Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

Houston Texans Offense- Explosive

badboy said:
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.
Click to expand...

You could, but then you'd have to train your entire O-line to block gap as well as zone. But now every time Pierce is in the backfield the opposing team wouldn't be shocked because they know you're blocking gap. So then you'd want to run some PA out of the gap scheme so that it wasn't as predictable...etc. etc. etc. That's a lot of effort for 35-45 yards per game.
 
cland said:
You could, but then you'd have to train your entire O-line to block gap as well as zone. But now every time Pierce is in the backfield the opposing team wouldn't be shocked because they know you're blocking gap. So then you'd want to run some PA out of the gap scheme so that it wasn't as predictable...etc. etc. etc. That's a lot of effort for 35-45 yards per game.
Click to expand...
I was being flippant and apologize for not putting a :-)
 
cland said:
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.
Click to expand...

Good video and good call out on that play.

Not sure if he'll suddenly get it or not, but I'd like for Pierce to be shown plays like that from the endzone view behind the play because that's going to simulate how he sees things when actually on the field the best. I've been hopeful, but since last season thought it might be best to move on.
 
xtruroyaltyx said:
Good video and good call out on that play.

Not sure if he'll suddenly get it or not, but I'd like for Pierce to be shown plays like that from the endzone view behind the play because that's going to simulate how he sees things when actually on the field the best. I've been hopeful, but since last season thought it might be best to move on.
Click to expand...
I'm sure that's a standard tape study thing for all the players. They should all be getting and watching the coaches' all-22 tape along with the other views.

I suspect we only see a fraction of what they see. Whether he can turn that into improved play or not, that's the question.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
I'm sure that's a standard tape study thing for all the players. They should all be getting and watching the coaches' all-22 tape along with the other views.

I suspect we only see a fraction of what they see. Whether he can turn that into improved play or not, that's the question.
Click to expand...

Yeah im not sure how pierce watches film but im not talking about all 22 view. All 22 tends to be raised a bit to get as wide of an angle as possible.

Im talking about a flat plane endzone view where its zoomed in on the box. Oline usually uses it to get a better look at their footwork...usually other positions dont get as much use out of it but i think a view like that could maybe help Pierce recognize patterns and start to see things he hadn't seen.

Got no idea what they are trying or telling him or whatnot just throwing stuff out there.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
I'm sure that's a standard tape study thing for all the players. They should all be getting and watching the coaches' all-22 tape along with the other views.

I suspect we only see a fraction of what they see. Whether he can turn that into improved play or not, that's the question.
Click to expand...
I wonder if there is a deadline for Pierce?
 
I think we’re only playing Pierce because he’s going to be unloaded. Either way… I can’t imagine he stays on this team for long this season. He should have been let go last year though. Everybody’s starting to figure out that he was a flash in the pan… so he might be a cut. That would suck.
 
DP has several problems:

1. The lack of confidence . After having a pretty good rookie season. He lost his starting job to a veteran journeyman. It’s been downhill from there.

2. He’s thinking too much out there, second guessing himself. He is a power back and that’s the only way he knows how to run. And when you’re delegated to 3rd string to 4th string back duties, you’re running behind a make shift line who are also 3rd to 5th stringers.

3. The addition of Akers has put another stain on his confidence. Dude just came in and took the second string position. He’s a veteran who knows how to play the game.
 
Cam seems to show no ill effects from major injury. He's moving, juking, and spinning with ease. It's actually pretty remarkable. I think he's a better fit for this offense than DP.

My guess is they keep DP on the roster, but I wouldn't be shocked if they traded him. But for now...I've got him making the team and not traded. He brings great energy, great teammate, gives his all, and adds KR skill. We saw last year he can be a plus in the return game. And he's on a rookie contract.

DP has one more real shot to show he can be the #2 back this Saturday, but honestly it's a longshot. I see Mixon as the clear workhorse. I see Akers as the #2 and he is a plus in the passing game as well. So, maybe 4-8 touches/game between run and pass. DP will be the 3rd back and only rarely gets touches on offense barring injury upline, mostly mop-up duty, but will be a factor on ST and provide overall depth. Dare is the 4th guy and a ST ace and....backup kicker. Barring injury, he's not going to see snaps on offense but can provide them in a pinch.

