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Running Back Depth
- Thread starter devoc
- Start date
Texans_Chick
Utopian Dreamer
I would see Green getting most of the carries, Dayne spelling him when he needs a breather.
Who comes next is a matter of who makes the team. No telling. Gado has the Sherman connection, so I guess he's the leader in the clubhouse.
Who comes next is a matter of who makes the team. No telling. Gado has the Sherman connection, so I guess he's the leader in the clubhouse.
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
I know I'm in the minority, but I don't think Dayne makes the roster... I expect AGreen, CTaylor, and Gado/or Lundy... even if we keep 4 rbs, I think Dayne is gone.
Il_Bruno
Waterboy
I would like to keep dayne and see if his late season running was really him actually doing well or if it was just bad run defenses. the way he carried the offense at the end of the year, (i cant believe im saying that about ron freakin dayne) he deserves a spot on the roster this year imo.
the wonger need food
All Pro
This has been my prediction. I can see Dayne getting nicked up in camp and Kubiak going with Taylor and Gado as backups. The problem with that scenerio would be Green going down and we're kind of back where we were last year with the carousel.
R
real
Guest
I doubt it...
Can't expect A.Green to remain healthy all year even with limited carries...sh^t happens, ya know...
Even though I probably would like for Dayne to be left out of the mix (I don't think he's that good) past him if Ahman gets injured your left with a bunch of guys who you can't really trust at this point...
I'm not saying that Dayne being cut is totally out of the question; I think it could happen if we have atleast one of our other backs show their arses off in pre-season...
R
real
Guest
HJam72
Hall of Fame
Right now, before preseason and all of that, I'd rank them Green, Dayne, Taylor, Lundy, Gado.
By mid season or so, I'm expecting Green, Taylor, Dayne, Lundy, Gado.
He may have politics on his side, but I have no faith at all in Gado.
PS--I don't mean we will actually keep all of them, of course.
By mid season or so, I'm expecting Green, Taylor, Dayne, Lundy, Gado.
He may have politics on his side, but I have no faith at all in Gado.
PS--I don't mean we will actually keep all of them, of course.
Green, Dayne, Gado, Taylor, Walker, Lundy.
Green and Dayne are penciled in and only injuries will take them from those spots. Gado has Sherm on his side, and Kubs has been saying great things about him, although it could just be positive PR for a trade.
Taylor gets roster spot number 4 as a RB/FB. Walker takes to the practice squad and Lundy walks. Lundy looked good during the preseason and was ok at times, but I think Kubs likes Taylor better, and Lundy isnt eligible for the practice squad.
Green and Dayne are penciled in and only injuries will take them from those spots. Gado has Sherm on his side, and Kubs has been saying great things about him, although it could just be positive PR for a trade.
Taylor gets roster spot number 4 as a RB/FB. Walker takes to the practice squad and Lundy walks. Lundy looked good during the preseason and was ok at times, but I think Kubs likes Taylor better, and Lundy isnt eligible for the practice squad.
bayshorebevo
Waterboy
Dayne can be tough to tackle straight on. He looked like he wanted to play hard at the end of the year. I'm not real optimistic about any of the rb's yet. Hopefully, one of them will change my mind.
TexanAddict
Texan 'til I Die
Dayne will make the final roster. Y'all seem to forget that he was a free agent this offseason and was re-signed. They had already signed Green before bringing Dayne back, didn't bring in any other RBs that weren't on the roster last year, and the offense hasn't really changed, so if he wasn't going to make the cut they could've just saved themselves the trouble and left Dayne on the street. Another training camp isn't going to tell them anything that they don't already know from watching him play in games last season. Not to mention the fact that Kubiak seems to rave about Dayne every chance he gets. I'm not saying that I don't wish we had a better second option than Dayne, just saying the writing is on the wall and it points to him sticking around.
As far as Gado goes, I'm not sure he is such a lock due to his Sherman connection. Sure that helps, but why wasn't he given more of a shot when the run game was really struggling last year? I think they might really be leaning more toward Lundy since he continued to get the bulk of the work last season and they may still be trying to groom him for the future. This one could probably go either way, however, depending on who has the better camp and preseason.
