Casserly Interview on 610

[Runner]

Here's what I have so far - it's kind of rough.

He said because of additional experience, Pitts is a better player now then when he was previously an LT. He points out several times that Pitts and rest of lines will have a learning curve and we need to patient

Asked if changes for pass protection reasons will effect running games. He says it could, but they hope not. States Brown, Pitts, right tackle all good run blockers.

He stated he was concerned bout o-line coordination, says they are better on paper but they have to see how they play.

He states we can run when we stay at it.

Asked if it was unfair to play Riley at LT. Casserly said some people are just better on either the right or left. Said at left faces more speed rushers. Said they got Riley to be back-up RT but in the spring decided to give him a shot a LT, and then he had a good camp.

Wand's name never brought up.

Fred Weary plays D-line on practice squad because of injuries to d-line, so game simulations may not bethat good.

Says Dre might not play. Says Armstrong plays well whenever he is in, which puts coaches in a dilemma because no one has played bad enough to be benched.

 

[Runner]

Two statements that struck me.

Said they got Riley to be back-up RT but in the spring decided to give him a shot a LT

Give him a shot - it looks good on paper

Says Armstrong plays well whenever he is in, which puts coaches in a dilemma because no one has played bad enough to be benched.

Nobody has played bad enough to be benched?

 

[texan279]

Says Armstrong plays well whenever he is in, which puts coaches in a dilemma because no one has played bad enough to be benched.

That is one of the most pathetic things I have ever heard from that man's mouth. He's not on the field becuse no one has played bad enough? How about how GOOD Armstrong is when he's on the field? Jeez...

 

[Runner]

How about how GOOD Armstrong is when he's on the field? Jeez...

that's what I thought too.

 

[Runner]

Still rough:

Q: Matt Murphy - can he be a big pass catcher? How's his health.
A: Rivers ahead of Murphy, somewhat due to injury. Is improving will continue to get better.

Q: Until o-line fixed, will they be primarily blockers?
A: No - except for blitzes they check/release right now. We focus on receivers rather than Tes in passing game because we have Dre.

Q: How good are players' heart
A: No question they have heart and work hard. Need to make some plays to jump start team.

 

[Runner]

Q: Will one win reestablish confidence?
A: It's not as simple as that, but it can make a difference. It's not that the players have lost confidence in themselves, but there are levels of confidence.

Q: How does loosing sharper affect moral of defense.
A: No question he did a good job but you had to look at finances and the future. If hadn't signed Greenwood, Sharper would be here this year but not next. Talked about 3-4 ILB learning curve.

Q: Babin's health
A: Not playing, getting better.

Q: At times Bradford looks like speed guy, but consistently wouldn't Armstrong be better - he makes more players?
A: That's part of the equation. That is a good question and a good argument.

Q: Would Mathis being healthy change things?
A: Production is the determining factor. Experience in practice is helping.

 

[Runner]

Commercial. I'm glad I never wanted to be a court reporter.

 

[profan]

No one's played bad enough to be benched? How about bradfords drops? Again, this organization is not playing the best players, bradford was bad enough to cut, and no one picked him up, but he's not bad enough to be benched. Man, i'm beginning to think cass. is right up there with the coaching staff and this is not good.

 

[Runner]

No one's played bad enough to be benched? How about bradfords drops? Again, this organization is not playing the best players, bradford was bad enough to cut, and no one picked him up, but he's not bad enough to be benched. Man, i'm beginning to think cass. is right up there with the coaching staff and this is not good.

It might be the corporate line or if he just doesn't want to disagree with the coaches in the press. I don't know.

 

[Runner]

He's been giving much more detailed answers than I'm transcribing. I'm trying to hit the high points.

 

[Runner]

He was asked questions about the Vikings situation and the Super Bowl bid. I didn't really listen to the answers. I'm on hold to ask the Wand question. I doubt I'll get in before the end of the show.

 

[Runner]

He was asked questions about the Vikings situation and the Super Bowl bid. I didn't really listen to the answers. I'm on hold to ask the Wand question. I doubt I'll get in before the end of the show.

I didn't get through. Show's over.

 

[JfromthaTray]

I know the show's over, but you are right, its not professional to disagree with the staff and bad mouth players to the media. They say that Cass did a good job in Washington, but for the exception of a few, either his eye for talent has diminished, or the players he's drafting don't fit in with what Dom wants to do.

 

[Tayton]

Corey Bradford 7 catches 92 yards 4 games. Not bad enough for you, Charlie.
PLAY ARMSTRONG!!!!!!

 

[JfromthaTray]

I'll bet his number of drops is even more impressive.

