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When Rose-Colored Glasses Look at a Rose!

dalemurphy

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
Are we all on the same page? This year is going to be special. I have been coasting along in quiet confidence the past few weeks. Fortunately, or unfortunately, exuberance has gotten the better of me:

Mark down this date. I am marking my territory. The Texans are about to burst into NFL relevancy. We are going to look back on the Texans draft 0f 2009 and late April signings as the heart of everything it built. Yes, the 2006 draft was a good one, and it brought the Texans three probowl players and other contributors. However, by the end of this year, every one will realize the magnitude of the 2009 off-season… And, I’m not even referring to the Texans best free agent acquisition in its history: Antonio Smith. At the risk of furthering my reputation as an obnoxious optimist, what the Texans did in 2009 will eventually be on one of those NFL top 10 lists highlighting all-time great NFL drafts. Call me crazy today, but be prepared to eat some mighty fine tasting crow with each one of my many “I told you so”‘s.

1. Brian Cushing- has already been an elite linebacker as a rookie. I know many are concerned about his health and steroid issues. The guy is a great football player, and as he returns to 100% from his patella surgery, he will be making a lot of plays in Wade’s defense. Bradie James had eight sacks under Wade Phillips as an ILB in a single season. Cushing is going to have seasons like that. If you have watched Lawerence Timmons on the Steelers, I think that is a pretty accurate picture of what Cushing will do in Wade’s 3-4.

2. Connor Barwin- Get ready for double-digit sacks. Barwin is going to explode this season. He is an absolutely perfect fit for the hybrid position in Wade’s 3-4. Barwin has a great motor, incredible athleticism, and an awareness on the field that will lead to batted balls, interceptions, and all kinds of special pursuit plays.

Continue reading- Prediction: 2009 Draft One of the Best ever
 
Good read. I'm also really liking the effort/heart I see from Tim Jamison this preseason. Hopefully he continues to improve.
 
From the article linked above:
By my count, that’s 5 elite NFL players at their respective positions: Cushing, Barwin, Quin, Casey, Foster. Also, that is elite depth and/or quality starting material at four positions: Antoine Caldwell, Brice McCain, Troy Nolan, and Tim Jamison.
Click to expand...
Only Arian Foster can be considered an elite player, though the over-trained version of Cushing fit that description in 2009.

Still, 5 starters and 4 key reserves is an outstanding draft by any measure. Easily Smithiak's best draft (Smith wasn't with the team in for the '06 draft). This is the type of draft playoff teams have. As I've said all along, the talent is there. It's up to the coaches to utilize the talent.
 
We're going into the 3rd year for this draft class, so it's the perfect time to rate them. I agree with Lucky.
 
Lucky said:
From the article linked above:

Only Arian Foster can be considered an elite player, though the over-trained version of Cushing fit that description in 2009.

Still, 5 starters and 4 key reserves is an outstanding draft by any measure. Easily Smithiak's best draft (Smith wasn't with the team in for the '06 draft). This is the type of draft playoff teams have. As I've said all along, the talent is there. It's up to the coaches to utilize the talent.
Click to expand...

Yep, elite is much too strong a word. Arian can be considered elite. The rest, questionable at BEST. Quin going into his first year at Safety is no where NEAR elite status at safety, Barwin hasn't showed anything, much less "elite" talent.
 
Lucky said:
From the article linked above:

Only Arian Foster can be considered an elite player, though the over-trained version of Cushing fit that description in 2009.

Still, 5 starters and 4 key reserves is an outstanding draft by any measure. Easily Smithiak's best draft (Smith wasn't with the team in for the '06 draft). This is the type of draft playoff teams have. As I've said all along, the talent is there. It's up to the coaches to utilize the talent.
Click to expand...

I totally agree. When using the word "elite" it should be for the entire NFL not just the Houston Texans. Elite is used when describing Brady, Peterson, and Andre Johnson. The cream of the crop.

