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Houston Texans Offense- Explosive

While I expect us to have a very potent passing offense, the way teams can short circuit that is to get to the QB quickly. I'm concerned that our offensive line will have difficulty standing up to what most assuredly is coming. IMO, we probably need two more interior linemen. I think one veteran and one rookie would be the best way to go. The rookie would probably have to come in the second round. I'm not sure who/where the veteran would come from. It won't work if he is a second or third tier talent. Not sure how to make that work. I expect the Online will be under duress all year as the quality teams we will be facing try to slow us down. Slowaks natural tendency is to run the ball so, maybe a lot of play action will help. Quick passes will also help to make teams back off on the charge to get to CJ. Just color me concerned.
 
edo783 said:
While I expect us to have a very potent passing offense, the way teams can short circuit that is to get to the QB quickly. I'm concerned that our offensive line will have difficulty standing up to what most assuredly is coming. IMO, we probably need two more interior linemen. I think one veteran and one rookie would be the best way to go. The rookie would probably have to come in the second round. I'm not sure who/where the veteran would come from. It won't work if he is a second or third tier talent. Not sure how to make that work. I expect the Online will be under duress all year as the quality teams we will be facing try to slow us down. Slowaks natural tendency is to run the ball so, maybe a lot of play action will help. Quick passes will also help to make teams back off on the charge to get to CJ. Just color me concerned.
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how did Stroud do last year behind the offensive line we had? He seem to do okay. I don't think we can really do much other than just wait and see; injuries happen as you know.
We seem to be a passing team. Stroud OROY with an oline better at pass blocking and 3 very good receivers. Schultz and Jordin probably better than 2023. Mixon should make passing game even better.

Concerned? Yes but not worried.
 
edo783 said:
While I expect us to have a very potent passing offense, the way teams can short circuit that is to get to the QB quickly. I'm concerned that our offensive line will have difficulty standing up to what most assuredly is coming. IMO, we probably need two more interior linemen. I think one veteran and one rookie would be the best way to go. The rookie would probably have to come in the second round. I'm not sure who/where the veteran would come from. It won't work if he is a second or third tier talent. Not sure how to make that work. I expect the Online will be under duress all year as the quality teams we will be facing try to slow us down. Slowaks natural tendency is to run the ball so, maybe a lot of play action will help. Quick passes will also help to make teams back off on the charge to get to CJ. Just color me concerned.
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We have Kendrick Green, Patterson, Kenyon Green, and Quesenberry coming back from injury on the IOL, Scruggs and Mason as well. I don't see them investing that much there as they have some competent bodies to work with and some combo should be reasonable. Finding a OT with Howard's injury seems more likely although not in the 2nd
 
Rich Schmidt said:
We have Kendrick Green, Patterson, Kenyon Green, and Quesenberry coming back from injury on the IOL, Scruggs and Mason as well.
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I don't believe Q is part of the team any longer, but we do have Broeker and the dude from Yale Eiselen in addition to those you named
 
edo783 said:
While I expect us to have a very potent passing offense, the way teams can short circuit that is to get to the QB quickly. I'm concerned that our offensive line will have difficulty standing up to what most assuredly is coming. IMO, we probably need two more interior linemen. I think one veteran and one rookie would be the best way to go. The rookie would probably have to come in the second round. I'm not sure who/where the veteran would come from. It won't work if he is a second or third tier talent. Not sure how to make that work. I expect the Online will be under duress all year as the quality teams we will be facing try to slow us down. Slowaks natural tendency is to run the ball so, maybe a lot of play action will help. Quick passes will also help to make teams back off on the charge to get to CJ. Just color me concerned.
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How many OLmen will we keep on the 53? Who on the current roster do you think fills those positions? Which position needs to be addressed?

LT...Tunsil is one, and won't be replaced.
LG... Kenyon Green and Kendrick Green will be back from IR. My opinion is that the Texans roll with these two.
C...The Texans drafted Scruggs and Patterson last year. Injuries cut short their development but I believe the Texans stand pat. Also Kendrick Green can play C.
RG... Mason started every game last year and is the starter. The Texans have Broeker penciled in as #2 but he didn't have a single game snap last season. It wouldn't be a surprise if we drafted a prospect in the 6th or 7th rounds to compete with Broeker. The loser goes to the PS. But I don't see the Texans bringing in anyone to challenge Mason for the starter role.
RT...Howard is still rehabbing. Optimistically, the soonest he may return is training camp. Heck is the presumptive starter for the OTAs. We signed free agent David Sharpe. We also have a developmental prospect, Kilian Zierer who is a holdover from last season.

