Mathis just doesn't get it does he?

[Ibar_Harry]

Back in action: Jerome Mathis joined the Texans on the field Monday for the first time during the team’s fifth day of OTA workouts.

The Pro Bowl kickoff returner, who was injured in a motorcycle accident weeks ago, still is recovering from bruises and scrapes, particularly on his arms. He participated during special teams drills and also was active with the wide receivers, but it will be a few weeks before he reaches full speed again.

“I’m back out here practicing, ready to get back into it,” Mathis said. “I’m a little rusty, but that happens.”

Head coach Gary Kubiak was pleased to see Mathis on the field, but recognized it’s only the first step in a lengthy rehab process. In the meantime, he expects Mathis to log some mental reps so that he doesn’t lose any more ground, particularly on offense.

“He’s a little hobbled,” Kubiak said. “But he has some catching up to do from a receiver’s standpoint. As I told you all along, it’s important that he help this team as a wide receiver. I know he can return kicks, but he has to catch up as a wide receiver and help our football team in that capacity.”

Last year, Mathis averaged 28.6 yards per kickoff and 13.0 yards per reception on five catches with one touchdown. He’ll compete with newly acquired free agent Kevin Walter for the third wide receiver spot on the roster.

Kubiak expects Mathis to continue his role in the kicking game, but hopes that the former Hampton University star can contribute significantly on offense as well.

“When you have a great returner like himself, and he can help you in another spot on game day, that adds value to your team,” Kubiak said. “And you have to have players on your team that can do that and play dual roles. That’s what gives you flexibility on game day. I’ve told him that from the beginning.”

This is from yesterday and is on the Texan's Web Site. Sounds like Kubiak is trying to tell him something and the guy simply is not listening. This has been mentioned by a number of members. Perhaps he needs to reduce the swelling in his head so he has a helmet to fit it into, because the Texan's are short of helmets for that head size.

 

[ledzeppelin229]

Umm...so he needs to expand his role beyond just KR? I don't really think it was any kind of shot at Mathis. He needs to work on his receiver skills...nothing new.

 

[TexanFan881]

“He’s a little hobbled,” Kubiak said. “But he has some catching up to do from a receiver’s standpoint. As I told you all along, it’s important that he help this team as a wide receiver. I know he can return kicks, but he has to catch up as a wide receiver and help our football team in that capacity.”

“When you have a great returner like himself, and he can help you in another spot on game day, that adds value to your team,” Kubiak said. “And you have to have players on your team that can do that and play dual roles. That’s what gives you flexibility on game day. I’ve told him that from the beginning.”

He makes it sound as if Mathis has to become a better WR to stay with us. I agree 100% with that with the talent we have at WR right now. David Anderson is probably a better WR than him and that puts Mathis at #6, and Kubiak doesn't want to keep one guy on the team just to be KR.

 

[TEXANRED]

It's Kubiak sending another message to the team. No one is safe and everyone is expendable.

Kinda sounds like my boss.

 

[WiiBrawler]

I like Kubiak so far, he wants and he is expecting the players to be 100. If this keeps up, Carr will have to play well or bye bye1

 

[wrestler4life]

I agree. Mathis is going to be a very good player and an asset to this team if he can just shut his mouth and work hard. Hopefully Andre and Moulds can beat his butt if he gets too snooty and keep him in check.

 

[GP]

He makes it sound as if Mathis has to become a better WR to stay with us. I agree 100% with that with the talent we have at WR right now. David Anderson is probably a better WR than him and that puts Mathis at #6, and Kubiak doesn't want to keep one guy on the team just to be KR.

I beg to differ.

A guy like Mathis makes your team until he stops producing at the KR spot.

1. Better starting position for the offense.

2. A chance to score every time he touches the ball.

3. Better starting position for our defense if our offense stalls and punts from the mid-field area.

4. The ability to outrun DBs and catch a homerun ball for a TD or big gain.

His personality grates on the nerves of most of us (mine, at least). But you're crazy if you think no other team wouldn't scoop him up 5 minutes after being waived. They'd be waiting in line to sign him.

Again, he's no superstar yet...but he should make this team, and he shouldn't be cut just because he's not the same caliber of Moulds or AJ. We knew, and our staff knew, that he had troubles with the receiving aspect of his game. Should never have drafted him if it costs him his job....particularly after the year he had in 2005.

