OK.. the basics. Here are the basics of the Texans. Some of the stuff im gonna explain you may already know, but im just gonna assume that you dont.. just to try and avoid confusion.
We run a 3-4 defense. Most teams run a 4-3 defense. What that means is that most teams have 4 defensive linemen (the guys on the line of scrimmage in the 3 point stance) and 3 Linebackers (the guys standing behind the linemen)
That is two Defensive ends (the linemen on the outside.) and two Defensive tackles (the linemen on the endside) as well as two Outside linebackers and 1 inside linebackers (like sharper)
We run a 3-4 defense though.. that has 3 linemen (2 ends, 1 tackle) and 4 linebackers (2 outside, 2 inside)
Some people say that the 3-4 is more versatile and fast, others say that the 4-3 is. Personally.. I see it like this.
The 3-4 is a more versatile defense because of the many "looks" you can give the opposing offense. with 4 linebackers, you can blitz the QB in many different ways (blitz = sending alot of defenders to try to tackle the QB before he throws the ball).
I think that the 4-3 is faster though.. because they dont need such big linemen. (the 3-4 needs huge 300+ pound linemen because their job is to tie up as many offensive linemen as possible to free up the linebackers and give them holes to blitz through). the 4-3 can have smaller 250-270 pound Dlinemen who can do the blitzing and such.
I dont think either defense is better than the other, but I like the 3-4. When it is working its a beautiful defense, and you can get superstar quality 3-4 players in the later rounds (cause it requires a different kind of player, and not many teams use the 3-4 so more of that kind of player is available in the draft)
As for our offense.. we run a "conservative" offense. What that means is we dont try to trick the opponent, we just run our plays and challenge the other guy to stop us. Its a straight forward, smashmouth kind of attitude. We like to run the ball, but we have a great QB and a great receiving corp, so throwing the ball is just as common in our offense as running. But running the ball, moving the chains(gettings first downs), and controlling the clock.. that is how we play.
Our problems, currently, are our Oline, and our Dline.
On the Oline.. we are struggling to protect Carr. We have started using a new blocking scheme that isnt widely used. its called Zone Blocking. The strength of this scheme is that it can REALLY improve your running game. The Denver broncos have been running the zone blocking scheme for a while, and it doesnt matter WHO you have running the ball for them, he will have a 1000yard rushing season behind that line. So.. we struggled last season but I think with another offseason to train, we will be good in that department.
The Dline. Our Dline is old and injured (except for Robaire Smith). Payne and Walker are both getting up their in years, and Payne has had two seasons now with bad knee injuries. They are not doing a very good job of tieing up olinemen and it is hurting our pass rush (putting pressure on the QB on passing downs). Without a pass rush, the opposing offense is more easily able to throw the ball on you and get completions. Our stats show that teams were willing to just sit back and pass all day against us, and that aint good. SO.. look for us to pick up some new linemen over the offseason.
Our Strengths.
Our defensive secondary (the Secondary are the guys behind the linebackers on defense. Your Cornerbacks and Safties, who are responsible for covering the opposing wide receivers.) The stats dont show it but we actually have a very strong secondary. With some help from the pass rush, I think we will be in VERY good shape in the secondary. We were one of the league leaders in interceptions this season.
Our passing game. When Carr gets protection.. he has a great arm, great accuracy.. and a slew of top notch receivers to throw too. When we are on our game.. our passing attack is unstoppable.
Some other players you should know about on our team.
Andre Johnson: Probably the most well known player on our team here in the states. He was a rookie last season, and is going to the pro bowl this season. he is a physical freak of nature at Wide Receiver. Hes huge, hes fast, has great hands and can do some amazing stuff. Hes considered by most to be a top 10 receiver in the league, and will most likely cement himself a spot in the top 5 within a couple seasons. The cool thing about him is he is very quiet, and very humble.. things that you rarely if ever see in a superstar WR. Thing is, on the field they call him "Angry Dre" cause when those cornerbacks start talking smack to him, he gets mad and runs all over them
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Domanick Davis: Our Running Back (the guy who runs the ball on offense). He came in in the 4th week last season and totally owned. Hes a small, shifty RB.. but hes very hard to tackle and can power through defenders for extra yardage. his only weakness is his size, which has caused some injury problems over the last couple seasons. With some help from our Oline(which hasnt been too good lately) he wont take so much of a beating and will have less issues.
Dunta Robinson: Our rookie this year who really showed his stuff. he SHOULD have been the Defensive Rookie of the Year but he got robbed by a guy who plays in New York (new york players always get more press). He was one of the best Cornerbacks in the league, if not THE best. The neat thing about him is that he doesnt play like other cornerbacks. He does a great job covering his guys, and he is a ball hawk (gets interceptions).. but he also loves to tackle, and thats rare. Hes an awesome tackler and has a slew of highlight reel hits from this season. including a couple QB sacks and forced fumbles.
These three guys you definatly need to keep an eye on.. and also, as you hang out around here you will hear about some more of our quality players like Jason Babin, Chester Pitts, Derrick Armstrong, Antwan Peek, Seth Payne, Jabar Gaffney, Glen Earl, Robaire Smith.. etc..etc..
OK.. hope that helps some and isnt too confusing.
, we're pretty much safe from relegation now) 11 hours on the road including the match, absolutely knackered.
