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Projected starters on defense...

A

Astew10112

Practice Squad
DE-JJ Watt
(6'5 290)

NT- Earl Mitchell
(6'3 291)

DE- Antonio Smith
(6'4 275)

OLB/DE- Mario Williams
(6'6 285)

ILB- Brian Cushing
(6'3 259)

ILB- Demeco Ryans
(6'1 248)

OLB- Connor Barwin
(6'4 260)

CB- Kareem Jackson
(5'10 195)

CB- Johnathan Joseph
(5'11 190)

FS- Glover Quinn
(6'0 203)

SS- Danieal Manning
(5'11 202)
 
I think the only corner currently on the roster that may challenge Kareem for the starting spot is Allen with Harris not far behind.

I'm hoping we can sign Carlos Rogers. That lineup would be even sweeter.
 
Astew10112 said:
DE-JJ Watt
(6'5 290)

NT- Earl Mitchell
(6'3 291)

DE- Antonio Smith
(6'4 275)

OLB/DE- Mario Williams
(6'6 285)

ILB- Brian Cushing
(6'3 259)

ILB- Demeco Ryans
(6'1 248)

OLB- Connor Barwin
(6'4 260)

CB- Kareem Jackson
(5'10 195)

CB- Johnathan Joseph
(5'11 190)

FS- Glover Quinn
(6'0 203)

SS- Danieal Manning
(5'11 202)
Click to expand...

:fans:
 
I see not a single hole in the Texans top 11 defenders ..... That almost looks like an Allstar lineup .... Im praying to the good LORD above we dont have any significant injuries.


Joseph + Manning > Aso + nobody.
 
Astew10112 said:
DE-JJ Watt
(6'5 290)

NT- Earl Mitchell
(6'3 291)

DE- Antonio Smith
(6'4 275)

OLB/DE- Mario Williams
(6'6 285)

ILB- Brian Cushing
(6'3 259)

ILB- Demeco Ryans
(6'1 248)

OLB- Connor Barwin
(6'4 260)

CB- Kareem Jackson
(5'10 195)

CB- Johnathan Joseph
(5'11 190)

FS- Glover Quinn
(6'0 203)

SS- Danieal Manning
(5'11 202)
Click to expand...

This will probably be it but I would like to see Barwin at DE instead of Smith and Reed in at OLB.
 
The only problem I see with that lineup is Earl Mitchell at NT, 291 lbs. is awfully light for a NT and makes us weak in the middle and susceptible to the run. I'm thinking Shawn Cody starts at NT or we go after a NT in FA.
 
Last edited:
My only concern is Quin at the FS position. I know he was decent as a corner opposite Dunta, but FS is a little different and it's knowing where to be instead of who to cover in some sense.

I think he's got the physical gift, it's just going to be interesting to see if he has the instincts.
 
DexmanC said:
That can't be the Texans. The lineup you posted is an NFL-calibur defense.
Click to expand...

If Ryans and Barwin can stay healthy,

Mitchell can play the nose at a decent level.

The DE's stay healthy. However if all of this comes together the Texans will be in the playoffs. Remember though the Texans finished 15th on defense in 2009, Schaub threw for 4800 yds and the Texans still didn't make the playoffs.

But it's a great day to be a Texans fan. BoB finally decided he wanted to sit at the big boys table.
 
With these moves in FA and the draft, I feel oddly comfortable with the defense. This is assuming they're just about done with the defense and no other big moves happen.

CB: With Joseph manning the number 1, we get to move everyone down a spot to where they should be. KJax and Allen fight for the spot across from him and share some time with the rookie Harris who'll have time to develop and play some nickel.

S: Manning sounds like an AMAZING pickup. There's one spot locked up. Glover scares me a bit. That other safety spot is one of the big question marks on our defensive depth chart, HOPEFULLY Quinn can step up and Wade Phillips can turn him into a serviceable safety. We'll see. Keo Shiloh backs em up.

