I've had 1 nagging feeling since the game. I shared a quote a few days ago where Keim said one of the areas we needed to improve last year (and failed) was being a physical team. I thought about James Conner delivering two stiff arms on a run that gained 0 yards, about how he was used on that drive. He was established in the defense' mind on that drive, especially after the disrespectful stiffarms. That drive ended with Conner and JJ Watt lined up for a run, as decoys, while Kyler easily ran it in for the TD.
That takes forethought and planning, you have to imagine you're inside the 10 and what is the absolute best way to make the defense bite on a fake to Conner, and you have to imagine that when you're nowhere near the 10. I'm sure KK had the Watt and Conner formation in practice, but I'm convinced the way to get them to bite on Conner was him coaching during the game. Conner having several successful runs on that drive and then stiff arming dudes established him in their minds. The physicality, even though it gained nothing, was crucial because it was disrespectful and by the time we got inside the 10 they wanted to destroy Conner.
To me, that is next level, it's not an accident.
Random thoughts: I love Kyler highlights as much as the next dude, but I would prefer if it wasn't our QB running around like that to complete a pass. I'd rather watch Lamar do that while Kyler wins titles. Kyler is special. That pass to Dhop on the run, across his body, while on the sidelines, into the middle of the field...there's only a few dudes in the world who can make that pass. His back shoulder pass to Kirk was elite, and his pass to Dhop on the run for the TD was exceptional because he put the ball on Hops right shoulder so Hop could pivot and run it in for the score. Murray's arm and ball placement are exceptional. There's no reason to risk him with running around and being stupid.
