I’ve long said that there’s only one thing holding me back from tossing my cable box in favor of getting all my TV online: live sports.

In particular, I’d really miss ESPN, the legendary all-sports cable and satellite network that keeps me company at lunchtime, gets me all prepped for the NFL on Sunday, and serves up more live tennis that you could swing a racket at. Read the full story

If only one half of football could win games, the Texans would have left Reliant Stadium with a victory yesterday. The Texans started the game on a 17-0 run, and appeared to have a winning game plan for the unbeaten Colts. The game had what could be described as the closest feel to a playoff game as the players and fans had felt before at Reliant Stadium. After scoring two touchdowns (they almost had a third that was lost to a Andre Johnson drop in the end zone) and two field goals, Reliant Stadium was buzzing with the fans enthusiasm and excitement. After two quarters of play, the Texans were up by thirteen, had picked off Peyton Manning twice (Brian Cushing and Brice McCain had the interceptions), and appeared to have control of the game.

Unfortunately for the Texans, Peyton Manning and the Colts defense would not allow the Colts to come out and continue their sub-par play in the second half.

After trailing 20-7 at halftime, Manning and the Colts came out of the tunnel from halftime with a new game plan that the Texans would not find a way to stop. The Colts only scored once in the third quarter (Manning to Reggie Wayne for a 4 yard TD), but began to put the Texans away for good in the final quarter of the game. In the fourth quarter, Manning would connect with Dallas Clark for a 6 yard touchdown, followed by a Clint Session interception return for a touchdown, and a 23-yard rushing touchdown for Chad Simpson on the Colts following offensive drive which put the Colts up for good.

Matt Schaub appeared to be a completely different quarterback in the second half. He would throw two interceptions before a 10-yard pass to Jacoby Jones with 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter for his only touchdown toss of the second half. The first interception Schaub threw in the third quarter appeared to be a spot pass that either: (1) did not reach its correct spot or, (2) was a result of miscommunication between Schaub and Andre Johnson. However, the second (and more costly) interception Schaub threw appeared to be an ill-advised pass on the quarterback’s part. After the Schaub-to-Jones touchdown, the Texans were only left with 18 seconds on the game clock and could not recover the ensuing onside kick for a last chance effort to tie the game.

The Texans fall to 5-6 on the year after three heartbreaking losses that have left the team, and city, questioning their once strong playoff hopes. In post game interviews, coach Kubiak repeatedly shouldered the blame for this loss against the Colts, citing game management and prior preparation. After hearing the same reasons from Kubiak following each of the Texans recent losses, many Texans fans have begun calling for Kubiak’s firing. Reports have surfaced that Bill Cowher may have interest in coaching the Texans, and after yesterday’s loss, Texans owner Bob McNair may find chatting with the former Pittsburgh Steelers’ coach appealing. Many fans called in to Houston’s Sports Radio 610 AM to express their displeasure for both Kubiak and Schaub, but the answer to ‘What is the Texans’ problem?’ may be a combination of both. While Schaub did throw two interceptions to compound his dismal second half performance, the Texans once again showed signs of conservative play calling and lack of a killer instinct after they acquired their 17 point lead.

What’s my take?

The Texans should patiently wait until the end of the season to determine whether Kubiak or Schaub (or both) should be replaced with upgraded personnel at their positions. Should the Texans manage to put together a four or five game win streak to close out their 2009-2010 season, they might still have a shot at reaching the playoffs. Although wins against teams like New England (January 3, 2010 /// 7-3 record), the Jaguars (December 6th /// 6-5 record and Texans lost 21-24 in the previous meeting on September 27), and the Dolphins (December 27 /// 5-6 record) appear to be a daunting task for this Texans squad, they do not appear to be completely out of reach if the Texans can manage to put together some complete games over the next month. Although many fans have begun calling for immediate resolutions to the Texans’ issues, they may need to wait for the season to end to clearly see the problems at hand. Talk of personnel changes at this point in the season will only compound whatever problems the Texans are currently trying to solve in order to salvage the season which began with the highest expectations since the franchise began. After the next five games if fans repeatedly hear the same “it’s on me” answers from Coach Kubiak, then the calls for Bill Cowher to replace him as coach may be the correct answer. However, if Matt Schaub cannot elevate his game of play to that of the premiere franchise quarterbacks in the NFL for the last five games, the Texans and owner Bob McNair will have to decide whether or not changing coaches is the only thing left to push the Texans into true playoff contention.

