Vandermeer's blog for OTA Day One

[Kaiser Toro]

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/blogs.asp?post_id=150

My first reaction to seeing the new Texans work out at the Methodist Training Center was that it's great to have football back. My next one was that it was a tad strange to see the number 8 on another QB. Matt Schaub looks so physically different than the former number 8 but this is my sixth year coming to practice so I had to adjust my eyes a few times. Darius Walker wearing number 37 wasn't exactly easy either.

Schaub looked like he was getting his sea legs early in the 11-on-11 workouts then started to connect on some deep balls that will be very welcome when the action begins for real. Ahman Green is in tremendous shape and, with health, will enable the Texans to take the next step in the ground game. Right now I have no idea how good Jacoby Jones is going to be but he just has that look about him that says he's a player. We'll see.

Seeing Amobi Okoye and Mario Williams stand next to each other made me think of the awesome potential of these two. The Texans defense was in the top-10 if you separate the last 10 weeks of the season. This is after a three game start that had them about a hundred yards per game in dead last. Think of getting started this season with DeMeco and Mario no longer rookies and Okoye chipping in.

Jon Abbate looks small (5-11, 245) but ferocious. Undrafted rookie Brandon Mitchell (6-2, 205) is easy to spot at safety. C.C. Brown and Glenn Earl were the 'starters', but there is a lot going on behind them. Dexter McCleon got some safety work. So did Von Hutchins.

The most entertaining coach so far is D-line mentor Jethro Franklin. To a player needing to attack better: "Either you're going to have to deal with him or with me, and you don't want to deal with me." You had to be there. Trust me, it's all in the delivery.

Kailee Wong is done. It's sad to know that another original Texan is out. He came back from a knee injury that few thought was possible to overcome. He just couldn't stay back. He will be missed. The best Wong memory is making two sacks on Mark Brunell on the last possession in Jacksonville in '02 in the second ever Texan win. We also lose the fun pop culture connection of Kailee's brother-in-law Mario Lopez of Saved By The Bell fame.

 

[NFLforher]

Really good. Thanks for posting that.

 

[Double Barrel]

Good stuff!

Seeing Amobi Okoye and Mario Williams stand next to each other made me think of the awesome potential of these two. The Texans defense was in the top-10 if you separate the last 10 weeks of the season. This is after a three game start that had them about a hundred yards per game in dead last. Think of getting started this season with DeMeco and Mario no longer rookies and Okoye chipping in.

I'm stoked about our D next season. Our first 6 games last year were horrible, but I didn't realize how they stacked up in the last 10 games (top 10). I think they will hit the ground running this time around, having a year under their belt with Smith (and now Bush). Plus a second year DeMeco, a healthy Mario in his second year, and of course our rookie lineman....man, I can't wait to yell my arse off for this D!!

 

[studogg]

I wish I could accept Vandy as an objective observer, but I find it very hard. With that said, any info from OTA's is greatly appreciated.

 

[Second Honeymoon]

yeah, i want to hear about TJ, Greenwood, and some of the other 'bubble' players. I am curious to see if either of them can show enough to keep their jobs.

 

[NitroGSXR]

yeah, i want to hear about TJ, Greenwood, and some of the other 'bubble' players. I am curious to see if either of them can show enough to keep their jobs.

I wouldn't think that Morlon is on the bubble, is he? If so, who's in competition for his slot? I thought that I read that DeMeco and Morlon's jobs were not in jeopardy. We have maybe one of the deepest linebacking corps in the league but we don't have a 1-2 punch outside of DeMeco and Morlon.

Again, I'm not one of your 'gurus.' I'm just a fan looking from the outside and stating my views on the subject and welcome positive criticism. Just be nice about it. I've encountered some rather brash folks over the last couple of days. Dunno what that's all about.

 

[Double Barrel]

Again, I'm not one of your 'gurus.' I'm just a fan looking from the outside and stating my views on the subject and welcome positive criticism. Just be nice about it. I've encountered some rather brash folks over the last couple of days. Dunno what that's all about.

Truth be told, there are not many true 'gurus'...and the ones that are considered as such are very nice about it. I hate to hear that you've encountered the brash, but some people can be full of it, so I'd take it with a grain of salt.

