How to fix Texans run game?

[Texansphan]

Anyone who is a regular in these fora know I am a big proponent of the ground game and I make no excuses for that.
Obviously, the passing game is equally important but for the purpose of this thread I want to pick the brains trust in here on all aspects the ground game and what the Texans need to do to fix it.
We know the battles are won in the trenches and I think we can say there were some small improvements in the Oline play, but our running game is woeful and our young QB needs all the help he can get with that to become more efficient.
Personally, we need to upgrade our running back corp as Rex Burkhead, who I think is pretty decent, is in his twilight years as a back. The addition of a stud olineman who is known for his ability in the ground game would also benefit us
We can try to pick up a known quantity from the NFL or take a stab at the draft - a good option as they (RBs) are generally one of the more consistent positions and less likely to be busts.
So, do we need a different scheme?
Better running back coaches?
A different OC with a good brain for the ground game?
Take some new talent from the draft?
Or a combination of some, or all of these points?
What scheme do you think is best for a ground game and which coach/es would you suggest are proficient at it?
I'll open it up.

 

[FatSeagal]

Draft Neal, trade Tunsil for more draft capital.

Would be one way.

Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

 

[Texansphan]

Draft Neal, trade Tunsil for more draft capital.

Would be one way.

Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

Neal may or may not be an upgrade over Tunsil but, the trade could net Texans extra pick/s and or players and would allow more opportunities to add more talent.
There does seem to be plenty of nice Oline talent in this draft.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Trade Watson and maybe even Cooks. If Caserio wants to move Tunsil then the OL becomes a major priority. Projected just for the 2022 draft:

Watson Returns:
RD1, RD2, and RD3

Tunsil Returns:
RD1 and RD3 or maybe multiple picks in RD4 and/or RD5….or a conditional pick in 2023.

Cooks Returns:
RD3 and maybe a RD6 or RD7….or a conditional pick in 2023.

If Caserio Trades RD1-03 Pick:
RD1 and RD2….maybe he can squeeze a RD4 or RD5 pick if the team trading up is desperate enough.

Before we chuckle and think this is some kind of Madden Football trade…..don’t ever forget what the Vikings sent to the Cowboys for Herschel Walker or that the Saints traded their entire draft in 1999 plus their RD1 and RD3 picks in 2000 for Ricky Williams.

In 2022 there are no NFL teams that foolish, but nonetheless the Texans talent I mentioned aren’t chopped liver. They will command a return….even with their contracts. The RD3 pick is an enviable asset as well. There would be multiple teams involved acquiring this talent and pick, so if Caserio made these assets available his return assets could really help amp up his rebuild.

 

[Lucky]

Get some big, mobile o-linemen that will knock the snot out of the guys in front of them.
Get a big Y TE that will knock the snot out of the guys in front of him.
Get a big power RB that will knock the snot out of the guys in front of him.
Mission accomplished.

 

[Thorn]

Obviously we need a better oline. Until that happens, everything else is conjecture. Including RBs, WRs, and QBs.

 

[justmy2cents]

Get some big, mobile o-linemen that will knock the snot out of the guys in front of them.
Get a big Y TE that will knock the snot out of the guys in front of him.
Get a big power RB that will knock the snot out of the guys in front of him.
Mission accomplished.

Better get a crate of Kleenex .... for those sleeveless days !

 

[steelbtexan]

Keep Tunsil

Draft Neal rd.1
Draft Kinnard or Salyer rd.2
Draft a RB like Ingram Ut/USC later in the draft
Sign Mack/or Johnson in FA and sign Jordan Wilkins.
Draft Cade Otton
Sign Mo Allie Cox in FA.

All of these guys should be fairly cheap FA pickups.

Add a WR like Pickens or Ross and Mills will have the weapons to work with and OL/run game to become successful.

 

[austins23]

Get some big, mobile o-linemen that will knock the snot out of the guys in front of them.

I have been beating the drum on the forever. Give me some DUDES up front. Give me the second coming of Stepnoski, Newton, Dierdorf. Dudes that will knock the bejeezus out of you and tell you its coming again! I know, easier said than done, but they are out there. Give me some nail eating fire breathing DUDES.

And yes, an actual run game concept would be nice also. Too often all we saw was the ol 2 yard gain between the center and guard.

 

[thunderkyss]

I wish someone with all22 would do screen grabs of typical run stuffs. So we could see the issues.

I know our OL we’re getting beat. But I don’t know how bad or how often.