Watch exclusive videos from the game:

Texans WRs Johnson, Jones fined for fight

(AP) – 5 hours ago

HOUSTON — Houston Texans receivers Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones have been fined by the NFL for their roles in a fight during Sunday’s 34-31 win over Tennessee. Read the full story

Texans cornerback Robinson fined for message on shoes

Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson has been fined an undisclosed amount for wearing shoes that read “Pay Me Rick” during Sunday’s 24-7 loss to the New York Jets. Read the full story

Personally, I think the overturned touchdown Oakland had at the end of the first half should have stood. Maybe its just the Raiders curse to forever get jipped by bad reviews….Either way, Russell stepped up tonight and I was impressed by the team’s overall performance. If they can carry that hunger and smash-mouth style with them all season, I like their chances. Also, good to see Richard Seymour making an instant impact (he’s got me re-thinking just how bad that trade may end up).

Rivers drives Chargers down field after Russell’s TD pass to beat Raiders

OAKLAND, Calif. — Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers opened the season doing what they do best: beating the Oakland Raiders.

Rivers answered a pair of go-ahead scored by Oakland by leading two touchdown drives, capped by Darren Sproles 5-yard run with 18 seconds left that gave the Chargers their 12th straight in this one-sided rivalry, 24-20 Monday night. Read the full story

Read the full story

Patriots trade DL Richard Seymour to Raiders

By JOSH DUBOW (AP) – 1 hour ago

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders took a big step toward improving their struggling run defense by acquiring five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour from the New England Patriots on Sunday. Read the full story

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4442627

Vick eligible to play in 3rd week

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Thursday afternoon that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will be eligible to play in the third week of the regular season. Read the full story

When: 7 p.m. Thursday.

Where: LP Field, Nashville.

Broadcast: Television – Channel 4. Radio – WTMJ-AM (620).

Injury report: Packers – DT Justin Harrell (back), S Charlie Peprah (knee), RB Brandon Jackson (ankle), WR Greg Jennings (head), CB/RET Will Blackmon (thigh) and S Aaron Rouse (hamstring) won’t play; QB Matt Flynn (shoulder) will be available only as a holder. Titans – WR Nate Washington (hamstring) and CB Ryan Mouton (ankle) are out; LB Josh Stamer (groin), RET Mark Jones (stinger) and TE Jared Cook (ankle) are questionable. Read the full story

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/09/01/favre.vikings.texans/index.html?eref=sihpT1

Favre passes latest preseason test

HOUSTON — “Two weeks ago,” Brett Favre said, walking out of Reliant Stadium late Monday night, “I was weed-eatin.’ I mean, to come out here and move around this way and make a few throws, I’m pretty happy with it.”

Favre should be. But he’ll be sore in the morning. And that’s the crux of this Brett Favre Survival Season for the Minnesota Vikings. Already he has sore ribs, exacerbated by an illegal crackback block he laid on the knee of Houston safety Eugene Wilson in the third quarter of Monday’s 17-10 win over the Texans. He’s playing with a partially torn rotator cuff and chronically sore ankles. He took two sacks against Houston and got rattled around a couple more times.

Right now, 12 days before the Vikings play games that count, Favre’s like the rest of us: He doesn’t know if he can last an 18th full season.

“That’s the question,” he said. “I don’t know.”

