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Which Texan is a possible 1st time Pro Bowler in '08? (According to NFL.com)

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
Surprise! It's Mario Williams.

What? You were thinking CC Brown?

Having a great year in 2008 is what will get players to Hawaii, but it also doesn't hurt if the player had a solid 2007 season. Team success and fan passion to stuff the ballot box are factors in the process, but when a coach or GM tells me about an emerging star on his roster, especially at positions where stats don't dominate the discussion like offensive line, it is very important.


Here are the top 10 players that have emerged from my discussions over the past few weeks.



1. Mario Williams, DE, Houston: Heading into his third season after 14 sacks last year and 18.5 in his first two years. A teammate said Williams is walking around at 300 lb. and looks unblockable.
Considering that Jared Allen is now in the NFC, while Jason Taylor is in limbo with the Dolphins, Mario is practically a Pro Bowl lock with anything close to his '07 performance.
 

ObsiWan

Hall of Fame
Contributor's Club
If Gibbs' coaching boosts our running game, maybe Winston will get some consideration. Can't have a successful running game w/o good blocking
 

barrett

All Pro
i want to badly to say Duante because he was headed there last year before he got hurt.

but i can't. so i'm going to go with OPEN daniels. i like him in his third year. otherwise i'll go with winston as well. shoot, why not chris myers... who knows?
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
they need to wait until after the season to make the selections. everyone knows Mario should have made it last year but it was determined before his body of work was complete :mario2:
 

False Start

On # 69
If Mario repeats last year's performance , hes a no-brainer . As far as someone that would be a surprise , it would be nice to see Fred Bennett step up and make himself the number one defensive back on this team , and make it to Honolulu .
 

barrett

All Pro
Considering that Jared Allen is now in the NFC, while Jason Taylor is in limbo with the Dolphins, Mario is practically a Pro Bowl lock with anything close to his '07 performance.
thats a very good point. other than freeney who are the premier DE's in the AFC now?

Freeney
Mario (if he is as good or better than last year)

who else?
 

barrett

All Pro
i did before the whiskey. thanks for the correction. humbly i'll shut up. especially after i've spent way to much time correcting people about kevinS walter.
 

TexanSam

Hall of Fame
thats a very good point. other than freeney who are the premier DE's in the AFC now?

Freeney
Mario (if he is as good or better than last year)

who else?
There's some good DE's in the AFC

Kyle Vanden Bosch (Titans)
Tamba Hali (Chiefs)
Elvis Dumerville (Broncos) - he might be nothing more than a pass rushing specialist though. He had 12 sacks but only 39 tackles.
Aaron Schlobel (Bills) - Only had 6.5 sacks last year but had 14 and 12 the two years before

I don't think any of them are as good as Mario though!
 

SOLIS

United We Stand
If Gibbs' coaching boosts our running game, maybe Winston will get some consideration. Can't have a successful running game w/o good blocking
Very good point. If our running game turns around like we are all hoping for, the media will be heaping credit on Alex Gibbs -- and thusly influence the voting for offensive linemen. In other words, the media will take the story of the much maligned offensive line and trumpet the turnaround. It's a made for tv segment if I ever saw one.

It's a much longer shot that say Mario, right - but, I can certainly see things playing out like that.

Here's to multiple pro bowl selections in 2008.
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
I don't know. Schaub would have to have an epic year to get to the Pro-Bowl, when you consider who plays Qb in the AFC.
To get voted in, sure. But, a lot of the top QBs beg off playing in the game and the alternates get a ticket to Honolulu. See: Young, Vince.
 

Brando

Hall of Fame
If Mario continues on his pace from last year it would be a no brainer. Last year I wanted Mario to at least record double digit sack #'s and he did that. Now this coming year I want him to have 15-19 sacks or higher.:fans:
 

BigBull17

Hall of Fame
I don't know. Schaub would have to have an epic year to get to the Pro-Bowl, when you consider who plays Qb in the AFC.
Well, lets see. Manning is a shoe in. Brady is allergic to Hawaii. Who else? Carson Palmer is over rated. Add to that the rest of his team is thuggish and crazy hurts his chance more. Big Ben is ok, but we have seen him fall to peices before. Who else is THAT much bettter than Schaub? I cant think of any one.
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
I cant think of any one.
Derek Anderson was in last year. It's always easier to get in once you've been to a Pro Bowl. Phillip Rivers plays on a winning team. Winning teams get the most Pro Bowl players. David Garrard was considered a Pro Bowl snub last season (and is on this NFL.com list). It's a tough position in this conference. The best chance Schaub (or any Texan) has is for the team to win a bunch of games.
 

