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Is O'Brien finished shaping roster?

theCATALYST

Football Messiah
With the moves he made this offseason, it will definitely either expose him as an unexpected genius, or an even worse GM than anyone expected. Either way, this team is “his” and his true colors will show this year.
Is it out of line for me to be rooting for the "unexpected genius" outcome. I would love to have a mad scientist wearing a head set on the sidelines.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
Because it’s year six, going on seven, of the three year rebuild. You know...lucky seven.
On a serious note, maybe Watson has Kelly’s ear and they’ll install an offense that suits QB1? Idk, Im way too bored and sober.

Now you know if they do not run O'Brien's offense to the tee, both of them will be on the next train smoking out of Houston.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Because it’s year six, going on seven, of the three year rebuild. You know...lucky seven.
On a serious note, maybe Watson has Kelly’s ear and they’ll install an offense that suits QB1? Idk, Im way too bored and sober.
I’m thinking along your lines. That Bill is going to step back & coach the team, not just the offense.

So hopefully we’re going to see an offense built for Watson by Kelly & Carl Smith.

I’m sure BO’b will continue to be involved, but hopefully the way BB is involved with his offense, defense, & ST.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-lays-out-protocols-to-teams-on-how-facilities-can-reopen-and-continue-to-operate/ via http://cbssportsapp.com

  • Local and state government officials consent to reopening
  • Club creates an Infection Response Team, which has a written plan for newly diagnosed cases
  • Club designates an Infection Control Officer who will oversee all aspects of the implementation of the league's listed guidelines
  • Each employee who returns to work at the facility must receive COVID-19 safety and hygiene training prior to coming back and agreeing to report health information to the ICO
 

RGV82

Random guy
My understanding is the Texans offered 1 year, Hyde wanted more than 1. So now the Texans have a guy with more than 1 year for a **** ton more money. Makes perfect sense.
Yeah, I can only imagine if we had offered Hyde more than one year and he accepted, who we could have acquired in a trade for Hopkins, but instead we are stuck with an overpaid RB.
 

theCATALYST

Football Messiah
What are your thoughts on this idea?


Yesterday, the free agent made it clear he’s not returning to the Tennessee Titans for the 2020 season.

Ryan has started in 85 games over the past seven seasons, defended 78 passes, notched 494 tackles, recorded 17 interceptions, and forced 9 fumbles. For the sake of comparison, Bradley Roby, the Texans’ best corner, has started only 39 games in one less season, defended 68 passes, grabbed 274 tackles, caught 8 interceptions, and forced 8 fumbles.
 

RGV82

Random guy
What are your thoughts on this idea?


Yesterday, the free agent made it clear he’s not returning to the Tennessee Titans for the 2020 season.

Ryan has started in 85 games over the past seven seasons, defended 78 passes, notched 494 tackles, recorded 17 interceptions, and forced 9 fumbles. For the sake of comparison, Bradley Roby, the Texans’ best corner, has started only 39 games in one less season, defended 68 passes, grabbed 274 tackles, caught 8 interceptions, and forced 8 fumbles.
Financials line up, upgrade at the position.... I would definitely be all for it.
 

IDEXAN

Hall of Fame
Contributor's Club
Yeah, I can only imagine if we had offered Hyde more than one year and he accepted, who we could have acquired in a trade for Hopkins, but instead we are stuck with an overpaid RB.
No doubt about it,
GM O'Brien is a mental midget when it comes to assessing the relative value of players, just incredibly incompetent.
HC O'Brien is moderately successful but when kicked upstairs in the front office GM O'Brien is a classic case book illustration of the Peter Principle.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
What are your thoughts on this idea?


Yesterday, the free agent made it clear he’s not returning to the Tennessee Titans for the 2020 season.

Ryan has started in 85 games over the past seven seasons, defended 78 passes, notched 494 tackles, recorded 17 interceptions, and forced 9 fumbles. For the sake of comparison, Bradley Roby, the Texans’ best corner, has started only 39 games in one less season, defended 68 passes, grabbed 274 tackles, caught 8 interceptions, and forced 8 fumbles.

