Duane Brown - "On the spot"

[drewmar74]

Meh article. Probably not worthy of a post but, c'mon, its the offseason.


These second-year offensive players are on the spot

We're only 10 days removed from the 2009 draft, so naturally the spotlight in minicamps around the NFL has shined on rookies.

But don't overlook second-year players who had limited impact as rookies last season. We're not talking about the likes of Matt Forte and Matt Ryan, who looked like seasoned veterans in their first go-around. Instead, consider the players who weren't quite ready for extended playing time or had promising starts cut short by injury.

Today, we look at 10 offensive sophomores who will be vital to their teams' performance in '09. Thursday, we'll look at crucial players on the defensive side of the ball from the '08 class:

...

7. Duane Brown, OT, Texans. Like Jake Long and Ryan Clady, who carried the banner for the eight offensive tackles selected in the first round last year, Brown (the last of the first-rounders selected at No. 26 overall) got a chance to play from the beginning and started all 16 games.

Houston's pass protection problems over the years have been well noted, and Brown got off to a so-so start, giving up a dozen sacks unofficially. The Texans have potential for an explosive passing game, if they can keep Matt Schaub upright and healthy to get the ball downfield to Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter. Brown needs to get better at extending the time on Schuab's blind side.

...

link

 

[beerlover]

I've heard his conditioning is much better & way ahead where he was coming in as a rookie. like his mental make-up & think he can be legit LT with Gibbs mentoring

 

[False Start]

I really think Brown will take a big step forward this season. He was thrown into the fire right off the bat, and he did OK. Offensive lineman usually take a year to get adjusted, lets hope hes made those adjustments.

 

[TheRealJoker]

Of course he had a so so start. How many rookies would have done well starting out ON THE ROAD against the eventual SB champs and matched up against the eventual DPOY? Then after HURRICANE IKE he is matched up ON THE ROAD against Kyle Vanden Bosch.

 

[Specnatz]

He struggled against speed ruhers, that is not much of a surprise for a rookie LT. He improved as the year went on which is a good thing and this next year he has to make even more strides. Isn't that is said about all players going into their second year?

 

[TheRealJoker]

He's gonna look a lot better now that we've got Anthony Hill as an option to help him out. Before we essentially had to leave him on an island against guys like James Harrison, Terrell Suggs, and Joey Porter. Now when we face the 3-4 defenses we'll have Hill out there to help out. If he's having trouble against a 4-3 DE like he did with Jared Allen then Hill can also come in to help out.

Give Schaub the extra half second and our offense is all of a sudden a top 3 scoring offense as well as yardage.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Brown, for a rookie, held his own quite well. Some very prominent rookie LTs have been "manhandled" their 1st year. It's that 2nd year that you find out, if your player has "it" to play the LT position, or needs to be slid over to another OL position. Most all rookies thrown into the starting mix in their 1st year can be considered to be "on the spot" their 2nd year.

 

[ObsiWan]

I've heard his conditioning is much better & way ahead where he was coming in as a rookie. like his mental make-up & think he can be legit LT with Gibbs mentoring

I think this will be the proof of the pudding
He doesn't have the Salaam safety net to spell him during 1/3rd of the game this season. At least as of this writing he doesn't...
It'll be interesting to see if better conditioning means more endurance or greater strength or a bit more quickness or some combo of all of the above.

 

[m5kwatts]

James Harrison, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Dwight Freeney, Joey Porter in 4 of his first 5 games. Talk about throwing someone to the wolves. I think a dozen sacks given up is pretty darn good for a rookie LT going against those monsters.

 

[infantrycak]

James Harrison, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Dwight Freeney, Joey Porter in 4 of his first 5 games. Talk about throwing someone to the wolves. I think a dozen sacks given up is pretty darn good for a rookie LT going against those monsters.

Yup - I wish there was a source or person with knowledge who could give the game by game breakdown. 12 sacks sounds a lot less struggling if it was 6 in the first 4 games and then 6 over the next 12 games.

