Houston RBs (1 Viewer)

[Buckna]

Here's a piece of my blog post today:

My case for Ahman Green and Chris Brown: No, I'm not coo-coo for Houston's running game. I'm just seeing this as strictly a value-play for '08. Gary Kubiak is starting to put the puzzle together down in Houston as evidenced by their 11th ranked passing offense (12th in pts scored) in 2007. The Texans were anemic on the ground last year (22nd overall) but 1st round selection Duane Brown out of Va. Tech looks to fill an immediate and overwhelming need at left tackle. Considering I'm able to buy the entire Texans backfield at auction for the same price as Fred Taylor, Jonathan Stewart or Chester Taylor (of which two of the three are guaranteed nothing) that, my friends, is some saucy southern value. ***I'll also be able to roster rookie RB Steve Slaton on waivers.

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You can roster Houston's entire backfield for 8% auction budget. Okay, "saucy southern value" was a bit melodramatic - my bad. But to me there's worse #2 RB's out there than cornering the market on Houston's backfield.

Duane Brown is a project and I doubt he starts this year.

Ephraim Salaam couldn't beat out rookie 3rd rounder Charles Spencer in the '06 in training camp. Brown could easily be starting a lot sooner than you think.

 

[renesauz]

Got a sneaking suspicion Taylor is the one to own, esp. in dynasty.

 

[iSnitch]

In dynasties I don't doubt Taylor is the guy to own. In redrafts I'll stock up on Ahman Green and Chris Brown.

I don't believe Ahman has anything left nor do I believe he'll stay healthy very long. But until he actually gets hurt, I believe he'll be the starter. Chris Brown has been amazing whenever he's been healthy...he just hasn't been healthy all that often.

Of course I'll probably end up avoiding the Texans backfield. Their schedule is as follows:

@Steelers

Ravens

@ Titans

@ Jaguars

Colts

Dolphins

Lions

BYE

@ Vikings

Bengals

@ Colts

@ Browns

Jaguars

@ Packers

Titans

@Raiders

Bears

That's a lot of ugly.

 

[IndyHavoc]

In terms of value, I think Chris Taylor offers quite a bit. At the tail end of '06 Taylor put up solid numbers and has had coaches, including Kubiak's, giving him some praise. I may be in the minority, but I could see Taylor putting up the best numbers out of any Texan runner this year.

'ware Chris Taylor! As others mentioned, he's getting a bit of buzz started up again. Is he totally recovered from his injury? Or is he still going to be getting back to 100% early in the TC/preseason/reg.season??

 

[B Maverick]

Not a great schedule to be sure. Can Green stay healthy?

I am actually in a dynasty league and he is my #3/4 back at the moment. Trying to deal him to the CBrown owner but dont want to give him away. Just trying to gauge his value and see what people think for this year.

Seems to be all over the board with some thinking alittle value and some thinking none....

 

[iSnitch]

Whatever value he may have I think will be burned through in the beginning of the season. I'm extremely skeptical he can last until the last few weeks and the first several games are some very difficult matchups.

 

[B Maverick]

Just wondering what people see that make Chris Taylor the choice? I dont recall much seeing him in 06 but I did see Walker last year and he looked solid.

2006 Chris Taylor

Season Team Rushing Receiving Fumbles

G GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost

4 0 28 123 4.4 17 1 3 40 13.3 24 0 -- --

2007 Darius Walker

Season Team Rushing Receiving Fumbles

G GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost

4 2 58 264 4.6 41 1 13 81 6.2 9 0 -- --

sorry i am not better at formatting but here is the comparison.

Taylor, 4 games, 28 carries for 123 yards 4.4 ave. long of 17, 1 TD, 3 rec, 40 yards

Walker 4 games, 58 carries for 264 yards 4.6 ave. long of 41, 1 TD, 13 rec, 81 yards

Looks similar to me, wondering why the love for Taylor and the easy dismissal of Walker?

ETA I know the stats dont tell the whole story which is why i am asking for more info on what people saw since there isnt much difference in the stats other then Walker started 2 games and Taylor didnt.

 

[FavreCo]

Got a sneaking suspicion Taylor is the one to own, esp. in dynasty.

Talyor could be the best of the bunch but he fumbles and Kubiak won't even put up with a hint of fumblitis. Which is why the fat bum Ron Dayne has a job.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Talyor could be the best of the bunch but he fumbles and Kubiak won't even put up with a hint of fumblitis. Which is why the fat bum Ron Dayne has a job.

