A Denver fan's thoughts on Chris Myers

[TheRealJoker]

Here is what a guy I talk to from Denver on another forum had to say about our new center:

Solid player from the U. Originally a guard he was pushed into the Center spot when Nalen and Hamilton went down. He was our back up guard and 3rd string C. He got his chance and he made the most of it. He is the athletic lineman that Denver and Houston look for. He is a little undersized, and has big problems with 3-4 teams. I mean big problems. He struggles against big NTs.

The only other knock on him is he has no mean streak. On some level OLmen have to be crazy, and nasty. Myers is not that guy. He can get out on LBs well, and is pretty solid technique wise. He can play all 3 interior positions, though I would not want to see him at RG, he simply is not big and strong enough. The good thing for Houston is whatever Myers lacks Gibbs will ride his ass until he gets it right. I was hoping and literally praying that Denver brought Gibbs back this season.

I really cannot even come close to explaining to you how great of a coach he is. TD got his 2,000 yards while he was here, we won Super Bowls when he was here. Denver was said to have the best OL in football all the years he was here. Whatever happens with the new players you sign, or draft, Alex Gibbs was the biggest offseason pick up for Houston. The running game be on point, which will only make life for Schaub and Johnson easier.

The only question is will Schaub buy into the scheme, and will Johnson and the other receivers block. Alex Gibbs is NOTORIOUS for bitching out receivers for quitting on blocks, or not blocking hard or long enough.

303

 

[TheRealJoker]

I was particularly interested in this part, "He struggles against big NTs."

We dont play many 3-4 teams but we do have to see Haynesworth and Henderson 4 times a year. Love that he's coachable though.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

It would not be surprising to see Gibbs try to get an additional 10 pounds on Myers while trying to build up his strength, and see if he can at least maintain his present speed and mobility.......especially if he is expected to play center.

In addition, to address the mean streak problem, you can be sure that Gibbs will be having Myers and the rest of the OL indulge in only the "healthiest" of breakfasts.

 

[nunusguy]

I was particularly interested in this part, "He struggles against big NTs."

We dont play many 3-4 teams but we do have to see Haynesworth and Henderson 4 times a year. Love that he's coachable though.

Of course the problem is that the center plays head-up on the 3-4 nose tackle instead of probably being more in the gap between the DTs in the 4-3 who would be over the guards.
I dunno how a team that wants a quick, athletic center as is needed in the ZB system can get around the fact that that kind of player will probably be smaller and consequently less stout than what you'd want to go one-on-one against a big nose, but its just a trade-off that Gibbs is apparently willing to make.

 

[cuppacoffee]

Here is what a guy I talk to from Denver on another forum had to say about our new center:

Solid player from the U. Originally a guard he was pushed into the Center spot when Nalen and Hamilton went down. He was our back up guard and 3rd string C. He got his chance and he made the most of it. He is the athletic lineman that Denver and Houston look for. He is a little undersized, and has big problems with 3-4 teams. I mean big problems. He struggles against big NTs.

The only other knock on him is he has no mean streak. On some level OLmen have to be crazy, and nasty. Myers is not that guy. He can get out on LBs well, and is pretty solid technique wise. He can play all 3 interior positions, though I would not want to see him at RG, he simply is not big and strong enough. The good thing for Houston is whatever Myers lacks Gibbs will ride his ass until he gets it right. I was hoping and literally praying that Denver brought Gibbs back this season.

I really cannot even come close to explaining to you how great of a coach he is. TD got his 2,000 yards while he was here, we won Super Bowls when he was here. Denver was said to have the best OL in football all the years he was here. Whatever happens with the new players you sign, or draft, Alex Gibbs was the biggest offseason pick up for Houston. The running game be on point, which will only make life for Schaub and Johnson easier.

The only question is will Schaub buy into the scheme, and will Johnson and the other receivers block. Alex Gibbs is NOTORIOUS for bitching out receivers for quitting on blocks, or not blocking hard or long enough.

303

To coaches who are secure in what they believe, and have the support of the team owner, this is not an option.

