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Lamar Miller Expectations

E

Earl34

Hall of Fame
When we signed Lamar Miller, his performance during this streak was what I expected.

In his first season with the Texans, Miller's first couple of games included
Game1: Miller had 28 carries while Blue had 1
Game2: Miller had 25 carries while Blue had 5
Game3: Miller had 21 carries while Blue/Grimes had 5
Game4: Miller had 19 carries while Blue had 3
Game5: Miller had 9 carries and injured.
Game6: Miller had 25 carries while Blue had 2

By game 3, I said, this guy cannot handle this workload and will not last the season. Sure enough, as the 2016 went on, he got injured, appeared slow and couldn't withstand the number of carries. I kept wondering why would you take a speedback without any contact in the preseason and then give him that workload?

We all know about Miller's limitations as a runner, but if he's fresh and you can give him a seam, he is an above average RB who can give you explosive plays. I never understood why the coaching staff could not understand this and give a backup RB, 5-12 carries per game to keep him fresh and minimize the 25 carry games.

Well, it looks like after two years of mishandling Miller, the coaching staff has figured how to maximize his talent. He needs a backup who can help with the workload.

Losing the weight he gained to handle the punishment, it looks like Miller has regain that quickness we saw in Miami and reminds us of why he was signed in the first place.

Kudos to Miller and the coaching staff.
 
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I like to give the coaching staff some kudos as well. The last two games especially they have been helping him with the diverse ways they've been giving him the ball & the blocking up front.

They've run sweeps, tosses, delays & used the play action often enough defenses have to be cautious about attacking it.

They've run stretches, pulls, iso... hit every gap across the line.

They even used a fake toss today.
 
Miller and Blue have turned into a nice combo. Coaches finally set up players to succeed. But we all know a healthy DW4 biggest influence in both RBS shining
 
I don't think that the turnaround has been coaching or using him different. He's just attacking and being more aggressive than he has been in the past with us. Could have been running like this for us all along IMO.
 
ATXtexanfan said:
Miller and Blue have turned into a nice combo. Coaches finally set up players to succeed. But we all know a healthy DW4 biggest influence in both RBS shining
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I don't know. Browns had a healthy Mayfield & Chubb couldn't get it going.
 
thunderkyss said:
I don't know. Browns had a healthy Mayfield & Chubb couldn't get it going.
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Well 4 turnovers vs 0 is the same story. Chubb and baker flashed. They also have a DC running the show. Word is packer coach will probably be coach next year

Lol redzone just said McCarthy fired from packers
 
Rest is one thing but my observation is Miller isn’t hesitating at all this year when he runs. He’s not slowing when he gets to the gap(s).
 
I feel like Millers vision is steadily improving. He has cut back the past few weeks more than he has the past few years combined. Not sure if we are going away from power to more zone but he is seeing things better.
 
amazing80 said:
I feel like Millers vision is steadily improving. He has cut back the past few weeks more than he has the past few years combined. Not sure if we are going away from power to more zone but he is seeing things better.
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Between the cutbacks & pushing the edge, either he's seeing things better or they finally took the leash off.
 
Texansballer74 said:
He's finally healthy. I remember his first year here, dude had 4 different injuries. He battled through all of that but I was surprised we kept running him a lot.
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Agree, The workload contributed to his injuries. Also with Grimes on the roster, you would think the coaching staff would have done a better job with his workload.

Years ago, I read this article about Tony Dorset’s disliking how Landry limited his carries. Later in his career, he realized how much Landry was simply trying to keep hm healthy and maximize his effectiveness.

For Miller to stay healthy and effective, you have to monitor his workload. He should rarely get more than 20 carries per game.
 
There are/were dang few backs that can handle 25-30 carries a game and have any sort long career. Miller in my mind is really more of a third down back rather than a franchise back. Given the though, I have to give him props for this season so far.
 
No coincidence that as the offensive line has started to gel the run game has taken off. Miller is a good back when you let him spread his wings and fly. If you think you're going to run him into a wall 25 times a day and be successful then you would be mistaken.

Blue you can run into a wall 40 times a game, thats what he's built to do, he will give you 2-3 yards no matter what. He wont get tripped up, he isnt trying to dance around, he's north south blood on the moon.

Its a nice tandem, but to me Bill OBriens run philosophy is SCREAMING for Leveon Bell, I mean its a match made in heaven.
 