 

[Runner]

Yup - I wish there was a source or person with knowledge who could give the game by game breakdown. 12 sacks sounds a lot less struggling if it was 6 in the first 4 games and then 6 over the next 12 games.

Don't forget to multiply by .67 games - that's the part that bothers me. I don't recall seeing that through an entire year before.

 

[infantrycak]

Don't forget to multiply by .67 games - that's the part that bothers me. I don't recall seeing that through an entire year before.

As I recall it was for about the last 10 games, but point taken.

 

[Runner]

As I recall it was for about the last 10 games, but point taken.

Really? I may need to start taklng notes.

 

[jppaul]

Isn't there somewhere where you can get sacks surrendered by game breakdown?

 

[jppaul]

found this on a KFFL forum but no breakdown:




LT

1. Ryan Clady (Broncos) 0.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
2. Michael Roos (Titans) 1.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
3. Tra Thomas (Eagles) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
3. Orlando Pace (Rams) 2.0 sacks allowed (14 starts)
5. Jake Long (Dolphins) 2.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
6. Jordan Gross (Panthers) 3.0 sacks allowed (15 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
6. Jammal Brown (Saints) 3.0 sacks allowed (15 starts)
6. Jared Gaither (Ravens) 3.0 sacks allowed (15 starts)
6. Marcus McNeill (Chargers) 3.0 sacks allowed (14 starts)
6. Tony Ugoh (Colts) 3.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
6. Chris Samuels (Redskins) 3.0 sacks allowed (12 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
6. Todd Weiner (Falcons) 3.0 sacks allowed (11 starts)
13. Walter Jones (Seahawks) 3.5 sacks allowed (12 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
14. D’Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets) 4.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
14. Bryant McKinnie (Vikings) 4.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
14. Max Starks (Steelers) 4.0 sacks allowed (11 starts)
17. Joe Thomas (Browns) 4.5 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
17. Branden Albert (Cheifs) 4.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
19. Levi Brown (Bengals) 5.5 sacks allowed (11 starts)
20. Mike Gandy (Cardinals) 6.25 sacks allowed (16 starts)
21. David Diehl (Giants) 6.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
22. Flozell Adams (Cowboys) 7.25 sacks allowed (16 starts)
23. Khalif Barnes (Jags) 7.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
23. Matt Light (Pats) 7.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
23. Chad Clifton (Packers) 7.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
23. Kwame Harris (Raiders) 7.5 sacks allowed (11 starts)
27. Joe Staley (49ers) 8.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
28. Donald Penn (Bucs) 8.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
29. Jeff Backus (Lions) 9.25 sacks allowed (16 starts)
30. John St. Clair (Bears) 9.75 sacks allowed (16 starts)
31. Duane Brown (Texans) 11.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
31. Jason Peters (Bills) 11.5 sacks allowed (13 starts) *PRO-BOWL*


LG

1. Kris Dielman (Chargers) 0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
1. Charlie Johnson (Colts) 0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
1. David Baas (49ers) 0 sacks allowed (9 starts)
4. Carl Nicks (Saints) 0.5 sacks allowed (13 starts)
5. Todd Herremans (Eagles) 0.75 sacks allowed (15 starts)
6. Brian Waters (Chiefs) 1.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
7. Josh Beekman (Bears) 1.25 sacks allowed (16 starts)
8. Robert Gallery (Raiders) 1.75 sacks allowed (16 starts)
8. Reggie Wells (Cardinals) 1.75 sacks allowed (16 starts)
10. Eugene Amano (Titans) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
10. Chris Chester (Ravens) 2.0 sacks allowed (11 starts)
12. Chester Pitts (Texans) 2.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
12. Ben Hamilton (Broncos) 2.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
12. Travelle Wharton (Panthers) 2.5 sacks allowed (14 starts)
12. Jacob Bell (Rams) 2.5 sacks allowed (13 starts)
12. Jeff Smiley (Dolphins) 2.5 sacks allowed (12 starts)
17. Rich Seubert (Giants) 3.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
17. Pete Kendall (Redskins) 3.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
17. Justin Blalock (Falcons) 3.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
27. Eric Steinbach (Browns) 3.0 sacks allowed (14 starts)
21. Floyd Womack (Seahawks) 3.5 sacks allowed (14 starts)
22. Edwin Mulitalo (Lions) 4.25 sacks allowed (11 starts)
23. Arron Sears (Bucs) 4.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
23. Uche Nwaneri (Jags) 4.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
23. Cory Procter (Cowboys) 4.5 sacks allowed (11 starts)
26. Logan Mankins (Pats) 5.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
26. Andrew Whitworth (Bengals) 5.0 sacks allowed (10 starts)
28. Daryn Colledge (Packers) 6.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
29. Steve Hutchinson (Vikings) 7.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
29. Alan Faneca (Jets) 7.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
31. Chris Kemoeatu (Steelers) 7.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
32. Derrick Dockery (Bills) 8.25 sacks allowed (16 starts)