Hopefully Obrien is on the phone with him and his agent trying to strike up a deal.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Plus .... he was among the top ten players in the league at his position. Of course, so was Hopkins .... and Reader .... and Clowney. No matter how big his problem of getting along with people, he's got to temper it with a smidgeon of common sense and self control !
Clowney was top ten in what? Defensive snaps? Drawing double teams?
 

vtech9

All Pro
Some time ago I posted that this offseason could be the best in Texans history. It may have not been the best but it's certainly been one that stirred up a lot of conversation. here are some interesting possibilities:

TE someone needs to go should it be Jordan Thomas?
OK....I guess I'll attempt to comment on the first option of your post since nobody else has.

I doubt very seriously if Jordan Thomas will be cut or traded. I honestly think we will keep all 4 of our top TE's. With the trade of Hopkins for David Johnson, I think OB is wanting to try and turn our offense into what NE had when Gronk and Hernandez were rookies. The pats didn't really need a star WR, the TE's were the main guys, and the RB's were mostly dump-off guys. I think we'll be running 2 TE sets almost exclusively. The WR's will be running mostly crosses and underneath routes, but still have the deep threat option with Fuller.

If this is what OB plans, the RB's won't be called on to carry the load. They will be receiving options more often than not, with the occasional run to keep the defense honest.

With the roster that we now have, I can see us being successful. To do this, as much as I hate it, trading Hopkins was necessary. Hopkins was Watson's safety blanket. Now that Hopkins is gone, Watson will be forced to throw to someone else.

I don't like OB, so I am very cautiously optimistic, but I can see the potential.
 

theCATALYST

Football Messiah
OK....I guess I'll attempt to comment on the first option of your post since nobody else has.

I doubt very seriously if Jordan Thomas will be cut or traded. I honestly think we will keep all 4 of our top TE's. With the trade of Hopkins for David Johnson, I think OB is wanting to try and turn our offense into what NE had when Gronk and Hernandez were rookies. The pats didn't really need a star WR, the TE's were the main guys, and the RB's were mostly dump-off guys. I think we'll be running 2 TE sets almost exclusively. The WR's will be running mostly crosses and underneath routes, but still have the deep threat option with Fuller.

If this is what OB plans, the RB's won't be called on to carry the load. They will be receiving options more often than not, with the occasional run to keep the defense honest.

With the roster that we now have, I can see us being successful. To do this, as much as I hate it, trading Hopkins was necessary. Hopkins was Watson's safety blanket. Now that Hopkins is gone, Watson will be forced to throw to someone else.

I don't like OB, so I am very cautiously optimistic, but I can see the potential.
I can see the light in this idea. I like it.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
OK....I guess I'll attempt to comment on the first option of your post since nobody else has.

I doubt very seriously if Jordan Thomas will be cut or traded. I honestly think we will keep all 4 of our top TE's. With the trade of Hopkins for David Johnson, I think OB is wanting to try and turn our offense into what NE had when Gronk and Hernandez were rookies. The pats didn't really need a star WR, the TE's were the main guys, and the RB's were mostly dump-off guys. I think we'll be running 2 TE sets almost exclusively. The WR's will be running mostly crosses and underneath routes, but still have the deep threat option with Fuller.

If this is what OB plans, the RB's won't be called on to carry the load. They will be receiving options more often than not, with the occasional run to keep the defense honest.

With the roster that we now have, I can see us being successful. To do this, as much as I hate it, trading Hopkins was necessary. Hopkins was Watson's safety blanket. Now that Hopkins is gone, Watson will be forced to throw to someone else.

I don't like OB, so I am very cautiously optimistic, but I can see the potential.
This is what I've been talking about when I've been saying, we're going to find out if DW4's the QB of the future this season. He's going to have to learn how to play the QB position.
 
