” The Vikings (1-2) might have saved their season of high hopes with that 20-10 triumph over the Carolina Panthers, but the NFL’s competitive setup creates a strictly narrow timeline for savoring these season-saving victories.
Bills: Starting fullback Darian Barnes will have tests on his injured right foot, leaving his status uncertain for Buffalo’s next game at St. Louis. Coach Dick Jauron didn’t discuss the nature of the injury, except to say Barnes would have tests later in the day. Barnes was hurt when he tumbled awkwardly into the sideline after a 9-yard reception midway through the second quarter of Buffalo’s 24-23 win against Oakland on Sunday. Barnes got up favoring his right leg, but stayed in the game for a few plays before limping off the field and did not return.
Panthers: Seconds before he was to begin his news conference, John Fox walked off the podium to ask a team official a question. Fitting, really, that 24 hours after the Panthers’ ugly, mistake-filled performance, the coach would have a false start. “One of many,” Fox acknowledged. Sunday’s 20-10 loss at Minnesota wasn’t what the Panthers (2-1) expected in top playmaker Steve Smith’s return following his two-game suspension.
Associated Press