Jawhar Jordan is a good candidate for the PS. I think that kid has a future. JJ Taylor could land there as well, he's done some things out there. I'm not sure British Brooks (as much as I love the name) has done enough to merit a PS spot...but maybe. I don't see all 3 making the PS - two at best.
 
Porky said:
Cam seems to show no ill effects from major injury. He's moving, juking, and spinning with ease. It's actually pretty remarkable. I think he's a better fit for this offense than DP.

My guess is they keep DP on the roster, but I wouldn't be shocked if they traded him. But for now...I've got him making the team and not traded. He brings great energy, great teammate, gives his all, and adds KR skill. We saw last year he can be a plus in the return game. And he's on a rookie contract.

DP has one more real shot to show he can be the #2 back this Saturday, but honestly it's a longshot. I see Mixon as the clear workhorse. I see Akers as the #2 and he is a plus in the passing game as well. So, maybe 4-8 touches/game between run and pass. DP will be the 3rd back and only rarely gets touches on offense barring injury upline, mostly mop-up duty, but will be a factor on ST and provide overall depth. Dare is the 4th guy and a ST ace and....backup kicker. Barring injury, he's not going to see snaps on offense but can provide them in a pinch.

Jawhar Jordan is a good candidate for the PS. I think that kid has a future. JJ Taylor could land there as well, he's done some things out there. I'm not sure British Brooks (as much as I love the name) has done enough to merit a PS spot...but maybe. I don't see all 3 making the PS - two at best.
Click to expand...

Pierce will have the Giants game, behind the full starting OL, to show he can run a zone concept. My expectations are very low that he performs, but I would love to be wrong. Based on the preseason so far I think Dare has outperformed him as a RB (it was against backups, but so was his offense line). If Pierce doesn't perform, then he joins the group of potential ST returners trying to make the roster, but my feeling is that the Texans won't carry 4 RBs (plus a FB.)
 
Texansballer74 said:
DP has several problems:

1. The lack of confidence . After having a pretty good rookie season. He lost his starting job to a veteran journeyman. It’s been downhill from there.

2. He’s thinking too much out there, second guessing himself. He is a power back and that’s the only way he knows how to run. And when you’re delegated to 3rd string to 4th string back duties, you’re running behind a make shift line who are also 3rd to 5th stringers.

3. The addition of Akers has put another stain on his confidence. Dude just came in and took the second string position. He’s a veteran who knows how to play the game.
Click to expand...
I really agree with this post, especially point 2. The mind can choke performance. Remember Chuck Knoblach, 2nd baseman for the Yankees? Good player…until he got a mind block and couldn’t make the short throw from second base to first base. Even threw balls into the stands. The more he tried to work it out the worse it got. Ruined his career. I stated in another post somewhere about Bill Bradley that a poster took off track. The point was some special players have a gift for not “thinking” while playing but reacting to the play on the field…the action flows through them rather than them thinking about their own actions on the field. CJ is a great example. He has the Bradley moments. Pierce seems to be having Knoblach moments.
 
Last edited:
Porky said:
Cam seems to show no ill effects from major injury. He's moving, juking, and spinning with ease. It's actually pretty remarkable. I think he's a better fit for this offense than DP.

My guess is they keep DP on the roster, but I wouldn't be shocked if they traded him. But for now...I've got him making the team and not traded. He brings great energy, great teammate, gives his all, and adds KR skill. We saw last year he can be a plus in the return game. And he's on a rookie contract.

DP has one more real shot to show he can be the #2 back this Saturday, but honestly it's a longshot. I see Mixon as the clear workhorse. I see Akers as the #2 and he is a plus in the passing game as well. So, maybe 4-8 touches/game between run and pass. DP will be the 3rd back and only rarely gets touches on offense barring injury upline, mostly mop-up duty, but will be a factor on ST and provide overall depth. Dare is the 4th guy and a ST ace and....backup kicker. Barring injury, he's not going to see snaps on offense but can provide them in a pinch.

Jawhar Jordan is a good candidate for the PS. I think that kid has a future. JJ Taylor could land there as well, he's done some things out there. I'm not sure British Brooks (as much as I love the name) has done enough to merit a PS spot...but maybe. I don't see all 3 making the PS - two at best.
Click to expand...
Or perhaps the #2 back is currently on another team?
 