But I agree with you about Greenwood. From what I've read, he is pencilled in as a starter. While I'm sure they'll all have to compete for their positions, I think it's his job to lose at the moment.

 

[Specnatz]

I wouldn't think that Morlon is on the bubble, is he? If so, who's in competition for his slot? I thought that I read that DeMeco and Morlon's jobs were not in jeopardy. We have maybe one of the deepest linebacking corps in the league but we don't have a 1-2 punch outside of DeMeco and Morlon.

Again, I'm not one of your 'gurus.' I'm just a fan looking from the outside and stating my views on the subject and welcome positive criticism. Just be nice about it. I've encountered some rather brash folks over the last couple of days. Dunno what that's all about.

It is the off season and some folks are just testy. Just hang in there and keep reading and do not let them get to ya. I will try and look and see if I can find any info on that for ya.

 

[Runner]

I'm stoked about our D next season. Our first 6 games last year were horrible, but I didn't realize how they stacked up in the last 10 games (top 10). I think they will hit the ground running this time around, having a year under their belt with Smith (and now Bush). Plus a second year DeMeco, a healthy Mario in his second year, and of course our rookie lineman....man,

I think when all is said and done this year, the Texans will have a personality. They will be known as a defensive team.

 

[TK_Gamer]

yeah, i want to hear about TJ, Greenwood, and some of the other 'bubble' players. I am curious to see if either of them can show enough to keep their jobs.

TJ I agree, although I dont really see Greenwood as a "bubble" player, I thought he played very well, and Kubiak stated the same thing last year and this year. but that's just my oppinion.

 

[whiskeyrbl]

I would agree that it is Morlon's job to lose. But if Clark or Barber out do him in TC, would not be surprised to see one of them in there come week one. Man it sure is nice to finally be able to talk about a team that seems to have some depth.

 

[Specnatz]

I would agree that it is Morlon's job to lose. But if Clark or Barber out do him in TC, would not be surprised to see one of them in there come week one. Man it sure is nice to finally be able to talk about a team that seems to have some depth.

Don't forget competition. Slack off and your job will be picking splinters out your butt on monday.

 

[TexansSeminole]

I think when all is said and done this year, the Texans will have a personality. They will be known as a defensive team.

You know what I agree with you and I am happy about it. I love the fact that we are building our defense up. But I am a defensive guy in any sport. You pick me in that weekly pick up game and I am playing defense for your team. I don't care if it's football, soccer, or even golf. The way I see it let's add some defense to that sport. Better believe I add some verbal defense when I play golf with my friends. There is no hushing up when people are taking their swing. That's just how my mind works. Defense rocks.

 

[brip]

i have a question, why do the rookies practice without a contract done yet, if they got hurt badly you would think they could lose a lot of money. is it insurace protecting them are what? thanks -rip

 

[NitroGSXR]

i have a question, why do the rookies practice without a contract done yet, if they got hurt badly you would think they could lose a lot of money. is it insurace protecting them are what? thanks -rip

I was actually wondering about that myself in my subconcious but I couldn't pull it out of my head. GREAT QUESTION!

I've been thinking about contracts a lot. See, I'm beginning to play fantasy football and contracts have just ignited a spark with my ethusiasm for trying to get out there. I consider myself to be pretty well versed with the college game (as a fan and only a fan) and I'm now moving on up to the big leagues outside of my beloved Houston Texans.

If I were Amobi, I wouldn't be at OTA even though it's an extremely light workout. He'd stand to lose millions if he were to just roll his ankle or have a Charles Spencer trip and fall on him. Augh! I'm loving a Spencer/Okoye match up. I sure can't wait for training camp.

Now, I'd just get a contract done. I wouldn't sweat the small details and pull a holdout but I'd do whatever it takes to get the contract signed but that's just me. Protecting yourself is ok but holding out isn't protecting yourself. It's sweating the small details.

 

[TexanSam]

Nice read, but I bet some beat reporter or sportscaster is saying the same thing about their own NFL team all over the league. Once preseason starts, then I'll get a little more excited.

