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Film Review: A Closer Look at DeAndre Carter and What He Brings to the Texans

A quick look at Houston Texans DeAndre Carter and what he brings to the 53-man roster.

The Houston Texans made a move during the bye week, claiming wide receiver DeAndre Carter off of waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. The big question is what Carter will bring to the Texans as the team enters an important stretch of the season now sitting at 6-3. Carter is coming to the Texans as a victim of a numbers game. Due to the Eagles' need for a defensive tackle on the 53-man roster, Carter was cut loose.

Texans general manager Brian Gaine has had a strong start to his tenure with a solid draft and impressive in-season additions such as Mike Tyson, Shareece Wright, Natrell Jamerson, Buddy Howell, A.J. Moore, and Demaryius Thomas to this point of the season.

The Texans wanted to upgrade their wide receiver group, especially at the slot position with Keke Coutee on the mend as he deals with his hamstring issues. Tyler Ervin was playing that spot but he was a running back first, moonlighting as a wide receiver. As we know, Ervin was the primary returner for both kick and punt teams and he has been consistent but not flashy to this point of the season.

This is a seamless trade in where the Texans are upgrading their return player with Carter, with his having a skill set that fits as a potential slot receiver.

We had a chance to pull some clips on Carter, here are some quick thoughts on the new Texans wide receiver.

Tale of the Tape
  • Height: 5'8"
  • Weight: 190 lbs.
  • College: Sacramento State
  • Experience: 1st season (signed as free agent in 2015)
  • Teams: Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles
What We Like
  • A quick run-through of his route tree shows that Carter can run vertical, smoke screen looks, and drag routes, all of which are essential routes for the Texans offense from the slot position.
  • Carter looks like a slot player, he is quick and shifty plus has a burst when he gets going from a stop.
  • Carter's playing strength for being 5'8" and 190 lbs. is impressive. He is capable of breaking tackles, an area in which Ervin did not excel.
  • Able to return kicks and punts, Carter provides plus help at wide receiver when needed. He has versatility.
What We Don't Like
  • In the NFL unfortunately, when players bounce around from team to team, there is a reason for it. Carter has been with five different organizations since he arrived to the NFL in 2015 and finally played in a NFL game for the first time in 2018 with the Eagles.
  • He has limited NFL experience, especially on offense.
  • Carter had a fumble in just two receptions this season. Opportunities do not come often in the NFL and mistakes like that do not help.
  • He showed he can do what he wanted to do in the preseason, but that was against 3rd and 4th string competition. Carter averaged 17.8 yards per reception in the 2018 preseason with the Eagles.
Final Thoughts
This is a trade in personnel that is an upgrade in terms of health and overall athletic ability from Ervin to Carter. Add in the fact that he is an actual wide receiver, Carter can help at the slot position, especially with Keke Coutee working to come back from his injury.

Carter can run jet motions which is something that he showed in the preseason and that is an essential part of what makes the Texans offense run. He at least poses a threat with his speed and quickness, much like the team has shown with Coutee from the slot. The Texans might have found a back-up slot player to help out in a pinch but more importantly, found their next kick and punt returner who has the ability to flip the field with returns.

Clips [film study] on DeAndre Carter

The Rest of the Story
 
Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader an 'unsung hero,' 'space-eater'
Houston Chronicle Nov. 8, 2018

Clogging up the middle of the Texans' defense with his big body, D.J. Reader is one of the better nose tackles in the NFL.

Besides contributing 20 tackles, one for a loss, and two sacks, the former Clemson standout occupies blockers and does the dirty week so teammates can run free to the football.

Reader has helped the first-place Texans' defense allow just 92.9 rushing yards per contest and just three touchdown runs overall.

“I think D.J. is an unsung hero of our crew," Texans defensive line coach Anthony Weaver said. "He’s a technician and he’s very meticulous in everything that he does. Stopping the run game is all about limiting space, and if anybody’s a space-eater out there, it’s D.J. because a lot of times he’s eating up two, sometimes three guys. He’s obviously always improving, puts in the work. I love the kid.”
 
