O-Line, Still not addressing the problem!

[Texans Horror]

IMHO, they have upgraded tremendously by (hopefully) fixing the coaching. Flanagan is an added bonus, and I really don't think we'll see any other new names on the line.

I would like to see us pull a lineman with #33, though. It would be nice to have a lineman in the wings to take a spot from one of our older guys.

 

[carrstud34]

we just need to get some more talent in the mix. some of these guys wouldnt even make rosters of other teams. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MINUTE.

 

[dalemurphy]

Quick question, how long do you guys think that it will take the Texans to make a seriouse playoff run. Not just get to the WildCard and lose, but actually win a roudn or 2. I doubt that it will be this year, or next year, maybe the year after that, but by that time, 80% of our offensive line will be too old to play. Pitts and Hogdon are the only 2 young offensive lineman that are showing promise. Unless Sherman can do something with Wand, I think that he will forever be a backup in the NFL. To me it seems like the Texans are trying to put together a temporary patchwork o-line.

After last season, it's really impossible to know. There are just too many questions. That is the million dollar question. How much of last year's struggles were a result of a lack of talent and how much was coaching. If season #3 was an accurate representation of the talent, I'd say we are in the playoff hunt this year. Whether we have the talent to compete seriously for championships will depend on how high the ceiling is for guys like Carr, AJ, McKinney, Pitts, Wand, Mathis, Robaire, Dunta, TJohnson, etc... I'd say the even if many of them are potential probowlers, it will still take a season under the new staff to grow and develop before we become a force.

My prediction for this season: 5-11 wins... that's about the best I can do right now. I have to say, though, this kind of uncertainty is a lot of fun... After all, where there is uncertainly there also is HOPE!

 

[TexanFan881]

Offensive Lineman are able to play good when they are up to about 35. Our O-line has a few more years left in them and over the next two years we can draft several prospects from the draft who will be able to take their place eventually.

 

[Runner]

we just need to get some more talent in the mix. some of these guys wouldnt even make rosters of other teams. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MINUTE.

I thought about it for more than a minute - Milford Brown (who was basically written off until injury allowed him into the line-up) signed a $12M contract with another team this year. Don't under estimate our talent level or the negative effect of Joe Pendry.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

I thought about it for more than a minute - Milford Brown (who was basically written off until injury allowed him into the line-up) signed a $12M contract with another team this year. Don't under estimate our talent level or the negative effect of Joe Pendry.

A lot of us have been saying that for a long time. Same can perhaps be said of Wand. Very few comments from the coaches in this respect. You kind of wonder what they are thinking. I know he can be had for not too much, but is that because they think there will be no takers.....

 

[Kaiser Toro]

I thought about it for more than a minute - Milford Brown (who was basically written off until injury allowed him into the line-up) signed a $12M contract with another team this year. Don't under estimate our talent level or the negative effect of Joe Pendry.

Totally agree. Our best talent acquisitions could conceivably be dormant on our roster.

 

[Runner]

A lot of us have been saying that for a long time. Same can perhaps be said of Wand. Very few comments from the coaches in this respect. You kind of wonder what they are thinking. I know he can be had for not too much, but is that because they think there will be no takers.....

You can make a guess at what they are thinking by looking at the number of free agent tackles they pursued vs. interior lineman. I'm concluding they think they have starters at tackle on the roster and will draft for depth and grooming.

The way I understand it, even if someone makes an offer to a RFA (Wand in your example) the Texans could then negotiate a longer term or larger deal with that player and keep him. The tender just locks the player in at a good price and makes sure the Texans receive draft compensation if they leave.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

You can make a guess at what they are thinking by looking at the number of free agent tackles they pursued vs. interior lineman. I'm concluding they think they have starters at tackle on the roster and will draft for depth and grooming.

The way I understand it, even if someone makes an offer to a RFA (Wand in your example) the Texans could then negotiate a longer term or larger deal with that player and keep him. The tender just locks the player in at a good price and makes sure the Texans receive draft compensation if they leave.

