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49ers @ Texans, 7:00 PM **Official GameDay Thread** Preseason Game 1

Hilliard. I really don't think they look anything alike.
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Damn I phone and its auto correct....
 
53
Hopkins
Washington
Shorts
Strong
Mumphrey
Worthy

PS? - Is Labhart and EZ even eligible for the PS anymore?

I'm afraid that if you put Mumphrey on the PS he'll get snatched up. This is a star ready to happen, and from all TC reports he's been like a vet out there. More so than Strong, even?

If Worthy continues to do what he did last night, one of the other 5 is going.
 
If Worthy continues to do what he did last night, one of the other 5 is going.
I'm not as impressed with Worthy's returns as others. I don't feel like he read blocks well or didn't react to them. I thought Bonner and Mumphery did read, and Polk I think has good eyes. Looking forward to seeing more.
 
Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli
O'B has a strong belief that the playcaller/guy working with QBs needs to look the QB "eyeball to eyeball." #Texans

O'Brien says Su'a-Filo's injury is more of a soft tissue injury. Doesn't think he'll be back this week. #Texans

O'Brien says he told Kevin Johnson: "This isn't Duke that you're playing against, this is the San Francisco 49ers." #Texans

O'Brien says James Ferentz played tough, low, w/good technique. "It's not going to be an easy road for him," but says he works hard.

Practice was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. O'Brien moved it to morning. Wants to get the guys' legs moving early. #Texans

"He's a good kid. Rookie sometimes, they go through tough times," O'Brien on Louis Nix. #Texans

"I think it's the time of the year when you can do things like that," O'Brien says of going for it on 4th down a bunch. #Texans

O'Brien bemoans the goal line offense again. Says he'd like to see better attention to detail from his players. #Texans

O'Brien mentions he's been impressed with Kevin Johnson's maturity and routine. Said it helped him last night. #Texans

After watching film, O'Brien said all three quarterbacks operated the offense efficiently. Says they played consistently. #Texans​

John McClain ‏@McClain_on_NFL
OBrien on playing against Manning "That tests our defense. When u play against 1 of the greatest ever, it's a good test for our defense."

OBrien "Christian (Covington) played hard. Stayed on his feet, instincts, smart."

OBrien on backup OL mentioned C James Ferentz. He's the only backup O'Brien singled out. They need depth in o line.

OBrien on Blue "We've always thought he's a good player, a smart guy. He made some nice runs (14, 32 runs). He has things to work on."

OBrien "This is a progress league, a league of improvement. We'll do corrections on field. We want them to take corrections on the field."

OBrien "Identity of our team has yet to be determined."

OB on Clowney "We'll evaluate him at the end of the week. Monday will be a good day for him to put the gear on. He's worked real hard."

OBrien on Clowney "We're going to get him out there and he'll be walkthroughs and in individual periods. We'll add a little more each day."

OBrien "We we need 2b better on special teams. Our punt returns showed flashes, but we have a long way 2 go. We have high expectations."

OBrien on Louis Nix 3 "He had a long rookie year with knee and wrist issue. It's good he's out there. There are a lot of things to improve."

OBrien on going on 4th down "This is the time of year when u can do things like that. It's good to work on things like that."

OBrien on going for 2 points "We've worked on 2 point plays on practice just about every day. Preseason is when u work on things like that."

OBrien "When I watch tape, I c good effort, but I'd like to c more attention to details. We as coaches have to communicate that better."

OBrien on failing at the 1 six times "We really need to work on our goal-line offense. That wasn't good. Give San Francisco some credit."

OBrien on CB Kevin Johnson "He made some plays. That's good to see. He played with poise."

OBrien on QB: "All operated offense efficiently. Sure, they made some mistakes.They played consistently and played with poise."​

Mark Berman ‏@MarkBermanFox26
Bill O'Brien says Xavier Su'-a-Filo is dealing with a "soft tissue" injury & is not expected back this week.