For the first time in his life, the odds might be against him lasting 16 games. But if he can, some pretty special things could happen. That was evident in the first quarter against Houston. On the first scrimmage play of the game, Favre turned and handed to the best running back in the league, Adrian Peterson, and Peterson cut right, planted his foot and won a footrace up the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. On the ensuing series, the Vikings’ stout run defense stopped Steve Slaton twice, and Jared Allen sacked Matt Schaub. Three and out.

Two Wildcat direct snaps to rookie phenom Percy Harvin … 11 rushes for 117 yards by Peterson … 2.7 yards per opponents’ rush, thanks to Kevin and Pat Williams stuffing anything that ran … and Favre ’s 13-of-18 passing in seven Viking series. That’s what Favre needs to be: a good, complementary player who doesn’t turn it over and who moves the chains, and who, occasionally, make one of the old Favre-type plays.

Now, America, can you see why Brett Favre wanted to play for this Minnesota team so much?

What the Vikings need Favre to do now is get to know his mates. On one pass play, he gave Harvin the kind of look he used to give Donald Driver in Green Bay, the kind of look that said, “I’m coming to you.” But Harvin didn’t know that look and the ball didn’t come his way.

The most rewarding thing for offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who has been tutoring Favre since his arrival in Minnesota two weeks ago, was a third-down conversion late in the first quarter. The Vikings had the ball third-and-seven at their 26, and Favre set up in the shotgun, with trips left?three receivers to the left. Here came the pressure, and Visanthe Shiancoe, who was supposed to run deep downfield, knew to cut off his route just past the first-down marker. Favre knew he’d cut it off. And Shiancoe, button-hooking at 11 yards with linebacker DeMeco Ryans on his back, turned around to find the line drive, low, right in his hands.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Bevell said, smiling, after the game. “Some of that is dictated by coverage, some by the pass-rush, and some just by feel, and Brett and Visanthe knew when to make that play. My biggest concern is not Brett knowing the offense. My biggest concern is Brett knowing the players.”

“Exactly,” Favre said. “We run plays I’m very familiar with, but I have to learn these guys. It’s not the plays, it’s the players.”

Monday night was the five-week anniversary of Favre turning down the Vikings and saying he was staying retired. “I passed up the greatest chance I could have had right now, and it hurts,” a downcast Favre said that night. Three weeks later he unretired, and two weeks into his second comeback, Favre showed how well he fit with the Vikings, who clearly — if they stay healthy — are strong Super Bowl contenders.

Favre twice played wide receiver while rookie Percy Harvin took shotgun Wildcat snaps. On the second, he dove into Houston safety Eugene Wilson’s right knee as the play came back to his side; Favre was penalized five yards for a crackback block and appeared to be wincing as he rose from the turf. Favre wasn’t hurt, but Wilson might be. He lay on the turf for several moments before being removed with an injured knee. When the replay was shown on the Reliant Stadium video boards, the crowd booed Favre lustily, thinking it was a dirty play. Asked afterward what he’d say to Favre if he could talk to him about it, Wilson said: “What’s up with that? Seriously, what’s up with that? … I’m just happy to be walking.”

“I’m sorry if he’s injured,” said Favre. “That was not my intent. Percy was running my way, and I was trying to protect my guy. My intent was not to be cheap.”

So it was a successful dress rehearsal for Minnesota’s opener Sept. 13 at Cleveland. The question now is, will Favre be able to make it through another season taking the punishment he’ll have to take to survive? Nothing is guaranteed with a quarterback playing at 40. But for one night, he passed Childress’ acid test.

“How will I play this year?” Favre said. “Time will tell. I’ve got a long way to go. We’re only 12, 13 days into it. But I got better tonight. I know I’m up against the clock, but I took another step forward tonight.”

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=290831034

Favre plays 3 quarters with bad rib as Texans lose Schaub to sprained ankle

HOUSTON — Brett Favre’s ribs appear to be just fine.