That's what it looks like to me. There have been almost zero comments in requard to Wand. I would really like to know what Sherman thinks of him.

 

[Ibar_Harry]

If Kubiak has watched every film of Carr I would bet the same would be true of Sherman and the O-line. It would be fun to know what is going on in their heads with respect to the talent we have on this ball club. We know Brown was released because he doesn't fit and many think Wade is in the same boat. But in reality not a lot has been said....

 

[dalemurphy]

If Kubiak has watched every film of Carr I would bet the same would be true of Sherman and the O-line. It would be fun to know what is going on in their heads with respect to the talent we have on this ball club. We know Brown was released because he doesn't fit and many think Wade is in the same boat. But in reality not a lot has been said....

The sports media would rather ask 10 questions about drafting Vince Young or about the shape of David Carr's hair, and the interesting questions like, "how does your opinion on 'x player' differ from the previous staff's opinion?"... Or, "after looking at tape, why did Wand lose his job to Victor Riley last season?" or "do you think Greenwood is more suited for WLB in a 4-3 than the inside of a 3-4 and why?'

 

[Runner]

The sports media would rather ask 10 questions about drafting Vince Young or about the shape of David Carr's hair, and the interesting questions like, "how does your opinion on 'x player' differ from the previous staff's opinion?"... Or, "after looking at tape, why did Wand lose his job to Victor Riley last season?" or "do you think Greenwood is more suited for WLB in a 4-3 than the inside of a 3-4 and why?'

Would that be refreshing or what?????

However, I'd probably miss the interview because I rarely listen to sports radio right now unless a big non-Bush/Young event has taken place, i.e. signing Flanagan or Putzier.

 

[el toro]

They will be able to take at least one lineman prospect with one of the 2nd or 3rd round picks. Maybe there will also be a cap casualty in the league after June 1st worth picking up. You already have better coaching, a real center and a LG where he's supposed to be. I have a feeling that the Texans' improved line is going to be one of those early season stories that makes the rounds in the media.

 

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

Just a thought... I think this would be a great draft...

Trade down with Cleveland as they could really use a high caliber RB moving down to 13th pick and also get their (let's be generous) 3rd rounder as well.

#13 - Justice - OT
#33 - Bullock - S - Neb
#65 - Wilkinson - LB - GT
#66 - DeMario Winter - CB - Georgia
#78 - Joseph Addai - RB - LSU (clev pick)
the rest....

 

[TexansLucky13]

They will be able to take at least one lineman prospect with one of the 2nd or 3rd round picks. Maybe there will also be a cap casualty in the league after June 1st worth picking up. You already have better coaching, a real center and a LG where he's supposed to be. I have a feeling that the Texans' improved line is going to be one of those early season stories that makes the rounds in the media.

McNeil, OT, is projected by most mock drafts to be a priority for the Texans 2nd, 3rd round picks. He is an incredible player, shows much promise. He may end up being the only O-lineman that we get in the top 3 rounds... and I dont believe we need any more than him. So long as we remove Todd Wade from the line (terrible pass blocking), we should fair MUCH better than last year.

 

[Mathis13]

McNeil, OT, is projected by most mock drafts to be a priority for the Texans 2nd, 3rd round picks. He is an incredible player, shows much promise. He may end up being the only O-lineman that we get in the top 3 rounds... and I dont believe we need any more than him. So long as we remove Todd Wade from the line (terrible pass blocking), we should fair MUCH better than last year.

I nvr saw McNeil falling all the way down to the 3rd round. however if it did happen that would be sweet

 

[bdiddy]

Just a thought... I think this would be a great draft...

Trade down with Cleveland as they could really use a high caliber RB moving down to 13th pick and also get their (let's be generous) 3rd rounder as well.

#13 - Justice - OT
#33 - Bullock - S - Neb
#65 - Wilkinson - LB - GT
#66 - DeMario Winter - CB - Georgia
#78 - Joseph Addai - RB - LSU (clev pick)
the rest....

