Just PLEASE don't run Slaton into the ground...

[OzzO]

A breakout rookie season changed all that for the former third-round draft pick, and cemented Slaton’s status as Houston’s starting running back. Now the Texans are waiting to see what he’ll do next—and are counting on him to be even better in 2009.

“I put some pressure on him,” coach Gary Kubiak said Tuesday. “I think he’s got to be one of the most improved players … if Steve goes and gets better our football team’s going to be better.”...

...One of those little things the Texans hope Slaton can improve on this year is his pass protection. The 5-foot-9, 203-pound player wasn’t asked to do much of that in college and his smaller stature makes it his most difficult task.

“I feel like I can do better,” he said. “I feel like that’s always something I’m going to have to work on.”....

yahoo

I'd hate to see another DDW come from this.

[gtexan02]

Originally Posted by OzzO

yahoo

I'd hate to see another DDW come from this.

Slaton was 15th in the NFL in rushing attempts per game. I don't think we have to worry about running him into the ground. Its only in the last 3-5 years that we've really seen all this running back by committee business. He should be able to handle 20 carries a game

Originally Posted by OzzO

yahoo

I'd hate to see another DDW come from this.

That also was the "Other" regime. Don't think Kubes will be that stupid.

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by whiskeyrbl

That also was the "Other" regime. Don't think Kubes will be that stupid.

The problem is that he's so dang good at everything from explosive plays to pass protecting to pass catching. Unless we find a good short yardage back, basically the team is downgrading itself every play he's out of the game, regardless of what they are trying to do. That creates a dilemna for a coach to keep his carries limited. It's pretty hard to voluntarily put in an offensive package knowing that the player at one important position that is best equipped to handle his role is healthy but standing on the sideline.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

The problem is that he's so dang good at everything from explosive plays to pass protecting to pass catching. Unless we find a good short yardage back, basically the team is downgrading itself every play he's out of the game, regardless of what they are trying to do. That creates a dilemna for a coach to keep his carries limited. It's pretty hard to voluntarily put in an offensive package knowing that the player at one important position that is best equipped to handle his role is healthy but standing on the sideline.

That's what happened last year. I'm not too sure that most realize that the Texans ran an average of 27.0 times per game..............of which 23.6 were carried by Slaton. My impression is that Kubiak is not only wanting to improve run efficiency, but also increase the number of carries per game to
30 or more. Given dalemurphy's concerns, we must identify a "complimentary" back which instills as much confidence as Slaton. And all of this, of course, hinges on Slaton staying healthy.

[BigBull17]

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

The problem is that he's so dang good at everything from explosive plays to pass protecting to pass catching. Unless we find a good short yardage back, basically the team is downgrading itself every play he's out of the game, regardless of what they are trying to do. That creates a dilemna for a coach to keep his carries limited. It's pretty hard to voluntarily put in an offensive package knowing that the player at one important position that is best equipped to handle his role is healthy but standing on the sideline.

Yep. It's hard to take one of your best players off the field. DDW is a little different though, he was almost everything on offense. Carr was allergic to wide outs, so DDW ran the ball 30 times almost and caught 10 passes. He was the work horse.

[TimeKiller]

I don't think more touches would necessarily mean more handoffs and pound it into the teeth of the big men. Slaton is most successful when he's got space to juke, though that's not to say he can't pound it. Personally, I'd like to see him on screens more or maybe line him up at the slot and run him in a reverse, just some plays to get him a little space (and maybe he gets tackled by 1 or 2 little DBs instead of 3 or 4 LBers and Dlinemen) There are so many options with such a dynamic runner. Alas, 10 carries a game won't belong to him and the 2nd and 3rd options seem much less dynamic but Slaton didn't exactly bring a hype machine with him before the season. Maybe Foster or Moats suprise this year like Slaton did last.

[HOU-TEX]

If it happens there will be another RB that will take over.

[Number19]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

...we must identify a "complimentary" back which instills as much confidence as Slaton. And all of this, of course, hinges on Slaton staying healthy.

I'm a big fan of utilizing the FB position for more than just blocking. Finding an effective "blocker" who can also pound the ball up the middle can't be more difficult than finding a "complimentary" RB. An effective runner at the FB position now gives the defense something else to worry about when Slaten is in the game inside the 20. If I remember correctly, Jim Brown ran from the FB position and I really don't understand why the pro game got away from this aspect of the offensive game.

[El Tejano]

Originally Posted by Number19

I'm a big fan of utilizing the FB position for more than just blocking. Finding an effective "blocker" who can also pound the ball up the middle can't be more difficult than finding a "complimentary" RB. An effective runner at the FB position now gives the defense something else to worry about when Slaten is in the game inside the 20. If I remember correctly, Jim Brown ran from the FB position and I really don't understand why the pro game got away from this aspect of the offensive game.

Tom Rathman was the perfect FB in the WCO.

I also believe June 1st is right around the corner and there may be one or two RBs out there that we will sign.

[HOU-TEX]

Originally Posted by El Tejano

Tom Rathman was the perfect FB in the WCO.

I also believe June 1st is right around the corner and there may be one or two RBs out there that we will sign.

I don't think June 1st means diddly this season.

There will be plenty of roster cuts come camp and pre-season though.