He took plenty of hits and even delivered one.Adrian Peterson scored on the game’s first play, Favre played three quarters despite saying he might have an injured rib, and the Minnesota Vikings beat the Houston Texans 17-10 in a preseason game Monday night.

In his second game since unretiring less than two weeks ago, Favre was 13 of 18 for 142 yards. He didn’t move the offense much following Peterson’s touchdown until a 28-yard catch and run by Chester Taylor just before halftime.ESPN reported before the game that Favre said he thinks he has a cracked rib, but the 39-year-old didn’t look to be in pain while getting sacked twice and taking numerous hits.After the game he backed off his comments.”There is nothing you can do about it first of all, secondly, I don’t believe it is [cracked],” he said. “It doesn’t feel great but I think I will be fine. We have not done an X-ray yet. If it is cracked, there is nothing you can do about it.”He drew a penalty for an illegal crackback block to the knee of Houston’s Eugene Wilson when he lined up wide in the wildcat formation in the third quarter. Wilson was injured on the play, but said he’ll be OK.Favre said he wasn’t out to hurt anyone and was simply trying to protect rookie Percy Harvin, who took the snap.”I will be 40 years old in October and [was] weed-eating 13 days ago,” Favre said. “I wasn’t thinking about throwing blocks.”Wilson said he hadn’t spoken to Favre, but if he did he would ask him one thing.”What was up with that?” Wilson said. “Seriously, what was up with that?”Vikings coach Brad Childress said Favre was much better than in his debut, but there’s still work to do.”He did some really good things as far as putting the ball where it needed to be,” Childress said. “He will be the first to tell you that he missed a few reads. He made a couple of nice plays with his feet and he had enough of the pocket presence to move around when he had to and still get the football where it needed to be.”Houston’s Matt Schaub had a tough day. He was called for intentional grounding and threw an interception before spraining his ankle in the second quarter. He returned after the injury, but was limping and was replaced by Dan Orlovsky to start the third quarter.He said he hurt his foot when it caught the rubber on the sideline as he ran out of bounds.”I just felt a little something in my ankle and it kind of progressively got a little sore,” Schaub said. “I was able to stay in there and just came in at the half and figured it was best to just get some treatment on it and proceed that way.”Schaub was 10 of 14 for 108 yards with one interception. He said he expects to play Friday.Peterson scored on a 75-yard run when he sliced through Houston’s defense virtually untouched. He finished with 117 yards rushing, the second straight game the Texans have allowed a 100-yard rusher. Mike Bell had 10 carries for 100 yards in a loss to New Orleans.”Well, you can’t set [the tone] much better than that when you can go yard on the first play,” Childress said. “That really punched a hole in things.”DeMeco Ryans led Houston’s defense with 16 tackles and a sack, and was pleased that the defense bounced back after that run by Peterson.Minnesota’s three drives after Peterson’s touchdown ended with punts, one of them coming when Favre was sacked by Mario Williams.The Vikings got the ball at the Houston 24 early in the second quarter after Schaub’s interception, but had to settle for a field goal after Favre’s pass was deflected on second down and then fell incomplete on third down.Favre led a Vikings drive that took seven minutes in the third quarter, but that too ended with a punt after an incomplete pass and a false start penalty.Houston’s first three drives ended with punts before Schaub’s interception, and the Texans’ only touchdown came on a 4-yard run by Steve Slaton in the second quarter.Orlovsky was intercepted in the third quarter, and finished 7 of 11 for 74 yards.Tarvaris Jackson started the fourth quarter for Minnesota and Sage Rosenfels ended the game in his return to Houston after an offseason trade. Jackson completed both of his passes for 22 yards, and Rosenfels was 2 of 3 for 26 yards.Game notes
Houston’s Andre Johnson played into the fourth quarter and had three receptions for 61 yards. … Minnesota rookie Harvin caught three passes for 31 yards. … Texans receiver Kevin Walter injured his right hamstring in the first half and did not return.