Not counting Howard, that's 10.

There's strong belief that the Texans will draft a RT. But the question is, what round? If they do so, will a rookie challenge for the starter role? Zierer or Sharpe would be the odd man out. Zierer could go to the PS.

This is the OL position group as it currently stands. Comments?
 
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Number19 said:
This is the OL position group as it currently stands. Comments?
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Have you looked at the depth Chart the official site has? I know it doesn't mean anything but it does have Dieter Eiselen listed as backup at C and RG. I wouldn't count too much on Sharpe. I still think RT in the draft or late FA signing is likely.
 
JB said:
I don't believe Q is part of the team any longer, but we do have Broeker and the dude from Yale Eiselen in addition to those you named
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That would be Dieter Eiselen; undrafted free agent in 2020. Signed by the Texans last August. Signed a two year extension Feb 24. He's listed as a C/G.

I missed him in listing above. If he sticks, he'd have to beat out Broeker.
 
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Number19 said:
That would be Dieter Eiselen; undrafted free agent in 2020. Signed by the Texans last August. Signed a two year extension Feb 24. He's listed as a C/G.

I missed him in listing above. If he sticks, he'd have to beat out Broeker.
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He will probably spend the year on PS along with Zierer
 
edo783 said:
While I expect us to have a very potent passing offense, the way teams can short circuit that is to get to the QB quickly. I'm concerned that our offensive line will have difficulty standing up to what most assuredly is coming. IMO, we probably need two more interior linemen. I think one veteran and one rookie would be the best way to go. The rookie would probably have to come in the second round. I'm not sure who/where the veteran would come from. It won't work if he is a second or third tier talent. Not sure how to make that work. I expect the Online will be under duress all year as the quality teams we will be facing try to slow us down. Slowaks natural tendency is to run the ball so, maybe a lot of play action will help. Quick passes will also help to make teams back off on the charge to get to CJ. Just color me concerned.
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In addition to the talent we also need a good plan to handle the blitz. We have to know how to pick them up, especially in situations where they aren't expecting them or are wrong about where it's coming from. It's been a long time since this team handled the blitz well on a consistent basis.
 
thunderkyss said:
In addition to the talent we also need a good plan to handle the blitz. We have to know how to pick them up, especially in situations where they aren't expecting them or are wrong about where it's coming from. It's been a long time since this team handled the blitz well on a consistent basis.
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Fortunately, we have a HC who knows ALL about blitzing!
 
thunderkyss said:
I wish there were more videos like this breaking down the run game.
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Found this video on youtube as well and I agree, it's a great example of how the zone run is supposed to work. I also think it shows how the ZBS requires each unit of the OL has to perform there blocks to avoid a TFL. But when it works, it REALLY works.
 
After the game last night, my son (who has a brilliant football mind) were discussing the return of the Shannahan/Kubiak WCO offense to Houston and were reminiscing on the Schaub/AJ days and how Schaub was so effective running the offense by staying within “the system.” He made the following observation:

Take a look at San Francisco. They’ve been to the Super Bowl 3 of the last 4 years with system QBs but have not been able to get over the hump. Because at some point in the big game when the chips are down, you need your QB to make a play and be the difference maker even if making that play is “outside the system.” So far SF has not had that guy. That QB who can be that guy. He goes on:

CJ appears so far that he can be that guy. That QB who can make that play even if it is off script. He may be our ace in the hole if we need him to be.


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Pantherstang84 said:
After the game last night, my son (who has a brilliant football mind) were discussing the return of the Shannahan/Kubiak WCO offense to Houston and were reminiscing on the Schaub/AJ days and how Schaub was so effective running the offense by staying within “the system.” He made the following observation:

Take a look at San Francisco. They’ve been to the Super Bowl 3 of the last 4 years with system QBs but have not been able to get over the hump. Because at some point in the big game when the chips are down, you need your QB to make a play and be the difference maker even if making that play is “outside the system.” So far SF has not had that guy. That QB who can be that guy. He goes on:

CJ appears so far that he can be that guy. That QB who can make that play even if it is off script. He may be our ace in the hole if we need him to be.