OLB: I'm actually much more concerned with Mario at OLB than I am with Connor Barwin. I think Barwin will come in and succeed, but Mario worries me a bit. Regardless, this position is the spot with the most question marks as far as defense goes. Which is scary, since this position is one of the most important in a 3-4. Brooks Reed can back-up and develop.

ILB: Seemingly our strongest position with DeMeco and Cushing, but there are still concerns. Will DeMeco return from injury at even 90%? And will Cushing continue to free fall from his alleged PED high? Hopefully these two can become a great ILB tandem.

DE: Probably Antonio and Watt. By spending our first rounder on Watt, I expect him to come in and start AND have impact. This may be one of our stronger positions in my opinion.

DT: Cody or Mitchell. The last spot, and yet another spot that we're not sure how it will work out. Phillips claims we won't need a huge space eater, but let me tell you, having that big guy sure would make me feel better. I doubt we have the cap for another impact defensive player, so this is probably what we'll enter the season with. This scares me a bit.

So, what do you guys think? Where are the biggest concerns on defense and where do the Texan's defensive strengths land?
 
buddyboy said:
With these moves in FA and the draft, I feel oddly comfortable with the defense. This is assuming they're just about done with the defense and no other big moves happen.

CB: With Joseph manning the number 1, we get to move everyone down a spot to where they should be. KJax and Allen fight for the spot across from him and share some time with the rookie Harris who'll have time to develop and play some nickel.

S: Manning sounds like an AMAZING pickup. There's one spot locked up. Glover scares me a bit. That other safety spot is one of the big question marks on our defensive depth chart, HOPEFULLY Quinn can step up and Wade Phillips can turn him into a serviceable safety. We'll see. Keo Shiloh backs em up.

OLB: I'm actually much more concerned with Mario at OLB than I am with Connor Barwin. I think Barwin will come in and succeed, but Mario worries me a bit. Regardless, this position is the spot with the most question marks as far as defense goes. Which is scary, since this position is one of the most important in a 3-4. Brooks Reed can back-up and develop.

ILB: Seemingly our strongest position with DeMeco and Cushing, but there are still concerns. Will DeMeco return from injury at even 90%? And will Cushing continue to free fall from his alleged PED high? Hopefully these two can become a great ILB tandem.

DE: Probably Antonio and Watt. By spending our first rounder on Watt, I expect him to come in and start AND have impact. This may be one of our stronger positions in my opinion.

DT: Cody or Mitchell. The last spot, and yet another spot that we're not sure how it will work out. Phillips claims we won't need a huge space eater, but let me tell you, having that big guy sure would make me feel better. I doubt we have the cap for another impact defensive player, so this is probably what we'll enter the season with. This scares me a bit.

So, what do you guys think? Where are the biggest concerns on defense and where do the Texan's defensive strengths land?
Click to expand...


I'm not exactly sure why I started feeling this, but I will not be surprised one bit if Mario ends up being traded. There are a few teams that are way under the salary floor, and a good young pass rushing DE is always in demand.

I am excite to see what Mario can do at OLB, but I'm not very optimistic about the prospects. Just not feeling him at that position.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think he will be horrible. He has too much raw talent to completely suck, but the value he brings to the table is clearly greater at DE than OLB.

Allow me to indulge in a brief fantasy:
Trade Mario for a decent OLB or NT, plus draft pick(s). Use the cap space to pursue Nnambdi. Yeah, completely unrealistic, I know, but that would be awesome.
 
Mario will not be playing as a traditional OLB. He will be a standing DE the vast majority of the time. This won't be the typical 3-4.
 
Big Lou said:
Mario will not be playing as a traditional OLB. He will be a standing DE the vast majority of the time. This won't be the typical 3-4.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I hear that, but I still feel like it's not going to be a natural fit for him. We shall see though.
 
I was thinking about this.

I'm good with our secondary now. It would be nice to pick up another CB in FA but it's not a necessity at all.

