2021 Houston Texans - (1 Viewer)

[dhockster]

Dylan Cole has a Grade 2 Strain of his hamstring, will miss at least 4 weeks, possibly longer. Haven't seen anything on Chris Clark's calf injury, he was supposed to have an MRI yesterday also. Kevin Johnson should start practicing again next week and hopefully be ready for the Seahawks game.

Internet says that Duane Brown will report next week on Monday after the Bye week. Still rumors that Seahawks are trying to trade for him but I'd be surprised anything happens prior to our game against them. Only Brown and the Texans know how it is between them, but since he hasn't been traded yet and given the state of the O'line, I would guess that they want him back and want him to play for us.

I hope the loss of $3 million was worth it to Duane to prove his point. And that is money he will never get back.

 

[coolnerd]

I think with all due respect @coolnerd can change the title now.

if you guys insist on waking  my semi-retirement from posting

 

[dmac37]

Texans homers, what is the word on Fiedorowicz returning? is he supposed to return or done for the year?

 

[Buckna]

Texans homers, what is the word on Fiedorowicz returning? is he supposed to return or done for the year?

Haven't heard anything new since he was put on IR, I believe he is eligible to return after week 9. He's had 3 concussions in 10 months though, personally I think he's done but I have no inside info.

 

[GregR]

I hope the loss of $3 million was worth it to Duane to prove his point. And that is money he will never get back.

Wow, a lot more than $3 million...

Saw an article that said he had $1.6m in fines from training camp. Skipping offseason workouts triggered a $250k de-escalator on his base salary, dropping it from $9.65m to $9.4m. And then each week he's missing is costing him over $550k now.  

So $1.6m + $0.25m + $3.3m (6 wks @ $550k) = $5.15 million.  I don't know what could be going through his head right now that he's done this.

Edit to add a snippet from the article on why the Texans probably wouldn't have been expected to give in anyway:

Addressing Brown's contract would potentially cause the Texans headaches in the future. Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus is outperforming his four-year, $26 million extension that runs through the 2019 season. He would likely expect the Texans to do the same with his contract next season when he was two years left if Brown gets a new deal. Jadeveon Clowney, the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, or his agent (Bus Cook) might have an issue with Brown getting taken care of for a second time when the outside linebacker/defensive end has the same time remaining on his contract and is coming off a breakout Pro Bowl season. Watt might feel justified in seeking a new deal sooner rather than later as well, even though he's under contract through the 2021 season if he returns to or is close to his previous form after two back surgeries last year.

 

[dhockster]

Wow, a lot more than $3 million...

Saw an article that said he had $1.6m in fines from training camp. Skipping offseason workouts triggered a $250k de-escalator on his base salary, dropping it from $9.65m to $9.4m. And then each week he's missing is costing him over $550k now.  

So $1.6m + $0.25m + $3.3m (6 wks @ $550k) = $5.15 million.  I don't know what could be going through his head right now that he's done this.

Edit to add a snippet from the article on why the Texans probably wouldn't have been expected to give in anyway:

Great Points. I do think the teams usually waive the training camp fines once the player reports, but I could be wrong about that. The fact remains he cost himself a boat load of money. Duane has seemed like a reasonably intelligent, well spoken guy on his radio show, so I am wondering if he was just putting too much stock in what his agent was telling him.

 

[Buckna]

Great Points. I do think the teams usually waive the training camp fines once the player reports, but I could be wrong about that. The fact remains he cost himself a boat load of money. Duane has seemed like a reasonably intelligent, well spoken guy on his radio show, so I am wondering if he was just putting too much stock in what his agent was telling him.

Think I posted before, but I honestly don't understand what his plan really was. I guess he and his agent thought they had the Texans over a barrel with the state of the O'line and he did get injured last year and miss the first part of the season so he might have been worried about that happening again. But had he just reported at all or even at the end of training camp they likely would have waived the fines and all would be good. They have no 1st or 2nd next year so they aren't going to be drafting his replacement yet, the O'line FA market is thin and expensive, and the guards and RT spot are in much worse shape. Had he shown up he likely would have been looking at an extension next offseason, now who knows what the Front Office is thinking?

