Texans interested in RB Chris Brown | Update: Signed

[HoustonFrog]

That's what I was thinking as soon as I heard they were looking at Brown.

Yup. I mean as it is now..it is a cluster...is Green healthy..did we get a good look at Taylor before his injury...Dayne is slow and not a breakaway guy but he has done well for him...etc, etc. With how I laid it out, you definitely have upgraded and you pretty much have a pecking order without the question marks.

 

[GP]

We had an awful team when Capers left. Nothing worked.

Kubiak and staff have done a great job at stabilizing our passing game.

What is it, about the running back situation, that's been so difficult for them to solve? Outside of Domanick Davis (which was a total surprise, btw) we have not had a true running back--In fact, DD was pretty good, but not a game-changer...he was a guy who grinded out yards, picked up what was needed to keep the chains moving, and rescued David Carr over and over. And I understand that Taylor came on strong at the end of the 06 season, was looking like he might be able to take the job over, but had the season-ender in camp in 07.

I'm not even a Warrick Dunn fan, but Warrick Dunn (to me) made more sense than Chris Brown. Warrick is amazingly durable, was with Gibbs, and had to be a better option than Chris Brown (regardless of contract details).

All I have to say is that I will be watching on draft day to see what positions are drafted. Gruden is stockpiling QBs and we make fun of him for it...but we're stockpiling RBs and it's OK to a lot of fans. If that's not being a blinded homer for our team, then nothing is.

If you have to stock a position as deep as we are, with RBs, then doesn't it really say "we don't know how to scout and evaluate RBs...let's just get a whole bunch of them and see how it all works out..."?

Because I have felt, over the past two seasons, that Kubiak doesn't know running back talent. It has felt like he's just nabbing players and throwing them out there to see what sticks. That's bad for the timing and continuity of the o-line.

I hope Gibbs is still a miracle worker.

 

[El Tejano]

I think Dickerson was 6'3" also...he was not a normal run of the mill back and I haven't seen anyone like him since him. Calvin Hill also ran well and he ran bolt upright. Brown has good cut and run ability. He should do well here when healthy.

Chris Browns running style reminds me more of OJ Simpson. When he was playing.

 

[Fox]

All I have to say is that I will be watching on draft day to see what positions are drafted. Gruden is stockpiling QBs and we make fun of him for it...but we're stockpiling RBs and it's OK to a lot of fans. If that's not being a blinded homer for our team, then nothing is.

As soon as teams start switching over to the Quarterback by committee offense in the NFL we can stop poking fun at Gruden for his QB grubbing ways. Many of the most successful running games in the league have atleast 2 good backs to carry the load, and considering the beating those guys take I won't complain about having too many backs.

 

[dalemurphy]

We had an awful team when Capers left. Nothing worked.

Kubiak and staff have done a great job at stabilizing our passing game.

What is it, about the running back situation, that's been so difficult for them to solve? Outside of Domanick Davis (which was a total surprise, btw) we have not had a true running back--In fact, DD was pretty good, but not a game-changer...he was a guy who grinded out yards, picked up what was needed to keep the chains moving, and rescued David Carr over and over. And I understand that Taylor came on strong at the end of the 06 season, was looking like he might be able to take the job over, but had the season-ender in camp in 07.

I'm not even a Warrick Dunn fan, but Warrick Dunn (to me) made more sense than Chris Brown. Warrick is amazingly durable, was with Gibbs, and had to be a better option than Chris Brown (regardless of contract details).

All I have to say is that I will be watching on draft day to see what positions are drafted. Gruden is stockpiling QBs and we make fun of him for it...but we're stockpiling RBs and it's OK to a lot of fans. If that's not being a blinded homer for our team, then nothing is.

If you have to stock a position as deep as we are, with RBs, then doesn't it really say "we don't know how to scout and evaluate RBs...let's just get a whole bunch of them and see how it all works out..."?

Because I have felt, over the past two seasons, that Kubiak doesn't know running back talent. It has felt like he's just nabbing players and throwing them out there to see what sticks. That's bad for the timing and continuity of the o-line.

I hope Gibbs is still a miracle worker.

You're totally missing it! As you said, the team was awful two years ago. In addition it lost DDavis. So, the job for this staff in two seasons has been to totally repair the offensive and defensive lines, find a QB, compliment AJ, find a TE, build a LB unit, build a secondary around Dunta, and find a RB. Oh, and also teach this team how to win.

As if all of that wasn't difficult enough, they've been in cap hell because of ridiculous decisions made by the previous regime. They've successful done almost all of that list despite the cap predicament. Limited resources hasn't allowed them to do it all. RB is a position that has suffered. Last year's FA market was barron.... It was basically AGreen or Henry. They chose Green. They haven't used anything more than a 6th round pick on a RB and he didn't work out. However, in addition to two modest veteran signings: Green and Brown, they have two promising Undrafted Free Agents that may make an impact this year.

My point is, it's not that they've missed on evaluations of RBs, it's that they've been unable to spend resources on them yet.

