Kiper and Kuharsky Discuss Texans: Blog on 6/29/12

[GP]

Mel Kiper’s summer audits of the AFC South give us a lot to consider. Here’s a sampling with some thoughts by Kuharsky at the end.

Houston Texans

Kiper: “… (The) zone-blocking scheme the Texans have made the centerpiece of this offense -- so much emanates from them executing well here -- keeping (Chris) Myers around means a lot. No, he wasn't "added" per se, but he will add to the stability. If this team can't run the ball, the play-action, easy-read system it runs takes a big hit, so retaining Myers might be one of the more underrated moves in the division …

“Last year, Brooks Reed stepped in for the injured Mario Williams and showed some things, but (Whitney) Mercilus has even more talent and athleticism. Elsewhere, DeVier Posey could go either way as a third-round pick, but he can get down the field and make plays. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him get first-team reps. Keshawn Martin is another receiver to watch. He simply knows how to create space.”

“Is the offense actually showing signs of cracking just as the defense really comes into its own? My guess is teams will stack hard this year against the run and show less fear of the play-action. It'll be up to (Matt) Schaub and personnel to prove they can still be dangerous.”

Next year's help, now: Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington St.

Kuharsky: The question about the offense keeping pace with the defense is a good one. Gary Kubiak can be a great play-caller, and will need to really show an understanding of what his young guys can, and cannot, do as contributors.

If Posey and Martin pan out, the Texans could be in position to look for something other than another receiver in the draft. Offensive line and outside linebacker could be positions of need based on what they could lose in free agency.

Kiper thinks Mercilus will be BETTER than Brooks Reed.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by GP

Kiper thinks Mercilus will be BETTER than Brooks Reed.

I thought that's what we were all hoping... For him to be a better pass rusher than either Barwin or Reed.


I truly expect them to bring him along slowly... pass rushing situations & all, because that's all we need him to be.

But from the moment we got him, I thought he's our Demarcus Ware.... Shawn Merriman.

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by GP

Kiper thinks Mercilus will be BETTER than Brooks Reed.

He should be. I'm expecting him to be better than Reed or Barwin.

[HJam72]

But will his hair be as impressive as Barwin's?

[Lambert]

With Mercilus, it's the new-rookie-is-better-than-anyone syndrome. Maybe he is, but you have to ask yourself the question, "Why didn't he start for two years?" OK, maybe the coaches at Ill were idiots? Maybe what they saw in practice didn't equate to starting WM. Maybe Wade is a better judge. Time will tell. Reed has a 4 year work record in college, and a great 1st year.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by Lambert

With Mercilus, it's the new-rookie-is-better-than-anyone syndrome. Maybe he is, but you have to ask yourself the question, "Why didn't he start for two years?" OK, maybe the coaches at Ill were idiots? Maybe what they saw in practice didn't equate to starting WM. Maybe Wade is a better judge. Time will tell. Reed has a 4 year work record in college, and a great 1st year.

Think about the Chargers, when Wade was their DC, or the Cowboys when he was their HC.

Shawne Merriman & Demarcus Ware did nothing but go after the QB. They were pass rush specialist on every play.

It's not that I think Mercilus is better than Barwin or Reed, but those two are more rounded & more suited to the Strong-side. Wade is going to be sending Merci after the QB 98.99% of the time. Maybe not this year.... If I were Wade, I'd give Barwin & Reed the opportunity to show they can be the guy I'm looking for, or that their versatility adds something to the game that I don't want to do without.

But Merci was drafted to be a terror. If Wade thougth Barwin could be that guy, or that Reed can be CMIII, we never would have drafted Mercilus. We'd have got our WR & then got an OLB later in the draft for depth.

We didn't spend a 1st rounder on a guy for depth.

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

Think about the Chargers, when Wade was their DC, or the Cowboys when he was their HC.

Shawne Merriman & Demarcus Ware did nothing but go after the QB. They were pass rush specialist on every play.

It's not that I think Mercilus is better than Barwin or Reed, but those two are more rounded & more suited to the Strong-side. Wade is going to be sending Merci after the QB 98.99% of the time. Maybe not this year.... If I were Wade, I'd give Barwin & Reed the opportunity to show they can be the guy I'm looking for, or that their versatility adds something to the game that I don't want to do without.

