Right Guard: It's On

[thunderkyss]

Looks like we've still got a competition going at RG.

I thoght Antoine was doing a fine job through pre-season & again week 1 against the Dolphins.

For whatever reason, we got a look at Ben Jones today & he didn't look half bad. This may be an interesting battle to watch as the season goes on.

[Allstar]

Makes you wonder what's going on with Brooks. It'll be interesting if they try him out at tackle.

[kiwitexansfan]

Well the running game worked much better today, although that might be as much about the defense we were facing as about the line play.

What was the split between their snaps?

[GP]

Originally Posted by Allstar

Makes you wonder what's going on with Brooks. It'll be interesting if they try him out at tackle.

I noticed Brooks was inactive today, though.

Can't remember if it was injury related or not.

[Rey]

Brooks was inactive last week too.

You can only carry so many and he's not one of the top guys.

[badboy]

As a true right guard in college I expected Brooks to beat Caldwell easily. His size not just bulk but his ability to fit the ZBS may be more a problem than I thought. There has been no mention if he has kept his weight off & reducing since Kubes scolded him in camp. Perhaps it is an issue?

[Insideop]

Anyone know if Caldwell is injured or not?

[phantom17]

I thought Ben Jones played well. I really liked this pick from the get go. I like them tough & smart.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by Insideop

Anyone know if Caldwell is injured or not?

Insideop, this should answer your question.

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield

Kubiak said it was planned for rookie Ben Jones to play every 3rd series today for RG Antoine Caldwell, They rotated all game #Texans

2:42 PM - 16 Sep 12 ·

[dsorc]

I see this more as preparation for Caldwell not being re-signed for next year. The only issue might be that we'll need to draft another OC since after Jones we have nobody capable of playing there.

[wolf123]

Originally Posted by dsorc

I see this more as preparation for Caldwell not being re-signed for next year. The only issue might be that we'll need to draft another OC since after Jones we have nobody capable of playing there.

Jones can play both positions.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by wolf123

Jones can play both positions.

Yep but better hope Brooks develops if Caldwell gone and Jones has to play center if Myers hurt.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

Insideop, this should answer your question.

Thanks!

Sounds like they are not completely satisfied with Caldwell and may be targeting Ben Jones as his replacement. He must be too good to just sit behind Myers at Center and they want to get him on the field anyway they can. I wonder if this means Brooks may ultimately be moved to LG and replace Wade Smith, who is getting a little "long in the tooth."

[NitroGSXR]

Jones's forte is in the run game. We ran the run game a lot today. Even a ton of our passes were dumpoffs to the RBs. Might be why we stuck with him so much today?

[Brandon420tx]

Originally Posted by dsorc

I see this more as preparation for Caldwell not being re-signed for next year. The only issue might be that we'll need to draft another OC since after Jones we have nobody capable of playing there.

In that scenario if Myers went down B.Jones would slide over to center and the backup guard would take that spot

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by Brandon420tx

In that scenario if Myers went down B.Jones would slide over to center and the backup guard would take that spot

I never liked those scenarios. If Ben Jones is our strongest RG & Myers is our strongest Center, then when you lose Myers, you're putting your 2nd best Center on the field with your 2nd best RG.

This may be a way to get Jones some snaps, just so he isn't overwhelmed taking over at Center one day. Who knows?

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Brandon420tx

In that scenario if Myers went down B.Jones would slide over to center and the backup guard would take that spot

Brandon that is my point. 2013 Caldwell is let go, Myers gets hurt and Jones replaces him. Who plays RG? It would have to be Brooks and some are saying he has not done well. See what I mean?

[dsorc]

Originally Posted by Brandon420tx

In that scenario if Myers went down B.Jones would slide over to center and the backup guard would take that spot

Yes, the same way Brisiel was the backup OC last year. But even then, I think most teams prefer having a backup that can play OG/C rather than sliding a starter for continuity purposes. All I'm saying is that if Caldwell leaves, we're likely drafting his replacement. And if Jones takes over at RG then it makes sense to draft a OC/G rather than somebody who is only OG.

[CretorFrigg]

I always assumed Antoine Caldwell would assume the starting position in a year or two after he was drafted. There were high hopes for him, but he's never lived up to expectations.

Competition is good, and may the best player win.

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by CretorFrigg

I always assumed Antoine Caldwell would assume the starting position in a year or two after he was drafted. There were high hopes for him, but he's never lived up to expectations.

My sentiments exactly. I'm very disappointed in Caldwell, he's been here long enough he should be dominating at RG by now instead of barley hanging on and possibly being replaced by a rookie. Caldwell hopefully can read the writing on the wall and should know that he's auditioning for the rest of the league this year. When the team drafts 2 rookies that can play your position, that's called a clue. Like a hit over the head with a 2x4 kind of clue.