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2011 Texans Off -season thread (1 Viewer)

coolnerd

Footballguy
'bicycle_seat_sniffer said:
'Hoart Petterson said:
The mediator is really going on vacation? How about postponing it for a few weeks and getting this done? Joke.
The deal must not even be close or I think he would have.
2010 in season thread<a href="http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=554450&hl=coolnerd" target="_blank">http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...amp;hl=coolnerd</a>

Team threads

Qb in the 1st round?

<a href="http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=584137" target="_blank">http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=584137</a>

Player threads

Steve Slaton

<a href="http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=582328&st=0&gopid=12850903entry12850903" target="_blank">http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...;#entry12850903</a>

CBA threads

 
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Roster as of the Jan 15

http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster.html

1 Turk, Matt P 6-5 251 42 15 Wis.-Whitewater

4 Rackers, Neil K 6-1 206 34 11 Illinois

7 Orlovsky, Dan QB 6-5 230 27 6 Connecticut

8 Schaub, Matt QB 6-5 240 29 7 Virginia

9 Leinart, Matt QB 6-5 232 27 5 Southern California

12 Jones, Jacoby WR 6-2 210 26 4 Lane College

14 Townsel, Derrick WR 5-9 175 22 R Murray State

17 Williams, Paul WR 6-1 196 27 3 Fresno State

19 Dickerson, Dorin WR 6-4 226 22 R Pittsburgh

20 Slaton, Steve RB 5-9 215 25 3 West Virginia

21 McCain, Brice CB 5-9 185 24 2 Utah

22 McManis, Sherrick DB 5-11 195 23 R Northwestern

23 Foster, Arian RB 6-1 227 24 2 Tennessee

25 Jackson, Kareem DB 5-10 196 22 R Alabama

26 Wilson, Eugene FS 5-10 200 30 8 Illinois

27 Ogbonnaya, Chris RB 6-0 225 24 2 Texas

28 Molden, Antwaun CB 6-2 202 25 3 Eastern Kentucky

29 Quin, Glover CB 6-0 205 25 2 New Mexico

30 Allen, Jason CB 6-1 200 27 5 Tennessee

31 Pollard, Bernard SS 6-1 224 26 5 Purdue

32 Ward, Derrick RB 5-11 228 30 7 Ottawa (Kan.)

33 Nolan, Troy S 6-2 206 24 2 Arizona State

37 Baker, Antonio S 5-10 206 R Louisiana Tech

39 Demps, Quintin FS 5-11 206 25 3 Texas-El Paso

44 Leach, Vonta FB 6-0 255 29 7 East Carolina

46 Weeks, Jonathan LS 5-10 245 24 R Baylor

52 Adibi, Xavier LB 6-2 242 26 3 Virginia Tech

53 Keglar, Stanford LB 6-2 250 25 3 Purdue

54 Diles, Zac OLB 6-2 245 25 4 Kansas State

55 Myers, Chris C 6-4 295 29 6 Miami (Fla.)

56 Cushing, Brian OLB 6-3 260 23 2 Southern California

57 Bentley, Kevin LB 6-0 248 31 9 Northwestern

58 Greenhouse, Isaiah LB 6-2 232 23 R Northwestern State-Louisiana

62 Caldwell, Antoine G 6-3 305 24 2 Alabama

64 Studdard, Kasey G 6-3 302 26 4 Texas

69 Pressley, DeMario DT 6-3 301 25 3 North Carolina State

70 Pemberton, Cole T 6-7 315 23 R Colorado State

71 Smith, Shelley G 6-3 300 23 R Colorado State

73 Winston, Eric T 6-5 314 27 5 Miami (Fla.)

74 Smith, Wade T 6-4 296 29 8 Memphis

76 Brown, Duane T 6-4 315 25 3 Virginia Tech

77 Green, Jarvis DE 6-3 285 32 9 LSU

78 Butler, Rashad T 6-4 308 27 5 Miami (Fla.)

79 Wallace, Cody C 6-4 300 26 3 Texas A&M

80 Johnson, Andre WR 6-3 225 29 8 Miami (Fla.)

81 Daniels, Owen TE 6-3 250 28 5 Wisconsin

83 Walter, Kevin WR 6-3 218 29 8 Eastern Michigan

85 Dreessen, Joel TE 6-4 250 28 5 Colorado State

86 Casey, James TE 6-3 240 26 2 Rice

87 Hill, Anthony TE 6-6 265 26 2 North Carolina State

88 Graham, Garrett TE 6-3 243 24 R Wisconsin

91 Okoye, Amobi DT 6-2 315 23 4 Louisville

92 Mitchell, Earl DT 6-3 291 23 R Arizona

94 Smith, Antonio DE 6-4 295 29 7 Oklahoma State

95 Cody, Shaun DT 6-4 310 27 6 Southern California

96 Anderson, Mark DE 6-4 255 27 5 Alabama

97 Lewis, Damione DT 6-2 301 32 10 Miami (Fla.)

99 Jamison, Tim DE 6-3 270 24 2 Michigan

Practice Squad

# Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Age Exp. College

15 Billings, Montez WR 6-1 181 25 Auburn

74 Helms, Brett C 6-2 298 24 1 Louisiana State

61 McCoy, Chris DL 6-2 245 24 R Middle Tennessee State

Injured Reserve

# Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Age Exp. College

89 Anderson, David WR 5-10 197 27 5 Colorado State

34 Barber, Dominique FS 6-0 215 24 3 Minnesota

98 Barwin, Connor DE 6-4 254 24 2 Cincinnati

50 Bing, Darnell LB 6-2 230 26 2 Southern California

65 Brisiel, Mike G 6-5 300 27 3 Colorado State

93 Bulman, Tim DE 6-4 275 28 4 Boston College

11 Davis, Andre WR 6-1 200 31 9 Virginia Tech

16 Holliday, Trindon KR 5-5 166 24 R Louisiana State

72 Nading, Jesse DE 6-5 264 25 2 Colorado State

24 Paymah, Karl DB 6-0 195 28 6 Washington State

59 Ryans, DeMeco MLB 6-1 250 26 5 Alabama

51 Sharpton, Darryl LB 5-11 236 23 R Miami (Fla.)

43 Tate, Ben RB 5-11 220 22 R Auburn

90 Williams, Mario DE 6-6 295 25 5 North Carolina State

42 Williams, Torri S 6-2 208 24 R Purdue

 
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Kubiak Press conference Jan 3

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-...b2-4cf5713a2232

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak answered questions from the media during a Monday press conference at Reliant Stadium. The following is a transcript of his interview.

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak

(on what moves he made today) “We’ve been checking out players. We did that all morning. I released four coaches today: (defensive coordinator) Frank Bush, (defensive backs coach) David Gibbs, (assistant linebackers coach) Robert Saleh and (linebackers coach) Johnny Holland. Obviously, we’re going to go in another direction defensively. It’s a tough day. I appreciate all the hard work they’ve put in, the job that they did and the effort that they put forth. It’s a tough day from that standpoint. We’re going to move forward and we’ve got some serious things to fix on the defensive side of the ball. We’re going to move forward to try to do that as quickly as we can.”

(on his reaction to Texans owner Bob McNair bringing him back for a sixth season) “It’s a tough day, really, to be honest with you. That’s a very positive thing for me and I’m excited about that. I probably don’t show much excitement right now because of some of the other things I’ve had to deal with today. I appreciate Bob’s confidence in me. We’ve had some great conversations over the past few weeks. As I told y’all the day before, I wanted to digest those conversations. I wanted to enjoy coaching the football team last week with the coaches and players and finish the season the right way. We visited today and decided on a new direction and obviously him giving me a chance to move us in that direction. I’m very thankful for that. I appreciate that, but I know I have a lot of work to do and have got some problems to fix and we’re working forward to doing that.”

(on why he let those specific position coaches go) “Our defensive side of the ball this year was not good. We’ve got some serious problems that we’ve got to address. It definitely was not all coaching in my opinion. We’ve got issues across the board and things. I had to make a decision on how I think we can get better. Doing that, I made that decision to make those four guys go. I’ve also retained a coach and I have to think about where we’re going next. It’s a combination of all those things. We’ll bring in a new coordinator and we’ve got to be fair to him from a standpoint of how we put a staff together and how we go about our football team defensively, so all those things together led to those moves.”

(on if the team has not drafted effectively on defense) “I don’t know. I’m not sitting here with all of the draft choices in front of me but whatever we’ve done draft choice, free agency, whatever, we’re not playing good enough defense right now to be playing in January. We’ve got to assess that across the board.”

