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Player Spotlight: Steve Slaton (1 Viewer)

Jason Wood

Jason Wood

Zoo York
2009 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 120 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Steve Slaton, RB, Houston Texans

Player Page Link: Steve Slaton Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 
I dont get why much of FF is down on Slaton, but there are numerous threads discussing that. I'm a Texans fan (so maybe i'm a bit of a homer) and I think Slaton will continue to be a HUGE part of their offense for the following reasons:

1. No major threat to take carries away from him. Chris Brown, and 2 undrafted Free Agents are behind him on the depth chart. I suspect that if Denver releases another RB (Young, Torain) they will land in Houston, but for now Slaton will get a majority of the carries.

2. He has bulked up this off season, gaining 9 lbs of muscle. That should put him near 210. Keep in mind MJD is listed at 2 inches shorter and at 208. I dont buy the notion that he is too small to be an every down back. He actually played stronger in the 4th quarter of games last season.

3. He is a major part of the passing attack. Slaton caught 50 passes last year. As a full time starter from week 1, that number is only going to increase.

So here are my projections.

290 rushes for 1334 yards, 10TDs 55 receptions for 385 yards, 2TDs

I really tried not to go overboard. This is averaging just over 18 carries a game (he averaged over 19 attempts the last 7 games of the season). I even factored in a lower YPC at 4.6 (compared to 4.8 last year)

 
Someone(s) going to share carries with Slaton, the question being who. Whoever they are has to be an upgrade to last year. I wouldn't expect any more touches for Slaton this year, but that may be a good thing.

The one thing I'm concerned about with Slaton is his increased weight. The last time he did this was before his Sr. year at West Va and he went out and murdered his round 1 draft stock by plodding around the field all season rather than blazing through it like he did pre weight gain and again last year. If it isn't broke don't fix it, Steve.

I'm not going to avoid him because of the weight gain, but given where I've seen him going in early drafts he probably won't be on any of my teams. Don't get me wrong, I love the Texans offense on paper and think a repeat for Slaton is very possible but I don't think he has a top 5 ceiling and believe his floor is low enough to make him a substantial enough risk to pass on in the early rounds. If he fell to the RB15-20 zone I'd give him a look.

 
There are a lot of myths surrounding Slaton’s performance last season and why he had the workload he received in 2008, so we’ll dispel them one at a time.

Myth #1:

Slaton will be the full time starter in 2009, so his workload will increase.

Fact:

Slaton started every game except for Week 1. In fact, he was designated the starter after week 3 (remember that week 2 was a bye week for Houston due to game cancellation):

Texans Notes: Slaton earns starting running back job

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 23, 2008, 1:27PM

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie running back Steve Slaton earned the full-time starting job with his 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Titans that included a 50-yard run Sunday.
Click to expand...
Myth # 2Slaton is in a situation where he is the primary RB

Fact:

Slaton was the primary RB only when the Texans had nobody else to share the load.

For 2008, Slaton had 71% of all RB touches in Houston.

Look at the final numbers on the year:

382 HOU RB rushes

268 Slaton rushes

70% opps for Slaton

78 HOU RB targets

59 Slaton targets

76% opps to Slaton

64 HOU RB Receptions

50 Slaton recepts

78% opps to Slaton

14 HOU RB TD's

10 Slaton TD's

71% TD's to Slaton

When we take a closer look at the distribution of touches just between Ahman Green and Slaton in games when both played, it paints a more accurate picture:

Carries

Slaton carries 115

Green carries 74

61% for Slaton

Targets

13 Targets for Slaton

14 Targets for Green

48% for Slaton

Receptions

12 Recepts for Slaton

11 Recepts for Green

52% for Slaton

TD’s

5 TD's for Slaton

3 TD's for Green

63% for Slaton

When Ahman Green played, Slaton had 58% of RB touches in those games.

When Green did not play, Slaton had 85% of all RB touches.

When Ahman Green played Slaton averaged 12.9 PPG in PPR

When Ahman Green did not play, Slaton averaged 21.9 in PPR

Just like they attempted to do last season, Houston will use at least two backs next year, the only reason Slaton got as much work this season was circumstances and not coaches decision. For those expecting a similar workload, understand that the RB corps is significantly better in Houston than it was last year and in 2008 Green, Brown, and Taylor all were out of the picture due to injury. Even WW addition Moats was hurt last year. With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position. Simply put, the workload Slaton had in 2008 will not repeat in 2009.

Myth #3

Slaton will maintain or improve his TD production

Fact:

Part of Slaton’s reduced load in 2009 will come from lost GL carries. From the FBG Blogger:

March 12, 2009, 10:57

Texans :: RB

RB C.Brown Short Yardage Man, Assuming Health

Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

The Texans signed RB Chris Brown to a two-year deal last season, but Brown missed the '08 campaign with a back injury. Doctors have cleared him to resume all physical activities this offseason and Brown says he'll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. HC Gary Kubiak hopes to use him as the short yardage threat behind starter Steve Slaton. "He can provide a big back for us," Kubiak said. "Steve's a smaller guy. We need somebody who can do a little more pounding, red zone, short yardage, those types of things. That's easier said than done, but we have that guy here with him if he's healthy. So the key is whether or not he can stay healthy."
Click to expand...
In conclusion, Slaton is a prime candidate for being over-valued in 2009. Assuming he stays healthy for 16 games:176 carries

736 yards

27 recepts

189 yards

5 total TD’s

 
H.K. said:
There are a lot of myths surrounding Slaton’s performance last season and why he had the workload he received in 2008, so we’ll dispel them one at a time.

Myth #1:

Slaton will be the full time starter in 2009, so his workload will increase.

Fact:

Slaton started every game except for Week 1. In fact, he was designated the starter after week 3 (remember that week 2 was a bye week for Houston due to game cancellation):

Texans Notes: Slaton earns starting running back job

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 23, 2008, 1:27PM

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie running back Steve Slaton earned the full-time starting job with his 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Titans that included a 50-yard run Sunday.
Click to expand...
Myth # 2Slaton is in a situation where he is the primary RB

Fact:

Slaton was the primary RB only when the Texans had nobody else to share the load.

For 2008, Slaton had 71% of all RB touches in Houston.

Look at the final numbers on the year:

382 HOU RB rushes

268 Slaton rushes

70% opps for Slaton

78 HOU RB targets

59 Slaton targets

76% opps to Slaton

64 HOU RB Receptions

50 Slaton recepts

78% opps to Slaton

14 HOU RB TD's

10 Slaton TD's

71% TD's to Slaton

When we take a closer look at the distribution of touches just between Ahman Green and Slaton in games when both played, it paints a more accurate picture:

Carries

Slaton carries 115

Green carries 74

61% for Slaton

Targets

13 Targets for Slaton

14 Targets for Green

48% for Slaton

Receptions

12 Recepts for Slaton

11 Recepts for Green

52% for Slaton

TD’s

5 TD's for Slaton

3 TD's for Green

63% for Slaton

When Ahman Green played, Slaton had 58% of RB touches in those games.

When Green did not play, Slaton had 85% of all RB touches.