Dude, if we are trading down to #13, we sure as hell are going to get more than a 3rd round pick. Try a 3rd round pick, a 6th round pick, and next years 1st rounder.

 

[kcwilson]

Dude, if we are trading down to #13, we sure as hell are going to get more than a 3rd round pick. Try a 3rd round pick, a 6th round pick, and next years 1st rounder.

Totally agree... lest anyone forget, San Diego got huge trade value when they basically traded the #1 overall selection in Vick. There were like 4 or 5 selections they got, INCLUDING a top 5 overall.

I like taking Bush and take OL/DB in the 2nd and 3rd. Remember this is a fairly deep draft so we should get a strong value with the #33.

 

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

Dude, if we are trading down to #13, we sure as hell are going to get more than a 3rd round pick. Try a 3rd round pick, a 6th round pick, and next years 1st rounder.

Well even better, Like I said in my post BEING GENEROUS (on our part).

I have to believe add Justice to this current offensive line and Carr will have one fo the cleanest jerseys in the NFL, he will get sacked, but nothing like the past.

That would be one mean offensive line with huge protection.

 

[TheOgre]

Quick question, how long do you guys think that it will take the Texans to make a seriouse playoff run. Not just get to the WildCard and lose, but actually win a roudn or 2. I doubt that it will be this year, or next year, maybe the year after that, but by that time, 80% of our offensive line will be too old to play. Pitts and Hogdon are the only 2 young offensive lineman that are showing promise. Unless Sherman can do something with Wand, I think that he will forever be a backup in the NFL. To me it seems like the Texans are trying to put together a temporary patchwork o-line.

Great question Buff. I think you have to look at this unit by unit and make some observations:

O-line Pitts, Hodgdon, Wand, and Weary are the only young guys in the squad. I expect Wiegert and Wade to be gone within 2 years. McKinney will probably play most of his contract extension, but not much more. Flanagan is at the tail end of his prime. We need to "restock the shelf". That is why I am big on us taking an OT with our 2nd rounder. Pitts and that rookie should be around for a while. There is no telling if Weary, Wand, and Hodgdon will pan out. It would be great to take an interior lineman with one a middle-round selection.

QB The verdict is still out on Carr. I think they give him 2 years to prove he is a quality starter or they start looking for a new signal caller. I am not fond of The Sage One, and I will leave it at that. The fact that they signed the Sage One tells you all you really need to know about what the new staff thinks of Ragone.

RB
I'm assuming Reggie Bush is our selection. This, along with WR, is one of the few areas of strength for the team. DD and Morency give us three starting quality backs on the roster. I don't think Wells is back due to the investment we have in the position. If we get Bush, I wouldn't be surprised if we tried to trade DD or Morency in the next two years. The fullbacks we have are functional and not much more.

WR Assuming we add Moulds, we are looking at AJ, Moulds, Walters, and Mathis. I think this is one area we are set for a while.

TE Putzier gives us a vertical threat at the position for the first time since Billy Miller was cut. Bruener continues to be a stud run blocker, but not much in the receiving department. Joppru is the "X" factor. He has to show something to stay on the roster. If Joppru actually plays and shows some skills, we could re-sign him. Otherwise I think we will still need to find an all-purpose TE.

Dline
Robaire Smith and TJ should be our starting DT's for years to come. Anthony Weaver is a versative player that can play any where on the line. It is hard to tell what position he will play say 2-3 years from now. Babin and/or Peek needs to step up and show some pass-rushing skills from the weakside. Regardless, I expect us to draft one early next year. We really need a DE stud.
LB's
Cowart is a stop-gap at MLB. Since MLB is a key position in the 4-3, I expect us to spend a first day selection on one either this year or next. Greenwood is a solid WLB with a big contract. I see him around for a few years. Wong just doesn't seem like our solution at SLB. Perhaps one of our many 3-4 tweeners can play the position, but I am not holding my breath. So to re-cap, we need to find a starting (stud) MLB and SLB over the next few years.

