State of the O-line

[steelbtexan]

I'm also a true believer that the team must get better at identifying OL talent in the draft. I think the Gaine / O'Brien team made some nice picks this season but that was mostly done with their hands tied behind their backs. I think they've done a good job at setting the forms for a good foundation going into the 2019 NFL Draft.

As for the Texans problem.....O'Brien and team have failed to identify a OL scheme that best fits the talent they have gathered. Everyone knows that O'Brien wants to execute a power scheme but the talent they have accumulated seems better suited to execute a ZBS. How do they finally get together and get this figured out before the next draft / FA period so the foundation can be set properly going into next season?

I agree with this post.

Except you had Ricky picking ZBS guys, when BOB wanted to run a power sxheme., because the ZBS is all that Ricky kind of knows. There was a true disconnect between what BOB wanted vs what Ricky knew.

Luckily BOB,Gaine are on the same page. But cleaning up the mess of an OL that Ricky left behind isn't a one offseason project.

 

[dream_team]

Luckily BOB,Gaine are on the same page. But cleaning up the mess of an OL that Ricky left behind.

They may be on the same page now, but it sounds like you’re still not happy with what they’re doing with the OL.

 

[Texansballer74]

I agree with this post.

Except you had Ricky picking ZBS guys, when BOB wanted to run a power sxheme., because the ZBS is all that Ricky kind of knows. There was a true disconnect between what BOB wanted vs what Ricky knew.

Luckily BOB,Gaine are on the same page. But cleaning up the mess of an OL that Ricky left behind.

Again they both were in on who was drafted and or picked up in FA. Stop painting this stuff all on RS.

 

[TheKDog]

GM just gets the players the coaches want. I see no difference with Gaine.

 

[Shishkabob]

No sh!t, I thought that is a given. Give me the starting LT SB winner and an all rpo like Norwell. You can have the Henderson,Kelemete's of the world and you tell me which one of us have the better OL..

You are acting like we didnt go after Solder. Solder used us to get paid more, he has a sick son whose doctors are in the north east, his wife is from there he wasn't going to leave that area.

I find it funny how you keep complaining the texans didnt invest enough in the line this off season then in other post say how O'Brien and gaine are on the same page and finally doing things right.

get the fence post out of your ass and pick a side

 

[steelbtexan]

My side is the new OL will be some better, only because they can't be worse. They certainly didn't do everything possible to protect the franchise qb that they finally found after all of these years. Especially since the franchise QB is coming off of a serious injury. That's a mistake. IMHIO

It's really not surprising since that's the McNair's MO. Going on the cheap.

 

[steelbtexan]

Again they both were in on who was drafted and or picked up in FA. Stop painting this stuff all on RS.

Obviously they weren't on the same page and per BOB Ricky got the players and BOB coached them. It really doesn't"t matter and BOB, Gaine are on the same page. But you're dreaming if you think the OL can be fixed in one off-season without spending top dollar.

 

[steelbtexan]

They may be on the same page now, but it sounds like you’re still not happy with what they’re doing with the OL.

True

Maybe next year with a full compliment of draft picks they can fix the issues. Because you know McNair isn't going to let them spend the money in fact like the Pats,Eagles,Vikes orgs do.

 

[Shishkabob]

My side is the new OL will be some better, only because they can't be worse. They certainly didn't do everything possible to protect the franchise qb that they finally found after all of these years. Especially since the franchise QB is coming off of a serious injury. That's a mistake. IMHIO

It's really not surprising since that's the McNair's MO. Going on the cheap.

dude just shut up, they tried forking out top dollar for Solder, that has already been reported by numerous sources. McNair had no problem spending the money, you are so full of it lol

 

[steelbtexan]

dude just shut up, they tried forking out top dollar for Solder, that has already been reported by numerous sources. McNair had no problem spending the money, you are so full of it lol

Did they offer MORE than the NYG's?

Why don't you play nice now and move along. Better people than you have tried to shut me up and I've listened to some of them. You won't be counted in that number.

Fact is the best you can do is tell me to shut up because you can't backup your argument that the Texans did everything possible to protect Watson. Unless you can find an article that shows McNair was willing to pay Solder more . That's not going to happen.

Forgetting Solder, tell my why you think they went on the cheap Kelemete instead of signing Norwell? They certainly had the cap space, which was acquired by taking a 2nd round pick. Just don't take half measures signing a bunch of backups and tell me you're doing everything possible to put the best team possible on the field. It's insulting my intelligence.

I mean if you want to truely run this as a profit making business Then start selling off high draft picks every year and maximize profits.

I've had this discussion with many posters over the years. They all come around to seeing the light and or leave.

