Brooks to move to ILB

[rolyat93]

Do we plan on bringing back Dobbins? I'm a fan of his, he's nice depth.

[powda]

This puts the 4 best backers on the field at the same time (assuming we resign kramer.) Reed was good at setting the edge but not as explosive as mercy in pass rush. I dont think reed will be worse then bradie james in coverage and he's got the anchor to hold up well in the middle. This reshuffling improves the pass rush and improves interior run defense. We'll see how mercy holds the edge...if this happens, we have a need for olb depth that wasn't there.

[Texan_Bill]

Originally posted by Corrosion

I hate morons.

And you consider me a friend???

[Brisco_County]

Re-signing Barwin is the right move. The salary cap ensures that no team can afford awesomeness at every position, and the best time to sign one of those "good enough within the system" players is right after he has a down year. Sign him while his market value is low, have him shed 15 pounds, and it'd be a pretty good deal for the team.

Also, Reed is the strongest pound-for-pound player on the team, so it'll be interesting seeing how well he stops the run. And he has great acceleration for stunted blitzes.

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by Nawzer

I don't remember where I heard this, but it was probably on the radio and they said that most of Barwin's 11 sacks from 2011 were sort of "fluky". Honestly, I don't remember his performance from 2011 and that maybe a clue as well that maybe he was never really that good. He plays a premium position and he's not terrible, so he'll get some offers for sure. I just hope the Texans don't overextend themselves on Barwin.

The same could easily be said about mario's sacks from that season, as well as many other seasons to be honest, & yet some hold him in high regards. Mario was extremely overrated, IMO, & he normally needed a clear advantage to even sniff a sack. Hardly the game changer, similar to Watt, that many falsely claimed he was. So that knock on Barwin by most in Houston is quite laughable after all the unearned attention Mario received.

Considering Barwin set a franchise record for sacks in 1 game w/ 4 & accumulated most of his sacks in the remaining 10 games when he took over Mario's position I would say his 2011 was quite memorable...at least it was to me. I think Barwin still has plenty of potential & 2 seasons is hardly enough for us to know what he is truly capable of IMO.

[BullNation4Life]

Psst, this isn't news...I've been doing this on Madden all year...

Barwin
Cushing
Brooks
Mercilus

All about putting the best players on the field...

If the Texans FO had half a brain, they would have done this at the beginning of this year when they traded Ryans to Philly. Then when Cushing went down, could have slid Books over and let James play where Brooks was...

[Hagar]

If Brooks moves into ILB, its going to make us really weak at OLB.

Whitney Mercilus
Connor Barwin
Jesse Nading

Nading has a lot of energy but isn't a starter or even 2nd string backup. Barwin had a terrible year. Mercilus had a good rookie season but he can't do it all by himself.

[SAMURAITEXAN]

Originally Posted by Hagar

If Brooks moves into ILB, its going to make us really weak at OLB.

Whitney Mercilus
Connor Barwin
Jesse Nading

Nading has a lot of energy but isn't a starter or even 2nd string backup. Barwin had a terrible year. Mercilus had a good rookie season but he can't do it all by himself.

We got Braman too.

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by rolyat93

Do we plan on bringing back Dobbins? I'm a fan of his, he's nice depth.

I would hope they bring back Dobbins or Ruud over Bradie James. If they move Reed it seems that Sharpton will be the backup at ILB. Dobbins is decent on special teams & we all know that needs all the help it can get.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by IDEXAN

Clearly moving Brooks inside is more about his inability to perform up to what Wade is looking for in his OLB and less about his ability as an ILB.

There was talk of, and possibly intention to, play him in the middle since he was drafted.

I have posted about it before.

Herring also talked about Reed’s “linebacker body.”

“That’s where people get discombobulated with him,” Herring said. “Look, he’s 6-2½, 250. The fact that he was playing with his hand in the dirt (the three-point stance of a defensive end) in college turned him into a ‘tweener’ to some people. But he was always a ‘Mike’ linebacker to us. Half the teams in the draft wanted him bad, and the other half didn’t think he could (make the transition). We were in the half that saw the upside potential. He’s still projecting and growing as a player. The sky’s the limit.”

He's got the athleticism that we need, but it should be interesting to see if he has the "bulk" to live up to the pounding. I'd love to see this move paired with the drafting of a guy like John Jenkins. It'd really transform what's been a big weakness for our defense (i.e. the middle).