(on the current status of his search for a defensive coordinator and if he’s contacted Wade Phillips) “I have talked to nobody. I know there has been a lot of speculation. My focus was strictly on Jacksonville and getting ready for the game. I have not talked to anybody from that standpoint, but I will be talking to people very quickly, probably as early as this evening as we get started. I think it’s important that we do get started on this and make a decision so that we lock in which direction we want to go and we get the best possible coaches available, not only as a coordinator but to assist him as we move forward. It’ll start for me when I get through with you guys today.”

(on his thoughts on Wade Phillips) “I know Wade. Y’all know that I know him and have competed against him many times. I have a lot of respect for him as a person and a football coach. We’ll talk to a number of people. I think it’s pretty safe to say that Wade will be one of the people that we talk to and it will probably be very quickly.”

(on whether he will interview several candidates for the defensive coordinator position) “I didn’t say that. I said I will talk to several. We will talk to several candidates.”

(on whose will decide on the defensive coordinator hire) “I think we’ll all be a part of that process. Obviously there are a lot of names flying around and (Texans owner) Bob (McNair) has got ideas. (general manager) Rick (Smith) has ideas. My ideas will start today because I’ve been dealing with a lot of other things. Together we’ve got to come up with what we think is the best group of guys to talk to moving forward.”

(on if he gets the final say on who he wants on his coaching staff) “We will all work together, but Bob has always assured me that he doesn’t want me working with anybody that I don’t think is best for this football team. We’ll always work together.”

(on whether he wants to hire a proven defensive coordinator) “I think that’s very important right now. I think it’s very important that whoever steps in our defensive room, as we get moving forward, comes in from a well-respected standpoint of a big background in this business, and we will do everything we can to get that best guy.”

(on whether it will matter if the defensive coordinator he hires runs a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme) “You know what, it doesn’t. I’ve been asked that a couple times today. I think what we have to do is respect the person that we hire, knowing that we’re getting the best guy available; and we’ve got to say, ‘Look at our personnel,’ and I don’t think it really matters what we play. Whatever he thinks is best and gives us the best chance to be successful, then we should adapt to him. So we’re going to turn it over to him.”

(on whether the potential uncertainty with the Collective Bargaining Agreement could affect the decision to drastically change the defensive scheme) “I don’t think that factors into it right now. The only place the difficulty could come, to me, from something like that, and I’ve expressed this with (Texans owner) Bob (McNair), is if something lingers and we don’t have our players in the offseason. If something like that were to take place and you do have change in your organization, then obviously that could get a little scary as far as moving forward. But let’s hope that doesn’t happen. That’s also why I think it’s important that we do do something fast and establish an identity real quick in which direction we’re going so our players know.”

(on how DE Mario Williams might fit into a 3-4 scheme) “Well I would imagine there’s always going to be a few players that have a thought one way or the other, but I think Mario just wants to be successful, and if we do end up going to a 3-4, then we’ve got to convince Mario that that’s the best thing for this team and the best thing for Mario. If we don’t, then so be it. I think right now it’s about getting the right guy, and then we make the players fit. It’s our job to make sure we do what’s best for our players, too. We’re not going to go to a 3-4 just out of spite. We’re going to do it because we think it’s the best thing for our football players and our team.”

(on which players on the current roster could play nose tackle in a 3-4 defense) “That’s the cart before the horse. Obviously, if it’s something we would do, we’ve got some holes because we have been a 4-3 football team, and that would be one of the things that would have to be addressed. So, a lot of questions like that if that happens, but that hasn’t happened yet.”

(on how hard it is for him to fire people) “It’s very difficult. It’s a brutal day. I don’t know how to describe it to you, to take away something like that. But one of the great things about my job is I get to give people opportunity, too. So I try to take as much satisfaction out of that, because the few times you’ve got to take it away, it hurts very bad. That’s part of what I do for a living, that’s my job, and my job is to do what’s best for the Texans, and that’s what makes it a very difficult day today.”

(on how he feels about getting the opportunity to remain as head coach) “I’m very lucky. I know that. After our process that we’ve been through, and then this year, the big letdown that we had, I work for a great man that believes in me, and that means a lot to me. I know I’m very, very fortunate from that standpoint in this business, and I don’t want to let him down. I’ve got a lot of work to do to make him proud, and I plan on doing that. Like I said, it’s a tough day today, but we’ll move forward tonight and we will do everything we can to get it corrected real fast. I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself and a lot of confidence in what (Texans owner) Bob (McNair) wants me to do, and I’m looking forward to getting started on it.”

(on whether there is a sense of relief to have this decision out of the way) “Not today; not yet, because I’ve had to deal with too many other tough things today, like I said. The tough outweighs everything right now, but obviously I’m very appreciative of my opportunity that I’m getting.”

(on whether he talked to SS Bernard Pollard about his free agency situation) “You know, there were a few guys like that today. I met with every player today and visited with them briefly. There are guys that are listed as unrestricted free agents; there are guys that could be restricted depending on what happens with the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). I think that’s a very open book right now, so we don’t know, but my conversation with Bernard was good. He did not play yesterday with his shoulder bothering him, but he has done his job for us, he has always played hard for us. Bernard is sitting, I would assume, in a good situation. He’s been a good football player, he’s free, and we’ll see what happens.”

(on whether he wants SS Bernard Pollard back with the Texans next season) “He’s done a good job for this football team, but we have to go back and what we’ll start doing tomorrow morning is go back and evaluating our football season and looking at our players, and we’ve got to decide which direction we go, but Bernard has always done his job.”

(on how important it is to re-sign TE Owen Daniels and QB Matt Leinart) “I think all of those things are important but there is so much work to be done between now and those things happening. I think I spoke on OD’s (TE Owen Daniels) behalf yesterday and what I think of him and what he means to this team and how far he’s come. Great visit with him today. I can tell you OD wants to be a part of our team and we want OD. You know, as far as (QB) Matt (Leinart), first off, I’m very proud of Matt. I had a great visit with him today. I went through this situation before with Brian Griese and watched how tough that can be; taking over for a great quarterback and what you can go through and what Matt went through. Matt came here and this year was about Matt getting his confidence back and regaining his form, so to speak, for his career moving forward. I hope that’s with us, but if it’s not, I’m very proud of him and I think he’s got a bright future and I like what he did for us. He’s a fine young man and he’s going to be a fine player in this league.”

(on QB Matt Leinart’s upside) “It’s huge. He’s got the ‘it’ factor. People follow him and just watching him come here with us, where he was when he walked in the door, what he had been through and watching the confidence that he’s walking around this building with this past week as we prepared to play our last game, either we’re going to get him or somebody else is going to get a hell of a quarterback. I think he is going to be a fine, fine player.”

(on if the new defensive coordinator will have input into defensive personnel) “No doubt. We need to do everything we can to support that guy. Like I said, we’ve got a problem. We have not played good defense. This year was very, very poor. We’ve got to go out there and sell our program to a top-notch guy and we’ve got to let him know we’re going to totally support him and what he doesn’t think he has, we need to go get it for him and whatever we can do to get better. This football team needs to see us be totally committed to getting better on that side of the ball and that means supporting whoever we bring in.”

(on if Texans Owner Bob McNair indicated that general manager Rick Smith’s job was secure when he met with him) “I talked to Bob (McNair) about my situation. I visited with him today. I’ve been visiting with players and now I’m here with you guys. I can’t speak for (general manager) Rick (Smith) and Bob’s conversations.”

(on how he will approach hiring a defensive coordinator for the third time differently) “It’s got to be different, I guess is a good way to answer it. You’re right. I’ve had two opportunities; gave two first-time guys opportunities to be coordinators and I’m proud of the effort they’ve put forth and everything. They’re both fine coaches and great guys. What’s going to be different this time? Like I said, it’s got to be different. We’ve got to be successful. It cannot take time. It’s got to be quick. So we’ve got to do everything we can to get the right person and get it going very quickly.”

(on if there is a deadline to hire a new defensive coordinator) “No, I don’t see it that way. But it’s not like we’re going to sit here and wait for everything to pan out over the course of the next month. I think we’ve got to get started tonight. We’ve got to start deciding who we’re going to talk to. We’ve got to get a plan of action real quick.”

(on the importance of making an immediate improvement on defense next year) “I don’t think we’re sitting here talking about a three- or four-year building process. Whoever we go get, we’ve got to get him the people and expect to be successful next year. We’ve got to be ready to go real quick.”

(on if it’s time to win immediately next year) “There is no doubt in my mind. We felt that way going into this season. We thought we were there as a football team and we thought we were there six weeks into the football season but we found out over the course of the last 10 weeks we definitely were not. We need to improve as a football team but we obviously know where our biggest problems are and that’s what we’ve got to go fix right away.”

