Texans' defensive end Peek craves starting position

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

From the moment coach Gary Kubiak announced he would abandon Dom Capers' 3-4 in favor of the 4-3, it sounded logical that Peek would wind up as a designated pass rusher. Being both undersized and overwrought — reckless, bull-rushing abandon best describes his
playing style — the fourth-year pro seemed a perfect fit for the role.

And, in St. Louis, theory collided splendidly with reality. In limited duty, Peek delivered a dream line in the summary: two sacks for 16 yards in losses, three unassisted tackles, a forced fumble and a pass broken up. The ferocious effort indicated Peek found his niche, one that could make him famous and rich, considering he's due to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Still, he's somewhat stubbornly refusing to embrace it. Asked after the final camp practice if he was satisfied with how things were going, he responded with a pregnant pause and, finally, a sheepish smile.

"Not quite," he finally said. "I still want to work for that starting job. That's what you're here for.

"If you don't want that starting job, you're probably not going to be giving everything you've got to whatever role you're in. So that's what I want, and I'm going to keep working toward that until I force them to put me there."

This stance isn't to be interpreted as a pout, mind you. In refusing to surrender to the obvious — that having fresh legs will make him that much more of a high-profile quarterback scourge — Peek is challenging himself, not authority.


http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4137949.html

 

[HJam72]

Well, if he would treat tail-backs like he does QBs, there would be no question about it.

 

[HeartofHouston]

I think that he deserves the spot he's obviously a terror off the edge and IMO Babin is not THAT much better against the run at least he hasn't done anything to sway my opinon on that as of now. And we all know that he is not nearly as dangerous against the run as Peek. Give him the job.

 

[infantrycak]

Ask Kubiak about Peek and he's likely to use the word "passionate." Ask Karmelowicz and he says, "As a defensive lineman, you're going to win one out of every 18 or 19 battles (to get the QB). But a guy has to think he can win every one of them, and Antwan does."

Great quote from Karm.

On the NFL Network yesterday Mario was interviewed. Afterward, Marshall Faulk was discussing Bush and Mario. He listed several stars surrounding Bush and then asked, what superstars does Mario have around him except Antwan Peek. I was surprised Faulk knew who he was much less regarded him as a star. For this team to succeed this year the coaches need to unleash untapped potential in 3-5 players from last year--maybe Peek will be one.

 

[HOU-TEX]

Great quote from Karm.

On the NFL Network yesterday Mario was interviewed. Afterward, Marshall Faulk was discussing Bush and Mario. He listed several stars surrounding Bush and then asked, what superstars does Mario have around him except Antwan Peek. I was surprised Faulk knew who he was much less regarded him as a star. For this team to succeed this year the coaches need to unleash untapped potential in 3-5 players from last year--maybe Peek will be one.

Yea but Rod Woodson of all people had Marios back. Faulk was like everyone else, comparing him with B---. Anyways, back to the original thread. Sorry fellows, I just thought it was odd listening to Woodson saying positive things about anything in H-town.

 

[texflex513]

I personally am a big fan of peek but i think he would be better suited to come in to spell weaver and mario off the bench. The same way robert mathis does in indy with reagor and freeney.

 

[infantrycak]

The same way robert mathis does in indy with reagor and freeney.

Everyone keeps saying this and it would have been a good comparison last year but the Colts are putting Mathis in full time this year, or are going to try. He has gained some weight to get close to Peek's size. I am not advocating having Peek in full time. Despite his desire he is best suited to pass rush specialist. Just passing on Faulk's comment and my surprise he even knew who Peek was much less considered him a star. Jeff Fisher singled Peek out as the only person to be scared of on the Texans D back in 2004 also.

 

[texflex513]

Everyone keeps saying this and it would have been a good comparison last year but the Colts are putting Mathis in full time this year, or are going to try. He has gained some weight to get close to Peek's size. I am not advocating having Peek in full time. Despite his desire he is best suited to pass rush specialist. Just passing on Faulk's comment and my surprise he even knew who Peek was much less considered him a star. Jeff Fisher singled Peek out as the only person to be scared of on the Texans D back in 2004 also.

Lets say peek does win the starting job who sits? mario or weaver it seems weaver has been moved back to end... which side would peek play on right or left??

 

[infantrycak]

Lets say peek does win the starting job who sits? mario or weaver it seems weaver has been moved back to end... which side would peek play on right or left??

Peek is only competing for the weak side spot. Weaver will play SDE or DT.

 

[texflex513]

Peek is only competing for the weak side spot. Weaver will play SDE or DT.

so i assume mario playing weak side was just temporary

 

[infantrycak]

so i assume mario playing weak side was just temporary

Everything is up in the air right now. Looks like you will see Mario at WDE on 1st and 2nd. On passing downs Mario may move to SDE or even a DT spot with Peek coming in to WDE.

 

[thunderkyss]

I loved that article so much, I changed my avatar, and my sig.

Personally I think Babin is the better, more versatile of the two... so I'm pulling for Babin to get the starting job....... But I've always loved Peek.

Can you imagine if we let him go & Pitsburg picks him up?? or Dallas??

 

[MYDAUGHTER'STEXANS]

I loved that article so much, I changed my avatar, and my sig.

Personally I think Babin is the better, more versatile of the two... so I'm pulling for Babin to get the starting job....... But I've always loved Peek.

