Mario, weak side or strong side

[cj5776]

Just a break from all of the DC crap,

It seems a lot of the decisions regrading the D-line will center around the first and foremost judgement call, what position is Mario's primary spot. A lot of other cards seem to fall in place in place depending on where the defensive centerpiece takes most of his snaps

IF STRONG SIDE,
this seems to be his more natural position even though he kinda of settled into the weak side. That might have been due to the lack of production from other DEs, Babin, Peak, and the need to try to get Mario and Weaver on the field together. Plus it seems Weaver was not successful early in the season at DT but due to the development of Maddux that might change. That is why I really like the idea of drafting or signing a true edge rusher to play oppisite Mario and have Weaver start at DT with Maddux, then Weaver can join Kalu and Babin as reserve DEs.

IF WEAK SIDE,
Mario could change the way teams protect the QBs if he grows into a powerful pass rusher that LTs can not handle. However if the texans feels Weaver and Mario are the top starting DEs not only should a true pass rush end be added, but also depth at DT is needed since TJ has not proven himself as a starter and he like Seth Payne is comming off season ending injuries.

[BattleRedToro]

Originally Posted by cj5776

Just a break from all of the DC crap,

It seems a lot of the decisions regrading the D-line will center around the first and foremost judgement call, what position is Mario's primary spot. A lot of other cards seem to fall in place in place depending on where the defensive centerpiece takes most of his snaps

IF STRONG SIDE,
this seems to be his more natural position even though he kinda of settled into the weak side. That might have been due to the lack of production from other DEs, Babin, Peak, and the need to try to get Mario and Weaver on the field together. Plus it seems Weaver was not successful early in the season at DT but due to the development of Maddux that might change. That is why I really like the idea of drafting or signing a true edge rusher to play oppisite Mario and have Weaver start at DT with Maddux, then Weaver can join Kalu and Babin as reserve DEs.

IF WEAK SIDE,
Mario could change the way teams protect the QBs if he grows into a powerful pass rusher that LTs can not handle. However if the texans feels Weaver and Mario are the top starting DEs not only should a true pass rush end be added, but also depth at DT is needed since TJ has not proven himself as a starter and he like Seth Payne is comming off season ending injuries.

First of all, Anthony Weaver should not be used as a DT unless the Texans have no other choice due to extensive injuries. If the Texans are fortunate enough to acquire another quality DE then the Texans should play that new DE wherever his strong point is because Mario can play either side, although I think Mario is better suited to the Weakside. Secondly, the Texans need to acquire atleast 1 and preferably 2 true NT's (330lbs+ DT's) to plug the middle of the line. All of the DT's on the Texans roster injured or otherwise are more suited as the 3-position DT, this is the DT that lines up over the right shoulder of the Right Guard. As for Travis Johnson's season ending injury, tearing a calf muscle is very different then a knee injury that requires surgery like Seth Payne's injury. As much as I like Seth Payne, we may have seen the last of him in a Texans uniform when he was carted off the field this year.

[nunusguy]

Wrong question.
Correct question: Mario, strong side or Inside ?

[cj5776]

Why inside??? What talents does he have that playing inside would utilize?

[t_flare]

LE, i think he played RE is because that toe problem was on the foot that LE needs (left)

[cj5776]

That is kinda of what i was thinking, LE has to fight through more people and more change of direction stuff. Jamaal Anderson on the right and Mario on the left would be solid dominating DEs for a long long time. The MJ attack!!!!

[kbourda]

Originally Posted by cj5776

That is kinda of what i was thinking, LE has to fight through more people and more change of direction stuff. Jamaal Anderson on the right and Mario on the left would be solid dominating DEs for a long long time. The MJ attack!!!!

Well if his toe isn't a recurring problem keep him at LE. If so, RE might be his ticket.

[ryansisgod]

Mario is more of a power guy than a speed guy, so he works well at LE, like peppers, we need a speed guy the likes of freeney on the other side.maybe someone in the later rounds of the draft.

[cj5776]

Originally Posted by ryansisgod

Mario is more of a power guy than a speed guy, so he works well at LE, like peppers, we need a speed guy the likes of freeney on the other side.maybe someone in the later rounds of the draft.

Any names?