I can also see our RBs took days to get to the LOS. Is it possible if we had some young fresh legs back there that could get to the LOS quicker, could we have found a little success? A little success that could have led to a little more success?

is Justin Britt good enough to start on another team? Is Morrisey worth developing? Would have been nice to have seen some all22 screen grabs.

 

[FatSeagal]

I wish someone with all22 would do screen grabs of typical run stuffs. So we could see the issues.

I know our OL we’re getting beat. But I don’t know how bad or how often.

I can also see our RBs took days to get to the LOS. Is it possible if we had some young fresh legs back there that could get to the LOS quicker, could we have found a little success? A little success that could have led to a little more success?

is Justin Britt good enough to start on another team? Is Morrisey worth developing? Would have been nice to have seen some all22 screen grabs.

I mean it's not something as exciting as video, but here's some statistics that show the state of our Oline.

"32nd In rushing attack
32nd in first downs per game
30th points per game"

Debuting Mel Kiper's first 2022 NFL mock draft: Expect quarterback surprises in Round 1

Mel Kiper Jr. projects Round 1 of April's draft, filling needs for every team. Where will the first quarterback land?

www.espn.com

(Sorry ESPN+ article)

Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

 

[Mr teX]

Interior guards need to be upgraded as well as the RB. Close thread.

 

[justmy2cents]

Texans have requested an interview with Kevin O'Connell .... OC for LA Rams under Sean McVay .... Haill Yess !!

 

[Texansphan]

I wish someone with all22 would do screen grabs of typical run stuffs. So we could see the issues.

I know our OL we’re getting beat. But I don’t know how bad or how often.

I can also see our RBs took days to get to the LOS. Is it possible if we had some young fresh legs back there that could get to the LOS quicker, could we have found a little success? A little success that could have led to a little more success?

is Justin Britt good enough to start on another team? Is Morrisey worth developing? Would have been nice to have seen some all22 screen grabs.

Seems to me we just can't force DL out of the way to make holes. Like some have already said we need some mean OL in here to be enforcers.
Burkhead is patient and seems to have that innate ability to see where the holes are gonna be. Bring in a young bull to learn the game from him.

 

[vtech9]

Big road grading OLinemen are great, but can we find enough of them? Neal is a one at OT, but what about the rest of the positions? As much as I'd like to have a full OL of them, I think it's a pipe dream, at least in the near future. Maybe we can add a piece or two every year to build our dominating OL. I'd love to have an OLine like the old Hogs, but I don't have a lot of hope that we will be successful in building an OL like that. TBH, I think we'd be better off by going after OLinemen that are more athletic, and better pass protectors, and teach them the ZBS. I think it would be harder to develop roadgrading run blockers into top pass protectors than it would be to train pass blockers how to run block in the ZBS. With the ZBS, it's easier to find a RB that can have success.

 

[Texansphan]

Keep Tunsil

Draft Neal rd.1
Draft Kinnard or Salyer rd.2
Draft a RB like Ingram Ut/USC later in the draft
Sign Mack/or Johnson in FA and sign Jordan Wilkins.
Draft Cade Otton in FA
Sign Mo Allie Cox in FA.

All of these guys should be fairly cheap FA pickups.

Add a WR like Pickens or Ross and Mills will have the weapons to work with and OL/run game to become successful.

I reckon we need to hang on to all the better players on this squad for now else we will just have to shop around for their replacements and that could get expensive.

 

[thunderkyss]

Seems to me we just can't force DL out of the way to make holes. Like some have already said we need some mean OL in here to be enforcers.
Burkhead is patient and seems to have that innate ability to see where the holes are gonna be. Bring in a young bull to learn the game from him.

How would that have looked if we had someone with world-class speed in the backfield? A guy who just needs a seam, or who could turn the corner & get the edge?

How about someone who could break a tackle? Get two or three yards after contact?

I know the OL is a big part of the problem. But I'm watching teams leaving an edge rusher unblocked because they know their back will be at the LOS before the DE can get to him.

I don't think that worked well for us at all in 2021.

 

[justmy2cents]

Big road grading OLinemen are great, but can we find enough of them? Neal is a one at OT, but what about the rest of the positions? As much as I'd like to have a full OL of them, I think it's a pipe dream, at least in the near future. Maybe we can add a piece or two every year to build our dominating OL. I'd love to have an OLine like the old Hogs, but I don't have a lot of hope that we will be successful in building an OL like that. TBH, I think we'd be better off by going after OLinemen that are more athletic, and better pass protectors, and teach them the ZBS. I think it would be harder to develop roadgrading run blockers into top pass protectors than it would be to train pass blockers how to run block in the ZBS. With the ZBS, it's easier to find a RB that can have success.