 

[Texas]

Hes young let his ego drop!

 

[Ibar_Harry]

I beg to differ.

A guy like Mathis makes your team until he stops producing at the KR spot.

1. Better starting position for the offense.

2. A chance to score every time he touches the ball.

3. Better starting position for our defense if our offense stalls and punts from the mid-field area.

4. The ability to outrun DBs and catch a homerun ball for a TD or big gain.

His personality grates on the nerves of most of us (mine, at least). But you're crazy if you think no other team wouldn't scoop him up 5 minutes after being waived. They'd be waiting in line to sign him.

Again, he's no superstar yet...but he should make this team, and he shouldn't be cut just because he's not the same caliber of Moulds or AJ. We knew, and our staff knew, that he had troubles with the receiving aspect of his game. Should never have drafted him if it costs him his job....particularly after the year he had in 2005.

I have a feeling with Kubiak its Mathis' attitude that is the problem. If he were out working his kister off to be a better receiver it wouldn't be a problem. Getting into a murdercycle accident after all of the stuff that has been said about Winslow makes you kind of wonder. Mathis needs to reduce the swelling in his head and that is the major problem.

 

[El Tejano]

I beg to differ.

A guy like Mathis makes your team until he stops producing at the KR spot.

1. Better starting position for the offense.

2. A chance to score every time he touches the ball.

3. Better starting position for our defense if our offense stalls and punts from the mid-field area.

4. The ability to outrun DBs and catch a homerun ball for a TD or big gain.

His personality grates on the nerves of most of us (mine, at least). But you're crazy if you think no other team wouldn't scoop him up 5 minutes after being waived. They'd be waiting in line to sign him.

Again, he's no superstar yet...but he should make this team, and he shouldn't be cut just because he's not the same caliber of Moulds or AJ. We knew, and our staff knew, that he had troubles with the receiving aspect of his game. Should never have drafted him if it costs him his job....particularly after the year he had in 2005.

No joke! Didn't Dallas say the same thing about Jimmy Smith? The article also wasn't Kubes taking a shot at Mathis. It was Kubes advising that now, while he is rehabbing, is the time to get the mental part of the offense down because he is going to be counted on heavily to produce as a WR also.

It wasn't Kubes saying, I told this dude he better get this down and he just aint cuttin' it around here.

 

[kcwilson]

The problem with the time period between the NFL Draft and Training Camp is we are all searching for underlying controversy in what people are saying... trying to get the rumor mills started up again.

Sometimes when Kubiak says that mathis needs to learn the mental part of the game, it just means that Mathis needs to learn the mental part of the game.

Can't wait for camp and a chance to run the offense against live defenses.

 

[Hulk75]

Just like Vermiel told D.Hall, your a great KR guy but if you want to stay on this team your going to have to becaome a better WR, and he has, he not bad.

Mathis is fine I did not take from that article anything harmful or hurtful to "Johnny", just needs to know he cant just show up on gameday and return kicks and thats it.

Not saying he does that but Kubiak is going to make sure of it.

 

[Bamaborn-Texasbred]

I'm not at training camp, so I don't know what his true attitude and effort look like. However, talented or not, he'll get with the program or he'll be gone.

 

[Double Barrel]

Mathis needs to work on his hands. While good a KR, he's horrible at returning punts. Why? His hands. And if dude can't handle punt returns, I have little to believe that he'll be able to hold on to Carr's missile passes while running through coverage.

 

[Runner]

Mathis needs to work on his hands. While good a KR, he's horrible at returning punts. Why? His hands. And if dude can't handle punt returns, I have little to believe that he'll be able to hold on to Carr's missile passes while running through coverage.

I thought it was routes????

 

[TFL]

Mathis needs to work on his hands. While good a KR, he's horrible at returning punts. Why? His hands. And if dude can't handle punt returns, I have little to believe that he'll be able to hold on to Carr's missile passes while running through coverage.

I never heard that Mathis had Bad hands(besides the bike accident). Now I heard he can not run his routes right.

