Gallant Says

The Texans suffered the most embarrassing loss of the DeMeco Ryans era, CRUSHED by Minnesota Vikings in 34 - 7 rout.

cAn yOu beLiEvE LaReMy TuNsiL aNd StEfOn DiGgS wErEn'T aT oTaS?? (0:32 - 1:52) But on a serious note, I talked about everything that ACTUALLY mattered at this week's Texans OTA availability. (1:52 - 19:22) I also finally got to the Texans schedule release AND graded the always ridiculous post draft grades. (19:22 - 26:09) Finally, I watched Harrison Butker's commencement speech since NOBODY will shut up about it. Was what he said truly as polarizing as its being made out to be? (39:47 - 1:09:14)

Framber Valdez has always been a roller coaster, but last night was special. Was it a one time thing? Or another symptom of a problem that might need removal? Plus, thoughts on an article I read about gymnast

The Astros are off to a very slow start. I'm not pressing the panic button yet. But the way this team talks down to us about the struggles of certain players is driving me CRAZY. Whoever decided they should answer tough questions by referencing the "back of the baseball card" needs to be fired...and replaced by me. [for a nominal fee, of course]

I talked about the latest massive Texans offseason splash - Houston trading a '25 2nd rounder to Buffalo for Stefon Diggs and some late round picks - and a WR dealing with ACTUAL off the field issues.

No runs, a bad night of baserunning, and another bullpen disaster has the Houston Astros now at 1-5 after a 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays. What the hell is happening? Plus, some thoughts on...women's basketball?

I talked about Ronel Blanco's VERY COOL no hitter to give the Houston Astros their first win in 2024, an ex-Astro who showed some loyalty against the Rangers, and a couple of controversial tweets...

Paul talks about the Rockets 132 - 126 OT win over the Thunder, Jalen Green's INCREDIBLE game, plus Draymond Green's ejection and James Harden's return to Philly. Plus, when did everyone become a bridge expert?

Yes. On day 2. I talked about the Danielle Hunter signing, the Joe Mixon trade, and more!

The NFL Free Agency tampering window began Monday, and Houston fans are PISSED about a lack of Texans moves. Is that anger fair?

I discussed the lack of podcasts the past month (0:26), why I hate the NFL combine (4:54), previewed Texans free agency (8:07), & discussed a busy week in politics (33:38).

I kicked things off talking about the Texans DOMINATING NFL Honors night. After that, I explained why I'm jumping on the Chiefs bandwagon. And to wrap things up, I tried to wrap my head around the backlash to Tucker Carlson's interview with Vladimir Putin.

The Astros signed legendary second baseman Jose Altuve to a $125 M contract extension. It will keep him in town through the 2029, when he turns 39. It's more a sentimental extension than a rational one, but Houston HAD to do it. Next, I weighed in on a chest-beating quote by 'Stros owner Jim Crane. I finally gave my 2 cents on the Seahawks hiring Mike Macdonald as their next head coach. And to wrap things up, I've got a hot take about politicians...

I opened the show explaining why Chiefs / Patriots comparisons are...actually fair right now

I explain why Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik PROBABLY isn't leaving, the art of zagging and trolling in sports media, about politicians and their lack of self respect, plus a throwback Thursday history lesson!

I opened things up discussing the Astros rolling the dice to sign Josh Hader (2:29) before divvying up the blame for Saturday night's Texans loss (12:53). After that, I wondered TRULY how distracted Houston's O.C. Bobby Slowik may have been before Saturday in Baltimore, testing my own ability to do my job AND apply for one (24:43). And to wrap things up, I discussed an epic scam in Houston PLUS it's hilarious coverage by legacy media. (34:35)

It was ALMOST close. But when the second half began, the Texans got a COLD reality check in terms of how far away they are from being a TRUE Super Bowl contender. Hey, at least the future is bright! It's just hard to see that shine when you've got two black eyes from Baltimore's defense and running game. ☠

On Saturday, the Texans have a chance to go somewhere they've NEVER been before: the AFC Championship. But to get there, they'll need to beat the 1 seed Baltimore Ravens, a team that's been the class of the AFC for the past couple of months? Do they have a chance? Are they playing with "house money"? How much have things changed for both teams? Do they have enough bulletin board material? How many more f*cking questions do I have ask before you start watching? IT'S THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE SEASON SATURDAY AND COULD BE THE GREATEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE! GET PUMPED!!!

We know who the Texans will play in the divisional round: the Baltimore Ravens, who beat Houston 25 - 9 in week one. How much have things changed for both teams since then? Does anything remain the same? (1:47) Plus, why NFL football in the cold isn't the problem some softies are making it out to be (20:44). And...I hate marathons. (31:22)

NRG Stadium was the most alive it's ever been as C.J. Stroud, DeMeco Ryans, and the Houston Texans beat the absolute SHIT out of the Cleveland Browns. They're on to the Divisional Round for the seventh time in franchise history...but this one feels different!