Bill O'Brien says it's not going to be easy for James Ferentz to make the #Texans roster but "he's making a case for himself."

Bill O'Brien cited one name from among his group of backup offensive linemen that played well: James Ferentz, son of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz

Bill O'Brien: "The identity of our team is yet to be determined. This is a progress league. This is a league of improvement." #Texans

Bill O'Brien says Jadeveon Clowney will go thru walk thru Mon, individual, "dynamic stretch," eventually ramping up."We know he can help us"

Bill O'Brien said went for it on 4th down several times because it's right time to do that,gives offense extra reps & chance to c 4th down D

Bill O'Brien said there wasn't any one thing that jumped out at him from last nigjht that he could say the #Texans did really well.

Bill O'Brien pleased with the way the QBs played last night...that they played consistently & "reacted well 2things they hadn't seen n camp"​

Aaron Wilson ‏@AaronWilson_NFL
Bill O'Brien on Jadeveon Clowney: 'Monday will be a good day for him to put the gear on. He's worked real hard.'

Xavier Su'a-Filo has more of a soft-tissue deal, Bill O'Brien said, doesn't predict he'll be back this week.

Jadeveon Clowney slated for limited practice Monday, his first in return from microfracture knee surgery. Will do individual drills

Bill O'Brien said he told Kevin Johnson: 'This isn't Duke you're going against, this is the San Francisco 49ers'​

Adam Wexler ‏@awexler
O'Brien's limited update on Xavier Su'a-Filo was he's getting treatment twice a day and he probably won't be back this week.

"I have a strong belief that the guy that calls plays & coaches QBs needs to see those guys eye-to-eye on the sideline," BO'B on Godsey

"This isn't Duke you're playing against, this is the San Francisco 49ers," O'Brien to rookie Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest) before the game.

O'Brien said it'll be good day Mon. for Clowney to put gear back on. Said he'll go thru walk-thru & individuals, they'll try to ramp him up

Several times last night & again today, Bill O'Brien bemoaned team's goal-line offense. "wasn't just red-zone offense, it was the 1-yd line"

Kevin Johnson said he played a lot last night - he was right. Only defensive player on the field for more than 1/2 the snaps. 71%, 29 plays​

PDS ‏@PatDStat
Jadeveon Clowney Returning to the #Texans on Monday http://www.scout.com/nfl/texans/story/1574959-jadeveon-clowney-set-to-return-on-monday

O’Brien calls is a “soft-tissue” injury for Su’a-Filo. #Texans

O’Brien mentions Su’a-Filo will not be available this week. #Texans

Says Clowney will be in dynamic stretching and individual drills and go from there. #Texans

O’Brien mentions that Clowney is scheduled to come back tomorrow. Add more as the week goes on. #Texans

“We will work the goal line this week.” Bill O’Brien. #Texans

O’Brien mentions that Nix overcame knee and a wrist issue from last year. #Texans

O’Brien mentions that two point plays are worked on everyday of camp. #Texans

O’Brien says he alerted his team after scores not to come running of the field to decide if they were going for two. #Texans

O’Brien pleased with effort on the field. Wants to see more attention to detail from the players. #Texans

“That wasn’t even the red zone, that was the one yard line.” Bill O’Brien on the numerous plays from the goal line.​

Deepi Sidhu ‏@DeepSlant
OC George Godsey will be on the sideline calling plays. O'Brien wants playcaller to see QB "eyeball to eyeball" & get feel for game.

O'Brien on o-line depth: James Ferentz played tough, low, with good technique. #Texans

O'Brien says Clowney will return to practice in a limited way and ramp up. Walkthroughs, stretch, and individual drills first. #Texans

O'Brien on practice this week: "We'll work the goal line this week, no doubt about it." #Texans

O'Brien says it's the time of year for more 4th down attempts. It gets extra reps for offense and allows coaches seeing those plays on film.