Maybe his presence wouldn't have made enough difference to win an extra game at this point, but all his holdout accomplished was losing him money and hurting the team. Maybe he's still hoping for a trade?

 

[dhockster]

Think I posted before, but I honestly don't understand what his plan really was. I guess he and his agent thought they had the Texans over a barrel with the state of the O'line and he did get injured last year and miss the first part of the season so he might have been worried about that happening again. But had he just reported at all or even at the end of training camp they likely would have waived the fines and all would be good. They have no 1st or 2nd next year so they aren't going to be drafting his replacement yet, the O'line FA market is thin and expensive, and the guards and RT spot are in much worse shape. Had he shown up he likely would have been looking at an extension next offseason, now who knows what the Front Office is thinking?

Maybe his presence wouldn't have made enough difference to win an extra game at this point, but all his holdout accomplished was losing him money and hurting the team. Maybe he's still hoping for a trade?

I was thinking also that his agent might have said, hey, we'll holdout and they will be forced to give you a new deal because of their bad line, and if they don't, they will trade you so they can get some help on the oline immediately. The problem with that thinking is it goes directly against how the Texans have ever operated. While the player ultimately decides what to do, and this all could have been Duane's thinking, I think it is more likely that his agent gave him bad advice that Duane unfortunately took.

 

[GregR]

Duane Brown, who returned from his holdout today, was not stretching with his teammates in the portion of practice open to the media but instead was working on a different field. He can practice, but would need to be added to the Texans' active roster to play in a game. That could happen as late as Saturday.

Bill O'Brien said Duane Brown is "in good shape" after he ended his holdout on Monday and said he could play Sunday against the Seahawks.

 

[GregR]

I don't really think this will happen, but wouldn't it be a hoot after McNair's comment if they went out and signed Kaepernick?

I'm pretty supportive of the stuff the players in the league have been demonstrating about, but for ####'s sake it was an expression, guys.  Yes it was dumb, but have some perspective. If he'd gone with the same-meaning, alternate-wording "inmates running the asylum", would they have gone nuts saying they were being called... er... nuts?

I just hope they get their heads on straight and go win this game. I can't even see how that's possible though with the way they are letting it distract them.

 

[Major]

Aside from Watson, this team is really hard to like.  Most of that falls with poor front office and coaching staff.  This Brown trade really makes me wonder.  

 

[Buckna]

What's not to like about the Brown trade? Get rid of a malcontent that doesn't want to play and is a distraction for a 2018 5th, a 2019 2nd, corner depth with no dead money and some extra cap space. Sure it would be nicer if the 2nd was in 2018.

Obviously it'd be better if he could be on the field protecting Watson, but there's little doubt he had no desire to play for the Texans anymore. I find it highly doubtful he'd actually be willing to put forth full effort on the field the rest of the season had he not been traded. It's a bad situation all around, but they made the best of it IMO.

 

[Buckna]

Starting to see more grumblings and articles on the internet after BOB blew another game against the SeaHawks, maybe we will be looking at a new coach next year?

 

[GregR]

I forget where it was that said this, but someone mentioned Brown was upset that when he held up his fist last year during the national anthem, he didn't get more support from the team. I'm not sure if that meant lack of support from the players, or the club, or what.  Anyone heard anything to that effect?  Wondering if that was the root of all this, as I had no clue there was any acrimony there until the holdout played out.

 

[Buckna]

Hadn't heard that but I think one of the local guys on 610 that was close with Brown said today that Brown was not a fan of the changes made to the practices, OTA's, preseasons, etc when BOB and his new coaching staff came in. That BOB ran a much more old school type practice with a more physical camp and intense practices compared to Kubiak. That fits with previous criticisms of Kubiak who was often criticized for being a "players" coach.

 

[GregR]

Posted this in the trade thread too:

Texans-Seahawks trade has been amended.

The Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans have amended their trade agreement after cornerback Jeremy Lane failed his physical, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Lane will revert back to the Seahawks, who had agreed Monday to send him to Houston along with a 2018 fifth-round pick and a 2019 second-round pick for left tackle Duane Brown.