I'd like an experienced 3-4 OLB but I'm kinda OK with what we have. My biggest concern is Mario. I see him as a great 3-4 DE more than an OLB.

I'm worried about our ILBs because I don't expect Demeco to come back at even 80%. I'd like to get one or two ILBs.

DEs... I like Smith and Watt to start. I like this even better with Mario in the rotation. I wouldn't mind another guy here.

I don't have a great feeling about NT. I'd like to pick up a "real" 3-4 NT.

And, as was stated by michaelm, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mario traded. He's going into the last year of his contract and he's probably going to be happier as a 4-3 DE. We could get an experienced 3-4 OLB and a good NT and shore up this defense. (And maybe throw in a great WR for the O.)
 
The Pencil Neck said:
And, as was stated by michaelm, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mario traded. He's going into the last year of his contract and he's probably going to be happier as a 4-3 DE. We could get an experienced 3-4 OLB and a good NT and shore up this defense. (And maybe throw in a great WR for the O.)
Click to expand...


I can understand why people think mario can "fit" at OLB, but his value is clearly as a 4-3 DE.
4-3 DEs have tremendous value in the NFL, and we happen to not need one at this time.
I say the only way to truly maximize Mario's value is by trading him, and turning that value into players that fit the 3-4 better, or draft picks. Along with players and/or picks, the Texans get cap relief.
It's very much a win-win-win scenario for the Texans, Mario, and any team in need of a pass rushing 4-3 DE, which is a lot of teams out there.


*edit*
As far as the cap relief part of this deal, I may or may not be correct. Depending on how Mario's contract is structured, it is possible that there might be a cap hit if he is traded, i suppose.

Capologists??
 
michaelm said:
I can understand why people think mario can "fit" at OLB, but his value is clearly as a 4-3 DE.
4-3 DEs have tremendous value in the NFL, and we happen to not need one at this time.
I say the only way to truly maximize Mario's value is by trading him, and turning that value into players that fit the 3-4 better, or draft picks. Along with players and/or picks, the Texans get cap relief.
It's very much a win-win-win scenario for the Texans, Mario, and any team in need of a pass rushing 4-3 DE, which is a lot of teams out there.


*edit*
As far as the cap relief part of this deal, I may or may not be correct. Depending on how Mario's contract is structured, it is possible that there might be a cap hit if he is traded, i suppose.

Capologists??
Click to expand...

Why would you want cap relief by trading your one proven pass-rusher? Go to youtube and watch a Cowboy's game and watch DeMarcus Ware play some regular snaps. I think you'll come away feeling better about Mario playing that role. On first and second downs he stands up, but still rushes the vast majority of the time. On third down, he goes right back to DE in the nickle.

Someone had suggested replacing him with Manny Lawson from the 49ers. How could you see value in a guy who's career sack total (14) equals Mario's best year? What player that's available now would you replace him with?

BTW look at Charles Johnson (the FA DE who got huge money) stat's compared to Mario's.
 
cland said:
Why would you want cap relief by trading your one proven pass-rusher? Go to youtube and watch a Cowboy's game and watch DeMarcus Ware play some regular snaps. I think you'll come away feeling better about Mario playing that role. On first and second downs he stands up, but still rushes the vast majority of the time. On third down, he goes right back to DE in the nickle.

Someone had suggested replacing him with Manny Lawson from the 49ers. How could you see value in a guy who's career sack total (14) equals Mario's best year? What player that's available now would you replace him with?

BTW look at Charles Johnson (the FA DE who got huge money) stat's compared to Mario's.
Click to expand...

I get what you're saying, but comparing Mario to DeMarcus Ware as a OLB is complete fail.
Mario's skill set is different that Ware's.
Ware is way more fluid, has better change of direction, and is probably both quicker, and faster than Mario. Ware is a much more natural fit at OLB, which is kinda my point. Ware is also relentless, which is not a word I've ever heard associated with Mario.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
I was thinking about this.