I know Foster was unbelievable last year. He needs to do it another couple of years to really be considered "elite". Cushing is explained perfectly above but he should also grow back the hair. Barwin needs to actually play a season. Casey needs to learn a new position. I will lump all of the players from the secondary in one assessment........You don't go from being on the worst defense ever to "elite" in one off season without actually doing anything.
 
dale/John likes to exaggerate a little in the preseason. No harm. Hopefully one day, he'll get to say "I told you so".
 
sakebomb said:
I totally agree. When using the word "elite" it should be for the entire NFL not just the Houston Texans. Elite is used when describing Brady, Peterson, and Andre Johnson. The cream of the crop.

I know Foster was unbelievable last year. He needs to do it another couple of years to really be considered "elite". Cushing is explained perfectly above but he should also grow back the hair. Barwin needs to actually play a season. Casey needs to learn a new position. I will lump all of the players from the secondary in one assessment........You don't go from being on the worst defense ever to "elite" in one off season without actually doing anything.
Click to expand...

- hired one of the most respected defensive coordinators in the NFL (and let him control the draft!)
- drafted a stud DE
- drafted a promising young OLB
- signed the 2nd best CB available in the 2011 F/A class
- signed a very solid FS from a recognized playoff caliber defense

...you'll have to help me understand your "without actually doing anything" statement.
You completely lost me.

...not that that's a hard thing to do
 
Lucky said:
dale/John likes to exaggerate a little in the preseason. No harm. Hopefully one day, he'll get to say "I told you so".
Click to expand...

Like I did with Schaub, everyone I talked to in person about him wanted him gone. (After 2 unfinished seasons)

I said hell be fair, the guy hasn't had a full season yet, when he does THEN judge him, besides he is a major upgrade from HWSNBM.

Wouldn't you know, after his first full season, they changed their tune.

Sorry, I just love saying those words, even on the net.:runaway:

I have high hopes for this season and after last seasons heart break, I didn't think I could have hope again so soon.
 
ObsiWan said:
- hired one of the most respected defensive coordinators in the NFL (and let him control the draft!)
- drafted a stud DE
- drafted a promising young OLB
- signed the 2nd best CB available in the 2011 F/A class
- signed a very solid FS from a recognized playoff caliber defense

...you'll have to help me understand your "without actually doing anything" statement.
You completely lost me.

...not that that's a hard thing to do
Click to expand...

I think he means they need to prove something first before being "elite"...

just a hunch...
 
sakebomb said:
I totally agree. When using the word "elite" it should be for the entire NFL not just the Houston Texans. Elite is used when describing Brady, Peterson, and Andre Johnson. The cream of the crop.

I know Foster was unbelievable last year. He needs to do it another couple of years to really be considered "elite". Cushing is explained perfectly above but he should also grow back the hair. Barwin needs to actually play a season. Casey needs to learn a new position. I will lump all of the players from the secondary in one assessment........You don't go from being on the worst defense ever to "elite" in one off season without actually doing anything.
Click to expand...


The article was predictive. I wasn't nominating anyone for an award based on past performances. I understand, fully, that none of those guys have earned a trip to the Hall of Fame. I get that. I was trying to communicate my enthusiasm for the season and particularly this group of players in a fun way. I really do believe this will turn out to be an amazing draft class.

If I had "predicted" that Andre Johnson would be an all-time great wide receiver in 2004, I would not have been wrong... even though he had yet to prove it for "another couple of years".

My future forecast for this draft class is what I wrote in the article. Nobody knows right now whether I am right or wrong. That being said, many of you may have learned with some certainty that I have some screws loose. Then again, I don't recall denying that.

So, to be clear, I am taking limited information that I have now and forecasting what is to come, though it is not here yet:

1. Arian Foster will be a great RB the next few years.
2. Connor Barwin will be among the best hybrid pass rushers the next few years.
3. Brian Cushing will have many more seasons like the one he had as a rookie.
4. Glover Quin will become one of the best safeties in the NFL.
5. James Casey will be one of the few true difference-makers playing fullback in the NFL.
 
BullNation4Life said:
I think he means they need to prove something first before being "elite"...

just a hunch...
Click to expand...

Yep. Win games and make plays on the field in real games when it matters.

I know they have made changes and I definitely like the direction of the team but they need to prove to me that they aren't the same old Texans.
 
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