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British Brooks

Let me state what everyone should know. Brooks has only played vs players that will not be on the field once the real season starts. He was not a FB until a week ago. He doesn't know yet what he doesn't know about playing FB in this offense. Brooks has never played with the first team. Those are facts, not opinions.

All 32 teams have a British Brooks. A 3rd or 4th string guy that surprised and shined vs other 3rd or 4th string guys. And most of the British Brooks in the NFL will be on the waiver wire next Tuesday. Another fact.
But you don’t know what the coaches see in practice. He may have shown a high aptitude for learning his positions. He’s certainly excelled in what he has been asked to do. DP didn’t, but we are told that they have seen enough in practice despite him doing lousy against non starters.
 
Bingo.

I think people are only watching Texans games as Texans fans and aren't watching the rest of the league to notice all 31 other teams have British Brooks' on their teams.

It's the same with people claiming Jonnie Johnson is somehow good and would be a great receiver on another team because he came in late and caught passes against non-NFLers. This happens for every team in every preseason game. Collin Johnson caught a bunch of passes against our 3s and 4s in our game against the bears, is he suddenly a good player now? Remember that TE on the Saints from last seasons preseason game that people wanted us to sign because he caught passes against the guys we cut and then the Saints cut him?

People really need to guard themselves from overhyping production from people playing against players who are either getting cut or getting kept to only play special teams.
Not worried about those guys. But ask Jerry Jones what he thinks about cutting Danny Amendola. It’s something that demands intuition but versatility demands that hard look vs a one position guy.
 
People really need to guard themselves from overhyping production from people playing against players who are either getting cut or getting kept to only play special teams.
It's like I've become a British Brooks hater. There's a massive gulf between a rookie with versatility and potential and a starting NFL FB. I really have nothing left to say.
 
It's like I've become a British Brooks hater. There's a massive gulf between a rookie with versatility and potential and a starting NFL FB. I really have nothing left to say.
You are missing the point that he can play two other positions. He came in as a RB and he’s showing an ability to play the FB position
 
You are missing the point that he can play two other positions.
I was always making the argument that Brooks is not ready to play FB at the NFL level. So let me say this, everything I said about Brooks at FB (lack of experience, untested vs actual NFL players) stands for Brooks at RB, as well.
 
I agree with you on PA but I think you are wrong about BB. The same holes BB ran through and the outside runs will exist for the first team as they did for the deep bench guys. The natural instincts to take advantage of openings and space show no matter who a player plays against. The talent level evens out when it is the other teams back ups vs our back ups. Just the same there is no reason guys like Jordan, Akers and BB can't excel with the players who get the most minutes. I am probably wrong but I am partial to underdogs.
Txnsjuggernaut hit the nail on the head with his point, a hole is a hole whether it is 2nd string vs 2nd string or not. The question is, can the RB see the hole, and make one cut and hit that hole. This is what many RB cannot do. This ability to SEE the hole is absolutely CRITICAL in this system.

British Brooks has demonstrated that he can see that hole and hit it with authority. Is BB a polished Kubiack/Shanahanian system one cut and go runner that will go for 1,200 yards per season at this point? No, but he has that CRITICAL ability to SEE where the hole is opening, and hit it. There are lots of backs that are great runners, but cannot seem to see those holes.

BB has the ability to see the holes and hit them, he has the size and quickness to make good gains when he hits those holes. Of the RB currently on the rooster (including the draft picks) only Mixon and Akers can say the same. This guy has the vision, size and quickness to be potentially (NOTE the word Potentially) great in this system.

I have seen enough and so has the rest of the league. If the Texans cut British Brooks and try to pick him on the PS, one of the multitude of Kubiack/Shanahanian teams will grab him. If we let him loose and he ends up running for 1,200 yards a season next year, for say the Saints (remember Klint Kubiack is their OC now), we will be kicking ourselves. Keep the guy on the 53 as a FB/RB and see how he develops.
 