I doubt it will become a problem.

 

[Hardcore Texan]

So how undersized is 6'4" and 295? I thought that was conisdered pretty ideal for the ZBS IIRC.

McKinney is 6'4" and 305, can't find the stats on long gone Flanny just for shiggles.

http://www.nfl.com/players/chrismyers/profile?id=MYE166731

 

[infantrycak]

The only question is will Schaub buy into the scheme, and will Johnson and the other receivers block.

Schaub has already bought into the scheme and AJ and Walter are already two of the better blocking WRs around.

 

[nero THE zero]

Schaub has already bought into the scheme and AJ and Walter are already two of the better blocking WRs around.

Yea, Schaub was brought in here specifically because of his familiarity with the system after running it under Al Groh at Virginia. That is not the issue with him, it is his ability to stay healthy.

 

[infantrycak]

Yea, Schaub was brought in here specifically because of his familiarity with the system after running it under Al Groh at Virginia.

And under Gibbs in Atlanta.

That is not the issue with him, it is his ability to stay healthy.

Maybe that is an issue--we'll see if it has any substance beyond fan worries.

 

[V3rm0nt3r]

That is not the issue with him, it is his ability to stay healthy.

I doubt this will be much of a problem considering he was twice brought down by extremely cheap shots.

I know the NFL isn't made of guys who abide by the rules all the time but with Gibbs steadying the line up it seems unlikley that any serious problems will arise...

KNOCK ON WOOD
KNOCK ON WOOD

 

[barrett]

Yea, Schaub was brought in here specifically because of his familiarity with the system after running it under Al Groh at Virginia. That is not the issue with him, it is his ability to stay healthy.

And under Gibbs in Atlanta.

you know, this never occurred to me but that is one more reason that the Gibbs hire is HUGE!!! i knew about his time in atlanta and how well their running game did but for some reason i didn't apply it to schaub being there as well. this keeps getting better and better!! thanks infantrycak!

 

[RipTraxx]

Of course the problem is that the center plays head-up on the 3-4 nose tackle instead of probably being more in the gap between the DTs in the 4-3 who would be over the guards.
I dunno how a team that wants a quick, athletic center as is needed in the ZB system can get around the fact that that kind of player will probably be smaller and consequently less stout than what you'd want to go one-on-one against a big nose, but its just a trade-off that Gibbs is apparently willing to make.

If the centers athletic enough (trust...chris is) he can get to those big NT legs...get him on the ground.

 

[Specnatz]

Yea, Schaub was brought in here specifically because of his familiarity with the system after running it under Al Groh at Virginia. That is not the issue with him, it is his ability to stay healthy.

And under Gibbs in Atlanta.

Was Groh an assistant under Gibbs? What is the connection between the two?

 

[TexansMVP]

you know, this never occurred to me but that is one more reason that the Gibbs hire is HUGE!!! i knew about his time in atlanta and how well their running game did but for some reason i didn't apply it to schaub being there as well. this keeps getting better and better!! thanks infantrycak!

Yea, i feel the exact same way. Actually, if I remember correctly, Kubiak also said that Schaub was highly recommended by Gibbs and was probably one of the important factors in us trading for him IMO.

 

[nero THE zero]

I doubt this will be much of a problem considering he was twice brought down by extremely cheap shots.

I understand that, and the optimistic side of me hopes that it was more of an aberration than anything. But then the realistic side of me looks at his injury history at Virginia. There are obviously guys (ie Fred Taylor) that incur injury troubles early in their career and overcome them to have a productive NFL career. I hope just as much as you do that Schaub is one of these guys. But until he stays on the field for 15 or 16 games a few seasons in a row his injuries will be a concern.

 

[nero THE zero]

Was Groh an assistant under Gibbs? What is the connection between the two?

I don't know that they have a connection. IIRC, Groh was Kubiak's coach in college.

 

[phantom17]

It would not be surprising to see Gibbs try to get an additional 10 pounds on Myers while trying to build up his strength, and see if he can at least maintain his present speed and mobility.......especially if he is expected to play center.