# Texans Bill, Texans Seminole,BL,Dutch etc... You will too if you will just learn how to be honest with yourself.

 

[Shishkabob]

Did they offer MORE than the NYG's?

Why don't you play nice now and move along. Better people than you have tried to shut me up and I've listened to some of them. You won't be counted in that number.

Fact is the best you can do is tell me to shut up because you can't backup your argument that the Texans did everything possible to protect Watson. Unless you can find an article that shows McNair was willing to pay Solder more . That's not going to happen.

Forgetting Solder, tell my why you think they went on the cheap Kelemete instead of signing Norwell? They certainly had the cap space, which was acquired by taking a 2nd round pick. Just don't take half measures signing a bunch of backups and tell me you're doing everything possible to put the best team possible on the field. It's insulting my intelligence.

I mean if you want to truely run this as a profit making business Ren start selling off high draft picks every year and maximize profits.

I've had this discussion with many posters over the years. They all come around to seeing the light and or leave.

# Texans Bill, Texans Seminole,BL,Dutch etc... You will too if you will just learn how to be honest with yourself.

considering we were never even talking with Norwell I'm going to go ahead and say OB and Gaine didnt want to go after him, he signed a contract around the same value as Solder which they went after. Solder chose the giants over the Texans because he wanted to stay in the northeast for his family. that has been reported look it up, not because McNair didnt want to pony up the money. you have to spend a certain percentage of your cap space so this whole crap McNair doesnt spend money so he can pocket more is ludicrous. hence why until this year texans were always strapped for cap room. the texans made strides to protect Watson this year, is it enough? no but fixing our line in 1 off season was unrealistic.

and no I wont come around to your side because it's just dumb, all owners in this league care more about the money than anything. it is a business after all, if you told every owner would you rather gain $1billion in revenue or win a superbowl they would take the money. however since that's not how things work, winning in the NFL leads to teams making more money so why would McNair want to lose for the sake of making money?

 

[Shishkabob]

Did they offer MORE than the NYG's?

Why don't you play nice now and move along. Better people than you have tried to shut me up and I've listened to some of them. You won't be counted in that number.

Fact is the best you can do is tell me to shut up because you can't backup your argument that the Texans did everything possible to protect Watson. Unless you can find an article that shows McNair was willing to pay Solder more . That's not going to happen.

Forgetting Solder, tell my why you think they went on the cheap Kelemete instead of signing Norwell? They certainly had the cap space, which was acquired by taking a 2nd round pick. Just don't take half measures signing a bunch of backups and tell me you're doing everything possible to put the best team possible on the field. It's insulting my intelligence.

I mean if you want to truely run this as a profit making business Ren start selling off high draft picks every year and maximize profits.

I've had this discussion with many posters over the years. They all come around to seeing the light and or leave.

# Texans Bill, Texans Seminole,BL,Dutch etc... You will too if you will just learn how to be honest with yourself.

considering we were never even talking with Norwell I'm going to go ahead and say OB and Gaine didnt want to go after him, he signed a contract around the same value as Solder which they went after. Solder chose the giants over the Texans because he wanted to stay in the northeast for his family. that has been reported look it up, not because McNair didnt want to pony up the money. you have to spend a certain percentage of your cap space so this whole crap McNair doesnt spend money so he can pocket more is ludicrous. hence why until this year texans were always strapped for cap room. the texans made strides to protect Watson this year, is it enough? no but fixing our line in 1 off season was unrealistic.

and no I wont come around to your side because it's just dumb, all owners in this league care more about the money than anything. it is a business after all, if you told every owner would you rather gain $1billion in revenue or win a superbowl they would take the money. however since that's not how things work, winning in the NFL leads to teams making more money so why would McNair want to lose for the sake of making money?

 

[justmy2cents]

I often wonder where O'Brien's apathetic approach to the offensive line is founded. I know he was a DB in college, and obviously loves the idea of a defense that is without peer, but surely he has coaches around him, if not McNair himself, reminding him that the most total points, invariably wins the contest. Just because he makes stupid decisions, does not mean he is a stupid man .... but he could be a very stubborn one !

 

[steelbtexan]

considering we were never even talking with Norwell I'm going to go ahead and say OB and Gaine didnt want to go after him, he signed a contract around the same value as Solder which they went after. Solder chose the giants over the Texans because he wanted to stay in the northeast for his family. that has been reported look it up, not because McNair didnt want to pony up the money. you have to spend a certain percentage of your cap space so this whole crap McNair doesnt spend money so he can pocket more is ludicrous. hence why until this year texans were always strapped for cap room. the texans made strides to protect Watson this year, is it enough? no but fixing our line in 1 off season was unrealistic.

and no I wont come around to your side because it's just dumb, all owners in this league care more about the money than anything. it is a business after all, if you told every owner would you rather gain $1billion in revenue or win a superbowl they would take the money. however since that's not how things work, winning in the NFL leads to teams making more money so why would McNair want to lose for the sake of making money?