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I was always making the argument that Brooks is not ready to play FB at the NFL level. So let me say this, everything I said about Brooks at FB (lack of experience, untested vs actual NFL players) stands for Brooks at RB, as well.
Fine. Then why doesn’t anyone draft RB ‘s in the early rounds anymore? All those late rounders brought in to augment a RB room were all polished and running with the starters in TC? BB, like them, will play in the right spots in games to gain his experience. He’s not expected to be a starter at FB day one. His early experience I believe will be at tailback while learning his other positions, none of which he wouldn’t have been asked to do if he didn’t have the aptitude to do so. Shows me coaches thought he could handle it. Who are the rookies on the other 31 teams playing this versatile role in this preseason?
 
You mean like most of our other draft choices?
Uhhh Lassiter, Fisher (both at LT and RT), Stover, and Bullock have all taken practice snaps with the 1s.

I believe Harris, Byrd and Jordan have also had snaps with the 1s albeit very briefly.

If your argument as to why Brooks will be kept on the roster is to compare him to drafted players who likely won't be on the roster then I don't think you have a very good argument.
 
Fine. Then why doesn’t anyone draft RB ‘s in the early rounds anymore? All those late rounders brought in to augment a RB room were all polished and running with the starters in TC? BB, like them, will play in the right spots in games to gain his experience. He’s not expected to be a starter at FB day one. His early experience I believe will be at tailback while learning his other positions, none of which he wouldn’t have been asked to do if he didn’t have the aptitude to do so. Shows me coaches thought he could handle it. Who are the rookies on the other 31 teams playing this versatile role in this preseason?
Completely agree. Beck played 32% of snaps last season.

Kyle Juszczyk played 46% of snaps for SF. It’s going to be a part time role. I’d trust Brevin Jordan and British Brooks to split those snaps. With the added bonus they are threats to make a play if they get the football unlike Beck.

This isn’t your starting LT, this is FB which is a part time position even on the teams who use them the most.
 
Txnsjuggernaut hit the nail on the head with his point, a hole is a hole whether it is 2nd string vs 2nd string or not. The question is, can the RB see the hole, and make one cut and hit that hole. This is what many RB cannot do. This ability to SEE the hole is absolutely CRITICAL in this system.

British Brooks has demonstrated that he can see that hole and hit it with authority. Is BB a polished Kubiack/Shanahanian system one cut and go runner that will go for 1,200 yards per season at this point? No, but he has that CRITICAL ability to SEE where the hole is opening, and hit it. There are lots of backs that great runners, but cannot seem to see those holes.

BB has the ability to see the holes and hit them, he has the size and quickness to make good gains when he hits those holes. Of the RB currently on the rooster (including the draft picks) only Mixon and Akers can say the same. This guy has the vision, size and quickness to be potentially (NOTE the word Potentially) to be great in this system.

I have seen enough and so has the rest of the league. If the Texans cut British Brooks and try to pick him on the PS, one of the multitude of Kubiack/Shanahanian teams will grab him. If we let him loose and he ends up running for 1,200 yards a season next year, for say the Saints (remember Klint Kubiack is their OC now), we will be kicking ourselves. Keep the guy on the 53 as a FB/RB and see how he develops.
I don't agree.

Look at pre-season throughout the years.

Look at the yards per carry guys on every team for all the games. Especially the players in these depth roles getting snaps against non-NFL players like Brooks has. They will not all get those same yards per carry being moved up the depth chart. The holes actually aren't the same when the d-line is significantly better and the opportunity for more yards is significantly worsened when the LBs and Safeties are significantly faster, stronger, and smarter.

It doesn't mean he can't do it, but acting like it's fully transferable is nonsense.
 
He needs more seasoning guys. He’s got talent, but they are trying a position shift for a rookie into a spot with heavy mental demands. I don’t want to say it’s zero…but I think it’s under 10% chance Brooks makes the opening 53. High chance he will land on the PS and we may see him later this year or next year.
We will see him this year of maybe next and it is likely that will be when we play a team that takes him from us. Perhaps a team in our division and he makes us pay twice a year for letting him go. What was said about Arian Foster prior to him and his success on our team? What's the point on being one of the best players on a team if that doesn't end up with you making the team and getting a chance to make an instant contribution? This kid has done nothing but impress when given a chance. Him and Akers both deserve a place on the final roster. The odds were against them both and they both have done nothing but impress! If we could be assured this kid won't end up on another team than yes I can get behind him being on a practice squad but imo he has gone above and beyond simply being as PS player! So has Akers!
 
