Need Some Answers

[HoustonLionsFan]

Hi everyone. I am a new transplant to Houston so I am trying to do some research on them for several reasons. 1.) I am a Lions fan through the years and am trying to write an article for about the Texans for a Lions message board (as a preview of teams we will play). 2.) As a new Houston resident, I feel it necessary to know about the 'hometown' team (as I can root for them because they in the AFC, except week 2 ).

So, I know alittle bit about the defense, but I have some questions regarding the offense. For instance, 1.) what is the offensive philosphy? Is it ball control? What formation is used more often, 2 WR's 1 TE, double tight? 3 wide with TE, or 3 wide no FB? 2.) How is the Oline looking? What is the realistic outlook for them? 3.) Is DD the man, or will he split time with Hollings (I think that's his name)? 3.) Who is going to win the #2 WR (Bradford/Gaffney?)? #3?

As far as D., I just need to know about the Safeties, and if Walker is going to hold up.

I appreciate an unbiased opinion as possible, and in return I can offer the same for any questions you may have about the Lions.

I will say that Texas is on the way up (as are the Lions) and they would have a much better outlook for the seasoon if they didn't have to play Tenn, Ind, and Jax twice. And game 2 will be a great game, two young up and coming teams.

Thanks for your help.

[Wolf]

welcome to the board.

one website you might try is www.houstonprofootball.com .. They have some good insight also

[HoustonLionsFan]

Thanks, that's a great site. It has alot of what I was looking for.

[Jwwillis]

Always ball controll. The Texans have yet to gain an identity. This is the year to determine If they will be more pass or run oriented. The team is built for a balanced attack and there are no WR postions being faught for: Johnson-Bradford-Gaffney are locks.(for now) The Texan offense has employeed the zone blocking scheme for the first time this season;this allowing the one two punch of Davis/Hollings to adjust to the flow of the lineman and find the open hole. Much depends on the RB's natural ability to find the hold and react lighting fast. There will be a lot of cut backs and boot legs to keep the defense off balance. Hollings and Davis can get around the corner. Carr is unproven only because he has been running for his life for 2yrs. Attitude, fortitue and gratitude are our measurements to date and he gets an A in my book. Look for the best protection of Carrs career this year and help us judge his worthyness as the Texans #1 franchise player. The Texans D have played the 3-4 from day 1. Capers used it and coached it for Pittsburg and In essance the 3-4 desguises the 4th down lineman. It will sometimes confuse o-lineman because they only line up against 3 guys and are not sure who to block.(In theory of course). Our Safety is Coleman a pro-bowl CB who has shifted to make room for Daunte Robinson (CB,1st rnd,04). He is the x-factor. DR will start at CB as a rookie and will be thrown at exclusivly till he picks off a few. It will be frustrating be patient. Special teams is our specialty. Somehow we got lucky and aquired pro-bowl quality kickers. Brown/Stanley. Will be next year to get a signature returner. The Texans are building for the long term not dumping huge amounts on veteran quick fixes. They invested in Bosilli and lost which got them off to a rocky start on the cap game but are doing well in that regard. Look for the gurus to fill in with stats. The Lions and Houstons (oilers/texans) NFL franchises have a lot in common. We are both OLD OLD players that have yet to scratch since the old AFL days ( the glory years ala Blanda etc.. ) Lions/Oilers dominated the AFL and have never won it all in the NFL after all these years.

[RunninRaven]

As JWillis said, the design is for a balance run/pass attack. My guess would be that this season you see more running than passing simply because the O-line has looked much more suspect in pass protection than it has in run blocking. Plus, assuming our RBs stay healthy, we have a wonderful 1-2 punch in Davis and Hollings, whose running styles complement each other perfectly. Thunder and Lightning.

But if the O-line can give us some protection, you may see the team unleash David Carr this year. His honeymoon is over and it's time to see if he sinks or swims. His receiving core is healthy and solid, so the only question mark is whether or not the pocket holds. As usual, it really all comes down to injuries...but going by the general view, there is more of an injury concern for the RBs than the other skill positions. If Dominick Davis stays healthy, though, I could see him rushing for 1400-1500 yards this season.