When Ahman Green played Slaton averaged 12.9 PPG in PPR

When Ahman Green did not play, Slaton averaged 21.9 in PPR

Just like they attempted to do last season, Houston will use at least two backs next year, the only reason Slaton got as much work this season was circumstances and not coaches decision. For those expecting a similar workload, understand that the RB corps is significantly better in Houston than it was last year and in 2008 Green, Brown, and Taylor all were out of the picture due to injury. Even WW addition Moats was hurt last year. With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position. Simply put, the workload Slaton had in 2008 will not repeat in 2009.

Myth #3

Slaton will maintain or improve his TD production

Fact:

Part of Slaton’s reduced load in 2009 will come from lost GL carries. From the FBG Blogger:

March 12, 2009, 10:57

Texans :: RB

RB C.Brown Short Yardage Man, Assuming Health

Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

The Texans signed RB Chris Brown to a two-year deal last season, but Brown missed the '08 campaign with a back injury. Doctors have cleared him to resume all physical activities this offseason and Brown says he'll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. HC Gary Kubiak hopes to use him as the short yardage threat behind starter Steve Slaton. "He can provide a big back for us," Kubiak said. "Steve's a smaller guy. We need somebody who can do a little more pounding, red zone, short yardage, those types of things. That's easier said than done, but we have that guy here with him if he's healthy. So the key is whether or not he can stay healthy."
Click to expand...
In conclusion, Slaton is a prime candidate for being over-valued in 2009. Assuming he stays healthy for 16 games:176 carries

736 yards

27 recepts

189 yards

5 total TD’s
Click to expand...
Thanks! Your dispelling the Slaton "myths" just made me bump him up another couple of slots in my rankings.
 
He's a good scat back who was thrust into a large role due to every other RB getting hurt.

160 carries

672 yards

32 receptions

246 yards

2 total TD's

 
He outscored Chris Johnson last season, has less competition for carries/TDs than CJ3, and yet he's going later in drafts. So for whatever reason people aren't convinced he's as good as last year's numbers were. Is he a fluke or is he for real? If you've seen him run, you're probably in the "for real" camp. The guy is explosive, has great open field moves, and can score from anywhere. He does it all. I do think he'll lose some goal line love, but that's the only possible detraction from Slaton. I see a budding superstar in a great offense down in Houston.

270 1310 9 TDs 45 catches 380 yds 2 TDs

 
inzanitee said:
He outscored Chris Johnson last season, has less competition for carries/TDs than CJ3, and yet he's going later in drafts.
Click to expand...
Side note:CJ3 sat out week 17 because Tennessee wrapped up home field advantage. Otherwise, he would have outperformed Slaton. CJ3 would have played against the Colts run D that allowed Slaton to run for 240+ yards and 3 TDs in 2 meetings.
 
I think he'll get 65-70% of the RB touches in Houston this year, maybe a few less. I see about 250 rushing attempts, and around 45-50 rec, for 350 yards.

so i say:

250 for 1125 (4.5 ypc) 8 TD's

45 rec for 360 yards (8 ypr) and 2 TD's

 
Riffraff said:
inzanitee said:
He outscored Chris Johnson last season, has less competition for carries/TDs than CJ3, and yet he's going later in drafts.
Click to expand...
Side note:CJ3 sat out week 17 because Tennessee wrapped up home field advantage. Otherwise, he would have outperformed Slaton. CJ3 would have played against the Colts run D that allowed Slaton to run for 240+ yards and 3 TDs in 2 meetings.
Click to expand...
The same Colts D allowed CJ to run for only 72 yards in the first game - I think you also need to consider Slaton has more value as a receiver, with a higher YPC and more receptions than CJ. That alone should bump him up in PPR, and when you consider Slaton was in something of a committee situation last year, as well as the fact that the Titans will likely run the ball less (500+ carries and 13 wins will not be repeated) he looks better value to me.280/1270/8 60/450/3
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tennesse's passing game is garbage. Everyone knows they're running the ball and CJ has to share the carries with Landwhale. Houston is a pass first team with the best WR in the NFL spreading the field, but Slaton has no to share the carries with. I'll take the latter because Slaton also get receptions.

 
As it stands now Slaton is in line for another very nice season. It's a very nice situation since he has no real talent on the roster and even if they bring someone in they are only going to be there to take a few carries and give him a breather every now and then. I think the backups will take a slightly bigger bite than they did last year but he still will get the lionshare of the carries. I love the Houston passing offense and he's a huge beneficiary of having Daniels, Andre Johnson and K. Walter drawing a lot of coverage so he doesn't ever have to face 8-9 in the box which should enable him to continue to break big plays.

250-1175-7 and 50-350-1

 
The "new" competition for Slations carries doesn't impress. Brown and Moats won't keep Slation on the bench. Slaton showd he can be a 3 down back last year. I think he will end up with a similar amount of carries to last year, as he will get spelled a little and he shouldn't be used as a 300 carry guy. A couple less td due to a couple of the td's going to the passing game.

270 - 1242 - 7 - 45 - 333 - 1

Without an injury his downside is low and his upside is quite high, would be verry happy to have him as my #1 in middle of the first round.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
H.K. said:
There are a lot of myths surrounding Slaton’s performance last season and why he had the workload he received in 2008, so we’ll dispel them one at a time.

Myth #1:

Slaton will be the full time starter in 2009, so his workload will increase.

Fact:

Slaton started every game except for Week 1. In fact, he was designated the starter after week 3 (remember that week 2 was a bye week for Houston due to game cancellation):

Texans Notes: Slaton earns starting running back job

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 23, 2008, 1:27PM

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie running back Steve Slaton earned the full-time starting job with his 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Titans that included a 50-yard run Sunday.
Click to expand...
Myth # 2Slaton is in a situation where he is the primary RB

Fact:

Slaton was the primary RB only when the Texans had nobody else to share the load.

For 2008, Slaton had 71% of all RB touches in Houston.

Look at the final numbers on the year:

382 HOU RB rushes

268 Slaton rushes

70% opps for Slaton

78 HOU RB targets

59 Slaton targets

76% opps to Slaton

64 HOU RB Receptions

50 Slaton recepts

78% opps to Slaton

14 HOU RB TD's

10 Slaton TD's

71% TD's to Slaton

When we take a closer look at the distribution of touches just between Ahman Green and Slaton in games when both played, it paints a more accurate picture:

Carries

Slaton carries 115

Green carries 74

61% for Slaton

Targets

13 Targets for Slaton

14 Targets for Green

48% for Slaton

Receptions

12 Recepts for Slaton

11 Recepts for Green

52% for Slaton

TD’s

5 TD's for Slaton

3 TD's for Green

63% for Slaton

When Ahman Green played, Slaton had 58% of RB touches in those games.

When Green did not play, Slaton had 85% of all RB touches.

When Ahman Green played Slaton averaged 12.9 PPG in PPR

When Ahman Green did not play, Slaton averaged 21.9 in PPR

Just like they attempted to do last season, Houston will use at least two backs next year, the only reason Slaton got as much work this season was circumstances and not coaches decision. For those expecting a similar workload, understand that the RB corps is significantly better in Houston than it was last year and in 2008 Green, Brown, and Taylor all were out of the picture due to injury. Even WW addition Moats was hurt last year. With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position. Simply put, the workload Slaton had in 2008 will not repeat in 2009.

