It’s getting pretty difficult to be a Texans fan. Thursday’s firing of David Culley was shameful. Not that it was surprising. When Nick Caserio did not immediately say following the season finale that Coach Culley would be back next year, you knew he was gone. He knew he was gone.
But as always, Culley remained a consummate professional and gentleman. The 2021 Houston Texans were an abysmal football team with limitless problems. Their head coach was not one of them. I watched all 17 Texans games. With the lone exception of the Week 13 debacle against the Colts, they played hard. That was apparent even back in the preseason.
Culley was a steadying influence and a respected leader. He did a nice job in developing Davis Mills. What could Culley have possibly done with that team that he didn’t do?
One year?
It’s now apparent that Caserio saw Culley as a one-year “bridge” coach from the jump. That is deplorable.
Culley is an NFL “lifer” who finally got a shot to be a head coach at the age of 65. He’ll be fine financially, because the Texans owe him for the FOUR years remaining on his contract. He will find a job as an assistant if he wants to, because he is a good coach with a solid track record.
David Culley leaves with his dignity intact. The Texans have forfeited theirs.
Playoff time. I like the sound of that. Quick takes on the Super Wild Card Weekend matchups.
Raiders at Bengals—The Silver and Black may be physically and mentally exhausted after that marathon against the Chargers. But the Raiders can flat-out rush the passer. And the Bengals cannot protect Burrow. That one angle makes this game interesting.
Patriots at Bills—Playoff games between divisional foes are always fascinating. The Hoodie won the first regular season meeting by attempting three passes in the wind in Buffalo. The Bills countered by thumping the Pats later in the year in Foxborough. The Bills have the better roster, top to bottom. And they’re at home. So why am I not at all convinced Buffalo will win?
Eagles at Bucs—No, the Eagles are not going to pull off the upset. But they will get this game into the fourth quarter, and there will be some very nervous moments for the Bucs and their fans.
‘Niners at Cowboys—Turnovers. If Jimmy G. doesn’t turn the ball over more than once, SF has an excellent chance to win. This is a very awkward matchup for Dallas.
Steelers at Chiefs—Nolo contendere.
Cardinals at Rams—Another intra-divisional bout. Somebody has to win. But do you really think it matters? These two teams are both Dead Men Walking. And I have zero confidence in either Matthew Stafford or Kyler Murray right now.
Djokovic? Shut up and go home.
