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” Texans defenders Connor Barwin (98) and J.J. Watt (99) combine to sack Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman in the third quarter Sunday. The Texans had four sacks of Freeman in the win. (Nick de la Torre/Chronicle)

TAMPA BAY There was no malice intended. But Connor Barwin couldn’t understand what all of the fuss was about Sunday, so the outside linebacker said as much following a 37-9 demolition of the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium.

“It’s football,” he said. “It’s nothing new.”

In Tampa Bay’s previous eight games, quarterback Josh Freeman had been sacked 10 times. Against the Texans Sunday, that sum rose to 14.

Asked why or how that occurred, a puzzled look crossed Barwins face.

“Our offense plays well, we get a lead, in the second half, we knew they had to throw the ball,” said Barwin, who finished Sunday with 1.5 sacks. “When you’re up by 20 points or whatever it was, you know they have to throw the ball.”

In theory, of course, he couldn’t be more right. But in execution, well, that’s where previous versions of the Texans have fallen flat. As we all know, Wade Phillips wasn’t around before. But now, in guiding the NFL’s top-ranked defense, what he preaches is practically gospel.

“We needed to get pressure on these guys,” Phillips said. “They were one of the least sacked, if not the least, sacked teams in the league. We thought pressure was important. I didn’t know if we could get to him, but we kept coming and coming.

“He really didn’t have anywhere to throw the ball.

But that last comment is a reflection of the Texans’ coverage, isn’t it? That’s what rookie outside linebacker Brooks Reed proposed.

“I think our secondary was locking down receivers and that was keeping (Freeman) in the pocket,” said Reed, who recorded a sack in his fourth consecutive game. “Give credit to the secondary that’s why you’re seeing a lot of sacks. They’re keeping him in the pocket.”

So it is, the pass rushers giving props to the secondary, while the defensive backs can’t pat the linebackers and defensive ends on the back quickly enough. And then cornerback Johnathan Joseph added another wrinkle.

“It starts with stopping the run, making them one-dimensional where they have to pass,” he said. “Then those guys upfront go and do what they do which is rush the pass and get to the quarterback. That makes our job a lot easier in the back end.”

It’s become a mutual admiration society. No one is pointing fingers. There are no weak links.

Everything is working, and maybe that’s what needs clarifying. Is it the secondary? Or is it the front seven?

The puzzled look returns to Barwin’s face.

“There’s nothing to figure out,” he said. “I think both of us are helping each other no doubt. Josh Freeman is moving around, looking for something and we’re going to get there eventually. I think there were plays where we were squeezing that pocket and Josh Freeman was trying to make a play and there’s no play to be made. You see our defensive backs getting their hands all over the ball.

“Everybody is working together. Everyone is elevating everyone’s game.”

The Texans had one sack in the first half. Leading by 13 at the half, the visitors scored on their first possession of the second half, stretching the lead to 20 points. Time was running out, and the Bucs were forced to pass.

We got them down, they needed to start throwing it and we pin our ears back, Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. I think that’s the biggest thing that lets you go get the quarterback, and that happened today because we got off to a good start.”

Again, they’re right, but it fails to explain how the Texans were unable to manufacture similar pressure, say, last year when playing with a lead.

Actually, Phillips’ explanation “They’re relentless,” the defensive coordinator said is perfect. The additions of Reed and J.J. Watt and a healthy return of Barwin have provided precious functional depth, all of which was on display Sunday.

It’s simple, basic football, and the Texans are playing as well or better than any team in the AFC.

Pretty easy, huh?

