Texans' offseason report:

[Texecutioner]

For the second consecutive season, the Houston Texans made a late-season run to finish 8-8 and just outside of the playoff mix. But instead of frustration, the excitement seems to grow with each passing season.

This team has a lot of young, talented players on the roster, on both sides of the ball. And while Houston seems fairly set at the starting positions, the team needs to improve its depth across the board. If they can stay healthy, this could finally be the year the Texans break into the playoff picture.



http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=531360

 

[Thorn]

that was probably one of the more balanced reviews I've seen, and more or less in line with my thoughts right now. Well, except for one thing, I think another RB is more important than a matching reciever to deflect the coverage off AJ.

 

[RipTraxx]

that was probably one of the more balanced reviews I've seen, and more or less in line with my thoughts right now. Well, except for one thing, I think another RB is more important than a matching reciever to deflect the coverage off AJ.

Even WITH all the coverage he still rips em for 100yds a game. Amazing.

 

[Ckw]

This is just really starting to irritate me. I truly do believe the only reason Kevin Walter doesn't get more respect is because he is a white guy playing a position dominated by black guys. So because he is white, he automatically is only good as a slot receiver? It just blows me away how many people obviously have not watched the games or even looked at the stats; Kevin Walter has been one of the better #2 WRs over the last two years. The film shows it; the stats show it.

 

[ObsiWan]

This is just really starting to irritate me. I truly do believe the only reason Kevin Walter doesn't get more respect is because he is a white guy playing a position dominated by black guys. So because he is white, he automatically is only good as a slot receiver? It just blows me away how many people obviously have not watched the games or even looked at the stats; Kevin Walter has been one of the better #2 WRs over the last two years. The film shows it; the stats show it.

so explain the respect Wes Welker gets

 

[pbat488]

This is just really starting to irritate me. I truly do believe the only reason Kevin Walter doesn't get more respect is because he is a white guy playing a position dominated by black guys. So because he is white, he automatically is only good as a slot receiver? It just blows me away how many people obviously have not watched the games or even looked at the stats; Kevin Walter has been one of the better #2 WRs over the last two years. The film shows it; the stats show it.

so explain the respect Wes Welker gets

He only said that there is a belief nowadays that white recievers can only play slot, due to the sucess of Wes Welker, Stokely, Curtis etc and not be a true wideout.

 

[ObsiWan]

I guess I don't get it. Welker and Walter are #2s. They're critical "move-the-chains" guys. The big name guys don't get the opportunities to make highlight reel plays if the #2 guys don't keep the chains moving. That's as critical to offensive success as having a big back to convert those 3 & 1s IMHO. If the press or the "great unwashed" fandom out there doesn't get that, then they don't know the game.

 

[ObsiWan]

Since this is an off-season report thread, I thought I'd post this link on the Texans from CBS Sports here

Will the Houston Texans be the 2009 version of the Arizona Cardinals? It will be tough in the ultra-competitive AFC, but the Texans certainly bear watching next season.

One of Houston's biggest needs? Keeping Matt Schaub healthy. (Getty Images)
This is a team on the rise. <--- Kiss of death??

Playing in one of the NFL's toughest divisions, the Texans have finished 8-8 the past two seasons. Now it's time to do better, which would mean the first playoff berth in franchise history.

"We were an 8-8 football team for the last two years, but I think we were a different 8-8 football team this year than last year," Texans general manager Rick Smith said. "And what I mean by that is I think I watched our team mature."

The Texans are one or two small pieces away from having one of the best young offenses in the league. With quarterback Matt Schaub, receiver Andre Johnson and running back Steve Slaton, they have three key skill players. Add in tight end Owen Daniels and a good offensive line, and this is an offense that should be expected to score a lot next season.

That's why the defense is the key to this draft. They added end Antonio Smith in free agency to go with Mario Williams, so the makings of a good pass rush are there. But they need help at outside linebacker, defensive tackle and in the secondary, both at corner and safety.

Mods pls relocate this post if this link has already been posted. Thx.