 

[GP]

Malloy, don't go there, GP thought Carr was great, thinks Kubes is a bad coach and is transitional, thinks Sage is a savior and many other things.

As far the situation. There is nothing not to like. We didn't break the bank for the guy. He was coached up in Colorado's system by Gibbs when he was with Denver. He is probably the most talented back we have now. I think the way it plays out is instead of having 4-5 RBs that you are trying to figure out, you have Brown and Green splitting carries to keep each other fresh and healthy. You then draft a guy...maybe not 1st round...and you have those 3 and maybe Taylor. It is an upgrade in talent and we don't have a logjam of 5 guys who are mediocre. That's how I see them working it.

Seriously?

You think it plays out in a way where those two guys are spelling each other? Goodness, look at Chris Brown's attendance record. Please. He's just all of a sudden going to change? No way, man. I'll take the other side of your theory and say that Darius Walker and Chris Taylor will be the ones switching in and out.

Two years in a row we have taken a gamble on a talented runner who won't be healthy enough to make a lasting contribution. And two years in a row, people are trying to rationalize and justify it.

At least with my support of Carr, there was some reasoning behind it: Could Kubiak reform David Carr in a new system...could he do what he did with other QBs?" In addition, I am not in love with Sage as you have tried to paint it: I want an open competition and a chance for the QB to win the job and to not be crowned AS HAPPENED WITH DAVID CARR. For all of the times you try to say that I lie and distort facts, you sure spend a lot of time doing the same thing to me.

Two years in a row we have posters who parrot each other and pat each other on the back in regards to us signing a worthless running back. This must be Chris Brown's last stop in the NFL for as cheap as he signed.

And, I guess we'll all be scrambling on the football websites (and this one, too) on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings...trying to find out whether Ahman or Brown is the one playing on Sunday. Is that how you want to spend your time? Trying to find out who's healthy enough to play each Sunday?

(A) Taylor had a knee issue. Is it OK? Will it aggrevate and bench him?

(B) Ahman lasts exactly three plays in each game before getting banged up.

(C) Chris Brown is a total enigma, splitting time with Henry and White.

(D) That leaves Darius Walker who was cut, re-signed, and didn't look too bad in the limited time he had with us at the end of the season. From the posts I saw, I didn't see too many people with high hopes for him. I was not anticipating anything special from him.

Our running back situation is far from being stable. Not even with a RBBC situation. Sorry to be the pessimist (again). If you guys would level out your pie-in-the-sky outlooks on the perpetually awful condition of our running back crew, then I'd shut up. But there's just not a level of honesty going on here, with yourselves and with the others on the board, in terms of how bad it is. It's not good. Period. Gibbs and LUCK will save us.

 

[bigbrewster2000]

We had an awful team when Capers left. Nothing worked.

Kubiak and staff have done a great job at stabilizing our passing game.

What is it, about the running back situation, that's been so difficult for them to solve? Outside of Domanick Davis (which was a total surprise, btw) we have not had a true running back--In fact, DD was pretty good, but not a game-changer...he was a guy who grinded out yards, picked up what was needed to keep the chains moving, and rescued David Carr over and over. And I understand that Taylor came on strong at the end of the 06 season, was looking like he might be able to take the job over, but had the season-ender in camp in 07.

I'm not even a Warrick Dunn fan, but Warrick Dunn (to me) made more sense than Chris Brown. Warrick is amazingly durable, was with Gibbs, and had to be a better option than Chris Brown (regardless of contract details).What makes you think Dunn wanted to even come here? He sure seemed to sign with Tampa pretty quick. And besides that he is old.

All I have to say is that I will be watching on draft day to see what positions are drafted. Gruden is stockpiling QBs and we make fun of him for it...but we're stockpiling RBs and it's OK to a lot of fans. If that's not being a blinded homer for our team, then nothing is. Its called upgrading talent. As much as people like Walker and Taylor, one of those guys will not be on the roster come opening day.

If you have to stock a position as deep as we are, with RBs, then doesn't it really say "we don't know how to scout and evaluate RBs...let's just get a whole bunch of them and see how it all works out..."?Since when have we ever been deep at Running back?

Because I have felt, over the past two seasons, that Kubiak doesn't know running back talent. It has felt like he's just nabbing players and throwing them out there to see what sticks. That's bad for the timing and continuity of the o-line. Who in the last 2 seasons would you have brought in instead of the guys that we did?

I hope Gibbs is still a miracle worker.

Brown's contract says backup to me. And that being said, I have no understanding as to why a backup signing has you so pissed. If you want to be pissed after they draft a RB then fine, but hold off until then.

And aswer peoples questions for once. Alot of people on here ask you legitimate questions that you just blow off by continuing to repeat the rant that you started off with, and the adding nothing else to the discussion. I think for the most part we would all tolerate your specific brand of pessimism, if you didnt talk down to people so much, and just assume that you opinion is the only right one.

By the way saying that you want to fist fight people that think this is a good signing (which I do, for what it is) is rediculuos. Get over yourself. You act like you are 13 instead of 31 sometimes.