[rhc564]

For JWWillis
...when were the Lions an AFL team?

[BornOrange]

Don't stop him, he's on a roll.

[HoustonLionsFan]

Thank You All for the great feedback!!!

[mes311]

Lions fan, what is the running back situation looking like over there? Does it appear Kevin Jones has the inside track to being the man this year?

[SBTexans08]

Texans -24
Lions -15

Yeah baby!! I can't wait till that match-up!!

[V Man]

Originally Posted by SBTexans08

Texans -24
Lions -15

Yeah baby!! I can't wait till that match-up!!

Looks like the defense bent but didn't break. With 5 FGs it was either that or the O turned it over a couple of times on our side of the field. :hehe:

[HoustonLionsFan]

Originally Posted by mes311

Lions fan, what is the running back situation looking like over there? Does it appear Kevin Jones has the inside track to being the man this year?

It appears KJ has the inside track, but it is definately be RBBC, although KJ should get ~18-20 carries per game. KJ looked good in limited preseason action (only ~13 carries in games 2 and 3). He saw the holes, hit them, made people miss, put little bursts of speed on. Blocking and recieving is still a question, but a couple games will answer that. Pinner also looked good. I think he will be a change up and short yardage back. He was bowling people over. The 3rd RB is a question mark right now. Bryson is coming back healthy (last year he was coming back from ACL knee surgery). He is supposed to be the 3rd down back and have the best recieving and blocking skills. But, Cobourne (2nd year undrafted, led NFLE RB's in yards from scrimmage, I think) has had a good camp and preseason. He is the quickest of the bunch, and a fan favorite. We'll find out Monday

[HoustonLionsFan]

Originally Posted by SBTexans08

Texans -24
Lions -15

Yeah baby!! I can't wait till that match-up!!

24 - 17, or 24 -21, one way or the other. It will be a great game. I would probably take Texans, but Det. plays great at home, and it is their home opener, so it could go either way.

[HoustonLionsFan]

Originally Posted by 3rd Coast Playa

say lions man, how is the secondary over there in detroit? dont yall have a couple of injuries? fenado did a great job against harrison in the past is he alright?

I think the secondary is looking really good right now, despite minor injuries. Marion left with a contusion on his knee the last preseason game. Put a shot in his knee and he's good to go, I think. Bryant came out in that game also, but it was just a stinger. Both are expected to play in the opener, at least I haven't heard anything different.

Bly is the #1 CB and Bryant is the #2. This means Bryant will be even better. He was always facing the #1 WR's, but that will be Bly's job. So which way do you throw? The Lions have 2 #1 CB'S. Should be good. Marion adds experience the safety position and his addition allows Brian Walker to move back to his natural SS position, which he played with Marion in Miami (Walker gets **** from alot of Lions fans, but he was out of position last year at FS without a real SS and with #4 and #5 CB's). Our nickel back should be Chris Cash, who started his rookie year (2002), but was hurt last year. Overall, I think (slightly biased) that the Lions have one of the strongest secondaries in the league. Unfortunately, if preseason is any indication, they may have trouble stopping the run. Oh, if the secondary gives up yards, blame the DE's for not putting a rush on and pressuring the QB. Also, Bly and Bryant are good cover corners so the 'new' rules shouldn't hurt them too much.

[HoustonLionsFan]

Ok, I guess I spoke to early, it looks like Walker had his knee scoped on Fri and will be out several weeks. It is also rumored that he may go on the IR. I'm not sure who will start in his place. Maybe Bracey Walker or maybe Terrence Holt (Torry's brother).

*Rumor* I heard an interesting rumor that the Lions may inquire about trading for Donovan Darius, but it is, I repeat, only a rumor. But I figure Texans fans wouldn't mind seeing that happen.