Live press conference today at 1:00 pm with Wade

[Cjeremy635]

Didn't see this posted yet, I got it in an email.

[Nawzer]

Well that was a bland press conference. Still nice to hear straight from the horse's mouth so to speak. He seemed confident that he can and will turn around the defense with the players we have. Last question was about Nnamdi Asomugha (sp?) and the Texans and he didn't say anything but did jokingly add that he would like to keep the money in his pocket. I think what will happen is that the Texans will probably add a few mid-level type free agents at some key positions but probably will not go after the elite level players. I definitely think Wade will be here for longer than 1 season and he will get the chance to build the defense the way he wants to.

[HOU-TEX]

Originally Posted by Nawzer

Well that was a bland press conference. Still nice to hear straight from the horse's mouth so to speak. He seemed confident that he can and will turn around the defense with the players we have. Last question was about Nnamdi Asomugha (sp?) and the Texans and he didn't say anything but did jokingly add that he would like to keep the money in his pocket. I think what will happen is that the Texans will probably add a few mid-level type free agents at some key positions but probably will not go after the elite level players. I definitely think Wade will be here for longer than 1 season and he will get the chance to build the defense the way he wants to.

Just for clarification. He was meaning he didn't want to be fined for tampering with a player under contract. Not paying for Aso to be a Texan.

[Playmaker]

I was amused when he said the Kubiak cliche "We'll keep fighting..."

[Ole Miss Texan]

Regarding the Nnamdi Asomugha comments: Wade said he's got some money in his pockets and wants to keep it there. What he meant was he didn't want to take a chance and get fined by the league for commenting on a player under contract, in free agency, etc....

No disrespect to the previous Defensive Coordinators but when I watch Wade speak about the Defense, I just come away with a feeling that he knows what he's talking about and really knows a lot about defenses. I have a lot more faith in Wade's ability to gameplan, scheme, and utilize his personnel.

Also, there were a lot of questions asking about his concerns on the "D", what were the biggest weaknesses, etc. I want to know his answers but the Dude can't spill the beans to us! What were they expecting, for him to say 'yea we NEED a NT and a OLB and will be addressing that in the 1st and 2nd rounds'??? Can't let 31 other teams know!

[Runner]

Originally Posted by HOU-TEX

Just for clarification. He was meaning he didn't want to be fined for tampering with a player under contract. Not paying for Aso to be a Texan.

That was some important clarification. Good job.

[Ole Miss Texan]

Originally Posted by Runner

That was some important clarification. Good job.

For real. I could tell that was about to start another "McNair is cheap" thread.

[IDEXAN]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

No disrespect to the previous Defensive Coordinators but when I watch Wade speak about the Defense, I just come away with a feeling that he knows what he's talking about and really knows a lot about defenses. I have a lot more faith in Wade's ability to gameplan, scheme, and utilize his personnel.

But can he "evaluate" personnel, because IMO that's been a bigger problem for the Texans than coaching the defensive personnel ? And if he can I want hin in the War-Room come Draft day in April.

[J_R]

I've always been a Texan. Now a real Texan. Part of this is a dream come true. It couldnt be better for me. I'm gonna do my best and work my hardest to put us where we want to be.
　
Talk about your staff?
　
Trying to put a staff together. Got some places to fill. Gary and I will interview some guys.
　
You have worst pass coverage in league. What will you do to improve it?
　
It all fits together. Pass rush also has something to do with it. It's the whole group. Easy to blame it on one group. It's the rush and coverage. We'll be sound technique wise. That's the way I've always done it. 1 step at a time. Put in coverage, work it until you get it, then go into another coverage. I've had teams where we put in coverage one week and werent ready to go on. I've also had it worked in 3-4 days and worked out. A lot of these guys have played different coverages. We emphasize technique.
　
When you watch 15 game films, when you see the secondary and players, how do you feel about the youth and will it be hard to teach?
　
One thing you have to do is play the best players. If they're young, so be it, you play them. If old, you play them. Youth is no excuse. It's playing your best players and making sure they can play that coverage.
　
Bob McNair said after watching film, you thought you could make improvement and not much additional personnel is needed.

