I think AJ runs WR Choice routes a lot

I think AJ gets to break off routes and find soft spots in the field. He did it today, and I've seen him do the same thing in previous games.

Is this something that other Texans WRs get to do? I know this happens when the QB is scrambling and the WRs or TEs or RBs are maneuvering to get open.

But AJ seems to settle into a soft spot in the zone. And to what degree does the routes being ran by our other WRs and our TE contribute to opening up that soft spot even more for AJ? In short: Our other WRs are running disciplined, specific routes...and AJ is so good that he and Schaub are freestyling it as they go?

If so, it speaks volumes about the attitude of the other WRs. And also of the level of responsibility by AJ to get to the right spot, and get there "on time." Not to mention Schaub's recognition of it all, as it's developing.

I don't think AJ's ability to hit those soft spots in zone coverage is a matter
of "attitude." He just happens to be one of the most skilled receivers in the
game. It takes years to learn to read coverage as a wideout, and it doesn't
hurt that he and Schaub are able to communicate with slight indications
of body language.

DexmanC said:

I don't think AJ's ability to hit those soft spots in zone coverage is a matter
of "attitude." He just happens to be one of the most skilled receivers in the
game. It takes years to learn to read coverage as a wideout, and it doesn't
hurt that he and Schaub are able to communicate with slight indications
of body language.

Click to expand...

What I meant is that the other WRs out there...they're potentially developing soft spots for AJ. And they know that the ball's going AJ's way.

We have good, hard-working WRs (Walter, Davis, Anderson, JJ) and a 2nd string TE (Dreesen) who are going about their business, knowing that most of what they do is helping AJ or OD get those opportunities.

AJ and OD are talented. But they couldn't do what they do without some good route-running by the other guys. And I think the routes that are being ran are drawn up (primarily) with the idea of clearing out space for OD and AJ.

It's the same concept of what goes on in Indy with Manning and his group of guys.

They admit that the ball is GOLD to them. That they try to make sure they catch it and do something with it, because Manning had Wayne and Harrison on his radar every play.

So I think we're seeing the same thing with THIS bunch of guys: Good routes, smart route running, and trying to make an impact if something comes their way.

And knowing which two guys are the primary go-to guys, and being OK with it.

In that case, the same could be say about the "attitude" of AJ. A lot of
the underneath routes come open to O.D. and Walter, because AJ and Jacoby
are clearing the area with THEIR routes. Most of the positions on the entire
team are full of "lunchpail" type guys.

It's also why I see someone like Frank Okam getting cut. He has all the physical
gifts, but he's lazy.

DexmanC said:

In that case, the same could be say about the "attitude" of AJ. A lot of
the underneath routes come open to O.D. and Walter, because AJ and Jacoby
are clearing the area with THEIR routes. Most of the positions on the entire
team are full of "lunchpail" type guys.

It's also why I see someone like Frank Okam getting cut. He has all the physical
gifts, but he's lazy.

Click to expand...

I think AJ knows that he personally gives this team the best chance to be really really good. And the difference between him and Chad Johnson is that AJ is quiet about it.

So when he doesn't get the ball enough, he isn't mad for the sake of being angry that his stats are suffering. He's upset that he isn't able to help his team. Whereas Chad Johnson could say that same thing, but you know deep down inside that there's a thrill that Chad has within him, when he does really well, that's a little more self-centered than team-centered.

AJ has confidence. Chad has to speak it into existence. And say it louder with each passing day. It must take a whole team of writers for Chad to come up with the drama-mama crap he concocts.

I think AJ is a lunchpail guy. But his lunchpail is way cooler than anybody else's lunchpail on this team. He has the lunchpail that all the other kids wish their mom had bought for them when shopping for back-to-school.

This offense, in totality, has a very lunchpail attitude.

GP said:

I think AJ gets to break off routes and find soft spots in the field. He did it today, and I've seen him do the same thing in previous games.

Is this something that other Texans WRs get to do? I know this happens when the QB is scrambling and the WRs or TEs or RBs are maneuvering to get open.

But AJ seems to settle into a soft spot in the zone. And to what degree does the routes being ran by our other WRs and our TE contribute to opening up that soft spot even more for AJ? In short: Our other WRs are running disciplined, specific routes...and AJ is so good that he and Schaub are freestyling it as they go?

If so, it speaks volumes about the attitude of the other WRs. And also of the level of responsibility by AJ to get to the right spot, and get there "on time." Not to mention Schaub's recognition of it all, as it's developing.

Click to expand...

Your right, he does run "WR Choice" routes pretty often, his favorite is the vertical read route, just a testament to how well he understands coverages