Texans random thought of the day

[JB]

Texans' Al-Shaair says ban left him in 'dark place'

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair says he was in a "really dark place" after he was suspended for three games for his hit on Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence that left the quarterback with a concussion.

www.espn.com

"I really had a moment of, there's no way I can go out and play football again if this is how people that I work with view me," Al-Shaair said.

He said Runyan told him that he was watching the play and the ensuing melee when he wrote the letter and that he was referring only to those moments and not his entire career in his comments about his sportsmanship.

"But the way he typed it, he said got obviously taken out of context," Al-Shaair said. "I clearly made a mistake (and) the reason why he typed something, which ended up being taken out of context as a mistake, is because I did something that was obviously not right, me taking my helmet off and me starting another brawl ... wasn't right.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

The refs made up for most of Mahomes' stat shortcomings......................just not enough to make the Pro Bowl.

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

Patrick Mahomes misses Pro Bowl roster
By Mike Florio
Published January 2, 2025 09:58 AM

The numbers justify the omission. The name makes it stunning.

For the first time since becoming the starting quarterback of the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes has missed the Pro Bowl roster.

The stats, or lack thereof, warrant it. Yes, Mahomes is second in the AFC in completions and third in yards. But he has 26 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. And his passer rating of 93.2 lands squarely in the middle of the pack.

Still, it’s Patrick Freaking Mahomes. Tight end Travis Kelce made it, despite career lows in yardage, yards per catch, and touchdowns.

Then again, Kelce got more fan votes than any other player. With the roster determined by a 1/3-1/3-1/3 split between fans, players, and coaches, Kelce benefits from the fan bump.

Mahomes can’t be upset. It wasn’t a snub. There are three spots, and the players who made it — Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow — deserved them.

Still, the Chiefs are the top seed in the AFC playoff field. And Mahomes is the most important player on the team. That arguably counts for something.

If it does, it didn’t count for enough to get him on the Pro Bowl roster.

 

[Porky]

Texans have three pro-bowlers on offense, and only one on defense. Yet, excluding last game, the D has been anywhere from pretty good to great while the offense looks like a dog poop sandwich. If anything ever screamed coaching, this is it in flashing neon lights.

 

[badboy]

That smelly wind that just floated by was from Laremy Tunsil directed at all his detractors.

4 Houston Texans selected to 2024 Pro Bowl

 

[KoolAid Sipper]

Pro Bowl?

 

[JB]

Tunsil has continued performing like one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Among left tackles with at least 300 pass-block snaps, he's tied for the fourth-lowest sack percentage (0.4).

Did you know? Tunsil's fifth selection with the Texans ties him with defensive end J.J. Watt for the second-most Pro Bowl selections in team history, trailing Hall of Famer Andre Johnson (seven). -- DJ Bien-Aime
link

 

[steelbtexan]

This MB vastly underrates Tunsil.

 

[thunderkyss]

Tunsil has continued performing like one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Among left tackles with at least 300 pass-block snaps, he's tied for the fourth-lowest sack percentage (0.4).

Did you know? Tunsil's fifth selection with the Texans ties him with defensive end J.J. Watt for the second-most Pro Bowl selections in team history, trailing Hall of Famer Andre Johnson (seven). -- DJ Bien-Aime
link

We ought to be able to get a 2nd round pick for him.

 

[Porky]

This MB vastly underrates Tunsil.

You misspelled over-rated. O-line isn’t corner. He doesn’t practice and play in a vacuum. He is the lead horse leading a 5 horse sleigh. Ideally he is the lead horse, making the other 4 horses better with a cohesion and making the e sum greater than the individual parts.

Ever since he has walked in the door, the sum is less than the parts. You think that’s a coincidence? Hell, you had the likes of Charlie Heck starting at LT last week for the 49ers. No major issues, here he could barely tie his shoes. We have gone through multiple o-line coaches, coordinators, HC’s with various play and personal styles.

The one constant during this time of under performance is the man, the myth, the legend in his own mind…Laramy Tunsil.

You think it’s coincidence? I don’t. Clearly. I hear there is a team in Siberia needing help. Anyone got a giant slingshot?