In addition, to address the mean streak problem, you can be sure that Gibbs will be having Myers and the rest of the OL indulge in only the "healthiest" of breakfasts.

Hahaha! I would also add gun powder & mix it well with the milk....yumm!

 

[Texaninlild]

So how undersized is 6'4" and 295? I thought that was conisdered pretty ideal for the ZBS IIRC.

McKinney is 6'4" and 305, can't find the stats on long gone Flanny just for shiggles.

http://www.nfl.com/players/chrismyers/profile?id=MYE166731

Here is what a guy I talk to from Denver on another forum had to say about our new center:

Solid player from the U. Originally a guard he was pushed into the Center spot when Nalen and Hamilton went down. He was our back up guard and 3rd string C. He got his chance and he made the most of it. He is the athletic lineman that Denver and Houston look for. He is a little undersized, and has big problems with 3-4 teams. I mean big problems. He struggles against big NTs.

The only other knock on him is he has no mean streak. On some level OLmen have to be crazy, and nasty. Myers is not that guy. He can get out on LBs well, and is pretty solid technique wise. He can play all 3 interior positions, though I would not want to see him at RG, he simply is not big and strong enough. The good thing for Houston is whatever Myers lacks Gibbs will ride his ass until he gets it right. I was hoping and literally praying that Denver brought Gibbs back this season.

I really cannot even come close to explaining to you how great of a coach he is. TD got his 2,000 yards while he was here, we won Super Bowls when he was here. Denver was said to have the best OL in football all the years he was here. Whatever happens with the new players you sign, or draft, Alex Gibbs was the biggest offseason pick up for Houston. The running game be on point, which will only make life for Schaub and Johnson easier.

The only question is will Schaub buy into the scheme, and will Johnson and the other receivers block. Alex Gibbs is NOTORIOUS for bitching out receivers for quitting on blocks, or not blocking hard or long enough.

303

6'4" 295lbs


This guy is tiny. Completely undersized. He couldn't block Vern Troyer at nose tackle.

 

[aj.]

And under Gibbs in Atlanta.


Maybe that is an issue--we'll see if it has any substance beyond fan worries.

If it wasn't an issue, Sage would already be a Viking and the Texans would have two 3rd round picks. And that's not fan worries.

 

[55Olinesdad]

Here is what a guy I talk to from Denver on another forum had to say about our new center:

Solid player from the U. Originally a guard he was pushed into the Center spot when Nalen and Hamilton went down. He was our back up guard and 3rd string C. He got his chance and he made the most of it. He is the athletic lineman that Denver and Houston look for. He is a little undersized, and has big problems with 3-4 teams. I mean big problems. He struggles against big NTs.

The only other knock on him is he has no mean streak. On some level OLmen have to be crazy, and nasty. Myers is not that guy. He can get out on LBs well, and is pretty solid technique wise. He can play all 3 interior positions, though I would not want to see him at RG, he simply is not big and strong enough. The good thing for Houston is whatever Myers lacks Gibbs will ride his ass until he gets it right. I was hoping and literally praying that Denver brought Gibbs back this season.

I really cannot even come close to explaining to you how great of a coach he is. TD got his 2,000 yards while he was here, we won Super Bowls when he was here. Denver was said to have the best OL in football all the years he was here. Whatever happens with the new players you sign, or draft, Alex Gibbs was the biggest offseason pick up for Houston. The running game be on point, which will only make life for Schaub and Johnson easier.

The only question is will Schaub buy into the scheme, and will Johnson and the other receivers block. Alex Gibbs is NOTORIOUS for bitching out receivers for quitting on blocks, or not blocking hard or long enough.

303

The only thing I would say about this post is that Chris does have a mean streak but it does need to be pulled from him. I have no fear that Gibbs will yank it to the surface and also fill in any gaps in his play. Houston just signed the hardest working player they could ask for.

 

[TexansFanatic]

The only thing I would say about this post is that Chris does have a mean streak but it does need to be pulled from him. I have no fear that Gibbs will yank it to the surface and also fill in any gaps in his play. Houston just signed the hardest working player they could ask for.

