Ibar_Harry said:
Yea, Vinny, but not the right ones. As long as this team is coached by this group of coaches the Texans are going nowhere. They have had enough time to improve this ball club.
You do realize this is year 3 of an expansion team, don't you? They started this team from scratch. This team has come a long way in 3 years.
The ball club has improved despite the coaching. Other ball clubs have linemen go down and seem to have an ability to replace them, but not us.
Uh... 3rd year of an expansion team. They would have had to hit on every pick they've made and won over every free agent they've pursued to have the talent to withstand injuries. Heck, most NFL teams don't have the ability to withstand injuries at key positions. Not every team is the New England Patriots -- and the Texans haven't quite had the time (or drafts) to become them.
Why hasn't a young man like Brown made any improvement? Why does McKinny remain at Center? The answer has to do with the coaching and style of coaching. I'm sorry, but the ansers are so obvious.
Or maybe McKinney is just the best available option?
No I did not watch the game yesterday, because I had other things to do, but the results did not surprise me since the Browns QB was going to be Holcumb. Certainly loosing Payne did not help, but our defense has been vulnerable when the other team has had a protected good passing QB. Certainly the loss of Peek probably also contributed to the problems of this team. However, I will point out how long did it take for the coaches to realize that Peek might help the cause of the ball club.
This staff knew Peek could help the team. That is why they supported drafting him. It has just taken Peek a while to get discipline his motor so he can be a full time player -- in other words, get his emotions under control so he can juggle his pass rushing, run stopping and pass coverage responsibilites versus what he currently does which is handle one responsibility at a time in specific situations. This was Peek's 2nd season. He is still learning to be a linebacker. I personally feel the situation with Peek not playing every down is a combination of Peek not yet being ready for full time duty and the staff giving Wong a shot at ROLB before the team kicks Wong to the curb or permanently moves him inside. Don't worry, the coaching staff is bringing him along. And it looks like Wong is gonna be the one who pays the price.
This coaching staff is at best a mediocre one and that has stunted the growth of DD, AJ and Carr. Yes, AJ has made the pro bowl, but its not because of the coaching he got in Houston. When you take as your number 1 pick a top caliber QB and then never retain a line to protect him, there's some wrong somewhere. Carr is not the kind of guy to complain, but I listen to his interviews and read between the lines. I don't think he is a happy camper, but he's preaching the company line. Sorry, but Carr will never be anything, but average or less than average with this coaching staff.................................
Again, the team just completed year 3 of their existence. Look at the Cleveland Browns. That is what an inept front office and coaching staff produces. This is not an inept group. Yes, the team has been frustratingly inconsistent and the line play has been horrendous. If the team doesn't make moves to address that this offseason, then you have valid criticism. For now, this is all too premature. Let's see what they do with the 3rd draft in franchise history before we start lopping off heads left and right.
Next season, IMO, is the big test. On offense: 4th year for Carr. AJ should be experienced enough to be put in motion, sent across the field and even play the slot from time to time. Bradford is gone, but Gaffney and Armstrong will take his place. Wand is in 2nd year. Pitts just completed his first year at the position he was drafted to play. Wade just had his first year with the new guys. Hopefully, the second year in the zone scheme will help the Oline. More hopefully, Pendry's second year as the guard and center coach will produce better results than his first year did. Moreover, other than chemistry on the Oline, I think an all-around TE will help this team more than any of us can imagine (assuming Carr will throw him the ball). A big strong TE who can block and catch will do both Carr and DD good.
On defense: Smith is in his second year in the system. Babin has the first year down and should break out since he has learned the system on the fly. Earl has been broken in. Robinson is Robinson. The big concern here is that guys are getting old, especially on the Dline, and we need a youngster to develop at ILB next to Sharper -- someone Sharper can tutor and bring along.
The challenge: While the defense needs an infusion of youth in the front seven and a young, bonafied pass rushing, playmaking, linebacking freak; the Oline and TE positions could use serious help, too. And free agency doesn't cure all ills.
I'm not worried, though. Its been fun watching this team grow. The Oline may improve from year 3 to 4 as tehy did from year 1 to 2. That would be excellent. I just hope that, after 3 years of poundings, David Carr isn't broken.