 

[pbat488]

I think we're just looking at what he wrote differently. I see it as him saying that Walter isn't as respected as say Welker because he isn't a slot reciever, going over the middle every play, but an actual wideout where there just isn't many white guys playing that position anymore and it's harder for him to gain respect because of that. I love watching Welker or Kevin Curtis from Philly play; they are crucial to their teams, but that isn't what he's talking about. They might be the #2 option on their respective teams, but they aren't a true #2 wideout, and that is what he was trying to say. At least that's what I inferred.

 

[Imatexanfan]

what really impressed me was Mike Golic on NFL Live was asked whats the "cinderella team" for next year and he quickly said....HOUSTON TEXANS, ya know he's the **** and for him to give us props man it made me feel all funny inside lol.

 

[TimeKiller]

he isn't a very good fit for the 3-4 hybrid the Cardinals have been playing. He's not big enough to play end in an odd front, and the alignments don't take advantage of his strength, which is his speed rush off the edge.

Said of A-Smith. I think having him and Bulman platooning off the edge with Amobi and TJ trying to speed past guys instead of holding blocks just might give opponents fits when trying to account for the freight train coming every play.

 

[Ckw]

He only said that there is a belief nowadays that white recievers can only play slot, due to the sucess of Wes Welker, Stokely, Curtis etc and not be a true wideout.

Exactly. There simply haven't been many white players that have succeeded at the #2 WR position thus a good player like Kevin Walter gets overlooked and always is seen as a backup or slot receiver.

I guess I don't get it. Welker and Walter are #2s. They're critical "move-the-chains" guys. The big name guys don't get the opportunities to make highlight reel plays if the #2 guys don't keep the chains moving. That's as critical to offensive success as having a big back to convert those 3 & 1s IMHO. If the press or the "great unwashed" fandom out there doesn't get that, then they don't know the game.

But you have to ask, why don't the press get it? Obviously, something is clouding their judgment. As I stated before, the stats and the game tape show that Kevin Walter is a damn good WR and worthy of being a #2 WR. For some reason, most outsiders just don't realize it. Why is that? I honestly believe it is because he does not look like your typical starting WR.

I think we're just looking at what he wrote differently. I see it as him saying that Walter isn't as respected as say Welker because he isn't a slot reciever, going over the middle every play, but an actual wideout where there just isn't many white guys playing that position anymore and it's harder for him to gain respect because of that. I love watching Welker or Kevin Curtis from Philly play; they are crucial to their teams, but that isn't what he's talking about. They might be the #2 option on their respective teams, but they aren't a true #2 wideout, and that is what he was trying to say. At least that's what I inferred.

You nailed it. He simply doesn't get the respect and as I stated above, certainly there is a reason for that. If you watch the games, you will notice just how many crucial plays Kevin Walter makes on a team with two Pro Bowl pass catchers in AJ and OD. But for some reason, the media as well as outside fans don't realize it.

 

[bah007]

what really impressed me was Mike Golic on NFL Live was asked whats the "cinderella team" for next year and he quickly said....HOUSTON TEXANS, ya know he's the **** and for him to give us props man it made me feel all funny inside lol.

I like Golic, but I hate the overuse of the term "Cinderalla" in sports.

 

[pbat488]

I like Golic, but I hate the overuse of the term "Cinderalla" in sports.

If it comes true then I won't mind it so much

 

[Ckw]

If it comes true then I won't mind it so much

No joke about that. That would be awesome if we dominate this season. I truly expect a big step by Amobi, more greatness from Mario, typical Demeco and Dunta, and a dominant/elite offense. If I'm right about those things, this will be a fun season.

 

[ObsiWan]

I think we're just looking at what he wrote differently. I see it as him saying that Walter isn't as respected as say Welker because he isn't a slot reciever, going over the middle every play, but an actual wideout where there just isn't many white guys playing that position anymore and it's harder for him to gain respect because of that. I love watching Welker or Kevin Curtis from Philly play; they are crucial to their teams, but that isn't what he's talking about. They might be the #2 option on their respective teams, but they aren't a true #2 wideout, and that is what he was trying to say. At least that's what I inferred.

I guess I see where you're coming from but I just don't understand how the press and fans can see that these guys are the reliable #2 option for their teams but not consider them to be the #2 receiver.