 

[Runner]

Corey Bradford 7 catches 92 yards 4 games. Not bad enough for you, Charlie.
PLAY ARMSTRONG!!!!!!

It seems so simple from the sidelines - put in the people who make plays now, not those with the potential to make a few big plays, or those who used to make plays but can't any more. It certainly doesn't take Napier's Bones to figure that out!

I'll take Armstrong's catches for a few extra first downs if the other choice is Bradford's rare long catch.

 

[eriadoc]

Says Armstrong plays well whenever he is in, which puts coaches in a dilemma because no one has played bad enough to be benched.

No one's played bad enough to be benched? How about bradfords drops?

I'll bet his (Bradford) number of drops is even more impressive.

I can actually almost see where he's coming from here. To be honest, what determines if a WR is playing poorly? Catches and route running, for the most part. A little blocking, but mostly the receiving aspects. We don't have much information on route running, but when it comes to drops, it's pretty easy to see when a receiver has a ball hit him right in the hands and he drops it. Andre Johnson leads this team in drops right now. If you mix in the last two preseason games, just for performance measurement, it's not even close. I am not a Bradford fan, but he played a pretty decent game last week. Even the play in the end zone that he didn't come up with wasn't classified as a drop. Nor should it have been. He laid out for it, caught it with one hand, pulled it in, and knocked it out of his first hand with his second. That was frustrating, but to be honest, he made a great effort on the ball.

So who do you bench from the WR corps? Since AJ is injured, I say just start Gaffney (our most productive receiver to date) and rotate the other three in. They're definitely not giving enough opportunity to Armstrong.

 

[bckey]

Appreciate the post runner.

I don't believe for a minute that they signed Riley to be a back up rt. They got him to play lt and it backfired. Wand did better than this guy. It seems like they don't even consider playing Wand anymore for some reason. At least Wand has an upside. (I can't believe I'm defending Wand)

Armstrong should be starting instead of Bradford. He makes plays and gets open despite lacking speed. Bradford drops way too many balls and shouldn't even be on the team.

At this point I think we should put Wand, Pitts, McKinny, Wiegert, Wade out there and take our lumps. Same line as last year but at least with some upside on the leftside. Pitts is probably the best option at LT but he will be right back at lg next year if we draft a stud lt next year. Why not just let Pitts keep learning the position we know he will be playing here long term?

 

[beerlover]

has anyone seen Donovan Morgan from the practice squad play? if my #1 WR is down then I'd call up my #1 practice squad WR because if you lose one more during the game then you may need to call on him to actually get some pt. then re-evaulate the WR corps when AJ comes back to see who should be in the rotation

 

[JfromthaTray]

I agree and even said the same thing about pitts. I disagree wit the Wand issue. I don't think wand is strong enough to play LT even though he has the stature. Look at this guy's arms. It makes me wonder if he even spends time in the weight room. I'm willing to bet that he can't bench 500lbs. Before you say something, no I can't, but when I played HSFB at JY, we had 9 or 10 guys benching that much and a couple were in the 11th grade. Start Armstrong, Wade run block yes pass block no, but I think he can play better.

 

[Runner]

I agree and even said the same thing about pitts. I disagree wit the Wand issue. I don't think wand is strong enough to play LT even though he has the stature. Look at this guy's arms. It makes me wonder if he even spends time in the weight room. I'm willing to bet that he can't bench 500lbs. Before you say something, no I can't, but when I played HSFB at JY, we had 9 or 10 guys benching that much and a couple were in the 11th grade. Start Armstrong, Wade run block yes pass block no, but I think he can play better.

This a good example of coaching from looking at paper rather than looking at play. Wand's performance last year was better than Riley's and Wade's this year. On field performance should count for something, right?

Wand spent so much time in the weight room last pre-season that (according to Capers) Capers said he had to kick him out so he wouldn't hurt himself, so throw out that assumption

Just because you looked at his arms and make an assumption doesn't make it true. I don't know how much Wand can press, nor Riley, and I don't think a raw bench press number means much anyway. However, I bet Wand still has his strength after 3 quarters of football, while Riley can't do more than shuffle his feet in the 4th quarter.

I'll reconsider my opinion if we get into a weight lifting contest, but right now I'd settle for improved pass blocking.