(on how difficult it was to fire Frank Bush and Johnny Holland) “It’s very tough. Those are obviously my friends that I’ve known for a long time and now that I’ve coached with for a long time and like I’ve said, it’s the greatest feeling in the world for me, coming here, giving those guys opportunities. That’s a great feeling for me. But at the same time, I had to sit across from them today and shake their hand and move in another direction. I don’t know how to describe to you how tough that is. I know it’s part of my job.”

(on LB Brian Cushing’s performance this season) “First off, (LB) Brian (Cushing) missing the time hurt Brian. I don’t care who you are as a player, when you do not play, when you miss four weeks or something, you don’t just bounce right back on the field and do things the way you’ve done them in the past. The suspension hurt Brian. (LB) DeMeco’s (Ryan) injury hurt Brian a great deal because we had to move him. That’s on us. We had to move him around, got him uncomfortable for a couple weeks but I still think we had to. So I think you take a combination of those things, him missing DeMeco’s presence; it doesn’t add up to the same season he had a year ago. But his effort was the same. He still made big plays in games. But as I’ve told all you before, we need him to be huge. When you look at the whole factor of the defense, it just didn’t happen and he’s part of that. His effort and everything is the same as it was the year before.”

(on whether he’ll change his own role on the coaching staff) “I’ll evaluate myself too. I’ll listen to (owner) Bob (McNair). I’ll listen to (general manager) Rick (Smith). I’ll listen to the coaches. Obviously I’m sitting here talking about hiring a guy who’s got great experience on the defensive side of the ball and who possibly could have head coaching experience. I like that. That’s why I have (senior defensive assistant) Ray (Rhodes). That’s why I had Mike Sherman with me. I want people like that around me that I can lean on and ask questions. I don’t see this hire any different, but yes, I do need to take a good look at myself also, if that’s what you’re asking.”

(on whether senior defensive assistant Ray Rhodes will return next year) “I can’t speak for (senior defensive coordinator) Ray (Rhodes) , but at this point right now we have talked a little bit and he has talked about retirement. Ray’s contract is up I think March 1. He’s been going year-to-year with us. So he and I will discuss it more, but today Ray is helping me do some evaluation. So we’ll go from there.”

(on whether he wants to bring back DE Mark Anderson next year) “Yeah, he did some good stuff. We had a good conversation with him today. I think he helped himself in his career. I thought (assistant head coach/defensive line) Bill (Kollar) did a good job with the crew that he was having to put together throughout the back half of the season and (DE) Mark (Anderson) was part of that.”

(on whether he’ll look for coaches he’s worked with before) “I really don’t know. I couldn’t tell because I don’t have that list in front of me right now.”

(on how to fix the slow starts on offense) “I’ve got to go back and look at them. We had a good fast one yesterday. We played pretty good the first half at Denver. We played pretty good in the first half early this season. We just have to go back and look at that just like we do everything.”

(on how to fix problems in the return game) “Yeah, we got to evaluate that just like everything else. Who is doing the returning? Who is doing the blocking? How we went about it. We evaluate that just like we do everything else.”

(on reasons not making coaching changes in defense during the season) “I don’t think it called for that. I don’t think there’s any one coach who was not doing his job. If I thought the problem was one person throughout the season and all of a sudden it was going to change we would’ve done what we had to do. I think there was a combination of problems. I didn’t see that as the fix so to speak.”

(on why he decided to retain assistant head coach/defensive line coach Bill Kollar) “First of all, I think (assistant head coach/defensive line coach) Bill (Kollar) has done a hell of a job. I think the job that he did with the group he had. He had four guys that suited up yesterday that weren’t on our team when the season started. I just like the way he does his job. It has a lot to do with what I see us going forward without getting too advanced with that.”

(on whether his contract status will hinder his ability to hire assistant coaches) “I hope he (owner Bob McNair) gave me an extension because he thought I was a good football coach. I think that’s part of our business. Hiring coaches and having them believing where you’re going and what direction you’re heading. That’s all part of what we do. That’s our job to convince who ever we’re going to bring in here that we’re going to do it the right way. That we’re going to win. We are going to make him successful. That’s something that we’ll have to do.”

 
Bob Mc Nair Jan 4

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-...1c-cf5d20a6cd76

Texans chairman and CEO Bob McNair sat down for a 1-on-1 interview with Drew Dougherty of Texans TV on Tuesday, one day after the team retained head coach Gary Kubiak and released defensive coordinator Frank Bush and three other assistants.

Below is a full transcript of McNair's comments.

Texans chairman and CEO Bob McNair

(on how tough Monday was) “It was a tough day because it’s not easy to let people go. No one likes to do that. All of these fellows that we relieved of their duties are guys that we’ve worked with and they’ve been around the building and in our locker room and out on the practice field. We’ve just spent a lot of time with them and we know their families, so, it’s very difficult.”

(on why he released the four defensive coaches and what criteria he’ll use in hiring their replacements) “When you look at our team and ask the question, ‘What is the problem here?’, it’s pretty clear. Our offense is the third-ranked offense in the league. We’ve got some offensive weapons that some other teams would love to have. If you take our quarterback Matt Schaub, our running back Arian Foster, our wide receiver Andre Johnson, our tight ends Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen, and throw (TE) James Casey in there, you take those four positions, and what team in the league has got better players at those four positions? Not just picking one of them, but at all four of those positions, you’d be hard-pressed to find somebody that’s better equipped at those four positions. So we’ve got an awful lot of talent that’s still young, and the problem that we’ve had is that we haven’t been able to stop the other team. They’ve been scoring 28, 29 points a game (on) average. You just can’t do that and win in the NFL. So clearly, we weren’t getting the job done on defense. We just had to make a change, and we’re going to bring in an experienced, proven defensive coordinator that has had good, solid defenses throughout his career.”

(on what sort of process goes into the coaching search) ”Well, first of all, an individual has to be free to talk to us, and if he’s under contract, he isn’t. So you’re looking at who is available now and then you’re looking at who might be available, and as head coaches are fired who have good defensive backgrounds, those are candidates, and we’re looking at all of them. So we’re trying to keep up with what’s happening, but it’s a lot like musical chairs. Once the music starts, boy, there’s all kinds of action, but when the music stops it’s a mad scramble for the chairs and there aren’t enough chairs to go around, as you know. And that’s what happens with these coaches is you can come up short if you’re not careful, and so we want to move quickly and make sure that doesn’t happen to us.”

(on how important it might be to get a defensive coordinator with head coaching experience) “I think that a person with that background brings a lot to the table, because your head coach is in a unique position, and to have someone on his staff who’s been in that same position and understands what he’s going through when he has some tough questions that he has to answer, it’s someone he can go to and sit down and discuss some of those issues and know that they have a common background. So I think it adds quite a bit.”

(on if he has any particular peers that he leans on for guidance or counsel) “Well, I have some. There’s some owners that I’m closer to than others. I probably spend a little more time talking about various things with (New England Patriots owner) Robert Kraft. I respect the job that he’s done there with the Patriots and I think that that’s a great model, and I’d love to have the success that they’ve had. But we’re competitors with all these folks, so you’re limited as to what you want to be discussing with them. And I talk a lot with (Dallas Cowboys owner) Jerry Jones. Jerry and I have a lot of common interests and look things in many ways in very similar ways. But when it comes to things like this, your coaches and what have you, you’re pretty much on your own because they might be interested in the same coach you’re interested in, and so you’re not in a position to be discussing it.”

(on how attractive of a defensive coordinator candidate Wade Phillips is) “Well, Wade has a terrific record. His background, number one as a head coach, I think he had the third-highest winning percentage of active coaches at the time that he was fired as head coach. So he’s been a very good coach, and his record as a defensive coordinator has been outstanding. And he’s done it at a number of different places. He did it at Buffalo, he did it at San Diego, he did it at Denver. He was at Philadelphia there for a few years, so he’s done it in so many places and every place he’s been he’s always had a good, solid defense. So he’s viewed around the league as being a very solid defensive-minded coach, and one that has been able to get outstanding results.”

(on if it can’t hurt that former Houston Oilers coach Bum Phillips is Wade’s father) “Well, no. I think that’s great. And Bum is a great fan of the Houston Texans. He just loves our team and organization, and certainly Wade is from Houston, he went to school at the University of Houston, he coached for the Oilers under his dad and he has family that lives here. So there are a lot of positives about Wade. And we know him. You know, we know he’s a good person, and Gary (Kubiak) knows him, so all those things enter into it and influence us to some degree, but whoever we get’s going to be an outstanding defensive coach.”

 
Introducing Wade Phillips

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-...25-a571ea78b03f

Texans head coach Gary Kuibak and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips answered questions from the media on Monday at Reliant Stadium. The following is a transcript of their respective interviews.