“It really is,” Barwin said.

jeffrey.martin@chron.com

www.twitter.com/JayMart

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Nov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9

The Texans beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-9 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

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Nov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9A scrambling Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) looks for a receiver during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) reaches out for a catch as Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster (59) tries to grab ahold of him during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) looks to the end zone as he runs away from Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) tries to put a move on Buccaneers free safety Tanard Jackson (36) en route to a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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A wide open Jacoby Jones (12) catches a ball for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) trots backwards into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans wide receiver Derrick Mason (82) has a pass thrown to him broken up by Tampa Bay’s Tanard Jackson (36) and E.J. Biggers (31) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) easily runs away from Buccaneers defenders for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, who did not play, warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) wipes his brow as he warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) accepts a good luck fist from a fan before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) loses track of the ball as Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) hits him during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Byron Thermond, of Houston, holds up a Texans flag as he watches the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) scrambles as Houston’s J.J. Watt (99), Connor Barwin (98) and Earl Mitchell (92) apply pressure. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans linebacker Bryan Braman (50) pulls in a loose ball for a turnover during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) smiles as he watches the replay of Ben Tate’s touchdown run during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) tries to evade Buccaneers safety Sean Jones (26) during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) breaks up a pass intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) in the end zone during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans coach Gary Kubiak argues with referee John Parry (132) on a penalty after he asked for a review during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans kicker Neil Rackers (4) misses a field goal during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans cornerback Jason Allen (30) plays to the crowd after he and his defense caused another turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) holds up a ball he intercepted as Johnathan Joseph (24) and Connor Barwin (98) congratulate him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a ball intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker (87) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Ben Tate (44) looks to pound out a few yards as Buccaneers defensive tackle Roy Miller (90) reaches to grab him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) shows how happy he is with his teammates after a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans linebacker Connor Barwin, top, and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sack Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans coach Gary Kubiak gives the defense kudos after it caused a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster starts his celebratory bow after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Ben Tate celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster and his teammates shake hands with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after beating them 37-9. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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” Because of the bye week, Matt Leinart has two weeks to prepare for his first start with the Texans. (Brett Coomer/Chronicle)

For a backup quarterback replacing the starter on a first-place team, Matt Leinart could not ask for a better situation.

Because of the Texans’ open date, Leinart has two weeks to prepare for the next game at Jacksonville.

When Matt Schaub was so banged up before suffering the injury to the Lisfranc joint in his right foot that may cause him to undergo season-ending surgery, Leinart started getting some practice reps with the first team.

Leinart gets back Andre Johnson, the NFL’s best receiver who has missed the last six games after undergoing surgery on his hamstring.

Leinart has the NFL’s third-best running game, averaging 158.1 yards with a healthy Arian Foster, Ben Tate and Derrick Ward.

The Texans have the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense, which allows 269.7 yards a game.

Support system

Coach Gary Kubiak has so much faith in Leinart that he was given $5.5 million over two years, including $3.5 million guaranteed, to return to the Texans rather than sign with Seattle and be reunited with his USC coach, Pete Carroll.

And even though the Texans don’t like to hear it, their last six games are against teams that have a combined record of 21-34. They’ll be going against three rookie quarterbacks in Jacksonville’s Blaine Gabbert, Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton and Carolina’s Cam Newton. And if the last game doesn’t mean anything for Tennessee, they could be going against another rookie in Jake Locker.

When we learned Schaub was injured and probably lost for the season, there was so much gloom and doom among fans and many members of the media. But listening to the players and coaches talk about Leinart, they don’t sound discouraged.

“When Mario (Williams) and I went down, nobody thought we’d be 7-3, but we surprised a lot of people,” Johnson said.

Pressure shouldn’t bother Leinart. He won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship at USC. He was the 10th overall pick in the 2006 draft and started as a rookie for the Cardinals. When Leinart was a senior at USC, linebacker Brian Cushing was a highly recruited freshman from New Jersey.

“Playing with Matt for that one year and just seeing the kind of pressure and things he dealt with — how smooth, calm and collected he was with everything — was just astonishing,” Cushing said. “I saw how he adapted to the locker room and players responded to him.”