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Completely agree. Beck played 32% of snaps last season.

Kyle Juszczyk played 46% of snaps for SF. It’s going to be a part time role. I’d trust Brevin Jordan and British Brooks to split those snaps.
32% is 21 snaps a game. That's not inconsequential. Especially considering responsibilities in run blocking and blitz pickup. I do not trust Jordan nor Brooks in that role as the season starts. I know you put a lot of thought into your roster prediction. I just think you're way off in your assumptions.
 
I don't agree.

Look at pre-season throughout the years.

Look at the yards per carry guys on every team for all the games. Especially the players in these depth roles getting snaps against non-NFL players like Brooks has. They will not all get those same yards per carry being moved up the depth chart. The holes actually aren't the same when the d-line is significantly better and the opportunity for more yards is significantly worsened when the LBs and Safeties are significantly faster, stronger, and smarter.

It doesn't mean he can't do it, but acting like it's fully transferable is nonsense.
You are pigeonholing him into some bizarre role that nobody else in the NFL preseason is stuck in. Every RB in this draft isn’t playing against starters in these preseason games but BB is punished for doing so? Starters hardly play. Only question is how many of these draft choices are showing the same skill sets and results in exactly the same circumstances? Name one draft choice being tried at three positions this preseason, not because they couldn’t handle their drafted position but because they could and excelled and were asked to learn more than one position because they showed the aptitude.
 
I'd keep Brooks over Dare (30yr old and FA agent after 2024). Brooks was a special teams standout at UNC and while serving as RB4, he could also get some work at FB. The team can then be confident in time if he would transition to FB in a year or sooner.
That would make more sense. Dare had 227 ST snaps, 108 offense snaps, and 10 touches. That's a role Brooks could probably handle.
 
I don't agree.

Look at pre-season throughout the years.

Look at the yards per carry guys on every team for all the games. Especially the players in these depth roles getting snaps against non-NFL players like Brooks has. They will not all get those same yards per carry being moved up the depth chart. The holes actually aren't the same when the d-line is significantly better and the opportunity for more yards is significantly worsened when the LBs and Safeties are significantly faster, stronger, and smarter.

It doesn't mean he can't do it, but acting like it's fully transferable is nonsense.
Nothing is guaranteed but the whole purpose of training camp and preseason games is to give players like BB a chance to make their team and finding diamonds in the rough is part of the process. While the deck is particularly stacked against players like BB the reality is that there are plenty like him who far exceed expectations and BB deserves a shot on the final 53. It isn't like we are asking him to be our lead back or even the second one but we can have him at the ready to contribute at any given time. Let him do some work at catching the football. If nothing else keep him as a short yardage and red zone or goal line option. He also can contribute on special teams.

In preseason there is not some big talent gap. Just as starters line up against starters the lower level players line up against each other and the success of a player regardless of his place on the team is predicated to an extent on their teams talent vs the others. I have full faith our guys match up well or are better than a lot of the teams they will be facing. The way in which BB waste little time in diagnosing a defenses openings and making split second decisions is what separates the good to great backs from the average to bad ones. Instincts are something that goes above and beyond coaching. Arian Foster had those instincts and vision and from what I have seen both Akers and BB have them is spades. I see no problems with Akers and BB both making the final 53. It isn't like we would be asking them to carry too big of a load.
 
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Do you have any information regarding Brooks running with the 1st team offense at practice?
Gut instincts and great vision aren't coachable. It doesn't matter whether a player goes against first team or not. BB has shown more than just flashes of potential he has excelled every time he has been called upon. It seems some people are prejudiced against BB. Arian Foster was an UDFA and look what he did for our team? BB deserves a fair chance. He can be a short yardage back or a red zone threat. How is that a problem?
 
I'd keep Brooks over Dare (30yr old and FA agent after 2024). Brooks was a special teams standout at UNC and while serving as RB4, he could also get some work at FB. The team can then be confident in time if he would transition to FB in a year or sooner.

I said this elsewhere but this is where I see Demeco and NC pairing running backs.