Bill O'Brien saw consistency and poise in all 3 QBs last night. Each one of them made mistakes but definitely correctable. #Texans​

#TexansCamp ‏@HoustonTexans
O'Brien on facing QB Manning: "Any time you get a chance to play one of the best to ever play the game, it's a good test for your defense."

O'Brien on RB Blue: "We've always thought Alfred was a good football player, really good teammate. He made some nice runs. Good vision."

O'Brien: "The identity of our team has yet to be determined, but we have a bunch of hard-working guys."

O'Brien on Clowney: "We are going to get him back out there. We'll try and ramp him up as we move through the week. He's come a long way."

O'Brien on special teams: "We really need to be better. We have a long way to go. We work hard and we have high expectations for that unit."

"It's the time of the year where you can do things like that. The game doesn't count in the standings."--O'Brien on going for it on 4th down

"We have to do a much better job down there. Coaches and players. Give SF a lot of credit."--O'Brien on goal line work last night

O'Brien on QBs: "I thought all three guys operated the offense efficiently. They went out there and played consistently and with poise."​
 
Xavier Su'a-Filo has more of a soft-tissue deal, Bill O'Brien said, doesn't predict he'll be back this week.

Well, THAT really narrows things down! :mcnugget: Rules out only bone, i.e., fracture. Tendon, ligament, fascia and muscle still in play, although muscle very unlikely if truly "foot/ankle" injury as reported earlier.
 
Well, THAT really narrows things down! :mcnugget: Rules out only bone, i.e., fracture. Tendon, ligament, fascia and muscle still in play, although muscle very unlikely if truly "foot/ankle" injury as reported earlier.

Not life threatening is what I'm taking from it.
 
Blue still lacks vision IMO. To be honest regardless of numbers I liked Polk running style and Hillard next. Blue IMO needs to really improve patience and vision.

I hope it's not a lack of vision. Hopefully he's learning to read his blocks & getting better at it. Again, hopefully what we saw yesterday was proof of that happening.

& yeah, the majority of his yards coming on a single carry would be of concern, if he had a bunch of carries. But he only had 9. One went for 32, another for 13, & yet another over ten yards IIRC. Thirty percent of his carries were for big gains. That's not bad for a preseason game.
 
I hope it's not a lack of vision. Hopefully he's learning to read his blocks & getting better at it. Again, hopefully what we saw yesterday was proof of that happening.

& yeah, the majority of his yards coming on a single carry would be of concern, if he had a bunch of carries. But he only had 9. One went for 32, another for 13, & yet another over ten yards IIRC. Thirty percent of his carries were for big gains. That's not bad for a preseason game.

I went back and tallied up his 9 carries to get his actual individual carry numbers: 1,3,14,2,8,32,2,-3,0.
 
I went back and tallied up his 9 carries to get his actual individual carry numbers: 1,3,14,2,8,32,2,-3,0.

I don't mind a back getting a majority of his yard in chunks. I think that can translate often to points. But I do think some kind of cardinal rule of having at least half of your carries going for 3+ yards is reasonable to qualify one as a legit NFL starting running back.
 
I don't mind a back getting a majority of his yard in chunks. I think that can translate often to points. But I do think some kind of cardinal rule of having at least half of your carries going for 3+ yards is reasonable to qualify one as a legit NFL starting running back.
This reminds me of a similar discussion in baseball. Batting .300 used to be a standard for greatness before OPS+ reset the standard. It doesn't really matter how you get on base as much as how many bases you get from each appearance. Running backs can get their yards in many different ways. Not all have to get it the same way. But in the end, it's about how often you score or set your team up to score.
 
The Rundown: Texans Handle Preseason Opener
Patrick Starr

The way the Texans quarterbacks controlled their huddles and prevented sacks, demonstrating their ability to get the ball out on time was key for a successful opening preseason game. The offense is predicated on how the quarterback spreads the ball around and hits receivers in space to make plays. The overall pass protection was positive and better than expected.

Ben Jones didn’t get enough work at center to get a good feel for him in game situations. He was beat across his face after the 49ers nose tackle made a play early in the first quarter, but there were few questions answered on how much he can help at the position.