 

[El Tejano]

Well I could see that he doesn't have the best hands. Anyone see that Pro Bowl competition obstacle course thing where he was basically whooping people in time until he had to catch a simple pass and the ball went through his hands and then he was shown up by a punter?

There were other times in the season where he couldn't hold on to the ball.

 

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

I never heard that Mathis had Bad hands(besides the bike accident). Now I heard he can not run his routes right.

This is not new news. He has talent or he would not be in the NFL. If he can develop his talent beyond KR that will be the thing to see. because if he can, Texans will IMO have the strongest 4 WR group in the league.
AJ, Moulds, Walter, Mathis = Strong, Fast, Reliable targets for Carr in 2006 and beyond.

 

[hollywood_texan]

I beg to differ.

A guy like Mathis makes your team until he stops producing at the KR spot.

1. Better starting position for the offense.

2. A chance to score every time he touches the ball.

3. Better starting position for our defense if our offense stalls and punts from the mid-field area.

4. The ability to outrun DBs and catch a homerun ball for a TD or big gain.

His personality grates on the nerves of most of us (mine, at least). But you're crazy if you think no other team wouldn't scoop him up 5 minutes after being waived. They'd be waiting in line to sign him.

Again, he's no superstar yet...but he should make this team, and he shouldn't be cut just because he's not the same caliber of Moulds or AJ. We knew, and our staff knew, that he had troubles with the receiving aspect of his game. Should never have drafted him if it costs him his job....particularly after the year he had in 2005.

You are putting too much emphasis on those items due to the limited amount of roster spots. His average return is 28 yards and the average of the 32nd player is 21. So, on average Mathis gets you 7 more yards per kick. Mathis got two scores last year out of 54 returns, which is 3.7% return of kicks for TDs.

Every roster spot is very important and dual role players provide a lot more flexibility.

Having Mathis on your roster is nice but not a requirement for a Super Bowl run. His value soley as a KR guy isn't really more important than a dual purpose players that provide consistent average numbers in their dual spots.

Besides, how many guys make a career out of just doing kick returns? Mathis has to contribute as a WR or he will probably be out of the league or hoping from team to team trying to make the cut as a fast kick returner. There are always going to guys coming out of the draft that are about as fast and have the prospect of becoming a receiver. That is what he will be competing against.

Bottom line, it is hard for anyone to sell themselves as just as KR in the NFL.

I would rather have an average kick returner (22 yds) that provides solid 3rd and 4th WR spots.

It is the little, non exciting things, that make a team very successful and run for the Super Bowl.

 

[trane]

Back in action: Jerome Mathis joined the Texans on the field Monday for the first time during the team’s fifth day of OTA workouts.

The Pro Bowl kickoff returner, who was injured in a motorcycle accident weeks ago, still is recovering from bruises and scrapes, particularly on his arms. He participated during special teams drills and also was active with the wide receivers, but it will be a few weeks before he reaches full speed again.

“I’m back out here practicing, ready to get back into it,” Mathis said. “I’m a little rusty, but that happens.”

Head coach Gary Kubiak was pleased to see Mathis on the field, but recognized it’s only the first step in a lengthy rehab process. In the meantime, he expects Mathis to log some mental reps so that he doesn’t lose any more ground, particularly on offense.

“He’s a little hobbled,” Kubiak said. “But he has some catching up to do from a receiver’s standpoint. As I told you all along, it’s important that he help this team as a wide receiver. I know he can return kicks, but he has to catch up as a wide receiver and help our football team in that capacity.”

Last year, Mathis averaged 28.6 yards per kickoff and 13.0 yards per reception on five catches with one touchdown. He’ll compete with newly acquired free agent Kevin Walter for the third wide receiver spot on the roster.

Kubiak expects Mathis to continue his role in the kicking game, but hopes that the former Hampton University star can contribute significantly on offense as well.

“When you have a great returner like himself, and he can help you in another spot on game day, that adds value to your team,” Kubiak said. “And you have to have players on your team that can do that and play dual roles. That’s what gives you flexibility on game day. I’ve told him that from the beginning.”

This is from yesterday and is on the Texan's Web Site. Sounds like Kubiak is trying to tell him something and the guy simply is not listening. This has been mentioned by a number of members. Perhaps he needs to reduce the swelling in his head so he has a helmet to fit it into, because the Texan's are short of helmets for that head size.

