Last year the Texans seemed to make a mistake as they handled the uncertainty surrounding DW’s ability to contribute to the team. If we board members can do without the hindsight and the “I knew he wouldn’t play” statements, we may remember that there were mixed reports during the pre-season concerning his knee.
There were reports that his knee was hurt, but with rest it would be all right. This led many to think Williams may have had a phantom training camp injury many veterans have during two-a-days - a variation on the almost proverbial “sore hamstring”. Later on his knee had to be drained after he did any drills, and pessimism started to rule. It wasn’t until his own bone-on-bone interview that the fans finally understood he was likely done.
The problem is, the team acted like they weren’t prepared for his unavailability either. They did not make a strong, or even middling move in free agency on a running back. They passed up on a highly rated running back in the draft. This made many fans comfortable with the fact the Davis was probably returning. When it became obvious that Williams wouldn’t play, they made a late acquisition of the injured Dayne and questionable trade with Green Bay to shore up the RB situation. Whether or not Dayne produced at the end of the season when healthy isn’t the question here. The point is that the Texans entered the season weak at running back because they weren’t prepared to replace Williams. Although the Texans were supposed to be a running team they entered the season in disarray. They didn’t have established runners that had practiced during the pre-season with the o-line.
This year they have much of the same situation with Spencer. Reports of his injury are sporadic and inconsistent. He may be healthy to start camp, he may start on IR, he might be done for his career.
Whatever Spencer’s status, the team is repeating some of its Williams actions. They didn’t make a strong or middling move in free agency for a starting left tackle. At best they made a middling move for a back-up. If they don’t draft a tackle, they will have Black and Salaam at one tackle and Winston at the other if Spencer doesn’t start the season. Since the coaches seem set on Winston at right tackle, that means they are going with Salaam or Black at the critical left tackle spot if Spencer is injured. Salaam was adequate last year because the team mostly ran three or less step drops. If they want to run a normal passing game with frequent five and seven step drops, both Salaam and Black will be liabilities as long term starters. If Spencer doesn’t come back at the start of the year which appears likely, the Texans look like they will have to start a weak left tackle or scramble to make a move as the season starts.
Are the Texans repeating the same mistake as last year? Do they plan on drafting an instant starter left tackle? Do they understand how Spencer really feels, or is it in the player’s best interest to be optimistic toward the team during rehab? Is this all moot because Spencer is fine?
There were reports that his knee was hurt, but with rest it would be all right. This led many to think Williams may have had a phantom training camp injury many veterans have during two-a-days - a variation on the almost proverbial “sore hamstring”. Later on his knee had to be drained after he did any drills, and pessimism started to rule. It wasn’t until his own bone-on-bone interview that the fans finally understood he was likely done.
The problem is, the team acted like they weren’t prepared for his unavailability either. They did not make a strong, or even middling move in free agency on a running back. They passed up on a highly rated running back in the draft. This made many fans comfortable with the fact the Davis was probably returning. When it became obvious that Williams wouldn’t play, they made a late acquisition of the injured Dayne and questionable trade with Green Bay to shore up the RB situation. Whether or not Dayne produced at the end of the season when healthy isn’t the question here. The point is that the Texans entered the season weak at running back because they weren’t prepared to replace Williams. Although the Texans were supposed to be a running team they entered the season in disarray. They didn’t have established runners that had practiced during the pre-season with the o-line.
This year they have much of the same situation with Spencer. Reports of his injury are sporadic and inconsistent. He may be healthy to start camp, he may start on IR, he might be done for his career.
Whatever Spencer’s status, the team is repeating some of its Williams actions. They didn’t make a strong or middling move in free agency for a starting left tackle. At best they made a middling move for a back-up. If they don’t draft a tackle, they will have Black and Salaam at one tackle and Winston at the other if Spencer doesn’t start the season. Since the coaches seem set on Winston at right tackle, that means they are going with Salaam or Black at the critical left tackle spot if Spencer is injured. Salaam was adequate last year because the team mostly ran three or less step drops. If they want to run a normal passing game with frequent five and seven step drops, both Salaam and Black will be liabilities as long term starters. If Spencer doesn’t come back at the start of the year which appears likely, the Texans look like they will have to start a weak left tackle or scramble to make a move as the season starts.
Are the Texans repeating the same mistake as last year? Do they plan on drafting an instant starter left tackle? Do they understand how Spencer really feels, or is it in the player’s best interest to be optimistic toward the team during rehab? Is this all moot because Spencer is fine?
