by John OehserFiled under: Texans, AFC South
On a day when the Houston Texans were looking for answers, rookie cornerback Kareem Jackson said there was one place it was easy to assign blame:Him.
The Texans on Sunday lost to the San Diego Chargers, 29-23, at Reliant Stadium in Houston -- a game that moved Houston to 4-4 after an inspired, heady 2-0 start. The game, many Texans players said afterward, was not only winnable, but it turned on big plays.
And as Jackson saw it, no one allowed more than he did.
"It was tough," Jackson said after the Texans allowed Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers to complete 17 of 23 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns with an interception. "In my opinion, I think it was the big plays that determine the game, in which I gave up three alone two for a touchdown. Anytime that happens, you don't give your team a chance to win. That's on me.
"I'll just have to come back out this week and just work hard and just try to get better."
Rivers' touchdowns went to rookie wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu (55 yards and 28 yards) and veteran tight end Randy McMichael (11 yards and 12 yards), a pair of backups. But with the Texans' this season, it hasn't mattered much who has been in the opposing lineup. They are last in the NFL in passing defense, and even with a pass rush that has gotten solid pressure at times throughout the season, the young secondary has struggled.
Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Sunday the unit has been hurt so far this season by not only inexperience, but a lack of playing time.
That, he said, should change now that the group is getting time together.
"We're going to play with these kids," Kubiak said. "They're all playing. The only one, (CB Antwaun) Molden, probably hasn't played that much. He's been healthy now for three or four weeks. That's the first time he's been healthy for this team in awhile. (CB) Sherrick (McManis) had been out, so we're playing the guys that should be on the field.
"We should get (SS) Troy (Nolan) more involved. He's doing some good things. We went young, we're going with these guys. They've got to get better and we've got a good football team."
And while Jackson blamed himself, and while teammates appreciated him taking responsibility, teammates not only weren't blaming him, they didn't believe the gesture necessary.
"We all have to get better," Texans defensive end Mario Williams said. "It's not just on him. It's on everybody. If they're putting up that many yards against our defense, it's all of us.
No comments:
Post a Comment