Has anyone noticed that good kick/punt return specialists don't have long term success like they use to. I think the last guy to do so was Brian Mitchell. It seems that every year some guys breaks a few long ones and disppears. Once people start game planning...it's over. For that reason, Mathis needs to be a better receiver.

 

[Texian]

Excuse me, I must be a little dense because I did not read where Mathis was against or negative about being more involved as a receiver. Clue me in.

 

[hollywood_texan]

Excuse me, I must be a little dense because I did not read where Mathis was against or negative about being more involved as a receiver. Clue me in.

Look through the board on Mathis and you find he has been showing a bit of an attitude recently.

Factor in the motorcycle accident, and you have guy that doesn't understand his place and what he needs to do to be a complete asset to the team, as it appears from the postings on this board.

 

[Kaiser Toro]

I have been away for three days and the sky is falling due to Mathis having a big head, bad hands and can't run routes?

How about the facts, tangible and intangible:
- He is an all-pro special teamer.
- Returned two TD's in his rookie season.
- Needs to learn to catch a David Carr ball better.
- Needs to run better routes.
- Kubiak expects more from his top performers on all teams (O, D, ST)
- He was in an accident and is still recovering.
- There does not appear to be a helmet to fit the size of his head.

 

[El Tejano]

I think Mathis needs to be more of a receiver period. Not to bring up old stuff but even though JJ Moses used to get us to the 45 or 50 yard line all the time and was primarily a KR, he really wanted to be a WR and worked that way.

If anything you want him to be a WR first because you can always find a KR. If your starter goes down with injury or something you want the second guy in line to be able to contribute right away. It is what makes teams succesful to have that kind of depth.

 

[mexican_texan]

'Member, P-buc is also a good return man.

 

[Meloy]

I think Mathis needs to be more of a receiver period. Not to bring up old stuff but even though JJ Moses used to get us to the 45 or 50 yard line all the time and was primarily a KR, he really wanted to be a WR and worked that way.

If anything you want him to be a WR first because you can always find a KR. If your starter goes down with injury or something you want the second guy in line to be able to contribute right away. It is what makes teams succesful to have that kind of depth.

You can always find a returner but how many go to the probowl? I think Kubes was giving a gentle nudge. He will get a couple more in training camp and then Moulds and AJ and yes even Carr will whisper to him. A wide receiver with a EGO? Why that is unheard of! He craves attention and he can get even more as a receiver. I think he'll come around.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

I have been away for three days and the sky is falling due to Mathis having a big head, bad hands and can't run routes?

How about the facts, tangible and intangible:
- He is an all-pro special teamer.
- Returned two TD's in his rookie season.
- Needs to learn to catch a David Carr ball better.
- Needs to run better routes.
- Kubiak expects more from his top performers on all teams (O, D, ST)
- He was in an accident and is still recovering.
- There does not appear to be a helmet to fit the size of his head.

He needs an attitude adjustment and it started at the end of the season at the probowl. There have been a lot of different people reporting he has a poor attitude with respect to coaching and other things. Does he have god given talents? Yes, but if you don't apply yourself and have a little humility so that you can be taught what you to need to do to improve, you are headed for failure.

I would read Kubiak's comments of having to keep up with the mental part of the game as having been really abscent from practice or not paying attention. I believe the practices are early based on Mario saying he had to get up at 5:30 a.m. to be at practice by 6:00 a.m. Mathis is not an early riser as was evident at the probowl.

I read the message as a much harsher message than most of you based on Kubiak's personality. You just don't hear him putting down players in public, so when he does you had best take heed to what he is saying.

 

[Kaiser Toro]

He needs an attitude adjustment and it started at the end of the season at the probowl. There have been a lot of different people reporting he has a poor attitude with respect to coaching and other things. Does he have god given talents? Yes, but if you don't apply yourself and have a little humility so that you can be taught what you to need to do to improve, you are headed for failure.

Who are the different people? Are they relative to the state of the Texans in the last five months?

I read the message as a much harsher message than most of you based on Kubiak's personality. You just don't hear him putting down players in public, so when he does you had best take heed to what he is saying.