Myth #3

Slaton will maintain or improve his TD production

Fact:

Part of Slaton’s reduced load in 2009 will come from lost GL carries. From the FBG Blogger:

March 12, 2009, 10:57

Texans :: RB

RB C.Brown Short Yardage Man, Assuming Health

Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

The Texans signed RB Chris Brown to a two-year deal last season, but Brown missed the '08 campaign with a back injury. Doctors have cleared him to resume all physical activities this offseason and Brown says he'll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. HC Gary Kubiak hopes to use him as the short yardage threat behind starter Steve Slaton. "He can provide a big back for us," Kubiak said. "Steve's a smaller guy. We need somebody who can do a little more pounding, red zone, short yardage, those types of things. That's easier said than done, but we have that guy here with him if he's healthy. So the key is whether or not he can stay healthy."
Click to expand...
In conclusion, Slaton is a prime candidate for being over-valued in 2009. Assuming he stays healthy for 16 games:176 carries

736 yards

27 recepts

189 yards

5 total TD’s
Click to expand...
Good analysis but the projected numbers look a little low.
 
bicycle_seat_sniffer said:
The Man with the Plan said:
When Chrissy Brown is your biggest competition for carries then there's nothing to worry about.
Click to expand...
this
Click to expand...
I agree that he will have little competition for carries. The Texans were in the middle of the pack last year with respect to rush attempts and I expect that to remain about the same since they are a passing offense. Last year they had 432 rush attempts, 385 of which went to the RB's and Slaton had 70% of the carries. I expect that his carry % will be reduced a bit this year to around 65% which equates to about 250 carries.
 
I am not a big Slaton fan so my projections are likely biased. I know that he was very successful last season, but still think that the Texans would like to sign a complimentary back so that he could share in the attack. There are a few veterans out there (Edge and Deuce) and it always seems like running backs seem to appear when needed. Most guys are banking on the fact that the Texans did not draft competition to say that Slaton will carry the load and I just don't think that will happen. I am also not a huge fan of smallish quick backs adding weight. It usually slows them down more than it strengthens them and the effectiveness is decreased. I am also not convinced that he is not the real deal. There is plenty of reason for optimism for Slaton dynasty owners.

Slaton 230 carries 1058 yards 4.6 ypc 40 receptions 280 yards 7.0 ypr and 8 total TDs

 
H.K. said:
There are a lot of myths surrounding Slaton’s performance last season and why he had the workload he received in 2008, so we’ll dispel them one at a time.

Myth #1:

Slaton will be the full time starter in 2009, so his workload will increase.

Fact:

Slaton started every game except for Week 1. In fact, he was designated the starter after week 3 (remember that week 2 was a bye week for Houston due to game cancellation):

Texans Notes: Slaton earns starting running back job

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 23, 2008, 1:27PM

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie running back Steve Slaton earned the full-time starting job with his 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Titans that included a 50-yard run Sunday.
Click to expand...
Myth # 2Slaton is in a situation where he is the primary RB

Fact:

Slaton was the primary RB only when the Texans had nobody else to share the load.

For 2008, Slaton had 71% of all RB touches in Houston.

Look at the final numbers on the year:

382 HOU RB rushes

268 Slaton rushes

70% opps for Slaton

78 HOU RB targets

59 Slaton targets

76% opps to Slaton

64 HOU RB Receptions

50 Slaton recepts

78% opps to Slaton

14 HOU RB TD's

10 Slaton TD's

71% TD's to Slaton

When we take a closer look at the distribution of touches just between Ahman Green and Slaton in games when both played, it paints a more accurate picture:

Carries

Slaton carries 115

Green carries 74

61% for Slaton

Targets

13 Targets for Slaton

14 Targets for Green

48% for Slaton

Receptions

12 Recepts for Slaton

11 Recepts for Green

52% for Slaton

TD’s

5 TD's for Slaton

3 TD's for Green

63% for Slaton

When Ahman Green played, Slaton had 58% of RB touches in those games.

When Green did not play, Slaton had 85% of all RB touches.

When Ahman Green played Slaton averaged 12.9 PPG in PPR

When Ahman Green did not play, Slaton averaged 21.9 in PPR

Just like they attempted to do last season, Houston will use at least two backs next year, the only reason Slaton got as much work this season was circumstances and not coaches decision. For those expecting a similar workload, understand that the RB corps is significantly better in Houston than it was last year and in 2008 Green, Brown, and Taylor all were out of the picture due to injury. Even WW addition Moats was hurt last year. With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position. Simply put, the workload Slaton had in 2008 will not repeat in 2009.

Myth #3

Slaton will maintain or improve his TD production

Fact:

Part of Slaton’s reduced load in 2009 will come from lost GL carries. From the FBG Blogger:

March 12, 2009, 10:57

Texans :: RB

RB C.Brown Short Yardage Man, Assuming Health

Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

The Texans signed RB Chris Brown to a two-year deal last season, but Brown missed the '08 campaign with a back injury. Doctors have cleared him to resume all physical activities this offseason and Brown says he'll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. HC Gary Kubiak hopes to use him as the short yardage threat behind starter Steve Slaton. "He can provide a big back for us," Kubiak said. "Steve's a smaller guy. We need somebody who can do a little more pounding, red zone, short yardage, those types of things. That's easier said than done, but we have that guy here with him if he's healthy. So the key is whether or not he can stay healthy."
Click to expand...
In conclusion, Slaton is a prime candidate for being over-valued in 2009. Assuming he stays healthy for 16 games:176 carries

736 yards

27 recepts

189 yards

5 total TD’s
Click to expand...
Your analysis is either being intellectually dishonest, or lazy. You posted stats from last year suggested they are in some way related to this year, which other than establishing team trend lines, they are not. And then you compounded it by lowering the expected output even beyond what you yourself suggested in your stat analysis.I just wish some of the Slaton bashers who invest so much time in these repetitive exercises would at least acknowledge that he is going in to the season as the #1 back, there is no indication anywhere that he will be in a RBBC (a complimentary back is not a co-RBBC candidate), and that as a 2nd year man he will be improved in many facets of the game and be more trusted by the coaches.

If Slaton gets 60% of 400 potential Hou carries, that's 240 carries.

If Slaton gets 50% of 60 potential Hou RB receptions, that 30 receptions.

Staying on the conservative side, 240 carries for 1000 yards and 30 receptions for 200 yards seems almost guaranteed unless he is seriously outperformed by Chris Brown and a couple of undrafted or yet-to-be-signed RBs. Throw in 7-8 TDs combined and you have a guy whose bottom is top-20 and whose ceiling is top 5.

I have no problem with those that argue that Slaton isn't good enough, and therefore will be replaced by another RB. But those that argue that he will still be a major part of the Houston offense, but that his opportunities will drastically decrease, as opposed to staying about the same, just always strike me as the guys that drafted McFadden and Mendenhall early and can't stomach the idea that they missed out on Slaton.