In the new deal, Seattle will give up a higher draft pick to account for Lane's not being included in the deal. According to the source, Seattle will get Brown and Houston's 2018 fifth-round pick in exchange for the Seahawks' 2018 third-rounder and their 2019 second-round pick.

I prefer this deal for Houston over the original that included Lane. Like their chances of filling a need like guard with the 3rd rounder.

 

[Buckna]

Was coming in to say the same thing. A 3rd in 2018 is a nice upgrade over Lane, plus they save an additional $2.5M in salary this year Lane was owed for the last 9 games. Texans will likely have a 3rd comp pick for Bouye as well. Spend at least 2 of the 3 on O'line!!!

 

[Major]

Same.  Nice trade! 

 

[GregR]

Could really use Davenport to develop now.  At least show something this year to give an indication what he might be going forward.

 

[GregR]

Rockets.  Check.
Astros.  Check.

Your turn, Texans.

 

[worrierking]

Rockets.  Check.
Astros.  Check.

Your turn, Texans.

Don't forget the 2003 Calder Cup (AHL) Champion Houston Aeros!

 

[Yenrub]

Texans fans what’s going with your secondary? I’m asking because I should be putting Hilton on my bench and keeping him there but the Texans are giving up a lot of points to WR.

Is it because they are simply bad in the secondary? Are there injuries? If it’s injuries are the starters coming back this week?

 

[Buckna]

Well ####

 

[lod001]

Sounds like it's McGloin as the backup.  

 

[GregR]

Fiedorowicz activated.  Ryan Griffin (concussion) to injured reserve.

 

[Buckna]

I'll be back in town for the Cardinal's game, would have been fun before Watson went down. Hate to say it but basically feeling like stick a fork in this team for the rest of the year if we couldn't even beat the Colts. At least I get 3~4 hours back on Sundays.

 

[Major]

Seems like the perfect season to clean house and start fresh next year.  Hope McNair grows some stones.  You only have to look a few miles away to Minute Maid Park and what a competent owner has done in a few short years.  

 

[The Frankman]

Might as well see what T.J. Yates can do. Savage has been pretty bleh so far.

EDIT: Or not.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien said Tom Savage will start Week 11 against the Cardinals.

Savage turned the ball over four times in the Week 10 loss to the Rams and looked overmatched in the second half, but the only other options on the roster right now are T.J. Yates and Josh Johnson. With Savage under center, the Cardinals DST will be a great play this week.

 

[Jayded]

Might as well see what T.J. Yates can do. Savage has been pretty bleh so far.

EDIT: Or not.

It's mind numbing. How much more evidence does he need that Savage not only isn't starter material, but he's not even a reliable backup at all? No one will replace Watson this season, but you might as well find yourself a reliable backup and that isn't Savage.

 

[GregR]

Not that I'm thinking Houston makes the playoffs based on what they have on offense right now and the schedule they still have to play... but this could be a big game towards any chances. Ravens currently would be one of the wild card teams. So a win against them, plus the Bills going against the Chiefs a likely loss, would move the Texans into a tie for that wildcard spot.  And a head to head win over the Ravens could end up being significant should they manage to hang on to at least that tie come end of the year.

 

[Buckna]

Oh well, Savage sucks again after playing okay against the Card's. There's still games against the 49ers and Colts to possibly eek out another win or two.

Clowney one of the lone bright spots this season, should be getting a nice extension. Anyone still doubting the Hopkins extension? After doing nothing this past offseason in FA, should be interesting to see what Smith does with that giant cap space war chest. Could be increased even more depending on how they resign Clowney and if they have the stones to cut Cushing, Allen, and a few other underperformers. Hoping for a corner, safety and O'line, O'line, O'line, even though we are going to end up overpaying. Hopefully can put any FA's on front loaded or shorter term deals so that we can move on when some of them disappoint.

 

[GregR]

Oh well, Savage sucks again after playing okay against the Card's. There's still games against the 49ers and Colts to possibly eek out another win or two.