DB's
Robinson had an off year in 2005. He is the centerpiece for our secondary. I think it has been established that Buchanon and Faggins are nickel backs at best. We need to find someone to play opposite Robinson.
As for safety, we have two functional guys in CC Brown and Glenn Earl. Both are great against the run but liabilities in coverage. I think they should duke it out for the starting SS spot and we should look in a new direction for our starting FS. Perhaps our WIP, Jammal Lord, could be our backup FS for years to come. Keep an eye on that situation. Regardless, IMO we need to add a starting CB and a starting FS.

ST's
Brown and Stanley are coming off their worst seasons as Texans. They both need to rebound to keep their jobs. Mathis is a stud KR. We have several options at PR with Buchanon (might do something for us), Mathis, and perhaps even Bush (although unlikely).

We have a ton of questions, especially with respect to our defense and O-line. The area of strength for us is our skill positions. Lets just hope that Carr and the offense can improve dramatically with the new additions, because we cannot afford to draft any more skill positions early (1st or 2nd) any time soon (again assuming we take Bush and sign Moulds).

 

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

Great question Buff. I think you have to look at this unit by unit and make some observations:

O-line Pitts, Hodgdon, Wand, and Weary are the only young guys in the squad. I expect Wiegert and Wade to be gone within 2 years. McKinney will probably play most of his contract extension, but not much more. Flanagan is at the tail end of his prime. We need to "restock the shelf". That is why I am big on us taking an OT with our 2nd rounder. Pitts and that rookie should be around for a while. There is no telling if Weary, Wand, and Hodgdon will pan out. It would be great to take an interior lineman with one a middle-round selection.

QB The verdict is still out on Carr. I think they give him 2 years to prove he is a quality starter or they start looking for a new signal caller. I am not fond of The Sage One, and I will leave it at that. The fact that they signed the Sage One tells you all you really need to know about what the new staff thinks of Ragone.

RB
I'm assuming Reggie Bush is our selection. This, along with WR, is one of the few areas of strength for the team. DD and Morency give us three starting quality backs on the roster. I don't think Wells is back due to the investment we have in the position. If we get Bush, I wouldn't be surprised if we tried to trade DD or Morency in the next two years. The fullbacks we have are functional and not much more.

WR Assuming we add Moulds, we are looking at AJ, Moulds, Walters, and Mathis. I think this is one area we are set for a while.

TE Putzier gives us a vertical threat at the position for the first time since Billy Miller was cut. Bruener continues to be a stud run blocker, but not much in the receiving department. Joppru is the "X" factor. He has to show something to stay on the roster. If Joppru actually plays and shows some skills, we could re-sign him. Otherwise I think we will still need to find an all-purpose TE.

Dline
Robaire Smith and TJ should be our starting DT's for years to come. Anthony Weaver is a versative player that can play any where on the line. It is hard to tell what position he will play say 2-3 years from now. Babin and/or Peek needs to step up and show some pass-rushing skills from the weakside. Regardless, I expect us to draft one early next year. We really need a DE stud.
LB's
Cowart is a stop-gap at MLB. Since MLB is a key position in the 4-3, I expect us to spend a first day selection on one either this year or next. Greenwood is a solid WLB with a big contract. I see him around for a few years. Wong just doesn't seem like our solution at SLB. Perhaps one of our many 3-4 tweeners can play the position, but I am not holding my breath. So to re-cap, we need to find a starting (stud) MLB and SLB over the next few years.

DB's
Robinson had an off year in 2005. He is the centerpiece for our secondary. I think it has been established that Buchanon and Faggins are nickel backs at best. We need to find someone to play opposite Robinson.
As for safety, we have two functional guys in CC Brown and Glenn Earl. Both are great against the run but liabilities in coverage. I think they should duke it out for the starting SS spot and we should look in a new direction for our starting FS. Perhaps our WIP, Jammal Lord, could be our backup FS for years to come. Keep an eye on that situation. Regardless, IMO we need to add a starting CB and a starting FS.

ST's
Brown and Stanley are coming off their worst seasons as Texans. They both need to rebound to keep their jobs. Mathis is a stud KR. We have several options at PR with Buchanon (might do something for us), Mathis, and perhaps even Bush (although unlikely).

