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Rick Smith saved Texans from OB and how Watson was REALLY drafted

JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
Yes, Smith explanation behind why OB didn't look happy about Watson being picked.
Another meaningless topic already beat to death, but we need yet another new thread?
Rick Smith and OB are both gone, what difference does all this sh!t make now anyways?

And I doubt anyone on this board or in the media really knows all they think they do.
 

xtruroyaltyx

Hall of Fame
Rick Smith and OB are both gone, what difference does all this sh!t make now anyways?

And I doubt anyone on this board or in the media really knows all they think they do.
If true it could lend some insight into the way that OB “coached” Watson. Not that he intentionally tried to sabotage him, but if DW wasn’t the guy he wanted because he didn’t fit his vision of a qb, that might be why he has hasn’t progressed the way that he should have as an nfl qb. Not coaching to your guys strengths and weaknesses and all that jazz....

Not only does that matter to me, but it should matter to the organization when evaluating what needs to be done going forward.

Most people could see this **** show coming from a mile away and didn’t need to touch the stove to know it’s hot, but hopefully for the Texans experience is the best teacher.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
but if DW wasn’t the guy he wanted because he didn’t fit his vision of a qb, that might be why he has hasn’t progressed the way that he should have as an nfl qb.
Not that you are making this argument, but this is a false narrative.

Watson has progressed a lot. Keep in mind he's only got 3 years under his belt.

He's dissecting bad defenses while taking care of the ball. He needs help (from the scheme) against good defenses.

But he's getting up to speed just fine if you ask me.

He doesn't play the way some of us want him to play (myself included), but that's another story
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
If the link is true and no one wanted a qb other than Rick smith then who did they/ob want then?
No one in the room wanted to trade up to the 12th spot.

Even Rick starts the interview saying he thought he could get Watson at 26, & his board is usually accurate.

He doesn't go into why he then started thinking he would have to trade up to 12 to get Watson.

Even after KC trades up to 10 to get Mahomes, he still has no support to trade up to 12.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
So I just watched the video posted in this thread. These guys are discussing an interview between Adam Schefter & Rick Smith.

They played a part of that interview Tuesday on in the loop. I tried to find it on the 610 podcast, but couldn't. I also can't find Schefter's podcast. But I'll keep looking.

But you need to hear it. The video on this thread leaves a lot of stuff out.
 

Mr teX

Hall of Fame
Obviously he wasn't on OB list

OB has no idea what a qb is even when one dropped in his lap
well then Lance’s listening skills, his link and interpretation is dead ass wrong.

the interview that he is referencing which 610 played days ago, Rick doesn’t say anything about Watson not being on BoB’s list or anything. Rick just explains how no one wanted to MOVE UP to get DW4....& it most likely had something to do with the draft capital they would’ve had to give up to move up...but once he talked to BoB, BoB was actually on board.

it’s patently dumb how people feel like they gotta make **** up to slander this dude when there’s plenty of other obvious & more confirmed errors by him to talk about. It’s also why I take anything these sports radio guys with supposed “connections” say with a grain of salt. They simply try too damn hard to appear credible.
 
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Speedy

Former Yeller Dweller
If true it could lend some insight into the way that OB “coached” Watson. Not that he intentionally tried to sabotage him, but if DW wasn’t the guy he wanted because he didn’t fit his vision of a qb, that might be why he has hasn’t progressed the way that he should have as an nfl qb. Not coaching to your guys strengths and weaknesses and all that jazz....
If Watson didn't fit his vision of a QB, then dude is blind as a ******* bat. We saw his vision 3 years prior. And if he can't coach a guy to his strengths, just because that's not the guy he wanted, then he doesn't need to be a damn coach in this league. Let him go back to college where he can recruit who he wants and see that vision through, whatever that might be.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
This is interesting because of 2 things.
1- It shows how much McNair allowed his GM to do. With or without the other coaches and HC agreeing.
2- Due to the above, Cal will likely (as he was already getting hands on with his dad) do what the GM says. Good or bad
Disagree, it doesn’t show anything about the future of the Texans. Bob McNair is also gone and Cal has already shown he is quicker to pull a trigger than his dad. He has already fired two GMs and one HC, granted he got a two for one deal on that but Cal has still shown he is not his father for better or worse.

Interesting read just from an FYI point of view but overall not relevant to our current situation.
 