Head Coach Gary Kubiak

Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips

Head Coach Gary Kubiak

(on Wade Phillips being named defensive coordinator) “It’s very exciting. He and I got started on the football part today. Just for me to sit in the room with him with all his experience, to hear some of the things and see some of the things that he’s seen in some of our players, it was very exciting for me as the coach of this football team. We are looking forward to working with him and have a lot of respect for him as a person. We as a staff are all very lucky to be working with a man that has been successful and been in this league for a long time and can make us better.”

(on how much it helps that he’s known defensive coordinator Wade Phillip since his playing days in Denver) “We’ve never worked together. I was a player and he was a coach. We’ve always had a great relationship outside football. Just to sit down and talk football with somebody that’s been doing it so long for me, it’s exciting. It’s just been a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to learn a great deal from him. He brings a wealth of knowledge that not only helps me, but helps the rest of the coaching staff.”

(on what will be the biggest challenge to switching over to a 3-4 defense) “What’s great about it is that he doesn’t fret over it very much. He feels very good about it looking at our guys. Is it a big change? It sounds like it, but I think when you start talking about the way he plays his 3-4 it’s reduced a lot of times which is a four-man front, so there is a lot of carryover there. But he sees a lot of different roles for some of our guys. Just getting the work and getting it all put in is probably will be the thing that we are looking forward to the most.”

(on how soon does he want the defensive coaching staff put together) “I’d like it done right now, but I think it’s going to take some time. The reason being, there are a lot of things going on around the league right now and a lot of guys are tied up that may become free. The one thing that we both agreed on this morning, we don’t want to make a mistake. So we will take our time if we have to. There are some guys that we are very interested in and we will be patient with and see what happen with the other placed that they’re at.”

(on if defensive coordinator Wade Phillips thinks he has a nose tackle that can fit the 3-4 defense) “The biggest thing I think he said in the meeting was that everybody thinks you need a big guy to run a 3-4 defense. He played with smaller guys and has been successful. What (defensive coordinator) Wade (Phillips) tells you all the time is that he’ll find out what he has and he’ll fit this defense for what he has and we’ll find a way to stop people. So he’s got a lot of confidence in himself.”

(on determining if new players are needed to fit the new defense) “That’s the biggest challenge right now. When we get through with this week and taking what we have and then him putting them in the right spots. We need to walk out of here at the end of this week saying, ‘Okay, here is where we see these guys fitting.’ Now, how deep do we have to go in free agency? How deep do we have to go in the draft to make sure that we got depth and we feel good about our starters? So I think we got to get this done first.”

(on why he wouldn’t want to invest heavily in free agency) “We got to get better. As I said, we definitely got to get better and that’s across the board. In free agency, if there is a corner or a defensive lineman, if that helps us, we got to look at those options. I think we all agree we go to look right now at what we have and see where we are going to fit those guys before we start talking what our biggest need is.”

(on what would he tell defensive coordinator Wade Phillips about the youth of Texans secondary) “I don t know if there is just one move. I don’t think that there’s one player. If I told you right now if we sign this guy will make us better right now. I think that we got to look at a variety of things. There are possibilities with some of our players that are in the secondary actually moving. That’s something that we’ve talked about. Like I said, we’ve been at it one day. We’ve watched about five football games and I’ve got his opinion on those. I want to sit there and watch all 16 and we’ll sort it out as we go.”

(on where LB Brian Cushing may play in a 3-4 defense) “A lot of discussions about that. (Defensive coordinator) Wade (Phillips) sees a lot of different things, him doing a lot of different things, but nothing’s locked in at this point.”

(on what concerns him most with the labor uncertainty going forward) “Somebody asked this in the press conference about the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) stuff, is that a concern? I would agree with (defensive coordinator) Wade (Phillips): at this point right now, it’s not. You hope it all gets worked out. If it lingers on and it goes all the way to mid-summer and we can’t see our players, then it becomes a big concern. But the thing that I like, and this was a big selling point to me when I talked with Wade, is the confidence he has in his teaching, how he thinks what he does is simple and he can get it done fast. When he’s got that much confidence in where we’re fixing to go, that’s good enough for me.”

(on whether he asked for permission to interview other teams’ coaches) “We have asked to talk to a couple, but have not gotten back word yet. I’d rather not talk about those guys.”

(on whether he’s concerned about losing offensive coordinator Rick Dennison) “I’m happy for him. He interviews tomorrow, I think; he flies out tomorrow. He deserves the opportunity. He’s done a good job in this league and I know it’s a big day for him, so we wish him all the best; and if he gets it, we’re happy for him, and if not, we’re lucky he’s back.”

(on how much it helps him to have defensive coordinator Wade Phillips around as a former head coach) “It’s huge. I mean, all his experience, and y’all heard how confident he is in what he’s doing moving forward, so with his confidence comes my confidence. To me, to have him to pull from in many areas of the game, not just in his expertise, I’m really looking forward to that.”

(on whether he’ll lean on defensive coordinator Wade Phillips for help in personnel decisions) “I’ll be leaning real hard. He’s been to a lot more rodeos than me. He’s been doing this a long time; he’s been very successful. We as a staff need to all lean on Wade.”

(on whether he expects to re-sign any of the Texans’ free agents in the near future) “I don’t know. We haven’t really gotten to that point right now. Right now, we’re still in a self-evaluation process and some of that will be sorted out here over the next few weeks.”

(on what stood out the most during his interview with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips) “I go back to his confidence in looking at our players. Wade had looked at every game we had played before he came in, and to listen to him talk about our players, what he saw in our players, I mean, it was amazing. He had them all down pat. And just talking to us about what he could do, what he could bring to the table, and knowing what he brings to the table just alone from all his experience in this league, it was a very easy fit.”

(on when he expects a new labor agreement to be reached) “You’re asking the wrong guy. I have no idea.”

Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips

(opening statement) “I’ve always been a Texan. Now I’m a real Texan. Being a part of this organization is a dream come true for me. To be in Houston, it couldn’t be better for me right now. I’m going to do my best and work the hardest to make this thing be where everybody here in Houston, I know, wants it to be. I’m looking forward to it and I’m ready to get started.”

(on the outlook of his defensive staff) “Well right now we’re trying to put a staff together defensively. We’ve still got some places to fill. (Head coach) Gary (Kubiak) and I are going to interview some guys and we’re continually talking about it.”

(on what he will do to improve the pass coverage) “That all fits together. I do think the pass rush has a lot to do with it too. It’s easy to blame it on one end of the ball, but it’s a whole group. I think all of our players know that. It’s everybody’s responsibility. It’s the rush and the coverage. We’re going to be real sound technique-wise in what we do and how we do it. That’s the way I’ve always done it. I think you take it one step at a time. Our philosophy has always been to put in a coverage and work it until you really get it and then go to another coverage, rather than missing some of the details or the things you need to have to be successful in each coverage. Sometimes it takes a little longer and I’m talking about training camp and so forth, but I’ve had teams where we put in the coverage one week and we weren’t ready the next week to go on. In others, in three or four days they were ready. A lot of these guys have played, certainly, different coverages and different ways of playing, but we really emphasize technique and fundamentals in each coverage.”

(on how he feels about the youth and if they will be harder to teach given their experience) “One thing you have to do in this league is to play the best players. If they are young, you play them. If they’re older players that are the best ones, you play them. Youth is really not an excuse in my opinion. It’s playing your best players and making sure that they can play that coverage the way you want it played to utilize their abilities—that’s coaching.”

(on if he agrees with Texans owner Bob McNair when he says that there were little things to be done and it wouldn’t take much personnel turnover) “Whatever Bob says is right. I agree with exactly what he said. I have been in this situation before, coming in with a new team and the questions about whether they had the personnel or not. Usually when I went to a new team, it was because they didn’t do well the year before, in fact, in most cases. In my experience in that area is that yes, we have the personnel to improve and do better. Do we want more bigger, stronger, faster players? Sure. That’s what you always want. You’re not going to have all-stars at every position, no matter where you are. You have to make the average players good and the good players better. Also, turning good players to great players, that’s part of it too.”

(on his expectations for DE Mario Williams) “Well we have a few players that have been in the Pro Bowl and those guys certainly have outstanding talent and that’s what Mario has. You want to utilize your best players. If you put the pressure on them to play well and you put them in positions that they can utilize their ability and that’s what we plan to do.”

(on his biggest concern going into this) “I don’t know that I have a concern. We have a plan of what we want to do. You still have to see what they can do and try to utilize their talents. I’ve only seen them on film. So getting to know how smart they are, how quickly they learn things, what kind of strength they have and what weakness each player has, I still need to learn those things. It’s all part of the process.”