 

[beerlover]

I'm willing to give Gibbs his chance to prove everyone wrong. unfortunately we have to wait 5-6 months for the season to start, thats 5-6 months to beat each other up

 

[GP]

You're totally missing it! As you said, the team was awful two years ago. In addition it lost DDavis. So, the job for this staff in two seasons has been to totally repair the offensive and defensive lines, find a QB, compliment AJ, find a TE, build a LB unit, build a secondary around Dunta, and find a RB. Oh, and also teach this team how to win.

As if all of that wasn't difficult enough, they've been in cap hell because of ridiculous decisions made by the previous regime. They've successful done almost all of that list despite the cap predicament. Limited resources hasn't allowed them to do it all. RB is a position that has suffered. Last year's FA market was barron.... It was basically AGreen or Henry. They chose Green. They haven't used anything more than a 6th round pick on a RB and he didn't work out. However, in addition to two modest veteran signings: Green and Brown, they have two promising Undrafted Free Agents that may make an impact this year.

My point is, it's not that they've missed on evaluations of RBs, it's that they've been unable to spend resources on them yet.

There's not enough drafts, for Kubiak, to obtain everything that Capers/Casserly tainted--Kubiak is squarely behind an 8-ball here. Kubiak (an offense-minded guy) has been pretty gracious to concede two straight years of 1st rounders on defense (Mario and Amobi), where it was needed the most.

But how much you want to bet that we draft ANYTHING but a RB in the 1st round this year? I will. Kubiak will not draft a RB high in the draft. Never. Not even if it's BPA at that particular spot.

There's an arrogance there, IMO. There's a Shanahan ego situation where Kubiak thinks like his mentor thinks: I can plug anybody into the system.

My big gripe is that we ain't drafting a touted RB in the 1st round. I bet we'd even pass on Mendenhall if he was there for us.

I see us going CB. Or, at least, a defensive player in some capacity.

And that's my whole beef: Due to bad management pre-Kubiak, there's simply no room for mistakes in free agency, not even to muddy the water with a cheap RB. And there's even less wiggle room in the drafts. This is, after all, if we're talking about the Texans becoming a legitimate contender. Othwerise, we're bottom of the barrell...once more. It's the way it's playing out in the AFC South right now--It's a tough crowd.

 

[Vinny]

Chris Browns running style reminds me more of OJ Simpson. When he was playing.

OJ was a much stronger runner inside, more explosive and was more physically imposing....not to mention his "slashing style" of running (couldn't resist).

 

[badboy]

This signing is cheap for a possible high reward like other players at other positions. Good competition. 10-12 carries by Brown @ 4yds avg will be acceptable. I see Brown as a third down back with enough speed to break one sort of a cheaper and younger Green. TC is where it comes together. I see Green likely a June 1st cut to save $3.8 million cap unless Brown collapses & Walker or Taylor are disappointing. I still see a ZBS type back on 2nd day.

With Stewart a ? with his toe requiring surgery, Kevin Smith and Forte are looking better.

 

[GP]

Brown's contract says backup to me. And that being said, I have no understanding as to why a backup signing has you so pissed. If you want to be pissed after they draft a RB then fine, but hold off until then.

And aswer peoples questions for once. Alot of people on here ask you legitimate questions that you just blow off by continuing to repeat the rant that you started off with, and the adding nothing else to the discussion. I think for the most part we would all tolerate your specific brand of pessimism, if you didnt talk down to people so much, and just assume that you opinion is the only right one.

By the way saying that you want to fist fight people that think this is a good signing (which I do, for what it is) is rediculuos. Get over yourself. You act like you are 13 instead of 31 sometimes.

Well, if you missed the sarcasm with the smiley I provided...then blame yourself for that one. In the old days, in the bginning of the original houstontexans.com board, I actually had a guy replying to me and ASKING me to meet him at a truck stop to fight him. Seriously.

Look, I am going to lay this down. I don't want the thread getting locked up because everyone's battling me, or I'm battling them. I am going to try and use restraint.

It's just that there's a lot of parroting going on here. A lot of people rubber-stamping the RB situation, believing that it's workable. I disagree.

 

[Texans Pride]

LOL. I hate this team. We are so retarded when it comes to running backs.

We don't think too much of you either. We should cut the tie and count our losses before we get to deep.

Goodbye and good luck.

 

[HoustonFrog]

Seriously?

You think it plays out in a way where those two guys are spelling each other? Goodness, look at Chris Brown's attendance record. Please. He's just all of a sudden going to change? No way, man. I'll take the other side of your theory and say that Darius Walker and Chris Taylor will be the ones switching in and out.
Two years in a row we have taken a gamble on a talented runner who won't be healthy enough to make a lasting contribution. And two years in a row, people are trying to rationalize and justify it.

At least with my support of Carr, there was some reasoning behind it: Could Kubiak reform David Carr in a new system...could he do what he did with other QBs?" In addition, I am not in love with Sage as you have tried to paint it: I want an open competition and a chance for the QB to win the job and to not be crowned AS HAPPENED WITH DAVID CARR. For all of the times you try to say that I lie and distort facts, you sure spend a lot of time doing the same thing to me.

