Were Ed Reed’s comments correct about the Texans?
Nov 10, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Texans free safety Ed Reed (20) speaks with Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans veteran defensive back Ed Reed said he felt the Texans were outplayed and out-coached by the Arizona Cardinals Sunday.
Reed, who is in his first season with the Texans (11th overall), began his postgame press conference following the Texans’ 27-24 loss to the Cardinals by saying:
"“Arizona played their best ball. We played really well outside of certain situations. Certain situations, we just got outplayed and out-coached.”"
He later followed that with:
"“If you’re watching the game, it’s not no-brainers. Certain situations we have to get off the field. We need three-and-out. You have to also come out as an offense and move the ball. We can’t go three-and-out and put your defense on the field that quick.”"
Reed continued:
"“That drive that they had … I’m looking at it like guys are a little fatigued because I know if you don’t control the ball as much, offensively and defensively, you’re going to get fatigued. They’re going to get plays. Eventually they’re going to figure out what you’re doing if you’re doing the same old things.”"
Just from his comments you can tell the frustration level is at an all-time high for the season, probably not just for Reed, but the entire team. But, Reed is correct in saying they’ll figure out if the team runs same old things.
Does Reed airing his grievances to the media help the Texans’ situation? No, but at least he’s not being a robot with his comments and speaking his mind. He was not only honest, but correct in his statements.
The Texans are 2-7 overall for a reason, right?
Reed’s season this year has been forgettable to say the least. One year removed from being a Super Bowl champion in Baltimore, Reed is now a part of a team that is currently on a seven-game losing streak, so of course he’s going to be a bit ticked-off.
Who wouldn’t be ticked off?
Reed is no longer a starter for the Texans. His overall play has dwindled down this season, and he’s not the Hall of Fame caliber player he used to be, but who is after 11 seasons in the NFL? (Ok, Peyton Manning is).
Reed has 16 tackles this season, with no interceptions, no sacks and no forced fumbles in seven games played.
Do you feel Reed’s assessment correct? Were the Texans outplayed and out-coached?
I’m honestly surprised it took someone this long to say the team was both, because that has been the story on more than one occasion this season. The Texans are a very beat up football team. Add that with QB changes, coaching health scares and bad play overall, that makes for a frustrating season of football.
Even when they were healthy, the Texans weren’t playing up to their potential.
Though I don’t have a problem with Reed’s honest comments, I don’t see much motivation coming from them for the Texans. If it does cause a stir in their play, it is still a little to late in the grand scheme of the season.
Though I believe he’s right about both (at times this season), maybe he should have said this a few weeks earlier when the Texans could have done something about it.