(on if he definitely will play a 3-4 defense) “Yes. I think so. I’ve been successful playing in a 3-4 for a long time. I’ve gone into situations where they played 4-3 before and we’ve been successful very quickly. All it is, is your front seven. The coverages are all the same, whether you’re in the 4-3 or 3-4. We had problems in coverage here. That really doesn’t affect the coverage. What I think you get more in a 3-4 and I think our record bears it out that you get more pressure in a 3-4 and that should help your back end.”

(on their biggest needs to fill a 3-4) “I don’t know exactly. Gary and I are looking at film now to go over what the players can exactly do and what they can’t do. Until we get them out on the field, we’ll have an idea right now and then get them on the field and see what they can do.”

(on the expectations to win right away) “I haven’t been in many places where they expected to win quickly (laughs).”

(on what he thinks they need that isn’t here) “Again, I think I have to know the players better to specifically say each position because it depends on where you put them. We went to San Diego and they had the first pick in the draft and they expected to do better and we did. We went 12-4 and won the division. We used some players, in fact one of them came from here, (LB) Steve Foley played here and didn’t play a whole lot. He had 10 or 12 sacks or whatever he had and we had a pretty good football team that year. I just don’t think you can say definitely what you need right now until you know for sure what guys can do. I do think you always need to look for good players, whether that’s through the draft or free agency.”

(on his relationship with defensive line coach Bill Kollar and if he plans on keeping him on his staff) “Yeah, he’s definitely a part of this staff. I’ve had a lot of coaches that I’ve come in with that have only coached 4-3. In fact, the whole group in San Diego had only coached 4-3 before I got there. A good football coach is like a good player, you can fit them in.”

(on what he was able to do in Buffalo to help DE Bruce Smith transition from the 4-3 to 3-4) “I told him to ‘sic ‘em’. You know? ‘Go get ‘em Bruce.’ Your real good players, that’s what you do with them. It’s not as easy to do as it sounds, but actually you’ve got to let them go. You’ve got to let them use their ability, give them opportunities to go and make plays where somebody else has to cover for them in some cases. Your best players, you have to feature them and you have to try and put them in situations to succeed. That’s part of the chess game I guess and part of how you set it up. When you have a great one, you try to utilize their ability. Bruce was a special, special player. I’ve had two of them. (DE) Reggie White and Bruce Smith, who were by far better than any of the guys I had coached before or after, but I’m hoping to coach one here.”

(on how similar DE Mario Williams’ transition to playing in a 3-4 is to Bruce Smith’s) “We’re not talking about a three-technique. We’re talking about a guy that we’re gonna let rush the passer, penetrate. Movement-wise, I think he’s (DE Mario Williams) got really good movement. We’ll probably move him and that’s what we did with Bruce Smith. You can look at a 3-4, where a guy plays inside all the time and you look at one where they play outside and go all the time. He’s going to be one of them. Elvin Bethea we had way back here, did a pretty good job here, was a pretty good 3-4 defensive end. I think he’s in the Hall of Fame now. He was a similar guy to Bruce in that he could rush up field really well, but he had a lot of great movement. So whatever Mario can do, we’re going to try and utilize that.”

(on the personal significance of returning to work and live in Houston) “Houston is special to me. I grew up in this area, I went to college here and my first NFL coaching job was here. At that time, when we were in the playoffs every year and going to the AFC Championship game, I thought I was a great coach and that we’d be here the whole time, but it didn’t work out that way. But I went 360 and came back to where I really wanted to be.”

(on if DT Amobi Okoye will fit his system, given that he has coached some larger nose tackles) “Well, I’ve coached some small ones, too. Greg Kragen made the Pro Bowl at Denver, was real under-sized and Jay Ratliff isn’t that big either. Jay Ratliff is probably (DT) Amobi’s (Okoye) size. Again, we played different techniques with the different guys. Ted Washington, who was huge, we played him more in the middle. Some of the other guys we played on the edges more and some of them we had them stunt a lot and others we made them play more of technique player. It depends on what they can do.”

(on if he has talked to general manager Rick Smith and head coach Gary Kubiak about what his role in the draft is going to be) “I haven’t talked about that, but I’ve always participated in the draft and given my opinion. I’m sure I’ll be able to do that here.”

(on how many years his contract is for) “We really don’t go into contracts and what those things are. But I’m happy to be here and they took care of me money-wise, so I’m happy. My wife is happy.”

(on if being a defensive coordinator was something he wanted to do next after leaving Dallas and if he feels like he’ll have another opportunity to be a head coach or if that is still a desire) “I didn’t know. Usually when you get fired, and I was 29-19 at Buffalo, which I think they would take right now, but at the time I was fired from there. I didn’t get many opportunities then and I think it’s similar. It’s perception sometimes more than reality in that I’ve won a lot of games in this league and have a real high winning percentage. But I don’t see me being the head coach again because of the perception overall.”

(on what he thinks his perception is overall of him as a head coach) “Again, when you get fired, it’s usually, ‘Hey, he was fired because he can’t win.’ Well, it wasn’t because I couldn’t win, maybe couldn’t win enough. I didn’t win enough at Buffalo. I didn’t win enough at (Dallas). You know, 34-22, or whatever it was, a lot of people would take as head coach, but that’s the way it is.”

(on what he’s seen from the Texans’ defensive line) “I was happy with the defensive line. When you play a 4-3, you have more defensive linemen. I don’t think we have enough to play a 4-3 and rotate all those people and have enough good players but I do think we have enough for a3-4 group that you could have all pretty solid players. That’s what you’re looking for.”

(on DTs Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell playing nose tackle) “I think they can play football and if you play over a guard, usually you can play over the center. The center has to center the ball. It won’t be a big change for them, I don’t think; any of those guys, (DT) Amobi’s (Okoye) the same way. I mean, they played over the guard. Nose guard is a little easier to play than playing over a guard all the time.”

(on the challenge of playing in the AFC and if he’ll bring a more physical attitude to the defense) “When you lose, they always outplayed you or outcoached you or whatever. I see a pretty physical team. I see some good licks, defensively. I saw some really good hits in the games I watched. The one thing I saw, and I want to compliment those guys for, is those guys played hard. They pursued the ball, they were after the ball ever play. I realize the results weren’t great, but that’s the first thing you’re looking for as a coach, is great effort. I thought the staff here did a good job with that, defensively.”

(on if he has spoken with any of the players) “Not yet. Well, I did see (LB DeMeco) Ryans this morning and I talked to him a little bit. But I will talk to some of them.”

(on his schedule moving forward and having to coach in the East-West Shrine game) “I’ll be here the rest of the week working on specific things we need to work on as far as working on our defense and starting that process. But also, I’ll be going to the East-West Game next week. I’m coaching in the East-West Game. I’m committed to doing that, so I’ll do that. But the East-West Game does give you an opportunity to work with college players. I think, sometimes working with the Senior Bowl, you get an idea on some of those players of the insight of how smart they are, what kind of competitors they are. I get the same opportunities with the East-West Game. So I think it will help us some, as far as scouting the players, knowing them. I know the times we coached the Senior Bowl, we found out a lot of things about players that you probably wouldn’t know in the draft or some other teams would know, so I’m looking forward to this.”

(on how implementing a new defense will be affected if there isn’t a full training camp because of a labor dispute) “Not as much. We’ve always been able to teach things quickly. I believe the players that have played for us will tell you that we can implement it pretty quickly. Part of it’s being a player-friendly defense in that we want them to know their assignments quickly. I take care of all the complications. I take care of the complicated stuff as far as how we get it done and teach to them pretty quickly. It hasn’t been a problem and I don’t foresee it being one.”

(on working with head coach Gary Kubiak) “I’m excited to work with (head coach) Gary (Kubiak). I’ve always admired Gary as a player and what a tremendous player he was in that he was always ready to play and how smart he was. And then as a coach, the same way. Like I said, his teams, they’re going to play hard and they’re gonna keep fighting the whole time. That, and I think his offense is as hard to stop as anybody we played in the last few years. Those things put together, I’m looking forward to being with Gary.”

(on how Nnamdi Asomugha would fit in his scheme if he came to Houston) “We’re really not allowed by the League and I will not talk about players under contract with another team. I have some money in my pocket, but I want to keep it.”

 
MrTwo94 said:
Anyone think there is a chance in hell that we sign Shaun Rogers now that Cleveland has released him? I'm not buying Amobi, Cody, or Mitchell at NT.
I think they might look at him. He has already visited the Redskins who could definitely use a NT. I think there is a lot better chancethat the Redskins sign him than the Texans sign him, just based on how both franchises operate.
 