 
I look at it this way. Slaton was given an opportunity last year and he consistently demonstrated that he has the skills to be a top RB in the NFL. I have seen nothing to indicate he will be used any differently this year than last year. Houston is a team on the rise and Slaton is a big reason for it. I would like to think Slaton's numbers will go up this year, but I'm not sure they will. Ultimately, I think the deciding factor will be Slaton:

Wed May 20, 07:46 PM

Brooke Bentley, of HoustonTexans.com, reports the Houston Texans RB Steve Slaton believes he knows more of what the coaching staff wants out of him now that he has a year under his belt. He also said he knows what he needs to do to pick up the yards he left on the field last year. 'The first year is the biggest learning year you are going to have. I think I learned a lot from the veterans being on me and the coaches being on me,' Slaton said. '(Now) I can step my game up more.'
Click to expand...
My prediction:278 carries, 1418 yards, 5.1 ypc, 11 TD's

63 receptions, 479 yards, 7.6 ypr, 2 TD's

1897 total yards, 13 total TD's

 
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6442705.html

Early indications are that Slaton is going to do that. He looks more comfortable working with the No. 1 offense in the Texans OTAs than he did a year ago, when he was squeezed in for a snap here or there.

He went from projected part-timer to workhorse; from a would-be third-down, change-of-pace guy to one of the most important players on the offense.

Slaton didn’t get 20 carries in a game until the 11th game of the season. From that point on, he reached to 20-carry mark in all but one game. (In that one he had 18, matching his high in the first 10 games.)
Click to expand...
As Slaton goes ...

It’s no coincidence that the Texans went 5-1 down the stretch and were 5-0 in games in which Slaton had 20 rushing attempts.
Click to expand...
Slaton might have been better than the numbers indicate. He made the Texans’ offense dangerous. He tied for third in the league in runs of 20 or more yards (13) and was tops in 40-plus-yard carries (five).
Click to expand...
Slaton expects more carries than the 268 he had a year ago, and he should be as much a part of the passing game as he was in 2008, when he snagged 50 receptions.
Click to expand...
Kubiak said.

“If he’s an even better player for us next year, then we’re going to have a chance to be much better on the offensive side.”
Click to expand...
 
Although Slaton seems like a scat-back who may, to some, seem too small, he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and is quick. He also runs stronger than his size. I owned both Slaton and CJ3 last year and watched them both as much as I could. While CJ3 has superior speed and can take it to the house on any carry, he also goes down much easier as compared to Slaton who broke more tackles. Slaton also showed better hands (CJ3 dropped many easy passes to my frustration). Houston's offense could be one of the most explosive this year with Schaub, Slaton, AJ and Daniels doing a good "poor-man's" impression of Peyton, Addai, Wayne and Clark (Indianapolis). Lastly, Slaton is very comparable in size and ability to Brian Westbrook...and he turned out to be OK as a fantasy player the last several seasons.

 
H.K. said:
There are a lot of myths surrounding Slaton’s performance last season and why he had the workload he received in 2008, so we’ll dispel them one at a time.

Myth #1:

Slaton will be the full time starter in 2009, so his workload will increase.

Fact:

Slaton started every game except for Week 1. In fact, he was designated the starter after week 3 (remember that week 2 was a bye week for Houston due to game cancellation):

Texans Notes: Slaton earns starting running back job

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 23, 2008, 1:27PM

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie running back Steve Slaton earned the full-time starting job with his 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Titans that included a 50-yard run Sunday.
Click to expand...
Myth # 2Slaton is in a situation where he is the primary RB

Fact:

Slaton was the primary RB only when the Texans had nobody else to share the load.

For 2008, Slaton had 71% of all RB touches in Houston.

Look at the final numbers on the year:

382 HOU RB rushes

268 Slaton rushes

70% opps for Slaton

78 HOU RB targets

59 Slaton targets

76% opps to Slaton

64 HOU RB Receptions

50 Slaton recepts

78% opps to Slaton

14 HOU RB TD's

10 Slaton TD's

71% TD's to Slaton

When we take a closer look at the distribution of touches just between Ahman Green and Slaton in games when both played, it paints a more accurate picture:

Carries

Slaton carries 115

Green carries 74

61% for Slaton

Targets

13 Targets for Slaton

14 Targets for Green

48% for Slaton

Receptions

12 Recepts for Slaton

11 Recepts for Green

52% for Slaton

TD’s

5 TD's for Slaton

3 TD's for Green

63% for Slaton

When Ahman Green played, Slaton had 58% of RB touches in those games.

When Green did not play, Slaton had 85% of all RB touches.

When Ahman Green played Slaton averaged 12.9 PPG in PPR

When Ahman Green did not play, Slaton averaged 21.9 in PPR

Just like they attempted to do last season, Houston will use at least two backs next year, the only reason Slaton got as much work this season was circumstances and not coaches decision. For those expecting a similar workload, understand that the RB corps is significantly better in Houston than it was last year and in 2008 Green, Brown, and Taylor all were out of the picture due to injury. Even WW addition Moats was hurt last year. With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position. Simply put, the workload Slaton had in 2008 will not repeat in 2009.

Myth #3

Slaton will maintain or improve his TD production

Fact:

Part of Slaton’s reduced load in 2009 will come from lost GL carries. From the FBG Blogger:

March 12, 2009, 10:57

Texans :: RB

RB C.Brown Short Yardage Man, Assuming Health

Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

The Texans signed RB Chris Brown to a two-year deal last season, but Brown missed the '08 campaign with a back injury. Doctors have cleared him to resume all physical activities this offseason and Brown says he'll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. HC Gary Kubiak hopes to use him as the short yardage threat behind starter Steve Slaton. "He can provide a big back for us," Kubiak said. "Steve's a smaller guy. We need somebody who can do a little more pounding, red zone, short yardage, those types of things. That's easier said than done, but we have that guy here with him if he's healthy. So the key is whether or not he can stay healthy."
Click to expand...
In conclusion, Slaton is a prime candidate for being over-valued in 2009. Assuming he stays healthy for 16 games:176 carries

736 yards

27 recepts

189 yards

5 total TD’s
Click to expand...
you belong on that tv show 'Myth Busters'. :stirspot: seems like a lot of your opinion was injected as 'fact' into your summary of Slaton. :bag:

Slaton will finish as a top 5-6 RB in 2009...he's another Portis-type of RB. It's obvious you've missed the boat on this.

Dude's a gamer..rushed for over 100 yards in two games against Tenn last season, you might remember the Titans, that mean defense that beat everyone to a pulp last season?! in two div games, he ate them for lunch. same with Indy, Jax ( second game), GB, Chicago..avg'd 3.9 vs. Minny but caught 8 balls for 56 yards.

most of what he did last season came without a steady QB, as Houston was flipping between Shaub and Rosenfels for much of the year. in the final 4 weeks of the season he had two 100+yard games and nearly a third when he rushed for 20 times for 92 yards and a TD against chicago ( 4.6)..blew div rival Indy out of the water...one game was ridiculously high in ypc avg 11.1, but the other was still 5.8 ypc..rushed for five 100+ yard games as a rookie..I don't know, color me impressed with this stat.

this guy is the real deal.he's become the NFL's version of Rodney Dangerfield,he gets no respect, apparently..