As far as Gado goes, I'm not sure he is such a lock due to his Sherman connection. Sure that helps, but why wasn't he given more of a shot when the run game was really struggling last year? I think they might really be leaning more toward Lundy since he continued to get the bulk of the work last season and they may still be trying to groom him for the future. This one could probably go either way, however, depending on who has the better camp and preseason.
the wonger need food
All Pro
Sam Cowart was signed last offseason to start at MLB before a young player stepped up and made him dispensable.
Texans_Chick
Utopian Dreamer
My view is that Dayne stays if he stays healthy in camp. Kubiak has talked about Dayne spelling Green.
R
real
Guest
He also talked about Kevin Walter starting opposite AJ and I don't think Dayne nor Walter are locks for the simple fact that neither have shown that they are an upper level talent or that they bring something to the team that is tremendously valuable.
If one of the younger backs show some great running ability and they noticeably out perform Dayne, I think it is very possible he could be cut...
bigbrewster2000
Veteran
True but Cowart was not on the roster the year before, where Dayne was.
TexanAddict
Texan 'til I Die
Ah, but like I said they saw what Dayne had to offer in this offense first hand last season, whereas Cowart was brought in to see if he would fit. Also, the younger player you metioned was drafted after Cowart was signed and was also pretty much an unknown since he was a rookie. Demeco showed that he was a phenomenal athlete that was ready to play now and beat out Cowart. They have brought in no other competition at the RB position that wasn't already here last season, so they kinda know what each brings to the table. I think unless two of these other RBs (Gado, Lundy, Taylor) have exceptional camps, Dayne is here to stay (at least in the short term).
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
I agree. In addition, I truely believe if Taylor improves his handle on the football he'll eventually earn the #2 spot. I've never been a fan of Dayne's running style and I'm willing to bet Taylor would've performed much better than Dayne did towards the end of the season.
Dayne performed well, but Green or Taylor would've easily out gained him yardage wise.
R
real
Guest
What does that have to do with anything ?
That's suggesting that Kubiak is going to play the favoritism card...
I'm not saying he's above doing that, but if someone out performs another player I'd hope he would adjust the depth chart accordingly...
R
real
Guest
If Dayne is noticeably being out performed by one of the younger backs he will get his spot taken. It's pretty simple.
Whether or not you feel one of the younger backs will out perform him is debatable, but to suggest that Dayne has his spot on lock no matter what is a little silly.
the wonger need food
All Pro
They got Darius Walker to change his mind and come here instead of Chicago. I wouldn't sleep on him either.
TexanAddict
Texan 'til I Die
Yes, if one of the younger backs is outperforming him he could lose his #2 spot, but like I said for him to be cut he will have to be outperformed by two of the younger backs. That is not silly, it's a fact.
TexanAddict
Texan 'til I Die
Walker may start the season on the practice squad. I wouldn't bank on an undrafted FA to jump to the front of the line.
Dayne is not going anywhere even if one of the young guys took his spot at number 2 he would be kept for a short yardage back. i am prety sure walker is going to be on the practice squad, the only thing i am not sure about is who will stick between taylor lundy and gado. i am thinking taylor and lundy but you just dont know.
R
real
Guest
Dayne has no value as a #3 back...Heck he barely has value, IMHO, as a #2...
I say if he gets his spot taken by just one back, he's gone...
Goldensilence
hipster elite
I would think Dayne will be the second option last year. He ran we enough the later part of year whether due to better line run blocking, bad defenses or Dayne finally being able to establish a running rhythm. Dayne's always been the type you got to feed him the ball and let him wear down a defense. He'll get yards in chunks in the 4th quarter but really isn't the type to break it open.
DeMeco stepped in and up perfectly as we needed but keep in mind the prior year he was also the SEC defensive player of the year if i remember correct.
I'd prefer Dayne end up getting the bulk of the carries with whomever lands the third slot spelling him assuming Green goes down this year at some point.I'd prefer to know what we're getting and we know what we're goingto get out of Dayne. Like it or not he stepped up and we won games because or were kept in them late in the season becasue of him.I think Gado's gota foot up on the compettition becasue of past experience more then anything. If taylor could keep his hands on the ball he'd make noise but i think Walker will make a big push.
DeMeco stepped in and up perfectly as we needed but keep in mind the prior year he was also the SEC defensive player of the year if i remember correct.