MrTwo94 said:
Anyone think there is a chance in hell that we sign Shaun Rogers now that Cleveland has released him? I'm not buying Amobi, Cody, or Mitchell at NT.
I think they might look at him. He has already visited the Redskins who could definitely use a NT. I think there is a lot better chancethat the Redskins sign him than the Texans sign him, just based on how both franchises operate.
The last note I saw said that he may have had ten teams contact him. since he was cut, he could be signed now as at least a 25-30 snaps a games guy if not more.
 
Somebody asked about Ben Tate in the 2010 thread. As per Ben Tate's facebook page today, "Went to see the doc today finally cleared no more rehab im sooo happy.....time for a vacation then back on the grind for the 2011 season!!!!!!!!#NOLOCKOUT."

Kind of funny. Good to hear an update that he's finally healthy.

 
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The Texans could have had Hunt from the CFL.

They could have Rogers. They could have a lot of guys if they would just do it.

It's like free draft picks to take a guy like Hunt, and they let him sleep right between their hands.

 
Andre Davis does a nice AJ impersonation. Too bad divisional opponents can't sign a vet to their PS, he'd probably get a job then.

(Seriously) Do the Texans get a decent compensatory pick since Rex started in Washington?

Do you Texans fans want VY as a backup? (Ya gotta figure his agent called them and inquired)

Why are people still talking about Slaton and now Tate? Isn't it OK to be thrilled with Foster? Do they really have to strike gold every year?

Are you please or upset that Bush and Palmer are assistants on the Titans now?

How long can they wait for Casey to develop into the starter? Or can they wait anymore with Daniels being a FA?

 
Andre Davis does a nice AJ impersonation. Too bad divisional opponents can't sign a vet to their PS, he'd probably get a job then.(Seriously) Do the Texans get a decent compensatory pick since Rex started in Washington?Do you Texans fans want VY as a backup? (Ya gotta figure his agent called them and inquired)Why are people still talking about Slaton and now Tate? Isn't it OK to be thrilled with Foster? Do they really have to strike gold every year?Are you please or upset that Bush and Palmer are assistants on the Titans now?How long can they wait for Casey to develop into the starter? Or can they wait anymore with Daniels being a FA?
Andre davis was injued in 2010 and was overpaid to be a WR4/5. He made a few good plays, but was far from AJ. I don't know the compensatory formula and whether the Texans had net/los gain or who is actually elgibile, so there is no way to answer that question. but how much did Grossman really play? 2 gamesHonestly, texans fans rarely mention either one of them. The slaton and tate stuff is message board dudes trying assess value. Personally, don't care as a Texans' fan, but I never wish ill of dudes knowing that they need jobs because of families etc. Generally, if anything the rank and file thinks it more funny than anything. Well, given that just Daniels re-signed, Casey is probably a back-up for his Texans career.
 
Why would we not tender Pollard?
He plays a dinosuar position as an in-the-box only safety and was continually expsoed in coverage.
He made a substantial impact on our ability to defend the run pretty much the instant he got playing time. He's a SS, not a FS. I am inclined to believe the problem with our defense was more the total lack of a pass rush coupled with awful CB/FS play than our strong safety's coverage skills. Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying we can't upgrade at SS. I just don't think we should let him walk when we are subpar in so many positions and he is, at the very least, adequate.
To answer the why accordin' to Pollardhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7454001.html

Pollard had 112 tackles second in the NFL for a non-linebacker in his second season with the Texans. He was deemed expendable in new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips 3-4 setup.

They told me I dont fit in Wades scheme, Pollard said. Its just the nature of the business. I understand. I wasnt in their plans, and its time to move on. And thats fine.

My family and I were blessed and grateful to have played two seasons here. Now its time for me to find another team.

 
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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7455094.html

Starting defensive tackle Shaun Cody is the third Texans player to re-sign with the team Thursday, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday.

Cody, who will move to nose tackle in new defensive coordinator Wade Phillip's 3-4 defense, follows starting tight end Owen Daniels and backup running back Derrick Ward as potential free agents who have returned to the team.

Cody signed a two-year, $5.75 million contract with $1.5 million guaranteed.

Daniels agreed to a four-year, $22 million contract that included $6 million guaranteed.

Daniels caught 38 passes for 471 yards and two touchdowns last season. The Texans had placed a first-round tender on Daniels on Wednesday.

Terms of Ward's one-year deal were not immediately available.

In his first season with the Texans, Ward averaged 6.3 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns behind starter Arian Foster, who led the NFL in rushing.

 
Andre Davis does a nice AJ impersonation. Too bad divisional opponents can't sign a vet to their PS, he'd probably get a job then.(Seriously) Do the Texans get a decent compensatory pick since Rex started in Washington?Do you Texans fans want VY as a backup? (Ya gotta figure his agent called them and inquired)Why are people still talking about Slaton and now Tate? Isn't it OK to be thrilled with Foster? Do they really have to strike gold every year?Are you please or upset that Bush and Palmer are assistants on the Titans now?How long can they wait for Casey to develop into the starter? Or can they wait anymore with Daniels being a FA?
I think VY's going to end up as a starter somewhere like Minnesota or Miami. Doubt he's interested in coming here as a backup, and his presence would create a distraction that's out of character for this organization. I wanted us to draft him originally, but I think that ship has sailed. This is the same regime that passed in the first place.People are always going to talk about the backup RBs here b/c it's a productive system and you're always one play away from potential fantasy gold. Some probably are assuming Foster will turn out like Slaton, but I'm not buying it. At his best Slaton never looked as awesome as Foster did last season. Hell, Foster looked terrific the last 2 games of the '09 season as well. With Ward re-signed today and Tate returning there will be a healthy competition for the backup job. Personally, I'm pumped about Foster with Ward and Tate backing him up. It's probably our most solid position. I feel bad for Slaton and wish it wouldn't have all gone downhill so quickly for him, but I think he's the odd man out.I'm really excited to see Bush and Palmer working for the Titans now! Hopefully Tennessee's version of Kareem Jackson and David Carr will be on display very soon. I'd very much like to see them suck as much in Tennessee as they sucked here. I just hope they let Bush help out in the secondary, so he can teach Cortland Finnegan the fine techniques Jackson and Jacques Reeves used to trail opposing receivers. Hopefully Palmer will convince them to bring in Carr to solidify the QB position as well. IMO Casey's probably never going to be a starting TE. He works hard and has become a pretty good special teamer, but Dreesen's a better all-around TE. I think if he was ever going to be really productive he would have done it the last two seasons while Daniels was out. With Daniels re-signed and Dreesen back he's not going to have much of an offensive role unless they design a few packages for him out of a FB/H-back type of role, and even then his production would probably be pretty sporadic.
 
Big Owen Daniels fan here when healthy. It's a shame he can't seem to stay on the field because he could be the top TE in FF in this offense. Nice to see the team hasn't given up on him ala Indy with Bob Sanders.

 
Daniels looked like he was finally close to his former self at the end of the season. Hopefully he's full go by the start of next season, he gives us another go-to-guy along with AJ and really adds another dimension to the offense. When he's right, the only thing really missing from this offense is a speed WR opposite AJ. Jacoby flashes but is way too inconsistent, and Walter really isn't anything special. Still, its easier to put up with when you've got a guy like OD that can attack in different ways than AJ and Foster. I like the job Dreessen did last year, but I'm glad OD is back. Now if we could just do something about that defense...

 
Via Houston Texans Facebook

‎"2011 NFL preseason schedule was just released. Texans host the Jets on Monday Night Football, August 15. They host the Saints in the 2nd week of preseason, and then wrap up at San Francisco 49ers and then at Minnesota Vikings.

"

So, I guess playing the Cowboys is no longer a pre-season priority. It is a reason for me to set foot Jerryworld or Death Star since I do help pay for the thing.

 
HOUSTON TEXANS 2011 SCHEDULE

PRESEASON

Day Date Opponent Time (CT) TV

Monday 8/15 NEW YORK JETS 7:00 p.m. ESPN

8/19-21 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS TBA KTRK

8/26-28 at San Francisco 49ers TBA KTRK

9/1-3 at Minnesota Vikings TBA KTRK

REGULAR SEASON

Day Date Opponent Time (CT) TV

Sunday 9/11 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Noon CBS

Sunday 9/18 at Miami Dolphins 3:15 p.m. CBS

Sunday 9/25 at New Orleans Saints Noon CBS

Sunday 10/2 PITTSBURGH STEELERS Noon CBS

Sunday 10/9 OAKLAND RAIDERS Noon CBS

Sunday 10/16 at Baltimore Ravens 3:05 p.m. CBS

Sunday 10/23 at Tennessee Titans Noon CBS

Sunday 10/30 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Noon CBS

Sunday 11/6 CLEVELAND BROWNS Noon CBS

Sunday 11/13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Noon CBS

Sunday 11/20 BYE WEEK

Sunday 11/27 at Jacksonville Jaguars Noon CBS

Sunday 12/4 ATLANTA FALCONS Noon FOX

Sunday 12/11 at Cincinnati Bengals Noon CBS

Sunday 12/18 CAROLINA PANTHERS Noon FOX

Thursday 12/22 at Indianapolis Colts 7:20 p.m.