DreRUkYX4AAvwVR.jpg
 
I about shiite when I saw this originally, like impossible, he cannot go anywhere after the trade deadline. Then the balloon popped, just a talking head. I dont know him, but dont want a me first guy. Ig he gets his money will he lay it all out for the team? I would need my scouts etc to really dig, as his talent is unquestionable. Big money for running backs is not needed all the time, See Kamara, Hunt with chiefs, Conner at Pittsburgh, but I dont mind spending Uncle Bob's money after JDC, Mathieu, and Kareem are paid
 
I about shiite when I saw this originally, like impossible, he cannot go anywhere after the trade deadline. Then the balloon popped, just a talking head. I dont know him, but dont want a me first guy. Ig he gets his money will he lay it all out for the team? I would need my scouts etc to really dig, as his talent is unquestionable. Big money for running backs is not needed all the time, See Kamara, Hunt with chiefs, Conner at Pittsburgh, but I dont mind spending Uncle Bob's money after JDC, Mathieu, and Kareem are paid
 
Rich Schmidt said:
I about shiite when I saw this originally, like impossible, he cannot go anywhere after the trade deadline. Then the balloon popped, just a talking head. I dont know him, but dont want a me first guy. Ig he gets his money will he lay it all out for the team? I would need my scouts etc to really dig, as his talent is unquestionable. Big money for running backs is not needed all the time, See Kamara, Hunt with chiefs, Conner at Pittsburgh, but I dont mind spending Uncle Bob's money after JDC, Mathieu, and Kareem are paid
Click to expand...

I doubt Bell will get the $$$$ he wants. (Certainly not from the Texans.) He's one failed drug test away from a year long suspension. Would you be willing to take that risk?

If the Texans are looking at a FA RB they should be looking at Tevin Coleman.
 
steelbtexan said:
Can you imagine Bell behind the Texans OL? All of that waiting for the play to develop before hitting the hole. LOL

Pass on a 30 yr old RB who's 1 toke away from a season long suspension.
Click to expand...

That is going to want to be the highest paid RB in history
 
I don't know, if the Texans get this OL buttoned next off-season and Foreman is healthy......then bringing in Bell might be the perfect move. Could you imagine if the Texans landed RB, Karan Higdon of Michigan in the draft as well?

How would a running game that featured Bell and Foreman and had a true 3rd down back in Higdon to throw at teams for a full season?
 
OptimisticTexan said:
I don't know, if the Texans get this OL buttoned next off-season and Foreman is healthy......then bringing in Bell might be the perfect move. Could you imagine if the Texans landed RB, Karan Higdon of Michigan in the draft as well?

How would a running game that featured Bell and Foreman and had a true 3rd down back in Higdon to throw at teams for a full season?
Click to expand...

IF they had a healthy Foreman And a Bell, why would they spend a high pick on a RB?
 
JB said:
IF they had a healthy Foreman And a Bell, why would they spend a high pick on a RB?
Click to expand...

Foreman would still be a iffy injury could happen type of RB....like Clowney. Bell is getting older and it would depend on his contract demands. Higdon is a stud and if anything happens to either of the two backs, then the answer is on the roster. Always plan for the future. Higdon is worth the investment.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Foreman would still be a iffy injury could happen type of RB....like Clowney. Bell is getting older and it would depend on his contract demands. Higdon is a stud and if anything happens to either of the two backs, then the answer is on the roster. Always plan for the future. Higdon is worth the investment.
Click to expand...

But you stipulated a healthy Foreman... injuries can happen to any. Apparently you also think Bell is a stud. So the question is why would they pass on other areas for a part-time player? If they were that high on Higdon, why bring in Bell? He's old and can't have long left, right?
 
AngryNateFTW said:
Reid is slowly climbing the list. IIRC, he was in the low 60's a few weeks, ago. He might finish #1 if he continues to progress.

Absolute steal who never should have been there. (Duke, also)
Click to expand...

He would climb faster with better technique when tackling. Reid keeps turning sideways and lowering his shoulder for a big hit way too often for my liking. Other than that though he's most definitely trending upwards and playing really well.
 
Scooter said:
He would climb faster with better technique when tackling. Reid keeps turning sideways and lowering his shoulder for a big hit way too often for my liking. Other than that though he's most definitely trending upwards and playing really well.
Click to expand...

