Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson is the best in the NFL—not just because he has prototypical size (6′3″, 228), runs great routes, has great hands and led the league in receptions last season with 115. But because he does his job better than everyone else while still remaining humble about it. In an era of crybaby, diva receivers who crave attention, all for the glorification of their massive egos, Andre (and AZ Cards WR Larry Fitzgerald) are a breath of fresh air.
Yesterday was just another Sunday for Andre as he caught 10 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns—this while …read more

Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson was fined $25,000 for writing the words “Pay Me, Rick” on his shoes during last Sunday’s NFL Kickoff Weekend 2009 season opener against the N.Y. Jets. The message was aimed at Texans general manager Rick Smith and the fine was explained by the Texans as “conduct detrimental to the team.” Anyway, it backfired.
Dunta has been upset about not being able to reach a long-term contract with the team, so he thought a public expression of his displeasure would solve the problem. Unfortunately for Dunta, the stunt didn’t generate more income. It achieved just the opposite. …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Adam “Pacman” Jones appeared on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” this morning, being interviewed by Stephen A. Smith. He had a similar interview with CBS Sports’ James Brown yesterday and said he expected to be employed by an NFL team next season — maybe even with the Dallas Cowboys. I think Adam is being extremely optimistic. Unless the Oakland Raiders come calling, I don’t think any other team is that nuts for a pretty average, troublemaking cornerback/kick returner. Maybe the UFL is interested?

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson might be the best receiver in the National Football League. It’s hard to argue with his numbers this season. Andre is leading the NFL in receptions (103) and receiving yards (1,408). But it’s his work off-the-field that might be most impressive on his resume. Andre’s foundation began in 2003 as a way to help single-parent homes. One of his goals is to let kids know they can go out and accomplish what they want in life despite any obstacles. Andre has special plans for the holiday season:
“Last year for Christmas, …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Houston Texans are 6-7 and with three games remaining on the 2008 schedule. Sadly, they find themselves three games behind in the race for the final AFC playoff spot. In other words, the Houston Texans are most likely going to miss the playoffs this season. But with an impressive 24-21 road win against the Green Bay Packers this afternoon, the Texans are offering a glimpse of what they could be next season. Of course, this is what they were expected to be this season, but better late than never, I guess. Head coach Gary …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
There are so many different angles I could take on this post, but after having watched the Houston Texans blow a 17-point lead with six minutes and change to go, I can’t help but think this might be the game that ultimately defines their season. Backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels (filling in for sickly Matt Schaub) fumbled twice and threw an interception in the second half of the 4th quarter as the Texans lost to Indianapolis 31-27, dropping their record to 0-4. Because of the devastation of Hurricane Ike, this was the Texans first home game …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
After Hurricane Ike left a trail of destruction throughout Texas (among other places), the Houston Texans’ Reliant Stadium suffered damage that saw five of nine Teflon-coated fiberglass roof panels get blown off. But Stadium officials say the building is sound structurally and the plan is to play the remaining home games at Reliant, but with an open roof 100% of the time. Texans owner Bob McNair was fine with that:
“I’m delighted to know there’s no structural damage and that it appears we’re going to be able to play Oct. 5 against the Colts. I’m satisfied …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Damage caused by Hurricane Ike will move Monday night’s game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens at Reliant Stadium to Sunday, November 9. The game was originally scheduled for tomorrow but was moved to Monday night because of the expected arrival of the hurricane. Well, it arrived, alright. The storm tore chunks off the stadium’s retractable roof (five of the nine roof panel sections are missing) and the damage can’t be fixed in time to host the game on Monday night. Short notice made it logistically impossible to play this week at rumored alternate …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The NFL announced this evening that the Houston Texans Week 2 game versus the Baltimore Ravens will be played Monday (instead of Sunday). Here is the official statement from the league:
“Due to the importance of allowing the Houston area to focus on its recovery from the expected arrival of Hurricane Ike on Friday, the Houston Texans’ home game Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens has been re-scheduled for Monday night at Reliant Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Houston time (8:30 p.m. ET). The game originally was scheduled to be played on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 3:15 p.m. …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
ESPN Magazine’s “NFL Preview 2008″ is out and about. Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams is on the cover. If you’re a subscriber, you probably already have this. If not, it will be in stores this week.