:lmao:

 
Tanner9919 said:
H.K. said:
There are a lot of myths surrounding Slaton’s performance last season and why he had the workload he received in 2008, so we’ll dispel them one at a time.

Myth #1:

Slaton will be the full time starter in 2009, so his workload will increase.

Fact:

Slaton started every game except for Week 1. In fact, he was designated the starter after week 3 (remember that week 2 was a bye week for Houston due to game cancellation):

Texans Notes: Slaton earns starting running back job

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 23, 2008, 1:27PM

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie running back Steve Slaton earned the full-time starting job with his 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Titans that included a 50-yard run Sunday.
Click to expand...
Myth # 2Slaton is in a situation where he is the primary RB

Fact:

Slaton was the primary RB only when the Texans had nobody else to share the load.

For 2008, Slaton had 71% of all RB touches in Houston.

Look at the final numbers on the year:

382 HOU RB rushes

268 Slaton rushes

70% opps for Slaton

78 HOU RB targets

59 Slaton targets

76% opps to Slaton

64 HOU RB Receptions

50 Slaton recepts

78% opps to Slaton

14 HOU RB TD's

10 Slaton TD's

71% TD's to Slaton

When we take a closer look at the distribution of touches just between Ahman Green and Slaton in games when both played, it paints a more accurate picture:

Carries

Slaton carries 115

Green carries 74

61% for Slaton

Targets

13 Targets for Slaton

14 Targets for Green

48% for Slaton

Receptions

12 Recepts for Slaton

11 Recepts for Green

52% for Slaton

TD’s

5 TD's for Slaton

3 TD's for Green

63% for Slaton

When Ahman Green played, Slaton had 58% of RB touches in those games.

When Green did not play, Slaton had 85% of all RB touches.

When Ahman Green played Slaton averaged 12.9 PPG in PPR

When Ahman Green did not play, Slaton averaged 21.9 in PPR

Just like they attempted to do last season, Houston will use at least two backs next year, the only reason Slaton got as much work this season was circumstances and not coaches decision. For those expecting a similar workload, understand that the RB corps is significantly better in Houston than it was last year and in 2008 Green, Brown, and Taylor all were out of the picture due to injury. Even WW addition Moats was hurt last year. With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position. Simply put, the workload Slaton had in 2008 will not repeat in 2009.

Myth #3

Slaton will maintain or improve his TD production

Fact:

Part of Slaton’s reduced load in 2009 will come from lost GL carries. From the FBG Blogger:

March 12, 2009, 10:57

Texans :: RB

RB C.Brown Short Yardage Man, Assuming Health

Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

The Texans signed RB Chris Brown to a two-year deal last season, but Brown missed the '08 campaign with a back injury. Doctors have cleared him to resume all physical activities this offseason and Brown says he'll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. HC Gary Kubiak hopes to use him as the short yardage threat behind starter Steve Slaton. "He can provide a big back for us," Kubiak said. "Steve's a smaller guy. We need somebody who can do a little more pounding, red zone, short yardage, those types of things. That's easier said than done, but we have that guy here with him if he's healthy. So the key is whether or not he can stay healthy."
Click to expand...
In conclusion, Slaton is a prime candidate for being over-valued in 2009. Assuming he stays healthy for 16 games:176 carries

736 yards

27 recepts

189 yards

5 total TD’s
Click to expand...
you belong on that tv show 'Myth Busters'. :wolf: seems like a lot of your opinion was injected as 'fact' into your summary of Slaton. :wolf:

Slaton will finish as a top 5-6 RB in 2009...he's another Portis-type of RB. It's obvious you've missed the boat on this.

Dude's a gamer..rushed for over 100 yards in two games against Tenn last season, you might remember the Titans, that mean defense that beat everyone to a pulp last season?! in two div games, he ate them for lunch. same with Indy, Jax ( second game), GB, Chicago..avg'd 3.9 vs. Minny but caught 8 balls for 56 yards.

most of what he did last season came without a steady QB, as Houston was flipping between Shaub and Rosenfels for much of the year. in the final 4 weeks of the season he had two 100+yard games and nearly a third when he rushed for 20 times for 92 yards and a TD against chicago ( 4.6)..blew div rival Indy out of the water...one game was ridiculously high in ypc avg 11.1, but the other was still 5.8 ypc..rushed for five 100+ yard games as a rookie..I don't know, color me impressed with this stat.

this guy is the real deal.he's become the NFL's version of Rodney Dangerfield,he gets no respect, apparently..

:shrug:
Click to expand...
The Rodney Dangerfield comparison hits the nail on the head. I have the choice of the following for a "franchise" player for a PPR high-performance, TE mandatory league with only one keeper player (2pts. for every 10 yards rushing/receiving, 1 pt. for every 10 yds. passing, only 4 pts. for TD passes-6 pts. for all other TDs):RB ADP

RB Slaton

RB CJ3

RB Portis

RB T.Jones

WR CJ2

WR Welker

TE Dal. Clark

I'm keeping Slaton. His catches and the potentially-explosive offense were big reasons, but Houston not drafting a RB sealed the deal. I doubt Slaton's workload is much different from last year, but with the team probably being even better on offense, his value could go up. The only downside is that at his size he could get hurt, but so could any of those other guys also. The "franchise player" replaces a first-round draft choice. I had the 1.01 pick but traded down to 1.04 in a 12-team league with the understanding that the recipient of the 1.01 pick will pick ADP.

 
Slaton is going to be carrying the ball in a high-powered offense that excels at running the ball in the zone blocking scheme. Kubiak not drafting a RB shows how much faith he has in Slaton to get the job done. Also, the Schaub to AJ express is going to make it very difficult for teams to stack the box against Slaton.

Last season, Slaton rushed 268 times. There is no real reason to believe he can not match or exceed that number of touches. There is nobody better on that team to get the ball in the running game. In addition he will continue to be used extensively in the passing game. Slaton is a player and is definitely worth a first round draft pick.

 
moderated said:
He's a good scat back who was thrust into a large role due to every other RB getting hurt.160 carries672 yards32 receptions246 yards2 total TD's
Click to expand...
This and HK's post crack me up. So what if every other RB doesn't get hurt this year? Who cares? None of them if healthy, other than Slaton has any business carrying the rock. Shoots down HK's myth number 2 as well. So what if he split time a lot when Ahman was healthy. Ahman isn't there anymore. Nobody is there to take carries so that point is pretty much moot....
 
super sleeper said:
Your analysis is either being intellectually dishonest, or lazy. You posted stats from last year suggested they are in some way related to this year, which other than establishing team trend lines, they are not. And then you compounded it by lowering the expected output even beyond what you yourself suggested in your stat analysis.I just wish some of the Slaton bashers who invest so much time in these repetitive exercises would at least acknowledge that he is going in to the season as the #1 back, there is no indication anywhere that he will be in a RBBC (a complimentary back is not a co-RBBC candidate), and that as a 2nd year man he will be improved in many facets of the game and be more trusted by the coaches.If Slaton gets 60% of 400 potential Hou carries, that's 240 carries. If Slaton gets 50% of 60 potential Hou RB receptions, that 30 receptions.Staying on the conservative side, 240 carries for 1000 yards and 30 receptions for 200 yards seems almost guaranteed unless he is seriously outperformed by Chris Brown and a couple of undrafted or yet-to-be-signed RBs. Throw in 7-8 TDs combined and you have a guy whose bottom is top-20 and whose ceiling is top 5.I have no problem with those that argue that Slaton isn't good enough, and therefore will be replaced by another RB. But those that argue that he will still be a major part of the Houston offense, but that his opportunities will drastically decrease, as opposed to staying about the same, just always strike me as the guys that drafted McFadden and Mendenhall early and can't stomach the idea that they missed out on Slaton.
Click to expand...
:confused: :shrug: :shrug: :goodposting: One of the best posts I have read in a long time....
 