The offense has improved throughout the year. The O-Line is getting more cohesive as a unit; we have that 2nd receiver that opens it up a bit (more 7 man fronts); and Deshaun is healthier than he's been all season (linebacker have to spy him).

There's way more holes for Miller (and Blue) to run through, and they are taking advantage of it.
 
Many of our successful pass plays, watch and you will see a rb and TE helping block, so it tells you how good the folks are
 
I have been pleasantly surprised by the turnaround.

I think the OL getting more time together has helped the most.

Even given the big plays Miller has been having he still doesn't explode off the screen like a lot of backs do.
 
JamTex said:
He still has a year on his contract after this year sir.
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Yes, he may played into not getting cut after the season or getting a phony extension which is for cap hit purposes. Non-elite RBs on a third contract is pretty much burning good money. I would not expect Miller on the Texans in 2020.
 
noxiousdog said:
The offense has improved throughout the year. The O-Line is getting more cohesive as a unit; we have that 2nd receiver that opens it up a bit (more 7 man fronts); and Deshaun is healthier than he's been all season (linebacker have to spy him).

There's way more holes for Miller (and Blue) to run through, and they are taking advantage of it.
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Nick Martin reportedly gives credit to Demaryius Thomas helping change the run game with his style of play too
 
infantrycak said:
It's not zone but he seems more decisive. He's planting a foot and going.
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I am responding to your post as it is springboard for others and my thoughts. You are correct. Also I've said Watson would be the catalyst to make all offense better and he has. A QB with Watson's talents can win with an offense we have. His hand offs to Miller and fakes to RB then pass is much better; he is selling it more like Schaub did. He also makes coach talked about coach of year candidacy that I wouldn't vote for but wouldn't fuss over either.

Miller is a guy that I had cut going into 2020 and use his cap $7.25 m for Le'Veon Bell partial payment. I still want Bell who IMO is better but use Miller next season then let go for possible comp pick or sign him. Regardless doesn't appear that Foreman will be back this year & Doc's recent post injury thread "at best some good games but deteriorating fast" 2019. We can afford Miller and Bell with some dollar juggling easily. 2019 cap space is $70 million without cuts. That's a great backfield to keep pressure on 100 percent of game.
 
money has to go to KJAX, honey badger and clowney as well. Maybe some OL or CB Free agents, so interested what you would prioritize as their is a cap
 
Rich Schmidt said:
money has to go to KJAX, honey badger and clowney as well. Maybe some OL or CB Free agents, so interested what you would prioritize as their is a cap
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Can you clarify your post and questions? Badger wants S.B. so that limits his choices as does teams having $ to overpay.

Despite Lamar Miller's recent stats I'm still not all mushy on keeping him.
 
Lev Bell had a heavy workload last year with over 300 carries...that’s a recipe for a disaster FA wise. It would be hard but I would stay away from Bell and look to poach Ingram from NO.
 
Mr teX said:
Lev Bell had a heavy workload last year with over 300 carries...that’s a recipe for a disaster FA wise. It would be hard but I would stay away from Bell and look to poach Ingram from NO.
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I'd rather draft a guy late or find a talented UDFA than bring in a free agent RB. But if adding one to the mix I think Tevin Coleman would fit in well on this team, especially if used like when baby Shanny was the OC for the Falcons.
 
Mr teX said:
Lev Bell had a heavy workload last year with over 300 carries...that’s a recipe for a disaster FA wise. It would be hard but I would stay away from Bell and look to poach Ingram from NO.
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You think maybe that's what this is all about? He's hiding some medical issue?
 
thunderkyss said:
You think maybe that's what this is all about? He's hiding some medical issue?
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I don’t think so, I just think he wants to be compensated as the Steelers have used him pretty much his entire career and as the best back in the league.. forget the 321 carries last year, he’s had at a minimum of 300+ touches every year he’s been in the league......except the year he got injured. the Steelers have effectively run him into the ground his entire career. He’s 26 now, he’ll be 27 by mid year next year...a year he’ll likely spend most of trying to get back acclimated to the game after being out of the league for a year. so you’re talking about 2 years at most of top level production before he turns 30 in which case the decline will probably start to set in...and that’s best case scenario...meaning he doesn’t get hurt in that 2 year time span.

I just think you’ll get more bang for your buck with Ingram over the long haul and you won’t have to break the bank.
 