I am not sure how this is any different than what I said with everyone being on call to perform at a higher level no matter what their status is on this team.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

Who are the different people? Are they relative to the state of the Texans in the last five months?



I am not sure how this is any different than what I said with everyone being on call to perform at a higher level no matter what their status is on this team.

If nothing else you can begin with the long thread that started via John McClain reporting young Shan having difficulty with Mathis. I think you will find plenty of references to your liking. Sorry, but he really does have a problem and if he doesn't shape up he will be out the door. Kubiak is very much its about the team and not individuals. I simply believe he's on borrowed time because of attitude. By the way the motorcycle accident didn't help him at all either.

Again, does he have some talent? Most definitely yes, but he had better begin thinking or he won't be using it for the Texans.

Again, I stress its not Kubiak's nature to discuss players in a negative light in public. That statement was for someone to take heed. The hand writing is on the wall.

 

[Kaiser Toro]

If nothing else you can begin with the long thread that started via John McClain reporting young Shan having difficulty with Mathis. I think you will find plenty of references to your liking. Sorry, but he really does have a problem and if he doesn't shape up he will be out the door. Kubiak is very much its about the team and not individuals. I simply believe he's on borrowed time because of attitude. By the way the motorcycle accident didn't help him at all either.

So John McClain's one editorial on promoting Bush are the different sources that you are positioning here?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3820034.html

Returner wasting chance
Mathis, who isn't supposed to ride motorcycles, was involved in an accident over the weekend. The AFC's Pro Bowl kickoff returner wasn't injured seriously. He suffered cuts on his arms and is wearing bandages that are supposed to come off this week.

The problem is that Mathis is blowing a great opportunity to show coach Gary Kubiak, offensive coordinator Troy Calhoun and receivers coach Kyle Shanahan that all those things they heard about him aren't true.

But they are.

The Texans can't count on Mathis, which is another of the many reasons they would be foolish to pass up Bush. Not only is Bush an extraordinary runner, but his terrific receiving and return skills make him even more valuable entering the draft.

Defensive end Mario Williams is a super prospect, too, but unless he could knock some sense into Mathis, he's not going to be as useful to the Texans as Bush.

As for Mathis, if he doesn't get his act together fast, he can get back on his motorcycle and ride it right out of town.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

So John McClain's one editorial on promoting Bush are the different sources that you are positioning here?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3820034.html

Returner wasting chance
Mathis, who isn't supposed to ride motorcycles, was involved in an accident over the weekend. The AFC's Pro Bowl kickoff returner wasn't injured seriously. He suffered cuts on his arms and is wearing bandages that are supposed to come off this week.

The problem is that Mathis is blowing a great opportunity to show coach Gary Kubiak, offensive coordinator Troy Calhoun and receivers coach Kyle Shanahan that all those things they heard about him aren't true.

But they are.

The Texans can't count on Mathis, which is another of the many reasons they would be foolish to pass up Bush. Not only is Bush an extraordinary runner, but his terrific receiving and return skills make him even more valuable entering the draft.

Defensive end Mario Williams is a super prospect, too, but unless he could knock some sense into Mathis, he's not going to be as useful to the Texans as Bush.

As for Mathis, if he doesn't get his act together fast, he can get back on his motorcycle and ride it right out of town.

There are others, but the point is simply you believe one way and I believe another. Hey, there is nothing wrong with that. I'm not going to convenice you anyway, so I'm not going to try any further. Actually, I do hope he gets it together as he does bring a lot of pressure to bare on the other team.

 

[Kaiser Toro]

Actually, I do hope he gets it together as he does bring a lot of pressure to bare on the other team.

As do I.

 

[rmartin65]

I am a huge fan of Mathis, but he must be able to contribute on offense. He has all the physical tools, he just needs to get his head screwed on right.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

So John McClain's one editorial on promoting Bush are the different sources that you are positioning here?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3820034.html

Returner wasting chance
Mathis, who isn't supposed to ride motorcycles, was involved in an accident over the weekend. The AFC's Pro Bowl kickoff returner wasn't injured seriously. He suffered cuts on his arms and is wearing bandages that are supposed to come off this week.

The problem is that Mathis is blowing a great opportunity to show coach Gary Kubiak, offensive coordinator Troy Calhoun and receivers coach Kyle Shanahan that all those things they heard about him aren't true.