Two years in a row we have posters who parrot each other and pat each other on the back in regards to us signing a worthless running back. This must be Chris Brown's last stop in the NFL for as cheap as he signed.

And, I guess we'll all be scrambling on the football websites (and this one, too) on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings...trying to find out whether Ahman or Brown is the one playing on Sunday. Is that how you want to spend your time? Trying to find out who's healthy enough to play each Sunday?

(A) Taylor had a knee issue. Is it OK? Will it aggrevate and bench him?

(B) Ahman lasts exactly three plays in each game before getting banged up.

(C) Chris Brown is a total enigma, splitting time with Henry and White.

(D) That leaves Darius Walker who was cut, re-signed, and didn't look too bad in the limited time he had with us at the end of the season. From the posts I saw, I didn't see too many people with high hopes for him. I was not anticipating anything special from him.

Our running back situation is far from being stable. Not even with a RBBC situation. Sorry to be the pessimist (again). If you guys would level out your pie-in-the-sky outlooks on the perpetually awful condition of our running back crew, then I'd shut up. But there's just not a level of honesty going on here, with yourselves and with the others on the board, in terms of how bad it is. It's not good. Period. Gibbs and LUCK will save us.

Seriously, I'm not sure where you get your info or where you theories come from but do you really think that Kubes and Smith would go after another RB if they thought Walker and Taylor would split?I mean give me a break. My scenario actually makes alot of sense. You have Green who was never injured until a year before we got him and last year. He still has talent and is getting a little older. He knows the system. You have Chris Brown, the most talented of the bunch , who played at Colorado and was taught Gibbs system at Colorado. If you have two guys who get banged up, yet are talented..you split them and keep them fresh. Its pretty simple. You are probably drafting a back and still have Taylor. In your world we would just keep rotating backups and 3rd stringers.

BTW. you don't thionk Gibbs signed off on this...he coached the kid up in his system!!

 

[Fox]

GP, you love to play the me vs. the world card, even when it's not there. Have you read through this entire thread? There are very, very few "pie-in-the-sky", Chris Brown is the man and is going to save our running game posts. There are quite a few oh ok, he was cheap and could help us if he stays healthy, ok but not great signing posts. If you would stop trying to polarize everyone's opinions into black and white you might realize that we all agree more than you seem to acknowledge.

 

[HoustonFrog]

We don't think too much of you either. We should cut the tie and count our losses before we get to deep.

Goodbye and good luck.

Thanks for saying it. I don't like that he calls things "retarded" either.

 

[bigbrewster2000]

Well, if you missed the sarcasm with the smiley I provided...then blame yourself for that one. In the old days, in the bginning of the original houstontexans.com board, I actually had a guy replying to me and ASKING me to meet him at a truck stop to fight him. Seriously.

Look, I am going to lay this down. I don't want the thread getting locked up because everyone's battling me, or I'm battling them. I am going to try and use restraint.

It's just that there's a lot of parroting going on here. A lot of people rubber-stamping the RB situation, believing that it's workable. I disagree.

I am really not trying to battle you just trying to get you to answer questions. I am not rubber stamping anything either, I just dont see any reason to get ticked about a backup RB being signed to the team.

And you did further my other points by choosing to ignore the questions I asked.

 

[GP]

Seriously, I'm not sure where you get your info or where you theories come from but do you really think that Kubes and Smith would go after another RB if they thought Walker and Taylor would split?I mean give me a break. My scenario actually makes alot of sense. You have Green who was never injured until a year before we got him and last year. He still has talent and is getting a little older. He knows the system. You have Chris Brown, the most talented of the bunch , who played at Colorado and was taught Gibbs system at Colorado. If you have two guys who get banged up, yet are talented..you split them and keep them fresh. Its pretty simple. You are probably drafting a back and still have Taylor. In your world we would just keep rotating backups and 3rd stringers.

BTW. you don't thionk Gibbs signed off on this...he coached the kid up in his system!!

Frog:

In a true spirit (from me) to discuss the issues and separate the personalities from it, here's my response:

(A) I just dislike putting faith in banged up players. I see a potential pattern in your analysis of our players: You and I disagree on Matt Schaub--I personally think he's injury-prone and not going to be able to last due to his playing style/shortcomings that will always endanger him. You think I'm a turd for suggesting it (fair to say?).

(B) I would rather have Walker and Taylor (hopefully he's healed) than two guys who are seemingly always M.I.A., and you are thinking that at least one of them will be healthy at all times.

Being an analytical guy, I conclude that you're always putting faith and "uspide" in high priority.

I guess I've had my soul crushed too many times, with this team, to really feel safe in the idea of placing stock in what I'm told about RB acquisitions.

I also think we draft a RB...but it'll be so late in the draft that it's going to take a miracle un-earthing of Terrell Davis proportions to make any difference.

 

[GP]

I am really not trying to battle you just trying to get you to answer questions. I am not rubber stamping anything either, I just dont see any reason to get ticked about a backup RB being signed to the team.

And you did further my other points by choosing to ignore the questions I asked.