OK....I guess I'll attempt to comment on the first option of your post since nobody else has.

I doubt very seriously if Jordan Thomas will be cut or traded. I honestly think we will keep all 4 of our top TE's. With the trade of Hopkins for David Johnson, I think OB is wanting to try and turn our offense into what NE had when Gronk and Hernandez were rookies. The pats didn't really need a star WR, the TE's were the main guys, and the RB's were mostly dump-off guys. I think we'll be running 2 TE sets almost exclusively. The WR's will be running mostly crosses and underneath routes, but still have the deep threat option with Fuller.

If this is what OB plans, the RB's won't be called on to carry the load. They will be receiving options more often than not, with the occasional run to keep the defense honest.

With the roster that we now have, I can see us being successful. To do this, as much as I hate it, trading Hopkins was necessary. Hopkins was Watson's safety blanket. Now that Hopkins is gone, Watson will be forced to throw to someone else.

I don't like OB, so I am very cautiously optimistic, but I can see the potential.
That would be great, lets just hope this team can put all that together in a potentially limited off season.
 

TheKDog

Hall of Fame
Contributor's Club
We already found out Watson is the QB of the future, but probably of the Pats not the Texans
 

michaelm

vox nihili
OK....I guess I'll attempt to comment on the first option of your post since nobody else has.

I doubt very seriously if Jordan Thomas will be cut or traded. I honestly think we will keep all 4 of our top TE's. With the trade of Hopkins for David Johnson, I think OB is wanting to try and turn our offense into what NE had when Gronk and Hernandez were rookies. The pats didn't really need a star WR, the TE's were the main guys, and the RB's were mostly dump-off guys. I think we'll be running 2 TE sets almost exclusively. The WR's will be running mostly crosses and underneath routes, but still have the deep threat option with Fuller.

If this is what OB plans, the RB's won't be called on to carry the load. They will be receiving options more often than not, with the occasional run to keep the defense honest.

With the roster that we now have, I can see us being successful. To do this, as much as I hate it, trading Hopkins was necessary. Hopkins was Watson's safety blanket. Now that Hopkins is gone, Watson will be forced to throw to someone else.

I don't like OB, so I am very cautiously optimistic, but I can see the potential.
I understand your logic, and I think it might be a good plan, however I'm not sure it jibes with the transactions that have been made.
I'm not sure I can see trading for Stills (although he wasn't a primary trade target), signing Cobb and trading for Cooks to put on the WR corps with Fuller, just to go heavy two TE with only two of the WR assets seeing significant participation.
 

Number19

Hall of Fame
I expect an 80 percent passing offense and four targets of some type each of those plays. I don't see a Patriots offense. Welcome to Texans "light 'em up" offense!!
I'm expecting something closer to 65-35. Putting it in playing jargon, every 6 plays, we'll run it twice. Pass first but with enough running plays to keep the defense on their heels.

If we're reeling off 5 yard gains run play after run play, OB will stay with the run game until the defense adjusts, then go back to the passing game.

My base lineup, run or pass, would be two wideouts, a slot and a TE; with a single RB. On occasion, the TE could move out into a slot position.

The running back can be lined up in the "I" or shifted to the left or the right; or go into motion to the flats. I think a naked RB sweep with the TE blocking down could be effective on occasion. I'd rather this than those WR sweeps we've run.

Watson can run a delayed draw up the middle. I especially like this with the RB's motioning into the flat. But mostly I'd have him staying in the pocket.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
I think especially if Warford at RG, OBrien and Watson will be even more comfortable with empty backfield which they exhibited quite a bit 2019. Eight yard gain avg by receivers get you down field much faster. Coach should want to jump out quickly on teams with large leads and our hopefully improved defense choke out the opponent. If our new speed at WR corps is negated it would be horrible. I do agree that 5+ avg can be there for RBs.
Edited to correct right tackle to right guard.
 