They could've fixed the OL in one offseason and chose not too. They are still carrying almost 30 mil in cap space.

CND posted something on how owners can make more $$$$ not having a team in the playoffs. You can choose to believe the article or not.

 

[steelbtexan]

I often wonder where O'Brien's apathetic approach to the offensive line is founded. I know he was a DB in college, and obviously loves the idea of a defense that is without peer, but surely he has coaches around him, if not McNair himself, reminding him that the most total points, invariably wins the contest. Just because he makes stupid decisions, does not mean he is a stupid man .... but he could be a very stubborn one !

The stubborness is the thing that bothers me most about BOB.

 

[Shishkabob]

They could've fixed the OL in one offseason and chose not too. They are still carrying almost 30 mil in cap space.

CND posted something on how owners can make more $$$$ not having a team in the playoffs. You can choose to believe the article or not.

please tell me how they could have fixed it in 1 off season? Solder wasn't coming here, he played us to get more money that's cook it happens. O'Brien and Gaine didnt even throw their hats in the ring with Norwell, sp you cant blaney that om McNair. I guess Gaine could have drafted more lineman in the draft, but still that falls on Gaine and not Mcnair.

Lastly here is my main point about why you are full of it. Gaine was in our organization for years, before he left. he knew how we operate, he knows the mcnair's very well. So he would know better than you or i what mcnair's intentions are, correct? why would this FO guy that is highly respected around the league, that has learned under Parcells risk his career becoming the GM of this football team if he knew or thought that McNair didnt care about winning, and wouldn't let him spend money?

if McNair cared more about money than winning why did he pay the 2 or 3 mil a year to go to WV because that's what Obrien wants instead of just holding camo here for a place he already pays for, where he could hold 3 weeks of open camp and make more revenue? Why did he spend money redoing our weight rooms, our training facilities, our cafeteria when the new S&C coach recommended it? obviously if he cared more about his money he could have easily shot all those ideas down and he didnt

 

[steelbtexan]

please tell me how they could have fixed it in 1 off season? Solder wasn't coming here, he played us to get more money that's cook it happens. O'Brien and Gaine didnt even throw their hats in the ring with Norwell, sp you cant blaney that om McNair. I guess Gaine could have drafted more lineman in the draft, but still that falls on Gaine and not Mcnair.

Lastly here is my main point about why you are full of it. Gaine was in our organization for years, before he left. he knew how we operate, he knows the mcnair's very well. So he would know better than you or i what mcnair's intentions are, correct? why would this FO guy that is highly respected around the league, that has learned under Parcells risk his career becoming the GM of this football team if he knew or thought that McNair didnt care about winning, and wouldn't let him spend money?

if McNair cared more about money than winning why did he pay the 2 or 3 mil a year to go to WV because that's what Obrien wants instead of just holding camo here for a place he already pays for, where he could hold 3 weeks of open camp and make more revenue? Why did he spend money redoing our weight rooms, our training facilities, our cafeteria when the new S&C coach recommended it? obviously if he cared more about his money he could have easily shot all those ideas down and he didnt

they should've made a run at Nowell, the fact they didn't should tell you something. If they gave the best offer to Solder I would agree with you.

There's only 32 GM jobs.

The move to Greenbriar was all about controlling the media and limiting access to fans. Well worth the $$$$ spent. Everything else is pocket change to McNair.

 

[Shishkabob]

they should've made a run at Nowell, the fact they didn't should tell you something. If they gave the best offer to Solder I would agree with you.

There's only 32 GM jobs.

The move to Greenbriar was all about controlling the media and limiting access to fans. Well worth the $$$$ spent. Everything else is pocket change to McNair.

Solder has said the money was equal, he chose to stay where it was best for his family. He got to the dollar amount he wanted which was to be the highest paid and then signed. stop disputing facts.

the fact that you are outraged at McNair for Gaine and Obrien not going after him is laughable. McNair was fine signing solder to that money, why would he have prevented norwell? could it possibly be they didnt think he would fit our scheme, or maybe they thought LT was a higher priority so they went all in on Solder, who made his decision after Norwell already signed? It has nothing to do with McNair and everything to do with our HC and GM.

your reasoning for the move to the greenbriar shows how clueless you are. It's still open to fans, of course you womt get as many but it still open. It still open to the media for certain sessions just like it was here. All major Houston area media outlets sent reporters there for training camp, we got the same coverage there that we would have here. maybe come up with a good argument for once

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Before I write Kelemete off as being a bad pickup......O'Brien, please start Mancz over Martin. I just want to see if Martin is the issue. Mancz started in 2016 and Su'a-Filo almost resembled a LG as the season progressed. Martin started last season and Su'a-Filo stunk up the position.