 

[beerlover]

At this point I think we should put Wand, Pitts, McKinny, Wiegert, Wade out there and take our lumps. Same line as last year but at least with some upside on the leftside. Pitts is probably the best option at LT but he will be right back at lg next year if we draft a stud lt next year. Why not just let Pitts keep learning the position we know he will be playing here long term?

its clear that Wand has not endeared himself to Pendry, so as of now he is just taking up a roster spot (even though I agree with you). Pitts has the footwork, hand punch & now the experience to be effective at LT, therefore he is the best choice at the position. after that McKinney should remain @ center, Weigert RG & Wade RT. the big question is LG with moving Pitts to tackle? I would remove Reily from the starting line-up at any position and insert Milford Brown to play LG. so here is my Texans O-Line-

Chester Pitts-LT Milford Brown-LG Steve McKinney-C Zach Weigert-RG Todd Wade-RT​

 

[Vinny]

Says Armstrong plays well whenever he is in, which puts coaches in a dilemma because no one has played bad enough to be benched.

Nobody has played bad enough to be benched?

This means when they break down film there are guys open but Carr hasn't gotten them the ball.

 

[JfromthaTray]

First of all, I'm no riley fan, Pitts is the best LT on the team. I watched as wand got pushed around the field last year and BTW if he's that much better than Riley, why did Riley beat him out and TAKE HIS STARTING JOB FROM HIM IN CAMP. Did you forget about that. It takes strength to keep from getting bull rushed as Wand did many times last year, which no doubt, contributed to HIM LOOSING HIS STARTING JOB TO RILEY. You are wasting my time.

 

[Runner]

its clear that Wand has not endeared himself to Pendry, so as of now he is just taking up a roster spot (even though I agree with you). Pitts has the footwork, hand punch & now the experience to be effective at LT, therefore he is the best choice at the position. after that McKinney should remain @ center, Weigert RG & Wade RT. the big question is LG with moving Pitts to tackle? I would remove Reily from the starting line-up at any position and insert Milford Brown to play LG. so here is my Texans O-Line-

Chester Pitts-LT Milford Brown-LG Steve McKinney-C Zach Weigert-RG Todd Wade-RT​

That's looks as good as it's going to get until Pendry gets over his problem with Wand. (I think you're right that that's the problem). However, they still may be putting Riley ahead of Wade. Maybe they should each play a half or platoon. Riley is just too exhausted after more than half a game.

 

[beerlover]

That's looks as good as it's going to get until Pendry gets over his problem with Wand. (I think you're right that that's the problem). However, they still may be putting Riley ahead of Wade. Maybe they should each play a half or platoon. Riley is just too exhausted after more than half a game.

I'm glad we could solve this enigma, now could someone please forward to the Texans GM & Coaching staff

 

[Texans Horror]

Look at this guy's arms. It makes me wonder if he even spends time in the weight room. I'm willing to bet that he can't bench 500lbs. Before you say something, no I can't, but when I played HSFB at JY, we had 9 or 10 guys benching that much and a couple were in the 11th grade.

I am baffled by "look at this guy's arms." Wand is massive. A leviathon. A behemoth. After all, he's a lineman. It comes with the territory. But if you want to compare pictures, check out that sagging gut of Riley's. I'll take Wand's "tiny" arms over Riley's bulging gut-check any day.

BTW - I'm just curious. How many of your high school buddies play for the NFL?

 

[bckey]

This means when they break down film there are guys open but Carr hasn't gotten them the ball.

I hadn't thought of it from that angle.

Vinny, what is your opinion on next years draft if we end up with the first pick. I understand it is way early but would you take Leinart or trade back a few spots and get a stud LT along with some extra picks. I'm asking because this is Carr's option year and by season end it may/may not show Carr to be a problem. If Carr looks no better than he does right now would he be worth keeping and if not could the Texans fo have enough balls to let him walk? If Carr did walk would we receive any compensation? Lastly, what is the deadline for the Texans on Carr's $8 million option?

 

[Vinny]

I hadn't thought of it from that angle.

Vinny, what is your opinion on next years draft if we end up with the first pick. I understand it is way early but would you take Leinart or trade back a few spots and get a stud LT along with some extra picks. I'm asking because this is Carr's option year and by season end it may/may not show Carr to be a problem. If Carr looks no better than he does right now would he be worth keeping and if not could the Texans fo have enough balls to let him walk? If Carr did walk would we receive any compensation? Lastly, what is the deadline for the Texans on Carr's $8 million option?

First thing I would do is blow this whole organization up and bring in someone to replace Casserly. Let them bring in a new coach and then I'd try to trade down a few spots (assuming we pick at the top) and take a LT. I'd try to sign Carr to a much smaller contract and if he doesn't agree I'd pursue a veteran because Carr's days as a "franchise QB" are over. He is just another guy now so paying him franchise money would be a huge mistake (I'd bring in another Vet to push him if we do resign him as well). I think I have read that we have to kick in his contract by March...but I'm not clear on that.