But Merci was drafted to be a terror. If Wade thougth Barwin could be that guy, or that Reed can be CMIII, we never would have drafted Mercilus. We'd have got our WR & then got an OLB later in the draft for depth.

We didn't spend a 1st rounder on a guy for depth.

Left Tackles , QBs , shutdown CBs , and pass rushers go in the 1st round . Wade's defense needs guys who can go get the QB and Mercilus is an insurance policy .

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by Honoring Earl 34

Wade's defense needs guys who can go get the QB and Mercilus is an insurance policy .

Nobody is going to be happy around here if Mercilus is an insurance policy come December.

We're just fans, but we know 1st rounders are expected to be starters.

We've got 6th rounders on this team from 3 drafts ago, 1st rounders had better be starters.

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

Nobody is going to be happy around here if Mercilus is an insurance policy come December.

We're just fans, but we know 1st rounders are expected to be starters.

We've got 6th rounders on this team from 3 drafts ago, 1st rounders had better be starters.

Last year I saw Barwin and Brooks dragging at the end of games . They had nobody else to put in at their level and the pass rush suffered . What if Brooks or Barwin gets hurt or Barwin gets 15 sacks at the end of his contract year ?

My prediction on 1/22/12

http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89250

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by Honoring Earl 34

Last year I saw Barwin and Brooks dragging at the end of games . They had nobody else to put in at their level and the pass rush suffered . What if Brooks or Barwin gets hurt or Barwin gets 15 sacks at the end of his contract year ?

I understand. The same reason that Bullman was so important to the team. 2010 should have been special, but Bullman was out for a majority of games since training camp & Barwin went out for the season game 1.

People want to get on Mario for being "injury prone" but he's played more snaps than any DE in the league/game since he's been in the league, & that's going to happen when you play at his level.

Yes, without "insurance" Barwin is going to get a sprain, strain, something that he's not going to be able to give 100%, same with Brooks.

Like I said, loosing Mario, outside pass rusher became our #1 glaring need in an offseason we shouldn't have had any on defense.

At the same time, he's a 1st rounder, Mercilus should be able to beat Barwin or Reed for a starting position. If he doesn't, I'll be disappointed. I'm not saying he should start because he's a first rounder, ala Amobi, but coming out of college he's a more natural pass rusher than either Barwin or Reed.

Merci is perfect for Wade's WOLB. Barwin & Reed are perfect for the SOLB... they can play either side, but they're better suited for the strong side, especially Barwin (my opinion).

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

I understand. The same reason that Bullman was so important to the team. 2010 should have been special, but Bullman was out for a majority of games since training camp & Barwin went out for the season game 1.

People want to get on Mario for being "injury prone" but he's played more snaps than any DE in the league/game since he's been in the league, & that's going to happen when you play at his level.

Yes, without "insurance" Barwin is going to get a sprain, strain, something that he's not going to be able to give 100%, same with Brooks.

Like I said, loosing Mario, outside pass rusher became our #1 glaring need in an offseason we shouldn't have had any on defense.

At the same time, he's a 1st rounder, Mercilus should be able to beat Barwin or Reed for a starting position. If he doesn't, I'll be disappointed. I'm not saying he should start because he's a first rounder, ala Amobi, but coming out of college he's a more natural pass rusher than either Barwin or Reed.

Merci is perfect for Wade's WOLB. Barwin & Reed are perfect for the SOLB... they can play either side, but they're better suited for the strong side, especially Barwin (my opinion).

I see it as having to make a choice between Beyonce , Kate Upton , and Megan Fox . It's a good problem to have and Braman will end up pretty good himself .

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by Honoring Earl 34

I see it as having to make a choice between Beyonce , Kate Upton , and Megan Fox . It's a good problem to have and Braman will end up pretty good himself .

If we felt so good about Braman & Reed, we wouldn't have drafted Whitney in the first. Three solid OLBs... we could have gone cheaper or filled the insurance spot with Nading or something similar.

We needed someone to clearly be at the top of that list. Barwin is there now, Reed could be there, Merci hedges our bet that whoever wins that spot is going to be an elite player.