If there is criticism of Derek Newton it is because some refuse to believe he has gotten better. He caved the defensive end and had one pancake to his credit, looking to be in mid-season form and showing his versatility in both facets of his game. Newton further displayed his adaptability by flipping over to left tackle and handling his business.

Texans safety Eddie Pleasant was used early and often during the game. He helped fill the role next to Moore early and was also used as the third safety in dime situations. He is probably the best...​

Texans Offensive Line Rotation Game One
Code:
LINE   LT        LG        C         RG        RT
  1    Brown     Adams     Jones     Brooks    Newton
  2    Newton    Jones     Ferentz   Brooks    Adams
  3    Lamm      Mancz     Ferentz   White     Adams
  4    Lamm      Mancz     Ferentz   White     Adams
  5    Witzmann  Treadwell Mancz     Slade     Feiler
http://www.scout.com/nfl/texans/story/1574890-the-rundown-texans-handle-preseason-opener

33 observations from Texans vs. 49ers
John Harris|Texans Analyst

I can’t help but think about last year’s opening preseason game after Saturday night’s win over the San Francisco 49ers. I’ve been saying all training camp long that the offense is so far beyond where the offense was at this point last year and that couldn’t have been proven more true Saturday night.

After working the game and then watching back early Sunday morning, here are my observations from the 23-10 win.

1. The running backs had a solid night and Alfred Blue took another step in his development. One thing that bears watching is when the Texans run outside zone. Arian Foster is so good at making that “cut up” run behind the center when he feels the defense’s fast flow is, well, too fast. He’ll let the play develop then BOOM dart back behind center-guard blocks for significant gains. For the OL, zoning off every single DL to give the RB a downhill edge is nearly impossible. So, Blue and company are going to need to be a bit more cognizant of those cut up seams to not let fast flowing defenders win. Rookie Kenny Hilliard had one of those cut up runs later in the game and it produced a 13 yard gain.

2. Cecil Shorts III was the recipient of Hoyer’s touchdown throw but Garrett Graham’s sliding catch on third down on Brian Hoyer’s only drive of the night was the key to the whole drive. Graham’s had a tremendous camp and it followed right in line with what I’ve seen all camp - no one can cover him. As such, seeing the tight ends do something of value early was a great sign.

3. Throughout the week, people asked me “tonight’s a success if...?” I said quality long drives by each QB, tight ends getting involved early and no significant injuries. That was pretty close to happening, I suppose.

4. On the first offensive drive, guard Jeff Adams made a key block on the inside power/gap run by Alfred Blue. Adams wrapped around, as an uncovered lineman, eyed a fast filling linebacker and sealed him off. Blue burst right off Adams’ block into the secondary for a solid 14 yard gain.

5. Hoyer’s touchdown pass to Shorts was textbook execution on third down. Protection was fantastic. Hoyer stood tall in the pocket. Shorts was quick into his route and even faster after he had the ball in his hands.

6. On the two point play after the touchdown, Andre Ware immediately pointed out the press man by the 49ers during our radio broadcast. We talked about it during the break afterward - the cornerback can’t win against Hopkins in that situation. If the corner plays for the fade, the QB throws to Hop’s back shoulder. If the corner attempts to prevent the backshoulder throw, the QB throws for the back pylon, where Hopkins can catch the highball fade. Shareece Wright actually played it as well as he could. And lost.

7. Tom Savage used that same methodology on his touchdown throw to Jaelen Strong in the 2nd half. When Strong has a defensive back on his back, it’s over.

8. The secondary didn’t tackle well in the first half and although...
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/a...vs-49ers/26187ae8-2f16-4909-94e8-50ca27276e8c
 
I'm not so sure on this in today's NFL, seems most are preferring people with big play potential over a steady 4.5 per carry. Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut since I don't currently have the time to go and look or do the research but I would be hard pressed to name a back that is averaging 4.5+ ypc if you take out any runs longer than say 8+?

