PSA For Texans Draft Strategy

[eriadoc]

LOL, it's pretty comical at this point. It's obvious that we fans don't have a feel for how Smithiak wants to build this team. So as a public service announcement, I'll summarize:

DT: They do NOT want big, run stuffing DTS. Only guys that (allegedly) penetrate and put pressure on the QB need apply. I mean, that hasn't worked out yet, as they have no pass rush, but all you fans who want a big DT are clearly off your rocker.

DB: The Texans clearly do not want a rangy CF-type with ballhawking skills. They want players like Brandon Harrison, Dominique Barber, and John Busing. It's been a failure thus far, having one of the worst secondaries for long stretches of time, but it has to work sooner or later. And if Pollard hadn't come along and screwed things up, they wouldn't have gotten a box safety, either. Any of you fans that want a rangy ball hawk best get it out of your minds.

OL: The Texans clearly do not want guys with a strong base that can push the big DTs around. They want smaller, more nimble Cs and Gs that can back up Chris Myers. This has translated to the 31st worst rushing offense in the NFL, but give it time, folks. Banish thy dreams of a power OL!

TE: OK, I'll give this one to you. The Texans do want your kind of TE - whatever it is. They want all the TEs. If they could field a team of 54 TEs, they might.

I reserve the right to eat crow later, but so far their W-L record has not inspired me to buy into their style of team building. But hey, I keep hope alive because I'm a fan.

 

[m5kwatts]

LOL, it's pretty comical at this point. It's obvious that we fans don't have a feel for how Smithiak wants to build this team. So as a public service announcement, I'll summarize:

DT: They do NOT want big, run stuffing DTS. Only guys that (allegedly) penetrate and put pressure on the QB need apply. I mean, that hasn't worked out yet, as they have no pass rush, but all you fans who want a big DT are clearly off your rocker.

DB: The Texans clearly do not want a rangy CF-type with ballhawking skills. They want players like Brandon Harrison, Dominique Barber, and John Busing. It's been a failure thus far, having one of the worst secondaries for long stretches of time, but it has to work sooner or later. And if Pollard hadn't come along and screwed things up, they wouldn't have gotten a box safety, either. Any of you fans that want a rangy ball hawk best get it out of your minds.

OL: The Texans clearly do not want guys with a strong base that can push the big DTs around. They want smaller, more nimble Cs and Gs that can back up Chris Myers. This has translated to the 31st worst rushing offense in the NFL, but give it time, folks. Banish thy dreams of a power OL!

TE: OK, I'll give this one to you. The Texans do want your kind of TE - whatever it is. They want all the TEs. If they could field a team of 54 TEs, they might.

I reserve the right to eat crow later, but so far their W-L record has not inspired me to buy into their style of team building. But hey, I keep hope alive because I'm a fan.

Yeah we should hire you as GM you big genius football mind you

 

[eriadoc]

Yeah we should hire you as GM you big genius football mind you

Ahh, so we're taking the thread to insults? We can play that game if you like.

 

[m5kwatts]

Ahh, so we're taking the thread to insults? We can play that game if you like.

Clearly you know more than Rick Smith and co. Are you on the mailing list for coaching tape from NFL Films? Did you scout every prospect and compile a draft board? Did you fly these prospects in to meet with you and fly to their pro days? Were you at the combine? How many drafts have you covered?

 

[rmartin65]

Ok, I have to say this now. A lot of people spend a lot of time doing this. And yes, we do not have all the resources the pros do. But its not like the pros are batting 1.00 here. The draft is a very inexact science, and I (among others) like voicing my opinion on what is going on. If you dont like it, dont read it or comment on it. It is that simple.

 

[Ckw]

Ok, I have to say this now. A lot of people spend a lot of time doing this. And yes, we do not have all the resources the pros do. But its not like the pros are batting 1.00 here. The draft is a very inexact science, and I (among others) like voicing my opinion on what is going on. If you dont like it, dont read it or comment on it. It is that simple.

