MNF - Costly Win for Texans

Note: No column last week due to overload at work. But a few brief words on the game.  Titans are a shell of a team.  Texans dispatched them with easy although allowing Chris Johnson to run amok but causing no damage.  Defense returned two INTs for TD.  Much maligned CB Kareem Jackson earns Man of the Match for his outstanding play that included a TD. 

T-E-X-A-N-S BEAT J-E-T-S

The Texans to the national stage versus the NY J-E-T-S on Monday Night Football and came away from the teams first ever win over the Jets.  The game produced some nerves moments as the pesky NY team refused to go away.  Just when it appeared the Texans would deliver a knock out blow, the Jets glanced it away and delivered a counter.  In the end, JJ Watt again altered a game enough for the Texans to squeeze out the W.

The Texans opened the game with a precise workman like drive to take a 7-0 lead.  It looked like the Texans would slice and dice the Gang Green defense with ease, put an early lead and call it a night.  The Jets had other ideas.

After going 85 yards on opening drive, the Texans mustered -3 yards on next two drives that ended with a punt and an interception.  On the flip side, the defense was able to hold the Jets to 4 punts on 5 possessions.  Unfortunately that one possession ended in a touchdown and at the end of one quarter, the game was tied at 7.

J.J. The Magnificent

The Texans were nursing a 14-7 lead toward the end of the half but the Jets were driving for a score.  Watt altered the game in his usual way.  Mark Sanchez dropped back to pass and saw two wide open Jet WRs in the endzone.  Sanchez slings the pass but it never makes it past the outstretched paws of Watt.  Watt saved a TD and a Texans lead.  The drive ended on another tipped ball, this time I think it was Connor Barwin, that lead to a Brice McCain interception.  McCain nearly returned it for a TD but was caught from behind.  The Texans settled for a 17-7 halftime lead.

Special Teams Woes

The Texans extended the lead 20-7 and appeared to be cruising.  On the kick off following the FG, the special teams allowed the Jets to return it for a TD.  I said it before and I'll say it again, special team touchdowns are free points.  No effort by the other team except out running the coverage and no time off the clock.  The game was now a bar room brawl.

Besides the touchdown return, Trindon Holliday's decision making continued to be an issue.  He fielded a few punts he should have let go but his most egregious error came at the end of the game.  After the Jets 4th quarter field goal, Holliday took the kick off out of the endzone.  Instead of the 20, the Texans had to start at the 11 with the game on the line.  9 yard may not seam like a lot but in a game this close, inches matter.

Holliday was subsequently release this week.

Special teams were not all bad.  Punting continues to be a strength in turning the field.  And that was needed considering Holliday's poor judgement.  The kick off return team also recovered a surprise onside kick by the Jets.  Shayne Graham was perfect from on his field goal attempts.

Final Thoughts

The game wasn't without cost.  Linebacker Brian Cushing was lost for the season with a torn ACL. He'll undergo surgery in a few weeks after swelling goes down.  While it is a costly injury, those clowns saying season is doomed need to calm the hell down.

 

The meat of the schedule is coming up with the Packers, Ravens, Bills and Bears coming up next.  Fortunately, the first three on that list come at home.  While it won't be easy, if the Texans can get at least 3 out of 4, they will move to 8-1 and nothing short of disaster will keep them out of playoffs.  The next 4 out of 5 are home games.  That means the last they finish with 4 of 6 to close out the season on the road.

While the final 6 sound nasty, I have supreme confidence in this team.  This isn't the team of old.  This year they not only have the physical talent but the mental toughness too.  A safety and a bad start in Denver might have caused an old Texans team to fold up like a cheap tent.  A momentum swing on the road like a kick off returned for a TD might have cratered a previous version of the Texans.  Not this year.  It's a team that knows how to overcome adversity and finish off an opponent.

Co-Man of the Match

This is the first time I recall naming to players to Man of the Match but it is deserving.