Mixon is the clear 1.
DP is the clear 2 (agree or not).
Jordan and Akers and Taylor were competing for 3. Akers won this by a landslide.
Dare and Brooks were competing for ST Ace / RB4. I think Brooks took Dare’s spot. Brooks was a ST captain for two years. He was brought in as RB insurance and as a Ross guy. How did Brooks perform on ST compared to Dare. With his versatility to play wingback, fullback, tailback, and special teams, I have a hard time seeing Dare keeping him from taking that spot, regardless of his heroics last year.

Mixon, Pierce, Akers, Brooks.

Jordan to PS. Taylor to PS maybe.
Dare is cut. Age and PS availability makes a difference here.

Just one opinion and I may be off base, but the way Akers was trotted out there he was playing for RB3 and sealed it yesterday.
 
Isn't it wonderful we have an undrafted rookie we can discuss for RB3 on this team?
Mills, Keenum, starter @LG and RT; almost nothing notable about middle of defensive line and we have 3 pages on British Brooks.
Sir, you may never be anything more than an asterix in the memory banks of Houston Texans football but you have given us something to talk about, if only for a short period of time and I thank you for that.
He will be an asterisk in the memory of Houston football but he will cause us nightmares when he winds up on one of our division rivals and makes us pay for not making him part of our final roster,
 
It's been proven time and time again you don't actually need a successful running attack to have successful play action. You can have a bad run game and linebackers and safeties will still bite all the same.
You don't need a successful running a attack but the odds of play action working go up quite a bit when your run game is successful. Just the same if your run game isn't working you still should try to run at least once every offensive set of downs because linebackers and safeties will stay closer to the line of scrimmage more than they otherwise would and they are prone to take the bait so to speak on play action passes. If the run game is rarely utilized then play action passes are less likely to work. Having a good one two punch at rb and both having different styles can really cross up a defense as well. That only adds even more to play action and it's effectiveness.
 
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DP didn’t, but we are told that they have seen enough in practice despite him doing lousy against non starters.
When did we see DP against 2nd team? He played with the 1st team against 1st team.

he has that CRITICAL ability to SEE where the hole is opening, and hit it.
But what if there is no hole? Demeco said that's what we've seen from DP in the preseason. He said they need to block it better up front.

That's been my observation as well. He hasn't had lanes open for him. He also hadn't been fast enough to get around the corner, or stop on a dime change direction & cut it way back.

I haven't seen Brooks do either, Taylor seems to have the ability to get around the corner.

Arian Foster was an UDFA and look what he did for our team?
Arian Foster didn’t make the roster as a rookie.

I'd cut Pierce carry Brooks & Taylor. But I haven't seen Pierce in practice. If he makes the team, fine, but I expect to see something from him quick.
 
When did we see DP against 2nd team? He played with the 1st team against 1st team.


But what if there is no hole? Demeco said that's what we've seen from DP in the preseason. He said they need to block it better up front.

That's been my observation as well. He hasn't had lanes open for him. He also hadn't been fast enough to get around the corner, or stop on a dime change direction & cut it way back.

I haven't seen Brooks do either, Taylor seems to have the ability to get around the corner.


Arian Foster didn’t make the roster as a rookie.

I'd cut Pierce carry Brooks & Taylor. But I haven't seen Pierce in practice. If he makes the team, fine, but I expect to see something from him quick.
I pretty much agree but Taylor… I dunno. He’s too small IMO. On that one long run of his that got called back a couple of games ago he easily got run down from behind. But I will say that guy is fearless receiving a punt in coverage.
 
When did we see DP against 2nd team? He played with the 1st team against 1st team.


But what if there is no hole? Demeco said that's what we've seen from DP in the preseason. He said they need to block it better up front.

That's been my observation as well. He hasn't had lanes open for him. He also hadn't been fast enough to get around the corner, or stop on a dime change direction & cut it way back.

I haven't seen Brooks do either, Taylor seems to have the ability to get around the corner.


Arian Foster didn’t make the roster as a rookie.

I'd cut Pierce carry Brooks & Taylor. But I haven't seen Pierce in practice. If he makes the team, fine, but I expect to see something from him quick.
AF was on the PS his rookie season but not for too long. He didn't make impact till the last game of his rookie season. Still I don't want to risk losing BB. It took awhile for AF to get a real chance but once he did he took advantage of it,

As I said it isn't like we would expect BB to contribute the lions share of the load. He has shown enough that he could be a solid contributor on short yardage carries and in the red zone as well as special teams. If BB winds up on another team we will regret letting him get away.
 