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Eh, highly disagree with Purdy being a system QB but I absolutely know I'm in a very thin minority. Not his fault his kicker missed an easy FG. Not his fault Greenlaw got hurt and the defense started losing the matchup against Kelce afterwards. He went toe to toe with Mahomes against a very solid to great defense.
 
Pantherstang84 said:
After the game last night, my son (who has a brilliant football mind) were discussing the return of the Shannahan/Kubiak WCO offense to Houston and were reminiscing on the Schaub/AJ days and how Schaub was so effective running the offense by staying within “the system.” He made the following observation:

Take a look at San Francisco. They’ve been to the Super Bowl 3 of the last 4 years with system QBs but have not been able to get over the hump. Because at some point in the big game when the chips are down, you need your QB to make a play and be the difference maker even if making that play is “outside the system.” So far SF has not had that guy. That QB who can be that guy. He goes on:

CJ appears so far that he can be that guy. That QB who can make that play even if it is off script. He may be our ace in the hole if we need him to be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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CJ is as they say Him.

One thing I've found interesting with the huge rise of the Shanahan coaches is how many of them don't coach good run games from that system, but still coach fantastic passing games. I'm thinking of our own Slowik, O'Connell in Minnesota, LaFleur in Green Bay, and even McVay who actually switched to a power/gap scheme to finally find success for the run game rather than the classic wide zone. Which is actually something I wouldn't mind our own Slowik looking into especially if they want to try and get the best out of Pierce.
 
Sweech said:
CJ is as they say Him.

One thing I've found interesting with the huge rise of the Shanahan coaches is how many of them don't coach good run games from that system, but still coach fantastic passing games. I'm thinking of our own Slowik, O'Connell in Minnesota, LaFleur in Green Bay, and even McVay who actually switched to a power/gap scheme to finally find success for the run game rather than the classic wide zone. Which is actually something I wouldn't mind our own Slowik looking into especially if they want to try and get the best out of Pierce.
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In the wide zone running scheme the RB really needs to understand the oline blocking scheme and anticipate where the running lane will open up. To borrow a Spencer Tillmanism “Slow to, fast through”. Many RBs don’t have the patience for it. Once they get handed the rock they want to hit the line of scrimmage. Can’t do that in the zone scheme. Also, the running lane may not be as “wide as a Mack truck.” Maybe Pierce isn’t suited for it but do you redesign your entire offense because one guy doesn’t get it?


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Pantherstang84 said:
In the wide zone running scheme the RB really needs to understand the oline blocking scheme and anticipate where the running lane will open up. To borrow a Spencer Tillmanism “Slow to, fast through”. Many RBs don’t have the patience for it. Once they get handed the rock they want to hit the line of scrimmage. Can’t do that in the zone scheme. Also, the running lane may not be as “wide as a Mack truck.” Maybe Pierce isn’t suited for it but do you redesign your entire offense because one guy doesn’t get it?


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I would always adapt my tactics to suit my personnel yes.
 
I saw pierce run into a pile of humanity yesterday when there was a wide open lane that I feel like most the other rbs on the roster would have taken advantage of.

I actually think too much anticipation is his problem and not lack thereof.

From my personal experience and what I think I know about what the Texans run, depending on the play, the "hole" could open up in multiple places. The Oline will take their zone steps and depending on what the defense does, in the simplest terms, they'll either seal or carry them past the play. That means sometimes playside will be wide open or other times the cut back lane to the backside of the play.

I dont expect Pierce to be Arian, but Arian was awesome at that. He'd have patience to see the play develop and then make an instant decision and burst through the open lane wherever it developed.

From Pierce's comments in camp it sounded like he approached his fit in the scheme from an analytical point of view when some of this stuff is just artistic.
 
Here's what I posted not long ago but it appears that pierce has not learned anything from Joe Mixon.

badboy said:
I just missed the Damian Pierce interview 4 pm on Radio 610. The guys informed that he admitted to having difficulties picking up the defensive scheme shifts after lining up in the play formation called. Pierce allegedly indicated that this offseason has really impacted him positively and also stated that Joe Mixon while not actually on the field much, was tutoring him. The radio guys also said that both Demico Ryans and Nick Caserio are strongly behind Damien.
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My original post was after a practice last week.
 
cland said:
I agree, but I don't think I'm counting Pierce as a talent that is worth changing the system. Changing the running game in this system affects the PA that's run out of it.
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PA works just fine in LA for the Rams and I already know Akers can do it and since Cincy runs both I know Mixon could do it.