JJ Watt.  Need I say more?  A TD saving swat at near the end of the half and a late sack that knocked the Jets out of field goal range.  The man continues to change the course of games.

Arian Foster - 152 yards rushing on 29 carries and a touchdown.  Much has been written concerning the ton of carries Foster is getting.  I think with Ben Tate returning the Texans will start to give Foster more rest and save him for later in the season.

Friends, Houstonians, Texans Lend Me Your Ear - Matt Schaub

Texan Toughness

Remember when Matt Schaub was fragile?  Remember when the Texans were a finesse team? Remember when the Texans were a soft team?  At least they were branded with those labels by the national media.

Yes Schaub missed games in three seasons.  Conveniently the media forgets that Schaub played the whole seasons in 2009 & 2010.  Last year's injury was one of those freak things.  Fat Albert fell on Schaub's foot on a sneak and ended his season.

After last Sunday's game in Denver, Schaub earned the label of tough guy.  For those of us who have been watching, we know better.  Schaub takes beatings and gets back up.  Remember the Jags road game in 2009?  I think Schaub proved his toughness in that game.  It took Schaub losing part of an ear on a nationally televised game to convince the rest of the world he's a tough man.  So let's just move on from and never question Schaub's toughness.

Mental Toughness

The Texans put the finesse tag to rest last year with the rebirth of the defense from the disaster of 2010.

Still, it was great to see the Texans overcome a terrible first play.  The Broncos punted and put the ball on the two yard line.  On the first Texans snap of the game, Elvis Dumervil sacked Schaub for a safety.  First year starter at right tackle Derek Newton whiffed on his block.  On the ensuing possession, the Broncos scored a field goal for a 5-0 lead.

In the past, the Texans might have cratered with such a negative start.  There was something to the fact that they were rattled easily.  Couple a bad first series with a road game, the Texans needed a strong response.  On the second possession, the Texans delivered a punch that pretty much set the stage for the rest of the game.  Schaub hit the baddest man in the NFL Andre Johnson for a 60 yard TD bomb.  It was a beautiful play with Schaub hitting Angry Dre in stride.

The defense flustered Peyton Manning for most the first half.  While Texans were scoring TDs, the Broncos possessions went punt, FG, punt, punt, FG, punt.  Anytime you can keep Manning's offense out of the endzone, your day is going well.

The third drive by the Texans was their typical manly clock eating drive.  It went 98 yards in 14 plays and 7:05 minutes time of possession.

The quick strike offense punched the Broncos defense again when Schaub hit Kevin Walter in stride for a 52 yard TD.

When the half ended, the Texans turned a 5-0 deficit into a commanding 21-11 lead.

Manning Never Out of It

The Texans managed to tack on 10 more points in the 3rd quarter which would prove necessary.

To start the 4th, it looked like the Texans were going to embark on one of their will imposing, epic touchdown drives.  They were moving the ball and bleeding clock until Ben Tate fumbled on the 7th play of the drive.  

Give Manning a fumble and he'll take a mile.  That was the opening Manning needed.  Two plays after the fumbled, Manning hit Brandon Stokely for a 38 yard TD and only used 31 seconds.

After a Texans three and out, Manning pulled the Broncos within 5 points.  The only positive is they used over 8 minutes to do it.

The Texans finished off the job by chewing up most of the last three minutes of the game and leaving Manning just 20 seconds to pull off a miracle.  But he couldn't.

Offensive Line Right Side Concerns

Last week RG Antoine Caldwell started losing snaps to rookie Brandon Jones.  The rotation continued in Denver.  Now RT Derek Newton lost snaps to Ryan Harris.  I read somewhere, I can't find the source, that Harris played the last four series of the game.

In my opinion, Caldwell is on the verge of losing the starting job.  I've never been impressed with his play. Caldwell is easily moved and he can't get down to the second level on run blocking.  Caldwell will be riding pine by week 7.  