I'm good with our secondary now. It would be nice to pick up another CB in FA but it's not a necessity at all.

I'd like an experienced 3-4 OLB but I'm kinda OK with what we have. My biggest concern is Mario. I see him as a great 3-4 DE more than an OLB.

I'm worried about our ILBs because I don't expect Demeco to come back at even 80%. I'd like to get one or two ILBs.

DEs... I like Smith and Watt to start. I like this even better with Mario in the rotation. I wouldn't mind another guy here.

I don't have a great feeling about NT. I'd like to pick up a "real" 3-4 NT.

And, as was stated by michaelm, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mario traded. He's going into the last year of his contract and he's probably going to be happier as a 4-3 DE. We could get an experienced 3-4 OLB and a good NT and shore up this defense. (And maybe throw in a great WR for the O.)
Click to expand...
Would we not have recieved better offers for Mario prio to draft or putting him on marlet at beginning of free agemcy?
 
michaelm said:
I get what you're saying, but comparing Mario to DeMarcus Ware as a OLB is complete fail.
Mario's skill set is different that Ware's.
Ware is way more fluid, has better change of direction, and is probably both quicker, and faster than Mario. Ware is a much more natural fit at OLB, which is kinda my point. Ware is also relentless, which is not a word I've ever heard associated with Mario.
Click to expand...

How is it "complete fail" when they'll both play the exact same position in the exact same defensive scheme? They will play it slightly differently, but they still fall in the category of rush the passer by beating the offenses left tackle.

The concept that Mario will stand up and move a pace to the outside corner (only on run downs) gets way overblown IMO.

This is kind of like comparing Schaub to Peyton Manning, and saying he'll be no good at QB--we should trade him. That's why I asked, Who would you replace him with?
 
michaelm said:
I can understand why people think mario can "fit" at OLB, but his value is clearly as a 4-3 DE.
4-3 DEs have tremendous value in the NFL, and we happen to not need one at this time.
I say the only way to truly maximize Mario's value is by trading him, and turning that value into players that fit the 3-4 better, or draft picks. Along with players and/or picks, the Texans get cap relief.
It's very much a win-win-win scenario for the Texans, Mario, and any team in need of a pass rushing 4-3 DE, which is a lot of teams out there.


*edit*
As far as the cap relief part of this deal, I may or may not be correct. Depending on how Mario's contract is structured, it is possible that there might be a cap hit if he is traded, i suppose.

Capologists??
Click to expand...

Trade him before seeing what he can do in this defense? Hell no.

Sure Ware is more fluid and quicker, but we have a actual DC now. Not a guy who just plugs a player into a spot and hopes everything goes well. A guy who will put each player in their right position and have them play to their strengths.

If he doesn't ONE bad year is not going to hurt his stock.
 
cland said:
Why would you want cap relief by trading your one proven pass-rusher? Go to youtube and watch a Cowboy's game and watch DeMarcus Ware play some regular snaps. I think you'll come away feeling better about Mario playing that role. On first and second downs he stands up, but still rushes the vast majority of the time. On third down, he goes right back to DE in the nickle.

Someone had suggested replacing him with Manny Lawson from the 49ers. How could you see value in a guy who's career sack total (14) equals Mario's best year? What player that's available now would you replace him with?

BTW look at Charles Johnson (the FA DE who got huge money) stat's compared to Mario's.
Click to expand...

Add in we play the Colts twice and the Jags arent exactly known for lighting up the air. Im good wih Mario going after the QB. It being his contract year I am expecting beast mode Mario to show up.
 
badboy said:
Would we not have recieved better offers for Mario prio to draft or putting him on marlet at beginning of free agemcy?
Click to expand...

Maybe, maybe not. There may be teams that didn't get the pass rusher they wanted in the draft and there's not a FA DE of Mario's caliber out there.

I don't expect them to trade him. But it's an intriguing option.