His teammates and coaches say Leinart is smart, well-liked, respected and talented. But until they see him make decisions against the Jaguars, they won’t know for sure about that part of his game. Decision-making separates the good from the bad.

“If anyone is to step up, I wish it was him, and it is,” Cushing said. “I think we all have confidence in what he’s going to do.”

That special something

In his 1 1/2 seasons with the Texans, Leinart seems to have found something he misplaced at Arizona.

“I think from when he first got here until now, it’s just his confidence,” Johnson said. “I think when he was in Arizona, he took a lot of criticism, and when he first got here, some of that stuff was still affecting him a little bit.”

Dating back to San Francisco and continuing to Denver and Houston, every quarterback Kubiak has worked with has played his best with Kubiak as his coach.

Except one: David Carr.

john.mcclain@chron.com

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” Matt Schaub was injured on a quarterback sneak in the second quarter of Sunday’s 37-9 victory at Tampa Bay. (Nick de la Torre/Chronicle)

The Texans next-man-up motto that began with the losses of outside linebacker Mario Williams, receiver Andre Johnson and free safety Danieal Manning will be severely tested without starting quarterback Matt Schaub.

Matt Leinart, who has started one game since the 2007 season when he played at Arizona, will replace the injured Schaub on Nov. 27 when the Texans play at Jacksonville after their open date.

Schaub, who guided the Texans to a four-game winning streak, a 1 ?-game lead in the AFC South and a 7-3 record thats tied with Pittsburgh for the best in the AFC, will be lost for the season if he elects to undergo surgery to repair the injury to the Lisfranc joint in his right foot.

Before making a decision on season-ending surgery, Schaub is supposed to visit foot specialists in Indianapolis and Charlotte, N.C. next week.

All we know right now is that hes going to miss some time, coach Gary Kubiak said. Were going to do everything we can to get it evaluated correctly and see if we can get him back on the field. Its disappointing, but well go to work and try to do the right thing by (Schaub).

Schaub, who hasnt missed a start since the 2008 season, was injured on a quarterback sneak in the second quarter of Sundays 37-9 victory at Tampa Bay.

Somebody fell on the back of his foot, and his foot got caught in the pile, Kubiak said. He played the rest of the game. He was sore. We asked him and he said, Im fine.

They taped it up at halftime, and he played. He was complaining about it in the fourth quarter, and we took him out of the game.

Schaub underwent an MRI on Monday morning. When the Texans saw the results, they were stunned.

After the game, the doctors still felt like he was going to be fine, so this all took place today, Kubiak said.

Two of Schaubs teammates guard Mike Brisiel and safety Dominique Barber also suffered Lisfranc injuries and underwent surgery. Brisiel returned to start, and Barber is on injured reserve and recovering.

Schaubs teammates were shocked by the bad news.

I feel so terrible for Matt, tight end Joel Dreessen said. I went up to him in the dressing room, and I was at a loss for words. Hes worked so hard to get us to this point. Everything he did for us during the lockout, well, he was just starting to reap the rewards of so many tough seasons, and then this happened.

Its so tough losing Matt. It seems like weve been dealing with injuries on a weekly basis. Weve overcome so much adversity because we find a way. There are a lot of ways we can beat a team. We have the No. 1 defense and a great running game, too.

Leinart, the 10th overall pick in 2006, has spent the last two seasons with the Texans after Arizona waived him last year. His last start was in 2009.

I think Matts perfectly capable of stepping in and running this offense at a high level, Dreessen said. Im excited for him. This is a great opportunity for him.

NFL history is littered with cases of backup quarterbacks replacing starters and taking their teams to the playoffs.

When the Oilers played in Houston, Cody Carlson replaced Warren Moon and sparked them into the playoffs.

Four more examples: Jeff Hostetler replaced Phil Simms at the New York Giants. Kurt Warner replaced Trent Green at St. Louis. Tom Brady replaced Drew Bledsoe at New England, Ben Roethlisberger replaced Tommy Maddox at Pittsburgh.