So you say his tackling is holding him back? But he is the top rated tackling safety in the NFL, only safety to have 41 tackles with no missed tackles. Next closest safety without a missed tackle only has 18....

think you need to re-evaluate your criticism there
 
Shishkabob said:
So you say his tackling is holding him back? But he is the top rated tackling safety in the NFL, only safety to have 41 tackles with no missed tackles. Next closest safety without a missed tackle only has 18....

think you need to re-evaluate your criticism there
Click to expand...

I know of at least 1 missed tackle from just the previous game. He was about 7 yards from the LOS on a run play, came to make a big hit and the RB bounced off him. He was part of the final scrum tackle 4 yards later which may have wiped off his first miss. He did the same thing later on a pass play (turning full sideways to lower his shoulder), only barely getting his guy to the ground. Getting his man to the ground is the job of course, but technique like that will result in misses and penalties - fix it now as a rookie before it becomes a trend.

Edit: I'm not trying to blast the guy, I've kept saying how well he's playing. This is something that should be identified and fixed however.
 
Scooter said:
I know of at least 1 missed tackle from just the previous game. He was about 7 yards from the LOS on a run play, came to make a big hit and the RB bounced off him. He was part of the final scrum tackle 4 yards later which may have wiped off his first miss. He did the same thing later on a pass play (turning full sideways to lower his shoulder), only barely getting his guy to the ground. Getting his man to the ground is the job of course, but technique like that will result in misses and penalties - fix it now as a rookie before it becomes a trend.

Edit: I'm not trying to blast the guy, I've kept saying how well he's playing. This is something that should be identified and fixed however.
Click to expand...

He has no missed tackles on the season, missing a tackle and then making a tackle later doesn't wipe out the miss in the stats. I think you were watching the wrong player
 

5:30 - bad form, missed tackle

Most of the time he's solid, even great form. There are however times this season when he loses technique and goes for the hit instead.
 
Think you are both right... bad form on the first hit, had a chance to wrap him up for little gain. But they didn't count it as a missed tackle (I think?) because he never really lost contact with him, it was just a hit, turn, grab, drag, ground scenario.
 
Scooter said:

5:30 - bad form, missed tackle

Most of the time he's solid, even great form. There are however times this season when he loses technique and goes for the hit instead.
Click to expand...

agreed bad form, but he didn't miss the tackle. He clearly still made it, just allowed the RB to gain a couple extra yards.

Your whole argument was he would climb up PFF's rankings if he tackled better, but he is by far their highest graded tackling safety so him improving in that area would hardly effect his ranking there at all. His tackling grade of a 91.5 is much higher than his overall grade of a 74.8, so clearly according to PFF tackling isn't the aspect holding him back in their rankings
 
Shishkabob said:
agreed bad form, but he didn't miss the tackle. He clearly still made it, just allowed the RB to gain a couple extra yards.

Your whole argument was he would climb up PFF's rankings if he tackled better, but he is by far their highest graded tackling safety so him improving in that area would hardly effect his ranking there at all. His tackling grade of a 91.5 is much higher than his overall grade of a 74.8, so clearly according to PFF tackling isn't the aspect holding him back in their rankings
Click to expand...
Can't lose sight of the fact he is a rookie only 9 games in as well.
He definitely has a bright future.
 
steelbtexan said:
Can you imagine Bell behind the Texans OL? All of that waiting for the play to develop before hitting the hole. LOL

Pass on a 30 yr old RB who's 1 toke away from a season long suspension.
Click to expand...


He's a triple threat type back. The oline will have a full season together. That's a positive not a negative.

Why do people worry about another mans pocket book. If McNair wants to fork out that type of money to whoever, so be it. Yall didn't have an issue with it when they were trying to make Solders who is average at best the highest paid offensive lineman.

Oh and he's way better than what we have at RB now.
 
Texansballer74 said:
He's a triple threat type back. The oline will have a full season together. That's a positive not a negative.

Why do people worry about another mans pocket book. If McNair wants to fork out that type of money to whoever, so be it. Yall didn't have an issue with it when they were trying to make Solders who is average at best the highest paid offensive lineman.