 

[Second Honeymoon]

I wasn't saying that Greenwood was gone, but I was saying that he may be on the bubble if they can find someone to do the same thing for less money. Greenwood's deal is a Casserley deal so it is inherently a poor contract.

I am not hating on Greenwood, I am just thinking aloud that they may go for a cheaper alternative if they can find someone to step up.

Nitro, if people are giving you a hard time, dont worry about it. Your OK in my book

 

[rickyb]

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/blogs.asp?post_id=150

Undrafted rookie Brandon Mitchell (6-2, 205) is easy to spot at safety. C.C. Brown and Glenn Earl were the 'starters', but there is a lot going on behind them. Dexter McCleon got some safety work. So did Von Hutchins.

KT -- what did you mean "easy to spot at safety?" Was he over- or underperforming?

Thanks,
Rick

 

[Kaiser Toro]

KT -- what did you mean "easy to spot at safety?" Was he over- or underperforming?

Thanks,
Rick

Those words are Vandermeer's. I added nothing. But if I were going to go out on a limb and into Vandermeer's medulla oblongata I would venture to guess it is because he is big for Safety?

 

[Vinny]

I wasn't saying that Greenwood was gone, but I was saying that he may be on the bubble if they can find someone to do the same thing for less money. Greenwood's deal is a Casserley deal so it is inherently a poor contract.

I am not hating on Greenwood, I am just thinking aloud that they may go for a cheaper alternative if they can find someone to step up.

Nitro, if people are giving you a hard time, dont worry about it. Your OK in my book

I think Greenwood may be a casualty also...his cap hit doesn't represent the kind of player he is....it's too high for the goods he brings to the table.

 

[Second Honeymoon]

There was some great video (on ch13 Extra Points) of Schaub throwing the deep ball with touch and a few of Okoye working out. He looked ridiculously quick with his feet and hands on one drill they showed. We need more OTA footage....and in HD to boot

I wish I could have seen some Green footage at RB on the field. The guy looks to be in great shape but its always cool when you can get some footage. Supposedly, he is looking really promising.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

You know what I agree with you and I am happy about it. I love the fact that we are building our defense up. But I am a defensive guy in any sport. You pick me in that weekly pick up game and I am playing defense for your team. I don't care if it's football, soccer, or even golf. The way I see it let's add some defense to that sport. Better believe I add some verbal defense when I play golf with my friends. There is no hushing up when people are taking their swing. That's just how my mind works. Defense rocks.

I am with you on this one, I too am a very defensive minded sports person.

I love the idea that the Texans could be a feared defensive unit. Having a great defense will keep us in every game.

Defense indeed Rocks.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

I think Greenwood may be a casualty also...his cap hit doesn't represent the kind of player he is....it's too high for the goods he brings to the table.

I think your right. Greenwood has played decently for us but his cap number is at the upper end of our pay scale and he isn't quite at that level.

If some of the guys they have brought in as competition match him or close to it, Greenwood could be cap casualty.

Greenwood to get cut. (just an excuse to use this smiley for the first time)

 

[edo783]

I think your right. Greenwood has played decently for us but his cap number is at the upper end of our pay scale and he isn't quite at that level.
Greenwood to get cut. (just an excuse to use this smiley for the first time)

Medium player, paid at elite level = Charley Casserly. Did it time and again.

 

[ledzeppelin229]

Medium player, paid at elite level = Charley Casserly. Did it time and again.

I think Casserly was a wicked collaboration by the rest of the NFL Owners to make sure Houston stayed at the bottom for at least the first 5 years. No way that many teams recommended such a numbskull to McNair with honest intentions. Sort of a "Welcome to the NFL Ownership" rookie hazing.

 

[Rex King]

A four-year nuggie?

They certainly don't seem to have a lot of money to play with to sign the rookies, but that won't affect the rookie pool. They'll save a good chunk of cap room, but why cut Greenwood now unless they can sign another decent free agent at a position of need? I'm just trying to figure out how cutting him this year would benefit them instead of just releasing him next year. He wasn't great, but he did get better later in the season and was our 2nd best linebacker.