These days, the great linemen are few, far between, and very precious. Problem is, they're hell when they're well, but they're all the time sick. Anyone who is that big and athletic and capable of domination on nearly every play, has to play so hard, that they are on the brink of injury nearly all the time. They get injured frequently, and there is such a huge drop in talent when going to the next man up, it is impossible to carry 7 or 8 at one time because of the salary command !

 

[ghostlight]

Watching the playoff winners I see OL's that execute plays in perfection. Centers that can pull and get edge blocks and blockers getting downfield to add yardage on runs. We need to not only look for beasts but accomplished play makers. This draft has the talent to really make a difference in upgrading our OL.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Big road grading OLinemen are great, but can we find enough of them? Neal is a one at OT, but what about the rest of the positions? As much as I'd like to have a full OL of them, I think it's a pipe dream, at least in the near future. Maybe we can add a piece or two every year to build our dominating OL. I'd love to have an OLine like the old Hogs, but I don't have a lot of hope that we will be successful in building an OL like that. TBH, I think we'd be better off by going after OLinemen that are more athletic, and better pass protectors, and teach them the ZBS. I think it would be harder to develop roadgrading run blockers into top pass protectors than it would be to train pass blockers how to run block in the ZBS. With the ZBS, it's easier to find a RB that can have success.

Trade off top assets; Watson, Tunsil, Cooks, and the #3 Pick and the Texans could fill quite a few slots.

I just played around and made the following trades…just mentioning the 2022 pieces: Watson/Giants: RD1-07 / RD2-37 / RD3-81
Tunsil / Eagles: RD1-15 / RD3-83 / RD5-152
Cooks / Jets: RD3-69
#3 Pick / WFT: RD1-11 / RD2-42

Dallas got 11 picks for Walker / WFT got 8 picks for the #5 pick (Ricky Williams). Texans would get 9 picks in 2022, 2 picks in 2023, and 1 pick in 2024 for 3 star players and a #3 pick. Crazy? Not really. If Caserio is a seller….there will be buyers.

1. DB- Kyle Hamilton (ND)
1. OC- Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa)
1. OT- Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa)

2. OG- Jamaree Salyer (Georgia)
2. OG- Darian Kinnard (Kentucky)
2. DB- Lewis Cine (Georgia)

3. TE- Trey McBride (Colorado St)
3. RB- Rachaad White (Arizona St)
3. RB- Tyler Allgeier (BYU)
3. LB- Chad Muma (Wyoming)
3. DB- Marcus Jones (Houston)

4. WR- Samori Toure (Nebraska)

5. QB- Bailey Zappe (Western Kentucky)

6. CB- Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State)
6. WR- Danny Gray (SMU)
6. OL- Nick Ford (Utah)

7. CB- Gregory Junior (Ouachita Baptist)

Highly visionary but loaded with talent.

 

[Speedy]

I mean it's not something as exciting as video, but here's some statistics that show the state of our Oline.

"32nd In rushing attack
32nd in first downs per game
30th points per game"

Debuting Mel Kiper's first 2022 NFL mock draft: Expect quarterback surprises in Round 1

Mel Kiper Jr. projects Round 1 of April's draft, filling needs for every team. Where will the first quarterback land?

www.espn.com

(Sorry ESPN+ article)

Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

FWIW, Football Outsiders has them rated 32nd in both 2nd level and open field.

 

[banned1976]

Make it (running the ball) a priority and draft guards that have the skills for you to implement zone, gap, and angle blocking schemes so that you can game plan effectively for whatever defense you're facing.

 

[TheRealJoker]

1) Hire a coach from the Lil Shanny coaching tree we still should be enjoying the fruits of had we not let him get away.

Mike Mcdaniel SF OC and Kevin O’Connell LAR OC are two candidates that fit this description.

2) Sign Laken Tomlinson 49ers or James Daniels Bears to be one of the starting OGs. Both former 1st round picks that are late bloomers and perfect fits for the scheme.

3) With a trade down or assets from a WD40 trade draft Linderbaum OC Iowa and Zion Johnson OG Boston College and the interior OL is now set for the next 5 years at least with the perfect scheme to suit their talents. Keep Tunsil as the cherry on top and watch him become a competent run blocker alongside such studs that fit a proven defined scheme.

