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Chris Taylor
- Thread starter joetexan
- Start date
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
Vinny said:
I think Smith will take the #2 spot. He is more experienced and has alot to teach, usually if you want a guy to teach your young running backs you would want to have the guy play enough to prove himself. But now that I think about it, I dont really think there are set depth charts in this offensive system. I'd bet that Morency and Smith would have the same amount of carries this season, but injuries that may occur/persist bring a whole new factor into it.
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
Nice thanks, I was JUST about to look them up.Lucky said:
Edit: the one thing I notice about these stats are there aren't any real long touchdowns. That may mean that he does not have that break away speed come game time. There are alot of things that it could mean though, it could have been the system, etc.
HeartofHouston
Waterboy
Well what I know about him is that..
He played in a spread offense and he also shared carries with somebody else cant remember the guys name of the top of my head.
He played in a spread offense and he also shared carries with somebody else cant remember the guys name of the top of my head.
El Tejano
Hall of Fame
Does this mean Vinny, that you don't believe A. Smith will be making the squad?Vinny said:
I for one believe that this year will have Chris Taylor battling for the 4th RB spot for this season only. I think a year in the NFL will do him some good. I'm not sure what kind of ST player A. Smith is but I am sure he can contribute there, making him a little more valuable.
powerfuldragon
Enchilada Aficionado.
read the post directly above yours.El Tejano said:
TransplantTexan1
Noob
Yeah, I'm also still optimistic about Morency. I'm looking for him to be the #2 back this year behind DD. He has the ability to be a very productive back in the NFL and you'd think that if things work out as planned, he'd get a good number of carries.
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
Vinny said:
Ya, hes not a primary back, but a relief kind of guy. I think it depends on the situation, you know. If we are up by 10 points in the beginning of the fourth quarter who do you rotate with DD, Smith or Morency. I'd rather have Smith in that situation because he'd be fresher and could tire the defense more.
If DD couldn't start a game I would expect Morency to come in rather than Smith.
fan no matter what
Practice Squad
do you guys think wali lundy will be in the mix?
Vinny's right...you can't accurately judge a RB until the pads are on.
Things that will push a RB down the depth chart on this offense will be:
1. the obvious...not holding onto the football.
2. Dancing. Make your cut and go.
3. Not picking up your block consistently
Morency will have trouble just like Tatum Bell's having trouble in Denver. If he starts, because of injuries, he won't start long. Must be an OSU thing.
If Taylor and Lundy can hold onto the ball, they've got a legit chance of being the future.
I know, Domanick Davis. This injury thing could be worse, and take longer to heal, than many think. I just hope this doesn't go like it did with Terrell Davis.
Things that will push a RB down the depth chart on this offense will be:
1. the obvious...not holding onto the football.
2. Dancing. Make your cut and go.
3. Not picking up your block consistently
Morency will have trouble just like Tatum Bell's having trouble in Denver. If he starts, because of injuries, he won't start long. Must be an OSU thing.
If Taylor and Lundy can hold onto the ball, they've got a legit chance of being the future.
I know, Domanick Davis. This injury thing could be worse, and take longer to heal, than many think. I just hope this doesn't go like it did with Terrell Davis.
fan no matter what
Practice Squad
taylors stats from college reflect that he never fumbled the ball not even once
fan no matter what
Practice Squad
reflect
oops
oops
jerek
Pro Hobbyist
FWIW I don't have any real strong feelings yet, but Taylor looks promising IMO. He is 220 lbs and quite fast, I would guess that Morency is the only back we have that is faster vertically. Taylor's best attributes are his size, his substantial open field speed, and the fact that he is very much a one-cut-and-go kind of back. He has made some rookie mistakes but I think he has a good chance of making the squad, behind Davis, Morency, and Smith. If Davis is questionable due to injury, this means that you will see Taylor in limited reps in live games, though Morency has looked better to date and I probably echo Vinny's sentiment in stating that he is probable to gain serious time this year, especially if Davis is out with injury.
I think Antowain will be primarily a short yardage back. He is slow as hell but very powerful and what you would expect from a veteran runner. He takes the hole and drives through.