Mr teX said:
I don’t think so, I just think he wants to be compensated as the Steelers have used him pretty much his entire career and as the best back in the league.. forget the 321 carries last year, he’s had at a minimum of 300+ touches every year he’s been in the league......except the year he got injured. the Steelers have effectively run him into the ground his entire career. He’s 26 now, he’ll be 27 by mid year next year...a year he’ll likely spend most of trying to get back acclimated to the game after being out of the league for a year. so you’re talking about 2 years at most of top level production before he turns 30 in which case the decline will probably start to set in...and that’s best case scenario...meaning he doesn’t get hurt in that 2 year time span.

I just think you’ll get more bang for your buck with Ingram over the long haul and you won’t have to break the bank.
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He played himself and will ultimately go down as one of the dumbest players in NFL history.
 
Mr teX said:
Says the resident hater of the messageboard.
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You didn't even try, and that was actually your best move. :spit: What do I need to hate on? I could care less. Only a complete idiot would think that Bell made the right move when he won't get paid for the entire season now, will be a year older trying to negotiate again, will have worst rust on him like he did early on last season, and will have a a lot less leverage now with the few GM's that will even deal with him.
 
Texecutioner said:
You didn't even try, and that was actually your best move. :spit: What do I need to hate on? I could care less. Only a complete idiot would think that Bell made the right move when he won't get paid for the entire season now, will be a year older trying to negotiate again, will have worst rust on him like he did early on last season, and will have a a lot less leverage now with the few GM's that will even deal with him.
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If u coud care less, you wouldn’t have made the comment but I digress.

No one should hate on a guy trying to get every penny of his worth. Especially in a league without fully guaranteed contracts.
 
Mr teX said:
If u coud care less, you wouldn’t have made the comment but I digress.

No one should hate on a guy trying to get every penny of his worth. Especially in a league without fully guaranteed contracts.
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It isn't hating by pointing out what every analyst who understands NFL contracts and his leverage situation is saying. It's called common sense based on his age, his negotiating position (Clearly he didn't have one), and the fact that he'll be even worse off from negotiating next season. I don't hate on everyone for holding out. He plays for the Steelers and they aren't an organization you want to typically try that with and that's been proven now. I've supported a few holdouts like Hines Ward who also played for the Steelers and luckily it worked out for him. I guess I wasn't hating back then. Lol!
 
Texecutioner said:
You didn't even try, and that was actually your best move. :spit: What do I need to hate on? I could care less. Only a complete idiot would think that Bell made the right move when he won't get paid for the entire season now, will be a year older trying to negotiate again, will have worst rust on him like he did early on last season, and will have a a lot less leverage now with the few GM's that will even deal with him.
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We will see on this.

I hope the Texans aren't the suckers on this deal.

Unlike some of the folks I really respect, signing Bell would be a misuse of resources due to useage rate already in his career vs $$$$ it will take to sign him.

How about using those resources this way, re-sign KJAX/Tag Clowney, then trade a 3rd for Jenkins and sign Claiborne in FA. Remember KJo is coming off the books for 9 mil.
 
steelbtexan said:
We will see on this.

I hope the Texans aren't the suckers on this deal.

Unlike some of the folks I really respect, signing Bell would be a misuse of resources due to useage rate already in his career vs $$$$ it will take to sign him.

How about using those resources this way, re-sign KJAX/Tag Clowney, then trade a 3rd for Jenkins and sign Claiborne in FA. Remember KJo is coming off the books for 9 mil.
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You can't invest a lot of money into a RB when you still have a broken Oline. I want nothing to do with signing Bell.
 
Bell is one of the smartest runners out there, patient he absorbs hits well, knows when to go down. I think its really reaching to say that he's on some kind of decline especially being anecdotal. No signs on the field point to that conclusion. I understand the workload argument, but if you look at what Adrian Peterson is doing the really good guys find ways to stay productive, PLUS what are we looking at 4-5 years? His contract ends when its time to back up the trucks for Watson? A[art from an MCL tear he had a few years ago most of his wear and tear is minor:

https://sportsinjurypredictor.com/player/leveon-bell/6666

I think Bill OBriens running philosophy and Bells running style are a match made in heaven. Bell understands the chaos, he knows linemen will get beat, he waits for that and then makes his decision. Add to that WR type hands. Last week instead of Joe freakin' Webb in the slot you could have put Bell in there and then brought in your backup RB. Add to that Bell is significantly better in pass pro, some wierd tidbit that I cant seem to substantiate is that he's never given up a sack. That PITT when Bell is not in on pass downs has DOUBLE the sack % then when he's in there. Miller has gotten 'better' at pass protection, but by no means is he good at it. Bell is GREAT at it.