BigBull17

Hall of Fame
Derek Anderson was in last year. It's always easier to get in once you've been to a Pro Bowl. Phillip Rivers plays on a winning team. Winning teams get the most Pro Bowl players. David Garrard was considered a Pro Bowl snub last season (and is on this NFL.com list). It's a tough position in this conference. The best chance Schaub (or any Texan) has is for the team to win a bunch of games.
I wouldnt say 100% without a shadow of a doubt that those guys are better than Schaub. Lets give Anderson another year before crowning him. Gerrard isnt that good and his recievers are worse. He bennifits from a very good running game. Rivers is ok, but he doesnt put up numbers normally. We'll see.
 

Errant Hothy

Hypermediocrity
To get voted in, sure. But, a lot of the top QBs beg off playing in the game and the alternates get a ticket to Honolulu. See: Young, Vince.
The guys who get voted in should be the only one's counted as Pro-Bowlers, all this thrid and fifth alternate stuff smacks of "everybody-wins" sports.

And isn't the Pro-Bowl a tad overrated by the players and the fans.
 
The guys who get voted in should be the only one's counted as Pro-Bowlers, all this thrid and fifth alternate stuff smacks of "everybody-wins" sports.

And isn't the Pro-Bowl a tad overrated by the players and the fans.
That's what it has become. I think it would be more of an honor if it was voted equally by coaches and media, but that's not gonna happen.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
I wouldnt say 100% without a shadow of a doubt that those guys are better than Schaub. Lets give Anderson another year before crowning him. Gerrard isnt that good and his recievers are worse. He bennifits from a very good running game. Rivers is ok, but he doesnt put up numbers normally. We'll see.
Derek Anderson showed flashes in '06, and had a pretty good season in '07, and Schaub hasn't played one complete season yet..

Garard won the job, with his play on the field....

100% better, I'm not saying that either, but they've both earned a lot more than Matt Schaub has to date.

In the AFC, Brady, Peyton, Palmer, Anderson, Rivers, Garard, then it's a toss up between Young & Schaub.....

:splits:
 

Double Barrel

Texans Talk Admin
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Agree on Mario's chances of making the 2008 season Pro Bowl.

I'm stepping out on a limb and mentioning Fred Bennett here. I think he's going to improve tremendously this season with D.Rob out, and he gets a nod as a result. (Obviously, I could be way off base...but what the heck, it's good for conversation.)
 

barrett

All Pro
And his brother Kevin WalterS

:smiliedance:
that's my nickname for Walter "KevinS Walter" i figure the trend is to add an "s" somewhere it doesn't belong so that's what i do.

i've been campaigning for a year and a half now to have Owen Daniels' name officially changed to Open Daniels.

those are the only two nick names I have come up with. Obviously KevinS Walter is stupid but it stuck. Open Daniels though, that's pure gold.
 
I'm not suggesting they are. The Pro Bowl is a beauty contest, and the guys I listed have an inside track to one of the crowns, as of today.


Kubiak can't coach in the Pro Bowl if his team is in the Super Bowl. Them's the rules. :)
I guess you got me there.
 

Texans_Chick

Utopian Dreamer
Derek Anderson showed flashes in '06, and had a pretty good season in '07, and Schaub hasn't played one complete season yet..

Garard won the job, with his play on the field....

100% better, I'm not saying that either, but they've both earned a lot more than Matt Schaub has to date.

In the AFC, Brady, Peyton, Palmer, Anderson, Rivers, Garard, then it's a toss up between Young & Schaub.....

:splits:
Assuming no injuries....

Out of the QBs you list, Brady and Manning are the only ones that I think are totally proven.

Palmer has some drama issues with his team right now.

Anderson is intriguing but he hasn't been doing it long enough to be in the Brady/Manning category.

Rivers and Garrard are very dependant on the rest of their team and their own health status. Rivers is coming off of a ACL and Garrard has a chronic disease that can flare up at any time for no reason. They both depend on solid running games to keep defenses guessing, but that cuts into their ability to score throwing TDs. Garrard also has a sketchy wide receiver situation this year. Neither of these QBs make me go, wow, I wish I had that guy playing on my team (which is the feeling you should get with a Pro Bowl QB).