 

[Earl34]

Watching the playoff winners I see OL's that execute plays in perfection. Centers that can pull and get edge blocks and blockers getting downfield to add yardage on runs. We need to not only look for beasts but accomplished play makers. This draft has the talent to really make a difference in upgrading our OL.

On running plays, the Texans OL just doesn't consistently move defenders past the LOS. There is little to no movement off the LOS. It's almost as if they are constantly pass blocking. Watching the playoff winners, there always seems to be a crease, cutback lane and the OL consistently 3-5 yards pass the LOS. Also, the WR blocking especially among the teams running the WCO is noticeable and another component of the running game. Finally, compared to the Texans, the quickness and power of the playoff RBs jumps off the screen.

They have to identify the root cause of the issues in the running game. Based on their inability to fix the issue during the season, I'm still not sure if it's the scheme, a talent issue or both. Also, many teams have a designated run game coordinator. I know Pep is the QB coach/passing game coordinator, but I don't recall a running game coordinator. They need a veteran running game coordinator to evaluate exactly what the heck they are trying to accomplish and do they have the OL in place to execute what they are trying to accomplish.

 

[steelbtexan]

I reckon we need to hang on to all the better players on this squad for now else we will just have to shop around for their replacements and that could get expensive.

Quoted for truth.

 

[Texian]

Quoted for truth.

I thought you said the salary cap wasn't important.

 

[steelbtexan]

On running plays, the Texans OL just doesn't consistently move defenders past the LOS. There is little to no movement off the LOS. It's almost as if they are constantly pass blocking. Watching the playoff winners, there always seems to be a crease, cutback lane and the OL consistently 3-5 yards pass the LOS. Also, the WR blocking especially among the teams running the WCO is noticeable and another component of the running game. Finally, compared to the Texans, the quickness and power of the playoff RBs jumps off the screen.

They have to identify the root cause of the issues in the running game. Based on their inability to fix the issue during the season, I'm still not sure if it's the scheme, a talent issue or both. Also, many teams have a designated run game coordinator. I know Pep is the QB coach/passing game coordinator, but I don't recall a running game coordinator. They need a veteran running game coordinator to evaluate exactly what the heck they are trying to accomplish and do they have the OL in place to execute what they are trying to accomplish.

It's mainly a talent issue, with a few scheme tells mixed in.

Get the talent in and reap the rewards. No team is going to hae a successful run game with an interior OL of Howard/Britt/Scharping or McCray.

 

[steelbtexan]

I thought you said the salary cap wasn't important.

It isn't for the next couple of yrs.

Now is the time to add cheap young talent in the draft/FA for the next couple of yrs. Then start adding premium FA's to round out a championship contender. BTW, all of the bad contracts will be off of the books by then.

 

[thunderkyss]

Based on their inability to fix the issue during the season, I'm still not sure if it's the scheme, a talent issue or both.

I’m sure it’s a mixture of the two. However, as often as the Texans have addressed the OL in FA & draft, it’s hard for me to see talent as the primary reason.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying not to draft Neal or Lindenbaum or anything like that.

But they did fire the OC & the HC because he didn’t want to.

 

[steelbtexan]

Keep Tunsil

Draft Neal rd.1
Draft Kinnard or Salyer rd.2
Draft a RB like Ingram Ut/USC later in the draft
Sign Mack/or Johnson in FA and sign Jordan Wilkins.
Draft Cade Otton
Sign Mo Allie Cox in FA.

All of these guys should be fairly cheap FA pickups.

Add a WR like Pickens or Ross and Mills will have the weapons to work with and OL/run game to become successful.

I forgot to ask the main question, would y'all be happy with an offseason like this? I would, because you wont be able to fix everything that's wrong with the team in one offseason. Plus not only will you be able to figure out if Mills is the guy, but you should be able to help the defense by keeping them off of the field.

 

[texanhead08]

Better scheme
Better OL
Better RB

 

[Texian]

Keep Tunsil

Draft Neal rd.1
Draft Kinnard or Salyer rd.2
Draft a RB like Ingram Ut/USC later in the draft
Sign Mack/or Johnson in FA and sign Jordan Wilkins.
Draft Cade Otton
Sign Mo Allie Cox in FA.

All of these guys should be fairly cheap FA pickups.

Add a WR like Pickens or Ross and Mills will have the weapons to work with and OL/run game to become successful.