Sunday 1/1 TENNESSEE TITANS Noon CBS

Home games in BOLD

Games subject to flexible scheduling in Italics

All games are broadcast live on 100.3 KILT FM and SportsRadio 610 AM

Spanish broadcasts are on La Tremenda 1010 AM

 
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I can see it now...by late October Wade will be a head coach again. Actually, I can see us having a terrible start and then finishing just strong enough to go....well, 8-8. Get ready to replay your typical Kubiak cliches and sound bites for another season...

 
I can see it now...by late October Wade will be a head coach again. Actually, I can see us having a terrible start and then finishing just strong enough to go....well, 8-8. Get ready to replay your typical Kubiak cliches and sound bites for another season...
I wrote essentailly the same thing about Kubiak on another board. This one smells like something that I have already seen.
 
looks like 2009--start badly, then finish strong. Last year we flipped it, started strong and collapsed. Does anyone doubt we'll have a miserable month (most likely the 1st 4 games)somewhere? Best I can see is a 2-2 start--Wade gets the 3-4 going, gives Manning fits and Foster administers another beatdown on the Indy D, then go to Miami and steal one (not an easy thing to do in Miami in September, although we're one team that should be used to the heat and humidity) against a subpar offense. Highly doubt we're beating the Saints or Steelers. Sorry to be Debbie Downer, but like you said, this smells like something we've seen before.

Being a Houston sports fan in general really sucks...

 
I really do not see Kubiak going anywhere. IMO he has a built in excuse of switching to a 3-4 D. With the early difficulty of this schedule, not many people will expect a strong start so he has a little cushion already. I see the team finishing strong to a nice 8-8, give or take a win/loss, with optimism that the D started to play better later in the season. And Kubiak get another crack at it.

 
The NFL scheduling gods doing us no favors... again. :thumbdown: 3 out of our first 4 games against playoff teams. 4 out of the first 6. A week 11 Bye!!! One primetime game which is a Thursday, away at Indy in week 16. :rolleyes:

If we can't pull off an upset against one of Indy, Pitt or NO we have less than a 10% chance of making the playoffs. :cry:

 
we could always hope the lockout cancels the first 4-6 games. I sure as hell don't want to be without the NFL for any time at all, but that might be Kubiak's best hope to make the playoffs.

Honestly, I just wish this organization would start kicking a## and quit settling for poor to mediocre. Then we wouldn't have to give a crap about the schedule. I'm not buying in to any Texans propaganda this season, it's well past time to freaking do something noteworthy besides blow games in spectacular fashion...

 
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/28/peter-king-says-texans-gm-smith-is-loathe-to-trade-up/

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle was adamant this week that the Texans want to trade up in the draft, specifically targeting LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller.

Miller looks increasingly out of reach, as ESPN’s Todd McShay, Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News, CBS Sports’ Rob Rang, and NFL Network’s Mike Mayock all anticipate the Butkus Award winner going No. 2 to Denver.

At worst, Miller would go No. 3 to Buffalo.

Peterson, in theory, could be a realistic target if he falls to No. 5 or 6. McShay went so far as to predict a Texans-Cardinals trade in his final mock, slotting Peterson to Houston with Arizona moving down.

But SI.com’s Peter King throws cold water on McClain and McShay’s lines of thinking in his 2011 NFL Draft Primer.

“I’ve been told in the past couple of days,” writes King, “that Houston G.M. Rick Smith is loathe to use so much draft currency to move up from 11 to five or seven to get Peterson.”

Such a move would — at the very least — cost Houston the Nos. 11 and 42 overall picks in the draft.

Not surprising for me.

 
A tall, extremely long-armed defensive lineman with an athletic-looking frame and impressive explosion in all areas of his game. Possesses natural bend when asked to sit into his stance, coils up well and consistently takes a positive first step off the line and does a nice job keeping his pad level down off the football. Is a bit inconsistent extending his arms into blocks when run at and at times seems content to simply drop his shoulder and drive his way toward the football. However, seems to really have good instincts when asked to find the football and is very violent with his arms when asked to shed blocks. At times will allow defenders to gain leverage under him and can be initially driven off the ball. But, fights hard in order to disengage, uses his length and violent hands well to shed and possesses impressive closing range in pursuit. Is also very sudden and fluid for his size and has the footwork/balance to cleanly side step defenders who are trying to get into his frame, keep himself clean and close quickly on the ball carrier. Breaks down well in space and uses his long pterodactyl-like arms to wrap on his man.

Is a gifted pass rusher who fires off the snap quickly and has a real savvy about his game getting after the quarterback. Plays from both a three- and four-point stance and does a great job quickly getting into the pad level of opposing linemen in the bull rush and initially driving them into the backfield. Allows his pad level to rise, which negates some of his strength when trying to finish, but is long enough to shed. Does a nice job using his long arms and violent hands in order to keep himself clean, loves to work the club to the outside, slowly playing it off the snap before accelerating past the tackle. He also has impressive lateral fluidity in balance working the inside arm over and club off his speed rush in order to cleanly side step blocks and accelerate toward the quarterback. Allows his pad level to get upright again once he gains a step and can be slowed through contact, but the motor seems to run well all the time. Has the ability to drop his pad level when flattening out around the edge once he gains a step, but doesn't often simply work the speed rush to the corner, likes to change gears and directions in order to reach the QB.

Also, is a bear to block inside as a down defensive tackle, played some three-technique and has the first step to shoot gaps inside, but it's his lateral suddenness and length that allows him to consistently slip blocks inside and accelerate toward the quarterback.

Missed some time in 2010 with a fractured fibula in a non-weight bearing bone in his leg and will need to check out medically.

Impression: A downright dominant defensive lineman with an impressive physical skill set and great length. Showcases impress savvy, fluidity and violence as a pass rusher and should be able to further develop in the run game and mature into a potential Pro Bowl-caliber NFL defensive lineman.[empty]

nationalfootballpost.com

Aldon Smith is the guy most draftniks have us taking

 
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Question for Texans' fans: what is your cap space situation compared to other teams, and, if they have the space, do you think it realistic that they can make a serious push to sign Asomugha (assuming an agreement gets made)? Are there other notable FA's out there that you're aware of which would ease the Texans switching to the 3-4?

 
Question for Texans' fans: what is your cap space situation compared to other teams, and, if they have the space, do you think it realistic that they can make a serious push to sign Asomugha (assuming an agreement gets made)? Are there other notable FA's out there that you're aware of which would ease the Texans switching to the 3-4?
The Texans are closer to a have franchise than not, so in theory money is not an issue. The last couple years of the cap (none in 2010) the Texans were fanancially able sign anybody that they really wanted. There have been rumors that the Texans (along with much of the league) did offer a pitch/offer to Asomugha pre-lockout. Honestly, the Texans would have to money whip him, because I assume that he wants to play for a team that is already an established contender.On your other question, I won't try to answer until I know what rules that are being enforced concerning free agents.
 
Question for Texans' fans: what is your cap space situation compared to other teams, and, if they have the space, do you think it realistic that they can make a serious push to sign Asomugha (assuming an agreement gets made)? Are there other notable FA's out there that you're aware of which would ease the Texans switching to the 3-4?
Two things work against the Texans getting Asomugha:1) Their front office has not been aggressive in going after big name players in Free Agency in the past. Since there are really no new people in the front office making decisions, I would be surprised if they changed how they operate at this point in time.2) While Asomugha will make whoever he goes to better immediately, he will still probably want to go to a team that is fairly close to winning it all. While I don't think the Texans are that far away, assuming Wade improves the defense to at least average this year, I am sure there are several teams who are closer to winning it all who will be going after him.
 
Houston Texans select JJ Watt

former Central Michigan transfer who made the move from tight end upon his arrival to Wisconsin in 2008. A tall, long-armed kid with a leaner-looking frame and has the ability to add even more girth to his frame. Displays impressive bend and flexibility when asked to coil up and sit into his stance off the edge. Has played both from a three- and four-point stance at end, has stood up on the outside and even kicked inside to tackle on pass downs. Possesses a sneaky first step off the football and because of his length and natural burst can quickly get on top of defensive tackles toward the edge. Allows his pad level to get up easily when trying to reach the corner and doesn't have the type of fluidity/bend to drop his pad level and flatten around the edge, but loves to work his spin move back underneath in order to find the quarterback. Has a powerful set of hands into contact and can really jar defenders initially at the point of attack on his bull rush and walk his way into the backfield. Also does a nice job using his long arms on the edge when trying to reach the corner, loves to work the arm over both inside and out and has some above-average short-area quickness for a guy his size. Can work the inside move off the snap both lined up as a DE and DT and has the body control to quickly slide step the block and keep himself clean before closing on the passer. Isn't a dynamic speed rusher by any stretch though and relies more on his inside counter, power and length o fight his way off blocks. Allows his pad level to get upright when he tries to change directions and fight his way though contact inside, but he has a motor that runs nonstop and works hard through the play.