With Newton, I still think he keeps the starting job.  He had a rough game against the Broncos and the Texans needed to close out the game.  Like a relief pitcher, Gary Kubiak pulled his starter and went to the bullpen.  I think we'll see more of the same when Newton struggles but he won't get the hook if he plays well.

While on the topic of the offensive line, I have a few concerns.  First is the number of false starts the whole line had.  I don't have a break down but I remember at least five.  Denver is loud place to play.  I'm sure the team worked on silent counts and what not.  The execution just needs to be better.

The other concern I have is the number of hits Schaub took.  Even Kubiak commented on this issue.  Schaub proved his toughness to NFL fans this week.  However the line needs to keep him clean as much as possible.  He doesn't need to prove how tough he is each week.

Bulls Paraded on Donkeys

Bulls on Parade trampled the Donkeys for 3 quarters.  As tense as it became in the 4th quarter, that does not diminish what the defense accomplished.  The goal is to win the game.  By stuffing the Broncos for three quarters, they put the team in the position to win and withstand a furious comeback.  There is just no way around the fact that Manning will throw everything at a team to win.  He's that talented this late in his career and is a fierce competitor.

JJ Watt continues his bull rush through offensive lines to menace quarterbacks.  Before the game, Watt stated he wanted to sack Manning.  He did.  Twice.  He also added six tackles with four for losses.  The lead bull is a beast.

The defensive backs batted balls away from receivers all game long.  A few of those passes should have been intercepted.  They came away with the win so I'm probably splitting hairs.  However, a great defense needs to get those turnovers.  While it didn't matter much this game it will matter and make a difference between a win or a loss.  Bulls on Parade also forced Manning into a career high 26 incomplete passes.

Another positive is the run defense continues to remain solid.  The Jagoffs tried early to run MJD and failed.  The Donks tried the same theory early but the Texans stuffed the run to a tune of 2.8 yards a carry.  I think some preseason questions about the run defense have been answered for now.

Man of the Match

Matt Schaub wins this weekly award as the best player on the field for the Texans game.  Note I say game because I reserve the right to award the title to an opponent if they out play the Texans.

He wasn't his efficient self with the 60% plus completion rate.  He completed 56.7% but made every throw count.  You can't argue with a TD pass on 24% of his completions or a 9.7 yard per pass average.  Schaub finished the game 17 of 30 passes with 4 TDs, 290 yards, 1 INT, 1 sack.  

Final Thoughts

Another well played game for the Houston 11.  The offense put up at least 30 points for 2 out of 3 games.  Last year pre-Schaub injury they were averaging 27 points per game.  Looks like they've picked up where Schaub left off last year.  The average dropped 10 points once Yates took over for Schaub.  I view this game as a national coming out party for Schaub.  He showed the rest of the nation what we in Houston already knew.

While known for the two pronged rushing attack of Arian Foster and Ben Tate, the Texans showed they can  beat a team through the air too.  Don't forget that in 2010 Schaub posted the 7th highest yardage total in NFL history.  Also it is good to see Keyshawn Martin, Garrett Graham and Lestar Jean contribute and make teams pay for rolling coverage to Johnson.  Owen Daniels and Walter also remain a big part of the passing game.

This team is well rounded on defense and offense.  Special team coverage and the right side of the offensive line still are a worry for fans.  Trindon Holliday continues to be a nonfactor.  DeVier Posey will most likely be active this week since Jean is out with injury.  If he contributes or even shows flashes of potential, I see the Texans cutting Holliday and using Martin or Posey as return men.

Bring on the Titans!

Texans Dominate Jags 27-7

Domination

There is no other way to describe the Texans win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Texans dominated both sided of the ball.  The offense held the ball for an unbelievable 43+ minutes.  The defense only played 38 snaps.  

The offense pretty much imposed their will on the Jags defense.  Arian Foster and Ben Tate ran amok on the Jags defense.  Matt Schaub again was quietly efficient with no turnovers.  The Jags shutdown Andre Johnson but the Texans made them pay in other areas.