Damn, just be curious and start.....

LT- Davenport
LG- Kelemete
OC- Mancz
RG- Fulton
RT- Henderson

....against the Cowboys. I hope there isn't too much ego on the line for O'Brien to try something like this. If anything, O'Brien sends a message to Martin....your starting position isn't a lock.

 

[steelbtexan]

Solder has said the money was equal, he chose to stay where it was best for his family. He got to the dollar amount he wanted which was to be the highest paid and then signed. stop disputing facts.

the fact that you are outraged at McNair for Gaine and Obrien not going after him is laughable. McNair was fine signing solder to that money, why would he have prevented norwell? could it possibly be they didnt think he would fit our scheme, or maybe they thought LT was a higher priority so they went all in on Solder, who made his decision after Norwell already signed? It has nothing to do with McNair and everything to do with our HC and GM.

your reasoning for the move to the greenbriar shows how clueless you are. It's still open to fans, of course you womt get as many but it still open. It still open to the media for certain sessions just like it was here. All major Houston area media outlets sent reporters there for training camp, we got the same coverage there that we would have here. maybe come up with a good argument for once

Did they offer Solder the most $$$?

They had cap space to sign any 2 all pro OL they wanted too and passed. Now they get to play the Jags and Norwell twice a yr and they are going to pay a price for that decision.

How many Texans fans went to Greenbriar vs camp at NRG? # CONTROL.

Why do you think after all of these yrs they decided to move to Greenbriar in the 1st place? This is an honest question and dont give me the weather BS.

 

[justmy2cents]

Before I write Kelemete off as being a bad pickup......O'Brien, please start Mancz over Martin. I just want to see if Martin is the issue. Mancz started in 2016 and Su'a-Filo almost resembled a LG as the season progressed. Martin started last season and Su'a-Filo stunk up the position.

Damn, just be curious and start.....

LT- Davenport
LG- Kelemete
OC- Mancz
RG- Fulton
RT- Henderson

....against the Cowboys. I hope there isn't too much ego on the line for O'Brien to try something like this. If anything, O'Brien sends a message to Martin....your starting position isn't a lock.

From what I've seen, that would be our best lineup .... left to right, that's - 4th rd, 5th rd, FA, 6th rd, 7th rd. No reflection on the players, just O'Brien's demented philosophy. I personally think that Mancz and Davenport will become good players !

 

[Shishkabob]

Did they offer Solder the most $$$?

They had cap space to sign any 2 all pro OL they wanted too and passed. Now they get to play the Jags and Norwell twice a yr and they are going to pay a price for that decision.

How many Texans fans went to Greenbriar vs camp at NRG? # CONTROL.

Why do you think after all of these yrs they decided to move to Greenbriar in the 1st place? This is an honest question and dont give me the weather BS.

Going to the greenbriar was an Obrien choice, he wanted to get the players out of their comfort zone.

and yes they did offer Solder the most, Solder has said the dollar amount was the same, and stated his family is the reaksn he wanted to stay in the northeast, which if you know about his sons health issues makes sense.
yes they didnt go after Norwell, why does that fall on McNair? that is a direct GM decision, blame brian gaine for that one if you are upset with it. you say they could've signed any 2 all pro olineman when there was only 1 available. so maybe rethink your argument there chief. McNair has ponied up money when his GM wants to go after someone, just because they didnt sigb someone you wanted them to doesnt mean McNair said it was to expensive.

Also your argument of there are only 32 Gm jobs available holds no water. Gaine could have passed on us, and gotten a chnsce at another job down the line, if the guy is as smart and as good as you say he is, he wouldn't come to a place that would handicap him.

 

[Texansballer74]

Obviously they weren't on the same page and per BOB Ricky got the players and BOB coached them. It really doesn't"t matter and BOB, Gaine are on the same page. But you're dreaming if you think the OL can be fixed in one off-season without spending top dollar.

Of course they wasn't. I never seen a NFL coach consistently bench his starting QB. Plus he didn't want players like Brandon Brooks and several other linemen from Kubiak's Era. Dude you have to understand the GM role. One of his job is to acquire players the coaches want. Players who fits his scheme. BOB wants a power scheme but are not looking at power linemen. He wants them to be versatile, play anywhere on the line. That is/was one of the disconnect.