Exactly. Why not add something to the discussion and give us some reasons why you (mk5watts) think Rick Smith knows so much better than we do. I mean so far, this team hasn't exactly been what one might call a success.

Usually, I can sell myself on the notion that our GM just knows better than I do and support the choices that are made, but this draft has really been a head scratcher. Eriadoc provided some good information, and it really is difficult to disagree with him.

TE: we did kind of need one considering we don't know if we will be getting OD back. But if Casey doesn't show something, it sure does look like that was a wasted pick last year.

DT: have the small, penetrating DTs really been working for us? Oh yeah, we led the league last year in sacks with that small, penetrating D Line, right? Huh? We were one of the eight WORST in the sack category?!?! Really?!?! Well, our strategy must be working.

DB: we have clearly also had one of the best secondaries in the NFL with guys like Busing and Barber, right? Why the hell would we ever need to spend a high draft pick on a safety? Wait, we were bottom of the half in the league in INTs as well as passing yards per game?!?!? Oh....

Don't even get me started on the puny line we keep putting out there.

So really please explain to me what we have done so well to give us all such peace over the way this team is being managed.

 

[b0ng]

While the players I see being picked are somewhat of head scratchers, Smiths batting average in the later rounds is pretty good. I'm not going to complain about picks until they are cut from the team.

 

[gtexan02]

All TEs + a QB = win?

 

[Thorn]

Not sure how anyone can argue about picks from the 5th on down anyway.

And even in the first four rounds, how many teams get it right ALL the time? Until these kids put on pads and start getting hit or hitting others, it's hard to judge them. The film you see on them, they're playing against other college players of which the very huge majority won't see pro football unless they buy tickets to the games.

 

[gtexan02]

Don't forget our tendency to take a late round, project QB

 

[m5kwatts]

Exactly. Why not add something to the discussion and give us some reasons why you (mk5watts) think Rick Smith knows so much better than we do. I mean so far, this team hasn't exactly been what one might call a success.

Usually, I can sell myself on the notion that our GM just knows better than I do and support the choices that are made, but this draft has really been a head scratcher. Eriadoc provided some good information, and it really is difficult to disagree with him.

TE: we did kind of need one considering we don't know if we will be getting OD back. But if Casey doesn't show something, it sure does look like that was a wasted pick last year.

DT: have the small, penetrating DTs really been working for us? Oh yeah, we led the league last year in sacks with that small, penetrating D Line, right? Huh? We were one of the eight WORST in the sack category?!?! Really?!?! Well, our strategy must be working.

DB: we have clearly also had one of the best secondaries in the NFL with guys like Busing and Barber, right? Why the hell would we ever need to spend a high draft pick on a safety? Wait, we were bottom of the half in the league in INTs as well as passing yards per game?!?!? Oh....

Don't even get me started on the puny line we keep putting out there.

So really please explain to me what we have done so well to give us all such peace over the way this team is being managed.

Rick Smith has regional scouts who spend their everyday living evaluating these players in this draft year round. NFL teams (not just the Texans) spend millions of dollars in scouting these players. Are you telling me I shouldn't put more trust in them over people who have limited tools and limited facts (like draft websites, ESPN, and people on this message board, etc) regarding these players because the professionals aren't always 100% correct in their evaluations? The draft is an inexact science, I'm sure you've heard that before.

And you've pointed out that there are many flaws and holes on the Texans. I think if you're expecting one draft to take your team's most glaring flaws and turn them into a team strength you're going to be let down in most drafts. What the Texans are doing clearly is taking the best player they see left on the board for them. They're fixing flaws and holes they hypothetically could be facing in the 2012 or 2013 seasons, thats the thinking behind taking the "best player available," you don't necessarily need the player but the talent is so good that you're insuring this won't be a need for years beyond just 2010 or even 2011. What if Owen Daniels never plays another down and Garrett Graham steps up like OD did in 2006 and we never even have a worry about tight end? What if Zac Diles breaks his leg again in training camp and Darryl Sharpton steps up and is actually more explosive and a better play maker than Diles was when he was in? Have you thought for a second that maybe all the safetys left are actually no better than a Busing or Barber, and the Texans are avoiding these players because they've been burnt by unskilled untalented safetys before like those 2?