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

You misspelled over-rated. O-line isn’t corner. He doesn’t practice and play in a vacuum. He is the lead horse leading a 5 horse sleigh. Ideally he is the lead horse, making the other 4 horses better with a cohesion and making the e sum greater than the individual parts.

Ever since he has walked in the door, the sum is less than the parts. You think that’s a coincidence? Hell, you had the likes of Charlie Heck starting at LT last week for the 49ers. No major issues, here he could barely tie his shoes. We have gone through multiple o-line coaches, coordinators, HC’s with various play and personal styles.

The one constant during this time of under performance is the man, the myth, the legend in his own mind…Laramy Tunsil.

You think it’s coincidence? I don’t. Clearly. I hear there is a team in Siberia needing help. Anyone got a giant slingshot?

The 49ers identified and easily solved his problem................

 

[JB]

You misspelled over-rated. O-line isn’t corner. He doesn’t practice and play in a vacuum. He is the lead horse leading a 5 horse sleigh. Ideally he is the lead horse, making the other 4 horses better with a cohesion and making the e sum greater than the individual parts.

Ever since he has walked in the door, the sum is less than the parts. You think that’s a coincidence? Hell, you had the likes of Charlie Heck starting at LT last week for the 49ers. No major issues, here he could barely tie his shoes. We have gone through multiple o-line coaches, coordinators, HC’s with various play and personal styles.

The one constant during this time of under performance is the man, the myth, the legend in his own mind…Laramy Tunsil.

You think it’s coincidence? I don’t. Clearly. I hear there is a team in Siberia needing help. Anyone got a giant slingshot?

You seem to forget how bad the OLine was before Tunsil got here... we had Julien Davenport starting at LT for christ sakes! The offensive line has been a problem since BOB dismantled what was a pretty good line. If you think it's bad now, put another turnstile at LT and watch the team go back to turnstiles at QB

 

[Porky]

You seem to forget how bad the OLine was before Tunsil got here... we had Julien Davenport starting at LT for christ sakes! The offensive line has been a problem since BOB dismantled what was a pretty good line. If you think it's bad now, put another turnstile at LT and watch the team go back to turnstiles at QB

Disagree. Yes you want a decent player, but a player isn’t an avatar in a video game. guys are fully developed men. What they do and say in practice, the locker room, their work habits, their leadership skills all come into play. Give me a good…not great…LT that is a bulldog and physical on the field, a workout warrior, a leader of the line and someone who sets the tone at practice not seeing how many practices he can take off…and now the sum of the parts will actually be better than the individual parts.

Y’all will eventually come around. Once Tunsil is finally done wrecking this team, and we draft or sign someone that fits the general criteria…you’ll see I was right. You won’t admit it…but you’ll finally realize the error of your ways.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Jets announce completion of interview with Mike Vrabel

 

[steelbtexan]

You misspelled over-rated. O-line isn’t corner. He doesn’t practice and play in a vacuum. He is the lead horse leading a 5 horse sleigh. Ideally he is the lead horse, making the other 4 horses better with a cohesion and making the e sum greater than the individual parts.

Ever since he has walked in the door, the sum is less than the parts. You think that’s a coincidence? Hell, you had the likes of Charlie Heck starting at LT last week for the 49ers. No major issues, here he could barely tie his shoes. We have gone through multiple o-line coaches, coordinators, HC’s with various play and personal styles.

The one constant during this time of under performance is the man, the myth, the legend in his own mind…Laramy Tunsil.

You think it’s coincidence? I don’t. Clearly. I hear there is a team in Siberia needing help. Anyone got a giant slingshot?

So Charlie Heck playing better somewhere else is Tunsil's fault. There are no lead sleighs on the OL. If there's one it's the center. He's the communicator.

 

[steelbtexan]

Disagree. Yes you want a decent player, but a player isn’t an avatar in a video game. guys are fully developed men. What they do and say in practice, the locker room, their work habits, their leadership skills all come into play. Give me a good…not great…LT that is a bulldog and physical on the field, a workout warrior, a leader of the line and someone who sets the tone at practice not seeing how many practices he can take off…and now the sum of the parts will actually be better than the individual parts.