Clowney one of the lone bright spots this season, should be getting a nice extension. Anyone still doubting the Hopkins extension? After doing nothing this past offseason in FA, should be interesting to see what Smith does with that giant cap space war chest. Could be increased even more depending on how they resign Clowney and if they have the stones to cut Cushing, Allen, and a few other underperformers. Hoping for a corner, safety and O'line, O'line, O'line, even though we are going to end up overpaying. Hopefully can put any FA's on front loaded or shorter term deals so that we can move on when some of them disappoint.

I don't know that there's a lot of O-line to be had in this coming free agent group.  It may take a few guys getting cut before their contracts are up.

 

[Buckna]

I don't know that there's a lot of O-line to be had in this coming free agent group.  It may take a few guys getting cut before their contracts are up.

Nate Solder is likely gone from NE. He's not great and will be overpaid, but still likely better than Kendall Lamm or Chris Clark at this point. O'line pickings are slim in both FA and the draft, but with the way Lamm, Allen, Sua'Filo and Giacomini are playing, feels like almost anything would be an upgrade.

 

[GregR]

Nate Solder is likely gone from NE. He's not great and will be overpaid, but still likely better than Kendall Lamm or Chris Clark at this point. O'line pickings are slim in both FA and the draft, but with the way Lamm, Allen, Sua'Filo and Giacomini are playing, feels like almost anything would be an upgrade.

Would be a wonderful surprise if Derek Newton were able to play next year and was back to his old self.

I agree Solder would be an improvement.  Also not a guy I'd want to give a lot of money to, which I'm afraid it's going to take since there aren't many tackles to be had. I believe we have three 3rd round picks (ours, Seattle's, and should get a compensatory 3rd for Bouye).  I'm good with spending all three on linemen if there are any worth taking there.

 

[dhockster]

Nate Solder is likely gone from NE. He's not great and will be overpaid, but still likely better than Kendall Lamm or Chris Clark at this point. O'line pickings are slim in both FA and the draft, but with the way Lamm, Allen, Sua'Filo and Giacomini are playing, feels like almost anything would be an upgrade.

Likely?! Likely?!!! 

A ham sandwich is better than those guys.

 

[Buckna]

Would be a wonderful surprise if Derek Newton were able to play next year and was back to his old self.

I agree Solder would be an improvement.  Also not a guy I'd want to give a lot of money to, which I'm afraid it's going to take since there aren't many tackles to be had. I believe we have three 3rd round picks (ours, Seattle's, and should get a compensatory 3rd for Bouye).  I'm good with spending all three on linemen if there are any worth taking there.

Same, just not sure that level of prospect will be ready to step in soon. Even 1st round guys struggle their first few years and scuttlebutt is that this is yet another rookie class poor in o'line talent as well. I think the best option would be to overpay a few FA's for a short term shot in the arm, spend the extra picks this year (2018) and next (2019) on O'line and hope those guys develop into long-term starters so you can eventually cut those overpaid FA's. One positive is that we will have a boatload of cap space.

However knowing Smith, he will sign a few bargain basement castoff O'linemen, and spend that cap space on other areas. We certainly need DB's and a few other holes filled, but I'm sure most of us would rather see them protect Watson and give him a chance to grow and develop instead of running for his life every game.

 

[Major]

 

[dhockster]

So Brandon Brooks is going to the Pro Bowl with the Eagles. His PFF grade is 89.2. Duane Browns is 79.6. Ben Jones is 71.6. They are all lineman that the Texans had decided they could not afford, or the Texans made bad signings of other players which caused them not to be able to afford those lineman.

Grades for current line: Clark, 37.7, Lamm 53.6, Allen, 38.4, Martin 44.9, Giacomini 33.5, all rated as poor per PFF's rankings.

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you Rick Smith!

 

[dhockster]

I also love Rick Smith's handling of Brian Cushing.

2010: Cushing Suspended 4 games for PED's

2012: Cushing blows out knee, ends season

2013: Cushing gets signed to 6 year, $56 million extension at the start of the season. Just for frame of reference, this contract which was signed 5 seasons ago still has Cushing as the 12th highest paid linebacker.

2013: Cushing blows out knee again as well as broke his leg.

2017: Cushing gets suspended 10 games for PED's.