JJ Watt was JJ Swat again.  This time with two pass deflections, five tackles with two for losses and one and a half sacks.  This was enough to earn him AFC Defensive Player of the Week. 

The Sight Side (as opposed to the Blind Side)

Last week there was some concern for the right side of the line.  Two new starters were installed in RG Antoine Caldwell and 2nd year RT Derek Newton.  They did nothing to distinguish themselves last week.

Some fans worried that the better defense of the Jags would give the Texans a harder time than the Dolphins.  Nonsense.  They whole line stood up well against the Jags supposed quality defense.  The line allowed Foster, Tate and Justin Forsett thunder for 216 rushing yards.  

Rookie center Ben Jones made debut on the first touchdown series.  He played RG in place of Caldwell.  Gary Kubiak has gone to rotation at right guard for now.

I think Caldwell will lose the starting job and revert to back up sometime before midseason.  A few years back, Caldwell was penciled in as the starter in training camp.  As the season progressed, he rotated out with Mike Brisiel.  As things played out, Caldwell lost the job full time.  

I see the same scenario playing out this season.  Kubiak used the same strategy also during Duane Brown's rookie year.  He rotated every third series until Brown wrested the starting job away from Chester Pitts (if I recall correctly). 

Special Teams are Special

When I call special teams special, I don't mean it in a good way.

Trindon Holliday, Shane Graham and Donnie Jones played well enough on returns and kicking.  Holliday had a 36 yard return to give the Texans good field position.  Graham put both FG attempts through the uprights.  Jones flipped the field once or twice.

The blocking unit wiped out a couple of decent Holliday returns with penalties.  Last week I harped on Holliday to get his stuff together.  This week he held up his end of the bargain.  It was the blocking teams that let the team down.  They need to clean up those penalties that kill the return game.

The coverage unit also gives me pause.  Last week they gave up the TD to the Dolphins.  In the 3rd quarter, Jones punted away to the Jags 45 but it was returned to the Texans 37.  Two plays later, Blaine Gabbert found Maurice Jones-Drew for their lone touchdown of the game.

Special teams don't play as many plays as the other two units but they still have a tremendous impact on the outcome.  In a closer game, they make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

With a 27-7 win, it's hard to find fault.  The Texans, for one week, cleaned up the mess on the right side of the line.  The line overall improved.  Obviously, with Caldwell and Jones rotating, it remains a work in progress. 

Watt continues to play like the bad ass that he is.  Not only did he win AFC Defensive Player of the Week but his name has entered the Defensive MVP talk in some quarters.  With only two games played such talk is a stretch.  However, if he continues to play at such a high level for most the season then it possible.  Such numbers for a 3-4 end are unheard of.  I think teams will move more to double cover Watt but that does open doors for the linebackers.

For the record, in this game, Schaub, Foster and Johnson surpassed last years total plays on the field together.

Man of the Match

Ben Tate is man of the match this week.  Foster and Tate are probably the best one-two punch at running back.  The duo put up 244 total yard receiving and rushing.  They also accounted for the three TDs scored.

Tate though made the most of his opportunities.  He only touched the ball 16 times but accounted for 2 TDs, 23 receiving yards and 74 rushing yards.  Not know for his deft receiving, Tate turned a sure loss or stop on 3rd down into a positive gain for first down.  Tate definitely played a special game on Sunday....for that he is my man of the match.

Bring on the Broncos and Manning!

JJ Watt Wills Texans To Victory

The Sultan of  JJ Swatt

No one is going to argue against the following statement:  JJ Watt (or JJ Swatt as Wade Phillips refers to him) single handedly lead the Texans to victory.  Two crucial pass deflections late in the second half lead to interceptions by Kareem Jackson and Brian Cushing.  Those interceptions turned into 14 points.  For the game, Watt tallied 1.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections and 2 tackles.