If we were serious, we'd have signed Warrick Dunn who is arguably more durable than Ahman and Brown put together. Plus, as Frog says about Brown having been in Colorado's system under Gibbs, Dunn was also in the Gibbs system and the stories say that Gibbs took the Falcons from being a bad running team to being a lot better.

Yeah, I'm ticked off that we signed a cripple. Regardless of contract or roster depth. Like I said: Gibbs and LUCK will be needed.

 

[El Tejano]

OJ was a much stronger runner inside, more explosive and was more physically imposing....not to mention his "slashing style" of running (couldn't resist).

I guess what I mean is Stride. Their strides are similar. OJ did run up more too though but mostly after the LOS>

 

[GP]

GP, you love to play the me vs. the world card, even when it's not there. Have you read through this entire thread? There are very, very few "pie-in-the-sky", Chris Brown is the man and is going to save our running game posts. There are quite a few oh ok, he was cheap and could help us if he stays healthy, ok but not great signing posts. If you would stop trying to polarize everyone's opinions into black and white you might realize that we all agree more than you seem to acknowledge.

There needs to be more "What?! Again?" posts.

It's like we used all of our anger and outtrage on David Carr, and now that he's gone...well, anything we do has got be better or smarter. I just don't see very much open criticism of a move that adds virtually no long-term payoff for us.

And for as much as we hate being laughed at, by the media and by co-workers etc., I really thought we'd all agree to not be so gullible about these sorts of signings anymore. His position on the RB depth chart is of no consequence to me. It's another bad move.

 

[Errant Hothy]

Frog:

In a true spirit (from me) to discuss the issues and separate the personalities from it, here's my response:

(A) I just dislike putting faith in banged up players. I see a potential pattern in your analysis of our players: You and I disagree on Matt Schaub--I personally think he's injury-prone and not going to be able to last due to his playing style/shortcomings that will always endanger him. You think I'm a turd for suggesting it (fair to say?).

(B) I would rather have Walker and Taylor (hopefully he's healed) than two guys who are seemingly always M.I.A., and you are thinking that at least one of them will be healthy at all times.

Being an analytical guy, I conclude that you're always putting faith and "uspide" in high priority.

I guess I've had my soul crushed too many times, with this team, to really feel safe in the idea of placing stock in what I'm told about RB acquisitions.

I also think we draft a RB...but it'll be so late in the draft that it's going to take a miracle un-earthing of Terrell Davis proportions to make any difference.

So which is it? You don't like banged up players or like Taylor who has had an injury worse then either Green or Brown?

In an earlier post you basically screamed that Kubiak would never draft a RB in the 1st round. My question (and I know the odds of you answering it are low) is how do you reconcile that comment with the fact that the Texans/Kubiak were trying to trade back up to draft DeAngelo Willimas.

In addition to that when have we ever been in a position where a RB was the BPA on the baord when we drafted inthe 1st (under Kubiak and Smith)? Willaims over Bush was the right decsion. I think a slight arguement could be made that Lynch might have been ok at 10 last year, but if FA has taught us anything (besides that OG are getting paid lately) it is that a good/great DT is much harder to find then a good/great RB.

 

[Fox]

There needs to be more "What?! Again?" posts.

It's like we used all of our anger and outtrage on David Carr, and now that he's gone...well, anything we do has got be better or smarter. I just don't see very much open criticism of a move that adds virtually no long-term payoff for us.

That's fine, if you want to be outraged that there aren't enough outraged people on the boards that's cool, whatever. But if 6 months from now Chris Brown goes down with a season ending nipple injury I don't want to see you on here spouting your "I told you so! You were all shooting sunshine out of your ass and saying he was going to be a HoF'er but I knew it all along!" when in truth most everyone's taking a wait and see approach.

 

[HOU-TEX]

If we were serious, we'd have signed Warrick Dunn who is arguably more durable than Ahman and Brown put together. Plus, as Frog says about Brown having been in Colorado's system under Gibbs, Dunn was also in the Gibbs system and the stories say that Gibbs took the Falcons from being a bad running team to being a lot better.

Yeah, I'm ticked off that we signed a cripple. Regardless of contract or roster depth. Like I said: Gibbs and LUCK will be needed.

33 year oldWarrick Dunn contract:

3/10/2008: Signed a two-year, $6 million contract. The deal includes $2 million in guarantees. 2008-2009: $3 million, 2010: Free Agent

27 year old Chris Brown contract:

Brown, who turns 27 next month, signed a two-year contract worth $3.6 million on Thursday. He received an $800,000 signing bonus.

Hmm....for a situational type RB I'll take....let's see here....boy this is a tough one.......

Dude, get a grip!

 

[Maddict5]

There needs to be more "What?! Again?" posts.

It's like we used all of our anger and outtrage on David Carr, and now that he's gone...well, anything we do has got be better or smarter. I just don't see very much open criticism of a move that adds virtually no long-term payoff for us.