Mr. Mojo said:
Good analysis but the projected numbers look a little low.
Click to expand...
Thanks.For further clarification, what Slaton did when Green, Brown, and Taylor were out during 2008 is eerily reminiscent of what Nick Goings did in 2004. That year Goings was the only RB the Panthers had left after week 10 so Goings had virtually all the work, as a result of attrition through injury, he averaged about 100 yards rushing, 30 receiving and nearly a TD each game from weeks 11 through 17. Those stats were impressive, but the numbers were an anomaly based on the situation....very similar to what Slaton benefitted from last year. Therefore, whatever Slaton did without Green et al available last season must be eliminated from any analysis for this season.In my projection I should have expanded on the fact that Slaton only averaged 14 carries and 1.3 receptions in the eight games Green played. Furthermore, Slaton averaged only 13 carries in the five out of eight games Green did not leave early due to injury. As the numbers clearly illustrate, Kubiak's penchant was for RBBC when he had the available personnel last season, so it is clear that this season Green's vacated role will be shared with some yet to be determined distribution between the upgraded arsenal of RB's now available in Brown, Moats, Foster and Johnson. Finally, factoring in Brown's new role as the GL guy in my initial post substantiates Slaton's reduced TD output in '09.
 
I don't understand some of the low projections for Slaton. There are not any other RBs on the team that will threaten him as the starter. I'm torn between Slaton and CJ as my franchise player. I think CJ does more with less touches but it's hard to not like Slaton with the additional touches. This may come down to a coin toss.

 
weasel3515 said:
Although Slaton seems like a scat-back who may, to some, seem too small, he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and is quick. He also runs stronger than his size. I owned both Slaton and CJ3 last year and watched them both as much as I could. While CJ3 has superior speed and can take it to the house on any carry, he also goes down much easier as compared to Slaton who broke more tackles. Slaton also showed better hands (CJ3 dropped many easy passes to my frustration). Houston's offense could be one of the most explosive this year with Schaub, Slaton, AJ and Daniels doing a good "poor-man's" impression of Peyton, Addai, Wayne and Clark (Indianapolis). Lastly, Slaton is very comparable in size and ability to Brian Westbrook...and he turned out to be OK as a fantasy player the last several seasons.
Click to expand...
To Futher the Westbrook comparisonWestbrook listed- 5'10 and 203-- Drafted Rd 3 pick 26 --Fourty time out of college was 4.57 ( also interesting BW was listed as 5'8 whhen he came out)Slaton listed-------5'9 - and 201--Drafted Rd 3 Pick 26--- Fourty time was 4.45And as others have noted Slaton has said to have gained some weight. I see a very possible BW type back thats young, if he can avoid the injurys that has plagued BW I think he will post good #'s
 
Last edited by a moderator:
H.K. said:
For further clarification, what Slaton did when Green, Brown, and Taylor were out during 2008 is eerily reminiscent of what Nick Goings did in 2004. That year Goings was the only RB the Panthers had left after week 10 so Goings had virtually all the work, as a result of attrition through injury, he averaged about 100 yards rushing, 30 receiving and nearly a TD each game from weeks 11 through 17. Those stats were impressive, but the numbers were an anomaly based on the situation....very similar to what Slaton benefitted from last year. Therefore, whatever Slaton did without Green et al available last season must be eliminated from any analysis for this season.
Click to expand...
This is pretty flawed analysis. Goings was a career journeyman FB/RB tweener who stepped in and averaged 3.8 YPC that year. Slaton was a rookie last year and answered the bell with a 1650 total yard season, rushing at a 4.8 clip. The performance of the two players is nowhere near equivalent, nor is the career path of the two.Even if you discount the year end totals from last year, Slaton has clearly proven to be the best RB on the Texans' roster. He handled 318 touches last year without wearing down significantly or losing effectiveness. Do you really believe that the rest of the RBs on the roster are good enough to keep Slaton off of the field, given his performance as a rookie?Even if he loses the goal line work, which is something that we really have no way of knowing this early, there is no way short of injury that he sees fewer than 300ish touches. The workload that he got last year due to attrition in the backfield will go to him this year by design; he is simply the best RB on the team, and it's not really even close at this point.
 
One of the most impressive qualities Slaton has IMO is the ability to learn and adapt. Not many RBs in the NFL(or players) can make a mistake or be unsuccessful doing one thing and then adjust and be successful shortly after.

I am not saying he's in the same echelon but Barry and Peyton are two that had similar learning and adjusting ability.

He plays in a division with some terrific run defenses and I've felt like I was watching duels between he and the DC that was moving his chess pieces.

As far as 09, the rook was tested by those top Ds and did well. Good Luck to the teams in the NFL that don't have a top D.

From what I've read, the Texans flat out plan on Chris Brown this year. He is somewhat essential to Slaton's success by giving Slaton a breather. I love this. There's a concern with them falling in love with the ball in Steve's hands and overworking him and to know there's a "breather plan" in place is reassuring.

Late in the season the Texans were as high as the 3rd ranked offense, a stat many glossed over. We could debate Shanny Kubiak stuff and who gets credit/blame another time. I've always felt Shanahan was a terrific offensive mind and that Kubiak seemed like he was similarly impressive. Whether he learned from Shanny or not, whether this is Shanny's O or his..... Kubiak's O has been nothing short of fantastic and to get to 3rd AND still be working all the little intricacies in just breeds a bright bright future for their O (and also for us FF folks that have Texans). The reason I bring this up in a Slaton thread is because we all know all too well that a Kubiak RB has often been a shoe-in to have an excellent season for FF. I don't see anything whatsoever that would make this year's results seem any different.

 
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Early last season, the Houston coaching staff had said they viewed Slaton as a 3rd down/change of pace back. Look at how that turned out. This year they're not saying that, and yet he's supposed to go back to no touches and no production? Furthermore, they have even less on the roster.

As a rookie, he had 5 100 yard games. Houston showed down the stretch they're not afraid to use him. He had 20 or more carries in 5 of his last 6 games. He'll be given every opportunity to be a do everything back for Houston. He has virtually no competition for touches, and an excellent passing game to keep defenses honest. Defensive coordinators have to account for Andre Johnson, giving Slaton plenty of room.

