Texans DL

[JB]

I do not know all the ins and outs of DL play, but I think we all agree that
DT is a huge need. But do we need a 2 gap, line clogging, double-team commanding NT that will tie up the line and free the backers to make plays...

Or, do we need a 1 gap, penetrating quicker Dt?

I think the Texans are not ready to give up on Okoye, so they will be looking for a stout NT to put next to him, hopefully freeing him up to get more penetration.

What think you?

I am going with big ugly.

[painekiller]

Dan Williams is a big ugly, and he is not a sack machine, but he does have the ability to push the pocket back thus taking away the step up. That should make it easier for Mario, Barwin and who ever is playing next to him.

[Wolf6151]

Dan Williams by far the better DT and much better for our team.

[JB]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

Dan Williams by far the better DT and much better for our team.

Ok, but I did not mean those players in particular. I was using those as examples of the types of DT that we would need.

If we waited until the third round to select a DT, and there was an equally rated NT and UT; which would fill the Texans need better?

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by JB

Ok, but I did not mean those players in particular. I was using those as examples of the types of DT that we would need.

In that case, the penetrating DT. Because I don't think the Texans are interested in a 2 gapper. But, I think Williams is capable of either style.

[beerlover]

how about neither. I don't want no stinking 1st rd. DT we have other pressing needs too in case you forgot, plus Cody & Deljuan are both healthy now

[Hottoddie]

Linval Joseph in the 3rd or 4th round.

[JB]

Originally Posted by beerlover

how about neither. I don't want no stinking 1st rd. DT we have other pressing needs too in case you forgot, plus Cody & Deljuan are both healthy now

I never said a first round DT. I am trying to get a better feel for what Smithiak is looking for.

[Shaft75]

I'm voting for penetration(lol). Until we roll out a 3-4, or some hybrid of it, I think our line should be quicker and more disruptive. I played NT and 3 technique, and feel like our d was cognitively better when we had movement and stunting along the d-line.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by JB

I never said a first round DT. I am trying to get a better feel for what Smithiak is looking for.

Don't think a big ugly is in the cards for Texans who stopped the run after 3rd or 4th game.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by badboy

Don't think a big ugly is in the cards for Texans who stopped the run after 3rd or 4th game.

2nd in the league after the 1st game v. 18th on passing D.

Looking a little more at the passing D

18th on yards per game.
10th on ypa
10th on TDs
22nd on INTs (in contrast we were 8th on fumbles)
10th on 1st downs
11th on 1st down %
7th on plays 20+
12th on plays 40+
25th on sacks
14th QB rating

Picture of a team getting dinked and dunked which naturally results in a reduction in sacks with quick passes. 22nd on INTs sucks. Gibbs really needs to coach to attack the ball.

[Ole Miss Texan]

We've got great pressure coming from the outside... we HAVE to start collapsing the pocket from the middle.

[wagonhed]

It seems like a NT would be better for our pass rush than would a 2nd lightweight pass-rushing DT. Do we want someone shooting through the middle or collapsing the pocket? It doesn't really matter because I don't think the Texans will even consider a NT type.

[krocket]

This is the "Make it-or-Break it" year for Okoye IMO. If he can't help significantly this year his days will be numbered. That said, I am with the "We need a big ugly" type that can soak up blockers on short runs and (especially) collapse the pocket to assist the pass rushers and db's by robbing the opposing QB's of time, their most precious commodity. If he can not step up into the pocket, because there isn't one, we are at a distinct advantage. Our sack total and intercepts will rise accordingly.