First off, I just want to say Im really bummed for (Schaub), Leinart said. Weve become very close. Hes a leader of this team, and hes done a great job to get us to this point. He was really having a great year. My heart goes out for him.

I know how hard hes worked to get us to this point, but he knows and everyone knows in this profession that  happen, and the next guy has to step up.

Thats my job and my responsibility as a quarterback, to take his place for now and help this team win.

Leinart almost signed with Seattle in the offseason. Kubiak is a Leinart fan and convinced him to return. Leinart signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract that included $3.75 million in guarantees.

This is what Ive wanted for a long time and what Ive worked for every day and prepared for every day of the offseason and during the season, Leinart said. Its a great opportunity, and Im on a great team and I love these guys. Im just excited about the chance.

Leinart is fortunate because he has the bye week to prepare, giving him two weeks before the Jacksonville game. He gets back Andre Johnson, their best receiver, after a six-game absence. He has the top-ranked defense in the NFL and one of the best running games.

Hes gotten a lot of reps in practice, Kubiak said. The key is that the team rallies around him. Matt (Leinart) doesnt have to win a game. The team has to win a game. Well rally around him and get him ready to go.

john.mcclain@chron.com

Editors note: John McClains weekly chat will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

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” Wide receiver Jacoby Jones scored an 80-yard touchdown on the game’s first play on Sunday. (Nick de la Torre/Chronicle)

TAMPA, Fla. — Coach Gary Kubiak thought another fast start was essential to the Texans’ earning a fourth consecutive victory that would elevate their record to 7-3. He had no idea the 37-9 blowout over Tampa Bay would leave them tied with Pittsburgh for the best record in the AFC.

Kubiak’s game plan was not designed to confuse the Bucs. He ordered the usual — a dominant running game to control the clock, bootlegs by quarterback Matt Schaub, and another stifling performance by the NFL’s No. 1 defense.

Kubiak’s play-calling caught the Bucs off-guard on the first play, and they were rendered helpless the rest of the way on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium.

“The plan was to run the boot and screen (pass) them early and then do what we do best,” Kubiak said about a running game that produced 185 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bucs thought they were prepared for Arian Foster and Ben Tate, but on the first play — oops!
Schaub faked a handoff to Foster going to his left and rolled to his right on the bootleg. He threw deep to Jacoby Jones. The ball was underthrown, but Jones caught it, dodged the defenders and outran them for a touchdown that took 12 seconds.

“A play like that really hurts the defense,” offensive tackle Duane Brown said. “You come out with intensity, but you give up a play like that, and it’s like the air’s been let out. It causes you to re-evaluate what you’re doing.”

It was back to the blackboard for the 4-5 Bucs, who were limited to 231 yards by Wade Phillips’ defense, which registered four sacks and forced four turnovers.

The Texans enter their open date on a roll.

‘We’re killing it’

“We can’t let the bye week slow us down,” offensive tackle Eric Winston said. “We’re in a zone right now. We’re killing it. We’re like a shooting guard who can’t miss. The coach just tells him to keep shooting.

“It (the 7-3 record) is an awesome feeling. We’re running the ball and playing great defense. This is what I’ve always wanted. We have six (games) left after the bye. We’ve got a great opportunity to take hold of this thing.”

Winston witnessed the only other time the Texans started a game with a touchdown — Schaub’s pass to Andre Johnson in a 2009 victory over Seattle.

“When I saw how open Jacoby was, I figured he’d catch it, and when I saw him in the open field, well, nobody’s going to catch him,” Winston said.

The Texans led 9-0 after the first quarter, 16-3 at halftime and 30-3 after three quarters.

“A play like that affects the whole team,” tight end Owen Daniels said about Jones’ touchdown. “It makes their defense feel like their backs are to the wall. It’s a huge confidence builder for the offense, and it got our defense fired up. It was huge from all angles.”