And when I think of classic #2 WRs, I think Steve Largent, Raymond Berry, Welker, Walter, Houshmandzadeh (sp?)

now I know some teams have their TE as the #2 option - the Colts, Chargers, and Cowboys come to mind right away. Heck, when HWWNBN was here our #2 option was the RB

But I say again, if the press and fans don't get that Walter is a solid #2, then they don't know the game.

 

[Lucky]

This is just really starting to irritate me. I truly do believe the only reason Kevin Walter doesn't get more respect is because he is a white guy playing a position dominated by black guys.

This is really starting to irritate me. The only reason Kevin Walter doesn't get more respect is because he plays for the Houston Texans. If Kevin Walter played for New England, New York (either version), or Dallas...he would get plenty of respect. Whatever that really means to you. Race has zero, zip, zilch to do with it. That's as absurd a statement as Limbaugh's McNabb comment.

A) Kevin Walter is a white WR.
B) Kevin Walter is not respected.
C) All white WRs are not respected.

This is actually an example of a Wonderlic question. If A & B are assumed true, is C:

1) True
2) False
3) Not Certain

What's the correct answer?

 

[BigBull17]

so explain the respect Wes Welker gets

New England.

 

[Ckw]

I guess I see where you're coming from but I just don't understand how the press and fans can see that these guys are the reliable #2 option for their teams but not consider them to be the #2 receiver.

And when I think of classic #2 WRs, I think Steve Largent, Raymond Berry, Welker, Walter, Houshmandzadeh (sp?)

now I know some teams have their TE as the #2 option - the Colts, Chargers, and Cowboys come to mind right away. Heck, when HWWNBN was here our #2 option was the RB

But I say again, if the press and fans don't get that Walter is a solid #2, then they don't know the game.

I'm just curious then why you think Walter gets so little respect. Sincere question, and I am certainly open to other opinions.

This is really starting to irritate me. The only reason Kevin Walter doesn't get more respect is because he plays for the Houston Texans. If Kevin Walter played for New England, New York (either version), or Dallas...he would get plenty of respect. Whatever that really means to you. Race has zero, zip, zilch to do with it. That's as absurd a statement as Limbaugh's McNabb comment.

A) Kevin Walter is a white WR.
B) Kevin Walter is not respected.
C) All white WRs are not respected.

This is actually an example of a Wonderlic question. If A & B are assumed true, is C:

1) True
2) False
3) Not Certain

What's the correct answer?

Kevin Walter doesn't play for the media darling New England Patriots. Also if you are correct that the only reason Walter doesn't get respect is because he is a Houston Texan, then how do you explain Andre and OD? AJ is being noted as the best WR in the NFL by more than a couple of analysts, and he is a Texan. Owen Daniels is a Texan and was a Pro Bowler. So there has to be some other reason.

Is it just because Walter isn't super athletic? Or can the media simply not wrap their minds around a white guy being a starting WR and not a slot receiver or a TE?

New England.

Exactly. And let's not forget, Tom Brady made Jabar Gaffney look like a good receiver.

 

[Lucky]

Also if you are correct that the only reason Walter doesn't get respect is because he is a Houston Texan, then how do you explain Andre and OD? AJ is being noted as the best WR in the NFL by more than a couple of analysts, and he is a Texan. Owen Daniels is a Texan and was a Pro Bowler. So there has to be some other reason.

And that reason has to be because Walter is white? Do you jump rope? Jump bail? Or only jump to conclusions? There's no logic behind your assertion that the media doesn't love white WRs. None.

BTW, Andre is the least hyped superstar in this league. And has been for years. Daniels wasn't voted into the Pro Bowl, he was added due to an injury to Antonio Gates. Maybe the reason he wasn't voted in is because he's a white TE? Maybe the reason Steve Slaton wasn't voted in is due to being a black RB? Or maybe, just maybe it's all because the Texans haven't had a winning season in their existence, and they play here in Houston in relative obscurity? Maybe.

 

[mattieuk]

And that reason has to be because Walter is white? Do you jump rope? Jump bail? Or only jump to conclusions? There's no logic behind your assertion that the media doesn't love white WRs. None.