That is the basic point I am trying to make. Is a runner like Blue really any different than your average starting running back in ypc.

To further follow up on this post, and taking a look at 2014 rushing stats for four running backs...

Arian Foster 2014 % of Carries YPC
Total Carries 260 4.79
Total Carries 4 or less yards 168 65% 1.35
Total Carries between 4 and 8 yards 46 18% 2.27
Total Carries 8 or more yards 46 18% 16.54

DeMarco Murray 2014 % of Carries YPC
Total Carries 392 4.71
total Carries 4 or less yards 242 62% 1.36
Total Carries between 4 and 8 yards 73 19% 2.37
Total Carries 8 or more yards 77 20% 14.29

Marshawn Lynch 2014 % of Carries YPC
Total Carries 280 4.66
total Carries 4 or less yards 176 63% 1.56
Total Carries between 4 and 8 yards 53 19% 2.52
Total Carries 8 or more yards 51 18% 14.27

Alfred Blue 2014 % of Carries YPC
Total Carries 169 3.12
total Carries 4 or less yards 124 73% 1.17
Total Carries between 4 and 8 yards 29 17% 5.76
Total Carries 8 or more yards 16 9% 13.50

Most of the carries for all of these running backs were for four yards or less (60%+ for each) and the sweet spot of what you would like to see, the >4 / <8 range, is less than 20% of the carries. So I stand by that for most running backs if you toss out runs of 8 yards or greater then none of them look very good.

The average run in the NFL is a lot of big sweaty guys grunting, a lot of dust, and not much action. I'm not using this to say Blue is the answer, or will be just as good as Arian. Arian is a better blocker, excels in the passing game, and is a superstar. He is also hurt. I am trying to set a reasonable expectation or what we need from his backups to hopefully be successful until his retrun.

Sorry for the formatting and any typing errors I cut one of my fingers and it is currently wrapped up and causing me some problems. Also thanks to my awesome wife who organized the data for me while I was out working in the yard.

Blue needs to improve his YPC on runs less than 4 yards, and increase his breakaway (greater than 8 yard) percentage from his rookie season.
 
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l
To further follow up on this post, and taking a look at 2014 rushing stats for four running backs...

Arian Foster 2014 % of Carries YPC
Total Carries 260 4.79
Total Carries 4 or less yards 168 65% 1.35
Total Carries between 4 and 8 yards 46 18% 2.27
Total Carries 8 or more yards 46 18% 16.54

DeMarco Murray 2014 % of Carries YPC
Total Carries 392 4.71
total Carries 4 or less yards 242 62% 1.36
Total Carries between 4 and 8 yards 73 19% 2.37
Total Carries 8 or more yards 77 20% 14.29

Marshawn Lynch 2014 % of Carries YPC
Total Carries 280 4.66
total Carries 4 or less yards 176 63% 1.56
Total Carries between 4 and 8 yards 53 19% 2.52
Total Carries 8 or more yards 51 18% 14.27

Alfred Blue 2014 % of Carries YPC
Total Carries 169 3.12
total Carries 4 or less yards 124 73% 1.17
Total Carries between 4 and 8 yards 29 17% 5.76
Total Carries 8 or more yards 16 9% 13.50

Most of the carries for all of these running backs were for four yards or less (60%+ for each) and the sweet spot of what you would like to see, the >4 / <8 range, is less than 20% of the carries. So I stand by that for most running backs if you toss out runs of 8 yards or greater then none of them look very good.

The average run in the NFL is a lot of big sweaty guys grunting, a lot of dust, and not much action. I'm not using this to say Blue is the answer, or will be just as good as Arian. Arian is a better blocker, excels in the passing game, and is a superstar. He is also hurt. I am trying to set a reasonable expectation or what we need from his backups to hopefully be successful until his retrun.

Sorry for the formatting and any typing errors I cut one of my fingers and it is currently wrapped up and causing me some problems. Also thanks to my awesome wife who organized the data for me while I was out working in the yard.