 

[TheKDog]

I'm upset they didn't trade for Trent Brown and instead signed Seantrel. That's on the HC and GM.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

From what I've seen, that would be our best lineup .... left to right, that's - 4th rd, 5th rd, FA, 6th rd, 7th rd. No reflection on the players, just O'Brien's demented philosophy. I personally think that Mancz and Davenport will become good players !

Think it has more to do with the last 2nd rounders not being as good as expected (Filo) and largely being injured (Martin). If Rankin builds on the good portions of the last game you are adding a 3rd rounder. There is not an anti-high pick philosophy as much as there has been anti-high pick success.

I mean Filo was the 33rd pick in the draft and even by non-Texans sources considered an immediate stick in the line-up 10 year starter who was scheme diverse. The entire NFL was wrong on him.

 

[badboy]

Some thoughts: for many posts that are exact same arguments from 12-24 months ago; players may have changed but...

O'Brien's O scheme we have seen this year is possibly because he's trying to see what he has, Henderson has played little, he's still concerned about #4 safety, he has basically a rookie at LT and new players at LG, RG and RT. Oh wait--it's still preseason and normally he doesn't show much of his playbook. Yeah we want to know we have a decent Oline but most have agreed it may take several regular season games for it to come together. It's hard to be patient when we have team's history.

Davenport has looked good--so far he had just over 20% of snaps last season and only 143 at LT(games 8, 15 and 16).

Rankin: From NFL Combine eval

Rankin's length and lateral agility made him a tough blocker to beat on the outside, and he brings a strong punch and active feet in the run game, as well.

• Explodes from upper body into his punch
• Good initial get-off with kick slide

I'm going to give him more than a few plays in preseason to evaluate him.

 

[steelbtexan]

Going to the greenbriar was an Obrien choice, he wanted to get the players out of their comfort zone.

and yes they did offer Solder the most, Solder has said the dollar amount was the same, and stated his family is the reaksn he wanted to stay in the northeast, which if you know about his sons health issues makes sense.
yes they didnt go after Norwell, why does that fall on McNair? that is a direct GM decision, blame brian gaine for that one if you are upset with it. you say they could've signed any 2 all pro olineman when there was only 1 available. so maybe rethink your argument there chief. McNair has ponied up money when his GM wants to go after someone, just because they didnt sigb someone you wanted them to doesnt mean McNair said it was to expensive.

Also your argument of there are only 32 Gm jobs available holds no water. Gaine could have passed on us, and gotten a chnsce at another job down the line, if the guy is as smart and as good as you say he is, he wouldn't come to a place that would handicap him.

1. Another off season and still talking about the same sh!t. At some point McNair deserves the blame for the state of HIS franchise

You gotta strike while the iron is hot. You never know if you will have another chance at a GM job.

 

[Texansballer74]

The struck but came up short. And that's only because Solder wanted to stay close to his sons doctors. Why do you have such a hard time understanding that valid point.

 

[Corrosion]

Before I write Kelemete off as being a bad pickup......O'Brien, please start Mancz over Martin. I just want to see if Martin is the issue. Mancz started in 2016 and Su'a-Filo almost resembled a LG as the season progressed. Martin started last season and Su'a-Filo stunk up the position.

Damn, just be curious and start.....

LT- Davenport
LG- Kelemete
OC- Mancz
RG- Fulton
RT- Henderson

....against the Cowboys. I hope there isn't too much ego on the line for O'Brien to try something like this. If anything, O'Brien sends a message to Martin....your starting position isn't a lock.

That's what I been saying for two years ….. and I believe there is some correlation between Martin playing next to Su'a-Filo and Kelemete and their collective suckitude. Su'a-Filo's drop off was substantial - from appearing to be solid to absolute garbage , couldn't block your little sister.


What irritates me is that they double down on their insanity …. and keep doing what aint working.

 

[Shishkabob]

1. Another off season and still talking about the same sh!t. At some point McNair deserves the blame for the state of HIS franchise

You gotta strike while the iron is hot. You never know if you will have another chance at a GM job.

you are right McNair does deserve blame, after all it is he who chooses who to hire as a HC, and GM. He has chosen the wrong people so he does get blamed. However the choices his hires make are on them as well. Do you truly believe McNair told those 2 that he didnt want them to pursue Andrew Norwell at all? After years of mediocrity with a talented roster, with sub par QB play he demanded RS and OB go get a QB no matter the cost. Yea I dont think he should have interjected like that, but he definitely wasn't doing it to stay complacent and just make money.