And for as much as we hate being laughed at, by the media and by co-workers etc., I really thought we'd all agree to not be so gullible about these sorts of signings anymore. His position on the RB depth chart is of no consequence to me. It's another bad move.

sorry but its not carr ..for the most part, the new staff have shown they're more than competent at evaluating personnel and deserve the benefit of the doubt

 

[GP]

I do realize Dunn signed for more, which is why I say that the contract details of no significance to me. Giving Brown $800,000 is giving Brown $800,000 to be called a Texans RB before he's cut and gone...providing no long-term payoff for this team, which is my main beef. If we're going to make a move in free agency, at least make one with logical sense: Dunn would be better, hypothetically, than Chris Brown.

Dunn is arguably better than Chris Brown. Dunn costs more. I would have liked to have seen us stone up and pay for a better RB than what we have now.

 

[Arky]

Actually, I think GP makes some valid points. Perhaps a little harsh sometimes but logical and valid, IMO.

One thing is I see people keep saying is that Chris Brown has "breakaway speed", "could bust a long one", "take it to the house type back", etc, etc. In reality, he's only gone 40+ yards twice in his career (5 years, 54 games). Twice. Hell, Darius Walker who has only been in 4 NFL games has one run of 40+ yards.... Yet, he might be the odd man out... :-/

 

[GP]

So which is it? You don't like banged up players or like Taylor who has had an injury worse then either Green or Brown?

In an earlier post you basically screamed that Kubiak would never draft a RB in the 1st round. My question (and I know the odds of you answering it are low) is how do you reconcile that comment with the fact that the Texans/Kubiak were trying to trade back up to draft DeAngelo Willimas.

In addition to that when have we ever been in a position where a RB was the BPA on the baord when we drafted inthe 1st (under Kubiak and Smith)? Willaims over Bush was the right decsion. I think a slight arguement could be made that Lynch might have been ok at 10 last year, but if FA has taught us anything (besides that OG are getting paid lately) it is that a good/great DT is much harder to find then a good/great RB.

Well, at least give a young kid (Taylor) a chance to show he's healed. Schaub is being given that chance, so can Taylor.

Chris Brown has been given lots of seasons. Ahman has a condition that I think we all feel is a pretty chronic or not-so-hopeful situation.

I'd take Darius Walker at this stage, and hopefully a healed Taylor, over two guys (Ahman and Brown) who, IMO, are not going to give us a payoff.

 

[Wolf]

sometmes I feel like

 

[GP]

I give up.

 

[hookinreds]

All I have to say is that I will be watching on draft day to see what positions are drafted. Gruden is stockpiling QBs and we make fun of him for it...but we're stockpiling RBs and it's OK to a lot of fans. If that's not being a blinded homer for our team, then nothing is.

You play multiple RBs in a game based on the situation, you don't rotate QBs in an out of a game. Being able to have multiple RBs in a game keeps their legs fresh, and their durability higher than beating the hell out of one RB. Just like a good line, if used right, it can wear down the defense come the fourth quarter.

See also: Rockets PF Scola/Landry/Hayes

 

[Errant Hothy]

Actually, I think GP makes some valid points. Perhaps a little harsh sometimes but logical and valid, IMO.

One thing is I see people keep saying is that Chris Brown has "breakaway speed", "could bust a long one", "take it to the house type back", etc, etc. In reality, he's only gone 40+ yards twice in his career (5 years, 54 games). Twice. Hell, Darius Walker who has only been in 4 NFL games has one run of 40+ yards.... Yet, he might be the odd man out... :-/

Really, cause I don't remember anybody in this thread saying that. Go find post to back up your claims.

 

[hookinreds]

Seriously?

You think it plays out in a way where those two guys are spelling each other? Goodness, look at Chris Brown's attendance record. Please. He's just all of a sudden going to change? No way, man. I'll take the other side of your theory and say that Darius Walker and Chris Taylor will be the ones switching in and out.

Two years in a row we have taken a gamble on a talented runner who won't be healthy enough to make a lasting contribution. And two years in a row, people are trying to rationalize and justify it.

At least with my support of Carr, there was some reasoning behind it: Could Kubiak reform David Carr in a new system...could he do what he did with other QBs?" In addition, I am not in love with Sage as you have tried to paint it: I want an open competition and a chance for the QB to win the job and to not be crowned AS HAPPENED WITH DAVID CARR. For all of the times you try to say that I lie and distort facts, you sure spend a lot of time doing the same thing to me.

Two years in a row we have posters who parrot each other and pat each other on the back in regards to us signing a worthless running back. This must be Chris Brown's last stop in the NFL for as cheap as he signed.

And, I guess we'll all be scrambling on the football websites (and this one, too) on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings...trying to find out whether Ahman or Brown is the one playing on Sunday. Is that how you want to spend your time? Trying to find out who's healthy enough to play each Sunday?

(A) Taylor had a knee issue. Is it OK? Will it aggrevate and bench him?

(B) Ahman lasts exactly three plays in each game before getting banged up.

(C) Chris Brown is a total enigma, splitting time with Henry and White.