Blue needs to improve his YPC on runs less than 4 yards, and increase his breakaway (greater than 8 yard) percentage from his rookie season.

Looks like a thin line between great and ok.
 
Blue still lacks vision IMO. To be honest regardless of numbers I liked Polk running style and Hillard next. Blue IMO needs to really improve patience and vision.

Last year he clearly needed to improve his vision. Hard to say whether that has happened after such a small sample size in this game. Vision is there or it isn't. Not sure it is easy to teach IMO.

That's an embarrassing thought...calling Filo's weiner soft tissue........unless you think about him having to wear a boot to facilitate its healing.........and then it becomes a potentially very intriguing story.:tiphat:

Perhaps more intriguing would be if his "weiner" is large enough to facilitate a boot?
 
I hope it's not a lack of vision. Hopefully he's learning to read his blocks & getting better at it. Again, hopefully what we saw yesterday was proof of that happening.

& yeah, the majority of his yards coming on a single carry would be of concern, if he had a bunch of carries. But he only had 9. One went for 32, another for 13, & yet another over ten yards IIRC. Thirty percent of his carries were for big gains. That's not bad for a preseason game.

Well, it didn't take Campbell/Payton/Peterson/Dickerson/Foster etc.... long to learn their reads.
 
I'm afraid you may not be remembering accurately just how much better Arian Foster is than the Blues, Polks, and Grimes of the NFL world.

Absolutely correct but then you see these guys do this and it just emphasizes how much better things would be with Foster in there running wild.
 
Brett Kollmann's First Quarter Notes: Jay Prosch Obliterates A Few Poor 49ers
BattleRedBlog

It was with great pleasure that I spent a few hours yesterday reviewing every first quarter snap of the Texans preseason opener against the 49ers. As a whole I would say that it was a very positive team performance in the first 15 minutes, but there were a host of issues that still need to be corrected on both sides of the ball. Some of the veterans were logging their first semi-meaningful snaps at new positions, the rookies began their collective baptism by fire, and of course Bill O’Brien got to experiment with the new PAT rules right off the bat. Here is a chronological record of my thoughts as I watched the first quarter of the game in real time. Quarter number two will be up next tomorrow morning after I get some more time to chart those snaps.

1. Brian Hoyer’s first snap was okay. The Niners tried to rob him with a rolled coverage from a two-deep press-man shell to a three-deep zone shell with a robber safety underneath. I saw him do a bit of a double take while going through progressions before he checked it down to his only option. I liked that Hoyer didn’t fall for the baited trap of a curl route against a deep third zone when he’s got a robber sitting right there, but at the same time I also saw him get the ball out a bit late once he made the decision to check it down. He made the right decision, of course, but I just want to see the pace of his progressions quickened.

2. Jeff Adams was decent at left guard in place of Xavier Su’a-Filo. Leverage is going to be his biggest issue because he’s so damn tall. He got bulled over on Blue’s first carry because his man got under his pads, but Adams was crafty enough to pull the defensive lineman down with him. It was holding for sure, but at least he didn’t get called for it. Garrett Graham is still not a reliable blocker as a tight end, by the way. Luckily for us he can still be a reliable receiver instead.

3. Speaking of Graham, Hoyer’s pass to him on the out route had more zip on it than I remember from Hoyer in Cleveland. His arm is certainly stronger than Ryan Fitzpatrick’s. I never saw Fitz make that throw with such velocity.

4. Brandon Brooks and Derek Newton can still absolutely...​
 
Well, it didn't take Campbell/Payton/Peterson/Dickerson/Foster etc.... long to learn their reads.

Did they all play in a zone blocking system? I know Arian did, but he spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad. Kinda hard to say how long it took him to learn his reads.

Besides, looked like he's got better understanding of what's going on after Saturday's game. What I could see in 9 touches anyway.
 
Did they all play in a zone blocking system? I know Arian did, but he spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad. Kinda hard to say how long it took him to learn his reads.