C

1. Olin Kreutz (Bears) 0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
1. Todd McClure (Falcons) 0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
1. Chris Myers (Texans) 0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
1. Kevin Mawae (Titans) 0 sacks allowed (15 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
1. Ryan Kalil (Panthers) 0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
6. Brad Meester (Jags) 0.25 sacks allowed (10 starts)
7. Lyle Sendlein (Cardinals) 0.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
8. Duke Preston (Bills) 0.75 sacks allowed (11 starts)
9. Casey Wiegmann (Broncos) 1.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
9. Jeff Faine (Bucs) 1.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
9. Jonathan Goodwin (Saints) 1.0 sacks allowed (13 starts)
12. Nick Mangold (Jets) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
12. Andre Gurode (Cowboys) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
12. Shaun O’Hara (Giants) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
12. Matt Birk (Vikings) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
12. Jeff Saturday (Colts) 2.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
12. Dominic Raiola (Lions) 2.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
12. Nick Leckey (Rams) 2.0 sacks allowed (10 starts)
19. Jason Brown (Ravens) 2.25 sacks allowed (16 starts)
19. Jamaal Jackson (Eagles) 2.25 sacks allowed (16 starts)
21. Hank Fraley (Browns) 2.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
21. Nick Hardwick (Chargers) 2.5 sacks allowed (13 starts)
21. Jake Grove (Raiders) 2.5 sacks allowed (12 starts)
21. Chris Spencer (Seahawks) 2.5 sacks allowed (11 starts)
25. Rudy Niswanger (Chiefs) 3.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
25. Scott Wells (Packers) 3.5 sacks allowed (13 starts)
27. Eric Heitmann (49ers) 4.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
27. Eric Ghaiciuc (Bengals) 4.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
29. Samson Satele (Dolphins) 4.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
29. Dan Koppen (Pats) 4.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
31. Casey Rabach (Redskins) 5.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
32. Justin Harwig (Steelers) 6.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)



RG

1. Chris Kuper (Broncos) 0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
2. Jake Scott (Titans) 0.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
2. Max Jean-Gilles (Eagles) 0.5 sacks allowed (10 starts)
4. Chris Snee (Giants) 1.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
4. Harvey Dahl (Falcons) 1.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
4. Jason Spitz (Packers) 1.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
4. Ikechuku Ndukwe (Dolphins) 1.0 sacks allowed (15 starts)
4. Brad Butler (Bills) 1.0 sacks allowed (13 starts)
4. Davin Joseph (Bucs) 1.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
4. Adrian Jones (Chiefs) 1.0 sacks allowed (10 starts)
11. Rex Hadnot (Browns) 1.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
12. Deuce Lutui (Cardinals) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
12. Brandon Moore (Jets) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
12. Mike Brisiel (Texans) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)…ERFA
12. Jahri Evans (Saints) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)…RFA
12. Mike Pollak (Colts) 2.0 sacks allowed (13 starts)
12. Stephen Neal (Pats) 2.0 sacks allowed (9 starts)
18. Roberto Garza (Bears) 2.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
19. Randy Thomas (Redskins) 4.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
19. Robbie Williams (Bengals) 4.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
19. Cooper Carlisle (Raiders) 4.0 sacks allowed (15 starts)
19. Stephen Peterman (Lions) 4.0 sacks allowed (14 starts)
19. Tony Wragge (49ers) 4.0 sacks allowed (10 starts)…RFA
24. Leonard Davis (Cowboys) 4.5 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
24. Mike Goff (Chargers) 4.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
26. Darnell Stapleton (Steelers) 5.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
27. Ben Grubbs (Ravens) 6.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
27. Richie Incognito (Rams) 6.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
29. Dennis Norman (Jags) 7.25 sacks allowed (14 starts)
30. Anthony Herrera (Vikings) 7.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)