I'm not trying to stick up for McNair he has made dumb choices with hiring, he waited way to long to get rid of Rick, and we all know about his comments at the meetings and to the media. but if you want to sit here and believe that he told his coach and gm that they couldn't spend 16 mil a year to sign a guy to protect a player that could potentially make him way more by being healthy and winning in Watson then I cannot get on board with that, it doesnt make sense.

also there are plenty of examples of coaches and gm candidates who have passed on job offers that may only come once to wait for the right offer, especially if they believed upper management to be detrimental

 

[Shishkabob]

That's what I been saying for two years ….. and I believe there is some correlation between Martin playing next to Su'a-Filo and Kelemete and their collective suckitude. Su'a-Filo's drop off was substantial - from appearing to be solid to absolute garbage , couldn't block your little sister.


What irritates me is that they double down on their insanity …. and keep doing what aint working.

Filo sucked before Martin, remember their only season together was last year. Martin got IRd in training camp as a rookie. But yea I agree with replacing Martin

 

[Shishkabob]

That's what I been saying for two years ….. and I believe there is some correlation between Martin playing next to Su'a-Filo and Kelemete and their collective suckitude. Su'a-Filo's drop off was substantial - from appearing to be solid to absolute garbage , couldn't block your little sister.


What irritates me is that they double down on their insanity …. and keep doing what aint working.

Filo sucked before Martin, remember their only season together was last year. Martin got IRd in training camp as a rookie. But yea I agree with replacing Martin

 

[steelbtexan]

you are right McNair does deserve blame, after all it is he who chooses who to hire as a HC, and GM. He has chosen the wrong people so he does get blamed. However the choices his hires make are on them as well. Do you truly believe McNair told those 2 that he didnt want them to pursue Andrew Norwell at all? After years of mediocrity with a talented roster, with sub par QB play he demanded RS and OB go get a QB no matter the cost. Yea I dont think he should have interjected like that, but he definitely wasn't doing it to stay complacent and just make money.

I'm not trying to stick up for McNair he has made dumb choices with hiring, he waited way to long to get rid of Rick, and we all know about his comments at the meetings and to the media. but if you want to sit here and believe that he told his coach and gm that they couldn't spend 16 mil a year to sign a guy to protect a player that could potentially make him way more by being healthy and winning in Watson then I cannot get on board with that, it doesnt make sense.

also there are plenty of examples of coaches and gm candidates who have passed on job offers that may only come once to wait for the right offer, especially if they believed upper management to be detrimental

Fair enough,

Can you see a pattern when it comes to the Texans and fa?

The gm thing that you are describing fits with guys that have been with a org along time and the Gm is retiring soon. Think Ozzie and DeCosta. Thompson and Guedenkist (sp?) As examples. This situation really doesn't apply to Gaine's situation.

 

[steelbtexan]

you are right McNair does deserve blame, after all it is he who chooses who to hire as a HC, and GM. He has chosen the wrong people so he does get blamed. However the choices his hires make are on them as well. Do you truly believe McNair told those 2 that he didnt want them to pursue Andrew Norwell at all? After years of mediocrity with a talented roster, with sub par QB play he demanded RS and OB go get a QB no matter the cost. Yea I dont think he should have interjected like that, but he definitely wasn't doing it to stay complacent and just make money.

I'm not trying to stick up for McNair he has made dumb choices with hiring, he waited way to long to get rid of Rick, and we all know about his comments at the meetings and to the media. but if you want to sit here and believe that he told his coach and gm that they couldn't spend 16 mil a year to sign a guy to protect a player that could potentially make him way more by being healthy and winning in Watson then I cannot get on board with that, it doesnt make sense.

also there are plenty of examples of coaches and gm candidates who have passed on job offers that may only come once to wait for the right offer, especially if they believed upper management to be detrimental

Fair enough,

Can you see a pattern when it comes to the Texans and fa?

The gm thing that you are describing fits with guys that have been with a org along time and the Gm is retiring soon. Think Ozzie and DeCosta. Thompson and Guedenkist (sp?) As examples. This situation really doesn't apply to Gaine's situation.

 

[Shishkabob]

Fair enough,

Can you see a pattern when it comes to the Texans and fa?

The gm thing that you are describing fits with guys that have been with a org along time and the Gm is retiring soon. Think Ozzie and DeCosta. Thompson and Guedenkist (sp?) As examples. This situation really doesn't apply to Gaine's situation.

yea they re-sigm their own guys at a fairly good rate compared to a lot of teams, pretty aggressive when going after somebody they want. some years they spend big, others they dont. I say they're fairly average in that department, they have the same philosophy as they do with draft, they dont take risk on character concerns even though it could be detrimental. Nothing that would make me believe McNair is keeping the purse strings tight. If that's the case than shouldn't you apologize to Rick? after all he had to work with the same owner not letting him be competitive in free agency, thus he couldn't construct a good roster

 

[steelbtexan]

yea they re-sigm their own guys at a fairly good rate compared to a lot of teams, pretty aggressive when going after somebody they want. some years they spend big, others they dont. I say they're fairly average in that department, they have the same philosophy as they do with draft, they dont take risk on character concerns even though it could be detrimental. Nothing that would make me believe McNair is keeping the purse strings tight. If that's the case than shouldn't you apologize to Rick? after all he had to work with the same owner not letting him be competitive in free agency, thus he couldn't construct a good roster

That's not the way teams construct championship rosters.