PFF College Football on Twitter: "Highest-graded SEC Tackles this season: 1. Darian Kinnard - 91.9 2. Charles Cross - 86.7 3. Evan Neal - 85.8 https://t.co/rfHV3vEuKJ" / Twitter

 

[thunderkyss]

What do you guys think of Jimmy Morissey? Caserio said they targeted him as an UDFA & we’re very pleased when they got the opportunity to bring him in.

 

[powda]

This year, I mostly paid attention to the qb play and I haven't rewatched a single game so I may be totally off-base but:


-This ol plays high. They don't get low and they don't get push because of it.

-1st step quickness isn't there most of the time. How do you get leverage to a gap or outside when a defender's feet beats yours?

-Britt is the only tenacious mf'er upfront but he's just a marginal talent. If Tunsil and Howard were that mean we wouldn't be having this conversation.

-We've tried to aid the rungame for years with giant tightends and I don't see that it's helped much. When it does, it only helps on the Strong side.

I want to see them play lower. I want to see this offense with a variety of snapcounts instead of the same predictable bs so they get that 1st step. I want to see a real play action pass instead of the lazy fake handoffs most qbs do (always a pet peeve of mine and it does inversely help the run game.) I want to see Howard given a real shot at right tackle because I believe he's wasted at left guard.

These are all little things we can do before even adding talent. When it comes to talent, I'll be blunt, Tunsil and Howard are finesse players. They're more gifted in pass pro then run blocking and both were picked to excel at that. Our guard play is trash.

I'm reminded of the saints a few years back who had 2 dominant guards. I can't remember their names off the top of my head but both were absolute maulers. Not surprisingly, the saints had a trip to the sb about then and were dominant for a 2-3 year stretch until 1 left in free agency...

We already have the marquee left tackle. I think Howard has the talent to play rt. Britt is smart enough and mean enough to get by at center for now. I want 2 new guards this off-season and I want it to be a high priority. I want fire breathing road graders to stampede the defensive line like an apocalyptic tsunami.

They're out there. It would help the defense and Mills's progression. Jmo.


P.s. the saints guards were Jahari Evans and Carl Nicks.

 

[JB]

This year, I mostly paid attention to the qb play and I haven't rewatched a single game so I may be totally off-base but:


-This ol plays high. They don't get low and they don't get push because of it.

-1st step quickness isn't there most of the time. How do you get leverage to a gap or outside when a defender's feet beats yours?

-Britt is the only tenacious mf'er upfront but he's just a marginal talent. If Tunsil and Howard were that mean we wouldn't be having this conversation.

-We've tried to aid the rungame for years with giant tightends and I don't see that it's helped much. When it does, it only helps on the Strong side.

I want to see them play lower. I want to see this offense with a variety of snapcounts instead of the same predictable bs so they get that 1st step. I want to see a real play action pass instead of the lazy fake handoffs most qbs do (always a pet peeve of mine and it does inversely help the run game.) I want to see Howard given a real shot at right tackle because I believe he's wasted at left guard.

These are all little things we can do before even adding talent. When it comes to talent, I'll be blunt, Tunsil and Howard are finesse players. They're more gifted in pass pro then run blocking and both were picked to excel at that. Our guard play is trash.

I'm reminded of the saints a few years back who had 2 dominant guards. I can't remember their names off the top of my head but both were absolute maulers. Not surprisingly, the saints had a trip to the sb about then and were dominant for a 2-3 year stretch until 1 left in free agency...

We already have the marquee left tackle. I think Howard has the talent to play rt. Britt is smart enough and mean enough to get by at center for now. I want 2 new guards this off-season and I want it to be a high priority. I want fire breathing road graders to stampede the defensive line like an apocalyptic tsunami.

They're out there. It would help the defense and Mills's progression. Jmo.


P.s. the saints guards were Jahari Evans and Carl Nicks.

The OL seems to be pass blocking every snap

 

[OptimisticTexan]

This year, I mostly paid attention to the qb play and I haven't rewatched a single game so I may be totally off-base but:


-This ol plays high. They don't get low and they don't get push because of it.

-1st step quickness isn't there most of the time. How do you get leverage to a gap or outside when a defender's feet beats yours?

-Britt is the only tenacious mf'er upfront but he's just a marginal talent. If Tunsil and Howard were that mean we wouldn't be having this conversation.

-We've tried to aid the rungame for years with giant tightends and I don't see that it's helped much. When it does, it only helps on the Strong side.