With the game tied 3-3, Watt turned the tide in a bigger fashion that his TD grab versus Cincy in the playoffs.  When the clock read zero to end the half, the Texans held a 24-3 advantage.

If there is one analysis I can take away from the game it is this:  JJ Watt has done something, twice, that Mario Williams never did.  Watt turned the tide of the game when things were uneasy and in doubt.  In the playoffs, with the Texans and Bengals knotted up at 10, Watt snagged an Andy Dalton pass out of midair to give the Texans a 17-10 half time lead.  The TD not only ignited an uneasy home crowd but swung the momentum undoubtedly toward the Texans.  Sunday, we again witnessed the awesomeness that is JJ Watt.

While I was a big Mario Williams fan, I'll be the first to admit he never lived up to the top draft pick billing.  The Texans did the right thing in letting him walk in free agency.  Watt's performance only makes that move look the more brilliant.  For the record, Williams debut stat line in Buffalo was one tackle.

Offensive Woes?

I'm not as down on the offense as most fans are.  Matt Schaub was an efficient 20 of 31 (64.5%) for 266 yards and one TD.  Just as important, Schaub committed no turnovers.

Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 85 yards.  Foster churned out TD runs of 2 and 14 yards.  The offensive line failed to open up big holes for Foster.  The Texans resorted to several toss plays trying to loosen up the Dolphins defense.  Another factor was the rebuilt right side of the line.  One game is to small a sample size to see how new full time starters RT Derek Newton and RG Antoine Caldwell hold up.

With the run game stalled, the Texans passing game carried the load.  Andre Johnson makes it look easy grabbing 119 yards on 8 receptions and a TD.  His touchdown was a beautiful fade pass to close out the 21 point half ending flurry.  I haven't seen the replay yet but from my seats his footwork to stay in bounds was a work of beauty.

TE Owen Daniels made the Dolphins pay for doubling up on Johnson.  Twice Schaub found Daniels completely uncovered to in the middle of the field for big gains.  Daniels ended the game with 87 yards and 4 catches.

Far From Perfection

Despite the victory, plenty of issues need work.

Trindon Holliday, watch your back.  Gary Kubiak hates using a roster spot on a return specialist.  Holliday pretty much forced the Texans to keep him on the roster after his preseason performance.  His pro performance leaves a lot to be desired.  If nothing else, take a knee and get the Texans to the 20.  None of his returns went that far and his bobble on one kick off left the Texans inside the 5.  Face it, Kubiak will trot anyone out there with orders to take a knee and cut Holliday if this keeps up.

Coverage teams need to tighten up too.  Giving up a touchdown on punt return is unacceptable.  It's free points with no time consumed.  You want to keep the foot on the Dolphins throat.  Giving them a quick TD is a way that could spark the other team.  

If the Texans are going to make teams pay for doubling Johnson, other receivers besides Daniels will have to step up.  Keyshawn Martin had an opportunity to early but dropped an easy pass.  As far as I could tell he rode the bench the rest of the game.  Lestar Jean also had a chance to make a play.  He ended up not able to hold onto the ball in what may have been a touchdown.  I say may because even if he controlled it may have been out of bounds.  Regardless, others need to step up when called upon.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Texans won a game they had no business losing.  Things were tight for a half.  Then a good defense does what it is supposed to.  They kept the 'phins out of the endzone and gave the offense chances to score.  In turn the offense maximized those opportunities.  Some gripe about the offense not going the length of the field to score.  I say so what?  They sliced the Dolphins throat open when the defense gave them the knife.  THAT is what good teams do.

Instead of player of the game or game MVP, I like using the soccer term Man of the Match.  How can it be anyone else than JJ Watt. 3 pass deflections leading to two interceptions which in turn lead to two TDs.  

Bring on the Jags!

Preseason Post - Offensive Depth Chart Edition

The Texans released the depth chart from the Mothership last night.  I didn't find to many surprises as it is the first heading into the preseason.  Also, as always at this time of year, position battles will lead to more changes.  The depth chart will remain in a state of flux until the final roster is set before week one.

