Barwin moves to SLB-Mercilus moves to WLB

[rolyat93]

Originally Posted by Allstar

Bring on Babin, IMO

He's not "Houston Texans-worthy"

[htownfan32]

Originally Posted by rolyat93

He's not "Houston Texans-worthy"

I think we've got a mini meme. It made the onion :P

I figured Watt's been moved around, especially after he became our only pass rusher...

I think this is going to be good for our pass rush. I've been wanting to see what Mercilus can do with more snaps.

[Bulls on Parade]

Lance Zierlein ‏@LanceZierlein
The loss of Brooks Reed may end up changing the future of the Texans OLB rotation and starting spots for years to come. We'll see.

I think Mercilus has All Pro potential. Lance may be right but I want to see Brooks Reed back healthy for the final game or two of the season, just in time to be back in full game shape for the playoffs - hopefully with that first-round bye in the playoffs as well.

[CloakNNNdagger]

General manager Rick Smith

(on the changes in defense due to OLD Brooks Reed’s injury) “You start with the injury and we’re fortunate that we’re going to get Brooks back. He has a very predictable rehab process, and he’s diligently working at that. We will get him back. At this time of year, for all NFL teams, it’s how do you adjust to injuries at this time, how do you continue to play at a high level and if you’re not, how do you start to work toward that? Whitney (Mercilus) is a natural pass-rusher obviously so he fits at the Will linebacker position. I think we brought him along slowly, and what he’s shown is he’s productive when he plays. We expect he will continue to do that. And Bryan (Braman) is a guy that will have to back up both sides. You go back to last year and really Connor (Barwin) and Brooks played predominantly the whole season so you can play games with just outside guys, but we certainly felt good about Bryan and his ability to come in and function. He’s playing well on special teams right now. So, just a part of what happens this time of year in the NFL.”

link

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

General manager Rick Smith

link

So, if you're Bryan Braman, you've shown the Texans that you are talented. The problem is that you simply aren't as productive or explosive or disruptive enough to be part of the regular rotation.

What would you have been doing to improve that, so that when you get an opportunity (which he has now) to become that productive, explosive, or disruptive player?

At the least, maybe you can replace Jesse Nading. The guy who sticks, because you're productive on special teams you'll probably have a job for a few more years, but you probably won't be a serious consideration when injuries beset the "regular" players. You don't want to be that guy. You want to be a "regular" player, if not for this team, then for another team.

How did you prepare for this day?

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by Fiddler

So, if you're Bryan Braman, you've shown the Texans that you are talented. The problem is that you simply aren't as productive or explosive or disruptive enough to be part of the regular rotation.

What would you have been doing to improve that, so that when you get an opportunity (which he has now) to become that productive, explosive, or disruptive player?

At the least, maybe you can replace Jesse Nading. The guy who sticks, because you're productive on special teams you'll probably have a job for a few more years, but you probably won't be a serious consideration when injuries beset the "regular" players. You don't want to be that guy. You want to be a "regular" player, if not for this team, then for another team.

How did you prepare for this day?

Go to your coaches and ask what is keeping you from that status. They're the best source of direction. Try to find someone on the "other" side of the ball with the most challenging skills and try to find a way to practice against them. Poor challenge will only give you opportunity to remain a poor LB. That's why many players who haven't shown much all of a sudden become that diamond in the rough when thrown into the fire (the ultimate challenge) with little warning.