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I was always making the argument that Brooks is not ready to play FB at the NFL level. So let me say this, everything I said about Brooks at FB (lack of experience, untested vs actual NFL players) stands for Brooks at RB, as well.
LMAO, so what does that say about DP since Brooks has out played him in every facet this season...as has Akers, Jordan, and Taylor
 
What I’m seeing from this whole argument is that the FB position is extremely nuanced, the situations the coaches have tested quite a range of players in is extremely complex, and we, as fans, have no idea of the intricacies of the playbook and what they are hoping to do with the position this season.

What we do know, because there are maybe 6/7/8 players who have featured in the role that we’ve seen (Beck, Hairston, Bawden, Brooks, Jordan, Skowronek (just off the top of my head!)) is that they do plan to man that position, they likely plan on carrying an actual FB, and there is likely a bottom of the roster spot available at each of RB, WR, TE where someone is going to make the team because they are better at FB than the guy closest to them. It helps that many of the FB skills translate to special teams as well.
 
Interesting to note that they'd rather play Broeker at RT and play Erving at G than the other way around.
They started Eiselen at RG. They quickly moved Broeker inside and put Erving at RT
 
What I’m seeing from this whole argument is that the FB position is extremely nuanced, the situations the coaches have tested quite a range of players in is extremely complex, and we, as fans, have no idea of the intricacies of the playbook and what they are hoping to do with the position this season.

What we do know, because there are maybe 6/7/8 players who have featured in the role that we’ve seen (Beck, Hairston, Bawden, Brooks, Jordan, Skowronek (just off the top of my head!)) is that they do plan to man that position, they likely plan on carrying an actual FB, and there is likely a bottom of the roster spot available at each of RB, WR, TE where someone is going to make the team because they are better at FB than the guy closest to them. It helps that many of the FB skills translate to special teams as well.
Did they try Jordan at FB? He’s too skinny. Are you saying the FB position will be filled by a hybrid playing other positions besides ST rather than a dedicated FB? Doesn’t really matter because if that position is integral to your offense then you need two of them for injury purposes. So BB>DP if you want to save another roster spot.
 
Did they try Jordan at FB? He’s too skinny. Are you saying the FB position will be filled by a hybrid playing other positions besides ST rather than a dedicated FB? Doesn’t really matter because if that position is integral to your offense then you need two of them for injury purposes. So BB>DP if you want to save another roster spot.
to be fair and honest BB>DP in this scheme any day of the week and 4x as good on sunday according to the stats
 
Great discussion. Football is back and fall is in the air.

#1 Caserio & Scouting Department discovered & signed Brooks as undrafted rookie for reason.

#2 DeMeco & Coaches have been impressed with his progression, making most of opportunity and willing to block, catch & special teams.

#3 Only saw the RB room look like something is there, 4th pre-season game and Brooks was 1/3 a factor, with Ackers and Jordan. It’s not singular but plural, RB by committee, where this offense could move the ball on the ground with this combo. They looked complete together.

I’m not going to be mad, whatever happens in DeMeco we trust. I just trust my own eyes watching film and Texans run game (Slowick priority) this was only time in preseason saw schematically, Bobby figure out his personal and how to unlock their potential.

:logo:
 
Great discussion. Football is back and fall is in the air.

#1 Caserio & Scouting Department discovered & signed Brooks as undrafted rookie for reason.

#2 DeMeco & Coaches have been impressed with his progression, making most of opportunity and willing to block, catch & special teams.

#3 Only saw the RB room look like something is there, 4th pre-season game and Brooks was 1/3 a factor, with Ackers and Jordan. It’s not singular but plural, RB by committee, where this offense could move the ball on the ground with this combo. They looked complete together.

I’m not going to be mad, whatever happens in DeMeco we trust. I just trust my own eyes watching film and Texans run game (Slowick priority) this was only time in preseason saw schematically, Bobby figure out his personal and how to unlock their potential.