RT

1. Ryan Diem (Colts) 1.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
1. Jon Stinchcomb (Saints) 1.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
1. Ray Willis (Seahawks) 1.5 sacks allowed (10 starts)
4. David Stewart (Titans) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
4. Mark Tauscher (Packers) 2.0 sacks allowed (13 starts)
6. Ryan Harris (Broncos) 2.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
6. Tyson Clabo (Falcons) 2.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
8. Langston Walker (Bills) 3.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
8. Nick Kaczur (Pats) 3.0 sacks allowed (14 starts)
10. Willie Anderson (Ravens) 3.5 sacks allowed (11 starts)
11. Kareem McKenzie (Giants) 4.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
11. Vernon Carey (Dolphins) 4.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
11. Kevin Shaffer (Browns) 4.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
14. Jeff Otah (Panthers) 5.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
15. Tony Pashos (Jags) 5.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
15. Marc Colombo (Cowboys) 5.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
17. Willie Colon (Steelers) 5.75 sacks allowed (16 starts)…RFA
18. John Tait (Bears) 6.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
18. Jeremy Trueblood (Bucs) 6.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
18. Ryan Cook (Vikings) 6.0 sacks allowed (14 starts)
18. Gosder Cherilus (Lions) 6.0 sacks allowed (13 starts)
22. Damien Woody (Jets) 6.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
22. Jeromey Clary (Chargers) 6.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
22. Jon Jansen (Redskins) 6.5 sacks allowed (11 starts)
25. Jon Runyan (Eagles) 7.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
25. Damion McIntosh (Chiefs) 7.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
27. Cornell Green (Raiders) 7.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
27. Alex Barron (Rams) 7.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
29. Eric Winston (Texans) 8.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
30. Stacy Andrews (Bengals) 9.5 sacks allowed (15 starts)
31. Adam Snyder (49ers) 9.5 sacks allowed (13 starts)
32. Levi Brown (Cardinals) 11.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)

 

[badboy]

I am ok with Brown's rookie season. Another year under Gibbs plus the tremendous upside of the powerful running back we drafted...uh, another year under Gibbs and Brown will be even better. We also have a tremendous blocking TE in 4th round Hill.

 

[Blake]

So who is his backup? If he goes down whats plan B?

Im not comfortable with any plan B at this time.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

So who is his backup? If he goes down whats plan B?

Im not comfortable with any plan B at this time.

Butler, own "swing" tackle, as it now stands.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

If Meyers accounted for "0" sacks, I'd like to know how allowed sacks are "assigned."

 

[jppaul]

No idea I just copped that post from another board that copied it from another board. Maybe its determined by the primary person assigned to the DT, since it is usually the G and the C chips in maybe that is the reason. Don't know though.

 

[TexanSam]

Jason Peters allowed 11.5 sacks and got into the Pro Bowl?? WTF?

 

[barrett]

If Meyers accounted for "0" sacks, I'd like to know how allowed sacks are "assigned."

When I re-watched I was suprised how Meyers would give up ground but then somehow hold up. I am actually not suprised that he didn't give up sacks. My beef with him is that he collapses the pocket an absurd amount. The "pocket" ends up looking more like a "W".

 

[Giant Tiger]

When I re-watched I was suprised how Meyers would give up ground but then somehow hold up. I am actually not suprised that he didn't give up sacks. My beef with him is that he collapses the pocket an absurd amount. The "pocket" ends up looking more like a "W".