BTW, Andre is the least hyped superstar in this league. And has been for years. Daniels wasn't voted into the Pro Bowl, he was added due to an injury to Antonio Gates. Maybe the reason he wasn't voted in is because he's a white TE? Maybe the reason Steve Slaton wasn't voted in is due to being a black RB? Or maybe, just maybe it's all because the Texans haven't had a winning season in their existence, and they play here in Houston in relative obscurity? Maybe.

I'm with you here. This ain't no race issue, its a Texans issue. OD was a replacement for the Pro Bowl this year, despite, I think, warranting a place on his season (I'll put it down to being a Texan, and not being a media darling). AJ finally got a lot of props this year as he was the leading yardage receiver, made some damn nice highlight reels (they always help when bigging up a player on the sports channels) and who knows, perhaps even the fantasy football acknowledgments helped him gain some more respect.

We're looking at a position that doesn't really get many people incredibly excited (the big time WR #1 gets the props for the big time catches whilst the WR #2, on the whole goes about moving the chains and being the reliable workhorse, in a lot of cases). You're also looking at a guy who hasn't been involved in a trade/free agency scenario since he has developed in Houston, that deflects a lot of the attention. And then theres the age old problem of being in H-Town. More people are taking notice, but we're a long way away from being able to knock the media darlings of the Brady Bunch and the Cowgirls from the top of most football programs.

Heres to Kevin Walter being a well kept secret!

 

[Ckw]

And that reason has to be because Walter is white? Do you jump rope? Jump bail? Or only jump to conclusions? There's no logic behind your assertion that the media doesn't love white WRs. None.

Do you act? Do you act on stage? Or do you only act pretentious?

BTW, Andre is the least hyped superstar in this league. And has been for years.

For the last few years, you would be correct. But after this last season, many analysts have been calling him the best WR in the league. The only guy they mention ahead of him: Larry Fitzgerald.

Daniels wasn't voted into the Pro Bowl, he was added due to an injury to Antonio Gates.

I believe you are looking for the word alternate. He was a Pro Bowl alternate and when Gates couldn't play, he took his place.

Maybe the reason he wasn't voted in is because he's a white TE?

As I said above, it is much more typical for whites to be slot receivers and TEs. Nice try though.

Maybe the reason Steve Slaton wasn't voted in is due to being a black RB?

Now you're being ridiculous. 32 of 32 starting NFL RBs are black.

Or maybe, just maybe it's all because the Texans haven't had a winning season in their existence, and they play here in Houston in relative obscurity? Maybe.

Maybe. Your conclusion is just as reasonable as mine.

It's funny though that is it perfectly acceptable for blacks to accuse the NFL of racism when it involves the QB position or head coaches. But God forbid a white guy thinks perhaps there is a bit of a stereotype involving the typical race of a RB or starting WR. Are whites just not as good? Maybe, but shouldn't that be as reasonable of a conclusion as maybe blacks aren't as good at playing QB?

 

[Lucky]

It's funny though that is it perfectly acceptable for blacks to accuse the NFL of racism when it involves the QB position or head coaches. But God forbid a white guy thinks perhaps there is a bit of a stereotype involving the typical race of a RB or starting WR.

Once upon a time, there was racism in the NFL. Blacks had no shot at becoming a NFL QB or head coach. That's no longer the case.

And now, I don't even understand what your point is. Are you trying to say that white WRs aren't respected by the fans or the media? Or that the NFL in general discriminates against white WRs due to the color of their skin? Which ridiculous argument are you attempting to make?

Ckw5814, try to remember this very important rule: Attack the message, not the messenger. There's no excuse in resorting to name calling after someone has disagreed with, or even ridiculed, your post. Maybe what I said came off as pretentious to you (though I don't see how). Doesn't mean I, or anyone else, should be handed a random "derogatory term".

 

[Ckw]

Once upon a time, there was racism in the NFL. Blacks had no shot at becoming a NFL QB or head coach. That's no longer the case.

True.

And now, I don't even understand what your point is. Are you trying to say that white WRs aren't respected by the fans or the media? Or that the NFL in general discriminates against white WRs due to the color of their skin? Which ridiculous argument are you attempting to make?

My point was not that I think the NFL or the media are racist. I simply believe there is a stereotype among many in the NFL about the WR and RB positions. They are both positions dominated by black athletes. This doesn't bother me in the least, but I was simply making the case that perhaps people do not realize how good Kevin Walter is because he does not fit into their stereotype of what an NFL WR looks like.

