Armstrong vs. Bradford

[RTP2110]

Playing time may not show it, but the stats do. Armstrong is already our #2 reciever, even with minimal PT.

Johnson 29 catches 525 yards 4td
Armstrong 13 catches 212 yards 1 td
Gaffney 12 catches 151 yards 1 td
Bradford 9 catches 98 yards 1 td

Davis 21 catches 211 yards 1 td (11 cathes were in 1 game)

[profan]

Armstrong has earned a starting position. He needs to be in the game at the start of the Tennesse game.

[frye]

Originally Posted by jacquescas

How long until either Gaffney or Bradford lose their starting spot to armstrong? I see Bradford going first because he hasn't made that many plays and is a free agent at the end of the year.

Armstrong is taking Bradfords money with each game this year.

I agree i think if armstorng keeps this up he will start by next season

[RTP2110]

The general feeling seems to be for us to let Bradford go and promote Armstrong after this season. I don't know if the coaches agree or not, but if they do I think this is a move that shold be made immediately. Why wait to move Armstrong up? They should just do it now, and see how he responds. If he does not pan out, then they can make it more of a priority to re-sign Bradford.

[El Tejano]

Originally Posted by RTP2110

The general feeling seems to be for us to let Bradford go and promote Armstrong after this season. I don't know if the coaches agree or not, but if they do I think this is a move that shold be made immediately. Why wait to move Armstrong up? They should just do it now, and see how he responds. If he does not pan out, then they can make it more of a priority to re-sign Bradford.

I like that idea. Players on this team need to know this team is ready to win and if you're not going to fit the bill to become an ingredient in our winning formula, you will be gone.

I also think another approach to this is to use the 4 wideout set more often. Our receivers are good, even Bradford. If we utilize the 4 wideout set more often, we can get one of our boys lined up against a very unequivalent player. 3rd and 5s or 3rd and 8s should be when we use that offense. I don't just want to see it at the end of a half or when we need points at the end of the game.

[Corrosion]

here is the Texans recieving stats to date this season .....

Andre Johnson 29/525/18.1/4
D. Davis 21/211/10.0/0
D.Armstrong 13/212/16.3/1
J.Gaffney 12/152/12.7/1
C.Bradford 9/98/10.9/1

When will we see Armstrong take some of Bradfords playing time ....... looks to me we already have . Bradford was the 3rd-4th option in GreenBay and should be no more than that here , he does have speed to burn but the rest of his game is ...... lacking . D.Armstrong is looking pretty good this season , lets hope he can keep it up for the full season and take some of the defensive preassure off of A.J.
Both A.J.and Armstrong had over 100 recieving yards yesterday ..... a Texans first.

[texan279]

I say let Armstrong and Bradford battle it out for the rest of the season. If Armstrong proves himself, I say let him take Bradford's spot next season. I am thinking that Bradford might step his game up soon since he is in his last year of his contract though.

[jacquescas]

I was thinking Bradford would step up his game too, but my goodness just watching the games Armstrong has CLEARLY been the number 2 reciever. I cannot remember him dropping 1 ball. the 4th and goal from the 11 yard line catch in the back of the endzone was amazing.

Bradford has yet to catch 1 critical ball. I know it has alot to do with Carr, but Armstrong is who he has rythm with.

How fast is Armstrong? what kind of contract situation does he have? i think finding these diamonds in the rough are what allows a team to build a strong team for the future cause then the money we save from letting Bradford walk can go to an offensive lineman or defensive lineman or some other position we are looking to fill.

[jacquescas]

a comparison on all levels.

Armstrong 6'2 196lbs 25 years old.

contract: $315,667 in 2004... $390,667 in 2005... not sure beyond that.

13 receptions 212 yards, 16.3 average, long of 35 yards, 1 TD, 1 100yd game.

Bradford 6'1 201lbs 30 years old.

contract: $2,258,333 in 2004. Last year of contract

9 receptions 98 yards, 10.9 average, long of 27, yards 1TD



Bradford is much faster, but AJ has become a much more consistant deep threat. Clearly Bradford is a lame duck at this point, if the trend continues he could drop all the way to 4th on the depth chart (which wouldn't be bad cause he would thrash most teams 4th DB) I can only think of 2 of armstrongs passes that were not for a first down or a touchdown.

[texan279]

I have a feeling if Armstrong keeps up his performance, Bradford is gone next season.

[jacquescas]

i have no question, that unless Bradford goes absolutely crazy, (which is doubtful if he hasn't done it in the first 3rd of the season.) he will be gone.

We will not resign Corey Bradford unless he takes a MASSIVE paycut. After watching him and Armstrong i've realized i'd much rather have a sure handed reciever than a burner. with our line he just doesn't get the deep ball cause it goes to AJ. Even Gaffney has outplayed Bradford. not to slight Gaffney, but just saying by production this year and play, that Bradford is 4th on the depth chart. The money we save could allow us to pick up a quality saftey if Coleman leaves or another good offensive lineman.

[Marcus]

If only Armstrong had the speed to go deep.

That's why trying to compare the two would be like trying to compare an apple with an orange. I agree with everyone about Bradford, but he still represents a deep threat on the other side, whereas Armstrong is a possession receiver. If you want to compare him to someone, compare him with Gaffney.

The difference between AJ and Bradford, is that with AJ, Carr doesn't have to be accurate with his deep throws . . . he'll find a way to get it. With Bradford, Carr has to throw it perfectly, drop it in his lap. All he's got to do is hit Bradford deep just once in game, and it'll make much easier on AJ.

[WWJD]

Armstrong has been very impressive this year. I like him alot.

[JDizzle]

With Armstrong's performance so far, I don't see how you would not start this guy. That TD grab was outstanding and clutch, as several of his grabs have been also.

I wouldn't rule out a trade here since Bradford's contract is up this year. Get something for him while he's here. If the injury bug bites the WR's, you still have Starling on the P.S.

[Scooter]

i dont think that's exactly fair, simply because it doesnt seem bradford gets many opportunities. i only saw two at the game yesterday, a quick out that he caught & ran for a few and a bomb that he outran his defender & had carr not thrown it out of reach would've been a td. there's no doubt armstrong is a stud, me and many have been saying that since last year. and i agree bradford likely wont be without a paycut or some massive numbers. i'd just like to see bradford get the opportunities to make big plays for us before writing him off.

[jacquescas]

there was also a throw down the sideline in overtown that he missed.

[ledzeppelin229]

The throw that was just a step or so in front of Bradford was right after Banks was put in for a series. I think it was like 3rd and 7 and they went for the bomb.

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

Armstrong has hands like glue. Most of his catches are in clutch situations.

[jacquescas]

Armstrong just this last game has put together a better season than bradford. He had a touchdown on 4th down, i think 4 other catches either on 3rd down or for a 1st down. We need to start going to him early in games, to force single coeverage on AJ late in games

[mdfan]

I think Derrick Armstrong needs to be our new starter instead of Bradford. Derrick can make big plays like Andre Johnson, and maybe with him starting we can go for the long and big plays more often.