 

[Hardcore Texan]

Clearly you know more than Rick Smith and co. Are you on the mailing list for coaching tape from NFL Films? Did you scout every prospect and compile a draft board? Did you fly these prospects in to meet with you and fly to their pro days? Were you at the combine? How many drafts have you covered?

Dude, what's your problem, why are you being so combative? What's wrong with what Eriadoc said? Some of us are frustrated is all.

DB is and has always been a huge weekness. DT's and pass rush can even be uttered in the same sentence when referring to the Texans. And we have a OL that gets shoved around.

He's spot on about these continuing issues we the fans would like to see addressed. I am happy with us getting the CB's and a RB for sure but damn does our OL need help. Maybe these picks will pan out, I certainly hope so, but I reserve the right to critique the choices. TE and LB were not our biggest needs........so I hope these guys were worth it.

 

[Bubbajwp]

I dont get why you guys want big runstopping DT's but your complaining about our lack of pass rush.

I always wanted big DT's also but I realise that its not going to happen with Frank Bush as our D-Coordinator. If you guys remember Bush's defense ended the season pretty good with those smaller DT's. I have no problem with that pick.

As for the TE I was just as surprised as anybody but seriously look how many injuries we had last season. Not to mention how disappointing Hill looked even before his injury. IMO Daniels, Dressen, Casey, Graham are the only TE's that make the team. I have no problem with this pick either.

DB's - Well we did take Kareem Jackson in the first. So clearly they know that our secondary is a problem. Can anybody tell me a FS that was there after the second round. After Eric Berry, Earl Thomas, and Nate Allen Im not impressed with anything thats left. SWTBound knows I have wanted a ballhawk FS as long as anybody on the board. But I just dont see were they could have taken one in this draft without trading up in the first round. Also we did just draft Sherrick McMannis in the 5th round and alot of people are saying he is a good fit at FS.

 

[gtexan02]

When someone is being paid millions of dollars to evaluate a player, and they come in and fail within a year or two, its frustrating as fans.

Last year we all watched Rashad Jennings fall into the 7th round. We passed on him. He was a big back we all though had potential. Jacksonville ended up with him, and he rushed for over 5 yards per carry.

True, we ended up getting Foster as an UDFA and he finished with close to 5 yards per carry as well, but its just kind of ironic that we went and drafted Tate because we lacked that big back (who was available in the 7th).


Maybe Jennings would have been horrible here, but its frustrating as a fan to see a guy you think will be good get passed on 2 or 3 times in a row, and then his position becomes a weakness for your team.



With that said, guys like Quinn are the exact opposite. I dont think anyone knew who he was, and he's likely to start for us this year.



Im personally upset that we continue to keep ignoring FS on this team. Ive made countless arguments about how important strong safety play is to a winning organization. Every single championship team that I can remember has had a lockdown safety. We don't have one, and we keep failing to address that need.

But I dont think the OL is a problem. Our "run blocking style" is not power OL. I twould be a waste of a pick to choose a power run blocker, as he wouldn't fit into our scheme. You cant just mix and match players. IT doesnt' work like that. Our run game last year was horrible, but thats a result of our RB situation in my opinion. Our run game the year before was fine

 

[steelbtexan]

Yeah we should hire you as GM you big genius football mind you

Eriadoc has as many playoff appearances as Smithiak.

E- has had 4 less years to get there.

It's not personal just fact.

But no this is the year Smithiak get the team over the top.

LOL

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

Too much borderline personal stuff going on in this thread. If we don't take if down a notch will close.

 

[eriadoc]

Not sure how anyone can argue about picks from the 5th on down anyway.

I'm not really complaining about any specific pick, especially from the 3rd round down. I don't watch a ton of college football and I guarantee that the Texans scouting dept. knows more about any individual player than I do.