The dude has only has 28 carries in his career, but has no fumbles yet.Can you point me to something, anything, that suggests he's got a fumbling problem?

 

[FavreCo]

Talyor could be the best of the bunch but he fumbles and Kubiak won't even put up with a hint of fumblitis. Which is why the fat bum Ron Dayne has a job.

The dude has only has 28 carries in his career, but has no fumbles yet.Can you point me to something, anything, that suggests he's got a fumbling problem?

Sure. Go to the texans message board and ask them about Taylor's fumbling. Better yet, I did it for you.http://boards.houstontexans.com/showthread...=380&page=4

Kubiak banged Chris Taylor HARD, in front of the whole team...on camera...on the show. "CT, what kept you from making it last year? Dropping the ball? And what did you do today, CT? You put it on the ground twice. You can play a long time in the league if you just hold onto the ball, OK?" The camera shot cut to Chris, kneeling by other teammates, and he nodded his head in a way that showed he was frustrated and understood what Kubiak was saying.

Some of you people kill me with this ridiculous...LINK!!!! crapola.

 

[Beaumont]

On 610 today McClain said Green and Brown split first team reps ...

How colorful.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Some of you people kill me with this ridiculous...LINK!!!! crapola.

Much better just to accept everything you read here I guess?Thanks for the link.

 

[FavreCo]

Story and highlights. Chris Brown showcases his upright style as he preps for a quick end to his season. Pic #5.

Andre showcases the greatness that he is in pic #13

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4306

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Great link - the parts about the RBs:

Running back Chris Brown

(on the Texans’ zone scheme for the run game) “It’s real comfortable. It just brings back the old memories (from college). I know all of the terminology, the protections. It’s not too hard to learn. It’s not that big of a learning curve for me.”

(on if he’s worried about sharing carries) “We plan on controlling the clock and running the ball, so there will be plenty of runs to go around between me and Ahman (Green). We’re going to get the job done.”

(on the competition in the backfield) “Competition doesn’t do anything but make everyone better at every position. I see great competition around (with people) just pushing each other. The running backs, we have a lot of room (for improvement). We’re all working hard and everyone is going to push each other to be the best.”

(on his personal expectations this season) “I expect to be effective, to help this team win, do what I’m supposed to do and help out.”

Running back Steve Slaton

(on his first practice) “It went well. There are still a lot of things I have to learn. Throughout the day, I'm getting them.”

(on if he got a good feel for the team) “Sort of. I think a couple more days will help me out.”

(on how he felt about his play) “It felt good. I haven’t played football in a long time, so it felt good to get my legs under me and run.

(on being compared to Tiki Barber because both hold the ball high) “I think it’s a good comparison because later in his career he found a way to hold the ball better. He had less fumbles. I hope I can have none.”

(on the Texans’ zone blocking scheme) “I think this is a great fit. (Assistant head coach/offense) Alex Gibbs is in here running the zone scheme, and I ran a lot of that in college. I think it’s just a good fit for me and I’m happy to be here.”

(on his goals) “Just being a good third down back. I’m trying to fill whatever they need.”

(on if he wants to be the every-down back) “Not now. It takes time to learn everything, and I’m taking that time now. I’m still getting my feet wet a little bit.”

(on the speed of the game) “Yeah, everybody’s fast here, down to the d-linemen, the linebackers, the corners. The speed is there, and you just have to adjust to it.”

(on if he’s worried about being chased down by defensive linemen) “Hopefully, I don’t have to look back and see them chasing me.”

Running back Chris Taylor

(on if he was hurt on the first day of practice last offseason) "First day, second practice."

(on if he's still catching his breath during practice) “Right. I’m just now getting my wind back.”

(on if he is totally 100 percent) "I’m 100 percent. I was out there running today and felt pretty good.”

(on the high hopes that general manager Rick Smith and head coach Gary Kubiak have for him) “Well, that’s great to know that they have a lot of confidence in me. I have a lot of confidence in myself, and I’ve been working hard this offseason to get back 100 percent and I’m just ready to play. I’m glad to be back out here playing football again with the fellas, and I’m just hungry. I’m ready to play.”

(on what he can bring to the table if he stays healthy) "I feel l can bring speed. I’m a hard runner. I want to win; I’m a winner. That’s what I feel like I can bring to the table. I’m just glad to be back out here. Sitting out for a year was just painful, being a spectator, not actually participating out here on the field, and I just want to be better than I was when I left off and I’m excited about the season."