What gets me is it's not just one or two sports writers that have been saying this; it seems this is the predominant belief among sports analysts anytime they are assessing the needs of the Texans. So either A) they haven't watched any film or looked at stats on the Texans, or B) they simply can't imagine how this seemingly unathletic white guy could be a quality starting WR.

Ckw5814, try to remember this very important rule: Attack the message, not the messenger. There's no excuse in resorting to name calling after someone has disagreed with, or even ridiculed, your post. Maybe what I said came off as pretentious to you (though I don't see how). Doesn't mean I, or anyone else, should be handed a random "derogatory term".

Essentially saying someone's opinion is devoid of logic and all they are doing is jumping to conclusions is an attack. Earlier, I even said I was open to others opinions, but personally believe there to be a stigma on white WRs simply because there haven't been very many great ones over the last 10 years. Then, you chime in and tell me all I am doing is jumping to conclusions and am not being logical. So yes, that did seem rather pretentious.

Anyway, I removed the "insert derogatory term".

 

[ObsiWan]

I'm just curious then why you think Walter gets so little respect. Sincere question, and I am certainly open to other opinions.

I never said he gets little respect. He has mine. He has the respect of most Texans' fans.

Perhaps you're equating press time and newpaper ink with respect. The guys who clown and act like drama queens get the attention in today's tabloid-type press coverage. We don't have drama queen WRs on this team and, like Lucky said, we haven't ever made the post-season. So we get minimal press coverage ....well unless a Ryan Moats-type situ pops up.

And its not just Walter, it took OD three years of solid performance to make the pro bowl. Steve Slaton got shafted (IMHO) out of both a pro bowl spot and RotY recognition. Mario had a better year in 07 than in 08 but didn't make the pro bowl until 08.

I'm with Lucky on this one. Its not a black/white thing, its a Texans thing. And until we take down the Colts or leapfrog the Titans to be division champs, its gonna stay that way.

 

[El Tejano]

Hey Mike Renfro, Steve Largent, Ed Mcaffery, Lance Alworth, Wayne Chrebet, Brandon Stokely, the Raiders dude with the stickem on his hands whose name doesn't come to mind right now, Drew Bennett, Chris Collinsworth, Brian Brennan, Brian Finneran who reminds me of Brian Brennan, Don BeeBee, The Texans hater Steve Tasker, Vince Papali,and even Houston Oiler Strike year sensation Mike Akiu.

Okay? Now everyone kiss and make up.

 

[DocBar]

so explain the respect Wes Welker gets

Super Bowl, Brady, and Belichick. Not to mention that he's tough to cover and makes good catches. Seriously, no Texan will get over the top praise til we WIN a playoff game.

 

[Ckw]

Perhaps you're equating press time and newpaper ink with respect. The guys who clown and act like drama queens get the attention in today's tabloid-type press coverage. We don't have drama queen WRs on this team and, like Lucky said, we haven't ever made the post-season. So we get minimal press coverage ....well unless a Ryan Moats-type situ pops up.

No, I didn't mean press time or newspaper ink. I am referring to the numerous sports analysts that think a #2 WR is a need for the Texans when clearly based on stats and film we do not need another #2 WR.

You guys might be right. Maybe if we make it to the postseason, he will get the respect. If that occurs, my hypothesis will be proven false.

Or it's also possible that most of the sports analysts are full of crap and don't even take the time to watch game film or even analyze stats before writing an article about us. The more I think about it, the more logical that sounds...

And its not just Walter, it took OD three years of solid performance to make the pro bowl.

Somewhat true. OD didn't have a breakout season until this year though. He was pretty good his rookie season, and last year he had some problems fumbling the ball. He also had only 3 TDs last year compared to 11 by Dallas Clark, 9 by Antonio Gates, 7 by Heath Miller, etc. Not to mention, Pro Bowl votes are not indicative of respect of a given player because of the fan vote. I mean LT got voted to the Pro Bowl this year...

Steve Slaton got shafted (IMHO) out of both a pro bowl spot and RotY recognition. Mario had a better year in 07 than in 08 but didn't make the pro bowl until 08.