:logo:
I agree with everything you said. I just get sideways when certain posters claim I want to get CJ killed by making BB the starting FB. I’ve NEVER claimed that. The only claim I’ve made is that he’s versatile and is being tried at that position because he has performed well in the tasks assigned to him. I will also claim that versatility is huge for this coaching staff. It’s well known to be almost a rule for earning a spot on the OL. Well he’s only playing against non starters. Really, that’s a mark against him? No it’s a step to playing in the NFL since the vast majority of the NFL’s rosters are made up of those very players that played against backups as rookies…but that’s a strike three against BB. I’m one to believe that Beck will be the starting FB. Gonna carry the new guy too as backup because Brooks missed some games? Nope. That where a BB comes in. He has the ability to back up more than one spot while getting his stripes. Thats play money for NC IMO.
 
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Did they try Jordan at FB? He’s too skinny. Are you saying the FB position will be filled by a hybrid playing other positions besides ST rather than a dedicated FB? Doesn’t really matter because if that position is integral to your offense then you need two of them for injury purposes. So BB>DP if you want to save another roster spot.
I meant Brevin Jordan not Jawhar Jordan, I believe I’ve seen him touted as a possible option at FB.

I’ve seen plenty of talk this offseason about them looking at the FB position from some of these other positions, I could see it as a way to disguise what you are doing pre snap, bring a FB from another position in motion, line up at FB and split wide, and it would seem that guys they’ve targeted this offseason, such as Skowronek fit that bill more than as an out and out WR.

I’m saying if you are ok as a WR, RB, or TE, you can do special teams, AND you are able to do some things they like at FB, you likely have an advantage in the discussion about who to keep as WR6, TE 3/4, RB 3/4, but that can be said for all kinds of different duties, maybe we keep a WR who’s electric on the end around, a RB who they like to split out wide, nothing ground breaking in that, Slowick will like players who he can design plays around more than players who are going to be sat waiting for someone to get injured.

I still think they keep a proper FB as well as having spent time cross training a few from other positions, I think the position is too important to what they want to do.

They seemed to take a good look at Hairston in PS game 4, I noticed he had the splash play which was good but heard some negatives on the dirty work blocking.
 
I meant Brevin Jordan not Jawhar Jordan, I believe I’ve seen him touted as a possible option at FB.

I’ve seen plenty of talk this offseason about them looking at the FB position from some of these other positions, I could see it as a way to disguise what you are doing pre snap, bring a FB from another position in motion, line up at FB and split wide, and it would seem that guys they’ve targeted this offseason, such as Skowronek fit that bill more than as an out and out WR.

I’m saying if you are ok as a WR, RB, or TE, you can do special teams, AND you are able to do some things they like at FB, you likely have an advantage in the discussion about who to keep as WR6, TE 3/4, RB 3/4, but that can be said for all kinds of different duties, maybe we keep a WR who’s electric on the end around, a RB who they like to split out wide, nothing ground breaking in that, Slowick will like players who he can design plays around more than players who are going to be sat waiting for someone to get injured.

I still think they keep a proper FB as well as having spent time cross training a few from other positions, I think the position is too important to what they want to do.

They seemed to take a good look at Hairston in PS game 4, I noticed he had the splash play which was good but heard some negatives on the dirty work blocking.
Good post. Forgot about Brevin. I think Hairston didn’t look good Saturday. Who knows where BB will end up after Tuesday but no doubt I want him here. In a way being an UDFA he’s already been plucked from a waiver wire. To me he’s exactly what NC is looking to pick up on waivers at any position now. Someone who showed up in the preseason. Is there a more appropriate “waiver” candidate than BB?
 
There’s been a reasonable amount of good RB’s drafted late and/or picked up as UDFA’s. FB’s on the other hand have mostly been late round picks or signed as UDFA’s. In today’s NFL the majority of RB’s and FB’s are drafted late or signed as UDFA’s…..doesn’t mean they’re bad players, just means the NFL has shifted its focus.

British Brooks has very little wear and tear on his body from his CFB career at UNC. He was a walk-on who earned his keep doing the dirty work on ST’s….so much so he was a team captain for 2 seasons. His 6 year career seen him touch the ball less than 200 times total, but he did manage to average 6.1 YPC on those opportunities. It was his final season where they seem to discover he could catch out of the backfield as well. He got injured a couple of times but seemed to rebound every time while moving his production up.