Battle of the Right Offensive Line

Pre-camp pundits predicted a battle along the right side of the offensive line.  RT Eric Winston was released and RG Mike Brisiel signed for more money with the Raiders.  Going with what they have, the Texans penciled in Rashard Butler at tackle and Antoine Caldwell at guard.  Butler started four games at left tackle in 2010 during Duane Brown's suspension.  Caldwell rotated for a while in 2010 with Brisiel before losing outright to Brisiel.  Caldwell then started a few games while Brisiel recovered from injury.

Butler showed he could handle the day in and day out of starting.  He accounted for himself very well in his four starts.  There was talk he would leave after the 2010 season to seek a starting job elsewhere.  With the short window to sign before the lockout, Butler chose to stay with the Texans.

Caldwell is more likely to lose his job again play from the last few years is any indication.  Caldwell does not thrive in the zone block scheme.  He doesn't make strong blocks and I've seen him whiff entirely on blocks.  Reportedly, some of his issues last year were due to leg injuries.

In the linked article, Gary Kubiak stated:

“They’re doing a good job. They’re being pushed really hard. Brooks and Smith are pushing Caldwell. Newton’s pushing the heck out of Butler. It’s going to be a tough call. I couldn’t make that call today.”

 In other words, Butler and Caldwell have the jobs for now but no guarantee they will be starting opening day.

My gut feeling is that Butler will start but Caldwell is in danger.

Brief Look at the Other Battles

In other positional battles, the back up receiver spots looks intriguing.  We all know Andre Johnson and Kevin Walters, barring injury, are the starters.  The battle for back up and 3rd/slot is where the fight will occur.  According to various camp reports, Keshawn Martin is developing a nice connection with Matt Schaub.  Word also is Martin gives the Texans something they never really had before...a true slot man.  Johnson's lined up in the slot and so did David Anderson.  Other than that sometimes the TE line up in a slot spot or outside with Walters/Johnson inside.  If Martin continues his reported pace, Texans can expect to see true three receiver sets with Johnson & Walters outside and Martin in the slot.

The question becomes how many receivers do the Texans keep.  I say it's a minimum of five and maybe six.  Barring injury or a surprising training camp cut by another team, the top four are the two obvious and the two draft picks.  That leaves Lestar Jean, Bryant Johnson, Jeff Maehl and Trindon  Holliday battling for one or two spots.  Jean reportedly had a good week of practice but apparently he didn't do enough to separate himself from Johnson.  Johnson is ahead of Jean on the depth chart.  Maehl and Holliday really haven't made much noise this camp.  Holliday is viewed as a return specialist and has been lackluster in previous camps.  Kubiak has said he needs to learn to play receiver better as Kubes doesn't want to tie up one spot for a return specialist.

No surprise at the quarterback spot.  It's Matt Schaub's team without question.  TJ Yates proved he can lead the team to playoffs. Unless Schaub gets injured, Yates won't see the field but maybe in mop up duty.  John Beck and Houston Cougar rookie Case Keenum will battle it out for 3rd and final spot.

Tight end and fullback also are in open competition.  Owen Daniels is the starting TE but depth drops off after that.  Fullback James Casey also plays TE and there is two others battling for FB time.  All told, it's a mish mash at fullback right now.  I'd like to see Casey moved more to TE/pass catching FB/HB type player.  He is so athletic it's a sin to only use him to block and maybe catch a few passes out of the back field. Coaches need to find ways to get him the ball and create match up problems.

Well that does it for the way I see things shaking out so far on the offensive side.  Let's see how things go against the Carolina Panthers in the first preseason game.

DeMeco Be Gone - Purge of 2006 Class Continues

Eric Winston
Mario Williams
DeMeco Ryans

Owen Daniels watch your ass.

Once the serious side concerning DeMeco Ryans, the Texans had three options: 1. Restructure 2. Trade 3. Outright Release.