SnakeEyes

Under NRG
Disagree, it doesn’t show anything about the future of the Texans. Bob McNair is also gone and Cal has already shown he is quicker to pull a trigger than his dad. He has already fired two GMs and one HC, granted he got a two for one deal on that but Cal has still shown he is not his father for better or worse.

Interesting read just from an FYI point of view but overall not relevant to our current situation.
No it shows that Cal who qas Bob's right hand, is the same with a shorter fuse. And he knows even less about football then his dad.
 

banned1976

sleeper mode
Not that you are making this argument, but this is a false narrative.

Watson has progressed a lot. Keep in mind he's only got 3 years under his belt.

He's dissecting bad defenses while taking care of the ball. He needs help (from the scheme) against good defenses.

But he's getting up to speed just fine if you ask me.

He doesn't play the way some of us want him to play (myself included), but that's another story
That's not what you were saying when the Texans were losing. And to be fair to you, I myself began to question if Watson had been "Carred". Many fans were concerned about Watson's progression, or lack therefore. He was still holding onto the ball too long, he was still ignoring the underneath routes, he was still running around behind the line of scrimmage. Only this year he added "happy feet" the first 4 games of the season. He looked nervous, he looked uncomfortable. He was going in the wrong direction. But since O'Brien left the Texans have won 4 of 5 games, largely in part due to Watson's comfort level. It's very noticeable.

I do believe O'Brien was holding Watson back. He was trying to hammer Watson into what he thought a quarterback should look like. Thank God the Bears drafted Trubisky and O'Brien wasn't the GM back then.
 

SnakeEyes

Under NRG
That's not what you were saying when the Texans were losing. And to be fair to you, I myself began to question if Watson had been "Carred". Many fans were concerned about Watson's progression, or lack therefore. He was still holding onto the ball too long, he was still ignoring the underneath routes, he was still running around behind the line of scrimmage. Only this year he added "happy feet" the first 4 games of the season. He looked nervous, he looked uncomfortable. He was going in the wrong direction. But since O'Brien left the Texans have won 4 of 5 games, largely in part due to Watson's comfort level. It's very noticeable.

I do believe O'Brien was holding Watson back. He was trying to hammer Watson into what he thought a quarterback should look like. Thank God the Bears drafted Trubisky and O'Brien wasn't the GM back then.
I think with a pocket QB...we would have won many more playoff games under OB and maybe an AFC Championship game appearance.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
I think with a pocket QB...we would have won many more playoff games under OB and maybe an AFC Championship game appearance.
You mean like Mallett, Osweiler or Savage?

I tell you what, I’m in the minority but I think Osweiler was catching on. That Div game against the Patriots, he played well enough for us to win.

But BO’b couldn’t be an adult & find a way to coexist. & so we waste more money, more capital
 

Double Barrel

Texans Talk Admin
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Disagree, it doesn’t show anything about the future of the Texans. Bob McNair is also gone and Cal has already shown he is quicker to pull a trigger than his dad. He has already fired two GMs and one HC, granted he got a two for one deal on that but Cal has still shown he is not his father for better or worse.

Interesting read just from an FYI point of view but overall not relevant to our current situation.
LMAO!!! :spit:

He's also the owner that made O'Brien the freakin' GM and let him trade HoF talent for next to nothing (because his mommy was offended by the player's cultural background). This was after a 51-7 meltdown in the postseason. Cal was rewarding failure. And he gets praised for it. The stupidity level is toxic.

Cal gets no pass. He's a rube right now. Firing a coach 4 games into a season that he just made GM a few months ago reveals an utter lack of comprehension with regards to running football operations. He's in over his head, Master of Business Administration degree from Rice University be damned.

This football team needs a leader of men. Instead, they have Cal McNair and his mom. Good luck with that.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
I don't think so I have played both HS and college D1. Blew my knee but still had 3yrs of studying and such. So, unless Cal ever put on a uniform...I got him beat.
wow!

McNair attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a four-year member of the Longhorn football team. He earned a Master's of Business Administration degree from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.
 

AcresHomesTexan

No Longer Arlington: Escaped From Jerry's World
Staff member
Cal McNair has been around football a lot,


McNair attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a four-year member of the Longhorn football team. He earned a Master's of Business Administration degree from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.
McNair, who has been actively involved with the football operations of the franchise since its inception, has been part of the Texans' search committee in several key hires, including Head Coach and General Manager Bill O'Brien in 2014, former Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Rick Smith in 2006, former Head Coach Gary Kubiak in 2006 and former Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips in 2011. McNair also attends NFL meetings as part of team management and serves on the NFL Investment Committee while chairing the Audit Committee.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
I don't think so I have played both HS and college D1. Blew my knee but still had 3yrs of studying and such. So, unless Cal ever put on a uniform...I got him beat.
You really haven’t done any research have you?