(D) That leaves Darius Walker who was cut, re-signed, and didn't look too bad in the limited time he had with us at the end of the season. From the posts I saw, I didn't see too many people with high hopes for him. I was not anticipating anything special from him.

Our running back situation is far from being stable. Not even with a RBBC situation. Sorry to be the pessimist (again). If you guys would level out your pie-in-the-sky outlooks on the perpetually awful condition of our running back crew, then I'd shut up. But there's just not a level of honesty going on here, with yourselves and with the others on the board, in terms of how bad it is. It's not good. Period. Gibbs and LUCK will save us.

Can I get a slice of your pie-in-the-sky? Enough, until you can find us a HOF RB that will be a guaranteed starter for us 16+ games every season for the rest of his career, drop it.

 

[Errant Hothy]

Well, at least give a young kid (Taylor) a chance to show he's healed. Schaub is being given that chance, so can Taylor.

Chris Brown has been given lots of seasons. Ahman has a condition that I think we all feel is a pretty chronic or not-so-hopeful situation.

I'd take Darius Walker at this stage, and hopefully a healed Taylor, over two guys (Ahman and Brown) who, IMO, are not going to give us a payoff.

Why not give Brown that same chance? Atleast none of his injuries have been as bad as Taylor's. You must think that the Jags are stupid for giving Taylor all those chances to have a healthy season. How did that work out for Jacksonville this season?

I agree with you about Ahman btw.

 

[Arky]

Really, cause I don't remember anybody in this thread saying that. Go find post to back up your claims.

So, you want me to go back and reread 15 pages just so I can prove it? Eheh, sorry, <Bush, Sr.> ain't gonna do it </Bush, Sr.>.

But here's a recent posted by badboy (#261):

I see Brown as a third down back with enough speed to break one sort of a cheaper and younger Green.

 

[HoustonFrog]

GP, instead of following what I find to be crazy logic..if logic even applies I'll make it as simple as possible.

1) You used to be crazy for Carr. You don't like Schaub as a future QB and like Sage. You have no faith in Kubiak. Just don't like Chris Brown now even though you say Taylor should get a shot after being injured. Injured before a season. (BTW, does this now make him injury prone as you label Schaub)

2) If you take all of the things above it comes down to one thing....you have no faith in Kubiak, Smith or their decisions despite showing they can draft and fill holes in the last 2 years. At some point your hypocrisy in posts(as pointed out above) and your circular reasoning has to come to a head and you have to get on board and see what happens or just hope Kubiak fails to prove your point. None of us is going to agree with every decision but Henry was cheap, he has talent and he upgrades our RBs to a level where we don't have all mediocre backs. Your guy Taylor will get his shot and so will all of these guys but if they can stay semi-healthy and rotate it works. The will still draft a guy too and he doesn't have to be a Hall of Famer.

All in all, until you have faith in the system and what thwey are doing, then your arguments go nowhere. So far there isn't any reason why we shouldn't at least to start to buy in a little. cheap upgrades are just that..cheap upgrades and in the NFL they can be gone if it doesn't work with minimal damage.

 

[badboy]

So, you want me to go back and reread 15 pages just so I can prove it? Eheh, sorry, <Bush, Sr.> ain't gonna do it </Bush, Sr.>.

But here's a recent posted by badboy (#261):

Since I posted let me clarify, I do not see Chris Brown or Green as breaking one for 40 yds. Never said that. I think a good back is one that is 4.5 or better avg/carry and a 20 yarder is a great rush. Either may be able to do that occasionally (20 yds).

 

[Errant Hothy]

So, you want me to go back and reread 15 pages just so I can prove it? Eheh, sorry, <Bush, Sr.> ain't gonna do it </Bush, Sr.>.

But here's a recent posted by badboy (#261):

That's one, you're post make it sound like thereis a chorus of people saying that he is a burner.

Skimming back through the thread, I think most people are commenting on more on his running style, his past issues with holding onto the ball, and his ability as a receiver. And of course the injury issues.

 

[Mr. White]

Chris Brown and Warrick Dunn were both backups on my fantasy team last year.

Neither one was great, but at the end of the season Brown was still on my roster. Dunn wasn't.

I like the signing. Good depth if nothing else. Definitely better than we had last year.

 

[Brando]

I think it is going to be a good season for Chris Brown. Didn't he run the same ZBS in college? I think with the change of scenery,sharing the load with a RBBC thing, and in the right system, he will flourish.

 

[Arky]

That's one, you're post make it sound like thereis a chorus of people saying that he is a burner.....

Well, there was more but I ain't gonna search 'em out. And then the thread kinda morphed into some Dickerson/Simpson comparisons....

 

[Kaiser Toro]

A healthy Chris Brown has always been very productive. For whatever reason he some how finds himself off the field. The price tag blew me away much like the Schaub deal, but in the opposite direction. In my opinion this is a great signing - low risk, potential high reward. I would take five Chris Brown's at that price, even given his allergy problem with being on the field.

 

[Brando]

Seriously?

You think it plays out in a way where those two guys are spelling each other? Goodness, look at Chris Brown's attendance record. Please. He's just all of a sudden going to change? No way, man. I'll take the other side of your theory and say that Darius Walker and Chris Taylor will be the ones switching in and out.