Like I said, though, that's thinking about Mario as an OLB. I'd prefer to see him at DE in the 3-4. I think he could be an amazing 3-4 DE and I'd hate to lose him.
 
That's a really really good looking line up. My biggest concern is up the middle. How well will Mitchell/Cody play the Nose on 1st and 2nd downs. Will Demeco regain form or will he and Cushing be run at alot? I can see a lot of teams pounding it at us right up the gut.

One thing Barwin said about transitioning to OLB that I hadn't thought about was how "less tiring" it was. As a DE your down in a 3 point stance straining for a long time presnap waiting to explode... Peyton uses the whole playclock so being down there like that the whole game gets really tiring if its 20 seconds a play. And you can't let up too much because he'll catch you off guard. As an OLB he'll be standing up and that's much easier on the legs. 4th quarter they won't be as tired. Just an interesting little tidbit.
 
Astew10112 said:
DE-JJ Watt
(6'5 290)

NT- Earl Mitchell
(6'3 291)

DE- Antonio Smith
(6'4 275)

OLB/DE- Mario Williams
(6'6 285)

ILB- Brian Cushing
(6'3 259)

ILB- Demeco Ryans
(6'1 248)

OLB- Connor Barwin
(6'4 260)

CB- Kareem Jackson
(5'10 195)

CB- Johnathan Joseph
(5'11 190)

FS- Glover Quinn
(6'0 203)

SS- Danieal Manning
(5'11 202)
Click to expand...

I'm going to rep you just because your more up to date than the official Texans website http://www.houstontexans.com/team/depth-chart.html

LDE, Antonio Smith, Tim Jamison

DT, Amobi Okoye, Earl Mitchell

DT, Shaun Cody, Damione Lewis

RDE, Mark Anderson, Jarvis Green

OLB1, Brian Cushing, Xavier Adibi

MLB, Kevin Bentley, Stanford Keglar

OLB2, Zac Diles,

LCB, Glover Quin, Brice McCain, Sherrick McManis

RCB, Kareem Jackson, Jason Allen, Antwaun Molden

SS, Bernard Pollard, Quintin Demps

FS, Troy Nolan
 
Check my sig.

We've got some answers at least instead of some....."well this SHOULD work/be ok" kind of set up.

Pass rush oughtta be sick. Sending 4 plain jane or all 7 coming hot, I believe they've got the guys to get to anyone. Speed to the edges too, any decent running attempts will be up the middle where hopefully Demeco will be janitor deluxe cleaning that **** up! There is a weakness up the middle but with the improved front 7 and my goodness, what seems on paper to be a REAL NFL secondary? There shouldn't be a whole helluva lot of time to throw. We may see a team or two break the D and run it all over them but honestly, I'm excited to see what this D can do because it sounds an awful lot like raising hell. And I'm a man who enjoys hell raising.
 
TimeKiller said:
Check my sig.

We've got some answers at least instead of some....."well this SHOULD work/be ok" kind of set up.

Pass rush oughtta be sick. Sending 4 plain jane or all 7 coming hot, I believe they've got the guys to get to anyone. Speed to the edges too, any decent running attempts will be up the middle where hopefully Demeco will be janitor deluxe cleaning that **** up! There is a weakness up the middle but with the improved front 7 and my goodness, what seems on paper to be a REAL NFL secondary? There shouldn't be a whole helluva lot of time to throw. We may see a team or two break the D and run it all over them but honestly, I'm excited to see what this D can do because it sounds an awful lot like raising hell. And I'm a man who enjoys hell raising.
Click to expand...

Penetration can disrupt the running game up the middle.
The question to me is on short yardage situation, where it's better to push a guy or two backward.
 
cland said:
How is it "complete fail" when they'll both play the exact same position in the exact same defensive scheme? They will play it slightly differently, but they still fall in the category of rush the passer by beating the offenses left tackle.

The concept that Mario will stand up and move a pace to the outside corner (only on run downs) gets way overblown IMO.