 

[JfromthaTray]

I am baffled by "look at this guy's arms." Wand is massive. A leviathon. A behemoth. After all, he's a lineman. It comes with the territory. But if you want to compare pictures, check out that sagging gut of Riley's. I'll take Wand's "tiny" arms over Riley's bulging gut-check any day.

BTW - I'm just curious. How many of your high school buddies play for the NFL?

They are long and lack muscle, I'm baffeled by what you see. If you read everything, I acknowledged the fact that the guy was not lacking the stature of a lineman, I question his upper body strength. Again Pitts is the best LT on the team and I'm no riley fan. But the fact still remains that RILEY BEAT OUT WAND IN CAMP AND TOOK HIS STARTING JOB FROM HIM. Don't blame me for pointing out that the guy lacks upper body strength. The coaches saw it too because and they saw something better in Riley BEAT WAND IN CAMP AND TOOK HIS STARTING JOB.

 

[Runner]

First of all, I'm no riley fan, Pitts is the best LT on the team. I watched as wand got pushed around the field last year and BTW if he's that much better than Riley, why did Riley beat him out and TAKE HIS STARTING JOB FROM HIM IN CAMP. Did you forget about that. It takes strength to keep from getting bull rushed as Wand did many times last year, which no doubt, contributed to HIM LOOSING HIS STARTING JOB TO RILEY. You are wasting my time.

Wow. Um.....well said. You might be taken more seriously without the outrage that you've been disagreed with though.

I didn't forget the coaches decision to start Riley. I also didn't realize the coaching staff had made all the right decisions all year.

Let's see - Wand 12.5 sacks last year. Riley on pace for 26. Wade on pace for 20. Far less penalties by Wand. They haven't faced Freeney yet. If I didn't know the coaches were infallible, I would have considered they may have made a mistake. Then I'd consider if a mistake by the coaches makes Wand a worse player in reality. But that's just me.

 

[SESupergenius]

This means when they break down film there are guys open but Carr hasn't gotten them the ball.

This means when they break down the film the oline isn't doing its job to allow Carr time to let the play develop, much less find Armstrong, usually the 3rd or 4th option Hence the shuffle on the oline.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

It seems the Texans like Ashley Simpson types . She can't sing or perform but she looks good . Play Janis Joplin she was'nt pretty or glamorous but she could perform .

I wonder what Wands body fat % is . He looks like he's built like one of the Utah Jazz's back up centers .

 

[Runner]

It seems the Texans like Ashley Simpson types . She can't sing or perform but she looks good . Play Janis Joplin she was'nt pretty or glamorous but she could perform .

I wonder what Wands body fat % is . He looks like he's built like one of the Utah Jazz's back up centers .

Watch it - you're going to get yelled at too.

 

[JfromthaTray]

Well let me calm down. Your opinion is yours and my opinion is mine, you are not wrong and I am not right, thats what this forum is for opinions. I understand that very well. It will always offend me when I'm accused of being a stat boy. Stats don't always tell the whole story. I base my opinions on what I see in the game on the field. How many of those sacks were Carr's fault for holding the ball too long or running out of bounds behind the LOS. I'll say it again, Pitts is the best LT on the team.... In my opinion.

 

[eriadoc]

This means when they break down film there are guys open but Carr hasn't gotten them the ball.

I forgot to mention that, but it doesn't excuse the drops by AJ and Bradford.

 

[Runner]

Well let me calm down. Your opinion is yours and my opinion is mine, you are not wrong and I am not right, thats what this forum is for opinions. I understand that very well. It will always offend me when I'm accused of being a stat boy. Stats don't always tell the whole story. I base my opinions on what I see in the game on the field. How many of those sacks were Carr's fault for holding the ball too long or running out of bounds behind the LOS. I'll say it again, Pitts is the best LT on the team.... In my opinion.

That opinion is shared by a lot of people; I'm in the minority there.

Another question from a team play perspective is this:

Even if Pitts is a better LT than Wand, would a left side of Wand/Pitts be stronger than Pitts/McKinney or Pitts/Brown?

What do you think?

 

[JfromthaTray]

I'm just not sold on Wand at LT. If you put Pitts at LT and Wand at LG, maybe. But then you still have a problem at center. Mckinney is terrible. Washington at C and let Weigert make the line calls since he's the only one the coaches are confident in.

 

[Runner]

I'm just not sold on Wand at LT. If you put Pitts at LT and Wand at LG, maybe. But then you still have a problem at center. Mckinney is terrible. Washington at C and let Weigert make the line calls since he's the only one the coaches are confident in.