I'd prefer Dayne end up getting the bulk of the carries with whomever lands the third slot spelling him assuming Green goes down this year at some point.I'd prefer to know what we're getting and we know what we're goingto get out of Dayne. Like it or not he stepped up and we won games because or were kept in them late in the season becasue of him.I think Gado's gota foot up on the compettition becasue of past experience more then anything. If taylor could keep his hands on the ball he'd make noise but i think Walker will make a big push.
R
real
Guest
You say that as if every team has a short yardage back. In fact how many teams do you know of that DO have them ???
On top of all that, Dayne has never been a power runner....and on top of all that Ahman is the best short yardage back we have...
I hope he does, but he will have to clear waivers first. And even if he's put on the practice squad someone can sign him off of it. But like I said I do hope he is put there...
TexanAddict
Texan 'til I Die
Well, I guess that's your opinion, and like they say eveyone's got one. I personally don't have anything invested in Dayne one way or another, I'm just trying to be rational based on what has been said by Kubiak and what has transpired this offseason. 1: They brought Dayne back after seeing him and the other backs operate in the system last year (Dayne had the most successful season of all of them), so they know what each has to offer 2: They brought in no further competition. 3: Kubiak dotes on "Ronnie" about every chance he gets. So, could Dayne get beat out for his spot, sure, but all signs are pointing to him at least having a roster spot unless two of the other backs impress.
Porky
Hall of Fame
We have gone over this several times this offseason. Thank goodness we have about 15 days until camp!
This thread makes me wonder if some of you were in Tahiti during the second half of last year. Barring injury, or some unforseen strange circumstance, Dayne is a lock to make this roster. Where some of you come up with this stuff is beyond me.
And some of you Taylor lovers need some kind of reality check. He is unlikely to make the squad, but I can't completely rule him out either. But, he needs an outstanding camp to have a shot. And whomever said that Lundy would be the #2 back must be living on some other planet other than Earth. Get real.
Green and Dayne - locks
Gado - Likely #3
Borderline - Darius Walker
longshot - Taylor
Major longshot - Lundy
This thread makes me wonder if some of you were in Tahiti during the second half of last year. Barring injury, or some unforseen strange circumstance, Dayne is a lock to make this roster. Where some of you come up with this stuff is beyond me.
And some of you Taylor lovers need some kind of reality check. He is unlikely to make the squad, but I can't completely rule him out either. But, he needs an outstanding camp to have a shot. And whomever said that Lundy would be the #2 back must be living on some other planet other than Earth. Get real.
Green and Dayne - locks
Gado - Likely #3
Borderline - Darius Walker
longshot - Taylor
Major longshot - Lundy
TexanAddict
Texan 'til I Die
Actually, I was in India (last three weeks), but I got to the Internet cafe whenever possible to keep updated. I know that comment wasn't directed at me, but figured I'd respond anyway. I agree with everything else you said except that I think Lundy probably has the edge over Taylor, since they actually allowed him to see the field.
Porky
Hall of Fame
True, but Lundy did nothing at all to distinguish himself. There is not a single aspect of his game that is above average NFL calibur. What's the point of carrying someone that? Taylor has more speed, is larger and runs heavier, and has more moves. Maybe he is a better pass catcher, but with the addition of Walker, who is a real specialist in that area, why carry Lundy to catch passes over Walker? I can't think of a single reason he makes this team except multiple injuries. That's just the way I see it. Camp and pre-season will tell the tale.
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
Green and Taylor - locks
Gado - likely #3
R.Dayne - unlikely
Lundy - longshot
D.Walker - practice squad
Dayne makes the team if he stays healthy, has a great camp, and comes into camp in the best shape of his career. Dayne did not look more impressive running behind Leach and the reworked line at the end of the season than Chris Taylor did. Both looked good thanks to good run blocking and very good lead blocking. I don't think Kubes will be fooled into thinking that after 8 years in the league, Ron Dayne is finally going to become a productive back.
TexanAddict
Texan 'til I Die
Taylor is anything but a lock
Porky
Hall of Fame
If you think Taylor is anywhere near a lock to make this team, your smoking something.
Dayne makes the team unless he falls totally flat on his face bigtime. Not likely to happen considering he was running with authority after getting healthy in the second half last year.