This guy may not have been a stat machine with the Tar Heels but he definitely arrived in Houston with some bulldog in his blood. He’s solid on ST’s, is an active and willing blocker with the strength to get the job done. He also has good vision to find his running lanes, and possesses the hands to be an effective receiver when his number is called. Without knowing this next bit of information personally…..my guess, he’s an excellent locker room guy.

IMHO, these are the type of players you sign to the roster and find a way to get him on the field. His pre season performances have earned him this chance. He’s done his work with the 3rd and 4th string players while going against other 3rd and 4th string players and looked very solid. I’d like to see what he could do with the Texans best players on the field with him at the same time…..could very well be more of the same. I know what DP has brought to the table with this new offense (not much) and what he delivered this pre season (not much), it hasn’t been enough in my eyes for him to be guaranteed a roster spot. Same can pretty much be said about Beck as well.

I’d like to see the Texans open the season with this RB room:
RB1- Mixon
RB2- Akers
RB3- Taylor
RB4- Ogunbowale (ST)

FB1- Brooks (ST)

IR
FB1- Beck

On a side note, I’m pretty sure I saw an article that stated the Texans used their FB second most in the NFL. If that’s the case…..they need a FB that can produce.
 
There’s been a reasonable amount of good RB’s drafted late and/or picked up as UDFA’s. FB’s on the other hand have mostly been late round picks or signed as UDFA’s. In today’s NFL the majority of RB’s and FB’s are drafted late or signed as UDFA’s…..doesn’t mean they’re bad players, just means the NFL has shifted its focus.

British Brooks has very little wear and tear on his body from his CFB career at UNC. He was a walk-on who earned his keep doing the dirty work on ST’s….so much so he was a team captain for 2 seasons. His 6 year career seen him touch the ball less than 200 times total, but he did manage to average 6.1 YPC on those opportunities. It was his final season where they seem to discover he could catch out of the backfield as well. He got injured a couple of times but seemed to rebound every time while moving his production up.

This guy may not have been a stat machine with the Tar Heels but he definitely arrived in Houston with some bulldog in his blood. He’s solid on ST’s, is an active and willing blocker with the strength to get the job done. He also has good vision to find his running lanes, and possesses the hands to be an effective receiver when his number is called. Without knowing this next bit of information personally…..my guess, he’s an excellent locker room guy.

IMHO, these are the type of players you sign to the roster and find a way to get him on the field. His pre season performances have earned him this chance. He’s done his work with the 3rd and 4th string players while going against other 3rd and 4th string players and looked very solid. I’d like to see what he could do with the Texans best players on the field with him at the same time…..could very well be more of the same. I know what DP has brought to the table with this new offense (not much) and what he delivered this pre season (not much), it hasn’t been enough in my eyes for him to be guaranteed a roster spot. Same can pretty much be said about Beck as well.

I’d like to see the Texans open the season with this RB room:
RB1- Mixon
RB2- Akers
RB3- Taylor
RB4- Ogunbowale (ST)

FB1- Brooks (ST)

IR
FB1- Beck

On a side note, I’m pretty sure I saw an article that stated the Texans used their FB second most in the NFL. If that’s the case…..they need a FB that can produce.
I agree with your Beck analysis also. Really NC doesn’t have many choices for the FB position and backup. On your list I’d cut Taylor and insert BB and heal Beck back to starter, lol…unless he’s truly injured? But thats only for the don’t want to kill CJ enthusiasts.
 
I agree with your Beck analysis also. Really NC doesn’t have many choices for the FB position and backup. On your list I’d cut Taylor and insert BB and heal Beck back to starter, lol…unless he’s truly injured? But thats only for the don’t want to kill CJ enthusiasts.
Ive never been impressed with Becks play at FB...I dont think ive ever seen a FB just miss on so many assignments and blocks...I just dont see any upside with him staying on the roster at FB
 
There’s been a reasonable amount of good RB’s drafted late and/or picked up as UDFA’s. FB’s on the other hand have mostly been late round picks or signed as UDFA’s. In today’s NFL the majority of RB’s and FB’s are drafted late or signed as UDFA’s…..doesn’t mean they’re bad players, just means the NFL has shifted its focus.