Right. It almost comes down to a question if Wand is a better LT than our back-ups at guard or center. Opinions differ.

As I've stated before, even putting Orlando Pace at LT and leaving the rest of the line the same would solve a few of our problems, but wouldn't make our line a juggernaut by any means. The o-line is a unit.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

It seems Pitts is the best LT . It seems the Texans drafted him as the LG and by God thats where he is playing . If say we did draft D'Brick would not Pitts be a good RT.

Either the coaching staff was dealt a sorry hand (Casserly) or they can't coach . The Texans have brought in through the draft or free agengcy about 10 guys surely their not all bust . ( Capers)

Capers + Casserly = 0

 

[JfromthaTray]

My only question about D'Brick is if he's that good to make an immediate impact as a rookie. I don't have the patience to wait 2 or 3 years for him to develope. I like Bush with the#1 pick and through free agency get some talent in here to help him. Not knocking DD, I say we put them on the field at the same time like Auburn did with Brown and Williams and Miami is doing with Brown and Williams(Ricky).

 

[Texans Horror]

Wand, Pitts, Hodgon, Wade, Weigert

Doesn't take care of the right side the way I wished it would, but it at least anchors the left and the center. The only certainty for me is Pitts at LG. I don't like Wade or Weigert on the right, but I don't think Riley or Weary would be an improvement. I'm willing to take a risk on Hodgon, though.

 

[Vinny]

My only question about D'Brick is if he's that good to make an immediate impact as a rookie. I don't have the patience to wait 2 or 3 years for him to develope.

Whats the alternative? Teams don't let Franchise Tackles go into Free Agency.

 

[JfromthaTray]

All I have are questions, no answers, like everyone else. I'd just hate to see a playmaker like Bush go elsewhere if we have a shot at him. I also understand that offensive playmakers need a halfway decent line to allow him to make plays. What do we do. IN MY OPINION, we can get solid linemen through free agency or off waivers. I'm talking solid linemen who other teams can't pay due to the cap, not just anl old cast offs. Not saying I'm right, just my opinion, what's yours?

 

[Vinny]

IN MY OPINION, we can get solid linemen through free agency or off waivers. I'm talking solid linemen who other teams can't pay due to the cap, not just anl old cast offs. Not saying I'm right, just my opinion, what's yours?

That's what led to this mess, and once again...teams don't let Franchise LT's go into FA. McKinney, Weigert, Wade Washington and Riley are what you got out of Free Agency....I already stated that I would draft linemen...I did it last year in the mock draft here as well..

 

[JfromthaTray]

Good point, where does that leave us rebuilding the entire line through the draft? If we draft Brick, that only teams him up with the same players we have now less one LT. I haven't paid much attention to Weigert in all of this. Is his play consistant(not poor) or is he just as bad as the rest of the OL?

 

[Vinny]

Good point, where does that leave us rebuilding the entire line through the draft? If we draft Brick, that only teams him up with the same players we have now less one LT. I haven't paid much attention to Weigert in all of this. Is his play consistant(not poor) or is he just as bad as the rest of the OL?

You can only patch one hole at a time. Teams can win with average QB's and dominant lines. It's much harder to win with great skill guys and no line. Weigert isn't the problem on this line.

 

[ATX_Texan]

First thing I would do is blow this whole organization up and bring in someone to replace Casserly. Let them bring in a new coach and then I'd try to trade down a few spots (assuming we pick at the top) and take a LT. I'd try to sign Carr to a much smaller contract and if he doesn't agree I'd pursue a veteran because Carr's days as a "franchise QB" are over. He is just another guy now so paying him franchise money would be a huge mistake (I'd bring in another Vet to push him if we do resign him as well). I think I have read that we have to kick in his contract by March...but I'm not clear on that.

I am in total agreement with this plan. I think the remainder of this season should be spent doing experiments like what we are seeing with the shuffling of the offense line. We have all seen what Casserly, Capers, Fangio working together have created - a horrible mess. Firing Palmer revealed that the problems lie much deeper. With the lame duck coaching staff, we need to start evaluating who stays and who goes. I know no one wants to face the fact that rebuilding needs to begin again, but that is the reality.

 

[Runner]

Well guys - there will be no quick fix. It is the rare college LT that can come in and be consistently very good as a rookie. It may be a little easier for other o-line positions, but we're looking at a two year plan here.

 

[Coach C.]

Vin you are right on target buddy. I think Cass will be smart and take a top LT hopefully Winston who is playing much better than Ferguson right now. And then maybe steal a guy like Withworth or damn forgot the centers name. But look for us to take three lineman in the draft and then a qb, rb, wr, and lb.