Mario & the numbers

[thunderkyss]

October 14, 2010
Is Mario Williams a great player?

The Texans produce the numbers every week, and the numbers say Mario Williams is, if not a great player, certainly a very special one:

• Third in the AFC and sixth in the NFL with 5.0 sacks along with three tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, a forced fumble and two passes deflected.

• 44.5 career sacks are fourth-most in the NFL since he entered the league in 2006.

• Since his breakout 14-sack season in 2007, he's third in the NFL with 40 sacks.

• 17.5 tackles for loss since 2007 are second-most by an AFC defensive lineman.

• 57.5 negative plays since 2007 are fourth-most in the NFL.

His numbers are even more impressive when you consider the Texans have never had a dominant pass-rusher opposite him. They projected Connor Barwin to be that guy this season.

Antonio Smith and Brian Cushing have both been very good at times, but finding a second pass-rushing end—to match, say, the Colts combo of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis—has been a long journey.

This clearly has been Williams' best start, but then came Sunday's blowout loss to the Giants and Williams wasn't much of a factor. Some of his lack of numbers could be attributed to groin and shoulder issues. And maybe it's unfair to ask him to be great every week.

Despite what the numbers say, it seems Williams has never been that ruthless, game-breaking player that, say, Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White were. On the other hand, is it fair to compare any player to two of the best ever?

I've always had the feeling that Mario was never completely comfortable having the franchise placed on his shoulders. He never claimed to deserve to be the No. 1 pick.

Maybe we should accept him for what is and be thankful that he's a really good player, and at times, a great player. Vince Young is still worth a debate, but Mario seems clearly to be the best player out of the 2006 draft.

Found it in the Chronicle.

[noxiousdog]

And he's just now entering his prime.

I think it's funny, though, how people like to bring up Reggie White and LT. Mario's not those guys? Well who is? The guys in that category you can count on one other finger. Deacon Jones. That's the list.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by noxiousdog

And he's just now entering his prime.

I think it's funny, though, how people like to bring up Reggie White and LT. Mario's not those guys? Well who is? The guys in that category you can count on one other finger. Deacon Jones. That's the list.

Like you said about his prime.... Reggie White was a beast before he went to Green Bay. but he wasn't the HOF Reggie White.

I don't know if Mario will ever get there. Lots of little nagging injuries. He may not play that long.

[Lucky]

Vince Young is still worth a debate, but Mario seems clearly to be the best player out of the 2006 draft.

Is this a joke??? Who wrote this?


A sports blog with Richard Justice



Never mind.

[hradhak]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Is this a joke??? Who wrote this?

I don't think Justice is ever going to let it go. At times, VY isn't even the best QB on his own team. I'm suprised the guy hasn't quit his day job so he can be a VY groupie.

[JB]

Originally Posted by hradhak

I don't think Justice is ever going to let it go. At times, VY isn't even the best QB on his own team. I'm suprised the guy hasn't quit his day job so he can be a VY groupie.

Why should he quit when he can get paid for being a VY groupie?

[nytexan]

I can't believe this discussion still goes on. Please name me one other player ever who made the pro bowl 2 out of the 4 seasons he's been in the league, he's in the early discussion to possible be an all pro this year and still gets this type of horse manure written about him in his home town.

With all the first round busts that come out every dang year how is this guy ever in the discussion of disappointment with this pick. He is NOT the problem with this team or defense but he seems to constantly be attacked because he doesn't make water into wine.

Anyone who compares VY to Mario just shows how little they know about football IMO.

[Goatcheese]

Originally Posted by nytexan

I can't believe this discussion still goes on. Please name me one other player ever who made the pro bowl 2 out of the 4 seasons he's been in the league, he's in the early discussion to possible be an all pro this year and still gets this type of horse manure written about him in his home town.

With all the first round busts that come out every dang year how is this guy ever in the discussion of disappointment with this pick. He is NOT the problem with this team or defense but he seems to constantly be attacked because he doesn't make water into wine.

Anyone who compares VY to Mario just shows how little they know about football IMO.

Don't you know that VY is a two time Pro Bowler?

Sure he needed like 12 of the AFC's 16 QBs to turn it down to get in, but still.

VY is a surefire hall of famer.



































A sausage party hall of famer.

[Brisco_County]

While Mario was the right choice in 2006, and he is one of the single best pass rushers in the league, I think his career will be cut short due to chronic injury.

[TimeKiller]

Why do the Texans insist on playing him every single play? I'm not talking about severely reducing snaps, I'm just saying...a couple 2 or 3 less a game. I think having him drop a few times a game is going to save him the bruising as well.

But...I don't think anyone is questioning Mario's ability are they? He's certainly the best player on this defense. I think Barwin's injury is practically sabotaging the D, I believe they relied on his presence as a pass rusher. Hopefully having Cushing back replaces some of that confidence and trust in each other, it certainly seemed to improve the overall energy of the D.

I really think they need to start bringing the heat from every angle. You don't have to bring 7 to rush GQ off the edge or KJ for that matter. Cushing seemed active on stunt blitzes, maybe a few more of those. Over load one side with Mario/Smith/Cush/Ryans and have Okoye/Mitchell drop with Diles and Pollard zone up the middle. 2 OL can't cover 4 of your fastest Defenders for much longer than a second or two.

[noxiousdog]

They do. He was out for 3 plays against the giants and dropped into coverage another 3.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

Why do the Texans insist on playing him every single play? I'm not talking about severely reducing snaps, I'm just saying...a couple 2 or 3 less a game. I think having him drop a few times a game is going to save him the bruising as well.

I think Barwin's injury is practically sabotaging the D, I believe they relied on his presence as a pass rusher.

I think that is what Barwin & Mitchell are supposed to do. Allow Mario, Antonio & Amobi to take a break. All those guys take way too many snaps (IMHO), which is why they need the offense to stay on the field to keep them fresh.