We have a ton of questions, especially with respect to our defense and O-line. The area of strength for us is our skill positions. Lets just hope that Carr and the offense can improve dramatically with the new additions, because we cannot afford to draft any more skill positions early (1st or 2nd) any time soon (again assuming we take Bush and sign Moulds).

Good post..

 

[TexHorns]

Pass protection and run-blocking are two totally different things.

Yeah and IMO this team sucked at both. DD made most of his yards by making guys miss after contact. They were usually all over him. Its not like there were many open holes for him to run through. DD's biggest problem on the field was he does not have the speed to break it all the way once he got into the secondary.

 

[TheOgre]

Yeah and IMO this team sucked at both. DD made most of his yards by making guys miss after contact. They were usually all over him. Its not like there were many open holes for him to run through. DD's biggest problem on the field was he does not have the speed to break it all the way once he got into the secondary.

Actually there was a post a while back that showed statistical analysis that the Texans were good at run blocking. Sure it was a subjective formula, but isn't the same true of the QB rating (which I personally think is flawed)?

 

[infantrycak]

Actually there was a post a while back that showed statistical analysis that the Texans were good at run blocking. Sure it was a subjective formula, but isn't the same true of the QB rating (which I personally think is flawed)?

Depends on how you define good. Here is the link to the analysis you were talking about.

It has the run blocking overall in 8th on adjusted line yards per play (this ranking is purely a ypc measure and doesn't consider whether the team averaged 4.8 ypc for 200 total yards or 4.7 ypc for 2000 total yards), but the power rank is 30th, the 10+ rank is 27th and the stuffed rank is 21st. Compare that to San Diego who they have at 9th overall (despite averaging .3 ypc more on the year and gaining 250 yds more) with a power rank of 2nd, 10+ rank of 11th and stuffed rank of 14th. Or Miami who they have at 11th overall (they actually average .1 ypc more than the Texans) with a power rank of 6th, 10+ rank of 14th and stuffed rank of 8th.

Seems like the Texans still have plenty of improvement to get to a top 10 running game IMO.

 

[Mr Shush]

Well, the thinking on 10+ is that by the time the back's that far downfield the rest is all on him - nothing to do with the blocking (except maybe from receivers) - that's about the difference between Davis/Wells and Tomlinson or Brown/Williams.

Our numbers may be inflated compared to both those teams, and especially the Chargers, by the fact that their backs' reputations ensure regular 8-in-the-box, while a bad team like the '05 Texans, who are frequently behind in games, are not expected to run the ball so much and so seldom face an extra safety up.

The worrying number there is the atrocious "power" performance - ie, we sucked in 3rd/4th and short and in goal-line situations. Then again, Football Outsiders' research does suggest that poor third down performance relative to performance in other situations tends to correct the next year, so because of the importance of 3rd down performance teams that struggle in this area one year often have major rebound seasons the next.

 

[TheOgre]

Depends on how you define good. Here is the link to the analysis you were talking about.

It has the run blocking overall in 8th on adjusted line yards per play (this ranking is purely a ypc measure and doesn't consider whether the team averaged 4.8 ypc for 200 total yards or 4.7 ypc for 2000 total yards), but the power rank is 30th, the 10+ rank is 27th and the stuffed rank is 21st. Compare that to San Diego who they have at 9th overall (despite averaging .3 ypc more on the year and gaining 250 yds more) with a power rank of 2nd, 10+ rank of 11th and stuffed rank of 14th. Or Miami who they have at 11th overall (they actually average .1 ypc more than the Texans) with a power rank of 6th, 10+ rank of 14th and stuffed rank of 8th.

Seems like the Texans still have plenty of improvement to get to a top 10 running game IMO.

I think a ranking of 8th is good to great. I give DD credit for the deficiency in 10+ yard runs. The line definitely gets more of the blame than DD for the bad stuffed ranking. They aren't a stellar run blocking crew, but they are clearly significantly better at run blocking than pass blocking (1 sack every 8 times the QB went back?). Perhaps I should have said "above average" run blocking instead of good. My point was that these linemen have some run blocking skills. When you compare it to their pass blocking, it is no contest.