This is kind of like comparing Schaub to Peyton Manning, and saying he'll be no good at QB--we should trade him. That's why I asked, Who would you replace him with?
Click to expand...

I used the term complete fail to describe comparing the players to each other. I realize that the position is the same, but IMO, the players are so different from each other that the comparison fails there.
You used Ware as a direct comparison to Mario to illustrate why Mario can be successful at the position. I just think the players are different enough physically, and by skill set, that it's not an apples to apples comparison.

I think when all is said and done, it will be obvious that Mario is a far better 4-3 DE than a 3-4 OLB, and that his talent is not going to be utilized to it's fullest extent at that position.
 
michaelm said:
I think when all is said and done, it will be obvious that Mario is a far better 4-3 DE than a 3-4 OLB, and that his talent is not going to be utilized to it's fullest extent at that position.
Click to expand...
I would tend to agree with that but try this on for size. I think Mario can be far better in how Wade Phillips will be using him than he has been in years past.

You're right though, as a standard 3-4 OLB in a 'normal' 3-4 defense, I would not feel comfortable with Mario there full time. But that's not how Mario will be used. He will be used the same way Ware is used and I think he will be successful.
 
Don't think of Mario as a olb. Think of him as a stand up de.

He's going to have a great year. There will be no runs in his vicinity. He will kill rushing the passer.

Top seven defense this year.
 
Our NT is about the same size as our rookie DE.

Antonio Garay 6'4'' 320 LBs
Casey Hampton 6'1'' 325 LBs
B.J. Raji 6'2'' 337 LBs
Kris Jenkins 6'5'' 360 LBs
Paul Soliai 6'4'' 355 LBs
Haloti Ngata 6'4'' 350 LBs

^That is the list of NT who plays in the 3-4 and their defense are a top 10 Defense.

Earl Mitchell 6'3'' 291 LBs

And I don't think KJ should be starting as the #2CB right away, Jason Allen should be unless proven otherwise. Then KJ for nickel and BHarris for dime. But other than that, I'm fine w/ the depth chart.
 
Any defense that has Kareem Abdul Jackson is a complete fail imo. That guy couldn't cover his great grandmother using a walker.

That spot will get picked on 80% of the time or better and why not. Hell, I would throw to his spot 100% of the time. Hell, one out of 100 throws he might make a play. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

I'm also VERY worried about our LB situation. At ILB, I doubt that Ryans is the player he was prior to injury. Then with Cushing, unless he is roided up he plays closer to Brian Cushion than Brian Cushing. He was softer than downey tissue last yr. Sure, he is good when juicing. When not, he is JAG.

On the outside, Barwin is coming off injury and more raw than a baby with a diaper rash, and Un-Super Mario is making a position change and is generally about as motivated as a homeless man living under a bridge.

I am high on Brooks Reed. I like his future a lot, but he is a rookie and he could be very good as a rookie, or he might just be the guy that needs a little seasoning before he puts it together. And it doesn't help that he is a rookie on a team changing D, with no practice time, no OTA's etc to get aquainted.

I am pretty psyched about Watt, but we don't have a NT imo. Cody and Mitchell are imposters. These guys are about as much NT as I am.

Obviousely, I love the draft picks and the two guys we picked up in FA, but I just feel we are a long ways away from being a good D. I hope I am wrong. My biggest concern is KJ. I think he stinks, and that is putting it lightly and any D with him as a starter is going to have major suckitude. I would trade him for a package of twinkies and a Dr Pepper.
 
Corrosion said:
I see not a single hole in the Texans top 11 defenders ..... That almost looks like an Allstar lineup .... Im praying to the good LORD above we dont have any significant injuries.


Joseph + Manning > Aso + nobody.
Click to expand...