“McNair attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a four-year member of the Longhorn football team. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.”


This idea that you have to have played football or have “a football mind” to do anything in the NFL is pure BS. Hell most NFL HCs never played in the NFL.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
LMAO!!! :spit:

He's also the owner that made O'Brien the freakin' GM and let him trade HoF talent for next to nothing (because his mommy was offended by the player's cultural background). This was after a 51-7 meltdown in the postseason. Cal was rewarding failure. And he gets praised for it. The stupidity level is toxic.

Cal gets no pass. He's a rube right now. Firing a coach 4 games into a season that he just made GM a few months ago reveals an utter lack of comprehension with regards to running football operations. He's in over his head, Master of Business Administration degree from Rice University be damned.

This football team needs a leader of men. Instead, they have Cal McNair and his mom. Good luck with that.
Ah so you speak from a lot experience in being an NFL owner? Or maybe from even working in an NFL organization? Also I’m assuming you have something to back up the mommy statement other than your own opinion? That you were there when the McNairs talked to OB about Hopkins or even know for sure they did? I take it you sat in on the meeting between Hopkins and OB and you’re not just basing it on Michael “Brady is going to Dallas” Irvin about what was said?

Also what qualifies someone to be “a leader of men”? Is Kraft a leader of men because he sat back and let BB make all the decisions? BB who his first year without Brady is struggling heavy and years of bad GMing is coming back to bite him? Or how about Jerry Jones, there’s a leader of men for you.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
That's not what you were saying when the Texans were losing. And to be fair to you, I myself began to question if Watson had been "Carred". Many fans were concerned about Watson's progression, or lack therefore. He was still holding onto the ball too long, he was still ignoring the underneath routes, he was still running around behind the line of scrimmage. Only this year he added "happy feet" the first 4 games of the season. He looked nervous, he looked uncomfortable. He was going in the wrong direction. But since O'Brien left the Texans have won 4 of 5 games, largely in part due to Watson's comfort level. It's very noticeable.

I do believe O'Brien was holding Watson back. He was trying to hammer Watson into what he thought a quarterback should look like. Thank God the Bears drafted Trubisky and O'Brien wasn't the GM back then.
This I agree with 100%, Watson is looking more comfortable and it is showing in his play. People keep ragging on me for using his draft scout report but that same report said that Watson would need a scheme designed for him and basically need to feel comfortable with it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that and it’s what good coaches do with the star player. Look at Jackson and the Ravens, Jackson isn’t close to Watson in talent level but the scheme was custom built for him.

I don’t Watson to pick the next HC but I do want one of the first questions asked to be “What do you see as Deshaun Watson’s strengths and weaknesses and how would you play to the strengths and shore up the weaknesses?” For better or worst this team lives and dies by Watson’s play level so the team should be designed to get the best play level possible.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
That's not what you were saying when the Texans were losing. And to be fair to you, I myself began to question if Watson had been "Carred"
To be fair to me, that’s exactly what I said when we were losing. He’s not good enough now to beat the good teams playing the game he’s trying to play without using his legs.

He’s decided to use his legs to beat two middle of the league defenses. He’s going to have to do that and then some to beat Chicago & Indianapolis.

Tell me, did you see any difference in the way he played the last two games & the first 6?
 

Mangler

Toro de España
I don't think so I have played both HS and college D1. Blew my knee but still had 3yrs of studying and such. So, unless Cal ever put on a uniform...I got him beat.
Cal played football from little league all the way through college. Cal has also been learning the ins and outs since 1999 (When the team was founded) while also forming relationships with other NFL team owners, GMs, scouts, etc.... over the years. Not to mention he was Bob’s right hand man from the start up until his death. So, I hate to burst your bubble/ego, but Cletus has you beat and pretty bad buddy.
 

SnakeEyes

Under NRG
This I agree with 100%, Watson is looking more comfortable and it is showing in his play. People keep ragging on me for using his draft scout report but that same report said that Watson would need a scheme designed for him and basically need to feel comfortable with it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that and it’s what good coaches do with the star player. Look at Jackson and the Ravens, Jackson isn’t close to Watson in talent level but the scheme was custom built for him.