While I prefer my linemen to have the proverbial mean streak, I think there are currently, and historically have been, quite a few above-average-to-great-linemen without it. I bet if we all think real hard we can all think of a few great ones who didn't have the mean streak. Bruce Matthews comes to mind. A first ballot Hall of Famer, considered one of the greatest if not THE greatest lineman in history. And I could be wrong, but I don't remember seeing Bruce getting into many fights if any. Maybe I saw one fight involving Matthews that is so unremarkable that I can't recall where it was or what caused it. But I think that's a prime example right there of a great lineman without the mean streak. I invite anyone to refute what I've just stated....

 

[aj.]

When you regularly overpower guys and drive them five yards deep or into the ground, there's really no point in being 'mean.'

 

[infantrycak]

But then the realistic side of me looks at his injury history at Virginia.

He had a school record number of starts and had only one injury while in college--from which he came back faster than predicted.

If it wasn't an issue, Sage would already be a Viking and the Texans would have two 3rd round picks. And that's not fan worries.

Or, the Texans hadn't signed someone they thought was an adequate backup yet to make up the difference in value between a 3rd and a 2nd.

 

[DocBar]

From ESPiN Insider:

2007 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 58 | Key
Alert: None

Comment: Myers plays on special teams and as a backup to starting center Tom Nalen, but he has value because he is a very hard worker who is tough and versatile enough to play any of the three interior line positions. He isnt huge but is big enough to be serviceable in Denver's scheme and also has enough athletic ability to contribute. He is quick off the ball and tenacious. He is more of a wall-off blocker than a killer and will not blow anyone off the ball, especially larger two-gapping defensive tackles. Myers is smart and shows very good recognition skills. He can get to the second level and is capable of finding and striking smaller targets in space. He is technically sound and obviously pays attention to detail and works on his craft. Myers struggles to stone bigger pass rushers and doesn't play with a great power base. He gets his feet too close together at times. He doesn't have a ton of upside, but he is not a major liability on the field and his versatility all but ensures him a roster spot.

 

[Scooter]

The only thing I would say about this post is that Chris does have a mean streak but it does need to be pulled from him. I have no fear that Gibbs will yank it to the surface and also fill in any gaps in his play. Houston just signed the hardest working player they could ask for.

this is the first thing i noticed because most of us remember seth wand who was a great natural and physical talent but his knock was lack of motivation and no mean streak to speak of. granted he was as poorly coached as every other C&C texan. this is a problem accross the board on the texans IMO is there isnt the nasty side that you want ... haynesworth immediately comes to mind. when there are shots like that on your quarterback, i expect a scene out of braveheart from your big uglies.

i believe that's going to change and change fast under gibbs ... because if it doesnt the players who fall short probably wont be around long. i'm excited because of the young athletes we seem to have acquired for this coaching staff to mold on the line - namely myers, eslinger, winston and a couple others.

 

[Goldensilence]

He had a school record number of starts and had only one injury while in college--from which he came back faster than predicted.



Or, the Texans hadn't signed someone they thought was an adequate backup yet to make up the difference in value between a 3rd and a 2nd.

This was more my thought as well.

this is the first thing i noticed because most of us remember seth wand who was a great natural and physical talent but his knock was lack of motivation and no mean streak to speak of. granted he was as poorly coached as every other C&C texan. this is a problem accross the board on the texans IMO is there isnt the nasty side that you want ... haynesworth immediately comes to mind. when there are shots like that on your quarterback, i expect a scene out of braveheart from your big uglies.

i believe that's going to change and change fast under gibbs ... because if it doesnt the players who fall short probably wont be around long. i'm excited because of the young athletes we seem to have acquired for this coaching staff to mold on the line - namely myers, eslinger, winston and a couple others.

Agreed. That struck me as well that with both those hits I didn't see one of the guys on the line make it a big issue. I hope that changes this year and changes quickly. I think adding someone like Myers at center that won't be a liability for our guards will help a lot. Hell even pre-season I hope this line makes it well known touch our QB and we'll grind you into the dirt. I think Mario, Demeco and crew as well play enforcer on the Defensive side.