Foster, who ran for 84 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 102 yards — his third 100-yard receiving game this season — agreed on the importance of scoring on the first play.
“When you start a game like that, it knocks out some of the butterflies,” he said.

When the Texans return from their open date to play at Jacksonville on Nov. 27, they’ll be trying for the first single-season five-game winning streak in team history.

“Everybody played lights out, and it’s time for people to take notice,” Foster said.

Foster on the move

Foster’s 78-yard touchdown catch-and-run caused a lot of people to take notice. He caught a short pass to the left side and took off. He put terrific moves on cornerback Aqib Talib and safety Sean Jones on his way to the end zone.

The Texans could have scored more, but Kubiak called for only three passes in the second half, resulting in two completions by Schaub, who finished with a career-high rating of 154.9.

The defense forced turnovers that gave the offense the ball at the Bucs’ 14- and 20-yard lines, but the Texans didn’t score.

“I’ve got to take my hat off to our defense,” Brown said. “They forced a lot of three-and-outs. They got sacks, and they got turnovers that gave us momentum.”

Now the Texans have to make sure they have that same kind of momentum when they return against Jacksonville.

john.mcclain@chron.com

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Nov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9

The Texans beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-9 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

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Nov. 13: Texans 37, Buccaneers 9 A scrambling Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) looks for a receiver during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) reaches out for a catch as Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster (59) tries to grab ahold of him during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) looks to the end zone as he runs away from Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) tries to put a move on Buccaneers free safety Tanard Jackson (36) en route to a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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A wide open Jacoby Jones (12) catches a ball for a touchdown during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) trots backwards into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans wide receiver Derrick Mason (82) has a pass thrown to him broken up by Tampa Bay’s Tanard Jackson (36) and E.J. Biggers (31) during the first quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) easily runs away from Buccaneers defenders for a touchdown during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, who did not play, warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) wipes his brow as he warms up before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) accepts a good luck fist from a fan before the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) loses track of the ball as Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) hits him during the second quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Byron Thermond, of Houston, holds up a Texans flag as he watches the game. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) scrambles as Houston’s J.J. Watt (99), Connor Barwin (98) and Earl Mitchell (92) apply pressure. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans linebacker Bryan Braman (50) pulls in a loose ball for a turnover during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) smiles as he watches the replay of Ben Tate’s touchdown run during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster (23) tries to evade Buccaneers safety Sean Jones (26) during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) breaks up a pass intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) in the end zone during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans coach Gary Kubiak argues with referee John Parry (132) on a penalty after he asked for a review during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans kicker Neil Rackers (4) misses a field goal during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans cornerback Jason Allen (30) plays to the crowd after he and his defense caused another turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) holds up a ball he intercepted as Johnathan Joseph (24) and Connor Barwin (98) congratulate him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a ball intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker (87) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Ben Tate (44) looks to pound out a few yards as Buccaneers defensive tackle Roy Miller (90) reaches to grab him during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) shows how happy he is with his teammates after a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans linebacker Connor Barwin, top, and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sack Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans coach Gary Kubiak gives the defense kudos after it caused a turnover during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster starts his celebratory bow after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Ben Tate celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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Texans running back Arian Foster and his teammates shake hands with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after beating them 37-9. (Nick de la Torre / Chronicle)

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” Dan Pastorini, left, and the “”Luv Ya Blue”" Oilers could never get past the “”Steel Curtain.”" (Chronicle file)

Oilers great says book was ‘soul-cleansing’

Taking Flak: My Life in the Fast Lane
By DAN PASTORINI with JOHN P. LOPEZ

Dan Pastorini’s memoir, “Taking Flak: My Life in the Fast Lane,” will be released Thursday. The book, written with Sports Radio 610 talk show host and former Chronicle columnist John P. Lopez, includes passages covering Pastorini’s wild life with the Oilers during the Luv Ya Blue years. It’s also available at taking-flak.com.