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

There was talk of, and possibly intention to, play him in the middle since he was drafted.

I have posted about it before.


He's got the athleticism that we need, but it should be interesting to see if he has the "bulk" to live up to the pounding. I'd love to see this move paired with the drafting of a guy like John Jenkins. It'd really transform what's been a big weakness for our defense (i.e. the middle).

I'm not sure this is an issue. Reed is listed at 250lbs which is slightly heavier then Cushing at 248lbs. I think Reed could prosper in the middle because he his good tackler & should be able to hold his ground & make plays going against interior lineman or FB's. Cushing & Reed in the middle looks very solid imo.

I do hope they address the NT w/ a big body similar to Jenkins, but not necessarily Jenkins. I wasn't too impressed w/ him watching the Senior Bowl practices & games. He seems to lack a consistent motor & at times seems to go through the motions as opposed to going all out. A big body is a must imo. Unfortunately, based on Wade's history I'm not sure he will feel the same.

[deucetx]

I'm not overly concerned about Reed in coverage versus him being capable of making quick reads from the inside and learning to attack from that downhill angle. It's not a totally easy conversion which is why some (including myself) were against the move DURING the season. It's not an easy jump to do it during the progressing year. Now going into offseason where he gets a chance to attune himself to it more fully, study film and get the time/attention from the coaches it is more understandable.

Coverage wise our linebackers graded out like this:

Brian Cushing - 3.1
Tim Dobbins - 2.8
Brooks Reed - 1.7

So yeah Brooks was actually one of our better backers in coverage. Oh and he was our HIGHEST graded linebacker against the run. Yeah even higher than Cushing in that aspect though we're talking two different pursuit/attack angles and facing different type of block/blockers. Would be interesting if he could keep that up from the inside but for some reason that holds no explanation what so ever since there is little proof....I think he can.

Question becomes how do they feel about Braman? Do they think he is ready to be more than just a special teams guy? Would be interesting to find out.

But this defense needs something at ILB. Wade was overly dependant on the sub/dime packages where he would use a safety as if it was a linebacker and that killed us in games. Teams would spread out knowing Wade would skip a nickle package for the sub and run right at that safety and *sighs* James. We know the result of that. But if we have two ILB's athletic enough maybe we can rely on nickle more and not be so handicapped against spread formations.

[BigBull17]

Like Brooks to ILB, but why would anyone want Barwin's gimp ass back. He was a zero basically all season. What did he do to deserve to be resigned? Held the edge against the run? Big deal. Find a guy who can rush a passer when not unblocked who can also hold the edge.

Originally Posted by tru80texan

The same could easily be said about mario's sacks from that season, as well as many other seasons to be honest, & yet some hold him in high regards. Mario was extremely overrated, IMO, & he normally needed a clear advantage to even sniff a sack. Hardly the game changer, similar to Watt, that many falsely claimed he was. So that knock on Barwin by most in Houston is quite laughable after all the unearned attention Mario received.

Considering Barwin set a franchise record for sacks in 1 game w/ 4 & accumulated most of his sacks in the remaining 10 games when he took over Mario's position I would say his 2011 was quite memorable...at least it was to me. I think Barwin still has plenty of potential & 2 seasons is hardly enough for us to know what he is truly capable of IMO.

Except like 7 of them were unblocked. He didn't get that luxury this year and his numbers plummeted. He is exactly like Mario in that respect. Need the stars to align to be useful. I remember watching the first Ravens game last year and he was unblocked maybe 5 times and never got there. He had a fluke 10 games and thats it.

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by deucetx

I'm not overly concerned about Reed in coverage versus him being capable of making quick reads from the inside and learning to attack from that downhill angle. It's not a totally easy conversion which is why some (including myself) were against the move DURING the season. It's not an easy jump to do it during the progressing year. Now going into offseason where he gets a chance to attune himself to it more fully, study film and get the time/attention from the coaches it is more understandable.

Coverage wise our linebackers graded out like this:

Brian Cushing - 3.1
Tim Dobbins - 2.8
Brooks Reed - 1.7

So yeah Brooks was actually one of our better backers in coverage. Oh and he was our HIGHEST graded linebacker against the run. Yeah even higher than Cushing in that aspect though we're talking two different pursuit/attack angles and facing different type of block/blockers. Would be interesting if he could keep that up from the inside but for some reason that holds no explanation what so ever since there is little proof....I think he can.