I'm addressing the apparent "strategy" that the team uses and has used for the past couple years, in relation to the simple observations that are out there for everyone to see - other teams and they way they do it. I'm not saying the Texans are right or wrong yet, but at some point, when the entire fan base thinks you need a certain type of player and the team goes in a different direction, then that departure from conventional wisdom can only be judged by the results on the field. You can draft unconventional players all day, as long as the product on the field reflects the wisdom of doing so.

I dont get why you guys want big runstopping DT's but your complaining about our lack of pass rush.

Well, a lot of us think that if you put a big guy in there to chew up two blockers and put a guy like Okoye at the 3 tech, and then dial up blitzes from the LB/DB group, it would be a better, more balanced D-Line. Other teams do it that way (Minnesota comes to mind, for instance). That doesn't mean it's the only way to do it, but so far the plethora of "pass rush" DTs they've rolled out there has resulted in a bunch of nothing.

 

[eriadoc]

Im personally upset that we continue to keep ignoring FS on this team. Ive made countless arguments about how important strong safety play is to a winning organization. Every single championship team that I can remember has had a lockdown safety. We don't have one, and we keep failing to address that need.

And that's what I'm saying. You don't have to fall in love with a specific player and complain that the team didn't take that player. But it's reasonable to assess the team and say they need a certain type of player. In this case, we need a rangy, ball hawking, CF-type FS. But that's JMO. If the team goes away from that, fine. When they continually bring up the rear in INTs, maybe that warrants a little attention.

But I dont think the OL is a problem. Our "run blocking style" is not power OL. I twould be a waste of a pick to choose a power run blocker, as he wouldn't fit into our scheme. You cant just mix and match players. IT doesnt' work like that. Our run game last year was horrible, but thats a result of our RB situation in my opinion. Our run game the year before was fine

That's your opinion, and that's great. My opinion is that the run game sucked two years ago when Slaton ran for 1200+ yards. Oh I know 1200 yards sounds wonderful, but it was the same story - runs between the 20s and nothing when you need it. Then last year, they couldn't even get the runs between the 20s.

Maybe I am of the opinion they should change schemes. I don't know. What I do know is I am tired of seeing the team stuffed on 3rd and 2, or any down and goal to go. They think they can solve that with lighter, quick, agile linemen, and smaller RBs? Fine, show me. So far, they haven't shown me.

 

[wagonhed]

 

[bckey]

That's your opinion, and that's great. My opinion is that the run game sucked two years ago when Slaton ran for 1200+ yards. Oh I know 1200 yards sounds wonderful, but it was the same story - runs between the 20s and nothing when you need it. Then last year, they couldn't even get the runs between the 20s.

Maybe I am of the opinion they should change schemes. I don't know. What I do know is I am tired of seeing the team stuffed on 3rd and 2, or any down and goal to go. They think they can solve that with lighter, quick, agile linemen, and smaller RBs? Fine, show me. So far, they haven't shown me.

The Texans just drafted Shelley Smith G Colorado State 6-4 293. More light ol.

 

[Second Honeymoon]

Face it
Rick smith and Gary kubiak suck

so much for building through the draft
where are the sunshine kids now?

7-9 or worse here we come

 

[imatexan]

Face it
Rick smith and Gary kubiak suck

so much for building through the draft
where are the sunshine kids now?

7-9 or worse here we come

If you think we are going to be 7-9 or worse than you my friend are in for one hell of a surprising season!

Also, Brian Cushing has something to say about Kubiak/Smith sucking and he will say it on the field!

 

[Marcus]

Face it
Rick smith and Gary kubiak suck

so much for building through the draft
where are the sunshine kids now?

7-9 or worse here we come

 

[eriadoc]

Face it
Rick smith and Gary kubiak suck

so much for building through the draft
where are the sunshine kids now?

7-9 or worse here we come

I'm not saying they suck. I'm saying they have chosen to draft a bit unconventionally. If that leads to the wins they think it will lead to, then good; I'm happy. But if it doesn't, I think it's fair to say they could have taken XYZ types of players and they didn't. As always with the draft, we'll see. I'm not as confident with this draft as I have been the last few.