Jackson an allstar?:kitten:


No but really, with a small NT and a MLB coming off a major injury, I'm worried about teams killing us up the middle. We really need to take a look at a bigboy there to keep OG's off Demeco who is not a big guy anyway. Has anyone picked up Cullen Jenkins or Aubrayo Franklin yet?
 
mussop said:
Jackson an allstar?:kitten:


No but really, with a small NT and a MLB coming off a major injury, I'm worried about teams killing us up the middle. We really need to take a look at a bigboy there to keep OG's off Demeco who is not a big guy anyway. Has anyone picked up Cullen Jenkins or Aubrayo Franklin yet?
Click to expand...

Unless demeco has lost weight he is pretty big.

But I agree that we need to find a big boy.

I would not be upset if we traded Antonio, Walter and slaton plus picks for Vincent Jackson.

And then sign a nt, de and ilb.

I can dream right.
 
Rey said:
Unless demeco has lost weight he is pretty big.

But I agree that we need to find a big boy.

I would not be upset if we traded Antonio, Walter and slaton plus picks for Vincent Jackson.

And then sign a nt, de and ilb.

I can dream right.
Click to expand...

Not saying he's a runt but at 248 lbs he doesn't need to be taking on OG's. Thats what is going to be happening on most running plays if Mitchell is our starting DT. If we trade Antonio who do you start in his place?
 
mussop said:
Not saying he's a runt but at 248 lbs he doesn't need to be taking on OG's. Thats what is going to be happening on most running plays if Mitchell is our starting DT. If we trade Antonio who do you start in his place?
Click to expand...

There are quite a few nt's and 34 DES out there.
 
I share your concerns, Porky. But I think the beauty of it is that we don't need to necessarily have an ELITE defense to be very, very good.
 
Porky said:
Any defense that has Kareem Abdul Jackson is a complete fail imo. That guy couldn't cover his great grandmother using a walker.

That spot will get picked on 80% of the time or better and why not. Hell, I would throw to his spot 100% of the time. Hell, one out of 100 throws he might make a play. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

I'm also VERY worried about our LB situation. At ILB, I doubt that Ryans is the player he was prior to injury. Then with Cushing, unless he is roided up he plays closer to Brian Cushion than Brian Cushing. He was softer than downey tissue last yr. Sure, he is good when juicing. When not, he is JAG.

On the outside, Barwin is coming off injury and more raw than a baby with a diaper rash, and Un-Super Mario is making a position change and is generally about as motivated as a homeless man living under a bridge.

I am high on Brooks Reed. I like his future a lot, but he is a rookie and he could be very good as a rookie, or he might just be the guy that needs a little seasoning before he puts it together. And it doesn't help that he is a rookie on a team changing D, with no practice time, no OTA's etc to get aquainted.

I am pretty psyched about Watt, but we don't have a NT imo. Cody and Mitchell are imposters. These guys are about as much NT as I am.

Obviousely, I love the draft picks and the two guys we picked up in FA, but I just feel we are a long ways away from being a good D. I hope I am wrong. My biggest concern is KJ. I think he stinks, and that is putting it lightly and any D with him as a starter is going to have major suckitude. I would trade him for a package of twinkies and a Dr Pepper.
Click to expand...

It was his rookie year. Nnamdi wasn't very good his rookie year either, along with many CBs. Still it was his rookie year, there is a NFL rule that you don't judge players until they have played 3 years in the NFL. If you did base him on one year, might as well get rid of Mario too.

Lets also remember that if Kareem made a mistake, it was magnified because there was literally NO safety help at all.
 
TheMatrix31 said:
I share your concerns, Porky. But I think the beauty of it is that we don't need to necessarily have an ELITE defense to be very, very good.
Click to expand...

That's true, but it sure helps because the offense has ups and downs. I think they should just play mario as rde 5 tech, wyatt as lde 5 tech, sign kelly gregg or better yet franklin, cut or trade smith and sign nate clements as another db.
 
Corrosion said:
I see not a single hole in the Texans top 11 defenders ..... That almost looks like an Allstar lineup .... Im praying to the good LORD above we dont have any significant injuries.