I haven't particularly watched for Lundy at this point. He hasn't done anything that has particularly caught my eye, but I wouldn't put too much emphasis on that. If I had to guess, I'd say he and Rhodes miss the cut at RB, as of now.
Our run blocking has to this point been spotty but they created a number of really nice runs during 11 on 11s.
I think Antowain will be primarily a short yardage back. He is slow as hell but very powerful and what you would expect from a veteran runner. He takes the hole and drives through.
I haven't particularly watched for Lundy at this point. He hasn't done anything that has particularly caught my eye, but I wouldn't put too much emphasis on that. If I had to guess, I'd say he and Rhodes miss the cut at RB, as of now.
Our run blocking has to this point been spotty but they created a number of really nice runs during 11 on 11s.
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
Just on my own observations of Morency at OSU and in limited time in Texan's games I feel that if VM can slow down his reads and feet and allow the blocks to take place he will have a terrific year. It is a big IF, but one that would be worth holding my virtual breath for.
wrestler4life
Waterboy
who is out fastest back?
TexanFan881
All Pro
joetexan said:
lol that's me, just made it last night, as you can tell I'm high on him.
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
wrestler4life said:
How does one define that is the question? Some guys are not as quick with the ball as they are without it. Some are quicker in lateral drills from their cohorts than they are in linear drills. Do you measure at 100 yds, 40 yds, 20 yds or 5 yds?
In the ZBS it would make sense that the coaches have a speed they are looking for in different tiers of the attack and once past the LOS. And that speed at the point of attack is most likely slower than faster.
mexican_texan
Furry Tractors
Chris Taylor's stats are unimpressive at best. His best games were against "powerhouses" like Illinois. If his speed is his only thing that makes him pop out to guys at practice, then we should look at Trung Candidate.
jerek
Pro Hobbyist
wrestler4life said:
Hard to say. Even if you have access to measurables like 40 time and cone drill, that doesn't necessarily translate to speed with the ball in your hands. Mathis for instance is an absolute burner once he gets going, but he does not have particularly great acceleration nor cut agility. Most of his fantastic runs last year involved one or two cuts before a tackler got his hands on him, and then he got into the open field and turned it on.
I would say Morency is, generally speaking, our fastest back, followed by Taylor and then Lundy. I haven't watched them enough to comment on specifics, but that is my general guess.
mexican_texan said:
Yes and no. He has speed, but it is primarily his ability to make one cut and find the hole, combined with his power once he gets going (I saw him level a DB the other day, don't remember who it was, but he is a strong runner) that makes him noticeable. He may be a workout warrior and may suck or have fumbling problems or what have you come Game Day; just pointing out that he looks good now. Previously, a big knock on Morency was that he was too indecisive -- danced around too much in the backfield, so at that point, his speed wasn't relevant. He has looked much better this year taking the ball and making the quick decision, going with it.
Vinny
shiny happy fan
Indiana lost their last seven games by a score of 249 to 95...so yeah, they were behind quite a bit. Only Dom Capers runs when trying to play catch-up ball (couldn't resist).Lucky said:
Here is the 2005 Indiana preview from college football news.com and Taylor doesn't get much press, but that alone doesn't mean much...but it's stuff....and we are looking for stuff. so stuff it is.
http://www.collegefootballnews.com/Big_Ten/2005_Previews/Indiana_offense.htm
Some might mean "quickness" or "explosiveness" when saying fastest, butwrestler4life said:
"fastest" usually refers to sprinting speed, and the defining event for measuring sprinting spead in football is the 40 (yards not meters, which
definitely dates the use of this standard).
Most of the fastest players on this team, as with most NFL teams, are found
at WR and CB positions, not at RB.
Taylor played ahead of Yamar Washington. Many people didnt know about him because he played behind Ben Jarvis Green Ellis, who transfered the year before, and left Taylor with only one year of eligibilty. Taylor was a solid running back, and while IU's record is horrible, he wasnt the problem.
He could contribute to the Texans but I dont see him being any higher than a 3rd Option.
He could contribute to the Texans but I dont see him being any higher than a 3rd Option.
GP
Go Texans!