I want to see them play lower. I want to see this offense with a variety of snapcounts instead of the same predictable bs so they get that 1st step. I want to see a real play action pass instead of the lazy fake handoffs most qbs do (always a pet peeve of mine and it does inversely help the run game.) I want to see Howard given a real shot at right tackle because I believe he's wasted at left guard.

These are all little things we can do before even adding talent. When it comes to talent, I'll be blunt, Tunsil and Howard are finesse players. They're more gifted in pass pro then run blocking and both were picked to excel at that. Our guard play is trash.

I'm reminded of the saints a few years back who made big investments in their guards. I can't remember their names off the top of my head but both were absolute maulers. Not surprisingly, the saints had a trip to the sb about then and were dominant for a 2-3 year stretch until 1 left in free agency...

We already have the marquee left tackle. I think Howard has the talent to play rt. Britt is smart enough and mean enough to get by at center for now. I want 2 new guards this off-season and I want it to be a high priority. I want fire breathing road graders to stampede the defensive line like an apocalyptic tsunami.

They're out there. It would help the defense and Mills's progression. Jmo.

I think Kinnard- 6-5 @ 345 lbs (KY), Salyer- 6-4 @ 325 lbs (GA), Green- 6-4 @ 325 lbs (A&M), or Johnson- 6-3 @ 316 lbs (BC) would give you the Guards this team would highly benefit from. Take any two.

I’m going to add Michigan Mauler, OL- Andrew Stueber (6-7 @ 338 lbs) in as a RD4 or RD5 pick. This dude is a road grader with a nasty streak. He’ll wind up being a steal in the mid rounds.

Give me RB’s Breece Hall- 6-1 @ 220 lbs (Iowa St), Rachaad White- 6-2 @ 215 lbs (Arizona St), or Tyler Allgeier- 5-11 @ 220 lbs (BYU). Pick any two.

Two of these RB’s and any three from the OL choices would initiate a drastic change in the Texans offense.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I think Kinnard- 6-5 @ 345 lbs (KY), Salyer- 6-4 @ 325 lbs (GA), Green- 6-4 @ 325 lbs (A&M), or Johnson- 6-3 @ 316 lbs (BC) would give you the Guards this team would highly benefit from. Take any two.

I’m going to add Michigan Mauler, OL- Andrew Stueber (6-7 @ 338 lbs) in as a RD4 or RD5 pick. This dude is a road grader with a nasty streak. He’ll wind up being a steal in the mid rounds.

Give me RB’s Breece Hall- 6-1 @ 220 lbs (Iowa St) and Rachaad White- 6-2 @ 215 lbs (Arizona St)

Both RB’s and any 3 from the OL choices would initiate a drastic change in the Texans offense.

Aww hail…I’m greedy. Give me all 7 pieces.

LT- Salyer
LG- Green
OC- Britt / Johnson
RG- Kinnard
RT- Stueber

RB- Hall
RB- White

 

[dream_team]

The Texans had a pretty good rushing attack in 2019. 9th in total yards, 8th in yards per attempt.

Our running backs were mainly Carlos Hyde & Duke Johnson. Yes, DW helped as well.

The starting OL was Tunsil, Scharping, Martin, Fulton, and Howard. THREE of those guys are still on the team!!!

In 2020, we ditched Hyde for David Johnson. The rest of the personnel, though, was pretty much the same. The running game went to total crap, 31st in total yards, 19th in yards per attempt.

So... million dollar question. What happened? Is Carlos Hyde that much better than DJ?

 

[steelbtexan]

PFF College Football on Twitter: "Highest-graded SEC Tackles this season: 1. Darian Kinnard - 91.9 2. Charles Cross - 86.7 3. Evan Neal - 85.8 https://t.co/rfHV3vEuKJ" / Twitter

Yep, you pick Neal at 1-3 and Kinnard at 2-37

Put them on the right side of the OL and they block the sun. The run game issues are solve by the 2 biggest baddest dudes with attitude in this draft. Keep Tunsil for a yr and play Howards bbusty azz at LG and the OL will look alot better.

My question is if you were to do this would you use 3-68 and 4-115 to move up and take Pickens at say 2-45?

At 3-80 I'm looking at CB's GoodrichArmour Davis/Woolen.

This would give me 4 day 1 starters and upgrades.

 

[vtech9]

What do you guys think of Jimmy Morissey? Caserio said they targeted him as an UDFA & we’re very pleased when they got the opportunity to bring him in.