I guess the biggest reason to think that Schaub could be an Pro Bowl QB is the following:

1. Gibbs making the running game real.
2. Look at the the combined stats of a Schaub/Rosenfels from last year. They did that with a ton of key injuries on the offensive side of the ball and with the Ron Dayne experience trying to keep defenders honest. If the Texans can catch some breaks as far as health goes, reduce the turnovers, and improve with another year knowing the offense, a Schaub Pro Bowl isn't particularly far fetched.

I've seen enough improvement on the offensive side of the ball to be relatively bullish that the Texans can put together an offense that can move the ball. If the defense can get off the field after third downs, you can see the seeds of something special.

(And how about Manning and Brady never getting seriously injured? Colts and Pats fans are so spoiled.)
 

BigBull17

Hall of Fame
Derek Anderson showed flashes in '06, and had a pretty good season in '07, and Schaub hasn't played one complete season yet..

Garard won the job, with his play on the field....

100% better, I'm not saying that either, but they've both earned a lot more than Matt Schaub has to date.

In the AFC, Brady, Peyton, Palmer, Anderson, Rivers, Garard, then it's a toss up between Young & Schaub.....

:splits:
See, you had a little more respect till you threw the VY is close to Schuab. I hope your kidding, cause if your not thats sad. There is no way VY is in the same locker as Schuab. Watch the two of them play and the only one the "chosen one" comes close to used to wear 8 in Houston...:gun:

The others arent so clear cut. Flashes dont make a great QB, or even a good one. I wasnt all that impressed with Gerrard any way. He doesnt thwrow a pass over 7 yards. Not that he needs too, with that running game. That may be my point, Schaub has done alright with RON DAYNE as his starting RB... Compair the other QB's on that list with Schaub and none of them have a worse running back. Not even close.
 

BigBull17

Hall of Fame
I'm not suggesting they are. The Pro Bowl is a beauty contest, and the guys I listed have an inside track to one of the crowns, as of today.


Kubiak can't coach in the Pro Bowl if his team is in the Super Bowl. Them's the rules. :)
True. That explains the "chosen one" making it...
 

Big Lou

Hall of Fame
Derek Anderson showed flashes in '06, and had a pretty good season in '07, and Schaub hasn't played one complete season yet..

Garard won the job, with his play on the field....

100% better, I'm not saying that either, but they've both earned a lot more than Matt Schaub has to date.

In the AFC, Brady, Peyton, Palmer, Anderson, Rivers, Garard, then it's a toss up between Young & Schaub.....

:splits:
Derek Anderson will be on the bench by week 6 and Brady Quinn will be in. Anderson benefits from good recievers. He won't be so lucky this year.

By the way I'm so done with the Cleveland band wagon, nobody even said anything about the fact that they didn't have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks in this years draft. I know that Quinn was thier 1st round pick from this year, but still they were the media darling last year, and got a free win from the zebras last year against us (Besides the fact that we couldn't stop the run). Can't wait until they suck again this year!!!!
 

Goldensilence

hipster elite
I wouldnt say 100% without a shadow of a doubt that those guys are better than Schaub. Lets give Anderson another year before crowning him. Gerrard isnt that good and his recievers are worse. He bennifits from a very good running game. Rivers is ok, but he doesnt put up numbers normally. We'll see.
I think this crowning bit is gotten from the HWWNBN era. No one is crowning anything when it comes to Derek Anderson merely Lucky pointed out he got the nod last year.

I expect to see similar style of offense from the Titans and Jags next year. Running game and a modest passing game to keep opponents offkey just enough.

I think Rivers will look better this next year with a full year with Chris Chambers and C. Davis getting a year under his belt.

If we can get a consistent run game to go along with our WRs this could very well be a fun offense to watch next year.
 

Texanmike02

Hall of Fame
Contributor's Club
The reality is this. Schaub ain't gonna make it.

How to make the pro-bowl.

There are 3 basic formulas for making the pro-bowl.

Be a perennial star. See Brady, Manning, Harrison, LT. Its like defensive player of the year in basketball. Its as much a function of your legacy. See Scottie Bitchin.

Be a rising star on a young team and have a year in which you are donned the "rising gun" then follow that year by a year that is similar. Press gets you votes. It that simple. Be one of the players that the media falls in love with, do anything worth praising and follow it up with a year in which you make headlines for good play in a few high profile games and you're a shoe in.