So Smith signs Cushing to a huge contract at a position that typically does not get paid as much as other positions in 2013 after he had already been suspended for using PED's and had a significant knee injury. Cushing goes on to get injured again and get suspended again. His albatross of a salary is part of the reason the Texans have not been able to pay good lineman. Bob McNair's biggest blunder as an owner has been letting this guy stay around so long.

 

[Buckna]

You left out his DROY and his two 2nd team All-Pro's before he signed his contract extension. At the time, his contract made him the highest paid Middle Linebacker in the league, but it was considered a team friendly deal with a relatively small signing bonus and guaranteed money. It did have high year to year salaries and roster bonus numbers which was considered team friendly because the Texans could get out in any particular year if they wanted with little cap hit.

What has been inexplicable is why didn't they cut Cushing or rework the deal after he got reinjured and then sucked mostly every season after that.

 

[Buckna]

Quessenberry was promoted to the active roster yesterday. Good to see that for him.

Also rumors that O'Brien may be fired, I'll believe that when it happens. As terrible as the Savage situation was handled, the game planning, and clock mgmt. has been, I can see McNair giving him a pass because of all the injuries this year. Smith is not going anywhere unfortunately, we don't have to like it, but it's the reality of the situation after seemingly paying off with the gamble on Watson.

 

[dhockster]

You left out his DROY and his two 2nd team All-Pro's before he signed his contract extension. At the time, his contract made him the highest paid Middle Linebacker in the league, but it was considered a team friendly deal with a relatively small signing bonus and guaranteed money. It did have high year to year salaries and roster bonus numbers which was considered team friendly because the Texans could get out in any particular year if they wanted with little cap hit.

What has been inexplicable is why didn't they cut Cushing or rework the deal after he got reinjured and then sucked mostly every season after that.

I agree with this mostly. I still don't think you lock up so much long-term money on a player who was just coming off a major injury and had a prior drug suspension, at a position where premium dollars are not usually spent. For all Cushings good play his first couple of seasons, I never felt he was a player who could take over a game the way Lewis or Urlacher could. I think part of Smith's problem was he probably felt he had to wait a couple of seasons for Cushing to fully heal from his back-to-back injuries. I would have definitely cut Cushing this past off season if it meant keeping Bouye or resigning Brown to a short extension. His cap management has been atrocious in that he has let the cap force him to get rid of good players that other teams would have found a way to keep. 

 

[Major]

ouch...can this team beat Cleveland?  prolly nawt

 

[dhockster]

The Texans have so many questions going into next year. 3 superstars coming back from injury so you don't know how effective they will be. An offensive line in shambles. An aging secondary (Joseph, Jackson) with a 1st round bust (Johnson). Tight ends which can't stay healthy (Griffin, Fiedoriwicz).

Add to this that they don't have a first or second round pick. The one asset they have is cap space. They are currently projected to have $53 million in cap space available heading into next season. They also have some players they can cut which would add even more to the Texans cap space.

My steps to start fixing the Texans:

1. Fire Rick Smith. Probably won't happen so everything else i write probably won't happen, but that's on McNair, not me.

2. Cut Cushing, Jeff Allen. If Derek Newton doesn't look like he will be able to adequately return from his injuries, cut him too. That saves $13.5 million in cap space if you keep Newton, $17.5 million if you cut him also.

3. Do not resign Jonathan Joseph. He is at the end of his time with the Texans.

4. Sign two good Offensive lineman in Free Agency. There is usually one or two good ones available, get them. You have to protect your franchise (Watson).

5. Sign a good FA cornerback.  If you can't defend the pass, your defense quickly becomes a liability.

6. Draft some offensive lineman or cornerbacks with your 2 third round picks. You have to start having some depth at those positions.

7. Make Bill O'Brien hire an offensive coordinator who will call plays. Head coaches who were former OC's tend to get stuck in the playbook, and therefore make bad time management decisions because their attention is elsewhere.

8. Give O'Brien one more season under a new GM to prove himself. I think he has some deficiencies, but due to the roster that Rick Smith has put together, it is hard to see what is his fault and what is due to the crappy roster he has to work with. Based on next season, determine whether you start over with a new coach in 2019.