Oh and he's way better than what we have at RB now.
Click to expand...
at the risk of agreeing with both JB and Steelb, I'd rather spend one of those three picks we have on day two on a set of young shifty legs and save my salary cap money to improve the O-line.
 
steelbtexan said:
Can you imagine Bell behind the Texans OL? All of that waiting for the play to develop before hitting the hole. LOL

Pass on a 30 yr old RB who's 1 toke away from a season long suspension.
Click to expand...
...............and was ridden hard with 321 carries his last year and already turned down a potentially very lucrative contract just 1 month ago...........he wants a top QB type of contract.............so do I..............

[As far as his age, I believe he's only 26.]

********************************************************

Holdout Bell turned down Steelers' $47 million offer - Report

As the high-profile holdout of Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell continues, more reports are surfacing about past Pittsburgh offers that the two-time All-Pro has apparently turned down.

FILE PHOTO: Jan 14, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field.

The three-time 1,000-yard rusher nixed an offer from the Steelers with the team pledging $47 million to Bell over three years, Pro Football Talk reported Friday.

An NFL source told PFT that the package had the potential to guarantee Bell $20 million — a $10 million signing bonus plus another $10 million bonus soon after the agreement.

Over the summer, the Steelers reportedly offered Bell a five-year, $70 million contract, but Bell supposedly balked because only $17 million was guaranteed. Big-name running backs Todd Gurley (Rams) and David Johnson (Cardinals), who signed new contracts, received at least double that amount guaranteed.

“I know the guaranteed money will be there (in March),” Bell said. “If a team wanted to, they could definitely do what they needed to do to make me happy and satisfied.”
 
ObsiWan said:
at the risk of agreeing with both JB and Steelb, I'd rather spend one of those three picks we have on day two on a set of young shifty legs and save my salary cap money to improve the O-line.
Click to expand...
I tend to agree with this way of thinking. At the same time, I believe that we need to understand all the facts.........not the spins.

Misconceptions Surrounding Le’Veon Bell, Part 3: The immature and oft-injured

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Le’Veon Bell have a unique relationship. With that said, the Steelers’ All-Pro running back is also extremely misunderstood.
By F. S. "Flip" Fisher@Flipsteeler Apr 19, 2018, 12:47pm EDT
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
...............and was ridden hard with 321 carries his last year and already turned down a potentially very lucrative contract just 1 month ago...........he wants a top QB type of contract.............so do I..............

[As far as his age, I believe he's only 26.]

********************************************************

Holdout Bell turned down Steelers' $47 million offer - Report

As the high-profile holdout of Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell continues, more reports are surfacing about past Pittsburgh offers that the two-time All-Pro has apparently turned down.

FILE PHOTO: Jan 14, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field.

The three-time 1,000-yard rusher nixed an offer from the Steelers with the team pledging $47 million to Bell over three years, Pro Football Talk reported Friday.

An NFL source told PFT that the package had the potential to guarantee Bell $20 million — a $10 million signing bonus plus another $10 million bonus soon after the agreement.

Over the summer, the Steelers reportedly offered Bell a five-year, $70 million contract, but Bell supposedly balked because only $17 million was guaranteed. Big-name running backs Todd Gurley (Rams) and David Johnson (Cardinals), who signed new contracts, received at least double that amount guaranteed.

“I know the guaranteed money will be there (in March),” Bell said. “If a team wanted to, they could definitely do what they needed to do to make me happy and satisfied.”
Click to expand...

yea from my understanding it was never about the total amount of the contract's value, his holdout was always about the guaranteed money or lack thereof. He also doesn't want to get paid just as a RB, because Bell is a lot more than just a RB to Pitt he lines up at both slot and outside receiver. Unlike when we do it with Miller, Bell is a very good route runner so it's not a decoy he is actually a very capable receiver in those instances.

I fully get Bell's holdout, and hold no ill will against him or anyone else doing what they feel is best for themselves when it comes to their business. Still not sure if I want the Texans to give him a huge contract though
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
I tend to agree with this way of thinking. At the same time, I believe that we need to understand all the facts.........not the spins.

Misconceptions Surrounding Le’Veon Bell, Part 3: The immature and oft-injured

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Le’Veon Bell have a unique relationship. With that said, the Steelers’ All-Pro running back is also extremely misunderstood.
By F. S. "Flip" Fisher@Flipsteeler Apr 19, 2018, 12:47pm EDT
Click to expand...
Thanks for the background info.
:tiphat:


...you know if the Texans could strike a 'reasonable' deal with Bell while Watson is still on his rookie deal....
:hmmm:

I fear Bell's "reasonable >> Texans reasonable (for RBs)
 
Last edited:
One of the guys ESPN recently suggested Texans will sign Bell in off season. Pretty good stats but I cannot put a number to his worth to Houston at this time. He turned down a three year and a five year offers from Pittsburgh that I thought were good. Allegedly, he didn't like the guaranteed money about $19 million IIRC.