Have everyone in front of you get hurt and or decline the invite. See Vince Young.

Basically, Schaub had a chance this year if he had a breakout year. Instead he's playing for a shot at the pro-bowl in 2009. I mean if he starts 10-0 with a 95+ qb rating... then he'll get the nod obviously, but being realistic he doesn't have much of a shot this year. Mario fits this bill. And someone like Bennett has a shot. I guess I should add one more method. Have a key player go down and fill in and play remarkably. That would be Bennett.

For non skill position players you're looking at basically reputation. Either be a big name rookie and play on a great team. Or build a reputation.

Mike
 

Giant Tiger

Veteran
If Gibbs' coaching boosts our running game, maybe Winston will get some consideration. Can't have a successful running game w/o good blocking
Agreed. Our running game will surprise some people this year & I expect it to be due to an emerging OL- led by Winston.
 

Vinny

shiny happy fan
The reality is this. Schaub ain't gonna make it.

How to make the pro-bowl.

There are 3 basic formulas for making the pro-bowl.

Be a perennial star. See Brady, Manning, Harrison, LT. Its like defensive player of the year in basketball. Its as much a function of your legacy. See Scottie Bitchin.

Be a rising star on a young team and have a year in which you are donned the "rising gun" then follow that year by a year that is similar. Press gets you votes. It that simple. Be one of the players that the media falls in love with, do anything worth praising and follow it up with a year in which you make headlines for good play in a few high profile games and you're a shoe in.

Have everyone in front of you get hurt and or decline the invite. See Vince Young.

Basically, Schaub had a chance this year if he had a breakout year. Instead he's playing for a shot at the pro-bowl in 2009. I mean if he starts 10-0 with a 95+ qb rating... then he'll get the nod obviously, but being realistic he doesn't have much of a shot this year. Mario fits this bill. And someone like Bennett has a shot. I guess I should add one more method. Have a key player go down and fill in and play remarkably. That would be Bennett.

For non skill position players you're looking at basically reputation. Either be a big name rookie and play on a great team. Or build a reputation.

Mike
totally overthinking this. Schaub has as good a shot as anyone if he has a good year....with so many QB's getting injured year in, year out....he just has to have a good year and stay healthy and he has a big shot. That's how Steve McNair and Vince Young and Derek Anderson made it in the last few years.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Anderson is intriguing but he hasn't been doing it long enough to be in the Brady/Manning category.
I'm not putting Anderson in that category. Someone mentioned that Schaub had a better shot at getting to the ProBowl than Anderson did. I merely mentioned that Anderson already has a good season under his belt, one more, and he'll be a contender, if some thing were to happen to one of the others.


Rivers and Garrard are very dependant on the rest of their team and their own health status.
Then the rest of your post puts Schaub in the same boat as these guys. You're saying the same thing as I'm saying, except aknowledging that what Rivers & Garrard has done in the past gives them the leg up in ProBowl voting for 2008.
I guess the biggest reason to think that Schaub could be an Pro Bowl QB is the following:

1. Gibbs making the running game real.
2. Look at the the combined stats of a Schaub/Rosenfels from last year. They did that with a ton of key injuries on the offensive side of the ball and with the Ron Dayne experience trying to keep defenders honest. If the Texans can catch some breaks as far as health goes, reduce the turnovers, and improve with another year knowing the offense, a Schaub Pro Bowl isn't particularly far fetched.

I've seen enough improvement on the offensive side of the ball to be relatively bullish that the Texans can put together an offense that can move the ball. If the defense can get off the field after third downs, you can see the seeds of something special.

(And how about Manning and Brady never getting seriously injured? Colts and Pats fans are so spoiled.)
And there you have it. Because of the state of those teams, their QBs are ahead of Schaub if Pro Bowl voting were to start today.

We haven't even established our team as divisional contenders.

For Schaub to get to the Pro Bowl, we'll have to be this years Cinderella team. It could happen, I think it most likely will happen(that we'll be the Cinderella team).

But I don't think Schaub's chances of being a first time Pro Bowler are as good as Mario's, Dunta's, or Owen Daniel's.
 

Texans_Chick

Utopian Dreamer
But I don't think Schaub's chances of being a first time Pro Bowler are as good as Mario's, Dunta's, or Owen Daniel's.
If OD has the kind of year that puts him in the Pro Bowl, I'm thinking that Schaub is a big part of that.