British Brooks has very little wear and tear on his body from his CFB career at UNC. He was a walk-on who earned his keep doing the dirty work on ST’s….so much so he was a team captain for 2 seasons. His 6 year career seen him touch the ball less than 200 times total, but he did manage to average 6.1 YPC on those opportunities. It was his final season where they seem to discover he could catch out of the backfield as well. He got injured a couple of times but seemed to rebound every time while moving his production up.

This guy may not have been a stat machine with the Tar Heels but he definitely arrived in Houston with some bulldog in his blood. He’s solid on ST’s, is an active and willing blocker with the strength to get the job done. He also has good vision to find his running lanes, and possesses the hands to be an effective receiver when his number is called. Without knowing this next bit of information personally…..my guess, he’s an excellent locker room guy.

IMHO, these are the type of players you sign to the roster and find a way to get him on the field. His pre season performances have earned him this chance. He’s done his work with the 3rd and 4th string players while going against other 3rd and 4th string players and looked very solid. I’d like to see what he could do with the Texans best players on the field with him at the same time…..could very well be more of the same. I know what DP has brought to the table with this new offense (not much) and what he delivered this pre season (not much), it hasn’t been enough in my eyes for him to be guaranteed a roster spot. Same can pretty much be said about Beck as well.

I’d like to see the Texans open the season with this RB room:
RB1- Mixon
RB2- Akers
RB3- Taylor
RB4- Ogunbowale (ST)

FB1- Brooks (ST)

IR
FB1- Beck

On a side note, I’m pretty sure I saw an article that stated the Texans used their FB second most in the NFL. If that’s the case…..they need a FB that can produce.
I was just looking at the Texans roster and Beck is on the PUP list. Do you know if it is still his calf? My research shows both calf and elbow problems. Interesting fact. Last year in 15 games he rushed five times for three yards. Wonder if a FB with running skills could give our O another dimension? Don’t know if five carries reflects on him or Slowick’s vision for the FB role.
 
I was just looking at the Texans roster and Beck is on the PUP list. Do you know if it is still his calf? My research shows both calf and elbow problems. Interesting fact. Last year in 15 games he rushed five times for three yards. Wonder if a FB with running skills could give our O another dimension? Don’t know if five carries reflects on him or Slowick’s vision for the FB role.
yeah he's been injured for a minute now...not sure whats going to happen with him but I hope he's cut...b/c as you have stated his stats arent worth keeping him and Ive never been impressed w/ his play
 
I was just looking at the Texans roster and Beck is on the PUP list. Do you know if it is still his calf? My research shows both calf and elbow problems. Interesting fact. Last year in 15 games he rushed five times for three yards. Wonder if a FB with running skills could give our O another dimension? Don’t know if five carries reflects on him or Slowick’s vision for the FB role.

Counting his 11 rushing attempts, he basically averaged 1 touch a game. He was on the field for 32% of the offensive plays last year, touching the ball only 4.6% of those plays. If they have other guys that are willing blockers (and good at it) with a better rush/catch skillset, it seems like they could easily get more production out of the position. Unless Slowick just wants another body to block.
 
Counting his 11 rushing attempts, he basically averaged 1 touch a game. He was on the field for 32% of the offensive plays last year, touching the ball only 4.6% of those plays. If they have other guys that are willing blockers (and good at it) with a better rush/catch skillset, it seems like they could easily get more production out of the position. Unless Slowick just wants another body to block.
If so it damn sure didn’t help our running game.
 
It's like I've become a British Brooks hater. There's a massive gulf between a rookie with versatility and potential and a starting NFL FB. I really have nothing left to say.
Will you still have a negative opinion of BB if he makes a significant contribution to the team?
Counting his 11 rushing attempts, he basically averaged 1 touch a game. He was on the field for 32% of the offensive plays last year, touching the ball only 4.6% of those plays. If they have other guys that are willing blockers (and good at it) with a better rush/catch skillset, it seems like they could easily get more production out of the position. Unless Slowick just wants another body to block.
The fact remains BB did as much as can be expected when given a chance to make the team. Will he get a fair amount of carries or opportunities to contribute to the team? We shall see, but he will be immediately ready to contribute if needed.
 
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