If you think CJ can't run PA out of that scheme I'd disagree. In fact CJ has talked about how much Stafford film he watches.

The point is one scheme can do well for 3 of the 4 mentioned players and the other could do well for 4 of the 4 mentioned players. Just my opinion, but due to that fact I'd start leaning that way or at least making some adjustments towards that direction.

In fact I mentioned it in another thread but there's been a common theme from a lot of the Shanahan disciples like McVay, LaFleur, and O'Connell where they can coach up very good passing attacks and not get the same running attack going when adhering to the strictly zone based model Shanahan goes by (and even he's bending on that). Just saying Slowik could benefit from bending a little as well if he's watching what his contemporaries are doing.
 
Pantherstang84 said:
After the game last night, my son (who has a brilliant football mind) were discussing the return of the Shannahan/Kubiak WCO offense to Houston and were reminiscing on the Schaub/AJ days and how Schaub was so effective running the offense by staying within “the system.” He made the following observation:

Take a look at San Francisco. They’ve been to the Super Bowl 3 of the last 4 years with system QBs but have not been able to get over the hump. Because at some point in the big game when the chips are down, you need your QB to make a play and be the difference maker even if making that play is “outside the system.” So far SF has not had that guy. That QB who can be that guy. He goes on:

CJ appears so far that he can be that guy. That QB who can make that play even if it is off script. He may be our ace in the hole if we need him to be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Ummm

Purdy certainly wasn't the reason the 49ers didn't win the SB last yr.
 
steelbtexan said:
Ummm

Purdy certainly wasn't the reason the 49ers didn't win the SB last yr.
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I also don't think Purdy is an Alpha QB in the league... yet. He's definitely made the most of his situation but he looks more like early Tom Brady than Kurt Warner. He's on a stacked team with a BOSS for a coach.

But he's well on his way to being the guy that makes everyone better.
 
Sweech said:
Purdy is a really good qb, not elite, but still really good.
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Can't you be really good and be a system QB? Meaning Purdy plays well on script but doesn't make a lot of plays outside the play design.
Deadpool said:
I take the "he's a system QB" thing to mean he'd fall apart if he was outside of San Fran
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Jimmy Garoppolo was the Niners QB when they went to Super Bowl LIV. Was anyone calling him really good? I think Purdy is better than Jimmy G. But he's not the guy that is going to put a team on his shoulders and take the team to a championship. With an elite system and special players around Purdy, yes he can win the championship.
 
Deadpool said:
I take the "he's a system QB" thing to mean he'd fall apart if he was outside of San Fran
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He's Mr Irelevant for a reason. The way the NFL treats young QBs nowadays I think it's more likely than not that we never would have heard of him if he didn't go to SanFran with baby Shanny.
 
Lucky said:
Can't you be really good and be a system QB? Meaning Purdy plays well on script but doesn't make a lot of plays outside the play design.

Jimmy Garoppolo was the Niners QB when they went to Super Bowl LIV. Was anyone calling him really good? I think Purdy is better than Jimmy G. But he's not the guy that is going to put a team on his shoulders and take the team to a championship. With an elite system and special players around Purdy, yes he can win the championship.
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Every team runs a system and I can't think of too many teams that run a system that Purdy couldn't play.

He can also throw the ball to the sidelines which Jimmy can't/won't.
 
Sweech said:
Every team runs a system and I can't think of too many teams that run a system that Purdy couldn't play.
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Could Purdy have taken the 2023 Texans to a division title and a playoff win? Could he have taken the Chiefs to the Super Bowl? Surround Purdy with 5 Pro Bowlers, and he'll look fine. Put him in in a situation where he has to be the playmaker, that's different.
 
thunderkyss said:
I'm thinking that's all Pantherstang84 meant. Myself as well. It's not Purdy hate. Just an honest observation.
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Yes. This is what was meant. It was my son’s observation and not my own. He wasn’t saying Purdy wasn’t a good QB. He was just saying Purdy is not the guy that can will the team to a win. Not yet anyway.

Also, the jury is still out on CJ. Although the early results look promising. Time will tell.


