Link Title: "Should the Texans Bench Barwin for Mercilus?"

[Wolf]

This is NOT my thoughts it was a link Barwin(if it is Barwin) provided on his facebook with a response "Are you Kidding Me?"

http://www.ibtimes.com/sportsnet/hou...barwin-whitney

Most of the time when a franchise drafts a player in the first round they are either drafted for need in that position or as the best available player. Most teams' first-round picks are either starting or being rotated in for a significant amount of snaps.

The Texans have become more balanced and have proven to have solid depth in talent by drafting under the strategy of the "best player available." Their latest first-round pick, Whitney Mercilus, a defensive end from Illinois is an outside linebacker in Wade Philips 3-4 scheme, in the same vein as Mario Williams's role in the defense.

However, Mercilus is currently second on the depth chart to Connor Barwin who remains sackless for the season and is in a contract year. The thought process is that Barwin will be given all the snaps of opportunity to earn himself a extension, therefore most fans do not know too much about their first round pick Mercilus other than seeing him contribute on special teams and leading the team in the preseason with three and a half sacks.

[Wolf6151]

Hell NO, that's just retarded. I would like to see Mercilus get some snaps at OLB but not by benching Barwin.

[Stemp]

http://www.ibtimes.com/sportsnet/hou...barwin-whitney



Benching a proven vet in his prime for an unproven rookie simply because his individual sack numbers are down though the team's numbers are up?

Did he decide to just drop a hit of acid and write this article?

[Mr. WhoDat]

Its all about seeing what the potential this guy has because the Texans have to determine what to do with Barwin. Better to fin out now than to findou out after you overpay Barwin or lose him and find out that Mercilus isn't who they thought he was.

[amazing80]

[ObsiWan]

Like the fans in New York asking for "Tebow Time," fans perhaps should start petitioning for "Mercilus Time" in Houston.


With the Texans taking aim at a Super Bowl title, how much longer will Texans fans want to give the sackless Barwin, snaps while the Texans waste a raw talent such as Mercilus?

"Thank you kind sir for your attention and your most "interesting" recommendation. We will certainly give it all the consideration it deserves (ZEE-Ro). Oh and what was your name again, I'd like to make sure any further communication from you receives "special" designation and is handled immediately. And thanks again for your time."

Don't call us. We'll call you.

Regards, W. Phillips



("who let that boy in here?!? I got a DEE-fense to run I don't have time for this)

[Wolf6151]

Noooooo

[DexmanC]

Barwin should handle the recommendation the same way THIS guy did.

[Stemp]

Originally Posted by Mr. WhoDat

Its all about seeing what the potential this guy has because the Texans have to determine what to do with Barwin. Better to fin out now than to findou out after you overpay Barwin or lose him and find out that Mercilus isn't who they thought he was.

Mericilus is in the rotation, plus he's practicing so they know what they have.

If he was better than Barwin, he'd be starting ahead of his. This team plays the best players. Period.

[Wolf6151]

I would like to see Mercilus get some snaps at OLB, but not by benching Barwin.

[ObsiWan]

Originally Posted by DexmanC

Barwin should handle the recommendation the same way THIS guy did.

I think that guy plays for Dallas doesn't he?

...I used to love those Leon spots.

[Rey]

I'm not a big fan of what barwin brings to the wolb since hes gained weight....I'm not a big fan of merciless period.

That said, i wouldn't mind seeing merci more often just to see how he's coming along. The few times I've seen him in the game he looked timid. That should go away with time. I just can't help but think if wade thought he was ready to help out he'd be helping out...

[Rey]

Not bringing a bunch of explosion off the edge this year so far, but he's at least not a liability.

Maybe as the year goes on and he slims down some from not lifting as much and playing a bunch of football he'll get some of that explosion back.

But the last thing I want to see is merciless taking a bunch of meaningful snaps.

[TheMatrix31]

If Barwin continues to play as ****tily as he has been, I don't care whether it's him or Mercilus that plays the majority of the game.

But it won't be Mercilus. It'll be Barwin.

[Corrosion]

With Cushing out , Reed is probably the most explosive player at the LB spots .... Ive toyed with the idea of moving him to Cushings spot in nickle situations and having Braman and Mercilus split time outside ....


In the base defense , Im Ok with the Dobbins / James combo .... but want more from the only LBer on the field in nickle & dime packages.

[Rey]

No way do I want Brooks reed playing Cushing's role in the dime/nickel package. I want absolutely no part of that.

Brooks reed is playing well at slb.

And just from what I've seen I think Braman is the most explosive guy we have off the edge.

Not saying I'd like him getting significant minutes, but I damn sure wouldn't mind him getting merci's reps.

[Playoffs]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

Don't call us. We'll call you.

Regards, W. Phillips

Bingo, too many chefs spoil the soup.

[Premier]

who is this barwin guy? is he a texan? i certainly havent heard his name mentioned..

[rolyat93]

Originally Posted by Mr. WhoDat

Its all about seeing what the potential this guy has because the Texans have to determine what to do with Barwin. Better to fin out now than to findou out after you overpay Barwin or lose him and find out that Mercilus isn't who they thought he was.

I like how in your mind the only options are to overpay or lose him.

[TexanExile]

I had no idea The Onion had a sports page. Is that where Richard Justice went too?