But they are.

The Texans can't count on Mathis, which is another of the many reasons they would be foolish to pass up Bush. Not only is Bush an extraordinary runner, but his terrific receiving and return skills make him even more valuable entering the draft.

Defensive end Mario Williams is a super prospect, too, but unless he could knock some sense into Mathis, he's not going to be as useful to the Texans as Bush.

As for Mathis, if he doesn't get his act together fast, he can get back on his motorcycle and ride it right out of town.

_________________________________

His arrogance and defiance are the very characteristics that likely will not allow him to succeed as a Texan............the same arrogance and defiance that will allow him to remount his MURDERCYCLE in search of becoming (as we refer to them in surgical trauma circles) a DONOR CYCLIST.

 

[Kaiser Toro]

_________________________________

His arrogance and defiance are the very characteristics that likely will not allow him to succeed as a Texan............

I suppose you are talking about McClain.

 

[Double Barrel]

My previous comment about Mathis' hands were based on my very fuzzy recollection of him dropping a few punts last year. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but for some reason(s), I could have sworn they tried him at PR but he couldn't hold on to the ball under pressure.

If this is the case, it was just a logical assumption on my part that a player that fails at holding the ball for punt returns might not be that great of a WR.

But, like I said, my memory is a bit fuzzy right now, so I've got no problem standing corrected, as the case may be.

**edit: Found this in USA Today...the incident may be the source of my memory:

Dec. 10, 2005 - 8:57 a.m. ET

Despite two muffed catches last game, Jerome Mathis will remain the Texans' punt returner this week.

The rookie has two kickoff return touchdowns this season. Domanick Davis will also be available for punt returns if needed.

Source: Houston Chronicle

 

[edo783]

_________________________________

His arrogance and defiance are the very characteristics that likely will not allow him to succeed as a Texan............the same arrogance and defiance that will allow him to remount his MURDERCYCLE in search of becoming (as we refer to them in surgical trauma circles) a DONOR CYCLIST.

Gee, I thought you guys called them "Organ donor wanabees". Kind of the same thing I guess. Glad to see ya back on the board CND.

 

[Texans_Chick]

He needs an attitude adjustment and it started at the end of the season at the probowl. There have been a lot of different people reporting he has a poor attitude with respect to coaching and other things. Does he have god given talents? Yes, but if you don't apply yourself and have a little humility so that you can be taught what you to need to do to improve, you are headed for failure.

I would read Kubiak's comments of having to keep up with the mental part of the game as having been really abscent from practice or not paying attention. I believe the practices are early based on Mario saying he had to get up at 5:30 a.m. to be at practice by 6:00 a.m. Mathis is not an early riser as was evident at the probowl.

I read the message as a much harsher message than most of you based on Kubiak's personality. You just don't hear him putting down players in public, so when he does you had best take heed to what he is saying.

A couple of things:

1. I didn't read it as a put down at all. It was more expectations for a new season. He sees great things in Mathis and hopes that he succeeds at those things. Last year, Mathis didn't get to play WR much because: 1. he was hurt; 2. he got better but they didn't want to overwork him; 3. he didn't get much reps in practice because they were worried about the hammy so he couldn't get that involved in the offense other than a few plays; 4. he dropped a number of his opportunities--with all the 3 and outs last year, you can't waste plays.

I read it as saying that he would like to see Mathis as a WR more next year and not as a cutdown. Something that is hard for a second year player who didn't have much coaching at WR in college. I, for one, would like to see Mathis on the field more as a WR. It is May. We have time.

2. Kubiak said similar things at the luncheon. He said he wanted to see Mathis playing WR more and he was hoping that working with Moulds could help with a young player like Mathis succeed at WR. I almost fainted at the prospect. Actually I was spazzing out. You can ask AJ.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

A couple of things:

1. I didn't read it as a put down at all. It was more expectations for a new season. He sees great things in Mathis and hopes that he succeeds at those things. Last year, Mathis didn't get to play WR much because: 1. he was hurt; 2. he got better but they didn't want to overwork him; 3. he didn't get much reps in practice because they were worried about the hammy so he couldn't get that involved in the offense other than a few plays; 4. he dropped a number of his opportunities--with all the 3 and outs last year, you can't waste plays.