 

[infantrycak]

I think a ranking of 8th is good to great. I give DD credit for the deficiency in 10+ yard runs. The line definitely gets more of the blame than DD for the bad stuffed ranking. They aren't a stellar run blocking crew, but they are clearly significantly better at run blocking than pass blocking (1 sack every 8 times the QB went back?). Perhaps I should have said "above average" run blocking instead of good. My point was that these linemen have some run blocking skills. When you compare it to their pass blocking, it is no contest.

Absolutely they are better at run blocking than pass blocking. My only point was there is still a ton of room for improvement before the Texans' OL can be considered a dominant run blocking OL. They are no where near the class of KC, Denver, Seattle.

 

[Runner]

Does anyone have any insight to who they have where on the o-line during workouts right now?

(By "they" I mean the coaches, not the newspaper).

 

[Bobo]

The worrying number there is the atrocious "power" performance - ie, we sucked in 3rd/4th and short and in goal-line situations. Then again, Football Outsiders' research does suggest that poor third down performance relative to performance in other situations tends to correct the next year, so because of the importance of 3rd down performance teams that struggle in this area one year often have major rebound seasons the next.

How does this improvement come about? By magic?

 

[Vinny]

Seems like the Texans still have plenty of improvement to get to a top 10 running game IMO.

Considering our passing game was awful I'd consider our running game well above average. Nobody thought Carr could beat them last year throwing 20 hitch passes a game. It's tough to pass when you can't run and it is tough to run when you can't pass the ball. If Carr was able to make more teams pay then you would have seen even better running numbers.

 

[TexanFan881]

I think the new Oline coaches plus the addition of Mike Flanagan greatly improves our Oline without doing much with it from last year. Sherman will fix our Oline a lot and I think we have a decent chance of doing good this year with the addition of a few early-mid round draft picks.

 

[wags]

Considering our passing game was awful I'd consider our running game well above average. Nobody thought Carr could beat them last year throwing 20 hitch passes a game. It's tough to pass when you can't run and it is tough to run when you can't pass the ball. If Carr was able to make more teams pay then you would have seen even better running numbers.

You may have a point but I think people also overcalculate our ground game. If you look at only our RB production then we are actually below average (25th), but when you factor in Carr's scrambles it bumps us up to 15th I believe(in terms of yardage).

 

[Vinny]

You may have a point but I think people also overcalculate our ground game. If you look at only our RB production then we are actually below average (25th), but when you factor in Carr's scrambles it bumps us up to 15th I believe(in terms of yardage).

That just helps my point. If you can't pass, it is hard to run (and vice versa of course). The only functional part of our offense was our running game.

 

[infantrycak]

Considering our passing game was awful I'd consider our running game well above average. Nobody thought Carr could beat them last year throwing 20 hitch passes a game. It's tough to pass when you can't run and it is tough to run when you can't pass the ball. If Carr was able to make more teams pay then you would have seen even better running numbers.

I'm not saying the run blocking was bad and it certainly was better than the pass blocking, but it is my impression from a number of posts around here that people think we have a "good" running game or one that doesn't really need much improvement. Above average?--maybe, slightly. Funny how the topic changes the posts--when the topic is DD several folks say no one game plans against him and teams give him yards/he gets lots of slop yards at the ends of games when the Texans are behind. When the topic is the run blocking the answer is it was good especially considering how bad the passing game was so teams could just play the run. In any event, take out Carr's ypc elevating 308 yds at 5.5 ypc and you get a team rushing average of 3.9 ypc--putting the Texans in the 16th-19th group. Maybe it is above average considering the circumstances but it sure isn't anything anyone was going to call dominant or game-controlling which is all my point was--there is plenty of room for improvement.