Look at the final 4 teams last yr and how their rosters were constructed as a template. 3 of the 4 teams had backup QB's (I consider Bortles to be a backup.) Good OL's/defenses and they fill their holes by getting premium FA's/trades and of course draft much better than Ricky ever did.

 

[JB]

Did they offer Solder the most $$$?

They had cap space to sign any 2 all pro OL they wanted too and passed. Now they get to play the Jags and Norwell twice a yr and they are going to pay a price for that decision.

How many Texans fans went to Greenbriar vs camp at NRG? # CONTROL.

Why do you think after all of these yrs they decided to move to Greenbriar in the 1st place? This is an honest question and dont give me the weather BS.

Why do you think they didn't pursue Norwell?

edit: No character concerns that I'm aware of. So maybe it's the fact that they knew they needed 2(two!) starting guards plus a starting tackle. Makes a bit more sense hey? Plus they were still working on extensions... Norwell was committed very early iirc

 

[steelbtexan]

Why do you think they didn't pursue Norwell?

edit: No character concerns that I'm aware of. So maybe it's the fact that they knew they needed 2(two!) starting guards plus a starting tackle. Makes a bit more sense hey? Plus they were still working on extensions... Norwell was committed very early iirc

This would make sense to me, except they are 30 mil under the cap and the cap is going up next year. With the cap space they have they could've easily signed Norwell, Fulton and Henderson along with having money for the extensions you're talking about.

There's only one reason why they didn't do everything thing possible to protect Watson. Imho

 

[Corrosion]

This would make sense to me, except they are 30 mil under the cap and the cap is going up next year. With the cap space they have they could've easily signed Norwell, Fulton and Henderson along with having money for the extensions you're talking about.

There's only one reason why they didn't do everything thing possible to protect Watson. Imho

Doesn't unused cap space roll over to the following season ?! Not up to date on the NFL CBA …. but if that's the case:

I don't believe this year is the year to blow your cap , just think Watson needs a year and next year is the year you go all in. That saved cap space could pay dividends next season …. Assuming they spend it.

 

[IDEXAN]

That's not the way teams construct championship rosters.

Look at the final 4 teams last yr and how their rosters were constructed as a template. 3 of the 4 teams had backup QB's (I consider Bortles to be a backup.) Good OL's/defenses and they fill their holes by getting premium FA's/trades and of course draft much better than Ricky ever did.

Ricky ? Who's Ricky ?

 

[Shishkabob]

That's not the way teams construct championship rosters.

Look at the final 4 teams last yr and how their rosters were constructed as a template. 3 of the 4 teams had backup QB's (I consider Bortles to be a backup.) Good OL's/defenses and they fill their holes by getting premium FA's/trades and of course draft much better than Ricky ever did.

the patriots have spent the 2nd least amount of money since 2013, well before this off season. but yea so the best team since 2013 has spent the 2nd fewest in free agency. Free agency spending does not equal winning

 

[Shishkabob]

This would make sense to me, except they are 30 mil under the cap and the cap is going up next year. With the cap space they have they could've easily signed Norwell, Fulton and Henderson along with having money for the extensions you're talking about.

There's only one reason why they didn't do everything thing possible to protect Watson. Imho

Again why does Rick get all the blame with you, when he had to work with the exact same owner that you imagine is hamstringing his current regime? If McNair didnt want to spend money in free agency, then maybe that's why Rick Smith always had a hard time landing premier guys. maybe that's why he struck out so much. You are trying to find someone besides the person you like to place the blame on for not signing the player you wanted then to sign. nothing about your argument makes sense

 

[dream_team]

Again why does Rick get all the blame with you, when he had to work with the exact same owner that you imagine is hamstringing his current regime? If McNair didnt want to spend money in free agency, then maybe that's why Rick Smith always had a hard time landing premier guys. maybe that's why he struck out so much. You are trying to find someone besides the person you like to place the blame on for not signing the player you wanted then to sign. nothing about your argument makes sense

SteelB needs a scapegoat on this team. If the Texans don’t succeed (in his eyes), then he needs someone to blame. It was first Kubiak, then he got fired. He then shifted to Rick, but now he’s gone. So now all of his blame is mostly on McNair.

