Training camp opens this week, or is underway, depending on when you read this.
Fans and media expect a playoff run for the Houston Texans this year. I'll get to why I don't think the defense is ready.
Texans Rookie Class
The only unsigned rookie remaining is first round pick Brian Cushing. Second pick Connor Barwin was signed right before camp.
The Texans have pretty much penciled in Cushing as the starting SAM. He'll need all the time he can get learning the defense if he hopes to live up to the hype.
The other picks will contribute mostly as back ups and special teams. Some believe that third round selection Antoine Caldwell will start at some point this season at either guard or center. I think he will be a swing lineman unless injuries or horrible play open up a slot for him. The current starting line played all sixteen games without injury. Offensive line unity counts in the NFL. Sometimes the play of the unity is better than the individual talent. The Texans got a good look at what they have on the line and it wasn't as bad as some might think. I think they keep them together unless someone falls apart or gets injured.
James Casey, the TE/HB out of Rice, will probably contribute right away on special teams. Some fans and media speculate he may be tried out of the "Wildcat" formations or even the long snapper.
Hopefully one or two of the later picks will turn into a gem of a find.
The PUPS
CB Antwaun Molden, DT Travis Johnson and rookies TE Anthony Hill and OL Antoine Caldwell start off on the PUP. My only concern is Hill. He was an injury waiting to happen in college. Now he starts off his pro career hurt. Not a good omen.
I'm not to concerned with Molden. Yet. I'd like to see if he can go this season without missing to much time. The Texans need him for at least depth. CBs Jacques Reeves and Fred Bennett will hold down the starting spots given that Dunta Robinson is holding out.
Contract Squabbles
It's been hashed over and over on the other blogs and media so I won't spend to much time on the subject.
Currently the top of the list for the Texans is to get all the rookies signed and into camp.
Next they must reward the veterans. MLB Demeco Ryans has outplayed his rookie contract. He deserves his payday. He's the on field general of the team. He played hurt last year but he toughed it out. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in his initial campaign. It's time to lock up Mr. Ryans for the long term.
Owen Daniels has also emerged as a near top flight tight end. He isn't in the top tier yet but he's a vital cog on the offense. A few fans seem to think he's replaceable and that is the reason the Texans selected Casey and TE Anthony Hill in the fourth round. I truly doubt that.
Daniels signed the restricted agent tender and will be in camp. That leads me to believe that negotiations are progressing. I think Ryans gets his contract and Daniels won't be to far behind.
The one who may have overplayed his hand is CB Dunta Robinson. Rumor is the Texans offered Robinson near $23 million per year. It would make him paid like a top tier shutdown corner. Robinson is good but he isn't great. On his best day he's a second tier corner still. He's playing his way back from a serious injury he suffered in 2007.
If he was offered that money there are fools all around. Robinson is a fool for turning it down and thinking he could do better. The Texans are fools for offering to overpay for Robinson when Ryans and Daniels also need to be extended. Ryans definitely should get his before Daniels and Robinson.
Death of a Blog
My favorite Texans blog, DGDB&D shut it down. The two main contributors, Big Fat Drunk and Mike, can no longer keep up with it. They make it sound like they grew up with stuff like jobs, marriage and kids.
I hate that they shut it down but I can understand. I'll miss the blog and it's bathroom humor, fake conversations, Titans bashing and constant ridicule of the Houston Chronicle's Little Dickey Justice.
It was fun guys. Big Fat Drunk will now be an occasional contributor to the Battle Red Blog. I look forward to his unique commentary and hope they don't make him tone it down. So long guys and thanks for making the Texans blogosphere a fun place.
Is This the Year for Defense?
Does the Texans defense make theGreat Leap Forward?
My answer is no. I don't think the defense is ready for prime time. There are just to many questions and not enough answers.
Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans are proven commodities. Williams is a top five defensive end and Ryans is a top ten linebacker.
But where is the rest of the defense?
Robinson isn't a top tier cornerback but he's not to shabby. Depending on who you read or believe, Frenchy is a good or bad CB. Bennett regressed after having a pretty good rookie year. Molden isn't healthy.
The safties are decent but don't strike fear into the heart of offenses.
At the outside linebackers you have Cushing and Xavier Adibi. Cushing is expected to start at SAM. Adibi is in competition with Cate June for the WILL position. Speculation is that Cushing might come out on passing downs. Not exactly what you want from the #15 pick in the draft. The depth and possible combinations at linebacker are decent. Right now there isn't a playmaker at linebacker who can force turnovers and jar runners to the bone.
The Texans added Antonio via free agency from the Arizona Cardinals. His job will be to add pressure to the opposite side of Mario Williams. Smith will line up primarily at right end and may move inside on passing downs.
The Texans hope second rounder Barwin will have an impact very quickly. I doubt that he will. The learning curve for a DE can be steep. He has the physical skills to do it but he's still raw. He's only played one year at end in college. Big difference. He needs at least one year to be coached up the level needed.
I hope the Texans can take the next step on defense. It will be essential for any playoff aspirations.
Final Thoughts
I have a friend, I've mentioned him before, who thinks Gary Kubiak gets the axe if they don't make the playoffs. I'll let you in on a secret. My friend is an idiot.
Allow me to illustrate my friend's idiocy. I pointed out the fact that Andre Johnson had 76 of his 115 catches at home and 39 on the road. I thought it was an interesting disparity. He says it's because teams double Johnson on the road and don't at Reliant. I asked what the hell is he talking about. He said well a team wants to take away the best player at home. Unbelievable. I told him it's football. You want to take away the best player no matter where the game is played. Does he actually think teams game plane not to play Johnson as tough on the road versus home? I decided not to discuss the topic any further.
He also back pedaled when I reminded him he wanted the Texans to sign Brad Johnson after the Cowboys released him. He posted it on Steph's Chronicle blog. Just scroll down and look for the Brad Johnson post.
That's it for now. Updates as warranted.
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