 

[Vinny]

I'm not saying the run blocking was bad and it certainly was better than the pass blocking, but it is my impression from a number of posts around here that people think we have a "good" running game or one that doesn't really need much improvement. Above average?--maybe, slightly. Funny how the topic changes the posts--when the topic is DD several folks say no one game plans against him and teams give him yards/he gets lots of slop yards at the ends of games when the Texans are behind. When the topic is the run blocking the answer is it was good especially considering how bad the passing game was so teams could just play the run. In any event, take out Carr's ypc elevating 308 yds at 5.5 ypc and you get a team rushing average of 3.9 ypc--putting the Texans in the 16th-19th group. Maybe it is above average considering the circumstances but it sure isn't anything anyone was going to call dominant or game-controlling which is all my point was--there is plenty of room for improvement.

I think we can all agree on that one.

 

[Texans Horror]

I don't have a coach's inside perspective, but I think it is pretty obvious that Wand and Flanagan are playing Tackle and Center because Wand was recruited by Green Bay and Flanagan played there. McKinney and Pitts are your guards, leaving only the RT spot open. This spot will probably go to one of the vets, but as rich as this draft is in tackles, I could see a tackle brought in with the #33 pick. Not to play this year, necessarily, but to replace a vet.

 

[Runner]

Let's do this mental exercise then. Throw out the 2005 season as if it never happened - no Riley, no players losing confidence in the coaching (or whatever happened), no further regression in many facets of the offensive game, no catastrophic change in the offensive game plan, we had a successful offense for half of the year, etc.

If we had gotten this coaching staff and picked up Flanagan under those conditions, what would we be predicting for our:

a) o-line personnel specifically
b) offense in general - running and passing

No fair using 2005 evidence - it is fairly useless evidence in player evaluation given how the problems compounded each other.



Under those conditions I would probably just have substituted Flanagan for McKinney and drafted a tackle to hopefully replace Wade if he didn't improve from his 2004 performance. I would also have expected the coaches to improve the "team game" of the offensive line to make the players make each other better. (i.e. have the LG help the LT against elite defensive ends).

 

[Runner]

I don't have a coach's inside perspective, but I think it is pretty obvious that Wand and Flanagan are playing Tackle and Center because Wand was recruited by Green Bay and Flanagan played there. McKinney and Pitts are your guards, leaving only the RT spot open. This spot will probably go to one of the vets, but as rich as this draft is in tackles, I could see a tackle brought in with the #33 pick. Not to play this year, necessarily, but to replace a vet.

Given your scenario, I think that would leave Weigert in the RT position. We'd then need to draft and groom an RT prospect to back him up this season if (when?) he gets injured and replace him next year.

Maybe "targeted" is more accurate than "recruited" if you are talking about the 2003 draft.

 

[Texans Horror]

Given your scenario, I think that would leave Weigert in the RT position. We'd then need to draft and groom an RT prospect to back him up this season if (when?) he gets injured and replace him next year.

Maybe "targeted" is more accurate than "recruited" if you are talking about the 2003 draft.

Whichever one (Wade/Weigert). Honestly, I never can remember which one is tackle and which one is guard.

My mind sometimes slips between college ball and pro ball - that's probably why I said recruited. Yeah, that sounds good.

Let me put it this way - I would have preferred for them to not bring back McKinney. I think he is a waste and it's an aggie thing that he's back. Pitts doesn't have the quickness that I like to see. I think he may be gone after this year, too.

 

[Runner]

Whichever one (Wade/Weigert). Honestly, I never can remember which one is tackle and which one is guard.

My mind sometimes slips between college ball and pro ball - that's probably why I said recruited. Yeah, that sounds good.

Let me put it this way - I would have preferred for them to not bring back McKinney. I think he is a waste and it's an aggie thing that he's back. Pitts doesn't have the quickness that I like to see. I think he may be gone after this year, too.

Weigert has played tackle and guard; Wade is a tackle only IMO.

Ouch! I doubt Pitts will be gone any time soon.

 

[Texans Horror]

I'm probably looking too far ahead, but I think there are some players who are average but not in the top 10, and never will be. IMO, Pitts is one of those guys. He can probably be upgraded.