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Lucky said:
Could Purdy have taken the 2023 Texans to a division title and a playoff win? Could he have taken the Chiefs to the Super Bowl? Surround Purdy with 5 Pro Bowlers, and he'll look fine. Put him in in a situation where he has to be the playmaker, that's different.
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You know this how exactly? Bit of Madden franchise mode playing?
 
thunderkyss said:
I also don't think Purdy is an Alpha QB in the league... yet. He's definitely made the most of his situation but he looks more like early Tom Brady than Kurt Warner. He's on a stacked team with a BOSS for a coach.

But he's well on his way to being the guy that makes everyone better.
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He's made a SB and a NFCCG in his first two years and probably would have made the SB his rookie year if he hadn't gotten injured. Whatever system he's in all teams should be using that system.
 
Deadpool said:
Love it. Heard the same exact things about Brady 20 years ago
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Exactly, a system QB that developed into the GOAT. I hope & look forward to watching Purdy mature beyond system QB.

steelbtexan said:
He's made a SB and a NFCCG in his first two years and probably would have made the SB his rookie year if he hadn't gotten injured. Whatever system he's in all teams should be using that system.
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Signed Trent Dilfer/Rob Johnson
 
Lucky said:
Could Purdy have taken the 2023 Texans to a division title and a playoff win? Could he have taken the Chiefs to the Super Bowl? Surround Purdy with 5 Pro Bowlers, and he'll look fine. Put him in in a situation where he has to be the playmaker, that's different.
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Could CJ take the Chiefs to the Superbowl? I think there's exactly 1 QB in the league who could have done that with what that team was working with.

Also me saying Purdy is very good is not the same as me saying Purdy is top 3 or top 5. Although I suspect you know that.
 
Sweech said:
Could CJ take the Chiefs to the Superbowl?
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Rookie QBs will get thrown wrinkles in the playoffs and not have another week to learn from it. But I do think CJ is a generational QB, The kind that can take his team to a championship, or your team to a championship. Dallas would be a Super Bowl contender with Stroud. The Jets. The Browns. The Steelers. The Titans would win the AFC South with Stroud. I shudder thinking about how close that could have happened.
 
After reading the last few posts, my mind went to what we would see in the news media:
" flash! Reports say that the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans have swapped quarterbacks, each thinking their new quarterback will be the impetus to take them to the Super Bowl!"

😅🤣😂
 
xtruroyaltyx said:
I saw pierce run into a pile of humanity yesterday when there was a wide open lane that I feel like most the other rbs on the roster would have taken advantage of.

I actually think too much anticipation is his problem and not lack thereof.

From my personal experience and what I think I know about what the Texans run, depending on the play, the "hole" could open up in multiple places. The Oline will take their zone steps and depending on what the defense does, in the simplest terms, they'll either seal or carry them past the play. That means sometimes playside will be wide open or other times the cut back lane to the backside of the play.

I dont expect Pierce to be Arian, but Arian was awesome at that. He'd have patience to see the play develop and then make an instant decision and burst through the open lane wherever it developed.

From Pierce's comments in camp it sounded like he approached his fit in the scheme from an analytical point of view when some of this stuff is just artistic.
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This is a great description of zone running. I was going to comment on Pierce with clips from Seth Payne's review of the game on Youtube, but for some reason it was taken down (Seth may have hit a wrong button, I love the guy but his technological struggles are still a work in progress) if the video comes back I'll try to add it into this post or make a new one.

One play (among many) stood out to me, Pierce was running to the right side of the line in outside zone when a cutback seam opened right down the backside of the line into the center of the field. I describe the steps in zone running as "One Mississippi... Two Mississippi... GO!!!!!" In this particular play instead of the immediate cut back step, Pierce took 4-5 extra steps where the GO! should have been that rounded his path right into the back of the blocking OLmen. It's incredibly frustrating to see a 5-7 yard gain turn in to a no-gain blunder, particularly when the blocking worked out with a 2nd string G and T.

I hate to be negative during such a great time to be a Texans fan, but my prediction is that Pierce isn't going to make the roster.

Edit: Here we go the video's back up it's the run at 2:14 into the video.
 
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Could we have 10 running plays a game that shocks the defense by not Zone blocking but Power straight ahead? Perhaps Pierce could then get 35 to 45 yards a game.
 
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