El Tejano said:
I think that Smith was an emergency addition, nothing more. DD's injury caused us grab a guy (Smith) as insurance.
If we acquire another veteran RB (Bennett?) then I think Smith is cut. If we cannot secure another veteran RB, I think he might squeek by and make the roster.
I just am not sold on Smith being as big a part of our team as Kubiak and others are saying. That's a move to make Smith feel needed and/or wanted, IMO, and I just have always felt Smith was an insurance acquisition the whole time. Otherwise, we'd be set with DD, Morency, Lundy, Smith, and Taylor--That's FIVE RBs right there that could battle it out for the roster spots.
So why are we still seeing Kubiak make mention of looking at veteran RBs? Because DD is injured and Smith is not the best answer for taking up an entire roster spot. Throw in an unknown commodity like Taylor, and you have Morency and Lundy as the two backs with the most talent who could proably carry the rock with the level of consistency that we need.
I tend to look at things logically. And logic tells me that Smith is not anywhere near the top of Kubiak's list. I think he's dead serious when he says he's still looking at veteran RBs out there. And if he gets a guy he wants, then I think Smith HAS to be the odd-man out.
Do any of you reallllllly think Smith offers more than Morency, Lundy, Bennett, etc? I don't. He had his time, and it's slipping away quickly. And Bennett's not far behind him, either.
Coach C.
Veteran
First- A speed back is considered not only quick laterally but having exceptional straight line speed. Examples would be Tiki Barber, Brian Westbrook, and the NO Saints Rookie(I will not speak his name so this thread is not corrupted).
So when you ask who is the fastest of our RBs it is clearly Morency.
2nd- Antowain Smith is a short yardage and goalline back that is used quite often in Denver's system. Usually it is a Fullback if they do not have a true all purpose guy. Smith will be to us what Jonathan Wells should have been a power back that will get in get tough yards and really mentor guys like Morency and Taylor. DD will have limited carries split between Morency and Smith, with Taylor seeing spot duty. Morency and Taylor could handle the overall job if DD was put on the shelf though.
3rd- Taylor is a mid-road back meaning that he is similar to but not nearly as talented as like a Larry Johnson. His running style is very similar. He is a one cut get downhill back that has enough speed to get to the outside and break long runs, but he will resort to power before he tries to use his speed.
So when you ask who is the fastest of our RBs it is clearly Morency.
2nd- Antowain Smith is a short yardage and goalline back that is used quite often in Denver's system. Usually it is a Fullback if they do not have a true all purpose guy. Smith will be to us what Jonathan Wells should have been a power back that will get in get tough yards and really mentor guys like Morency and Taylor. DD will have limited carries split between Morency and Smith, with Taylor seeing spot duty. Morency and Taylor could handle the overall job if DD was put on the shelf though.
3rd- Taylor is a mid-road back meaning that he is similar to but not nearly as talented as like a Larry Johnson. His running style is very similar. He is a one cut get downhill back that has enough speed to get to the outside and break long runs, but he will resort to power before he tries to use his speed.
TexanFan881
All Pro
Coach C. said:
I must ask, where does Wali Lundy fit into the picture?
ledzeppelin229
Hall of Fame
Coach C. said:
Wouldn't that part make him ideal for Kubiaks running system? The one-cut downhill part.
Coach C.
Veteran
TexanFan881 said:
Taylor and Morency have been getting more run with the first team. Lundy has been the second team back pretty regularly. Lundy is good, but he runs much more like a power back than anything. I can definately see why he scored so many touchdowns in college, the kid has very good balance and a nose for where he is on the field. Truthfully Taylor has been getting alot of love, but I think come preseason games Lundy will get the nod before Taylor. Taylor is a denver system type of back and alot of people around the organization are thinking we truely have found a gem, but you never know. He is still a darkhorse to me, but a very good one.
painekiller
All Pro
tulexan said:
Me too
TexanFan881
All Pro
Anything's possible before the season starts
threetoedpete
Hall of Fame
Well, Antoin might make the club. But it is clear, from what I saw in pracftice, he dose not have the gear left anymore to reach the seven hole on the strech play. And since that is a primary weapon in this offense, if he makes the club it will be as the short yardage/ goal line back. JMHO.TexansSeminole said:
jerek
Pro Hobbyist
caspian said:
If we were having concerns, it might be ironic. If Reggie Bush was the better choice, even moreso.