Two years in a row we have taken a gamble on a talented runner who won't be healthy enough to make a lasting contribution. And two years in a row, people are trying to rationalize and justify it.

At least with my support of Carr, there was some reasoning behind it: Could Kubiak reform David Carr in a new system...could he do what he did with other QBs?" In addition, I am not in love with Sage as you have tried to paint it: I want an open competition and a chance for the QB to win the job and to not be crowned AS HAPPENED WITH DAVID CARR. For all of the times you try to say that I lie and distort facts, you sure spend a lot of time doing the same thing to me.

Two years in a row we have posters who parrot each other and pat each other on the back in regards to us signing a worthless running back. This must be Chris Brown's last stop in the NFL for as cheap as he signed.

And, I guess we'll all be scrambling on the football websites (and this one, too) on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings...trying to find out whether Ahman or Brown is the one playing on Sunday. Is that how you want to spend your time? Trying to find out who's healthy enough to play each Sunday?

(A) Taylor had a knee issue. Is it OK? Will it aggrevate and bench him?

(B) Ahman lasts exactly three plays in each game before getting banged up.

(C) Chris Brown is a total enigma, splitting time with Henry and White.

(D) That leaves Darius Walker who was cut, re-signed, and didn't look too bad in the limited time he had with us at the end of the season. From the posts I saw, I didn't see too many people with high hopes for him. I was not anticipating anything special from him.

Our running back situation is far from being stable. Not even with a RBBC situation. Sorry to be the pessimist (again). If you guys would level out your pie-in-the-sky outlooks on the perpetually awful condition of our running back crew, then I'd shut up. But there's just not a level of honesty going on here, with yourselves and with the others on the board, in terms of how bad it is. It's not good. Period. Gibbs and LUCK will save us.

Just like our WR situation last year and it turned into a strength.

 

[santo]

A healthy Chris Brown has always been very productive. For whatever reason he some how finds himself off the field. The price tag blew me away much like the Schaub deal, but in the opposite direction. In my opinion this is a great signing - low risk, potential high reward. I would take five Chris Brown's at that price, even given his allery problem with being on the field.

Exactly. The deal could come out to be like when we signed Demps.

All Brown has to do is show some production and the Texans will offer him another contract.

I'm excited about this signing.

 

[Errant Hothy]

Shanahan's take on Brown:
http://blogs.chron.com/gamedaytexans/2008/03/shanahan_excited_about_additio.html

Shanahan has followed Brown since that game and is confident he's going to fit in well with the running game that Alex Gibbs is installing.

"He understands how to get yards," Shanahan said. "He's always been a 4.5 yards per carry guy. No matter what, he's always going forward. He knows how to press the hole. He's a violent cutter. He's big and he runs tall but he can get real slippery too. And every time I've seen him get the opportunity, he's been able to move the chains and do it consistently."

Injuries have plagued Brown in the past. He will be added to the mix at a position where the other top two backs - Green and Taylor - are coming off the Injured Reserve. Shanahan hopes that with Green and Brown capable of being starters, they can keep each other fresh - and healthy.

"What excites me about Chris is I see him as a starting type running back," Shanahan said. "He's that type of player. To have him be able to spell Ahman, and Ahman spell Chris, to keep two guys fresh like that, I think it will be needed.

"There are very few teams in the NFL who can give the ball to one back all year. I'll be surprised if there's any. Look at San Diego, it caught up to them in the championship game. You're always going to need another guy even if he's you No. 2, he's going to be your starter for a few games that year, that's for sure. When you're No. 2, and you know you're capable of being a starter, it makes you a lot more comfortable."

 

[Thorn]

We did get him on the cheap, that's for sure. As long as he's thought of as backup and debth for the RB position, and we are still going after our franchise back in the draft and NOT expecting our franchise back to be ANYONE currently with a contract, I guess I'm OK with it. Lots of ifs there, but that's how I feel about it.

I don't see where any one of the backs we have under contract right now should be considered our future. Not a single one of them. Not even Dayne, whom I'm going to miss quite frankly.

 

[DBCooper]

A healthy Chris Brown has always been very productive. For whatever reason he some how finds himself off the field. The price tag blew me away much like the Schaub deal, but in the opposite direction. In my opinion this is a great signing - low risk, potential high reward. I would take five Chris Brown's at that price, even given his allergy problem with being on the field.

Exactly.

If he performs, we got a hell of a deal.

If he gets hurt, we haven't lost that much.

 

[Polo]

I don't understand the negativity about the signing. It's not like we threw tons of money at the guy, and it's not like he doesn't have skills.

I think sometimes great rewards call for taking chances sometimes.

Nice to see the Texans F.O understands this.

 

[hookinreds]

Shanahan's take on Brown:
http://blogs.chron.com/gamedaytexans/2008/03/shanahan_excited_about_additio.html

Better not let GP see this.

 

[b0ng]

Good god, isn't there a way to temporarily ban him so he can calm down for a sec? Goddamn.