Now, before I get stoned to death, let me say I think he is a good player and I hope the best for him, but as many people have recognized, the line needs to be upgraded. I think it will be a two-year process to get the line where Kubes wants, and let's face it, I don't think many of the guys here today will be there in two years (except Flanagan).

 

[Runner]

I'm probably looking too far ahead, but I think there are some players who are average but not in the top 10, and never will be. IMO, Pitts is one of those guys. He can probably be upgraded.

Now, before I get stoned to death, let me say I think he is a good player and I hope the best for him, but as many people have recognized, the line needs to be upgraded. I think it will be a two-year process to get the line where Kubes wants, and let's face it, I don't think many of the guys here today will be there in two years (except Flanagan).

Well, the best thing I can say about this post is that it keeps the number of posts in this o-line discussion thread ahead of the number in the "What Will Reggie's Number Be" thread. For now.

 

[Coach C.]

OSO Wand is not going to start and unless there is an injury likely will not see extensive playing time. The line as I have stated ealier is as of right now:
Pitts, McKinney, Flannigan, Weary, Weigert. That is the line, I understand that some people dont want to believe that Wand was a reach, but he was and unless he shows something this year in the pre-season he will be looking for another team.

 

[swtbound07]

OSO Wand is not going to start and unless there is an injury likely will not see extensive playing time. The line as I have stated ealier is as of right now:
Pitts, McKinney, Flannigan, Weary, Weigert. That is the line, I understand that some people dont want to believe that Wand was a reach, but he was and unless he shows something this year in the pre-season he will be looking for another team.

Arent they paying Todd Wade too much to be a backup?

 

[Runner]

OSO Wand is not going to start and unless there is an injury likely will not see extensive playing time. The line as I have stated ealier is as of right now:
Pitts, McKinney, Flannigan, Weary, Weigert.

Just to be clear, what is your basis for this? Are you saying that's how the Texans coaches have them lined up, is it what you think, or is that taking McClain's line-up as fact?

 

[Texans Horror]

I see your point, Coach C, but I think Wand, who didn't fit well into Pendry's scheme, fits well into Sherman's/Kubiak's. Speed, strength, speed, and besides, Green Bay was already looking into him anyway. Did I mention speed?

 

[Runner]

Arent they paying Todd Wade too much to be a backup?

I'd rank salary pretty far down on my evaluation of who to put on the field, especially if that salary can be passed off as the previous regime's mistake.

 

[Coach C.]

This is what the coaching staff is thinking. I am not saying this is fact or anything, but let's just say dont be suprised if the lineup mentioned are the starters for week 1 barring injury. As far as Wand goes, he is doughy and we should have sent him to NFLE when we sent Ragone, that was a big mistake. His football IQ is terrible and that is the main reason he does not play. He probably has enough athleticism to at least battle Wade for the backup spot, but other than that he needs to live in the video room and really work his *** off. I have not seen it yet, but hey I dont live with the guy or stay at the stadium.

 

[Texans Horror]

This is what the coaching staff is thinking. I am not saying this is fact or anything, but let's just say dont be suprised if the lineup mentioned are the starters for week 1 barring injury. As far as Wand goes, he is doughy and we should have sent him to NFLE when we sent Ragone, that was a big mistake. His football IQ is terrible and that is the main reason he does not play. He probably has enough athleticism to at least battle Wade for the backup spot, but other than that he needs to live in the video room and really work his *** off. I have not seen it yet, but hey I dont live with the guy or stay at the stadium.

Fat and stupid. Got it. But I've heard differently - mostly that he is one of the trimmer linemen and sprints with the linebackers, but who knows? Mayber they're a bunch of slow-asses, too. I wonder how he did on the wonderlic?

 

[swtbound07]

I'd rank salary pretty far down on my evaluation of who to put on the field, especially if that salary can be passed off as the previous regime's mistake.

i agree with the principle from a football perspective, but if we are assuming the new regime can turn things around, wouldnt you start with trying to improve the most financially inflexible obstacles?