I opened up the show explaining why I'm feeling MUCH more confident about the Houston Texans' chances against the Cleveland Browns in their Wild Card playoff showdown Saturday. (1:09) After that, I talked about my time covering Pete Carroll, who was politely fired by the Seahawks Wednesday. In case you didn't know, I became a big fan in my time working with him. (12:50) And to wrap things up, I discussed Bill Belichick - the greatest coach in sports history (I'm not biased at all) - and the Patriots amicably splitting up too. (25:35)

I'm not kidding. In an After Peyton Manning world (APM), the Texans have more division titles than all but 3 teams in the NFL since 2011. It's largely due to the division's very depressing history of mediocre coaches and quarterbacks. But it's true, nonetheless! So let me tell you that history...

Nico Collin's INSANE performance gave the #Texans offense all they needed. We'll see who they end up playing in the first round today. It's either hosting the Browns as division champs (need the Titans to beat the Jaguars), on the road against the Chiefs (if the Jags win AND the Dolphins win in Sunday night football), or on the road against the Bills (if the Jags win and the Bills win in Sunday Night football).

To open things up, I discussed my hatred of the Colts [and the one sided nature of the Texans - Colts rivalry] (1:12) before explaining why this go round against the Texans should be different from what we saw in week 2. Should the Texans win, I laid out their possible playoff opponents, and the outcomes you should be rooting for Sunday (10:51). After that, I touched on Texans Pro Bowl snubs (21:25), discussed all too familiar stories about James Harden (31:37) and Bill O'Brien (38:30), before wrapping things up breaking down the Aaron Rodgers - Jimmy Kimmel feud (47:02).

Yes, next week is do or die when it comes to #Texans playoff chances. But while we wait for that, let's appreciate how far these Houston Texans have come to wrap up 2023. Plus, C.J. Stroud is back! How did he fare? And why is Houston's defense SO GOOD against Tennessee, but so inconsistent against everyone else? That, [plus your thoughts!] on Houston's 26 - 3 blowout of the Titans...

It seems like Seahawks fans are about to have another great debate on their hands after Monday's W over Philly: Drew Lock or Geno Smith? I try to explain what needs to happen for the Texans to make the playoffs. And, the Boston Tea Party has been...cancelled?!?

After opening up the the show PUMPED about the Patriots (0:54) 21 - 18 W over the Steelers (New England's lil 'B), I ranted about people who root for their teams to lose so they'll have better draft picks (4:15). Next, I explained why for the first time all year, I'm 100% confident guaranteeing that the Texans will win a game. With how messy the New York Jets are right now, who could possibly disagree? (11:18) And to wrap things up, I talked about the latest example of Seahawks safety Jamal Adams being overly sensitive. (26:54)

A clip from Sunday's episode about C.J. Stroud already being better than Trevor Lawrence triggered LOTS of Jaguars fans. So I doubled down, with the added question: is Jacksonville any better than last year's team? Their aspirations don't seem bigger given their pride in "running" the AFC South. Plus, Houston...we have a problem. We're too obsessed with the idea of referees being out to get our sports teams. You think the NFL would rig a game for the Jacksonville Jaguars of all team? And to wrap things up, I lamented the decline of journalism.

Don't get me wrong. The referees weren't good today. But Texans' DBs were CONSTANTLY chasing Jaguars wide receivers, while their defense was unable to generate pressure on Trevor Lawrence. Add in a backup kicker...and fine, spotty officiating...and the Texans now find themselves firmly out of the running for an AFC South crown.

C.J. Stroud out-performed one of the best QBs in the game, the Texans beat a bonafide Super Bowl contender, and Houston would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. What a Sunday in Cincy!

It's not just that the #Texans actually won a game in the final minute, something they've almost always been on the wrong side of in their brief history. It's also that C.J. Stroud threw for a rookie record 470 yards and 5 TDs less than a week after calling for Houston's offense to be explosive. How can you NOT be optimistic about his future here? Plus, other thoughts on the game...

I led off the show talking about an all time excuse from a truly awful person in Houston. After that, I got into the latest Dusty Baker comments about the criticism he faced [online] this past season. We discussed an accidental game of telephone in the Texans locker room between players and coordinators. ANDDD...Sam Bankman-Friend is donezo, but somehow this guy isn't...