 

[TheRealJoker]

Greenwood actually had a solid season last year. Sure his contract demands DeMeco-like production, but im hoping that Smith can get him to restructure his deal at the end of the season. Its hard to find a solid starting linebacker (much less DeMeco) in the NFL these days, they cant all be superstars.

 

[beerlover]

Greenwood actually had a solid season last year. Sure his contract demands DeMeco-like production, but im hoping that Smith can get him to restructure his deal at the end of the season. Its hard to find a solid starting linebacker (much less DeMeco) in the NFL these days, they cant all be superstars.

I agree with therealjoker on this one, Morlon "has a spot on this team" (direct quote from Kubiak). he is a really great guy, excellent work ethic & has the tools along with the experience to be the starting weakside lb. if his cap number is so high thats its a detriment to the team but they like him look for the Texans to restructure his contract not cut him.

 

[real]

Greenwood actually had a solid season last year. Sure his contract demands DeMeco-like production, but im hoping that Smith can get him to restructure his deal at the end of the season. Its hard to find a solid starting linebacker (much less DeMeco) in the NFL these days, they cant all be superstars.

I think if you look at his stats it's really easy to dome to that conclusion...but I think if you look at the film, IMO, Greenwood is borderline terrible....Maybe a bit over the top, but for a WLB I don't think he made nearly enough plays...

I hope, and think they will cut him...

 

[infantrycak]

I think if you look at his stats it's really easy to dome to that conclusion...but I think if you look at the film, IMO, Greenwood is borderline terrible....Maybe a bit over the top, but for a WLB I don't think he made nearly enough plays...

I hope, and think they will cut him...

Assuming his play is as bad as you think, there is no cap benefit to cutting him this year.

 

[Hagar]

I think if you look at his stats it's really easy to dome to that conclusion...but I think if you look at the film, IMO, Greenwood is borderline terrible....Maybe a bit over the top, but for a WLB I don't think he made nearly enough plays...

I hope, and think they will cut him...

Granted he didn't have a bunch of sack nor interceptions, but he was 26th in the NFL in both solo and total tackles. I wouldn't call that borderline terrible. I would like to see more sacks from him but is that him or the defense we play. Do we blitz him alot or do we put him back in coverage more.

One things for sure, the guy gets his tackles. There's a lot to be said for that.

Anyway

 

[Specnatz]

Assuming his play is as bad as you think, there is no cap benefit to cutting him this year.

This a long the lines I think. I had at one time thought he would be cut about June 1 because of the salary cap. my question is how long is the deal he is playing under? what would be the cap hit if he is released after the season instead of before it?

 

[Vinny]

Granted he didn't have a bunch of sack nor interceptions, but he was 26th in the NFL in both solo and total tackles. I wouldn't call that borderline terrible. I would like to see more sacks from him but is that him or the defense we play. Do we blitz him alot or do we put him back in coverage more.

One things for sure, the guy gets his tackles. There's a lot to be said for that.

Anyway

Tackles by themselves are a misleading stat...frankly, stats are very misleading in football....but I rant about this too much...

for instance...Jay Foreman was always among the NFL league leaders in tackles when he was here...but he couldn't get a job as a starter when he left here. I'm not even sure he is still in the league anymore. If you can't get off the field and you can't make tackles at the line of scrimmage...you are going to have a lot of tackles.

 

[Scooter]

I think if you look at his stats it's really easy to dome to that conclusion...but I think if you look at the film, IMO, Greenwood is borderline terrible....Maybe a bit over the top, but for a WLB I don't think he made nearly enough plays...

I hope, and think they will cut him...

i'm in agreement here. greenwood is this team's jay foreman. he cant shed blockers, he's a major liability in coverage, and seems to just sit and wait for the play to come to him. sure he gets his stats, but like foreman they come after the fact instead of making plays. he makes for great depth as a backup, but that's definitely an area to upgrade ... especially for the price. greenwood has $4,200,000 due in bonuses according to hpf so it might end up costing us if we cut him this year (i'm not sure how the cap works exactly though), but i highly doubt he's on the 2008 roster.

 

[infantrycak]

This a long the lines I think. I had at one time thought he would be cut about June 1 because of the salary cap. my question is how long is the deal he is playing under? what would be the cap hit if he is released after the season instead of before it?