The 2nd game against the Titans, their DL was in Schaub's face the entire game. Hopefully that gets corrected this year.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

When I re-watched I was suprised how Meyers would give up ground but then somehow hold up. I am actually not suprised that he didn't give up sacks. My beef with him is that he collapses the pocket an absurd amount. The "pocket" ends up looking more like a "W".

Are you saying:


QB

W

or

W

QB


I believe that you are referring to the former example.

 

[thunderkyss]

No idea I just copped that post from another board that copied it from another board. Maybe its determined by the primary person assigned to the DT, since it is usually the G and the C chips in maybe that is the reason. Don't know though.

They've got Levi Brown as the LT for the Bengals....... I'm pretty sure they meant Levi Jones.

But speaking of Levi Brown..... that domninant LT that many people wanted us to draft instead of Okoye..... he's got 16 sacks playing RT for a right handed QB.

 

[Lucky]

But speaking of Levi Brown..... that domninant LT that many people wanted us to draft instead of Okoye..... he's got 16 sacks playing RT for a right handed QB.

11 sacks in 16 starts.

Brown has struggled, no doubt. But, he also blocks for one of the most immobile QBs in the league who likes to hold on to the ball and make plays downfield. As we've learned as Texan fans over the years, sometimes the sack allowed should fall to the QB.

 

[thunderkyss]

11 sacks in 16 starts.

Brown has struggled, no doubt. But, he also blocks for one of the most immobile QBs in the league who likes to hold on to the ball and make plays downfield. As we've learned as Texan fans over the years, sometimes the sack allowed should fall to the QB.

Sometimes, I agree..... but I wouldn't give him the sack because he held the ball to long. If that QB was to run into a sack, or tuck, or just display poor pocket awareness, then yeah.... if he's the kind of guy who will throw it at the very last second to make a play, then the line should've gave him more time.

But that's neither here nor there, because the guy protecting the QBs blind side

20. Mike Gandy (Cardinals) 6.25 sacks allowed (16 starts)

is making him look bad.

 

[barrett]

Are you saying:


QB

W

or

W

QB


I believe that you are referring to the former example.

Yes, you are correct. The prototypical pocket is more of a U with the QB safely in the middle. the Meyers pocket has the center giving up ground to the point that the U is bent inward to look more like a W. On several occasions I watched Schaub having to throw virtually over Meyers' shoulder.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Yes, you are correct. The prototypical pocket is more of a U with the QB safely in the middle. the Meyers pocket has the center giving up ground to the point that the U is bent inward to look more like a W. On several occasions I watched Schaub having to throw virtually over Meyers' shoulder.

And this type of "collapse" leads to QB hurries (which increases chances of interception), and to sacks coming from the ends (for which the center, of course, gets no credit).

 

[eriadoc]

Yup - I wish there was a source or person with knowledge who could give the game by game breakdown. 12 sacks sounds a lot less struggling if it was 6 in the first 4 games and then 6 over the next 12 games.

Well, this isn't exactly what you're looking for, as these aren't all on Brown, but here goes:

@PIT: 3.0 sacks for James Harrison (LB), 1.0 sack for Lamar Woodley (LB), 0.5 sacks each for Eason (DT) and Farrior (LB)

@TEN: 1 sack each for Haynesworth (DT), Kearse (DE), and KVB (DE)

@JAX: 0 sacks allowed

IND: 1 sack each for Freeney (DE) and Mathis (DE)

MIA: 0 sacks allowed

DET: 1 sack each for Dewayne White (DE) and Cory Redding (DT), 0.5 each for Nece (LB) and Alama-Francis (DE)

CIN: 1 sack for John Thornton (DT)

@MIN: 2.0 sacks for Jared Allen (DE), 1.0 for Greenway (LB), 1.0 for Ray Edwards (DE), and 1.0 for K. Williams (DT)

BAL: 1.0 for Pryce (DT), 0.5 ea. for Jones (DE) and McClain (LB)

@IND: 2.0 for Freeney (DE)

@CLE: 1.0 for Wimbley (DE)

