When I first opened my brand-new copy of “Madden 2003” back in, funny enough, 2003, I knew the Texans were the team for me. Why not choose to play my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, instead? Because the Texans were the newest expansion team in the league, and played the 2002 season like they were an expansion team, going 4-12. In the 2003 Madden game, the Texans, unlike the Dallas Cowboys or any other team, had no history, no losses – only potential. Seizing upon that potential, they became my franchise. David Carr became my franchise quarterback and the NFL became my virtual playground.
Now, seven years later, let’s just say the virtual Texans on my XBOX have far exceeded the abilities of the real Houston franchise. Although the Texans have yet to make the playoffs in real life, my virtual Texans are multiple Super Bowl champions. David Carr is a Hall of Fame quarterback and will not be backing up anybody on a different team anytime soon. Unfortunately, like with all sports video games, the reality of the real franchise can’t compare to the virtual success of my pixelated franchise. But there is hope. There is potential. There are playmakers on the real Houston Texans team this year.
I have never known a team to be named “the sleeper to make the playoffs" for as many years as the Texans have been picked only for them never to make the playoffs. That changes this year. With Schaub on a tear, the defense improving and Andre Johnson’s new contract, the Texans will make the playoffs as a wild-card, finishing second in the AFC South behind Indianapolis. Their running game missed a step in 2009 and will need to re-establish its form in order for Houston to truly make the playoffs, but if there ever was a team due to break through, this is the team.
They are practicing hard, over-practicing in some cases (though it hardly seems possible), and have a fairly easy schedule. Only Indianapolis (I was so happy when Manning retired in my virtual world), Dallas, San Diego and the New York Jets loom as threats for them. Even if they lose those five games (which they won’t), they still have a decent shot to finish 11-5 and finally have the break-out season everybody keeps predicting for them.
When they open the season at home against Indianapolis, Houston can take their first step to achieving their as-of-yet untapped potential.
You really disappointed me last year, Indianapolis. A solid 14-0 going into your week 16 game against the New York J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS! and leading at halftime, 9-3, you benched Peyton Manning and other key starters, effectively ending your chance at a perfect 19-0 season. I just have two questions for you.
Why?
What reason could you possibly have for not striving for history?
You say you were playing for the Super Bowl victory, not a perfect season. 44 other teams have won the Super Bowl. Of those 44 teams, only one has done so undefeated and they only went 17-0. 19-0 would have been a greater achievement. Heck, 18-1 would have been far nobler of an end to your season, because then you would have failed trying in dramatic fashion.
Bold failure can be forgiven. By losing the Super Bowl to New Orleans after giving up on a perfect season, you will never be forgiven. If you had won the Super Bowl with a 17-2 overall record, so what? You would still have been questioned for your decision to lay down and not go for history.
Nothing can be done about all that now. You have one hope to forget about the nightmare end to what could have been a magical season. You have to win the Super Bowl – and just once won’t cut it, unless you do so by being perfect. You have to win two or three more Super Bowls and finish with at least as many as Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Anything less and you will forever be remembered for “what could have been in 2009.”
You must strive for greatness this year. Don’t settle for just being good enough. Last year you were good enough to win the division, good enough to make the playoffs as a #1 seed, good enough to go to the Super Bowl… but what did good enough get you?
Your road to redemption begins on September 12th at Reliant Stadium. Don't let your fans down again. Play to be perfect.
Tomorrow, letters to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans...
A little harsh on Indianapolis don't yah think? I mean just because they failed to make history twice in one season is no reason to take out all the frustration from your xbox losses on them.
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