We have two legitimate HBs to take the place of Davis if he can't go. Antowain Smith as a 3rd at power back. Take the Reggie manlove to the Saints board; I'm sure they'll celebrate it with you there.
Dominic Davis has a roster spot, but is he healthy to play?
Antowan Smith is here to hold on to the ball and get 1 yard or 2 in critical spots. Power back!!! Not to get 100 yards.
Vernon Morency, I've heard has a lot of potential, but it's not transclating on to the field. Hopefully he figures it out.
And Taylor and Lundi are toss ups. One is an undrafted guy, the other a 6th round guy. Obviously, if they make it in the league, they are making it because they've got heart. Everyteam in the league had a chance at them more than once, and passed on them several times. I think that following wether they make the roster is fun and all, but STATISTICALLY SPEAKING, it would be a huge coup if they were even serviceable in the NFL for even ONE YEAR!!!!
I think that Kubiac is searching for another running back because, Taylor and Lundi have too many question marks. I would bet that Kubiac probably wants them to go to the practice squad to learn the system more, then come back next training camp.
Antowan Smith is here to hold on to the ball and get 1 yard or 2 in critical spots. Power back!!! Not to get 100 yards.
Vernon Morency, I've heard has a lot of potential, but it's not transclating on to the field. Hopefully he figures it out.
And Taylor and Lundi are toss ups. One is an undrafted guy, the other a 6th round guy. Obviously, if they make it in the league, they are making it because they've got heart. Everyteam in the league had a chance at them more than once, and passed on them several times. I think that following wether they make the roster is fun and all, but STATISTICALLY SPEAKING, it would be a huge coup if they were even serviceable in the NFL for even ONE YEAR!!!!
I think that Kubiac is searching for another running back because, Taylor and Lundi have too many question marks. I would bet that Kubiac probably wants them to go to the practice squad to learn the system more, then come back next training camp.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
caspian said:
No..........just temporarily challenging.
The Preacher
Waterboy
The beauty of Kubiak's offense is you can plug in other teams' scraps and find a guy to win a Thanksgiving day game for you. Time and time again they find a gem to run for a 1,000 easy. TD, Mike Anderson, etc...these guys were hardly high draft picks. It just takes a certain style that they have perfected the science of finding. It is much more a commodity position that doesn't demand all the flash certain high picks possess. It sounds like Kubiak surprisingly really likes the hand he has right now and it may turn out whoever lands on the practice squad could be starting by year end. That would necessitate a lot of injuries but I believe the Texans could have a Samkon Gado situation where a guy comes out of nowhere to put up big numbers. Hopefully DD stays healthy and this talk is all for not but I really think running back is one of the least of Kubiak's worries. Plus it will be a lot more fun to root for all our backs to collectively match Bush's #'s, which I think they will, plus we got a cannonball steamroller in Mario to give our D a fearful presence. 
The difficulty will be in deciding who gets let go or heads to the practice squad.
The difficulty will be in deciding who gets let go or heads to the practice squad.
tulexan
Hall of Fame
Zac said:And Taylor and Lundi are toss ups. One is an undrafted guy, the other a 6th round guy. Obviously, if they make it in the league, they are making it because they've got heart. Everyteam in the league had a chance at them more than once, and passed on them several times. I think that following wether they make the roster is fun and all, but STATISTICALLY SPEAKING, it would be a huge coup if they were even serviceable in the NFL for even ONE YEAR!!!!
All I have to say is
Coach C.
Veteran
HOOK'EM said:
No he will not. Terrell Davis is himself, Chris Taylor will do him, they are not even the same type runner. Davis at his heaviest was 215, Taylor is 224. Do not put crazy high hopes on a kid that is just learning what the NFL is about. He may turn out to be really good, but right now he is in a battle with Morency, Lundy, and Smith just so he can make the active roster, much less get any type of significant PT.