I read it as saying that he would like to see Mathis as a WR more next year and not as a cutdown. Something that is hard for a second year player who didn't have much coaching at WR in college. I, for one, would like to see Mathis on the field more as a WR. It is May. We have time.

2. Kubiak said similar things at the luncheon. He said he wanted to see Mathis playing WR more and he was hoping that working with Moulds could help with a young player like Mathis succeed at WR. I almost fainted at the prospect. Actually I was spazzing out. You can ask AJ.

Again, don't get me wrong as I was very high on Mathis last year and what he could mean to Carr and the Texans. What is bothering me is how many times Kubiak is having to give him the message. Actually, I hope you are right and I'm wrong, but I have a feeling the message is being repeated too many times. That has a note of someone not listening.

Anyway, it is very true he could be a very big factor in our offense particularly in a 3 WR set with AJ and Moulds. It would be like flushing a covery of quail. Who do you cover? Mathis isn't that much faster than AJ and Moulds which is frightening when you think about it.

Well here's hoping he got the message. I just love to hear how well he is doing.

 

[JAXwithanX]

I don't see anywhere in that article where there is a quote from Mathis showing he is being reluctant to listen. Seems like Kubiak is addressing his bone-headed mistake and letting him know something he has known from the start....he needs to become a better WR. But as far as Mathis saying anything new or abrasive towards the idea....well its not anywhere in that article. So far the guy wrecked his motorcycle (dumb but not ridiculous....definitely not the first) and supposevely hasn't taken well to young Shanahan. Well both of those are several months old news topics....there has been nothing new to make us think he is still being reluctant. Something tells me a lot of players don't necessarily always take right away to new coaches....but a coach learns how to deal with players and players learn to deal with coaches (hopefully thats happening with Mathis....and i sure haven't heard anything to the contrary).

 

[aj.]

_________________________________

His arrogance and defiance are the very characteristics that likely will not allow him to succeed as a Texan............the same arrogance and defiance that will allow him to remount his MURDERCYCLE in search of becoming (as we refer to them in surgical trauma circles) a DONOR CYCLIST.

That is you.

I thought the handle was too coincidental...but the avatar threw me a bit.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

From HoustonProFootball.com

"Green Inks
And Dunta's Fielding Punts?

The Texans may be into their second week of offseason workouts, but they still aren't done tweaking their roster. On Monday, the team signed former Giants linebacker Barrett Green to a one-year contract worth an estimated $625,000.

Credit for the recommendation to sign Green may go to the team's linebackers coach, Johnny Holland, who worked with Green while the two were in Detroit during the 2003 season. A six-year veteran, Green has started 65 games during his career, most of which coming in his first four seasons with the Lions.

On the field this week at Reliant Park, KMBE-AM radio reported that cornerback Phillip Buchanon is sharing punt return duties with fellow cornerback Dunta Robinson. The news comes somewhat as a surprise given that the team has an All-Pro kickoff returner in Jerome Mathis available and ready for further development as a punt returner. Mathis returned to the practice field for the first time on Monday following a motorcycle accident that injured his hands.

Robinson returned four punts for a total of 44 yards during his final season at South Carolina. In high school, he returned a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown. Buchanon meanwhile, returned 12 punts for the Texans last season before ending the year on the injured reserve."

I didn't think this was a surprise as far as Mathis is concerned, but his name pops up again.

 

[JAXwithanX]

From what i've always gathered, its not unusual to have a different PR and KR. PR is a whole different animal, and a lot of times you will see a guy with much surer hands and the ability to take a straight hit back there. Back-up RB's or bigger CB's and the like. I think Mathis not being our PR doesn't mean or tell us much more than we already knew....he is a smaller guy, not the surest of hands, and most likely can't handle the direct contact which is much more likely involved in returning punts. And most of all you definitely can't be skittish....the whole concept of sitting back there and trying to decide whether to field, fair catch, or run is a skill in itself that some just don't possess.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

From what i've always gathered, its not unusual to have a different PR and KR. PR is a whole different animal, and a lot of times you will see a guy with much surer hands and the ability to take a straight hit back there. Back-up RB's or bigger CB's and the like. I think Mathis not being our PR doesn't mean or tell us much more than we already knew....he is a smaller guy, not the surest of hands, and most likely can't handle the direct contact which is much more likely involved in returning punts. And most of all you definitely can't be skittish....the whole concept of sitting back there and trying to decide whether to field, fair catch, or run is a skill in itself that some just don't possess.