 

[dalemurphy]

Face it
Rick smith and Gary kubiak suck

so much for building through the draft
where are the sunshine kids now?

7-9 or worse here we come

Give me a break! based on what?

 

[Goldensilence]

I think what Eriadoc is saying isn't exactly out of line.

We've repeatedly been told this team is going to build through the draft. Each year we pass up on adding pieces to the puzzles in FA. I'm not saying we need to make huge splashes ala DAn Synder prior to this year. Just saying if you see a good piece out there for a reasonable deal do it.

If you are committed to building through the draft you can't afford to draft as inconsistently as Rick and Gary have.

I think this draft was vintage Gary and Rick. Seemed to have a plan in place to start the draft but lost it around the middle rounds, had to take a 1-3 round project player, and rally somewhat in the late rounds to an ok draft.

IMO our drafts tend to look more like shotgun spread instead of a concise surgical strike.

Rely on the draft to improve, but draft inconsistently and you get 8-8 and 9-7 teams. I get a feeling that's what we'll be looking at next year. But, hey at least we'll get to say things like yeah but at least we're the best 8-8 team in he AFC!

 

[Esoom]

Face it
Rick smith and Gary kubiak suck

so much for building through the draft
where are the sunshine kids now?

7-9 or worse here we come

Please tell me you don't actually think this way and you are doing this as satire or something.

 

[New_Texans]

I think what Eriadoc is saying isn't exactly out of line.

We've repeatedly been told this team is going to build through the draft. Each year we pass up on adding pieces to the puzzles in FA. I'm not saying we need to make huge splashes ala DAn Synder prior to this year. Just saying if you see a good piece out there for a reasonable deal do it.

If you are committed to building through the draft you can't afford to draft as inconsistently as Rick and Gary have.

I think this draft was vintage Gary and Rick. Seemed to have a plan in place to start the draft but lost it around the middle rounds, had to take a 1-3 round project player, and rally somewhat in the late rounds to an ok draft.

IMO our drafts tend to look more like shotgun spread instead of a concise surgical strike.

Rely on the draft to improve, but draft inconsistently and you get 8-8 and 9-7 teams. I get a feeling that's what we'll be looking at next year. But, hey at least we'll get to say things like yeah but at least we're the best 8-8 team in he AFC!

Bernard Pollard was a free agent pick up...and Antonio Smith played quite well the 2nd half of the season and he was a free agent. Kevin Walter was a free agent...

I dont understand...what are you guys honestly expecting to get from free agency? Darren Sharpers don't happen with every free agent signing.

 

[TheCD]

I've got it! We're going to be taking the NFL by storm next year and running the A-11 offense! The tight ends will double as linemen, and we're dumping all the linemen but Chris Myers! We're going to destroy those slow, power teams!

http://a11offense.com/

 

[ObsiWan]

Well, a lot of us think that if you put a big guy in there to chew up two blockers and put a guy like Okoye at the 3 tech, and then dial up blitzes from the LB/DB group, it would be a better, more balanced D-Line. Other teams do it that way (Minnesota comes to mind, for instance). That doesn't mean it's the only way to do it, but so far the plethora of "pass rush" DTs they've rolled out there has resulted in a bunch of nothing.

Ummm.... help me out here...
Which of the two Super Bowl teams had a big run-stuffing DT? I forget.

My Point? The two conference winners got to the final game with DTs very similar to ours. So it can be done.

And your proposed defensive philosophy works best if you've got a big freak of nature like Kris Jenkins or N. Suh or Haynesworth (when he decides to play) in that DT spot. We all know those guys are few and far between. Just having a 350-lb fatboy in the middle won't get the results you want (see F. Okam). And I don't know of anyone outside Suh and Cody that has the attributes needed to do what you want.

Are you suggesting we should have traded half our picks to grab one of those two guys? Would it be worth it? I dunno... I must admit, the more I think about it, the image of Suh and Mario on the same side of the D-line is quite the tantalizing image.