I don’t Watson to pick the next HC but I do want one of the first questions asked to be “What do you see as Deshaun Watson’s strengths and weaknesses and how would you play to the strengths and shore up the weaknesses?” For better or worst this team lives and dies by Watson’s play level so the team should be designed to get the best play level possible.
90 some percent of HC pick their own QB. Not saying that Watson is bad or should be gone. But, if a GM and HC come in and think they would like a different type QB...it could happen.

However, seeing Watson is helping pick the HC. He is not going anywhere and it could be a bad idea for getting a good HC. If you were a candidate and see what type power Watson is seems to have. Then you have to ask yourself "do I want him as my QB" if unsure or no is your opinion. Then scratch that Candidate off the list. Because I don't see any reason to take a job with a QB you don't want. Case and point, after the Watson pick rumors of OB leaving for the Jets started. And seeing what Smith said about the pick... you can get an idea of why. OB probably thought if he can't have a GM who he can work with. It's better to be the GM himself and if it sinks the ship. He can only blame himself.

OB is likely going to be a HC next year. Perhaps for the Falcons, Jets or other. If he wins. Then what will people say? Will they blame Smith, Cal, Watson? If he is a HC and it happens...we will see. Because I know and you know that people are going to start talking.
 

SnakeEyes

Under NRG
Cal played football from little league all the way through college. Cal has also been learning the ins and outs since 1999 (When the team was founded) while also forming relationships with other NFL team owners, GMs, scouts, etc.... over the years. Not to mention he was Bob’s right hand man from the start up until his death. So, I hate to burst your bubble/ego, but Cletus has you beat and pretty bad buddy.
No... Seeing this dumpster fire was due 50% to the FO not doing anything because they made money. Bob was a good guy but flat out said he depended on the GM and HC. And he was only a tie breaker. Because he was not a good evaluator. He did go to the combine and pro days but he was not hands on. He became very hands on when the team wet the bed and he ordered Gary to fire the D coaches and they hired Wade. Since that time the FO has been hands on in almost every single thing that has happened. Learning from a business man about business is one thing. But learning to pick good staff and players is totally different. A few well known scouts and personal people learned from there father's. But, they are not even mentioned as GM candidates for any teams. Google it. I think it was the Eagles who had a HC who taught his son. Yet he is only a scout or FO personal opinion guy. Why? Because he is not ready to go out and be a GM.
 

Mr teX

Hall of Fame
You really haven’t done any research have you?

“McNair attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a four-year member of the Longhorn football team. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.”


This idea that you have to have played football or have “a football mind” to do anything in the NFL is pure BS. Hell most NFL HCs never played in the NFL.

Lol, he threw that out there trying to garner some cred, & wound up losing all his LMAO.
 

Mangler

Toro de España
No... Seeing this dumpster fire was due 50% to the FO not doing anything because they made money. Bob was a good guy but flat out said he depended on the GM and HC. And he was only a tie breaker. Because he was not a good evaluator. He did go to the combine and pro days but he was not hands on. He became very hands on when the team wet the bed and he ordered Gary to fire the D coaches and they hired Wade. Since that time the FO has been hands on in almost every single thing that has happened. Learning from a business man about business is one thing. But learning to pick good staff and players is totally different. A few well known scouts and personal people learned from there father's. But, they are not even mentioned as GM candidates for any teams. Google it. I think it was the Eagles who had a HC who taught his son. Yet he is only a scout or FO personal opinion guy. Why? Because he is not ready to go out and be a GM.
My reply to your post was about the part where you claimed to have Cal McNair “beat” when it comes to football knowledge, just because you played HS and College ball. That long ass reply didn’t address anything, and was more of a politician response. You know, answering a question no one asked.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
90 some percent of HC pick their own QB. Not saying that Watson is bad or should be gone. But, if a GM and HC come in and think they would like a different type QB...it could happen.
90 some percent HC come to teams with bad QBs.

how many HCs replaced Stafford in Detroit? Or Rivers in San Diego?

Watson is one of those that will out last two or three HCs.
OB is likely going to be a HC next year. Perhaps for the Falcons, Jets or other.
Ok, I get it now. I thought you were serious, carry on.
 