One cheap shot last year was bad but two on the line... will be unforgivable to Gibbs.

 

[infantrycak]

Agreed. That struck me as well that with both those hits I didn't see one of the guys on the line make it a big issue. I hope that changes this year and changes quickly.

I hear people make this comment repeatedly and wonder what game they were watching (or maybe the camera just cut away). Winston was livid to the point of getting in the face of one of the officials and tossed from the game livid. If he hadn't been restrained by I believe Salaam and Pitts, things would have been ugly. Mango Salsa has a surfeit of mean in him.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

When you regularly overpower guys and drive them five yards deep or into the ground, there's really no point in being 'mean.'

The only thing I would say about this post is that Chris does have a mean streak but it does need to be pulled from him. I have no fear that Gibbs will yank it to the surface and also fill in any gaps in his play. Houston just signed the hardest working player they could ask for.

I believe that by the time Gibbs gets through with Meyers, as a fan, you can expect to see him in this light...............

..............while opposing teams will see him in a totally different light

 

[Goldensilence]

I hear people make this comment repeatedly and wonder what game they were watching (or maybe the camera just cut away). Winston was livid to the point of getting in the face of one of the officials and tossed from the game livid. If he hadn't been restrained by I believe Salaam and Pitts, things would have been ugly. Mango Salsa has a surfeit of mean in him.

I guess i mean more of once the ball snaps again getting into the face of opposing players. Admittedly about halfway through the season i was unable to watch games due to work and school. So I could be off base.

 

[DiehardChris]

I promise all of you - the Texans offensive line will be mean and nasty in 2008. Yes, Alex Gibbs will be responsible for some of that, but with the new system - the defensive lineman will HATE us because of the new scheme... there's always a fair amount of extra-cirricular activity after every whistle in the NFL, but there's going to be even more with us running the ZBS.

Also, if Studdard gets into the starting line-up - look out. That dude is hardcore. I love players like that. Hopefully he can stay healthy and get better - having him next to Myers would be quite an excellent young combination.

 

[nunusguy]

I don't mean to digress from the subject of this thread, but new Coach Gibbs
name keeps resurfacing as the panacea to any and all problems related to our OLine. For example, reservations about Chris Myers's size or being enough
of a hard-ass to consistantly be an effective NFL center ? None what so ever
with Coach Gibbs now in town and ready to lead the OLine.
Is it possible we are asking too much of Coach Gibbs, or are our expectations of what he's going to do for the developement of our OLine and improvement of our rushing attack in general too high ? Unless I'm told different, I'm under the impression that Coach is just a mere mortal ?

 

[Fox]

He's a mere mortal who has created a league leading rushing attack that is consistently successful at every stop in his NFL career. Success breeds expectations.

 

[DiehardChris]

I think he'll be everything so many of us are saying he's going to be - but the problem is that it's such a technical system, I'm afraid that the 4 pre-season games won't be enough to really nail down the technique enough to start the year at our highest possible level.

I dunno, but that's my only concern. I know that we already ran a 'form' of the ZBS, but writers and bloggers more up with the system than I am have said that it's still going to be a very significant difference and learning curve.

It's still going to take some good personnel moves as well. We're clearly not set for the future on the line outside of Myers and Winston. I wouldn't expect the ZBS to hit on all cylinders right away.

 

[Fox]

I think he'll be everything so many of us are saying he's going to be - but the problem is that it's such a technical system, I'm afraid that the 4 pre-season games won't be enough to really nail down the technique enough to start the year at our highest possible level.

I dunno, but that's my only concern. I know that we already ran a 'form' of the ZBS, but writers and bloggers more up with the system than I am have said that it's still going to be a very significant difference and learning curve.

It's still going to take some good personnel moves as well. We're clearly not set for the future on the line outside of Myers and Winston. I wouldn't expect the ZBS to hit on all cylinders right away.