Dejaview said:
I really agree with this post, especially point 2. The mind can choke performance. Remember Chuck Knoblach, 2nd baseman for the Yankees? Good player…until he got a mind block and couldn’t make the short throw from second base to first base. Even threw balls into the stands. The more he tried to work it out the worse it got. Ruined his career. I stated in another post somewhere about Bill Bradley that a poster took off track. The point was some special players have a gift for not “thinking” while playing but reacting to the play on the field…the action flows through them rather than them thinking about their own actions on the field. CJ is a great example. He has the Bradley moments. Pierce seems to be having Knoblach moments.
Click to expand...

Agreed. He's thinking...not feeling. Star Wars reference here, but the original Star Wars came out when I was a youngster. I saw it with my sister. And even back then, the part that probably stuck the most in my psyche was when Luke was flying down the walls of that crevice...hands tight as hell on the controls. And then Obe Wan Kenabi comes to him and whispers "Use the force Luke". Luke let go of the controls. He was no longer flying..he was feeling. I never forgot that lesson. The more we think, the tighter we try to grip the controls and levers in our life, the more things slip away.

He won't be good in this offense until he stops thinking...and starts feeling. It's got to be natural and innate and instinct. Stop looking for the cutback lane, and start feeling the cutback lane. In other words, Use the Force Damien!
 
Porky said:
Agreed. He's thinking...not feeling. Star Wars reference here, but the original Star Wars came out when I was a youngster. I saw it with my sister. And even back then, the part that probably stuck the most in my psyche was when Luke was flying down the walls of that crevice...hands tight as hell on the controls. And then Obe Wan Kenabi comes to him and whispers "Use the force Luke". Luke let go of the controls. He was no longer flying..he was feeling. I never forgot that lesson. The more we think, the tighter we try to grip the controls and levers in our life, the more things slip away.

He won't be good in this offense until he stops thinking...and starts feeling. It's got to be natural and innate and instinct. Stop looking for the cutback lane, and start feeling the cutback lane. In other words, Use the Force Damien!
Click to expand...

1*8xCKHjyysNiX6POMhvIfgg.jpeg
 
Porky said:
Agreed. He's thinking...not feeling. Star Wars reference here, but the original Star Wars came out when I was a youngster. I saw it with my sister. And even back then, the part that probably stuck the most in my psyche was when Luke was flying down the walls of that crevice...hands tight as hell on the controls. And then Obe Wan Kenabi comes to him and whispers "Use the force Luke". Luke let go of the controls. He was no longer flying..he was feeling. I never forgot that lesson. The more we think, the tighter we try to grip the controls and levers in our life, the more things slip away.

He won't be good in this offense until he stops thinking...and starts feeling. It's got to be natural and innate and instinct. Stop looking for the cutback lane, and start feeling the cutback lane. In other words, Use the Force Damien!
Click to expand...
Help me Obi-wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope…
 
Texansballer74 said:
DP has several problems:

1. The lack of confidence . After having a pretty good rookie season. He lost his starting job to a veteran journeyman. It’s been downhill from there.

2. He’s thinking too much out there, second guessing himself. He is a power back and that’s the only way he knows how to run. And when you’re delegated to 3rd string to 4th string back duties, you’re running behind a make shift line who are also 3rd to 5th stringers.

3. The addition of Akers has put another stain on his confidence. Dude just came in and took the second string position. He’s a veteran who knows how to play the game.
Click to expand...
Are these your best guesses or something you heard?
 
Porky said:
DP has one more real shot to show he can be the #2 back this Saturday,
Click to expand...
I honestly don't know what we can tell about DP this Saturday, if it's going to be anything like last Saturday.

The OL isn't getting the push or creating lanes consistently. I saw that clip Seth Payne did from Friday's game, but he had more bad things to say about the OL than DP.
 
thunderkyss said:
I honestly don't know what we can tell about DP this Saturday, if it's going to be anything like last Saturday.

The OL isn't getting the push or creating lanes consistently. I saw that clip Seth Payne did from Friday's game, but he had more bad things to say about the OL than DP.
Click to expand...

We should have all 5 starters playing in the game, as opposed to 2 out of 5 from the Steelers game. In theory the zone seams/lanes should be clearer than in Pittsburgh.
 
cland said:
We should have all 5 starters playing in the game, as opposed to 2 out of 5 from the Steelers game. In theory the zone seams/lanes should be clearer than in Pittsburgh.
Click to expand...