314 Rushes

1382 Yards

10 Rushing Touchdowns

44 Receptions

317 Yards

3 Receiving Touchdowns

 
Coeur de Lion said:
H.K. said:
For further clarification, what Slaton did when Green, Brown, and Taylor were out during 2008 is eerily reminiscent of what Nick Goings did in 2004. That year Goings was the only RB the Panthers had left after week 10 so Goings had virtually all the work, as a result of attrition through injury, he averaged about 100 yards rushing, 30 receiving and nearly a TD each game from weeks 11 through 17. Those stats were impressive, but the numbers were an anomaly based on the situation....very similar to what Slaton benefitted from last year. Therefore, whatever Slaton did without Green et al available last season must be eliminated from any analysis for this season.
Click to expand...
This is pretty flawed analysis. Goings was a career journeyman FB/RB tweener who stepped in and averaged 3.8 YPC that year. Slaton was a rookie last year and answered the bell with a 1650 total yard season, rushing at a 4.8 clip. The performance of the two players is nowhere near equivalent, nor is the career path of the two.Even if you discount the year end totals from last year, Slaton has clearly proven to be the best RB on the Texans' roster. He handled 318 touches last year without wearing down significantly or losing effectiveness. Do you really believe that the rest of the RBs on the roster are good enough to keep Slaton off of the field, given his performance as a rookie?

Even if he loses the goal line work, which is something that we really have no way of knowing this early, there is no way short of injury that he sees fewer than 300ish touches. The workload that he got last year due to attrition in the backfield will go to him this year by design; he is simply the best RB on the team, and it's not really even close at this point.
Click to expand...
Are you surprised by that? The major difference between the two situations that comes to my mind is that Goings was not even considered for the starter role after his nice 2004 season. First game of the year in 2005 he had exactly 1 carry. In the first 5 games of the season he had exactly 2 total carries.

Goings is a horrible analogy.

 
Goings was great for 5 games when everyone was tired and he was running at full speed. Slaton IMPROVED as the season went on. Normally, a rookie hits the rookie wall and starts to run out of steam, but he began to tear it up even better as he adjusted to the NFL game. Passing on him in the middle of the first round is going to be a mistake.

 
Anyone who thinks Steve Slaton is not a top 10 back in PPR is either not watching him play and just throwing darts at the wall or a complete moron when it comes to evaluating talent.

Before his Senior season at West Virginia Slaton was a clear front runner for the Heisman and next to ADP the most dominant college back in the nation. He had an awful Senior year and his draft stock plummeted.

He got a opportunity to prove his detractors wrong and did so with a brilliant rookie season.

I will easily mark Slaton down for

285 carries

1200 yards

10 TD's

59 receptions

531 yards

3 TD's

Can you say top 5?

 
What were the circumstances that caused Slaton's "awful senior year"? I'm just wondering in case it was some problem with him- that could rear its head in the nfl..

 
Todem said:
Anyone who thinks Steve Slaton is not a top 10 back in PPR is either not watching him play and just throwing darts at the wall or a complete moron when it comes to evaluating talent.Before his Senior season at West Virginia Slaton was a clear front runner for the Heisman and next to ADP the most dominant college back in the nation. He had an awful Senior year and his draft stock plummeted. He got a opportunity to prove his detractors wrong and did so with a brilliant rookie season.I will easily mark Slaton down for285 carries1200 yards10 TD's59 receptions531 yards3 TD'sCan you say top 5?
Click to expand...
But he came out after his junior year in college...
 
Todem said:
Anyone who thinks Steve Slaton is not a top 10 back in PPR is either not watching him play and just throwing darts at the wall or a complete moron when it comes to evaluating talent.

Before his Senior season at West Virginia Slaton was a clear front runner for the Heisman and next to ADP the most dominant college back in the nation. He had an awful Senior year and his draft stock plummeted.

He got a opportunity to prove his detractors wrong and did so with a brilliant rookie season.

I will easily mark Slaton down for

285 carries

1200 yards

10 TD's

59 receptions

531 yards

3 TD's

Can you say top 5?
Click to expand...
Your missing the biggest reason people dont like Slaton. Thats because they missed the boat on him last year and are left with no other option but to hate him more than they did last year. Alot of good posters spent last ofseason twlling everyone why they were sure Slaton would not be good. It takes a strong, and unique man, to show up here a year later and say i was wrong, after all, they have their board cred to think about.
 
H.K. said:
There are a lot of myths surrounding Slaton’s performance last season and why he had the workload he received in 2008, so we’ll dispel them one at a time.

Myth #1:

Slaton will be the full time starter in 2009, so his workload will increase.

Fact:

Slaton started every game except for Week 1. In fact, he was designated the starter after week 3 (remember that week 2 was a bye week for Houston due to game cancellation):

Texans Notes: Slaton earns starting running back job

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 23, 2008, 1:27PM

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie running back Steve Slaton earned the full-time starting job with his 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Titans that included a 50-yard run Sunday.
Click to expand...
Myth # 2Slaton is in a situation where he is the primary RB

Fact:

Slaton was the primary RB only when the Texans had nobody else to share the load.

For 2008, Slaton had 71% of all RB touches in Houston.

Look at the final numbers on the year:

382 HOU RB rushes

268 Slaton rushes

70% opps for Slaton

78 HOU RB targets

59 Slaton targets

76% opps to Slaton

64 HOU RB Receptions

50 Slaton recepts

78% opps to Slaton

14 HOU RB TD's

10 Slaton TD's

71% TD's to Slaton

When we take a closer look at the distribution of touches just between Ahman Green and Slaton in games when both played, it paints a more accurate picture:

Carries

Slaton carries 115

Green carries 74

61% for Slaton

Targets

13 Targets for Slaton

14 Targets for Green

48% for Slaton

Receptions

12 Recepts for Slaton

11 Recepts for Green

52% for Slaton

TD’s

5 TD's for Slaton

3 TD's for Green

63% for Slaton

When Ahman Green played, Slaton had 58% of RB touches in those games.

When Green did not play, Slaton had 85% of all RB touches.

When Ahman Green played Slaton averaged 12.9 PPG in PPR

When Ahman Green did not play, Slaton averaged 21.9 in PPR

Just like they attempted to do last season, Houston will use at least two backs next year, the only reason Slaton got as much work this season was circumstances and not coaches decision. For those expecting a similar workload, understand that the RB corps is significantly better in Houston than it was last year and in 2008 Green, Brown, and Taylor all were out of the picture due to injury. Even WW addition Moats was hurt last year. With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position. Simply put, the workload Slaton had in 2008 will not repeat in 2009.