Y’all will eventually come around. Once Tunsil is finally done wrecking this team, and we draft or sign someone that fits the general criteria…you’ll see I was right. You won’t admit it…but you’ll finally realize the error of your ways.

Those darned old pot smokers.

Give me more pro bowl level players. not less.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I was never enamored with Tunsil’s play or the picks and money given for/to him to remain the Texans LT.

I really don’t care how others view Tunsil as a LT. He’s been a costly one trick pony who’s soft and isn’t a strong leader….nor does he set an exemplary example for the other guys on the line.

I rationalize the above statement by knowing there is no way in hail Caserio could expose him to the trade market and get back up to 40% of what the team gave to obtain him from the Dolphins.

Texans can’t make the money work on replacing Tunsil until after June 1st of 2026…..and that would be for picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Hopefully the Texans draft a solid developmental LT in the 2025 or 2026 draft.

 

[Porky]

I was never enamored with Tunsil’s play or the picks and money given for/to him to remain the Texans LT.

I really don’t care how others view Tunsil as a LT. He’s been a costly one trick pony who’s soft and isn’t a strong leader….nor does he set an exemplary example for the other guys on the line.

I rationalize the above statement by knowing there is no way in hail Caserio could expose him to the trade market and get back up to 40% of what the team gave to obtain him from the Dolphins.

Texans can’t make the money work on replacing Tunsil until after June 1st of 2026…..and that would be for picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Hopefully the Texans draft a solid developmental LT in the 2025 or 2026 draft.

Bingo. We have a winner.

 

[badboy]

We ought to be able to get a 2nd round pick for him.

It is not so much what we get for him but how we replace him that is a concern in any kind of a trade. You have to get someone at least that can stand up to the defensive scheme. There are players that I think who might be able to do that in this draft. Josh Conerly, Wyatt Milan and Charles Grant are on my list. You have to have some certainty that you will get one of them before you trade him. And it would have to be a whole lot more than a round 2. At least two more players who have to be starters at some point during 2025 as well as the left tackle you get. Then you add in the salary cap savings from the trade to go get another player preferably a starter like Smith from Kansas City. Tunsil's ~$13.85 + Mason's $9.5 post June cut gets you Trey Smith [APY $18.5] and ~$4 m left over.

For example: Bears get Tunsil

Texans sign FA Smith/use $4 m for a Denico Autry type or two like Settle and Derek Barnett. Get OT Kiran Amegadjie plus picks 38 41 73.

2.38 Josh Conerly LT
2.41 Jahdee Barron CB/S/NB
2.52 ours Tre Harris
3.73 Bears RT Ajani Cornelius
3.84 LT Charles Grant

1.19 LT/OG Wyatt Milum starts at LG.
Yes rookies on Left but my opinion less than Tunsil but much more than Howard.

 

[badboy]

You misspelled over-rated. O-line isn’t corner. He doesn’t practice and play in a vacuum. He is the lead horse leading a 5 horse sleigh. Ideally he is the lead horse, making the other 4 horses better with a cohesion and making the e sum greater than the individual parts.

Ever since he has walked in the door, the sum is less than the parts. You think that’s a coincidence? Hell, you had the likes of Charlie Heck starting at LT last week for the 49ers. No major issues, here he could barely tie his shoes. We have gone through multiple o-line coaches, coordinators, HC’s with various play and personal styles.

The one constant during this time of under performance is the man, the myth, the legend in his own mind…Laramy Tunsil.

You think it’s coincidence? I don’t. Clearly. I hear there is a team in Siberia needing help. Anyone got a giant slingshot?

Tunsil has received minimal help from TEs so I see him as 'on an island ' similar to a corner with safety over the top and sometimes a linebacker in the middle.
I I am as frustrated as anyone with his penalties but he has given up two sacks and three quarterback hits this season. That is a pro bowler. Struggles at LG plus play calling from Scruggs then Patterson taking over hasn’t helped Tunsil. Add in Stroud's issues with not having Dell and Diggs not good. Then 2023 Schultz cashes in then goes wonky.
You agree that Strausser isn't good for any position. Then Slowik pulls a Schultz grabbing his (bonus) cash and falling apart.