Taylor only started one game - against a historically bad run defense in Indy after they had wrapped up the division. And he had a decent game, but he didn't exactly have 250 yards or something. He had somewhere right around 100 yards. In contrast, Maurice Drew-Jones had 200 someodd yards against that same defense. Kubes has also called him out publicly for not holding onto the rock. I think he is sent to the practice squad again, but he does have a decent chance of contributing as we are unlikely to go the entire year injury free at the RB spot.
Did you guys not see the training camp special on the Texans? Taylor? No thank you. We've had turnovers kill too many drives over the last 5 years. If Kubes is going to call the guy out in public (he knew that crew was there) for turning over the ball... I don't want him running for us. Not till he gets that under control. I think it shakes down like this:
Green
Dayne
Lundy
if it gets past that... everyone will lambaste me for saying we'd win 6 games when we turn in a 2 win season.
Green
Dayne
Lundy
if it gets past that... everyone will lambaste me for saying we'd win 6 games when we turn in a 2 win season.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
Taylor started the final against the Browns when Dayne sprained his foot in warmup. Dayne played against the colts in week 16 when they were still playing for home field advantage. They played their starters the whole game. We just ran the ball down their throats. IMO, it didn't matter if it was Dayne or Taylor we would've ran the ball the same.
I have no doubt in my mind if Taylor takes care of the ball, he'll be a far better back than Dayne.
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
1. If Taylor was in competition against Maurice Jones-Drew, I'd agree that he would lose out
2. It was Dayne who had his best game against Indy in week 16. CTaylor had 100yds the final week against Cleveland.
3. I think when coaches publicly calling out a player sometimes it means they're looking for the player to step up because they believe in his talent. For example, Vermeil calling out Larry Johnson his rookie year. That is how I read that.
4. Ron Dayne has proven in an 8 year career exactly what kind of player he is. I don't think he wins a job over a player with significantly more upside- not while we have AGreen here as well. If Green hadn't been signed then I believe the staff would be more likely to keep an experienced commodity, even with his limited upside and limited versatility.
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
Here's the issue... Dayne's lack of versatility. With AGreen here, he won't start. So, what to do with him? I know everyone figures he'll be the short yardage back. NO WAY! He's a below average, to be generous, short yardage back. Remember, just because someone is fat, doesn't make them more able to gain a tough yard. Certainly, he's not a 3rd down back- his hands, elusiveness and his pass blocking aren't good enough. So, if he were to make the team and play it would be simply to give some rest to AGreen. While that could certainly be the case, the problem is that we still wouldn't have a short yardage or 3rd down back and we'd be taking a roster spot away from what could possibly be a more substantial contributor: CTaylor, Gado, Lundy, Walker- either a player (CTaylor) who has a chance to eventually replace AGreen or a player who could be effective on 3rd downs (Walker, perhaps Lundy).
Porky
Hall of Fame
Taylor started the final against the Browns when Dayne sprained his foot in warmup. Dayne played against the colts in week 16 when they were still playing for home field advantage. They played their starters the whole game. We just ran the ball down their throats. IMO, it didn't matter if it was Dayne or Taylor we would've ran the ball the same.
I have no doubt in my mind if Taylor takes care of the ball, he'll be a far better back than Dayne.
I'm not one to typicaly get caught up in draft position or credentials, but let's look at this realisically. You think an undrafted little known FA that no team thought enough of to spend a draft pick on will do far better than the Heisman Trophy winner, who was a sure fire first round draft pick?
Even if I make the leap that Taylor is the better runner, there is more to the position than that. Does Taylor understand the nuances of the position like a seasoned vet like Dayne would? Does he understand the offense? Does he pass block as well, is he in the right position all of the time, does he hold onto the football? All of these things will figure into who is on the field and who is not. To this point Taylor has not shown that he is more capable in all of these areas than the veteren presense of Dayne.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
Even if I make the leap that Taylor is the better runner, there is more to the position than that. Does Taylor understand the nuances of the position like a seasoned vet like Dayne would? Does he understand the offense? Does he pass block as well, is he in the right position all of the time, does he hold onto the football? All of these things will figure into who is on the field and who is not. To this point Taylor has not shown that he is more capable in all of these areas than the veteren presense of Dayne.
Porky, you could ask all the same questions about Dayne. If Dayne was able to do all the things you mentioned, why hasn't he seen more time on the field since coming into the NFL? Either way, I think they'll both be on the squad this season. I will say if I had my choice, it'd be Taylor in a heartbeat.