We were delayed again leaving Pittsburgh. I went to the back of the plane and just wanted to be alone. I sat in the jump seat at the back of the plane with all the flight attendants that always took care of us. Jackie, Kathy, the whole bunch. They weren’t just flight attendants.

They were nurses.

I was tired of everything. I was tired of always taking flak. I was tired of always hurting. I was tired of losing for so many years. I barely could walk in Pittsburgh. I was beat up. I was drained. I thought to myself, “How the hell do we beat those guys without killing them? Do we have to go out there with guns and shoot ’em?”
We played the Steelers two and three times a year for all those years.

Those two games, those two championship games, those were the true Super Bowls. We were the two best teams in the NFL, but we had nothing to show for it. They had Super Bowl rings.

I drank a couple of scotches and a few beers, drowning my sorrows at the back of the plane. I sank lower and lower in my seat, then looked up and saw (Oilers coach) Bum (Phillips) walking down the aisle toward me.

“Ah, (heck),” I said. “No. Not now.”

Bum walked up to me, looked me dead in the eye and said, “Daniel, I’m really proud of you. You played like a warrior. You played hurt. You did everything I asked you to do. Do you still feel like you did last year?
“Do you still want to be traded?”

I exhaled, paused, looked at him and said, “Yeah. Yeah, I do. It’s probably best for everybody. Play Giff. Trade me. Do what’s best for the team.”

“Well,” Bum said, “you’re a man of your word. You played your (butt) off. I’ll trade you. Where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere on the West Coast.”

It hurt Bum when I told him I wanted to be traded, I could see it in his eyes. I think he wanted me to say, no. He wanted me to say that I wanted to make another run at the Steelers. And deep down, I did. I wanted to beat those guys and I wanted to do it with the guys on that plane. But I just said what I felt.

I had a limousine waiting for us again when we landed in Houston.

Bum and I got into the same limousine, with (Carl) Mauck and (Ted) Thompson.

Bum and I were the only ones who knew this would be our last ride together. The roads were packed again with fans honking their horns, hanging over bridges, waving, yelling. The Astrodome was beyond capacity and there were 20,000 people outside stuck in traffic. It was a bigger and crazier scene than the year before, which I thought I never would see again. I rode around the Dome on the back of a police motorcycle, then got on stage and sat behind Bum when he got up to address the crowd. I had my elbows on my knees, thinking, “Am I doing the right thing? Will I be better off? Yes, I will. No, I won’t.” The Gemini in me was roaring.
Then Bum uttered one of the most memorable lines in NFL history.

“Last year, we knocked on the door. This year, we banged on the door. Next year, we’re gonna kick that sumbitch in.”

I looked up to the roof of the Astrodome, looked around at the crowd and said to myself, “Not with me.”

Bum traded me to the Raiders for Ken Stabler.

Taking Flak, published by AuthorHouse, is available at http://taking-flak.com. Pastorini will sign copies from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 3115 Kirby.

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—Mark Sanchez threw four touchdown passes, including the winning score to Santonio Holmes with just over a minute remaining, as the New York Jets kept pace in the AFC playoff race with a 28-24 comeback victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

With the Jets trailing 24-21 and facing a third-and-11 from the Bills 36, Sanchez connected with Plaxico Burress, who made an impressive one-handed grab for the first down. Sanchez quickly ran a quarterback sneak and then, on the next play, rolled out to his right to buy some time and found Holmes alone in the right corner of the end zone to give the Jets the lead with 1:01 left.

The Jets (6-5) entered the game with many players saying they need to win each of their last six to make the postseason. They overcame a valiant comeback attempt by the Bills (5-6), who have lost four straight.