Laremy Tunsil | Washington Commanders T | NFL and PFF stats

NFL and PFF player stats for Washington Commanders T Laremy Tunsil on Pro Football Focus.

www.pff.com

 

[badboy]

Those darned old pot smokers.

Give me more pro bowl level players. not less.

My sources tell me that pot smoking is on the new S2 test and also an event at the combine which should increase viewership.

 

[badboy]

We have a pass blocking offense so I know, let's run more!
Signed slow

 

[steelbtexan]

I was never enamored with Tunsil’s play or the picks and money given for/to him to remain the Texans LT.

I really don’t care how others view Tunsil as a LT. He’s been a costly one trick pony who’s soft and isn’t a strong leader….nor does he set an exemplary example for the other guys on the line.

I rationalize the above statement by knowing there is no way in hail Caserio could expose him to the trade market and get back up to 40% of what the team gave to obtain him from the Dolphins.

Texans can’t make the money work on replacing Tunsil until after June 1st of 2026…..and that would be for picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Hopefully the Texans draft a solid developmental LT in the 2025 or 2026 draft.

Lets cut the only above avg/pro bowl OL on the team. Brilliant

I dont get why people always related what was given up in trade to acquire Tunsil to hold against him. Also who cares what he makes, he's the best OL on the team and people who know think a lot more of Tunsil than posters on this MB.

Think the Pats would trade 2-33/4-97 and probably a 2026 2nd for Tunsil?

Think the Bears/Redskins/Steelers/Chiefs/Dolphins etc... would give up a 1st and more to trade for Tunsil? Tunsil is here for at least a couple of yrs, posters need to learn to accept this.

 

[steelbtexan]

It is not so much what we get for him but how we replace him that is a concern in any kind of a trade. You have to get someone at least that can stand up to the defensive scheme. There are players that I think who might be able to do that in this draft. Josh Conerly, Wyatt Milan and Charles Grant are on my list. You have to have some certainty that you will get one of them before you trade him. And it would have to be a whole lot more than a round 2. At least two more players who have to be starters at some point during 2025 as well as the left tackle you get. Then you add in the salary cap savings from the trade to go get another player preferably a starter like Smith from Kansas City. Tunsil's ~$13.85 + Mason's $9.5 post June cut gets you Trey Smith [APY $18.5] and ~$4 m left over.

For example: Bears get Tunsil

Texans sign FA Smith/use $4 m for a Denico Autry type or two like Settle and Derek Barnett. Get OT Kiran Amegadjie plus picks 38 41 73.

2.38 Josh Conerly LT
2.41 Jahdee Barron CB/S/NB
2.52 ours Tre Harris
3.73 Bears RT Ajani Cornelius
3.84 LT Charles Grant

1.19 LT/OG Wyatt Milum starts at LG.
Yes rookies on Left but my opinion less than Tunsil but much more than Howard.

Just terrible, You think Stroud has happy feet now, just surround him with a bunch of rookies and watch him become a full blown version of Carr. SMH

 

[steelbtexan]

Tunsil has received minimal help from TEs so I see him as 'on an island ' similar to a corner with safety over the top and sometimes a linebacker in the middle.
I I am as frustrated as anyone with his penalties but he has given up two sacks and three quarterback hits this season. That is a pro bowler. Struggles at LG plus play calling from Scruggs then Patterson taking over hasn’t helped Tunsil. Add in Stroud's issues with not having Dell and Diggs not good. Then 2023 Schultz cashes in then goes wonky.
You agree that Strausser isn't good for any position. Then Slowik pulls a Schultz grabbing his (bonus) cash and falling apart.

Laremy Tunsil | Washington Commanders T | NFL and PFF stats

NFL and PFF player stats for Washington Commanders T Laremy Tunsil on Pro Football Focus.

www.pff.com

The false starts haven't been happening nearly as frequently since Patterson took over for the mentally challenged Scruggs.

 

[steelbtexan]

My sources tell me that pot smoking is on the new S2 test and also an event at the combine which should increase viewership.

Lucas oil is turned into the worlds largest greenhouse.

 

[Lucky]

The false starts haven't been happening nearly as frequently since Patterson took over for the mentally challenged Scruggs.

What about all of the other seasons when Scruggs wasn't the Center?