Whatever Bob said is right. I agree with what he said. I've been in this situation before. My experience in that area, we have the personnel to do better, but sure, we could always use bigger, faster, stronger players. You wont have all stars at every position. You raise the level of their game. Bad to good, good to great, etc
　
How much have you watched Mario and what to expect of him?
　
We've had a few players in the Pro Bowl. Mario has outstanding talent. You want to utilize your best players.
　
Biggest concern?
　
I dont know that if I have a concern. We have plans. Gotta see what they can do. Like I said, gotta utilize their talents. Depends on weaknesses, how fast or slow they learn things, etc.
　
Definitely a 3-4?
　
Yeah, I think so. I've been successful there for a long time. All it is your front 7. Coverage is the same in both 34 and 43. You get more in the 3-4 and more pressure in the 3-4.
　
What are your biggest needs?
　
I dont know exactly. Gary and I are looking at film now. We're looking at what players can and cant do. Until we hit the field, we'll see.
　
You've done this so many times before. Expectations is to win and win immediately.
　
I havent been anywhere else expecting to win.
　
You see where I'm heading. You look at what is done upfront. What do you see that you need that isnt here?
　
I still gotta look at guys. I dont think you can say right now until you know for sure. You always though do look for good players.
　
With uncertainty of CBA, is Bill part of your staff?
　
Definitely. I had a lot of coaches that I've come in with that only coached 4-3. Good football coaches are like good players, you can fit them in.
　
What did you do to help Bruce Smith in Buffalo?
　
To sick 'em. Go get 'em Bruce. Not easy to do as it sounds but you gotta let them go. Let them make plays. Let them utilize their ability. Your best players - you have to feature them and put them in position. That is the chess game though of how you set them up. Bruce was special. I had 2 - Reggie White and Bruce who are by far the best. Hope to coach one more.
　
Missed exact question but regarding Mario and the 3 technique?
　
Not talking about 3 technique. We're talking about rushing the passer, and movement wise. Thats what we did with Bruce Smith. Whatever Mario can do, we'll utilize that.
　
Talk about coming back to Houston?
　
Houston is special to me. Grew up here. Went to college here. First NFL job was here. At that time, I thought I was a great coach and we'd be here the whole time. Didnt work out that way. I came back to where I wanted to be.
　
You caoched some big NTs. Amobi fit that mold?
　
Coached some small one's too. Jay Ratliff not that big. He's probably Amobi's size. Again, we played different techniques with guys. Depends on what each player can do.
　
Your role in the draft?
　
Havent talked to them about it yet.
　
How many years have you signed up for?
　
We dont go into contracts. Happy to be here. They took care of me money wise. My wife is happy.
　
When you left Dallas, did you have expectations of being a DC again somewhere?
　
I didnt know. When you get fired, 29-19 in Buffalo and I'd think they take that right now. Similar now. It's perception more than reality. I've won a lot of games but I dont see me being a Head Coach again because of perception.
　
What is that perception?
　
When fired, perception is because he didnt win. 34-22 a lot of people would take but thats the way it is.
　
What do you like about Cody and Mitchell?
　
In 4-3 you have more D-linemen. I dont think we have enough to play a 4-3 and good players but enough for 3-4 group we're we can have solid players.
　
Cody and Mitchell on the nose?
　
They can play football. It wont be a big change for them or any of those guys. Nose Guard easier to play.
　
Couple games lost this year, Cowboys and Giants, Texans were outphysical-ed. Challenge coming into the AFC? Will you bring more physical attitude?
　
When you lose, they always outplay or outcoach you. I've seen a physical team and some good licks and hits. One thing I saw, those guys played hard. They pursued the ball, after the ball every play. Thats the first thing you look for is effort.
　
Have you spoken to any players?
　
Not yet. I did see Ryans this morning. I'll talk to some more.
　
Talk about your schedule going forward?
　
I'll be here rest of week on specific things regarding our D. Also, I'll be going to East-West game next week. I'm committed to doing that. Doing that, you get to work with college players. Get some ideas on some of those players. How smart they are, their competitiveness,etc. It will help us some on scouting, knowing them. Times we coached the Senior bowl, we found some things out that you probably dont find out in the draft. Looking forward to it.
　
Because of the labor situation, if no full TC or OTAs, is that an issue for you?
　
Not as much in that we teach things quickly. We can implement it quickly. It's a player friendly D. We want them to know their assignments. I take care of the complicated issues. I dont forsee it being a problem.
　
You touched on variety of things. Thoughts on working with Gary?
　
Excited. I've admired him. Tremendous player he was. He was always ready to play. Coach the same way. His teams will play hard and keep fighting. That and....his offense is as hard to stop as anyone we had played. Looking forward to working with him.
　
What about Nnamdi Asomugha and how he might fit in your scheme?
　
Will not talk about players under contract. I have some money in my pocket but I want to keep it.

[Shaft75]

Originally Posted by IDEXAN

But can he "evaluate" personnel, because IMO that's been a bigger problem for the Texans than coaching the defensive personnel ? And if he can I want hin in the War-Room come Draft day in April.