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badboy

Hall of Fame
Jordan Thomas has the ability to be like Gronk. Warring can be our Hernandez. Akins could be a hybrid of the two, but closer to Hernandez. Fells, well, he could be our blocking TE and maybe a very poor mans Gronk.
Jordan Thomas may have the ability however he definitely did not show it last season. The question for me is was his productivity based on him or our quarterback? HC play calling could have something to do with it.

Fells is our only TE that I feel comfortable with.
 

OptimisticTexan

2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
I really wouldn't mind seeing a 4-TE and David Johnson formation a few times this season. Push Aikens outside and have Warring in the Slot.
 

michaelm

vox nihili
Regarding the multiple TE set I've always wondered something.

Scenario:
Offense comes out in 2 TE, 2WR, 1RB set.
Defense should respond by coming out in their base defense, be it 4-3 or 3-4. Or I assume they would in most cases.

Offense responds by splitting both TE wide, and WR line up in slot.

(edit, basically a four wide set. TE split wide, outside right and outside left. WR slot left and slot right)

What would be the typical defensive assignments/responsibilities facing that alignment?

Seems like a hell of a way to create mismatches and I can't recall seeing it done. Probably has been done, I just don't recall it.
 
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badboy

Hall of Fame
Regarding the multiple TE set I've always wondered something.

Scenario:
Offense comes out in 2 TE, 2WR, 1RB set.
Defense should respond by coming out in their base defense, be it 4-3 or 3-4. Or I assume they would in most cases.

Offense responds by splitting both TE wide, and WR line up in slot.

What would be the typical defensive assignments/responsibilities facing that alignment?

Seems like a hell of a way to create mismatches and I can't recall seeing it done. Probably has been done, I just don't recall it.
Just me but in your scenario I want to know where the other WR is if one is slot and both TEs go outside? I would assume that WR is also "outside" and assuming he has great quality my best corner faces him and my safeties play up in mid field to control TEs with LBs. Your "slot WR" would be covered by whomever I use in that role.

Each TE would be covered by a LB and a safety. Slot WR by my usual guy and your other WR by my best corner. Personally, I think I would like to see your formation often.
 
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michaelm

vox nihili
Just me but in your scenario I want to know where the other WR is if one is slot and both TEs go outside? I would assume that WR is also "outside" and assuming he has great quality my best corner faces him and my safeties play up in mid field to control TEs with LBs. Your "slow WR" would be covered by whomever I use in that role.

Each TE would be covered by a LB and a safety. Slot WR by my usual guy and your other WR by my best corner. Personally, I think I would like to see your formation often.
Both TE split wide, one per side. WR in the slots, one per side.
Basically four wide, but with the TE outside and WR inside
 

OptimisticTexan

2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
Just me but in your scenario I want to know where the other WR is if one is slot and both TEs go outside? I would assume that WR is also "outside" and assuming he has great quality my best corner faces him and my safeties play up in mid field to control TEs with LBs. Your "slow WR" would be covered by whomever I use in that role.

Each TE would be covered by a LB and a safety. Slot WR by my usual guy and your other WR by my best corner. Personally, I think I would like to see your formation often.
If LB's went outside.....I might be forced to run a delayed draw. If David Johnson gets past the front 5......he's got TE's blocking for him downfield and that certainly wouldn't be a bad thing.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
If LB's went outside.....I might be forced to run a delayed draw. If David Johnson gets past the front 5......he's got TE's blocking for him downfield and that certainly wouldn't be a bad thing.
I almost added your scenario. As a DC facing Texans doing that I would depend on my middle guys stopping David Johnson. As you say, if he gets past front 5 he could score. A good middle stops that play almost every time. I like mismatches but prefer those to be my WRs in which I believe O'Brien is counting on. I like both DJs faking a block then opening up for dumps if needed or planned; with Watson scrambling abilities I see that is best play although draws should be used frequently as a planned endeavor. This was fun exercise!
 

Mangler

Toro de España
It’s sad that most of us here have more of a football imagination than the current, inept, control freak of a HC/GM.
 
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