 

[eriadoc]

Are you suggesting we should have traded half our picks to grab one of those two guys? Would it be worth it? I dunno... I must admit, the more I think about it, the image of Suh and Mario on the same side of the D-line is quite the tantalizing image.

No, of course not. I'm suggesting you take a guy at DT that either fits the glaring need that most people think you have (maybe a project, maybe Terrance Cody, who knows?), or you live up to what you're selling. If you're telling me that a DL rotation of of 3 techs is going to produce the pass rush we need to be successful, then fine. Show me.

I don't complain about specific guys because I don't know one prospect from another at the level these guys do. So I'm not complaining about who they took, I'm complaining about their philosophy. Again, if you're selling me a philosophy, I'll listen, but you have to show me. So far, the quick and agile DT rotation hasn't produced squat for pass rush. So far, the light, agile OL has produced one of the worst running games in the NFL. So far, the Random_Safety_001 strategy hasn't bolstered the back end of the defense.

So by all means, stick to your philosophy. Just prove it, that's all.

 

[Goldensilence]

Bernard Pollard was a free agent pick up...and Antonio Smith played quite well the 2nd half of the season and he was a free agent. Kevin Walter was a free agent...

I dont understand...what are you guys honestly expecting to get from free agency? Darren Sharpers don't happen with every free agent signing.

We traded for KW. 7th round pick from Cinci. Look it up.

Right everyone time someone asks what we've done in FA this season let's point to Benard Pollard as a shining example! Look the dude was a top tackler on his team when he was surprisingly cut and was signed a couple of weeks in the season when it was GLARINGLY impossible to deny the off season "plan" of Barber, Busing, and Ferguson weren't working out.

Antonio Smith wasn't a terrible signing. He disruptive, has a good motor, and plays with a mean streak that the defense needs. I don't have a problem with the signing. I would however, like more production from him in the sack department considering the contract we gave him.

All that still distracts from the point. In 4 going on 5 years in the Kubiak era that's the only two guys you can point out in the FA that stand out?

Look I'm not asking for the Al Haynesworths or the Julius Peppers of the FA market. I'm simply trying to say our draft exclusive approach to making the team better isn't getting us into the playoffs when you draft inconsistently. When you add legit pieces via FA you can afford to take project players or miss on your picks up and down the draft. The Texans don't so they can't afford to miss.

I think Eriadoc sums it up well if you're going to have a draft exclusive approach to getting better, then show me the results. As of right now the best we've done is fumbled and bumbled our way into a 9-7 season.

 

[New_Texans]

We traded for KW. 7th round pick from Cinci. Look it up.

Right everyone time someone asks what we've done in FA this season let's point to Benard Pollard as a shining example! Look the dude was a top tackler on his team when he was surprisingly cut and was signed a couple of weeks in the season when it was GLARINGLY impossible to deny the off season "plan" of Barber, Busing, and Ferguson weren't working out.

Antonio Smith wasn't a terrible signing. He disruptive, has a good motor, and plays with a mean streak that the defense needs. I don't have a problem with the signing. I would however, like more production from him in the sack department considering the contract we gave him.

All that still distracts from the point. In 4 going on 5 years in the Kubiak era that's the only two guys you can point out in the FA that stand out?

Look I'm not asking for the Al Haynesworths or the Julius Peppers of the FA market. I'm simply trying to say our draft exclusive approach to making the team better isn't getting us into the playoffs when you draft inconsistently. When you add legit pieces via FA you can afford to take project players or miss on your picks up and down the draft. The Texans don't so they can't afford to miss.

I think Eriadoc sums it up well if you're going to have a draft exclusive approach to getting better, then show me the results. As of right now the best we've done is fumbled and bumbled our way into a 9-7 season.

the funny thing about that, is that our crucial games we lost were either because of our expansion draft kicker in Kris Brown, or our big time free agent signing in Chris Brown.

 

[otisbean]

No, of course not. I'm suggesting you take a guy at DT that either fits the glaring need that most people think you have (maybe a project, maybe Terrance Cody, who knows?), or you live up to what you're selling. If you're telling me that a DL rotation of of 3 techs is going to produce the pass rush we need to be successful, then fine. Show me.