 

[GregR]

Texans GM Rick Smith taking extended family medical leave

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith is taking an extended leave of absence to take care of his wife, Tiffany, who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Smith has been tending to his wife throughout this season while she has undergone treatment in Arizona. He determined that his wife and three children now need him the most.

"I am eternally grateful to the McNair family for their unwavering support during this trying time," Smith said in a statement Sunday. "This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make as I love this organization and every member of this team both on and off the field. I remain committed to our quest to bring a championship to the city of Houston, yet my family needs me now and they are my priority."

 

[dhockster]

I am sorry that Rick Smith's wife has cancer and I hope she has a full recovery. That being said, I am happy that the Texans will have a new GM. Smith has done enough damage to the Texans roster. I just hope O'Brien doesn't get to be both Head Coach and GM. There are very few people who handle that much responsibility very well.

 

[GregR]

Texans hire Brian Gaine as GM, give contract extension to Bill O'Brien

HOUSTON -- The Texans on Saturday hired Brian Gaine as general manager and signed both him and coach Bill O'Brien to matching five-year contracts, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

O'Brien had one year remaining on the five-year contract he signed when he took over as Texans coach before the 2014 season. There had been speculation toward the end of this season about O'Brien's future in Houston, as the Texans finished their first losing season under him. After back-to-back AFC South titles in 2015 and 2016, the Texans finished 4-12.

In his season-ending news conference, O'Brien said he and owner Bob McNair had been having "positive" and "productive" talks toward a contract extension.

Gaine spent the 2017 season as the Buffalo Bills' vice president of player personnel. He will replace Rick Smith as general manager, with Smith taking a leave of absence to help take care of his wife as she battles breast cancer. Smith will retain the title of executive vice president.

In his end-of-season news conference, O'Brien stressed the importance of finding a general manager who is "aligned philosophically on what type of team [he and the McNairs] want."

O'Brien and the Texans are familiar with Gaine, as he was hired as director of pro personnel by Smith in 2014 and promoted to director of player personnel in 2015 before he left for Buffalo in May 2017. Last week, O'Brien said Gaine was "a very bright guy, works very hard, cares about this league [and] cares about football.

"He has a great knowledge of both the pro and college side of things," O'Brien said. "I hold Brian in high regard."

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans' original list of general manager candidates included Gaine, Texans vice president of player personnel and assistant general manager Jimmy Raye III, Green Bay Packers then-director of college scouting and now general manager Brian Gutekunst, Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas, New England Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio, Patriots director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort and Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel Will McClay.

The Texans are 31-33 in the regular season under O'Brien and 1-2 in the playoffs.

 

[dhockster]

So uninspired by this. I give O'Brien one year to show something without Rick Smith. But with an aging secondary and an atrocious offensive line and no 1st and 2nd round picks, Gaines is going to have to pick up some good pieces in Free Agency, and hope that Deshaun, JJ, and Whitney come back close to where they were before their injuries.

 

[GregR]

I hope they don't go splurging with the free agent dollars. They need to spend it smart, and that may mean carrying some fair amount over to next year if this year's crop in FA doesn't match our needs. 

Hopeful we might be able to address corner.  Heard that PFF's rankings has 121 cornerbacks who qualified.  JJo rated in the 60s, Kareem Jackson was... around 90 or 100 I think, and Kevin Johnson was 121st, the worst rated corner in the entire NFL.

I have to think that last one turns around, but yeesh.  Did not expect that from him at all.

 

[dhockster]

I hope they don't go splurging with the free agent dollars. They need to spend it smart, and that may mean carrying some fair amount over to next year if this year's crop in FA doesn't match our needs. 

Hopeful we might be able to address corner.  Heard that PFF's rankings has 121 cornerbacks who qualified.  JJo rated in the 60s, Kareem Jackson was... around 90 or 100 I think, and Kevin Johnson was 121st, the worst rated corner in the entire NFL.

I have to think that last one turns around, but yeesh.  Did not expect that from him at all.

Look, they have to do something about that Joke of an offensive line. Their best asset going forward is Deshaun Watson, and right now they have nothing protecting him. Without a first or second round pick, Free Agency is the only place to get some help. Be smart in how you spend the dollars, but you have to get something more on the offensive line. It was criminal what they started this year with on that line.