Can you imagine if we let him go & Pitsburg picks him up?? or Dallas??

Wow I could never imagine him let go to Pittsburg or Dallas, please don't go there, Peek is a true class act for others to emulate, I truely beleive he is a team player and gives 110% all the time he is a true reflection on the Houston Texans as a image, I am not just saying this because he is my oldest daughter's favorite player, but when he is on the feild he truely is a impact player, that play's a valuable role on this team, I did like that Faulk knew who Peek was on NFL network, would love to see Antwan in the Pro-Bowl soon...and having a long career here in Houston with the Texans

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Peek has demonstrated a great ability in the pass rush. However, keep in mind that it is much easier to reach this goal when you are rushing the QB with reckless abandon. When playing this agressively, with consistent overcommitment due to tunnel vision for the QB, the ability for run defense tends to be severely compromised.................you might say, the running game "runs you by." This seems to be the case with Peek. A starter must show balance in getting to the QB and being a factor in stopping the run. Until he shows a more balanced game, he will be relegated to situations that he can best take advantage of......with lesser chance of him being taken advantage of.

 

[MYDAUGHTER'STEXANS]

Have a great season Antwan and most important stay healthy

 

[buddyboy]

i like peek's aggression, but sometimes he needs to hold it back. i remember him gettin penalized for late hits and such a few times last year.....

he's a free agent next year? what are the chances that he will resign with us?

 

[real]

I really really like Peek...I don't mind a player that isn't afraid to mix it up and throw a few blows...Especially on defense...IMO, when peek is on the field he gives our defense a different, edgeier swagger...I likes...

 

[Jwwillis]

I loved that article so much, I changed my avatar, and my sig.

Personally I think Babin is the better, more versatile of the two... so I'm pulling for Babin to get the starting job....... But I've always loved Peek.

Can you imagine if we let him go & Pitsburg picks him up?? or Dallas??

I thought you and Kubiak had already passed out starting assignments TK.

 

[thunderkyss]

Peek has demonstrated a great ability in the pass rush. However, keep in mind that it is much easier to reach this goal when you are rushing the QB with reckless abandon. When playing this agressively, with consistent overcommitment due to tunnel vision for the QB, the ability for run defense tends to be severely compromised.................you might say, the running game "runs you by." This seems to be the case with Peek. A starter must show balance in getting to the QB and being a factor in stopping the run. Until he shows a more balanced game, he will be relegated to situations that he can best take advantage of......with lesser chance of him being taken advantage of.

Wow....... and we went and signed a DE who specializes in stopping the run, and takes a back seat in pass rushing.........

Kinda odd eh??

 

[thunderkyss]

I thought you and Kubiak had already passed out starting assignments TK.

we're still at odds over starting Peek or Weaver..... whatever the decision is going to be, it's going to be unanimous.... so.

But don't worry, after Sunday's game, we feel like we'll be much closer on the topic.

 

[threetoedpete]

Peek has demonstrated a great ability in the pass rush. However, keep in mind that it is much easier to reach this goal when you are rushing the QB with reckless abandon. When playing this agressively, with consistent overcommitment due to tunnel vision for the QB, the ability for run defense tends to be severely compromised.................you might say, the running game "runs you by." This seems to be the case with Peek. A starter must show balance in getting to the QB and being a factor in stopping the run. Until he shows a more balanced game, he will be relegated to situations that he can best take advantage of......with lesser chance of him being taken advantage of.

Not to cross swords with anyone, but it has never been a question of phisicality with Peek. The last regieme could not trust him to be in the correct place at the correct time. With his hand on the ground, a lot of that has been eliminated. But if you can't learn the proper technic for hand placement warding off bigger offensive lineman, where to cover on a reverse, ect, ect. how is he ever going to transition into an every down DE ? You can say what you will about the last regieme, but no coach, including Richard Smith, is going to put a lose canon on the feild. The shame of it is Peek has the tools, physically to be an All pro . Peek is a guy who, like baseball pitchers, needs to keep a book. Write everything down. Every time Richard Smith is watching film, he should be watching film ...and asking stupid questions. A lot of them. The loss of Wong shouldn't have been a problem this year if Peek had progressed as he should have. I'm glad we have him. He was a pick well made. He should be a great PRS {pass rush specalist} for us this year. But some hills are just to steep to climb for some folks. JMHO.

 

[Divebomb]

Peek as a DE is going to give this teem that Mathis style of play that Indy has. They are about the same size, Peek looks a bit more buff, and both have one key OBJ kill the QB. Peek, and Mario as the DE and keep a healthy rotation will be the main OBJ for our D pulling off upsets this year. Babin is going to play well, Kalu is going to play well, TJ will look like he did at Florida State, this could be a great year for the team. Weaver brings that leadership role to the line that we have been needing. I am more concerned with our CB's unless p-buc keeps progressing, and we pick up some pissed off camp cuts from other teams who are looking for revenge.

 

[WILLIEG]

It doesn't matter who play opposite of Williams just as long as they can get the job done. If you want Peek to get better at stopping the run then play him enough in the games so he can learn. Although I wonder if sometimes that Peek doesn't study enough tape. He should relize when to turn it on or play under control, because identifing the run should come easier if you devote the time to studying tape.