(on if he can he pick up where left off) “That’s the plan. That’s the plan, to do that and more. That’s the plan.”

(on why he fits the zone scheme) “That’s just my style of running. I’m a one cut then get north type of guy. I don’t do all the shaking and baking. In college, we ran more of a spread offense; that really wasn’t my style. But this is my style, and I feel that I can be successful in this offense. “

(on if he feels he has to show he’s completely back from the knee injury) “Well, a little bit. I don’t want to go out there and just try to overdo it; might reinjure it again. But I’m feeling good out there. And I just want to put on a good show, but at the same time be careful."

(on if there's competition at running back) "Well, I guess you could say that. Competition is nothing new. Playing the game of football, every year they’re going to bring guys in that you have to compete (with) and all of us want to be the number one guy. We don’t play to be the number two, number three guy; we play to be the number one guy, and that’s what I’m playing for.”

 

[Portis 26]

It's not so much who starts the season at RB, it's who finishes it.

Even if Green does begin the season as the starter, I don't think he will last too long. He'll either get hurt or get benched.

Brown is next in line but I wouldn't bet on him lasting all that long, either.

What I suggest is that in the final half or quarter of the season, one of the young guys - Walker, Slaton or Taylor - will have a really nice chance to win the job.

Walker actually looked pretty good at the end of last year. Wouldn't be at all surprised if he was the guy. Slaton has a rep as a diminutive change of pace guy but so did Domanick Davis and looked what he achieved.

 

[az_prof]

I don't get all the Taylor love. Guy had one good game (after Ron Dayne had like four in the same offense) and had a season ending injury. It isn't like he was a high draft pick and there is a lot invested in him. I would wager that Houston's future back is not on the roster and that this year it will be a different guy every few weeks who starts.

Just wondering what people see that make Chris Taylor the choice? I dont recall much seeing him in 06 but I did see Walker last year and he looked solid.2006 Chris TaylorSeason Team Rushing Receiving Fumbles G GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost 4 0 28 123 4.4 17 1 3 40 13.3 24 0 -- -- 2007 Darius WalkerSeason Team Rushing Receiving Fumbles G GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost 4 2 58 264 4.6 41 1 13 81 6.2 9 0 -- --sorry i am not better at formatting but here is the comparison.Taylor, 4 games, 28 carries for 123 yards 4.4 ave. long of 17, 1 TD, 3 rec, 40 yards Walker 4 games, 58 carries for 264 yards 4.6 ave. long of 41, 1 TD, 13 rec, 81 yardsLooks similar to me, wondering why the love for Taylor and the easy dismissal of Walker?ETA I know the stats dont tell the whole story which is why i am asking for more info on what people saw since there isnt much difference in the stats other then Walker started 2 games and Taylor didnt.

 

[Franchise Playa]

I never understand how on just about every team that has one...people think the undrafted, 6th or 7th round runningback is gonna get the starting job after a preseason or 1 game of "flashing the potential"

 

[coolnerd]

I never understand how on just about every team that has one...people think the undrafted, 6th or 7th round runningback is gonna get the starting job after a preseason or 1 game of "flashing the potential"

a couple of things: I think that people often forget that most of these guys were productive in college and/or have some decent attirbutes to them. So, if a team hands to ball late rounder or UDFA 15 -20 times, most RBs who are good enough to make an NFL camp much less an NFL roster should flash some skills. The problem is that most of these later round guys can't do it repeatedly for one reason or another.(note: this is what I am hearing on Chris Taylor...looks dynamic best RB on one play; next play he is totally lost)The other reason is that just enough of these guys (on average about 1 per draft class) become legitimate multi-season NFL and fantasy players. Enough players manage to do something with in a given year, so that there is a myth that floats around that teams don't need to invest high draft choices to have a quality running game. A lot of the posters on this board are speaking from hope and/or trying to sound really smart by throwing out the name of the late rounder with 'potential".

 

[FUBAR]

The other reason is that just enough of these guys (on average about 1 per draft class) become legitimate multi-season NFL and fantasy players. Enough players manage to do something with in a given year, so that there is a myth that floats around that teams don't need to invest high draft choices to have a quality running game. A lot of the posters on this board are speaking from hope and/or trying to sound really smart by throwing out the name of the late rounder with 'potential".