Possible cuts 2019:

Kevin Johnson $9 million, Lamar Miller $7.25 million, Ryan Griffin $ 2.75 million = $19 million could be Bell"s guarantee for 2019 as a starter + whatever in 2020.
 
Some of the rumblings that I'm hearing are 'is Bell really that good?'. With the way Conner is playing there I've seen it asked a few times if Bell's value is inflated due to the Steeler's offense.

I don't watch the Steelers enough to have an opinion on that, and know that Bell is very good, but might there be any truth to that?
 
Scooter said:
Some of the rumblings that I'm hearing are 'is Bell really that good?'. With the way Conner is playing there I've seen it asked a few times if Bell's value is inflated due to the Steeler's offense.

I don't watch the Steelers enough to have an opinion on that, and know that Bell is very good, but might there be any truth to that?
Click to expand...

I mean they do have a great OL, but Bell is still REALLY good. Conner is too, I remember watching Conner before his cancer diagnosis(I think while watching Savage tape) thinking to myself "this kid is going to be a real player in this league" Then he missed a year while recovering, and I think his numbers slid some after he came back but he was still getting back to football shape. Conner is incredibly talented, and I love his running style of wanting the contact.

But Bell is so talented of an athlete that he could probably go into most teams and be their best slot receiver
 
ObsiWan said:
at the risk of agreeing with both JB and Steelb, I'd rather spend one of those three picks we have on day two on a set of young shifty legs and save my salary cap money to improve the O-line.
Click to expand...

I'm not advocating for bringing in Bell. Just the money side of it turns me off. Not that I care how much Bell gets... I hope he gets all he's asking for. I just don't think it's a good use of Texans resources.

That said, I think Bell would have helped this team a lot more than I think DT will. His patience, vision, burst, lateral agility, 2nd gear... worth a lot more than "young legs"
 
Texansballer74 said:
He's a triple threat type back. The oline will have a full season together. That's a positive not a negative.

Why do people worry about another mans pocket book. If McNair wants to fork out that type of money to whoever, so be it. Yall didn't have an issue with it when they were trying to make Solders who is average at best the highest paid offensive lineman.

Oh and he's way better than what we have at RB now.
Click to expand...

Because

1. One more toke and Bell faces a yr long suspension.
2. That's a lot of $$$$ to spend on a RB and that $$$$ can be better spent elsewhere.
 
steelbtexan said:
Because

1. One more toke and Bell faces a yr long suspension.
2. That's a lot of $$$$ to spend on a RB and that $$$$ can be better spent elsewhere.
Click to expand...


Not your money to spend Steel. So again stop worrying about other people pocket books.

That man knows he can't mess up anymore. People in Houston would be extremely happy to have a legit running back on this team to go along with Watson, Nuke, (healthy Fuller) and Thomas. Talk about explosive. And let one or both of our young TE's excel. Look out NFL is all I have to say.
 
Texansballer74 said:
Not your money to spend Steel. So again stop worrying about other people pocket books.

That man knows he can't mess up anymore. People in Houston would be extremely happy to have a legit running back on this team to go along with Watson, Nuke, (healthy Fuller) and Thomas. Talk about explosive. And let one or both of our young TE's excel. Look out NFL is all I have to say.
Click to expand...

Gotta fix the OL 1st.

I'm the guy that would've spent the Os $$$$$ 2 yrs ago on the OL like the Vikings did.
 
steelbtexan said:
Gotta fix the OL 1st.

I'm the guy that would've spent the Os $$$$$ 2 yrs ago on the OL like the Vikings did.
Click to expand...


A lot of us would but if coaching tightening up, they can build what they have up.

Ummm until the Vikings win a SB please don't use them as a example. New England does not go and spend heavily on the offensive line and yet they are winning SB's or coming extremely close. So you don't have to spend money like that. You have to be able to coach players up.
 
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