I think we had a terrible scheme and poor coaching.

Wade's right. Nobody rolls out 11 all-pros on defense. It just doesn't happen that way. Look at the teams in the playoffs. 5 of 6 are 3-4 schemes with darn good coaching. Wade's been there done that, so... KEEP THE FAITH!

[Nawzer]

Originally Posted by HOU-TEX

Just for clarification. He was meaning he didn't want to be fined for tampering with a player under contract. Not paying for Aso to be a Texan.

Ahh Thanks for the clarification.

[Playoffs]

Originally Posted by HoustonSportsFan09

I've always been a Texan. Now a real Texan....

+Rep, thanks for posting.

Sounds like WF is saying you don't have to be that good to play NT in his scheme ..... which dovetails nicely with Texans personnel.

[Thorn]

I'm positive Wade's defense will be better than Bush's defense. At the same time, Bush said all the right things when he was hired as well, as they all do.

[utahmark]

Originally Posted by HoustonSportsFan09

[size=2]Not talking about 3 technique. We're talking about rushing the passer, and movement wise. Thats what we did with Bruce Smith. Whatever Mario can do, we'll utilize that.
　.

I love that. I'm so tired of coaches trying to make players fit into places they can't. Finally somone is talking about adapting to our players strength's.

[JCTexan]

Originally Posted by Shaft75

I think we had a terrible scheme and poor coaching.

Wade's right. Nobody rolls out 11 all-pros on defense. It just doesn't happen that way. Look at the teams in the playoffs. 5 of 6 are 3-4 schemes with darn good coaching. Wade's been there done that, so... KEEP THE FAITH!

5 of 8. Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New England, Green Bay & New York run the 3-4. Atlanta, Seattle & Chicago run the 4-3.

[IDEXAN]

What do you like about Cody and Mitchell?
　
In 4-3 you have more D-linemen. I dont think we have enough to play a 4-3 and good players but enough for 3-4 group we're we can have solid players.
&&
This is always been one of the advantages of the 3-4 over the 4-3: LBs tend to be less expensive than DLineman plus they can double as special-teamers.
^^
BTW that reminds, anybody else remember Jerry Hughes, the guy coming out of TCU last year who the Colts took in the first round, I think ?.
As I recall he's been kinda a disappointment as a DE in Indys 4-3, but I bet he might look good as a OLB in the 3-4 ? He might not be too expensive ?

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by Thorn

I'm positive Wade's defense will be better than Bush's defense. At the same time, Bush said all the right things when he was hired as well, as they all do.

What bothered me about Bush is that he said the same things Richard Smith had said when he came in.

It really sounded like Kubiak had said "I want a defense that does this and this and this" and Bush and Smith had just agreed that was how they'd set their defenses up. And then they mimicked Kubiak in the offseason. But every year, we started the first 4 games slow on defense and then had to "simplify" to see our defense improve (this last year, it just never improved.) It felt like both Bush and Smith were pretty lost.

Wade has created some good defenses over the years. Hopefully he can do the same here. But I'll wait to see it on the field before I get excited about it.

[Shaft75]

Originally Posted by JCTexan

5 of 8. Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New England, Green Bay & New York run the 3-4. Atlanta, Seattle & Chicago run the 4-3.

I meant to say AFC playoff bracket.

Indy was the only 4-3 team out of the AFC. Baltimore, Pitt, KC, NY, and NE all run 3-4.

[Thorn]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

What bothered me about Bush is that he said the same things Richard Smith had said when he came in.

It really sounded like Kubiak had said "I want a defense that does this and this and this" and Bush and Smith had just agreed that was how they'd set their defenses up. And then they mimicked Kubiak in the offseason. But every year, we started the first 4 games slow on defense and then had to "simplify" to see our defense improve (this last year, it just never improved.) It felt like both Bush and Smith were pretty lost.

Wade has created some good defenses over the years. Hopefully he can do the same here. But I'll wait to see it on the field before I get excited about it.

Exactly on the bolded part. We'll have a better defense, but how much better remains to be seen.

[JB]

Some key statements.

One thing you have to do is play the best players.

Youth is no excuse. It's playing your best players and making sure they can play that coverage

You raise the level of their game. Bad to good, good to great, etc

Again, we played different techniques with guys. Depends on what each player can do.

It's a player friendly D. We want them to know their assignments. I take care of the complicated issues.

I think one of the problems our defense has had in the past is trying to force the players to play in a specific way. I think Phillips will look at the players and adjust his scheme to what they can do well.

edit: Just sawthat utahmark pointed this out.