The cease and desist letter that the Titans sent to the University of Houston for wearing their H-Town pride uniforms on September 3rd was indeed legal. But it's also the reflection of an NFL product that has little value...outside of the intellectual property that they abandoned two years after leaving Houston. An actual poverty move by a franchise that's been trading away its best players for scraps lately while begging for taxpayers to build a new stadium. Those unis though, amirite? Plus, I think Texans fans need to relax about offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. The range of takes on his performance this season is WAYYY too wide.

I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed. And I'm certainly not surprised that the Texans lost to a winless team with a rookie QB [who until today was struggling]. This team IS different than in years past. But based on history, you expect this kind of thing from ANY player wearing THESE jerseys.

Cristian Javier? Bad. J.P. France? Bad. The Astros 5-9 hitters? Bad. Adolis Garcia? Destroyer of worlds. Plus, it Dusty Baker is reportedly thinking about retiring. I reacted to it all.

The Astros' bats whiffed during big time opportunities (a tip of the cap to Nathan Eovaldi), Framber Valdez was mediocre at best, and bullpen got hammered. The series is tied at 3-3. Game 7 on Monday night...here we come!

Bryan Abreu got suspended 2 games for hitting Adolis Garcia. He can appeal. But Adolis Garcia didn't get suspended at all? Plus, ALL the player, manager, and umpire accounts - both Astros and Rangers - of Friday's dustup.

Don't doubt the Houston Astros.

It's just one game. Don't be a Rangers fan. But thanks to Max Scherzer waking up their bats, ANOTHER great postseason performance by Cristian Javier, Dusty Baker's decision making, and of course YORDAN...we've got ourselves a series.

After rambling about Rangers fans telling me "this aged well" and my Sober October getting sidetracked by sugar, I talked about C.J. Stroud emulating one aspect of Tom Brady. Plus, what if Nick Caserio's got to work on THIS if he wants to be embraced in Houston.

Framber Valdez was TERRIBLE today. And it's a shame, because the Astros bullpen did MORE than enough to keep Houston in the game after the fact. Unfortunately the bats - outside of Yordan Alvarez and Michael Brantley - aren't delivering, wasting SEVERAL opportunities to even the series. But in spite of all that, I'm STILL confident in the Astros, who were 6-1 against the Rangers in Arlington, outscoring them 63 - 32 this year.

The dynasty continues!

The Astros bounced back in a HUGE way Tuesday afternoon - in spite of shadows & jacket weather - to thump the Twins. Between Cristian Javier's unflappable start, Jose Abreu's home runs, and ANOTHER incredible divisional series from Yordan Alvarez, it was a thing of beauty!

Was tonight's Astros L as simple as Carlos Correa & Pablo Lopez kicking Houston's ass? Or was this all on Framber? And is Dusty Baker to blame at all?

Today certainly FELT like a Same Old Texans™ kind of loss. Following up a couple of decisive Ws against teams you're not supposed to beat with a loss to a team with no Q rating? With the game being boring to boot? Yeah...it sucks. But I think this is more an L that exposes the limitations of this team...one that is still rebuilding 3 years and 3 head coaches after moving on from Bill O'Brien.

The Houston Astros began their 2023 title defense with a 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins. I talked about Justin Verlander's arm, Yordan Alvarez's bat, and an Astros performance SHAKIER than Hector Neris...plus a lot more.

The sloppy way the Rays shot themselves in the foot against the Rangers AND Toronto's lineup looking pop-less against Minnesota has me feeling a lot better about the Astros chances in the playoffs. Though the more I learn about them, the more the Twins worry me. Plus, I'm sick of getting THIS kind of push notification on my phone...

I love that the Texans have a pulse again. But I've got to admit, watching the Seahawks win on Monday Night Football in a bizarre beatdown [classic 'Hawks] made me miss covering the team (which I did from '19 - '21). Plus, it sure seems like the Mariners forced Cal Raleigh to apologize for his very honest statements on Sunday. If they did indeed do that, it's another sign of how the front office still doesn't get the players. And to wrap things up, I rambled about some funny Seattle Times headlines I've seen over the past couple of weeks.

The Texans DOMINATED the Steelers 30-6 thanks to Bobby Slowik and C.J. Stroud. The 24 point W was their most DECISIVE victory since a 57-14 shellacking of the Titans back in 2017! Meanwhile, the Astros won the AL West thanks to great pitching and bullpen work Friday & Saturday...not to mention some help from the Mariners and failure by the Rangers. All in all, it's a GREAT day to be a Houston sports fan!

The Detroit effing Lions look like LOCKS to win the NFC North. And it's not just because they stuffed the Packers in a locker on national TV. Plus we learned new details the dustup between Astros pitcher Hector Neris and Mariners star Julio Rodriguez.

Yes, Derek Stingley has another hamstring injury...and is likely to miss significant time. Is this someone's fault? Plus, I discussed what I saw in Thursday night football AND something that's bothering me about media these days