Well said. Just enough late round players, usually RB, do well enough to make people remember it, but SO MANY do nothing that nobody should bank on it. They're late round fliers, not guys you want to depend on. Out of the top 30 RBs, maybe 10 were late-round picks. Out of the top 10, only Graham (and maybe Grant, depending on how you're counting) were drafted after the 3rd.OTOH, only Jamal Lewis, AD and LT were top 5 picks.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Chris Brown is 27. His career ypc is 4.5

Imo this is the guy to grab.

 

[identikit]

(Rotoworld) Texans RB Chris Taylor wasn't included in head coach Gary Kubiak's recent assessment of the team's running back situation.

Impact: Kubiak riffed on Ahman Green, Chris Brown, and Steve Slaton before saying "we've got three different kind of backs but, at the same time, three very exciting backs." Taylor has been a favorite of the Houston media, but any chance for a significant impact has clearly been overstated.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

(Rotoworld) Texans RB Chris Taylor wasn't included in head coach Gary Kubiak's recent assessment of the team's running back situation.Impact: Kubiak riffed on Ahman Green, Chris Brown, and Steve Slaton before saying "we've got three different kind of backs but, at the same time, three very exciting backs." Taylor has been a favorite of the Houston media, but any chance for a significant impact has clearly been overstated.

The knobs over at Rotoworld took an offhand comment from an offensive lineman, attributed it to Kubiak and then blew it totally out of proportion.

 

[Todem]

Going out on a limb here and predicting that indeed Ahman Green will have a bounce back year and be a decent RB3 this season. Cracking 1000 Yards Rushing and catching 20+ balls to boot. I have seen my share of RB's having productive seasons over the age of 30 and if healthy there is no reason to think otherwise about a guy who is a proven player.

Chris Brown will also get some PT and Slaton (if he can hold on to the ball) will be developed into the 3rd down back of the future.

 

[identikit]

(Rotoworld) Texans RB Chris Taylor wasn't included in head coach Gary Kubiak's recent assessment of the team's running back situation.Impact: Kubiak riffed on Ahman Green, Chris Brown, and Steve Slaton before saying "we've got three different kind of backs but, at the same time, three very exciting backs." Taylor has been a favorite of the Houston media, but any chance for a significant impact has clearly been overstated.

The knobs over at Rotoworld took an offhand comment from an offensive lineman, attributed it to Kubiak and then blew it totally out of proportion.

Thanks for the clarification, wd....

 

[coolnerd]

(Rotoworld) Texans RB Chris Taylor wasn't included in head coach Gary Kubiak's recent assessment of the team's running back situation.

Impact: Kubiak riffed on Ahman Green, Chris Brown, and Steve Slaton before saying "we've got three different kind of backs but, at the same time, three very exciting backs." Taylor has been a favorite of the Houston media, but any chance for a significant impact has clearly been overstated.

The knobs over at Rotoworld took an offhand comment from an offensive lineman, attributed it to Kubiak and then blew it totally out of proportion.

yep

T Eric Winston

(on a difference from last year) “I can’t say it’s been just absolutely a huge difference, but I think there’s been subtle differences in the way guys work. I think we’re smarter in the way we work. You take my draft class, we were all out there playing really at this time (as rookies), too. We’re going into our third years, (and) I think we’re all a little smarter. Mario (Williams)’s working better, and not to say that he’s not working hard. He’s working smarter. I’m working smarter. Demeco (Ryans)’s out there doing a lot of different things because he doesn’t have to focus on, ‘Where am I supposed to line up? Where am I supposed to be?’ That just comes natural. So they can get better in the little nuances of their positions, and that’s definitely what I’m doing.”

(on the running backs) “Well, I tell you what, there’s a big battle going on there. You can really tell that all those guys really want to play and they all have really good skill. And that’s good, because you want a lot of guys at that position because you never know what can happen. Sometimes, you have four there and everyone stays healthy and a guy doesn’t get to play. Then, when you’re a little thin there, then all of a sudden a rash of injuries hit. So you’ve always got to be prepared, because in our system it’s such a vital point to have a guy that can really go at that part, and with Ahman (Green) looking healthy, Chris Brown coming in and (being) just real familiar with the zone scheme, and you’ve got Steve Slaton just carrying on what he’s done from West Virginia. So I think we’ve got three different kind of backs but, at the same time, three very exciting backs.”