The real problem was that Tunsil (and Howard) took zero snaps in the offseason. They looked rusty from the start, and the rest of the line looked lost. This line has to be re-evaluated this offseason. Including the scheme. Nothing should be off the table, including moving on from Tunsil.

 

[steelbtexan]

What about all of the other seasons when Scruggs wasn't the Center?

The real problem was that Tunsil (and Howard) took zero snaps in the offseason. They looked rusty from the start, and the rest of the line looked lost. This line has to be re-evaluated this offseason. Including the scheme. Nothing should be off the table, including moving on from Tunsil.

I just think trading a pro bowl OT on an OL that's lacking talent is a pretty dumb thing to do.

I thought the same thing about Howard and Tunsil coming off of injury. But Tunsil early in the yr was trying to tell everybody Scruggs was messing up the OL calls and that was the reason for lack of continuity. Posters on here called him selfish, trying to shift the blame, lazy pothead etc.... SMH

I'm just glad when Patterson took over a C the false starts stopped, even though I didn't think a couple of false starts a game was that big of a deal. They certainly wouldn't even had been a false start if Tunsil/Howard played for the Chiefs.

I LOL at posters that think Tunsil's the main reason for the OL issues.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Lets cut the only above avg/pro bowl OL on the team. Brilliant

I dont get why people always related what was given up in trade to acquire Tunsil to hold against him. Also who cares what he makes, he's the best OL on the team and people who know think a lot more of Tunsil than posters on this MB.

Think the Pats would trade 2-33/4-97 and probably a 2026 2nd for Tunsil?

Think the Bears/Redskins/Steelers/Chiefs/Dolphins etc... would give up a 1st and more to trade for Tunsil? Tunsil is here for at least a couple of yrs, posters need to learn to accept this.

I’d love to find out what any team would give up. Since Tunsil is supposed to be one of the best….why no RD1 picks projected?

I’ve come to terms with the idea Tunsil is going nowhere until 2026 (as I’ve alluded to many times) at the earliest.

Anyone think he’ll pencil camp in on his 2025 calendar? Even if he doesn’t, he’ll still be the starter for the 2025 season.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

We have a pass blocking offense so I know, let's run more!
Signed slow

The Texans have a pass blocking offense strictly in theory and on paper….unfortunately, the OL never got this memo.

 

[Speedy]

The Texans have a pass blocking offense strictly in theory and on paper….unfortunately, the OL never got this memo.

Right. The Texans have the worst pressure percentage in the league. They ain’t blocking shit.

 

[Lucky]

I just think trading a pro bowl OT on an OL that's lacking talent is a pretty dumb thing to do.

The pro bowl team is based off reputation. Tunsil did nothing to earn that in 2024. Unless 17 penalties is considered a positive. Laremy is not a sacred cow. The Texans need to consider his trade value, cap savings, and his lack of fit on this team. After that, Tunsil still may be the best option. But moving on from Tunsil has to be considered.

 

[Porky]

I would trade Tunsil for anything I can get. Sign a veteran LT in FA, and draft a guy to slowly work in.

It’s simple math - addition by subtraction.

No he isn’t the only issue…by far, but he is the head of a dysfunctional snake. You can tinker with any other parts and pieces, the coaching, even the scheme, but you have to cut off the head of the snake if you want to see real progress.

Do I think this will happen? Very unlikely. But it’s a message board, so here’s what I would do if I were Nick.

 

[steelbtexan]

The pro bowl team is based off reputation. Tunsil did nothing to earn that in 2024. Unless 17 penalties is considered a positive. Laremy is not a sacred cow. The Texans need to consider his trade value, cap savings, and his lack of fit on this team. After that, Tunsil still may be the best option. But moving on from Tunsil has to be considered.

Considering cutting your best OL on an OL that lacks in talent? Not smart

 

[steelbtexan]

I’d love to find out what any team would give up. Since Tunsil is supposed to be one of the best….why no RD1 picks projected?

I’ve come to terms with the idea Tunsil is going nowhere until 2026 (as I’ve alluded to many times) at the earliest.

Anyone think he’ll pencil camp in on his 2025 calendar? Even if he doesn’t, he’ll still be the starter for the 2025 season.