JAX: They didn't sack our QBs at all last year

@GB: 1.0 for Bishop (LB)

TEN: 1.0 for Tulloch (LB), 1.0 for Kearse (DE), and 1.0 for Ford (DE)

@OAK: 1.0 for Richardson (DE)

CHI: 0 sacks allowed

So 15 sacks were given up to DEs, but that is almost meaningless. The LBs in PIT are who you'd expect to get the sack numbers, and as mentioned by CND, the numbers don't accurately reflect how well an OL is playing anyway. For instance, I thought the LT did a pretty good job on Jared Allen on the second cheap shot sack, as he had him on the ground. There's the issue of interior penetration, the issue of QB holding the ball to make a play, etc. By my own eyes, I thought Brown did a pretty good job last year, except for the conditioning thing.

 

[TimeKiller]

By my own eyes, I thought Brown did a pretty good job last year, except for the conditioning thing.

Indeed and I thought he was a pretty aggressive run-blocker to boot. Hopefully another year of conditioning and Father-Gibbs will improve his pass protection and stamina. Imagine the heights this offense could reach with a dependable LT that only gives 4 or 5 sacks up a year and destroys LBs on every run play. Encouraging to see that this offense does so well and still has so much room to improve.

Also I think it's pretty clear that they aren't satisfied with either Myers or possibly Briesel, but probably Myers. Every 3rd rounder they've picked has been someone who is expected to fill a role. Eric Winston, Jacoby Jones*, Steve Slaton and now Antoine Caldwell. Personally, I think he's got a shot to make the starting line-up this year. The bad-Texans-Oline image is going away as they steadily add pick after pick to build it.

*I know the results are debatable, I'm just saying they expect something from him

 

[RipTraxx]

Indeed and I thought he was a pretty aggressive run-blocker to boot. Hopefully another year of conditioning and Father-Gibbs will improve his pass protection and stamina. Imagine the heights this offense could reach with a dependable LT that only gives 4 or 5 sacks up a year and destroys LBs on every run play. Encouraging to see that this offense does so well and still has so much room to improve.

Also I think it's pretty clear that they aren't satisfied with either Myers or possibly Briesel, but probably Myers. Every 3rd rounder they've picked has been someone who is expected to fill a role. Eric Winston, Jacoby Jones*, Steve Slaton and now Antoine Caldwell. Personally, I think he's got a shot to make the starting line-up this year. The bad-Texans-Oline image is going away as they steadily add pick after pick to build it.

*I know the results are debatable, I'm just saying they expect something from him

I hated the fact that Kubes would bench him every third or so series. With the exception of QBs...Rookies only get better when you play them. Baptism by fire so to speak.

 

[thunderkyss]

I hated the fact that Kubes would bench him every third or so series. With the exception of QBs...Rookies only get better when you play them. Baptism by fire so to speak.

Aw heck, that's one of the things I thought Kubiak got right. It is either that, or kiss your franchise QBs confidence (and possibly health) goodbye.

 

[Insideop]

I hated the fact that Kubes would bench him every third or so series. With the exception of QBs...Rookies only get better when you play them. Baptism by fire so to speak.

I think he had to bench him every 3rd series or so because of his conditioning, and the fact he was a rookie and Kubes didn't want him to hit the "rookie wall" in the middle of the season. Also, it kept Salaam from sitting on the bench and getting rusty.

 

[beerlover]

DB has experience now, understands the process, will be in better condition & prepared for a full 16 game schedule. throw in one of the best in-line blocking TE's in the draft on his left shoulder (something non-existant last season) will immediately improve his run blocking (pulling/driving) & pass protection bubble (footwork/hand control)

 

[TheRealJoker]

I hated the fact that Kubes would bench him every third or so series. With the exception of QBs...Rookies only get better when you play them. Baptism by fire so to speak.

I think it was a good move. LT is one of the most important positions and our backup Salaam was about the same level of player during Brown's rookie season. Doesn't hurt to give the rook a break against the opposing team's best pass rusher while also watching how a vet approaches certain situations. I think the 3rd series substitutions will have proven to make Brown a better player in the long run.