It doesn’t matter if McNair is soooo controlling, both BOB & Gaine could have went elsewhere. But both of those guys decided to stay in Houston.

 

[steelbtexan]

Again why does Rick get all the blame with you, when he had to work with the exact same owner that you imagine is hamstringing his current regime? If McNair didnt want to spend money in free agency, then maybe that's why Rick Smith always had a hard time landing premier guys. maybe that's why he struck out so much. You are trying to find someone besides the person you like to place the blame on for not signing the player you wanted then to sign. nothing about your argument makes sense

Because of Ricky's draft record and the horrible contracts he signed injured guys like Schaub, Cushing too.

Ricky wasn"t the grind away personnel gm that is successful in the NFL.

The jury is still out on Gaine, but I'm willing to give him at least a couple of full draft classes before I begin to judge him, unlike some on this MB.

 

[steelbtexan]

SteelB needs a scapegoat on this team. If the Texans don’t succeed (in his eyes), then he needs someone to blame. It was first Kubiak, then he got fired. He then shifted to Rick, but now he’s gone. So now all of his blame is mostly on McNair.

It doesn’t matter if McNair is soooo controlling, both BOB & Gaine could have went elsewhere. But both of those guys decided to stay in Houston.

What do you consider success?

I've said since 2010 that McNair is to blame. # Uncle Bob needs his money.

 

[steelbtexan]

the patriots have spent the 2nd least amount of money since 2013, well before this off season. but yea so the best team since 2013 has spent the 2nd fewest in free agency. Free agency spending does not equal winning

Trying to use the Pats

Doesn't unused cap space roll over to the following season ?! Not up to date on the NFL CBA …. but if that's the case:

I don't believe this year is the year to blow your cap , just think Watson needs a year and next year is the year you go all in. That saved cap space could pay dividends next season …. Assuming they spend it.

Agreed, but putting Watson behind a substandard ol coming off of injury is playing with fire.

 

[steelbtexan]

the patriots have spent the 2nd least amount of money since 2013, well before this off season. but yea so the best team since 2013 has spent the 2nd fewest in free agency. Free agency spending does not equal winning

The Pats still found a way to add top tier guys in fa,trade. Gilmore and Cooks ce to mind. Tell me again what did the Texans do last year in fa,trades

 

[TheKDog]

Because of Ricky's draft record and the horrible contracts he signed injured guys like Schaub, Cushing too.

Ricky wasn"t the grind away personnel gm that is successful in the NFL.

The jury is still out on Gaine, but I'm willing to give him at least a couple of full draft classes before I begin to judge him, unlike some on this MB.

My issue is Gaine was here for several offseasons, including the ones where we dismantled the OL, and during the O'Brien era they haven't found an offensive skill player of note besides Will Fuller. And they've used a lot of picks on them.

To me if it's another bottom 10 offensive year for the 5 the year in a row, O'Brien shouldnt get a 6th. What would change? Crennel can stay.

 

[Max]

Going to be a slow couple of weeks around here so I wanted to post some film of Rankins highlights (good and bad) for discussion. As I went through the first half again I found that it was mostly good for him. Putting this in the OL thread because there's good film of DQ and Mancz here as well. I think both (DQ and Mancz) at least deserve a look with the 1's (too late for that in the pre-season, but wouldn't be surprised if either one of them end up on the field this season).

Nice push by DQ and Rankin. Love how Rankin shows a little nastiness at the end.

Spoiler: spoiler

Relooking at this, looks like Mancz snapped the ball early -- no one else moves either.

Spoiler: spoiler

This is great by everyone. Especially Mancz (nice hands) and Slade to get to the backside to seal it off.

Spoiler: spoiler

Spoiler: spoiler

Rankin -- great feet.

Spoiler: spoiler

Next play. Rankin -- not so great feet.

Spoiler: spoiler

Rankin -- textbook.

Spoiler: spoiler

Rankin -- my favorite clip. This might not look like much but it's why I think he will successful in this league. He has instincts/anticipation. It shows up on his college tape and here it is again -- he's got a sense of when to let go of someone and engage the next guy and does a great job mirroring. Great footwork as well.

Spoiler: spoiler

Rankin -- gets beat by bull rush on this play. Not horrible, but he needs to hold his ground a little better than this.

Spoiler: spoiler

 

[Max]

Looks like 3 spoilers is the most you can post at a time -- my first post got cut off.

DQ nice drive block. Rankin not holding his block

Spoiler: spoiler

Rankin -- great feet

Spoiler: spoiler

Next play. Rankin -- not so great feet

Spoiler: spoiler