Because when I used New England, they aren't going to give up 1-2 for Tunsil. They probably will give up 2-33 plus more for Tunsil. Which is the same as a late 1st rd pick plus more. The other teams I listed would give up a 1st and probably more for Tunsil. Particlarly Miami/Redskins/Bears.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Because when I used New England, they aren't going to give up 1-2 for Tunsil. They probably will give up 2-33 plus more for Tunsil. Which is the same as a late 1st rd pick plus more. The other teams I listed would give up a 1st and probably more for Tunsil. Particlarly Miami/Redskins/Bears.

In this scenario, I’d move Fisher to LT and look to draft a RT.

 

[steelbtexan]

In this scenario, I’d move Fisher to LT and look to draft a RT.

Why? Fisher has barely proven he can handle RT.

 

[badboy]

Because when I used New England, they aren't going to give up 1-2 for Tunsil. They probably will give up 2-33 plus more for Tunsil. Which is the same as a late 1st rd pick plus more. The other teams I listed would give up a 1st and probably more for Tunsil. Particlarly Miami/Redskins/Bears.

I looked into pursuing a trade with Miami but do not think that they need Tunsil. Redskins whoops not priority need.
Chicago seems to be the target. I don't see them giving Pick 10 for our guy but they could draft Kelvin Banks to play left guard and develop him for a replacement to Tunsil when his contract expires if they choose. If I were seeking trade:
39+41+72 plus LT Kiran Amegadjie.

Concern? Amegadjie whom I like is not ready to start. More importantly, we have no guarantee at 39 to get a left tackle. Conerly/Milum may be there but I would not take that risk and would have to use my first round to get him. A trade down in round one might work for Conerly or Milum.

Alternative plan is to trade 19 to Cleveland for 33 +67 + 4.104. Browns desperately want a Top Flight wide receiver to go with their new quarterback that they will get at top of round one.

 

[thunderkyss]

Why? Fisher has barely proven he can handle RT.

I wouldn't be surprised if they put Howard at LT & leave Fisher at RT.

I know you hate the idea, which means they'll probably do it.

 

[welsh texan]

Frustrating that Pierce had that game in him, considering we came into this season with him and Akers and hoping to be able to have a bit of a committee with Mixon leading.

Mixon has taken a beating this season and as well as a few missed games he’s had a few quiet games carrying injuries at times, too, Slowick should have spread the snaps around a bit better through the season.

I hope Pierce can be used as a 1-2 punch with Joe in the playoffs, his style actually gives teams something very different to plan against.

 

[JRingo]

Wonder if the Texans are interested in the Cheetah who’s apparently not too happy in Miami..

 

[steelbtexan]

Wonder if the Texans are interested in the Cheetah who’s apparently not too happy in Miami..

Even though they need IOL terribly badly, I can only dream of a WR corps featuring Cheetah/Nico.

Wont happen because of the cap.

Wonder it Greir would take Two 1sts and Howard for Cheetah?

I think they can find a starting LG in the 3rd rd of the draft.

 

[thunderkyss]

Wonder if the Texans are interested in the Cheetah who’s apparently not too happy in Miami..

How often has he played a full season?

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1876086939558072511

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Quite the knock! But could be true.

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

https://twitter.com/x/status/1876332856194261271

 

[DBCooper]

Quite the knock! But could be true.

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

https://twitter.com/x/status/1876332856194261271

Bulletin board material!

 

[Earl34]

Bulletin board material!

It would be but no one listens to that blowhard.

 

[JB]

moved

 

[thunderkyss]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1876086939558072511

Has the Texans ever made the playoffs as the third seed or higher?

 

[Bugman7star]

Has the Texans ever made the playoffs as the third seed or higher?

The best the Texans have done is the 3rd seed a couple times but never higher. In order to compete in the future for better seeding this team has to become good enough not lose more than 3 games. Based on recent patterns, any team that wants a shot at the 1st seed cannot afford to lose more than 2-3 games during the regular season, so hopefully that is the level this organization is working towards achieving. But hey, "Any Given Sunday."

 

[amazing80]

Got a new tattoo yesterday, either we win the super bowl or I jinked us lol