
On Tuesday, NFL beat writer John McClain took part in a chat on chron.com. Excerpts follow but go to blogs.chron.com/NFL to enjoy the 178-question proceedings.
DJ Drummond: Lots of good feeling after the Texans win over the Packers. Which was bigger, you think, the final field goal or the defense pushing the Pack out of field-goal range the drive before it?
John McClain: The field goal won the game. On that defensive series, here are two important things, starting for the Mario Williams haters.
The Packers had a first-down run negated by another holding call against Mario. It was another example of what he does not showing up in the stats even though his critics refuse to recognize anything but the stats.
The other was Richard Smith's blitz call. Smith had Xavier Adibi line up next to DeMeco Ryans over the center, who had to make a choice. He went for Adibi. Ryans timed his blitz perfectly for the 9-yard sack. Great call by Smith, great execution by Ryans and Adibi.
Joan: Can you comment on Duane Brown's performance on Sunday? I was sitting in the corner of the end zone and saw him barking back at the Green Bay O-line.
They were jawing at him and he didn't back down. Next play he stuffed them.
I'm so proud of that rookie!
McClain: He played very well. I noticed him pancake a couple of players. He must play better against Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch than he did in the first game.
Depressed: I lost my playoff matchup to my wife this week. I was wondering if you can tell me how long it will be before my ego is fully healed? Thanks!
McClain: I have no clue who you are, who you ROOT for and I don't think I know your wife. It's okay, though. My wife beats me sometimes, too. And it hurts!
Shaun: John, grade yourself for the season, and your co-worker Meagon Manfull, too!
McClain: I give myself a C because that's about what I averaged at Baylor. Obviously, you flunked spelling. (It's Megan, by the way.)
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