Barwin moves to SLB-Mercilus moves to WLB

[srrono]

Pro Football Weekly ‏@ProFootballWkly
RT @NickScurfield: Rookie Whitney Mercilus starts at Will LB while Brooks Reed is out. Connor Barwin moves over to Sam #Texans

Lance Zierlein ‏@LanceZierlein
The SAM LB spot is a much better fit for Barwin who is a natural at that position. Mercilus gives Texans better edge speed at WLB now.

Lance Zierlein ‏@LanceZierlein
The loss of Brooks Reed may end up changing the future of the Texans OLB rotation and starting spots for years to come. We'll see.

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield
Kubiak said 2nd-year OLB Bryan Braman will be part of the rotation w/ Connor Barwin & Whitney Mercilus #Texans

Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli
"We went from suiting 9 linebackers up ... to now if we played a game today there'd be 7 available players," Kubiak #Texans

Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli
"Braman's been an exceptional special teams player for us. ... He's very talented. He can rush the passer. He can run." Kubiak said.

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield
Kubiak said ILB Tim Dobbins (shoulder) should "definitely be available" this week #Texans
[IMG][/IMG]

[Rey]

I hope Braman gets plenty snaps. I'm more excited to see him than any other LB we have.

[thunderkyss]

I've been really surprised at how far back & how quick Barwin has been able to drop & maintain good coverage. If our ILBs can consistently bring what Ruud showed, our pass defense can get even scarier. scary good.

[NastyNate]

If Braman brings it like he does on special teams then there is much hope.

[TimeKiller]

This is good, Barwin moves back to what I believe is his natural position. Strongside he is quick and agile, able to handle rushes and coverage, disguise the defense and play the run more often. I believe he sets the edge well and this should put him back on the radar. Weakside guy is supposed to be the stud, star rusher and he's not that. His strength is versatility. Mercilus and Braman should be rotating weakside and getting after the QB, they are both faster off the line and play with a little more instinct as pass rushers.

Sucks to lose Reed but he was under-performing anyway. I believe he is still a viable option anywhere in the LB core and should use the time off to study the plays from all angles.

[76Texan]

Perhaps the move is for the better then, let's hope.

[PapaL]

I hope Braman doesn't get any late hit flags. I don't know why I see him and think that.

[Thorn]

Originally Posted by PapaL

I hope Braman doesn't get any late hit flags. I don't know why I see him and think that.

Da Caveman plays! LOL

I hope he gets in a few good plays. I've always liked the guy and hope he's able to show some stuff this weekend.

[ThaJokaa]

Let him loose!!

[Texan_Bill]

Originally Posted by PapaL

I hope Braman doesn't get any late hit flags. I don't know why I see him and think that.

Way to be a ray of sunshine!

[PapaL]

Originally Posted by Texan_Bill

Way to be a ray of sunshine!

Just call them as I see them.

Remember Antwan Peek? I think he's better...and crazier hahaha. Can't wait to yell Braaaaaaaaaaaaman! Or maybe Manzier; ref Seinfeld.

[htownfan32]

I don't know much about defensive formations... would Mercilus be lining up aside Watt or Smith? Or would it switch off as the situation required?

[Allstar]

Bring on Babin, IMO

[rolyat93]

Originally Posted by Allstar

Bring on Babin, IMO

He's not "Houston Texans-worthy"

[htownfan32]

Originally Posted by rolyat93

He's not "Houston Texans-worthy"

I think we've got a mini meme. It made the onion :P

I figured Watt's been moved around, especially after he became our only pass rusher...

I think this is going to be good for our pass rush. I've been wanting to see what Mercilus can do with more snaps.

[NastyNate]

Originally Posted by htownfan32

I don't know much about defensive formations... would Mercilus be lining up aside Watt or Smith? Or would it switch off as the situation required?

First post from the picture, he'd be in the "WLB" position, lining up next to smith for about 70% of the snaps, they move Watt around though so no guarantee.

[Bulls on Parade]

Lance Zierlein ‏@LanceZierlein
The loss of Brooks Reed may end up changing the future of the Texans OLB rotation and starting spots for years to come. We'll see.

I think Mercilus has All Pro potential. Lance may be right but I want to see Brooks Reed back healthy for the final game or two of the season, just in time to be back in full game shape for the playoffs - hopefully with that first-round bye in the playoffs as well.

[CloakNNNdagger]

General manager Rick Smith

(on the changes in defense due to OLD Brooks Reed’s injury) “You start with the injury and we’re fortunate that we’re going to get Brooks back. He has a very predictable rehab process, and he’s diligently working at that. We will get him back. At this time of year, for all NFL teams, it’s how do you adjust to injuries at this time, how do you continue to play at a high level and if you’re not, how do you start to work toward that? Whitney (Mercilus) is a natural pass-rusher obviously so he fits at the Will linebacker position. I think we brought him along slowly, and what he’s shown is he’s productive when he plays. We expect he will continue to do that. And Bryan (Braman) is a guy that will have to back up both sides. You go back to last year and really Connor (Barwin) and Brooks played predominantly the whole season so you can play games with just outside guys, but we certainly felt good about Bryan and his ability to come in and function. He’s playing well on special teams right now. So, just a part of what happens this time of year in the NFL.”

link

[Rey]

Originally Posted by htownfan32

I don't know much about defensive formations... would Mercilus be lining up aside Watt or Smith? Or would it switch off as the situation required?

Watt lines up in different spots, so it'd just depend...