Greenwood is signed through 2009. He has a prorated cap hit for his signing bonus of $1.4 mil (scooter that is money he has already been paid not money he is due in the future). $4.2 mil to cut him this year, $2.8 mil to cut him next year. There would be a minor savings of a few hundred grand to cut him this year.

 

[Specnatz]

Greenwood is signed through 2009. He has a prorated cap hit for his signing bonus of $1.4 mil (scooter that is money he has already been paid not money he is due in the future). $4.2 mil to cut him this year, $2.8 mil to cut him next year. There would be a minor savings of a few hundred grand to cut him this year.

Sounda like he is here for this year at the least and then cut next year. The $1.4 is not much in the NFL but It is not like we have anyone better at this point in time. Besides if someone beats him out in training camp he will just be a abck-up and or special teams player for the year.

 

[Second Honeymoon]

Greenwood is signed through 2009. He has a prorated cap hit for his signing bonus of $1.4 mil (scooter that is money he has already been paid not money he is due in the future). $4.2 mil to cut him this year, $2.8 mil to cut him next year. There would be a minor savings of a few hundred grand to cut him this year.

and the money we saved would have to be spent on a replacement...so basically no savings...imho I just want the best team on the field. if we find someone who is better, I think RS would cut him to send a message, set things up for next year, and to give a better player an opportunity.

he wasn't horrible last year but he is wayyyy overpaid. maybe one day all this dead money will go away...thanks asserley

 

[HuttoKarl]

Tackles by themselves are a misleading stat...frankly, stats are very misleading in football....but I rant about this too much...

for instance...Jay Foreman was always among the NFL league leaders in tackles when he was here...but he couldn't get a job as a starter when he left here. I'm not even sure he is still in the league anymore. If you can't get off the field and you can't make tackles at the line of scrimmage...you are going to have a lot of tackles.

DeMeco won the DROY based on tackles. Zach Thomas has been to the pro-bowl many times based on tackles.

 

[Vinny]

DeMeco won the DROY based on tackles. Zach Thomas has been to the pro-bowl many times based on tackles.

no, he won Droy based on making plays...he made awesome plays at the LOS, behind the LOS, in space...and with is superior blitzing skills. The tackles are just a statistic people like to throw around. In no way does DeMeco's game look anything like Foreman or Greenwoods game if you watch the games. Making a tackle at the LOS looks the same as Greenwood and Foreman with a 7 yard down field spider-monkey tackle when you browse a stat sheet.

 

[Scooter]

Greenwood is signed through 2009. He has a prorated cap hit for his signing bonus of $1.4 mil (scooter that is money he has already been paid not money he is due in the future). $4.2 mil to cut him this year, $2.8 mil to cut him next year. There would be a minor savings of a few hundred grand to cut him this year.

i'm not sure i understand. i got $4.2mil from the $1.4mil bonuses due from 2007 through 2009. if that's already been paid, which 4.2 are you using?

i'm the first to admit that i need a lesson in capology (so i'm just asking questions, dont quote me as truth), but cant we also split the cap hit over the next two years? i'd rather keep him this year and cut him next year regardless because we need depth and i'd like to minimize dead money ... but wouldnt that $2.1mil hit this season end up being about a $1.1mil savings when taken from his $3.2mil salary?

 

[infantrycak]

i'm not sure i understand. i got $4.2mil from the $1.4mil bonuses due from 2007 through 2009. if that's already been paid, which 4.2 are you using?

That is prorated signing bonus, i.e. they took his signing bonus which was paid up front and divided it by the number of years of the contract and account for a prorated portion each year. If a player is cut or traded all the remaining signing bonus which has not already been charged to the cap has to be accounted for so in his case three years at $1.4 mil per year as it currently stands. No new money involved, just cap accounting.

 

[Kaiser Toro]

DeMeco won the DROY based on tackles. Zach Thomas has been to the pro-bowl many times based on tackles.

There are two things to look at when handing out hardware, the How (activity/behavior) and the Why (productivity). No doubt that tackles are part of that equation (productivity), but only watching those games and garnering feedback from folks who watch will provide the How.