_________________________________________________________________


It may not mean or tell us MORE than we already know, but it sure should act as notice that these deficiencies are the better part of the makeup of most good receivers..............and that, as Kubiak seems to be more than gently hinting, could very well spell trouble for his long-term aspirations in the Texans' system.

 

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

You can always find a returner but how many go to the probowl? I think Kubes was giving a gentle nudge. He will get a couple more in training camp and then Moulds and AJ and yes even Carr will whisper to him. A wide receiver with a EGO? Why that is unheard of! He craves attention and he can get even more as a receiver. I think he'll come around.

Right Now he is a KR with an EGO...

 

[Kaiser Toro]

Right Now he is a KR with an EGO...

Where did you get the Ego part from?

 

[Vambo, the Marble Eye]

What do they mean... better receiver? Better routes... or the ability to catch the ball out of range or in traffic?

I only say that because Kickoffs rarely are done with anybody bearing down on you...

hmm.

 

[real]

_________________________________________________________________


It may not mean or tell us MORE than we already know, but it sure should act as notice that these deficiencies are the better part of the makeup of most good receivers..............and that, as Kubiak seems to be more than gently hinting, could very well spell trouble for his long-term aspirations in the Texans' system.

Huh??? c'mon guys..kubiak would have to be a fool to get rid of mathis for any other reason than Bad conduct or him just thinking he knows it all.... And i've never met the guy i just know what i read so i don't know what kind of relationship JM and GB have...And mathis may never be a 1,2 or even three reciever..but if he can be a fourth, and keep returning KICKS the way he does then he will remain on the team... As far as him returning punts...X that out of the plans.... it doesn't have anything to do with him not having good hands, or not being able to take a hit...if he wasn't atleast a decent catcher or couldn't take a hit he wouldn't be in the leauge....He is a kick off specialist and not a punt returner because of one reason...He has no moves..He is a str8 ahead runner and on kickoff its normally follow your blocks, find a seam and go..whereas on punt returns you normally have to make a couple of guys miss b4 you can score...He can be a C+ punt returner but buchanon is at least a B+

 

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

Huh??? c'mon guys..kubiak would have to be a fool to get rid of mathis for any other reason than Bad conduct or him just thinking he knows it all.... And i've never met the guy i just know what i read so i don't know what kind of relationship JM and GB have...And mathis may never be a 1,2 or even three reciever..but if he can be a fourth, and keep returning KICKS the way he does then he will remain on the team... As far as him returning punts...X that out of the plans.... it doesn't have anything to do with him not having good hands, or not being able to take a hit...if he wasn't atleast a decent catcher or couldn't take a hit he wouldn't be in the leauge....He is a kick off specialist and not a punt returner because of one reason...He has no moves..He is a str8 ahead runner and on kickoff its normally follow your blocks, find a seam and go..whereas on punt returns you normally have to make a couple of guys miss b4 you can score...He can be a C+ punt returner but buchanon is at least a B+

that is exactly what I said earlier in this posting. And I really do not think Kube was ripping him as much as coaching him to what he should be doing if you are not going to be able to participate in the drills. I think he was focusing in Mathis, if you cannot participate physically, study, watch, and continue to develop into the receiver we NEED you to be. I do not think he is askign him to challenge the #1 spot, but I think Kube is trying to get him to reach deep down and say you did good at KR, but we all know if he wants that next contract to be a good one, he needs to develop into a WR first and then complement as a KR second.

I don't know if he has an ego problem as much as I think the last coaching staff may not have guided him in the direction of what you need to do to be an effective WR. They had him focusing on KR. I guess.

 

[Double Barrel]

He is a kick off specialist and not a punt returner because of one reason...He has no moves..

yeah, that and....uhhhh...the fact that he couldn't hold on to the ball with traffic bearing down on him.

But hey, that's not hands, it's just mental.