Wand/Pitts

[infantrycak]

610 am just announced that at the coaching session, Seth Wand has been working out at LT with Chester Pitts at LG. Guess we will have to wait to training camp to see if this looks like just evaluation or they are really impressed enough with Wand to go with the move.

[Vinny]

I just heard it too. Hopefully Wand can keep the spot. We would have a tremdous line because Pitts would make a sensational Guard. Keep in mind that we don't have to help RT this year for the first time. We can put a TE or chip with a FB to help Wand. I hope he can hold the spot down. This would be very exciting.

[TheOgre]

That would be great news IMO. Nothing against Pitts but I think he is marginal as a pass-blocker at LT. I think he could eventually go to the Pro Bowl at LG through.

That does beg the question though. If Wand or Wade gets injured is Pitts the #3 OT? Would he move outside and let one of the younger guys take over at LG in that situation? Or is he merely the LT sub and Wiegert is the RT sub (he can play both also). Inquiring minds want to know.

[Vinny]

Originally Posted by TheOgre

If Wand or Wade gets injured is Pitts the #3 OT?

Sure, Pitts would slide outside and Milford Brown, Weary or Washington could play LG. Pitts has 32 NFL starts at LT. If Wand can hold this job, he blows my "3-year project" theory. It's one Einstein moment I wouldn't mind having however.

[edo783]

That will be GREAT if Wand is able to handle it. He must be showing some pretty decent improvement or they are just trying to see how much he has improved. Seems to be about a year early, but super if he can carry it off without getting David killed.

[Vinny]

Originally Posted by edo783

That will be GREAT if Wand is able to handle it. He must be showing some pretty decent improvement or they are just trying to see how much he has improved. Seems to be about a year early, but super if he can carry it off without getting David killed.

Pitts never got the help he needed because we always had a journeyman at RT. This is the first year we have a top caliber NFL RT on our line. All our help can go over to Wand's side during pass protection.

I also agree that this may be a tempory thing however...so keep that in mind.

[DominatorDavis]

Dont get too excited guys this is just a coaching session.

[BuffSoldier]

If Wand ends up being the talent at LT that we expected him to be then our o-line would be dominant. Pitts at LG would be crutial this guy was an average LT but has the size to be a dominant LG.

[B.Diddy]

Originally Posted by BuffSoldier

If Wand ends up being the talent at LT that we expected him to be then our o-line would be dominant. Pitts at LG would be crutial this guy was an average LT but has the size to be a dominant LG.

Exactly but this also gives us something that we've never had on the ol quality Dept. which is going to put our running game on steroids

[Porky]

Let's bare in mind this is simply a "coaching session". However, clearly they wouldn't be even trying him out at LT if he had not been making significant strides in the offseason. I think Pitts is a good run blocker, but a little below average pass blocker as a LT. In that spot, he got to see the best of the best from the pass rushing right ends. As a LG, I see him as well above average, maybe eventually pro-bowl calibur. I think he has great size and skills for that spot. I think that line would be a top 10 oline, IF, and I repeat, IF, Wand can do well in that spot so quickly. That remains to be seen, but as Vinny said, we can throw some help his way. Either way, I'm looking forward to this season.

[done88]

From ESPN

Minor makeover for offensive line
The Texans did a little tinkering with their starting offensive line on May 24, using second-year player Seth Wand at left tackle and moving Chester Pitts one spot to left guard. Coach Dom Capers stressed the move was experimental. "Nothing is etched in stone," he said as the second week of the four-week offseason coaching session began. Wand, taken in third round a year ago out of Northwest Missouri State, was considered a project as a rookie but excited coaches with his potential and his massive 6-foot-7, 327-pound frame. Later in the season he was often employed as a second tight end in run formations. Pitts has been the left tackle for every snap in the Texans' two-year history.

This was the plan from the begining. However it was supposed to Bos at Tackle and Pitts at Guard. When Bos left well Pitts had to hold down the fort until Wand is ready.

[TexansFanatic]

Man, just year 3 and we've got a seriously good O-line with some serious depth. Outstanding job, Charley!

[aj.]

When you think about it, it's not all that unusual for them to be trying this now. Wand's been around for a year - so let's see what he can do. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get significant work there in camp and early preseason. Whether he can stick as the full time starter is another question. It's a good problem to have.

[TheOgre]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

Wand can hold this job, he blows my "3-year project" theory. It's one Einstein moment I wouldn't mind having however.

Wand was very raw in the beginning. If he is ready to start now then Boselli wasn't exaggerating when he said he said, "Wand is picking things up fast". Either that or the Texans would rather he learn on the job this season rather than next. This seems like a transitional year with guys moving to new positions. Is it me or are the fingers now pointing at year 4 rather than year 5 as the completion of this building process?

[J-Man]

Ok...I have to admit that I am having a tough time with this thread. Michael Irving said it best, "You there...take your big butt and hit that other guy with the big butt as hard as you can!" .
Doesn't matter who it is as long as the the QB isn't picking himself up off the turf and the RB isn't fighting a DL for the hand off.

...and yes, I never played line...I just caught the ball from the pretty boy that the big uglies worked so hard to keep in clean uniform!

[Vinny]

Pitts just sounded very upbeat about the change on the radio. He has a great attitude. He said that Capers asked him to make the switch today, and Pitts said he was willing to do what the coaches want.

How else are you going to know how a guy has progressed if you don't stick him in with the starters. It's a good evaluation spot to stick him in there during the coaching sessions in May, then when he comes back to camp in July you can see his progression from that starting point. I like Pitts' attitude.

[done88]

Ok now that everybody is happy with the right attitude lets get serious. All Wand needs at this point is to get mean. I mean the few interviews he has done he has been soft spoken. He walks and plays with his shoulders down and hs is a little soft. The biggest improvement I'd like to see from him would be a mean streak. I know he was learing last year and he was bright eyed and bushy tailed last year so I won't hold that against him. Today I read that Wade and Walker were s*c*r*a*ping a little. Walker needs to slap Wand around a little and Wade needs to let him know that he has his back. Let Wand get POwd and lets see if he don't start throwing a few defensive lineman around. My new campaigin is to make Wand madd. I sit in the front row so I will call him ugly when he walks out onto the field. I will yell your mama jokes accross the field. yea yea thats it. uhh maybe going a little over board but I think you get my point.

[Vinny]

I'm not sure you have to be a loudmouth to play well on the line. Many offensive linemen are quiet guys actually. For instance, Mike Munchack was very quiet and as tough as they come. I don't share your view of Wand either. He hasn't struck me as meek or soft.

[Westside]

Pitts was really improving at the LT position...but it would be great to see what he can do at LG! Hope this O-Line really comes together and stays healthy!