Besides, looked like he's got better understanding of what's going on after Saturday's game. What I could see in 9 touches anyway.

Exhibit A rookies, Terrell Davis/Portis/Mike Anderson if you want ZBS guys. Point is that Blue is a good backup/3rd down type RB. Certainly not a starting NFL type RB. What would it hurt to bring in Rice to camp for a look see? (Maybe he could help, maybe not) Just another example the Texans not doing everything they can to put the best product on the field as possible.

Polk is the only above avg RB on the roster and with his health history I give him 3-4 games before his hamstring goes out or he hurts his chronically bad shoulder.

I do believe the Texans will pickup a RB by WW or trade late in camp. The situation is pretty desperate.
 
Exhibit A rookies, Terrell Davis/Portis/Mike Anderson if you want ZBS guys. Point is that Blue is a good backup/3rd down type RB. Certainly not a starting NFL type RB. What would it hurt to bring in Rice to camp for a look see? (Maybe he could help, maybe not) Just another example the Texans not doing everything they can to put the best product on the field as possible.

Polk is the only above avg RB on the roster and with his health history I give him 3-4 games before his hamstring goes out or he hurts his chronically bad shoulder.

I do believe the Texans will pickup a RB by WW or trade late in camp. The situation is pretty desperate.

Until someone else brings Rice in for a looksee, I'm going to chaulk that up to being black balled by the league. To me, that doesn't fall under the same "Texans not doing everything possible" situation. If he's being blackballed by the league, it's not possible.

I agree with you that Alfred Blue is not a hall of famer. But to say he'll never be a starter, or that he's just a back up... I think it's still too early to tell. Like I said earlier, Arian didn't break it off his rookie season, neither did Leveon Bell & several others.
 
Exhibit A rookies, Terrell Davis/Portis/Mike Anderson if you want ZBS guys. Point is that Blue is a good backup/3rd down type RB. Certainly not a starting NFL type RB. What would it hurt to bring in Rice to camp for a look see? (Maybe he could help, maybe not) Just another example the Texans not doing everything they can to put the best product on the field as possible.

Polk is the only above avg RB on the roster and with his health history I give him 3-4 games before his hamstring goes out or he hurts his chronically bad shoulder.

I do believe the Texans will pickup a RB by WW or trade late in camp. The situation is pretty desperate.

Completely agree. If Bob McNair and Rick were willing to do anything to win, they'd bring Rice for at least a tryout and interview. Both Bob and Rick say their Christian faith is important to them. As a fellow Christian, I would like them to start embracing the concept of second chances and forgiveness which is central to our faith. I respect those who give a guy a second chance after they have screwed up and paid their debt and have done their time a hell of a lot more than guys who talk about their faith but don't walk the walk like Rick. Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens have the best organization in the NFL in my opinion. They have won 2 Super Bowls and have been good for years without having a Brady or Manning type QB. Ozzie gives guys second chances. Isn't any wonder they consistently draft and get better FAs than us every year?
 
Until someone else brings Rice in for a looksee, I'm going to chaulk that up to being black balled by the league. To me, that doesn't fall under the same "Texans not doing everything possible" situation. If he's being blackballed by the league, it's not possible.

I agree with you that Alfred Blue is not a hall of famer. But to say he'll never be a starter, or that he's just a back up... I think it's still too early to tell. Like I said earlier, Arian didn't break it off his rookie season, neither did Leveon Bell & several others.

Blue will be nothing more than mediocre at best. As a RB, you either have vision or you don't. It's not something you can really learn, it's more instinct and feel. Blue doesn't have vision. We will be screwed if he is our starting RB against Kansas City.
 