Vince Young was the opposite due to the nature of his position, and being on offense, with the obvious impact that he made in the How, but not the Why against his cohorts.

 

[Scooter]

That is prorated signing bonus, i.e. they took his signing bonus which was paid up front and divided it by the number of years of the contract and account for a prorated portion each year. If a player is cut or traded all the remaining signing bonus which has not already been charged to the cap has to be accounted for so in his case three years at $1.4 mil per year as it currently stands. No new money involved, just cap accounting.

gotcha. i must be wording it incorrectly because that's what i meant. thanks for the clarification infantrycak.

 

[real]

Assuming his play is as bad as you think, there is no cap benefit to cutting him this year.

Was there a cap benefit to cutting Moulds ? or Wand ?

Honest question because I don't know, but it seems to me that the cap benefits isn't always the key ?

 

[real]

Granted he didn't have a bunch of sack nor interceptions, but he was 26th in the NFL in both solo and total tackles. I wouldn't call that borderline terrible. I would like to see more sacks from him but is that him or the defense we play. Do we blitz him alot or do we put him back in coverage more.

One things for sure, the guy gets his tackles. There's a lot to be said for that.

Anyway

Greenwood is a WLB that played next to Demeco and behind Mario. I expect any NFL caliber player in that situation to be able to get a lot of tackles. Overall the guy had little to no impact on most of the games...

I don't see where the Greenwood love is coming from...I really don't think he's anything special...He's especially not special enough for the money he's recieving...He's the kind of player that's invisible on Sundays but makes a lot of noise on the stat sheet on Mondays....I don't know about you, but I'd rather have the opposite...

 

[real]

Making a tackle at the LOS looks the same as Greenwood and Foreman with a 7 yard down field spider-monkey tackle when you browse a stat sheet.

LMAO!! BWWWAAAHAAAAA!!!

Vinny.....you're gonna get me in trouble....

 

[aj.]

I don't see where the Greenwood love is coming from......

Some of it's coming from Kubiak. And this isn't the first positive thing he's said about him. Just the most recent:

Morlon (Greenwood) played well and Morlon has a spot on this football team

- Kubiak

http://www.houstontexans.com/community/Story.asp?story_id=3358

Keeping in mind while reading that Kubiak won't hesitiate to challenge players publicly if he doesn't think they are playing to their potential. In other words, based on his history of comments on G'wood I don't think he's feeding us pablum.

Shawn Barber jerseys hanging in the gift shop is a bit curious.

 

[real]

Some of it's coming from Kubiak. And this isn't the first positive thing he's said about him. Just the most recent:



http://www.houstontexans.com/community/Story.asp?story_id=3358

Keeping in mind while reading that Kubiak won't hesitiate to challenge players publicly if he doesn't think they are playing to their potential. In other words, I don't think he's feeding us pabalum.

Shawn Barber jerseys hanging in the gift shop is a bit curious.

We know who our middle linebacker is and Morlon (Greenwood) played well and Morlon has a spot on this football team, but, we have very good competition at the linebacker spot this year and that is a good thing for our team. Who the final three will be, we’ll wait and see.”

IMO, that's not a ringing endorsement. In fact, it sounds like the opposite. Normally when people follow a statement up with 'but' it normally negates what they just said...

I don't get how that is a positive comment ?

 

[aj.]

I don't get how that is a positive comment ?

I'm sure if given the choice of being released or "having a spot on the team," Morlon would view Kubiak's words as a positive, given the context of him not being the bonafide irreplacable starter, which he obviously isn't and which he already knows.

 

[real]

I'm sure if given the choice of being released or "having a spot on the team," Morlon would view Kubiak's words as a positive, given the context of him not being the bonafide irreplacable starter, which he obviously isn't and which he already knows.

He's already overpaid for his production as a starter....

Don't you think he'd be a tad bit overpaid as a back-up ????

Big contract + backup doesn't normally = roster spot

I don't really take things that Kubiak says at face value because he's said things of that nature about other players that are no longer on the team...They signed Moulds then cut him...said David was 'the man'...cut him...Talked about Payne's leadership....cut him....

I honestly don't see Greenwood being around much longer.