Speed Rushers go quick, that's why I'm sold on Jamaal Anderson for the first round pick

[cj5776]

Originally Posted by ryansisgod

Mario is more of a power guy than a speed guy, so he works well at LE, like peppers, we need a speed guy the likes of freeney on the other side.maybe someone in the later rounds of the draft.

why then did he play most of the year at RE

[ryansisgod]

Originally Posted by cj5776

why then did he play most of the year at RE

Actually he played a lot at LE more so than at RE. He played at RE because 1:His Plantar Fasciitis 2: to get some of those double teams off.

he was more succesful at LE though, i can remember 2.5 of his 4.5 sacks that came when he was playing LE.

[ryansisgod]

Originally Posted by cj5776

Any names?

Speed Rushers go quick, that's why I'm sold on Jamaal Anderson for the first round pick

i cant think of anyone special but maybe this guy louis holmes out of Arizona, not sure if he's coming out though, the website im looking at doesnt say.

[ryansisgod]

Originally Posted by cj5776

Any names?

Speed Rushers go quick, that's why I'm sold on Jamaal Anderson for the first round pick

Jarvis Moss maybe too, what do you think?

[run-david-run]

If AP is gone, I would be happy with either Gaines Adams or Jammal Anderson. Either of those guys along with Mario starting then Babin and Kalu off the bench with Weaver hopefully being good enough inside to make the transition.

[tbell ncsu]

left end is his natural position, and that's where he should play. i think alot of his less than stellar performance last year had alot to do with him constantly being moved around, and not being allowed to get into a groove.

[Texian]

Jamaal Anderson, Gaines Adams and Charles Johnson are worthy of the 8th pick.

[brewhaus]

Mario showed steady improvement throughout the year and should be totally at ease with either side of the line this coming season. It would sure be to the Texans advantage to be able to move him around on the line and hopefully he will develop to that level within the next season or two.

[amazingandre]

any1 know how his foot is doing?

[bah007]

Originally Posted by Texian

Jamaal Anderson, Gaines Adams and Charles Johnson are worthy of the 8th pick.

Charles Johnson?

Worth the #8?

I havent seen him rated anywhere close to that high.

We could probably pick him up in the 2nd round.

[Texian]

Originally Posted by bah007

Charles Johnson?

Worth the #8?

I havent seen him rated anywhere close to that high.

We could probably pick him up in the 2nd round.

He will be gone by the 15th pic. The only reason he is rated mid 1st is because of Anderson and Adams. IF they weren't in this draft he would be top 10, maybe top 5. CJ may move up higher than his current status after the combine.

Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
6'2" 270

Games reviewed - Virginia Tech (Chick-fil-A Bowl), Florida

Feet, crazy feet...tremendously quick feet, the first thing that stands out...stocky build at 6-2 - a little bigger and more explosive Darryl Tapp from Virginia Tech (last year)...high-caliber burst off the ball...picks and chooses spots to pursue from backside...when he does, wow, explosive to the ball...ultra-quick off the edge...makes plays when he gets to the ball...not only gets sack or pressure, but creates turnovers...lightning quick spin move...good leverage against the run...difficult for tight ends and tackles to "reach" him on outside runs...compact three point stance and really explodes out of it...must develop a counter pass rush move...sometimes he tries to "win with speed" when an inside move would still allow him to keep his pass rush contain...

Synopsis - Perhaps a two-play sequence against Florida tells you most of what you need to know about Johnson. In the third quarter on second down, UF QB Chris Leak runs a speed option right at Johnson, who envelopes Leak before he can pitch for a loss. On the next play, the Gators tried to throw a tunnel screen to Johnson's side. The Dawg DE's momentum took him into the backfield too far to turn back to defend the screen, so he read Leak's eyes and knocked down the pass to keep the Gators off the scoreboard once again.

It's difficult to do those two plays justice with words, but they showed how quick he is and that he's got athletic skills to adapt to plays on the run. To me, he's not only a solid edge rusher, he's a playmaker - a guy who is consistently making something happen and getting hands on the ball or making a key tackle for a loss. He plays the run fine, not too concerned about how well he plays the run, but might be a little raw with his technique. He does take plays off on occasion, but not enough to warrant any worry at all.

Don't think that he can be a 3-4 outside backer, even though he is extremely quick and talented. I just don't see the fit at this point. But off the edge as a 4-3 rush end, bring it on. He's the guy. I believe that someone in the top 15 is really going to like this guy and his playmaking presence.
http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootba...ng_report.html