I don't follow the Texans very closely. I found myself becoming an Oilers fan back in the 90s, and though my relationship with that team doesn't go back nearly as deeply as it does for many people, I was bitter about the shenanigans that led to their move to Tennessee, and I've never quite warmed up to their replacements as a result. I don't dislike them, I just don't much care one way or the other. Maybe some day I will, but not at this time.

All that said, I think the Texans need to think long and hard before deciding that David Carr is part of the problem as they look to rebuild. I just don't know how you can accurately judge a quarterback who's got such an awful offensive line and a defense that forces him to play catchup most of the time. Carr's career stats are far from awful, especially 2004's. The main thing to worry about is his big dropoff in yards per attempt, but given that his completion percentage this year is identical to last season's, I'd point a finger at the play-calling before I blamed Carr.

For sure, the Texans could do better at quarterback. Carr's a serviceable player, but he may never live up to the hype of being a #1 pick. The question is whether the marginal gain from installing a better QB - at whatever the cost would be - would be greater than the equivalent gain from improving other positions that might need it more. If I were the Texans' general manager, I'd think that there were higher priorities. That eight million he'd be owed to stay around isn't chump change, but I say it's worth it. I don't think they'll get enough of a return if they have to find a new signal caller as well as a new coach and maybe a new GM.

By the way, do you think anyone in the NFL front office is concerned about the possibility that either the Texans or the 49ers will appear to tank on Sunday in order to get a shot at Reggie Bush? I don't think either team will do anything less than give their best effort, but all it takes is one dropped TD pass or one questionable play call, and some media type somewhere will speculate about ulterior motives. If there's been any word from the Commissioner's office about this, I've not seen it. I'm just curious.

UPDATE: You know, like how people spoke about the Rockets tanking when Hakeem Olajuwon was in the draft.