I put Schaub's chances at a Pro Bowl higher than Dunta's because of Dunta is coming off of injury. I would be happy seeing a productive Dunta make the field this season. Pro Bowl is beyond wildest expectations.
 

Texanmike02

Hall of Fame
Contributor's Club
totally overthinking this. Schaub has as good a shot as anyone if he has a good year....with so many QB's getting injured year in, year out....he just has to have a good year and stay healthy and he has a big shot. That's how Steve McNair and Vince Young and Derek Anderson made it in the last few years.

Well everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As long as you're ok with being wrong you're free to disagree with me. J/K vin.

Do you think Schaub has as good a shot as Manning Brady and someone like Carson or Rivers? If all four of those qb's had IDENTICAL numbers Manning, Brady, and Phillip Go. Throw Anderson who's been on the tip of people's tongues for a couple of years and throw in media child Rothlesberger and as of now Schaub stands virtually zero chance IMHO.

Mike
 

GuerillaBlack

Hall of Fame
Wouldn't be surprised if Manning or Brady decline Pro Bowl spots. Regardless, the TE position is not as deep as the QB position in the AFC, and Owen Daniels was at the top of the ENTIRE NFL in TE stats (recieving yards; he was average in TD receptions).
 

ObsiWan

Hall of Fame
Contributor's Club
Do you think Schaub has as good a shot as Manning, Brady and someone like Carson or Rivers? If all four of those qb's had IDENTICAL numbers Manning, Brady, and Phillip Go. Throw Anderson who's been on the tip of people's tongues for a couple of years and throw in media child Rothlesberger and as of now Schaub stands virtually zero chance IMHO.

Mike
Excellent points.

IMHO, Schaub's best chance is if our team leapfrogs both the Titans and the Jags due to his play. If he leads the Texans to first or second place in "the toughest division in football", then that cannot be ignored.

Individual stats can be dismissed as a one-year wonder phenomenon - I think someone said that about Derek Alexander. And if the wins/playoffs don't accompany the gaudy stats then the detractors have a case.

a weak case.... but still
 

HOU-TEX

Ah, Football!
Wouldn't be surprised if Manning or Brady decline Pro Bowl spots. Regardless, the TE position is not as deep as the QB position in the AFC, and Owen Daniels was at the top of the ENTIRE NFL in TE stats (recieving yards; he was average in TD receptions).
I don't remember Manning ever declining a Pro Bowl invite. Brady does and IMO it's kind of irritating. I should be an honor to be invited to the PB.

I freaking love OD's game, but he's got an uphill battle to make the PB too. Gonzo, Gates, Clark, K2 and now Crumpler are well known comodities.
 

Vinny

shiny happy fan
Well everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As long as you're ok with being wrong you're free to disagree with me. J/K vin.

Do you think Schaub has as good a shot as Manning Brady and someone like Carson or Rivers? If all four of those qb's had IDENTICAL numbers Manning, Brady, and Phillip Go. Throw Anderson who's been on the tip of people's tongues for a couple of years and throw in media child Rothlesberger and as of now Schaub stands virtually zero chance IMHO.

Mike
just because I give my opinion it doesn't mean that you should automatically considered your opinion canceled. All I did was engage you with my opinion.

To answer your question, I think that Schaub has as good a chance as any QB if he has a big year and stays healthy. I gave an example of a few QB's that weren't exactly tearing it up the last few years that got in since NFL QB's get so beat up in unpredictable manners year in, year out. As far as your example with Anderson....Anderson hasn't been on the tip of potential Pro Bowlers for years...hell, the Browns spent a couple of first round picks for Brady Quinn in 2007 because they really didn't have a viable starter till last season when Anderson had his first decent season.
 

Texanmike02

Hall of Fame
Contributor's Club
just because I give my opinion it doesn't mean that you should automatically considered your opinion canceled. All I did was engage you with my opinion.

To answer your question, I think that Schaub has as good a chance as any QB if he has a big year and stays healthy. I gave an example of a few QB's that weren't exactly tearing it up the last few years that got in since NFL QB's get so beat up in unpredictable manners year in, year out. As far as your example with Anderson....Anderson hasn't been on the tip of potential Pro Bowlers for years...hell, the Browns spent a couple of first round picks for Brady Quinn in 2007 because they really didn't have a viable starter till last season when Anderson had his first decent season.
On Anderson. Ok 2 years.

As far as the opinion thing goes.. man I was just messing around.

Mike
 
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