Mr teX

Hall of Fame
Ah so you speak from a lot experience in being an NFL owner? Or maybe from even working in an NFL organization? Also I’m assuming you have something to back up the mommy statement other than your own opinion? That you were there when the McNairs talked to OB about Hopkins or even know for sure they did? I take it you sat in on the meeting between Hopkins and OB and you’re not just basing it on Michael “Brady is going to Dallas” Irvin about what was said?

Also what qualifies someone to be “a leader of men”? Is Kraft a leader of men because he sat back and let BB make all the decisions? BB who his first year without Brady is struggling heavy and years of bad GMing is coming back to bite him? Or how about Jerry Jones, there’s a leader of men for you.
Comical isn't it? Kraft's a "leader of men" b/c Belichick decided to go with him instead of taking and staying with the Jets...Jerry Jones is a "leader of men" because he took over an organization & they won a couple of SB's immediately....... then he fires the main architect of that run and in the nearly 30 years since, his organization has come to be known more for its marketing team than its successes on the field............. which has largely been alot of fail & underachieving. Jim Irsay is a "leader of men" b/c he finally was able to break through & win A SB despite having 1 of the greatest QB's to ever play the game playing for his team for nearly 20 years.....That erases that 30 year futility of the Colts that he & his father before him had presided over..............I mean i don't know, maybe some would think Cal was more capable if he were caught with an 8 ball of coke and amphetamines in his ride...I mean that what leaders of men and great owners do right?
 

Mr teX

Hall of Fame
My reply to your post was about the part where you claimed to have Cal McNair “beat” when it comes to football knowledge, just because you played HS and College ball. That long ass reply didn’t address anything, and was more of a politician response. You know, answering a question no one asked.
Jerry Jones played college football...won a CFB championship too.....


Not sure that resonated with his team taking that ass kicking yesterday in prime time or at any point in the last 30 years tho :lol:

Check out what fans are saying about Jerrah....https://cowboyszone.com/threads/cowboys-vs-washington-post-game-thread.469275/
 

banned1976

sleeper mode
To be fair to me, that’s exactly what I said when we were losing. He’s not good enough now to beat the good teams playing the game he’s trying to play without using his legs.

He’s decided to use his legs to beat two middle of the league defenses. He’s going to have to do that and then some to beat Chicago & Indianapolis.

Tell me, did you see any difference in the way he played the last two games & the first 6?
You wrote Watson is a "reclamation project". I think that was just yesterday or the day before.

TBH, you've made so many contradictory and sarcastic and/or sometimes bizarre statements it's difficult to know where you stand on anything. So I'll just go back to not commenting or reacting.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
90 some percent of HC pick their own QB. Not saying that Watson is bad or should be gone. But, if a GM and HC come in and think they would like a different type QB...it could happen.

However, seeing Watson is helping pick the HC. He is not going anywhere and it could be a bad idea for getting a good HC. If you were a candidate and see what type power Watson is seems to have. Then you have to ask yourself "do I want him as my QB" if unsure or no is your opinion. Then scratch that Candidate off the list. Case and point, after the Watson pick rumors of OB leaving for the Jets started. And seeing what Smith said about the pick... you can get an idea of why. OB probably thought if he can't have a GM who he can work with. It's better to be the GM himself and if it sinks the ship. He can only blame himself.

OB is likely going to be a HC next year. Perhaps for the Falcons, Jets or other. If he wins. Then what will people say? Will they blame Smith, Cal, Watson? If he is a HC and it happens...we will see. Because I know and you know that people are going to start talking.
Why would a HC come here? Because there are only 32 of these jobs out there and pretty much everyone of them hiring is a dumpster fire. Take the Jets for example, if things go according to plan they will draft Trevor and hire a new HC. You really think a HC isnt going to go there because he didnt get to pick who was drafted?

TK used Detroit as an example but i have another. The Browns, in their csse the QB literally did get to pick the HC and he lasted one year. After that they were still able to find a new HC no problem even seeing how much power the QB has.
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
You mean like Mallett, Osweiler or Savage?

I tell you what, I’m in the minority but I think Osweiler was catching on. That Div game against the Patriots, he played well enough for us to win.

But BO’b couldn’t be an adult & find a way to coexist. & so we waste more money, more capital
100% on OB not being an adult but at the same time if my newly signed, high dollar franchise QB basically said he wanted to ride the bench I might have blown my top to.

What i use to judge Osweiler's talent is his career after the Texans.
 
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