Considering the Texans options, that they found a trade partner entails a minor miracle.  To wit, the Texan are up against the cap.  Further, other teams are well aware of the Texans cap situation.  Given the facts, why would any team offer the Texans trade value?

So another option is for Ryans to restructure his current contract.  The Texans may have approached Ryans with,"Well, you're a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.........but injuries, part time player, $7 million on the cap...wanna renegotiate?"  Ryans' agent,"NO!"

Finally Texans GM Rick Smith has no choice.  He hits the speed dial  Ferris, Ferris, Ferris..any takers for DeMeco?  Oh we have the Eagles..LMAO, you guys had Vince Young as the back up QB.

The Texans lost Eric Winston to outright release.  Mario Williams gone to free agency was a foregone conclusion.  Another 20% of the offensive line was lost when Mike Brisiel left to Oakland. 

On the plus side, Arian Foster and Chris Myers re-upped with the club.

Given the options, the Texans made the right moves.  Foster is probably the best running back in the NFL. Myers is probably the best center to run the zone block scheme.

Williams, under the best circumstances, wouldn't be retained.  Ryans' injury made him expendable.

The mission remains the same: Win A Super Bowl.

Next posts:  I can justify all the moves and even do a draft projection!

Free Agency Edition - Sigh of Relief....A Small One

Panic attacks, anxiety, worries, bed wetting and chronic masturbation.  I have issues.  That's besides the point.  My bed wetting and masturbation were cruelly interrupted by lack of Texans movement on the free agency market.  Call it masturbari interruptus.

Setting my issues aside, I worried (see the theme here?) about the Texans issues.  I won't rehash my thoughts on Arian Foster and the other moves.  At this point the losses and lack of re-signings were beat more than a red headed step rented mule child.

Mario Williams signed with Buffalo.  Mike Brisiel signed with Oakland.  Joel Dreessen is still out there.  Lawrence Vickers signed with Dallas.

So what?  My panic was at rebuilding 60% of the offensive line.  The alleged best line in football.  Uh oh.

Football is a team sport.  A team definitely needs players at the so called skills positions to be successful.  QB, WR and RB are the perceived skill positions.  In my opinion, the maulers and protectors upfront are just as skilled and important.

An offensive line needs time to jell and grow together.  Many teams build from the outside in and make the left tackle a priority.  While protecting the quarterback's blindside is crucial, protecting his field of vision is just as important.  The hit from the blindside can kill him...the potential hit he sees barreling down on him is just as nasty.  He can see that and panic.  A quarterback needs a line he can trust from left to right. 

Just as important, the center is the captain of the line.  He calls out the blocking assignments.  The quarterback and coaches call the plays.  The center looks the defense over and tells his line mates what to do.  All these calls happen in under the time allotted on the play clock.  It's not easy.

So I was panicked when center Chris Myers hit the open market.  A couple of years ago, most fans were critical of Myers' play.  He had trouble handling big 3-4 nose tackles.  I was among those critics.  Two years later, he played well enough to earn a Pro Bowl berth.  In my book, he went from a must replace to a must keep. 


At one point, I resigned to the fact that Myers was gone to the Packers or Titans.  With a collective sigh of relief in Texans fandom,. Myers agreed to a new contract with the Texans.

From left to right the new line is Duane Brown, Wade Smith, Myers, Caldwell and Rashad Butler.  Butler filled in for during Brown's suspension in 2010 adequately.  I trust him more on the right than the left.  I have zero confidence in Caldwell.  I was scratching my head when the Texans drafted him out of Alabama.  I was even less impressed with his scouting reports that said he had no lateral movement...which is critical in the zone blocking scheme.  After watching him start ten games, I don't believe he is starter material.  A couple of years ago, the Texans brain trust handed him the starting job in camp.  He couldn't win it...enough said.

I'm not sure what's left out there in terms of guards.  The position might have to be addressed in the draft.

So have the dynamics of the Texans draft changed?  That's a post for another day.