Delivers a nasty jolt at the point of attack in the run game. Extends his arms well, keeps his base down and can really rock opposing blockers on contact. Displays some short-area quickness when asked to slip blocks upright as well and can make his way into the backfield. However, when trying to cross the face of opposing linemen inside and crash down the line, gets too upright with his pad level, doesn't protect his frame and can easily be washed away down the line. But, as an in-line guy, knows how to anchor at the point, set the edge and play off blocks when run at. Finds the football well for the most part and has good read and react ability. Nevertheless, is a bit limited as a stop and start athlete and doesn't have a real burst initially when asked to close and is more of a high motor strider in pursuit.

Impression: A tall, long-armed physical defensive end who has the versatility to play as either as a DE in a 3-4 and as DE/three-technique in a 4-3. He plays hard, is a natural bender for his size and looks like a solid contributor as a three-down lineman in the NFL in any scheme he plays. Will be on just about every team's draft board.

A transfer from Central Michigan, was a tight end early in his career and made the transition to the defensive line after switching schools. Has become a dominating Big 10 player. Has great size (about 6060 - 290, with the frame to get bigger), is an extremely competitive kid with a great passion for the game. Like some other defensive linemen in this draft, Watt has the ability to play both inside or outside in both 3-man or 4-man fronts. Would be an ideal 3-4 DE. Has good, but not great speed and gets off the ball quickly. Can get tall at times but when he stays low he is a consistent penetrator. Has the instincts and reactions to find the ball quickly and makes a lot of plays. Is improving as a pass rusher. Having not played defense that long, he is still a bit raw. Still had 7 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in 2010. Still needs to stay low as a pass rusher and learn to put counter moves together a little quicker. Overall, this is a player who has just scratched the surface of how good he can be. Is a junior coming out and his best football is in front of him.

[empty]

 
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http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Wade-Phillips-first-round-press-conference/06a5a3bd-de06-4621-84f1-685b40b6a7cf

After the Texans drafted Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt in the first round, Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips spoke to the media about the pick.

Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips

(opening statement) “J.J. Watt, I think you talk about value and you talk about need and we certainly needed a defensive player. He was the top guy we had right there and right then. I like his ability. He’s our kind of player. He plays a hundred miles per hour every play. This was the kind of player we want on the Texans defense. He reminds me a lot of Phil Hansen, who I had at Buffalo for a while, that same kind of size, movement and temperament. If he plays anywhere close to Phil Hansen, that’d be great for us. I think the kid is very talented athletically. He ran a 4.81, I believe, at 290 pounds. They worked him out as an outside backer and he actually didn’t look bad at 290 pounds as an outside backer. He’s really a defensive lineman and at 6’5½”, 34 reps, he’s strong and we think he can come in and help our defensive line and play really well in our area. He is a good pass rusher. He will help us on the pass rush. I think he had seven sacks this year. He’s just coming along. He played tight end. He moved from Central Michigan where he was a tight end and is really working his way up as a defensive end. He keeps getting better and better because he works at it. He’s become stronger. He’s become faster and he’s going to keep helping himself because he’s such a hard worker. I was impressed with the way we did the draft. All the scenarios we’ve been through before. Every single one of them that got to our point, we had gone through so I was impressed the way Rick (Smith) did it and Gary (Kubiak) and how they set it up. We had a lot of discussions. I’ve been with teams where we had a lot of arguments. These were discussions. People made their points. We came down to our final decision and we think it’s a really good one for us.”

(on what put J.J. Watt ahead of other players available when he was selected) “I think he’s just a really good football player. He led their team in sacks, caused fumbles, hurries and blocked kicks. He was second on their team in tackles and second on their team in passes defensed. Now passes defensed for a defensive lineman and tackles for a defensive lineman at that position are rare. This guy makes a lot of plays.”

(on how he compares to Nick Fairley) “I don’t want to talk about another player. I’ll talk about our player. We decided who we wanted to go with. We had been through the scenarios and this was our pick and we feel good with it.”

(on the Wisconsin defense Watt played in) “It’s a little different than ours. You have to project what a player can and can’t do, but he did play a lot against offensive tackles and five-technique type things. He’s really good at getting off blocks. Once he’s engaged, he gets of blocks quickly and that’s why he’s been able to make a lot of tackles. He knocked down an inordinate amount of passes. He is tall, but there are a lot of tall guys that don’t have that feel to reach up and knock the ball down when they’re throwing it. I know he had six or eight of those; a lot more than any other player that I’ve seen.”

(on if he was surprised DE Aldon Smith was selected by San Francisco so early) “No. We liked him. We liked him all along. I think he’s a good player. I think that’s a good pick for them. People recognize good players.”

(on the versatility Watt provides playing opposite Mario Williams) “Well I think it gives us a lot of versatility with Mario now. This guy can play the left end for you and that gives you some versatility with what you want to do with Mario. I think that’s a big key point for us also.”

(on if they felt Watt would be there later in the round) “You can make expositions all the time and say if you trade back and still get the same guy or this guy or that guy. We talked about Aldon Smith and obviously we liked Aldon Smith. He was taken way before we even picked. If you’ve got a good player and you really like him, you better take him at that point. If you’ve got four guys that you think are the same guy, then that’s a different thing.”

(on if they were tempted to trade up) “We really never had that opportunity. It never came about. I think we were open to that and I think Rick said that earlier. The opportunity never really arose.”

(on if the pick changes the defensive focus in the later rounds) “No. We need to get defensive players. Our coaches that were in the room, we’re holding up defense every time we get a chance. When Rick looks back, we’re holding up defense. We still need some more defensive players. What’s best for the team is what’s best for me, I don’t mean that. I think it’s clear that we need a lot of defense in this draft.”

(on the amount of input he had in the pick) “I think the great thing about this was it was an organizational decision. I think we were real strong in that area.”

(on where Watt will play on the defensive line) “I think he’ll play defensive end, although you saw him in the pass rush situations, you saw him on the highlight film play on the nose and beat the center because he’s a good athlete and if you get him one-on-one, he’s going to give them problems. Just like all our guys, we’re going to try and get him one-on-one as much as we can. I look to him to play at defensive end on first and second downs and maybe go inside on third, but that remains to be seen. When you’ve got (Connor) Barwin and (Mario) Williams outside, if you he can play inside which I think he can, we saw him do that in the pass rush and that was a strong area for him. He’ll fit well.”

(on Mario Williams' versatility on the defensive line) “I wouldn’t be surprised at anything he can do. We’ll work that out once we get the draft done and certainly when free agency comes in, it’ll be somewhat of a factor. I think he can play anything you want him to play.”

(on moving Mario Williams to outside linebacker) “There’s a possibility that he could play defensive end or outside backer, I think.”

(on the expectation for Watt's contribution in 2011) “Anytime you pick a guy with the 11th pick of the draft, you expect them to play and help you this season. I think that’s a reasonable expectation.”

(on how different it was for him to be in the draft room as a coordinator and not a head coach) “I’ve been a defensive coordinator, I don’t know, 18 or 20 years, whatever. I’ve been on that side of it too, this side of it too. You get a lot of input and of course, the older you are, the more input you get. I like that part of it. Even when I was in a defensive coordinator position, I always do whatever’s best for our team. This was really an organizational pick because everybody was for it. I think I feel good and we all feel good about that.”

 
wonderful. draft a backup behind mario and anthony smith. look at all these other teams rolling the dice trying to be great, we draft an unathletic "try hard" guy who wont even start. can't wait for next year when hopefully we have an entirely new regime. seriously, watt does nothing for us, offers nothing special. why do i have to live in houston? man it sucks being a fan of this crap....

 
'Houston turmOiler said:
wonderful. draft a backup behind mario and anthony smith. look at all these other teams rolling the dice trying to be great, we draft an unathletic "try hard" guy who wont even start. can't wait for next year when hopefully we have an entirely new regime. seriously, watt does nothing for us, offers nothing special. why do i have to live in houston? man it sucks being a fan of this crap....
He actually put up an athletic combine more similiar to Mario than not, but I get that he is not an instant every down starter on a team that could use about 4 on defense.
 

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