The game when all of the starters were out with Covid (San Diego), Morrisey didn't look bad. But then again, the rest of the OLine looked pretty good in that game too. I think the Texans went with more of a ZB scheme in that game though. I know the Chargers defense wasn't that good, but it really makes me wonder if the OLine would have looked that good if the Texans would have played with their normal blocking scheme.

 

[steelbtexan]

What do you guys think of Jimmy Morissey? Caserio said they targeted him as an UDFA & we’re very pleased when they got the opportunity to bring him in.

I like him as a backup. Smart/tough/solid undersized guy. It's possible that he could get much stronger with an offseason of NFL S&C. If this happens he could develop into a starter.

 

[vtech9]

So... million dollar question. What happened? Is Carlos Hyde that much better than DJ?

They are different runners. David Johnson is more like Duke Johnson. He's more of a threat out of the backfield. Carlos Hyde is a bigger, stronger version of Burkhead. Hyde hits the hole faster than DJ does, and runs harder. The one advantage Burkhead has over Hyde is that he is a little shiftier than Hyde, and can squeeze through smaller holes.

 

[steelbtexan]

This year, I mostly paid attention to the qb play and I haven't rewatched a single game so I may be totally off-base but:


-This ol plays high. They don't get low and they don't get push because of it.

-1st step quickness isn't there most of the time. How do you get leverage to a gap or outside when a defender's feet beats yours?

-Britt is the only tenacious mf'er upfront but he's just a marginal talent. If Tunsil and Howard were that mean we wouldn't be having this conversation.

-We've tried to aid the rungame for years with giant tightends and I don't see that it's helped much. When it does, it only helps on the Strong side.

I want to see them play lower. I want to see this offense with a variety of snapcounts instead of the same predictable bs so they get that 1st step. I want to see a real play action pass instead of the lazy fake handoffs most qbs do (always a pet peeve of mine and it does inversely help the run game.) I want to see Howard given a real shot at right tackle because I believe he's wasted at left guard.

These are all little things we can do before even adding talent. When it comes to talent, I'll be blunt, Tunsil and Howard are finesse players. They're more gifted in pass pro then run blocking and both were picked to excel at that. Our guard play is trash.

I'm reminded of the saints a few years back who had 2 dominant guards. I can't remember their names off the top of my head but both were absolute maulers. Not surprisingly, the saints had a trip to the sb about then and were dominant for a 2-3 year stretch until 1 left in free agency...

We already have the marquee left tackle. I think Howard has the talent to play rt. Britt is smart enough and mean enough to get by at center for now. I want 2 new guards this off-season and I want it to be a high priority. I want fire breathing road graders to stampede the defensive line like an apocalyptic tsunami.

They're out there. It would help the defense and Mills's progression. Jmo.


P.s. the saints guards were Jahari Evans and Carl Nicks.

I really like this post, but I think Howard and Scharping are busts and Caserio should move on from them. You will never have a good run game with those guys as part of your OL. IMHO

Admit the past regimes mistakes and move on.

 

[steelbtexan]

I think Kinnard- 6-5 @ 345 lbs (KY), Salyer- 6-4 @ 325 lbs (GA), Green- 6-4 @ 325 lbs (A&M), or Johnson- 6-3 @ 316 lbs (BC) would give you the Guards this team would highly benefit from. Take any two.

I’m going to add Michigan Mauler, OL- Andrew Stueber (6-7 @ 338 lbs) in as a RD4 or RD5 pick. This dude is a road grader with a nasty streak. He’ll wind up being a steal in the mid rounds.

Give me RB’s Breece Hall- 6-1 @ 220 lbs (Iowa St) and Rachaad White- 6-2 @ 215 lbs (Arizona St)

Both RB’s and any 3 from the OL choices would initiate a drastic change in the Texans offense.

I do like Stueber as a developmental OG.

He doesn't have the feet to play OT in the NFL.

 

[vtech9]

I really like this post, but I think Howard and Scharping are busts and Caserio should move on from them. You will never have a good run game with those guys as part of your OL. IMHO

Admit the past regimes mistakes and move on.

I think you are wrong about Howard. If he was given the chance to play either RT or LT without being moved all over the place, I think he'd be pretty good. He's not an OG, he's an OT, and needs to stay there. When he played LT, I thought he looked better than Tunsil, but that was too limited to know for sure.

 

[steelbtexan]

I think you are wrong about Howard. If he was given the chance to play either RT or LT without being moved all over the place, I think he'd be pretty good. He's not an OG, he's an OT, and needs to stay there. When he played LT, I thought he looked better than Tunsil, but that was too limited to know for sure.