See above. Pro Bowl voting is a bad measure for this type of conversation. One can come up with numerous examples of players that should have made the Pro Bowl in a given year but did not because so many football fans really don't pay attention to the game; they simply remember past performances.

I'm with Lucky on this one. Its not a black/white thing, its a Texans thing.

It might not be. From the beginning I have said that I am open to other opinions. Honestly, I hadn't even thought about him being white until Texecutioner said something about it. At first, I thought it was kind of a dumb comment. But the more I thought about it and continued reading the same crap about the Texans needing another #2 WR, the more I started to question why no one can seem to realize how good of a receiver Kevin Walter is.

 

[ObsiWan]

It might not be. From the beginning I have said that I am open to other opinions. Honestly, I hadn't even thought about him being white until Texecutioner said something about it. At first, I thought it was kind of a dumb comment. But the more I thought about it and continued reading the same crap about the Texans needing another #2 WR, the more I started to question why no one can seem to realize how good of a receiver Kevin Walter is.

And when you get right down to it, KW hasn't posted elite stats yet. A 60 reception (#38) and 899-yd (#30) season puts him in the good-but-not-yet-great catagory, wouldn't you think? What I like is that 39 of his 60 catches were for 1st downs.

Of course, A.J. led the league in catches for 1st downs (according to NFL.com stats) I mean, its tough to look good and get some attention when your other WR is a straight-up beast

 

[Ckw]

And when you get right down to it, KW hasn't posted elite stats yet. A 60 reception (#38) and 899-yd (#30) season puts him in the good-but-not-yet-great catagory, wouldn't you think? What I like is that 39 of his 60 catches were for 1st downs.

But damn good stats for a guy sharing the field with AJ and OD. But I see your point for why the media might overlook him because of this. Even still, there are 32 teams in the NFL, and our #2 WR, that shares the field with the best WR in the NFL and a top tier TE, is #30 in the league in yardage; that is pretty impressive. Also, you left out TDs. Kevin Walter, according to NFL.com, is tied for 9th in touchdowns. Not bad stats. Elite? Probably not, but the stats definitely show KW is worthy of being a starting WR.

Of course, A.J. led the league in catches for 1st downs (according to NFL.com stats) I mean, its tough to look good and get some attention when your other WR is a straight-up beast

That is really impressive that more than 50% of Walter's receptions were for first downs. Very impressive! How many did AJ have compared to receptions?

 

[ChampionTexan]

That is really impressive that more than 50% of Walter's receptions were for first downs. Very impressive! How many did AJ have compared to receptions?

79 of 115 (or 68.7%) of AJ's catches in 2008 went for either TD's, or first downs.

LINK

 

[Ckw]

79 of 115 (or 68.7%) of AJ's catches in 2008 went for either TD's, or first downs.

LINK

Wow! Thanks for that. Unbelievable stat.

 

[ObsiWan]

In fact A.J. led the league in receptions for 1st downs.
I'm tellin' ya, K.W. is suffering from playing along side an absolute beast.

...and then there's that whole Texans-are-on-few-radar-screens thing.

 

[drewmar74]

Hey Mike Renfro, Steve Largent, Ed Mcaffery, Lance Alworth, Wayne Chrebet, Brandon Stokely, the Raiders dude with the stickem on his hands whose name doesn't come to mind right now, Drew Bennett, Chris Collinsworth, Brian Brennan, Brian Finneran who reminds me of Brian Brennan, Don BeeBee, The Texans hater Steve Tasker, Vince Papali,and even Houston Oiler Strike year sensation Mike Akiu.

Okay? Now everyone kiss and make up.

Hey, you forgot me!

Love,

Ricky Proehl

 

[Ckw]

...and then there's that whole Texans-are-on-few-radar-screens thing.

But actually, we have been picked the last two seasons to be a potential playoff team, so the media is taking notice of our team. I think the whole off-the-media's-radar thing ended last season.

Some are calling us a "Cinderella" team this year. I just don't buy the argument that the media doesn't pay attention to us anymore. Sure, ESPN ignores us, but everyone knows the east coast bias they have. Many other sports analysts are paying a lot of attention to us, yet they still don't notice Kevin Walter.