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-27/mark-sanchez-throws-four-td-passess-as-new-york-jets-top-buffalo-bills#ixzz1exYN6dWK

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ST. LOUIS—Patrick Peterson tied the NFL record with his fourth punt return for a touchdown this season, Beanie Wells set a franchise mark with 228 yards rushing, and the Arizona Cardinals won their seventh in a row in St. Louis with a 23-20 victory Sunday over the Rams.

Wells averaged 8.4 yards per carry on a career day that included gains of 71 and 53 yards. The latter set up Jay Feely’s go-ahead 22-yard field goal with 4:12 remaining. Rookie Sam Acho also had a career day on defense with two sacks and a fumble recovery for Arizona (4-7), which did enough to overcome another awful outing by John Skelton, who threw two interceptions.

Brandon Lloyd’s 16-yard TD catch from Sam Bradford tied it 20-20 with 7:46 to go. Nick Miller had an 88-yard punt return in the first quarter for the Rams (2-9) only three days after he re-signed with the team.

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-11-27/peterson-wells-rescue-cardinals-in-win-over-rams#ixzz1exYBvyNs

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By Paul KuharskyGuys who could possibly be readily available tonight once the Tennessee Titans go concerning the clock for No. 39 overall, the seventh choose from the 2nd round:Justin Houston, DE, Georgia — At almost 6-foot-3 and 270, hed help the Titans bulk up at end. A exceptional pass rusher whos powerful but should enhance in the direction of the run.Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon phase out — Tough, high-motor, powerful tackle who would allow it to be considered a whole great offer tougher to operate up the center in the direction of the Titans.Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois — The Titans phone for to acquire bigger at linebacker with guys who can proceed properly the two forward and back. At 6-4, 250 hed be the ideal backer concerning the roster with a superb bit.Share

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By Pat YasinskasCHARLOTTE, N.C. — Quarterback Cam Newton, the major all round choose all through the NFL draft, is anticipated to arrive in his new hometown this morning. subject of fact, as prolonged as there experienced been no airline delays, he must acquire landing right about now.

The Panthers will hand him a playbook on the entrance — maybe even as they choose him up on the airport — after which provide him to loan company of America Stadium for just about any meet-and-greet session using the media.

That is scheduled for earlier this afternoon. Ill be out on the stadium and will allow you already know what Newton must say.Share

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By Mike SandoA few of notes for the 2011 NFL draft’s very first round, courtesy of ESPN Stats Information:Twelve defensive linemen have been drafted inside the very first round. Thats probably the most actually inside the standard draft era (since 1967).The SEC experienced 10 game fanatics selected, which include 5 from the very first 6 all round choices. This was the next time inside the standard draft era that one conference accounted for 5 from the very first 6 picks. It happened last twelve weeks using the large 12. Alabama experienced 4 first-rounders this year, a really first using the Crimson Tide inside the standard draft era.Mark Ingram was the only operating back again selected. He went 28th, reduce compared to very first operating back again has long been selected inside the standard draft era. Only after before, in 1984, experienced fewer than two operating backs been selected inside the very first round. But as Don consumer banking organizations noted before to the draft, 1984 was also the twelve weeks three operating backs have been first-round selections inside the USFL dispersal draft. Banks: “In 1984, just one operating back again (Greg Bell of Notre Dame) was used inside the very first round from the NFL’s traditional draft, but three other runners (Mike Rozier, Kevin Mack and Buford Jordan) have been selected inside the ensuing very first round from the 84-player USFL dispersal draft.”The San Francisco 49ers possess a league-high 11 picks remaining on this draft. No other set has even more than nine. however the brand new England Patriots have probably the most second-day worth with three second-round choices.There have been 4 trades inside the very first round, lower from eight last year. clubs could not industry veteran game fanatics this year.This was the very first twelve weeks contemplating that 1999 that no tight ends went inside the very first round.
St. Louis and Seattle each passed on Ingram at factors inside the draft when some experienced observed the operating back again getting a sleeper prospect for them. The picks the Rams and Seahawks made inside the very first round made even more feeling from the telephone call for standpoint.Share

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