I agree with what you're saying, but that is common to all running games. The ground game normally gets progressively better as the season evolves and the players get more experience working together. Obviously we'll have fresh faces, a new OL coach, and a new scheme to boot so that phenomenon will probably be exaggerated even further, but I don't think it will put us too far behind the 8 ball relative to other teams.

 

[TexansFanatic]

When you regularly overpower guys and drive them five yards deep or into the ground, there's really no point in being 'mean.'

Brilliant!

 

[Scooter]

I don't mean to digress from the subject of this thread, but new Coach Gibbs
name keeps resurfacing as the panacea to any and all problems related to our OLine. For example, reservations about Chris Myers's size or being enough
of a hard-ass to consistantly be an effective NFL center ? None what so ever
with Coach Gibbs now in town and ready to lead the OLine.
Is it possible we are asking too much of Coach Gibbs, or are our expectations of what he's going to do for the developement of our OLine and improvement of our rushing attack in general too high ? Unless I'm told different, I'm under the impression that Coach is just a mere mortal ?

good question and something that's been concerning me more recently because my expectations alone have become possibly too high atleast in the short term as i'm guessing have many others'. i think most of it's warranted though because gibbs is without question the single best coach to implement arguably the best rushing style offense, and from everything written about him he's the both best and worst guy to play for. he'll get the results he wants one way or another - many times players saying they'd rather chew glass and sign up with gunnery sgt hartman than be on the wrong side of coach gibbs. maybe the expectations are growing wild, but they might still be pretty close. gibbs is one of the main reasons everyone preaches about denver being able to draft second day players with guts and turn them into the best running o-line in the league.

my only concern this year is the personnel. we have a few guys in the mix, and i think a couple of guys will suprise folks by cracking the rotation (eslinger & studdard come to mind) ... but even so, it doesnt matter how hard you squeeze, you cant get lemonade from a tomato (i'm looking at you salaam).

 

[55Olinesdad]

I think he'll be everything so many of us are saying he's going to be - but the problem is that it's such a technical system, I'm afraid that the 4 pre-season games won't be enough to really nail down the technique enough to start the year at our highest possible level.

I dunno, but that's my only concern. I know that we already ran a 'form' of the ZBS, but writers and bloggers more up with the system than I am have said that it's still going to be a very significant difference and learning curve.

It's still going to take some good personnel moves as well. We're clearly not set for the future on the line outside of Myers and Winston. I wouldn't expect the ZBS to hit on all cylinders right away.

Yes its a very technical system and 4 games is not enough to nail it down and be at the highest level........saying that.....

It just continues to improve each and every game as they starters gel together. There is definitly a learning curve but that does not mean it cannot be efficient and help us win games. By the 3rd or 4th game of the season you will see how awesome it gels together. You really will.

 

[Texan in Japan]

Yes its a very technical system and 4 games is not enough to nail it down and be at the highest level........saying that.....

It just continues to improve each and every game as they starters gel together. There is definitly a learning curve but that does not mean it cannot be efficient and help us win games. By the 3rd or 4th game of the season you will see how awesome it gels together. You really will.

I really excited to see the competition in camp along the offensive line. I think its going to be fierce.

Your son's experience in the system is going to give us a leg up in hopefully gelling quickly. He's been in the system, now he'll get the ZBS guru to help him refine is game. This is gonna be awesome!

 

[Pantherstang84]

when there are shots like that on your quarterback, i expect a scene out of braveheart from your big uglies.

Absolutely!!!!!

 

[painekiller]

I don't know that they have a connection. IIRC, Groh was Kubiak's coach in college.

Groh has never been connected to Kubiak. He was Bill Parchells protege.

He run a true WCO offense in college. That is why team look at his team for QBs and WR. Groh is a defensive guy, BTW.

 

[painekiller]

Houston just signed the hardest working player they could ask for.

I think that is a trait many of the Miami players have, and they push each other, it might be fun to watch the former U OL (at least the 3 guys we currently have) play together here and watch them grow into a solid pro unit, they sure were part of one the best college OL I ever watched.