Myth #3

Slaton will maintain or improve his TD production

Fact:

Part of Slaton’s reduced load in 2009 will come from lost GL carries. From the FBG Blogger:

March 12, 2009, 10:57

Texans :: RB

RB C.Brown Short Yardage Man, Assuming Health

Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

The Texans signed RB Chris Brown to a two-year deal last season, but Brown missed the '08 campaign with a back injury. Doctors have cleared him to resume all physical activities this offseason and Brown says he'll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. HC Gary Kubiak hopes to use him as the short yardage threat behind starter Steve Slaton. "He can provide a big back for us," Kubiak said. "Steve's a smaller guy. We need somebody who can do a little more pounding, red zone, short yardage, those types of things. That's easier said than done, but we have that guy here with him if he's healthy. So the key is whether or not he can stay healthy."
Click to expand...
In conclusion, Slaton is a prime candidate for being over-valued in 2009. Assuming he stays healthy for 16 games:176 carries

736 yards

27 recepts

189 yards

5 total TD’s
Click to expand...
I dont know whats funnier, your projections or this quote:
With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position.
Click to expand...
Very nicely upgraded with two guys who likely wont make the team, and will surely not be better than 3rd stringers? :lmao: Im am more than willing to listen to good arguments why Steve Slaton is not the real deal, but the more i hear people say stuff like this, the more i think he has the goods. Is this the best the haters can come up with?

 
250 carries

2200 yards

29 TDs

give or take from a wishful texans fan. Honestly, he's in for a huge year (not that big as i stated though). On one of the most potent passing offenses in the league which I think will only be better this year.

 
Love his upside and the Texans as a whole. I can see 1250 rushing yards and 50+ receptions easilly. TD's are hard to predict but this guy is great value at the end of round one.

 
tdmills said:
Todem said:
Anyone who thinks Steve Slaton is not a top 10 back in PPR is either not watching him play and just throwing darts at the wall or a complete moron when it comes to evaluating talent.

Before his Senior season at West Virginia Slaton was a clear front runner for the Heisman and next to ADP the most dominant college back in the nation. He had an awful Senior year and his draft stock plummeted.

He got a opportunity to prove his detractors wrong and did so with a brilliant rookie season.

I will easily mark Slaton down for

285 carries

1200 yards

10 TD's

59 receptions

531 yards

3 TD's

Can you say top 5?
Click to expand...
But he came out after his junior year in college...
Click to expand...
I stand corrected. Freshman and Sophmore year he was a beast. Junior year he had a set back.
 
KingEl said:
What were the circumstances that caused Slaton's "awful senior year"? I'm just wondering in case it was some problem with him- that could rear its head in the nfl..
Click to expand...
A combonation of reading too many press clippings, and coasting thorugh the off-season before his Junior year.Clearly a mistake your supposed to learn from in college. Which he proved he did.
 
H.K. said:
There are a lot of myths surrounding Slaton’s performance last season and why he had the workload he received in 2008, so we’ll dispel them one at a time.

Myth #1:

Slaton will be the full time starter in 2009, so his workload will increase.

Fact:

Slaton started every game except for Week 1. In fact, he was designated the starter after week 3 (remember that week 2 was a bye week for Houston due to game cancellation):

Texans Notes: Slaton earns starting running back job

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 23, 2008, 1:27PM

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie running back Steve Slaton earned the full-time starting job with his 116-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Titans that included a 50-yard run Sunday.
Click to expand...
Myth # 2Slaton is in a situation where he is the primary RB

Fact:

Slaton was the primary RB only when the Texans had nobody else to share the load.

For 2008, Slaton had 71% of all RB touches in Houston.

Look at the final numbers on the year:

382 HOU RB rushes

268 Slaton rushes

70% opps for Slaton

78 HOU RB targets

59 Slaton targets

76% opps to Slaton

64 HOU RB Receptions

50 Slaton recepts

78% opps to Slaton

14 HOU RB TD's

10 Slaton TD's

71% TD's to Slaton

When we take a closer look at the distribution of touches just between Ahman Green and Slaton in games when both played, it paints a more accurate picture:

Carries

Slaton carries 115

Green carries 74

61% for Slaton

Targets

13 Targets for Slaton

14 Targets for Green

48% for Slaton

Receptions

12 Recepts for Slaton

11 Recepts for Green

52% for Slaton

TD’s

5 TD's for Slaton

3 TD's for Green

63% for Slaton

When Ahman Green played, Slaton had 58% of RB touches in those games.

When Green did not play, Slaton had 85% of all RB touches.

When Ahman Green played Slaton averaged 12.9 PPG in PPR

When Ahman Green did not play, Slaton averaged 21.9 in PPR

Just like they attempted to do last season, Houston will use at least two backs next year, the only reason Slaton got as much work this season was circumstances and not coaches decision. For those expecting a similar workload, understand that the RB corps is significantly better in Houston than it was last year and in 2008 Green, Brown, and Taylor all were out of the picture due to injury. Even WW addition Moats was hurt last year. With two very nice rookie additions of Foster and Johnson, the Texans have very nicely upgraded the RB position. Simply put, the workload Slaton had in 2008 will not repeat in 2009.

Myth #3

Slaton will maintain or improve his TD production

Fact:

Part of Slaton’s reduced load in 2009 will come from lost GL carries. From the FBG Blogger:

March 12, 2009, 10:57

Texans :: RB

RB C.Brown Short Yardage Man, Assuming Health

Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

The Texans signed RB Chris Brown to a two-year deal last season, but Brown missed the '08 campaign with a back injury. Doctors have cleared him to resume all physical activities this offseason and Brown says he'll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. HC Gary Kubiak hopes to use him as the short yardage threat behind starter Steve Slaton. "He can provide a big back for us," Kubiak said. "Steve's a smaller guy. We need somebody who can do a little more pounding, red zone, short yardage, those types of things. That's easier said than done, but we have that guy here with him if he's healthy. So the key is whether or not he can stay healthy."
Click to expand...
In conclusion, Slaton is a prime candidate for being over-valued in 2009. Assuming he stays healthy for 16 games:176 carries

736 yards

27 recepts

189 yards

5 total TD’s
Click to expand...
Kubiak doesn't want slaton to have 70% of the plays this year because he doesn't want to wear him down but he will get 60%.Where do you account for the additional running plays that Texans will have this year because of there improved Defense?

 
jsharlan said:
Slaton is heavily involved in the passing game, that prediction of 27 catches is very low.
Click to expand...
From post #30:In my projection I should have expanded on the fact that Slaton only averaged 14 carries and 1.3 receptions in the eight games Green played. Furthermore, Slaton averaged only 13 carries in the five out of eight games Green did not leave early due to injury.

16 x 1.3 = 20.8

If anything, 27 receptions is a very generous projection.

Take the 13 carries a game he averaged in the RBBC Kubiak runs with healthy options, then reduce that number by two carries a game he'll lose in short yardage and you get the 176 carry projection.

The projections are statisitically sound based on how Houston runs their offense with a healthy roster.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
H.K. said:
jsharlan said:
Slaton is heavily involved in the passing game, that prediction of 27 catches is very low.
Click to expand...
From post #30:In my projection I should have expanded on the fact that Slaton only averaged 14 carries and 1.3 receptions in the eight games Green played. Furthermore, Slaton averaged only 13 carries in the five out of eight games Green did not leave early due to injury.

16 x 1.3 = 20.8

If anything, 27 receptions is a very generous projection.
Click to expand...
huh?
 
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