Completely agree. If Bob McNair and Rick were willing to do anything to win, they'd bring Rice for at least a tryout and interview. Both Bob and Rick say their Christian faith is important to them. As a fellow Christian, I would like them to start embracing the concept of second chances and forgiveness which is central to our faith. I respect those who give a guy a second chance after they have screwed up and paid their debt and have done their time a hell of a lot more than guys who talk about their faith but don't walk the walk like Rick. Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens have the best organization in the NFL in my opinion. They have won 2 Super Bowls and have been good for years without having a Brady or Manning type QB. Ozzie gives guys second chances. Isn't any wonder they consistently draft and get better FAs than us every year?

Then why aren't they resigning Rice?
 
Then why aren't they resigning Rice?
The Ravens stuck by him until the video came out. They had way too much media heat on them and couldn't keep him. Every gasbag on TV and social media were huffing and puffing about Ray Rice. Same thing happened with 9ers and Aldon Smith. Rice has done his time and has shown contrition. I would sign him if he has anything left in the tank. Also, the Ravens had Forsett on their roster and other good backs that we don't have. Unlike Rick, Ozzie is a great GM and consistently replenishes the Ravens roster with good players. If I was in charge of the Texans, I would hire Eric DeCosta, Ozzie's right hand man and heir apparent. I would copy what the Ravens have done to be successful.
 
Ozzie gives guys second chances.

This is what I was specifically replying to. If they are so great, and they give guys second chances, why did they not resign him? Personally I think they should at the very least work him out and see what he has. They brought in others, there is no legitimate reason he should not at least get a look.

So since the Ravens did not give him a second look, it can only be one of two things. Either he is washed up, or blackballed. If he is blackballed but still has something to offer to a needy team. I think that is terrible. Most everyone deserves a second chance to redeem themselves. If Uncle Bob and RS are sitting on their high horses passing judgement on him, they disgust me.
 
This is what I was specifically replying to. If they are so great, and they give guys second chances, why did they not resign him? Personally I think they should at the very least work him out and see what he has. They brought in others, there is no legitimate reason he should not at least get a look.

So since the Ravens did not give him a second look, it can only be one of two things. Either he is washed up, or blackballed. If he is blackballed but still has something to offer to a needy team. I think that is terrible. Most everyone deserves a second chance to redeem themselves. If Uncle Bob and RS are sitting on their high horses passing judgement on him, they disgust me.

Well, the Ravens wouldn't be the team to give him a second chance since that was his original team. All the blowhards and dickheads in the media and social media blowback would be a lot if he went back to the Ravens. Going to a new team will be much more low key for him after the initial hubbub that will quickly die off once the season starts.

Name me ONE player that the Texans have given a second chance to? They got rid of the 3 guys smoking blunts in the team hotel 2 years ago the day they got caught and got rid of Swearinger this offseason after the minor stuff he got into. We are really missing out on some good players and good teammates who have reformed themselves and can serve as great role models. Guys who are given a second chance and don't blow it will work their ass off for a team, show humility and serve as an inspiration to the team and the fans. I am drawn to people who have made mistakes, reformed themselves and given a second chance. The Texans reluctance to give second chances is a big reason why I have so little respect for them as a football organization. Just look at Rick, he is an absolute fraud. Look at his preening, ass kissing smiles and kowtowing to the McNairs on the sidelines and on Hard Knocks makes me sick.
 
Besides being the worst FA signing other than Ed Reed, what did Ahman Green get in trouble for? Same for Coleman. Nothing comes to mind. It's telling you had to reach back to 7-8 years ago

Coleman was DUI. Green, you'll like this one, was for hitting his wife.

So now there is a quota for bad actors we have to bring in to keep the whining down? You asked for ONE.
 
Coleman was DUI. Green, you'll like this one, was for hitting his wife.

So now there is a quota for bad actors we have to bring in to keep the whining down? You asked for ONE.


Glad you love how the McNair's run their team.

They may even get past the 2nd rd of the playoffs someday.
 
Neither one of those guys were cut by their original team for their offense and the offenses occurred years prior. So basically, it is zero.

And neither has the initials RR.

You weren't going to accept any answer anyway.

And fyi Coleman got his DUI while a Texan.
 
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