Question becomes how do they feel about Braman? Do they think he is ready to be more than just a special teams guy? Would be interesting to find out.

But this defense needs something at ILB. Wade was overly dependant on the sub/dime packages where he would use a safety as if it was a linebacker and that killed us in games. Teams would spread out knowing Wade would skip a nickle package for the sub and run right at that safety and *sighs* James. We know the result of that. But if we have two ILB's athletic enough maybe we can rely on nickle more and not be so handicapped against spread formations.

Even if they are willing to give Braman a serious look, which I wouldnt mind seeing, I still believe they will draft another OLB w/in the 2nd to 4th rd. They've always wanted at least 3 solid edge rushers & outside of Braman there isn't much to choose from. I'll be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if the Texans acquire yet another Cowturd player if Barwin is not re-signed. With Victor Butler & Anthony Spencer becoming FA's I wouldn't put it past ol' Wade to bring in another cowturd who is familiar w/ his system. Butler could be a cheap alternative & we know wade loves his ex-players.

It seems the Sharpton project could be coming to an end w/ this potential move as he could never stay healthy & now be nothing more then solid depth at ILB. Which I would take Sharpton over James any day.

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by BigBull17

Like Brooks to ILB, but why would anyone want Barwin's gimp ass back. He was a zero basically all season. What did he do to deserve to be resigned? Held the edge against the run? Big deal. Find a guy who can rush a passer when not unblocked who can also hold the edge.

I guess its safe to say you were saying the same thing about Cushing after his slump in his 2nd season as a starter as well?

Barwin has potential & showed it 2011. Players do have down years & to be honest most of the Texans defense had a down year in 2012. Assuming he his a bust after 1 bad season is a bit premature. For the right price bring him back. No need to over pay as there are other options, but assuming he did nothing & offers nothing is false. That mindset is exactly what got this team in some trouble when they assumed they could do w/out Winston, Briesel, & Ryans imo.

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by Corrosion

I mentioned this potential move months ago , long before people were talking about moving Bawrin inside (which I think is a horrible idea) .... I think he instantly upgrades the position and he does have the ability to cover as he had to do it as an OLB. To be honest , I think he's a much better fit inside than out.

I can see him inside even of they dont resign Barwin.

This does open up the possibility for another OLB to be drafted early along with a guy on the front be it NT/DT/DE. This draft will be really interesting.

Yep,

It lowers the priority in the draft. But the need for 1-2 pass rushers remains.

I still want Rick/Wade to pick a ILB in the 4-5th rd. They should be able to find a good depth player.

[2slik4u]

Originally Posted by srrono

Ok here is the plan every one make sign Wallace threads only for now on till FO gets the point lol

Dont want to derail this thread but not sure why you are so interestd in Mike Wallace. The dude's specialty is speed and the deep ball. Our QB has a noodle arm that underthrows every deep ball he attempts. Would not make sense to spend big money on a WR like Wallace unless we ditch Schaub and replace with a stronger arm...which we all know aint happening.

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

Yep,

It lowers the priority in the draft. But the need for 1-2 pass rushers remains.

I still want Rick/Wade to pick a ILB in the 4-5th rd. They should be able to find a good depth player.

I wouldn't be surprised if they took ILB between rounds 2 & 4. Moving Reed & drafting a solid player would be good insurance if they have issues re-signing Cushing. You never know how contract negotiations will pan out, if at all, & setting themselves up like did w/ Mercilus would make some sense imo.

[Vinny]

Originally Posted by tru80texan

I guess its safe to say you were saying the same thing about Cushing after his slump in his 2nd season as a starter as well?

Barwin has potential & showed it 2011. Players do have down years & to be honest most of the Texans defense had a down year in 2012. Assuming he his a bust after 1 bad season is a bit premature.

One down year or one year with a ton of untouched sacks and 3 the next season?

Originally Posted by ArlingtonTexan

Lance Z. has said on a couple occassions that Barwin lead the league in untouched sacks with 7 in 2011. Claims that most of these were from a particular stunt that the Texans used well 2011 that team figured out in 2012.

short answer..2011 may have been the fraud season.

[beerlover]

there are some similarities to Cushing, both former DE's in College & BC seems to fit right inside. However, he lacks skill set is in coverage's, teams would game plan to attack him with RB/TE's. I would prefer to seem him #1 get healthy #2 go on a strict weight loss diet #3 work on speed & quickness. Unless Texans draft another edge rusher, all they have would be him & Whitney.