Btw, you notice I deleted the paragraph about the draft bull butter. You said it yourself, it means squat. If anything, it's just making the point that Dayne has been a bust up to this point in his career.
Porky
Hall of Fame
Porky, you could ask all the same questions about Dayne. If Dayne was able to do all the things you mentioned, why hasn't he seen more time on the field since coming into the NFL? Either way, I think they'll both be on the squad this season. I will say if I had my choice, it'd be Taylor in a heartbeat.
Btw, you notice I deleted the paragraph about the draft bull butter. You said it yourself, it means squat. If anything, it's just making the point that Dayne has been a bust up to this point in his career.
I agree he has been largely a bust looking at the body of his career. But, he started to come on some in Denver, and the second half of last year, he ran very well and with authority, and was punishing defenders, something I hadn't seen earlier in his career. He even broke tackles, something he rarely did earlier in his career. I'm not saying he is the second coming of Earl Campbell, but he certainly played well enough to be in the mix to be the primary backup RB on this team. And no way is he a cut candidate imo.
Vinny
shiny happy fan
I think the roster shakes out this way...
Green
Dayne
Walker
I think that the key battle will be the Lundy/Gado/Walker/Taylor duel. I think Green and Dayne are no brainers. Walker is a better receiver than all of the above and he gets the edge as the 3rd down back.....at least in July according to my perception.
Green
Dayne
Walker
I think that the key battle will be the Lundy/Gado/Walker/Taylor duel. I think Green and Dayne are no brainers. Walker is a better receiver than all of the above and he gets the edge as the 3rd down back.....at least in July according to my perception.
BigTimeTexanFan
Rookie
Anything is better than Wells and Allen. Geeeshhh, remember those days???
Porky
Hall of Fame
Here are the stats according to NFL.com for Ron Dayne's last 5 games, when he was the unquestioned starter. He averaged almost 5 yards a carry. He also scored an avg of one TD per game. If these numbers were extrapulated out to one full season, he would have approx 1700 yards, and 16 TD's. And before anyone says it, I know there is a good chance he would't hold up over a whole year carrying that kind of full load, but the same can be said for all but a few elite backs. That is what makes him valuable as the primary reserve. If we keep him fresh, and he gets 8-10 carries a game, he can keep Ahman fresh, and both can be at their peek effectiveness.
attempts total TD Long Avg
Vs. Jets - 18 95 0 19 5.27
Vs Oak - 18 95 0 19 5.27
Vs Tenn - 21 87 2 11 4.14
Vs. Pats 18 94 1 19 5.22
Vs. Colts 32 153 2 18 4.78
Totals 107 524 5 4.90
**The Jets and Oak game seem fishy to me, as the stats are exactly the same per NFL.com, but I can only go by what it said.
attempts total TD Long Avg
Vs. Jets - 18 95 0 19 5.27
Vs Oak - 18 95 0 19 5.27
Vs Tenn - 21 87 2 11 4.14
Vs. Pats 18 94 1 19 5.22
Vs. Colts 32 153 2 18 4.78
Totals 107 524 5 4.90
**The Jets and Oak game seem fishy to me, as the stats are exactly the same per NFL.com, but I can only go by what it said.
TexanAddict
Texan 'til I Die
Taylor started the final against the Browns when Dayne sprained his foot in warmup. Dayne played against the colts in week 16 when they were still playing for home field advantage. They played their starters the whole game. We just ran the ball down their throats. IMO, it didn't matter if it was Dayne or Taylor we would've ran the ball the same.
I have no doubt in my mind if Taylor takes care of the ball, he'll be a far better back than Dayne.
Agreed ........ Taylor showed some abilities in that Brown's game that NONE of the other Texans backs have. Maybe Green use to have it but, not so much any more. And Taylor protected the ball. I think Kubes calling him out is a motivation thing for a player he thinks has talent or he wouldn't waste his time.
Specnatz
Hall of Fame
I think Walker will surprise some people. He can pick up blitzes and can catch the ball out of the backfield like Kimble Anders used to do with the Cheifs.
Right now there are 6 RBs and 3 FBs on the roster, I would think they will only keep 2 FB (please cut cook now). So how many rb make the final roster?