Joseph + Manning > Aso + nobody.
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Major hole at CB2. Unproven and possibly undersized DT. ILB and (unproven) OLB coming off major injuries. FS and other OLB switching positions. Rookie DE. Everybody switching to a new scheme.

Realistically, Joseph, Manning, and A Smith are the only ones without question marks. A top 15 defense would be a huge accomplishment IMO.
 
leebigeztx said:
That's true, but it sure helps because the offense has ups and downs. I think they should just play mario as rde 5 tech, wyatt as lde 5 tech, sign kelly gregg or better yet franklin, cut or trade smith and sign nate clements as another db.
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I think your last 5 posts you have mentioned cutting Smith. We get it. Won't happen, but we get it.
 
fiasco west said:
It was his rookie year. Nnamdi wasn't very good his rookie year either, along with many CBs. Still it was his rookie year, there is a NFL rule that you don't judge players until they have played 3 years in the NFL. If you did base him on one year, might as well get rid of Mario too.

Lets also remember that if Kareem made a mistake, it was magnified because there was literally NO safety help at all.
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It's pretty poor logic to suggest that Player X may have been terrible his first year but Good Player Y wasn't that great either, so Player X will still be good. That's like saying that some random practice squad running back will become an all-pro because Arian Foster did it. I'm sure if you look at a list of first year corners who played at historically bad levels, most probably never even rose to the level of mediocrity. That's not saying Jackson can't turn it around, especially with different coaches, but it's foolish not to think the most probable result will be continued bad play and/or lost job.
 
SteveSlaton20 said:
lol, not a chance.

Aso + Huff > Joseph + Manning
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Yeah... but Huff ain`t nobody :thisbig:.

The only thing that bugs me is, that the Eagles got Aso relatively cheap (12 million per year) while we got JJ a little over his market value (almost 10 million a year) - the difference is too small to be absolutely thrilled.

But then again - I am thrilled. This offseason the defense changed almost completely. New coordinator, new system and a whole bunch of new starters.

I´m pretty sure that our #2 CB will be at least serviceable - whether it is Allen or KJax (he should`ve learned something after his first year and now with good coaching) - heck maybe even Harris surprises some people.

But in the end - having a mediocre defense should do a whole lot for this football team. I just have this nagging feeling, that our O-Line will suck next year...
 
bo orlando said:
It's pretty poor logic to suggest that Player X may have been terrible his first year but Good Player Y wasn't that great either, so Player X will still be good. That's like saying that some random practice squad running back will become an all-pro because Arian Foster did it. I'm sure if you look at a list of first year corners who played at historically bad levels, most probably never even rose to the level of mediocrity. That's not saying Jackson can't turn it around, especially with different coaches, but it's foolish not to think the most probable result will be continued bad play and/or lost job.
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I didn't suggest anything. I'm saying it is foolish to give up on a player after a rookie year. Not only that, he was put on a island something only the best CBs can handle.

Also most rookie corners are not asked to shut-down receivers. Our defensive coaching last year was just straight up ignorant.
 
LikeMike said:
Yeah... but Huff ain`t nobody :thisbig:.

The only thing that bugs me is, that the Eagles got Aso relatively cheap (12 million per year) while we got JJ a little over his market value (almost 10 million a year) - the difference is too small to be absolutely thrilled.

But then again - I am thrilled. This offseason the defense changed almost completely. New coordinator, new system and a whole bunch of new starters.

I´m pretty sure that our #2 CB will be at least serviceable - whether it is Allen or KJax (he should`ve learned something after his first year and now with good coaching) - heck maybe even Harris surprises some people.

But in the end - having a mediocre defense should do a whole lot for this football team. I just have this nagging feeling, that our O-Line will suck next year...
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I think people are underestimating how much Asomugha's age factored into things, particularly coming off a somewhat injury-plagued season. If he was 27 like Joseph you could have given him a blank check.
 
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