G-Funks push!

[pittbull]

Listening to the national talk show personalities, many feel the Texans MLB's are undersized and unable to due the job. (Pittsburgh, New England, and Baltimore all have undersized MLB's) I for one don't think the problem lies there. If you look at the skill level on the D-Line, that is where we are hurting. 1st year, G-Funk came in and did his thing. But being hobbled by injury, and signing a PHAT new contract, I believe the guy simply doesn't have the drive anymore. Payne has been hobbled with injuries, and the depth on the D-Line looks like a Mash unit every Sunday. The only player that has been dependable is Robbaire Smith, who is learning to play the end in the 3-4 scheme still, and shows the mean streak needed at the position. If you look at other teams, their D-line stays healthy, and they are blue collar workers, who know their role, eating up space, so the LB's can play "operation clean sweep"! Aaron Smith, from Pittsburgh, is the prototype End on the 3-4. He had 8 sacks, but that was due impart to his never stop attitude, getting his push towards the qb, and the O-line collapsing. He's not supposed to be a pash-rusher. Our D-line scheme does not know that. The design for any 3-4 is for the D-line to create gaps for undersized, quicker, faster LB's to shoot the gaps and make plays! I think the next focus is free agency for blue collar workers that appreciate the pay, will know their role, and are willing to share the spotlight as an entire "D", rather than someone who wants to be a sack-artist.

[texanfan2002114]

I think the 3-4 scheme the Texans had last year is going to be different this year. I believe what you described is going to be what the Texans do this year in the 3-4. Thats why they went with smaller, quicker LB's. I think this defense is going to be FLYING around the ball and I can't wait until the season starts!!!

[DRIFTAWAY]

well we did draft travis johnson

[F-minus67]

I think that the reason besides injuries why the d line has preformed poorly is that they have become stagnate due to the fact that they have no compitition. There is a definite drop off in talent from the starters to the back ups. I mean drafting TJ will fix the at the end position, but Payne has no one to push him for playing time.

[El Tejano]

To be honest, I think a young Travis Johnson will be just what the group needs. He may just give them that young attitude all over again if Johnson comes in and produces.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by F-minus67

Payne has no one to push him for playing time.

Payne doesn't need anyone to push him, all he needs is to be healthy. Payne is very well motivated and smart. The drop off when he came out of the game and DeLoach or anyone else stepped in at nose was huge. Now depth would be nice to have or a guy to develop through rotation for a year or two prior to being thrown into the starting role.

[TEXANS84]

I have a feeling we'll see the regular Gary this year. He's definitley beefed up in the offseason muscle-wise.

[Human Highlight Reel]

I think our D-Line will be making huge strides.. Robaire Smith has a year as a 3-4 End under his belt and we all know he is a monster.. "A BEAR" to be exact and I think Travis Johnson is very very similar in intesity and attitude..

So imagine Smith and Johnson rushing the QB and penetrating the line. A Thing of beauty..

[keyfro]

i think gary might have gotten the point when the texans drafted johnson...cause if you look at some of the picks from these mini-camps he looks in a lot better shape...last year he came in at what was listed at 312 and looked more like 330...now he looks like the same 310 guy we had in year one...payne just needs to be healthy...i've never questioned his motor or his dedication to this team...robaire should be leaps and bounds better this year and when/if walker goes down again we have a young stud in johnson to put out there

[TexansTrueFan]

i dont see G. Walker starting all of next year, its only a matter of time before T.J has the starting role. I loved G.W but he just lost the drive and intensity he once had.

[TEXANS84]

Originally Posted by TexansTrueFan

i dont see G. Walker starting all of next year, its only a matter of time before T.J has the starting role. I loved G.W but he just lost the drive and intensity he once had.

I think you'll be surprised. Travis Johnson will come in for passing downs and 3rd downs, but with all of the negative criticism that Gary has taken in the press has lit a fire under him. I fully expect to see the G-Funk near his 2002 season capabilities.

[TexansTrueFan]

Originally Posted by TEXANS84

I think you'll be surprised. Travis Johnson will come in for passing downs and 3rd downs, but with all of the negative criticism that Gary has taken in the press has lit a fire under him. I fully expect to see the G-Funk near his 2002 season capabilities.

well id like for gary to be back to his 2002 form, i think T.J will be a starter before the end of the season either through beating out Walker or Payne has another injury (WHICH I HOPE HE DONT) !!!!!!!!!!!

[Texansbacker]

A full G-Funk complemented by the H-Town Payne and the Bear of Robaire with rookie sensation TJ Maximum could be a site to behold if all stay healthy and play to potential.

If the Texans'D-line plays extremely well then the linebackers should run free and fast. How fun will it be to have a crushing D to watch each week? That will be H-town football when the D is Dominating each week. It will need to facing P. Manning, S. McNair, et al each year.

Here is to hoping.

[TexanFanInCC]

Originally Posted by El Tejano

To be honest, I think a young Travis Johnson will be just what the group needs. He may just give them that young attitude all over again if Johnson comes in and produces.

i agree. this d-line was too soft last yr. between payne coming off an acl injury from 2003, to g funks nagging injuries, this d-line did not perform up to capabilities. bringing in travis johnson should breed some competition, so the other d-lneman will have to step up or ship out. he will also be an antwan peek type of firey person out there. he is a guy who can rally the troops.