If that's what you meant by insurance, then I agree.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Honoring Earl 34

Last year I saw Barwin and Brooks dragging at the end of games .

I think resting Week 17 really helped Reed in the playoffs. He had hit the proverbial rookie wall.

I give Wade the benefit of the doubt as to what and who he needs on defense. He's earned that. If Wade says he needed another pass rusher...then he needed another pass rusher.

[DocBar]

From everything I've read, the Texans were shocked that Whitney was there @26 and took him as a BPA. The fact that he could very well be a Ware type player and serve as much needed depth is icing on the cake, to me. I have no expectations that he will start this and would only like to see that if he siolidly outperforms Barwin or Brooks.

As Texans fans, we've become accustomed to requiring 1st rounders to start. This is starting to change and now we can let a 1st rounder serve as depth and learn the game in a more controlled manner. This is a good thing, IMHO.

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by DocBar

From everything I've read, the Texans were shocked that Whitney was there @26 and took him as a BPA. The fact that he could very well be a Ware type player and serve as much needed depth is icing on the cake, to me. I have no expectations that he will start this and would only like to see that if he siolidly outperforms Barwin or Brooks.

As Texans fans, we've become accustomed to requiring 1st rounders to start. This is starting to change and now we can let a 1st rounder serve as depth and learn the game in a more controlled manner. This is a good thing, IMHO.

Good point

[Thorn]

Originally Posted by DocBar

As Texans fans, we've become accustomed to requiring 1st rounders to start. This is starting to change and now we can let a 1st rounder serve as depth and learn the game in a more controlled manner. This is a good thing, IMHO.

I couldn't agree more with that. But I think Merciless will end up the starter before the season is over with. My biggest concern with the Texans this year is the wide reciever position. Every other position on the team I think is covered pretty good with the possible exception of QB if Schaub doesn't come back. I think TJ is obviously good enough to get us into the playoffs, but he wouldn't be able to take us as far as a healthy Schaub would.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by DocBar

From everything I've read, the Texans were shocked that Whitney was there @26 and took him as a BPA. The fact that he could very well be a Ware type player and serve as much needed depth is icing on the cake, to me. I have no expectations that he will start this and would only like to see that if he siolidly outperforms Barwin or Brooks.

As Texans fans, we've become accustomed to requiring 1st rounders to start. This is starting to change and now we can let a 1st rounder serve as depth and learn the game in a more controlled manner. This is a good thing, IMHO.

I remember in the 2006 Draft another player they said they were surprised to see still there at #33. They took him and he turned out to be pretty good. I remember, at the time, thinking, why would they take an ILB when the team needed other positions much more (Thought they needed O-line more than LB). I've questioned some of their picks every year since then, but I didn't question the Mercilus pick this year even though WR, to me and others, was much more pressing. I just hope Mercilus will be as good, or better, a player as Ryans was when they picked him with the 33rd pick in 2006.

[aussie_texan]

Originally Posted by GP

Mel Kiper’s summer audits of the AFC South give us a lot to consider. Here’s a sampling with some thoughts by Kuharsky at the end.

"My guess is teams will stack hard this year against the run and show less fear of the play-action. It'll be up to (Matt) Schaub and personnel to prove they can still be dangerous."

Kiper thinks Mercilus will be BETTER than Brooks Reed.

wow i would love for teams to be this ignorant.
People are starting to forget that schaub threw for over 4000 yards with NO running game.
We are extremely versatile on offence i can't see how we are not going to be dangerous on that side of the ball, be it run plays or passing.

[GP]

Originally Posted by aussie_texan

wow i would love for teams to be this ignorant.
People are starting to forget that schaub threw for over 4000 yards with NO running game.
We are extremely versatile on offence i can't see how we are not going to be dangerous on that side of the ball, be it run plays or passing.

As long as we get pre-injury Schaub back, I agree.

But there is a bit of a worry factor to consider. The QB position will impact this team no matter who is at QB. He, whomever he is, will have to be consistently good all season long...or Kiper's words will become a real nightmare for us.

[Playoffs]

Kiper.

Jimmy Clausen. 'Nuff said.