Tunsil has made 2 consecutive pro bowls. So I dont think Howard will ever make 1 pro bowl.

Gotta disagree with you on Howard. Do you think you could solve the run game issues by lining up Howard and Say Salyers at RT/RG? I dont.

I want a dominant OL and Howard will never be part of a dominant OL. Could he start say at LT for the Panthers? Yes he could and be an upgrade. I would look to trade him to Carolina for a 3rd rd pick.

Another idea I had was trading Howard to the Chargers for a 3rd. They are in bad need of a RT to protect Herbert.

If you could get a 3rd for Howard then my mock would look something like this.

Neal
Salyer because I think Kinnard will be gone
Trade up for Pickens using 3-68 and 4- 115
3-80 CB Goodrich
3-85, I haven't looked at exactly where the Chargers are picking- Calcaterra TE. SMU

 

[vtech9]

Tunsil has made 2 consecutive pro bowls. So I dont think Howard will ever make 1 pro bowl.

Gotta disagree with you on Howard. Do you think you could solve the run game issues by lining up Howard and Say Salyers at RT/RG? I dont.

I want a dominant OL and Howard will never be part of a dominant OL. Could he start say at LT for the Panthers? Yes he could and be an upgrade. I would look to trade him to Carolina for a 3rd rd pick.

Another idea I had was trading Howard to the Chargers for a 3rd. They are in bad need of a RT to protect Herbert.

If you could get a 3rd for Howard then my mock would look something like this.

Neal
Salyer because I think Kinnard will be gone
Trade up for Pickens using 3-68 and 4- 115
3-80 CB Goodrich
3-85, I haven't looked at exactly where the Chargers are picking- Calcaterra TE. SMU

We'll agree to disagree then. Tunsil may have made 2 Pro Bowls, but that doesn't make him better than Howard. Everybody knows those things are just popularity contests. I have never been impressed with Tunsil's run blocking. As I've said, in his limited plays at LT this season, I thought Howard played better. You think Howard is a bust because he is not a great RG or LG. Well, he's not an OG, and shouldn't be playing as one. I would not be remiss if we traded Tunsil for picks, and moved Howard to LT, or drafted a LT and moved Howard back to RT.

If we can get picks for both Tunsil and WD40, we could stay at 3, and pick BPA all the way through the draft, and almost rebuild our team in one season.

 

[TheRealJoker]

What do you guys think of Jimmy Morissey? Caserio said they targeted him as an UDFA & we’re very pleased when they got the opportunity to bring him in.

I think he can have a solid career as a Greg Mancz type quality backup swing OG/C. His lack of length will make him always be a player you would like to upgrade as a starter but if this team gets to a more ZBS based running attack he can be a solid spot starter/quality backup.

 

[steelbtexan]

We'll agree to disagree then. Tunsil may have made 2 Pro Bowls, but that doesn't make him better than Howard. Everybody knows those things are just popularity contests. I have never been impressed with Tunsil's run blocking. As I've said, in his limited plays at LT this season, I thought Howard played better. You think Howard is a bust because he is not a great RG or LG. Well, he's not an OG, and shouldn't be playing as one. I would not be remiss if we traded Tunsil for picks, and moved Howard to LT, or drafted a LT and moved Howard back to RT.

If we can get picks for both Tunsil and WD40, we could stay at 3, and pick BPA all the way through the draft, and almost rebuild our team in one season.

I never liked the Howard pick. Thought he was overdafted. Turns out he's more busty than 1st rd material. Howard struggled at RT, what makes you think he can play LT against guys like the Bosa's/Garrett/Watt's of the world. He doesn't have the feet to play LT and isn't physical enough to play RT. BTW, Howard barely played LT this yr. If you want to trade Tunsil then you need to pick either Neal/Ikem at 1-3.

I guess I'm not the only person who disagrees with you about Tunsil.

 

[welsh texan]

I never liked the Howard pick. Thought he was overdafted. Turns out he's more busty than 1st rd material. Howard struggled at RT, what makes you think he can play LT against guys like the Bosa's/Garrett/Watt's of the world. He doesn't have the feet to play LT and isn't physical enough to play RT. BTW, Howard barely played LT this yr. If you want to trade Tunsil then you needto pick either Neal/Ikem at 1-3.

I guess I'm notthe only person who disagrees with you about Tunsil.

I’ve seen elsewhere people making a case that Howard looks to be the answer at LT.

Not something I was able to notice, but interesting to see how opinion varies on him.