It's pretty clear this is probably a "**** or walk" situation for Pearce. I still don't like the idea of having to have all your starters in or the defense to make a mistake, in order to run the ball and get more than a 1-2 yard gain. Hopefully the Steelers game was just DP being rusty and not a sign that he's not the guy.
 
Dejaview said:
I really agree with this post, especially point 2. The mind can choke performance. Remember Chuck Knoblach, 2nd baseman for the Yankees? Good player…until he got a mind block and couldn’t make the short throw from second base to first base. Even threw balls into the stands. The more he tried to work it out the worse it got. Ruined his career. I stated in another post somewhere about Bill Bradley that a poster took off track. The point was some special players have a gift for not “thinking” while playing but reacting to the play on the field…the action flows through them rather than them thinking about their own actions on the field. CJ is a great example. He has the Bradley moments. Pierce seems to be having Knoblach moments.
Click to expand...
Saw Roger Federer making a great point on a similar thread recently.

Said he’d played at the top of his game many years, had won 80% of the matches he played over that time, yet he only won 54% of the points he played.

Almost half of the points he played in his career he lost. There isn’t much that is more important than your reaction to failure, the last point doesn’t matter, the next point is all that matters.

Pierce, neither his rookie or 2nd season matter, the cutback lane he missed in the last PS game doesn’t matter, his next run is all that matters and he needs a winning mentality and confidence going into it.

I believe he sticks around either way, good on STs, rookie contract makes him cheap still, probably has pretty low trade stock as his good year is a distant memory. I’d love it to click for him though!
 
My concern now with Pierce is I don't think he is missing the lanes. I think he's not even looking for them. I think the play called is where he runs to. I am not sure he has the ability to adjust when a lane opens up or another hole closes. Even worse, I am not sure that can be fixed.
 
I really like DP and hope this turns around for him but it’s all about now. Cant believe there are no better options out there. I’d give him the preseason but he’s not helping this team. Gotta believe NC has something up his sleeve.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
After watching the game, Pierce just doesn’t possess the vision to be a solid Zone runner. He’s a power back through and through.
Click to expand...
That's been obvious for years. I don't know why so many seem to have an infatuation with him. He is a bruiser back made for the old school Ravens or Steelers. He doesn't have the vision or finesse for new school NFL imo.
 
amazing80 said:
That's been obvious for years. I don't know why so many seem to have an infatuation with him. He is a bruiser back made for the old school Ravens or Steelers. He doesn't have the vision or finesse for new school NFL imo.
Click to expand...
He also might just be a flash in the pan unfortunately.

The fact is he's not breaking tackles like he used to and I'm not sure if he's much of a fit as a bruiser considering that.

I wish him well, I think he's an awesome dude, but he looks exactly like he did last season and this just feels like the team is giving him so much rope and dragging this out to what will be an inevitable conclusion.
 
amazing80 said:
That's been obvious for years. I don't know why so many seem to have an infatuation with him. He is a bruiser back made for the old school Ravens or Steelers. He doesn't have the vision or finesse for new school NFL imo.
Click to expand...
I can see where you're coming from, I don't disagree. But I wonder why it seems Nick & Demeco, who've been knocking personnel moves out of the park, don't want to move on.
 
This is an article from earlier in the year (April), but as the season is almost upon us it'll be interesting to see how things unfold. Pass more, run more or balanced either way I'm more of Al Davis' motto...
www.nbcsports.com

Will the Texans go pass heavy in 2024?

With Houston's acquisition of Stefon Diggs, Denny Carter believes the Texans could abandon their balanced offensive approach in 2024.
www.nbcsports.com www.nbcsports.com
 
KoolAid Sipper said:
This is an article from earlier in the year (April), but as the season is almost upon us it'll be interesting to see how things unfold. Pass more, run more or balanced either way I'm more of Al Davis' motto...
www.nbcsports.com

Will the Texans go pass heavy in 2024?

With Houston's acquisition of Stefon Diggs, Denny Carter believes the Texans could abandon their balanced offensive approach in 2024.
www.nbcsports.com www.nbcsports.com
Click to expand...
That's what I've been talking about! Mixon or Akers; Diggs, Collins and Tank; Schultz or Stover and occasionally 4 receivers and either 1 TE or 1 RB.
No one wants Stroud injured but he was able to take care of himself pretty well in 2023 with no back sets. Although I do not want my quarterback to run, I think this type of offense will open up huge lanes for Stroud if he chooses.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top