I don't complain about specific guys because I don't know one prospect from another at the level these guys do. So I'm not complaining about who they took, I'm complaining about their philosophy. Again, if you're selling me a philosophy, I'll listen, but you have to show me. So far, the quick and agile DT rotation hasn't produced squat for pass rush. So far, the light, agile OL has produced one of the worst running games in the NFL. So far, the Random_Safety_001 strategy hasn't bolstered the back end of the defense.

So by all means, stick to your philosophy. Just prove it, that's all.

It's tough to just hammer the OL for the running game. SLaton clearly had issues last season. We used the same lighter quicker strategy when Slaton was tearing it up in 08. We definitely has injuries last year to both starting Gs, that had to have an effect. They got better as the year went on as Foster had 2 really strong games. There were also some great runs that were negated by fumbles (which is clearly on the Rbs)

Our lighter DTs helped us improve to 13th in the NFL vs the run. Okoye hasn't panned yet, and I say yet because the dude is still so young. As he matures maybe he gets better, maybe not. I can see why they picked him, he wouldn't have been my pick but I can see what they were thinking. As a strength and conditioning coach I can tell you that you don't hit your peak in strength until your mid 20s. I know the reactionaries want everyone to step on the field and dominate from day one but that's not reality, especially with
Okoye. He just has to mature physically. If I'm not mistaken he is the same age as Suh is now and obviously he's a rookie.

From my perspective, I'm not going to trash their philosophy yet. I've seen it work to a T as I was a huge John Elway fan. You can't meet all your needs immediately. I think this is a telling season as they've had time to get the type of players they want. To me it's put up or shut up time. I think we'll have a strong team, but time will tell. Could you imagine what this D will be like if everyone grows into their potential this season? What if Okoye figures it out and has 8 sacks and Barwin (who is supremely talented but was also a project) continues his improvement as has a double digit sack year. Hopefully Mario shoulder has healed and he returns to form (and trust me on this, his shoulder was hurt - I know this for a fact). We could have a stellr DL. IF these guys can create serious pressure you'll be amazed at how much better the DBs get.

The way I see it you have 3 choices: Drink the Koo-aid and look at things optimistically, be a pessimist and see everything through glasses covered in crap, making everything look *******y, or take a wait and see approach understanding that we don't what this year will bring until the season starts.

 

[bckey]

No, of course not. I'm suggesting you take a guy at DT that either fits the glaring need that most people think you have (maybe a project, maybe Terrance Cody, who knows?), or you live up to what you're selling. If you're telling me that a DL rotation of of 3 techs is going to produce the pass rush we need to be successful, then fine. Show me.

I don't complain about specific guys because I don't know one prospect from another at the level these guys do. So I'm not complaining about who they took, I'm complaining about their philosophy. Again, if you're selling me a philosophy, I'll listen, but you have to show me. So far, the quick and agile DT rotation hasn't produced squat for pass rush. So far, the light, agile OL has produced one of the worst running games in the NFL. So far, the Random_Safety_001 strategy hasn't bolstered the back end of the defense.

So by all means, stick to your philosophy. Just prove it, that's all.

Here are a couple of posts from battleredblog about Bill Kollar and smallish dt's that I thought you would like eriadoc. I'm all for a big run stuffing take up 2 blockers dt.

http://www.battleredblog.com/2010/4/24/1441631/earl-mitchell-is-one-of-your

http://www.battleredblog.com/2009/7/30/969943/what-can-bill-kollar-do-for-you

 

[eriadoc]

Here are a couple of posts from battleredblog about Bill Kollar and smallish dt's that I thought you would like eriadoc. I'm all for a big run stuffing take up 2 blockers dt.

http://www.battleredblog.com/2010/4/24/1441631/earl-mitchell-is-one-of-your

http://www.battleredblog.com/2009/7/30/969943/what-can-bill-kollar-do-for-you

Thanks for sharing. I think he makes some good points about Kollar in the second one.