"but bell has carried the ball too much he's going to get hurt" ..... paralysis by analysis.
 
Uncle Rico said:
Bell is one of the smartest runners out there, patient he absorbs hits well, knows when to go down. I think its really reaching to say that he's on some kind of decline especially being anecdotal. No signs on the field point to that conclusion. I understand the workload argument, but if you look at what Adrian Peterson is doing the really good guys find ways to stay productive, PLUS what are we looking at 4-5 years? His contract ends when its time to back up the trucks for Watson? A[art from an MCL tear he had a few years ago most of his wear and tear is minor:

https://sportsinjurypredictor.com/player/leveon-bell/6666

I think Bill OBriens running philosophy and Bells running style are a match made in heaven. Bell understands the chaos, he knows linemen will get beat, he waits for that and then makes his decision. Add to that WR type hands. Last week instead of Joe freakin' Webb in the slot you could have put Bell in there and then brought in your backup RB. Add to that Bell is significantly better in pass pro, some wierd tidbit that I cant seem to substantiate is that he's never given up a sack. That PITT when Bell is not in on pass downs has DOUBLE the sack % then when he's in there. Miller has gotten 'better' at pass protection, but by no means is he good at it. Bell is GREAT at it.

"but bell has carried the ball too much he's going to get hurt" ..... paralysis by analysis.
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Bell would be a good addition. What concerns me is how much it is going to cost.
 
Texas Jake said:
Bell would be a good addition. What concerns me is how much it is going to cost.
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A **** ton. Luckily the Texans are one of the most cap friendly teams next year with about 60M in space, But ... HUGE BUT .. Bell has already been making subliminal suggestions - liking tweets on the Colts media sites because Indy has TWICE the cap space we do. Indy could pay him the most out of anyone and not even bat an eyelash. To me that would be worst case - having to match up against Luck, TY Hilton AND Leveon Bell twice a year.

He turned down 5 years 70Ms from Pitt so the offers would start in that area I would presume. I would do 4yrs 68Ms with team friendly incentives.
 
infantrycak said:
$68 mil per spotrac.

As for Indy, any time you see a team with that much cap space they have major & many players they will lose or need to re-sign.

Don't see the Texans signing Bell though.
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Because of the finances or because 'he's going to get hurt again' ?
 
Mr teX said:
Lev Bell had a heavy workload last year with over 300 carries...that’s a recipe for a disaster FA wise. It would be hard but I would stay away from Bell and look to poach Ingram from NO.
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1. That was one season 2. he would not be expected to have that many in Houston with Miller here and if Miller gone a back up would be found to share...I would hope.
 
TheRealJoker said:
I'd rather draft a guy late or find a talented UDFA than bring in a free agent RB. But if adding one to the mix I think Tevin Coleman would fit in well on this team, especially if used like when baby Shanny was the OC for the Falcons.
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well of course but IIRC Blue was last one that did anything in years (I miss Foster) and Blue is avg at best.
 
Mr teX said:
I don’t think so, I just think he wants to be compensated as the Steelers have used him pretty much his entire career and as the best back in the league.. forget the 321 carries last year, he’s had at a minimum of 300+ touches every year he’s been in the league......except the year he got injured. the Steelers have effectively run him into the ground his entire career. He’s 26 now, he’ll be 27 by mid year next year...a year he’ll likely spend most of trying to get back acclimated to the game after being out of the league for a year. so you’re talking about 2 years at most of top level production before he turns 30 in which case the decline will probably start to set in...and that’s best case scenario...meaning he doesn’t get hurt in that 2 year time span.

I just think you’ll get more bang for your buck with Ingram over the long haul and you won’t have to break the bank.
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Did you bother to check or just make up his stats? 2017: 321 2016: 261 2015: injured 113 2014: 290 2013: 244
http://www.nfl.com/player/le'veonbell/2540175/careerstats
 
Texecutioner said:
You can't invest a lot of money into a RB when you still have a broken Oline. I want nothing to do with signing Bell.
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How does signing Bell have anything to do with Oline as no decent FA will be there and you can draft OLINE in all rounds if you want. Don't understand your comment? Second sentence cool but not the first.
 
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