surprise RB of 2006. calling it right now. (1 Viewer)

[phillzphan]

Get this guy right now before Kubiak falls in love with him more. Everything is great out of camp so far and he has a very injured RB in front of him.

Opportunity? Its there. Kubiak is going to run a run-first offense with his zone blocking scheme. Vernand needs to do 3 things to be a top 10-15 RB.

1. Injury to DD. Is this even hard to do? consider it done. DD had surgery in the offseason and was way behind schedule during OTA/minicamp. He couldn't even do the walk throughs without coming back. He took more weeks off and came back to training camp. He states himself as 90% ready to go. Everything looked good and for extra precaution they gave him one-a-days instead of the two-a-days others were getting. What happens? Knee gets worse and he gets MRI. nothing bad from that. Still hurts. He gets second opinion. He is now out for at least a week to three weeks which will put him out of an important beginning of TC with a new coach.

2. Learn how to one-cut and go. According to Kubiak (whether it be motivation or not) Morency struggled with that a LOT in the beginning. He was having too much wiggle and there were rumors he wouldn't make the team. However, everything now has come of praise from Kubiak and Morency has been running with the #1 team. Kubiak has been quoted as saying Morency is learning really quick.

3. beat out Antowain Smith. Smith is old. He has never carried a run-first offense and IMO was brought for veteran leadership for this young RB group. Morency will either need to pass him on the depth chart or hope for an injury.

1 and 2 are likely to happen. 3 may happen very soon or in the beginning of the season.

Book it. Morency has a great chance at being a stud in Houston and he will only cost you a late round pick. Consider him the FWP of '06.

 

[LHUCKS]

It's possible.

 

[WhoDat]

I agree. It is possible.

 

[MLBrandow]

He's no surprise RB. He'll be a stud for sure if DD goes down.

That said, DD is a lock IMO, and as cheap as Morency is .... it's a damn steal for a top-10 RB.

 

[apkballa]

I would like to see it happen. I might have to pick this guy up and sit him on the bench untill he gets his chance.

 

[Righetti]

The Broncos' system involves a take-what-you-can-get, nothing-flashy mentality. The offensive line stretches the field horizontally and creates cutback lanes for the running back.

If the line does its job properly and a back finds the hole quickly, it can translate into a lot of yards. But if a back attempts to bounce outside and make several cuts, it creates holes in the blocking and is less effective.

"Vernand has been able to shake-and-bake in the past and do some things," running backs coach Chick Harris said. "This is real discipline."

Harris said Morency has adapted quickly during the first week of training camp.

"He's getting better every day," Harris said. "We've seen improvement from the first day to the second day. He's on the rise."

more good news about him from the RB coach

 

[Shiver44]

He like Ryan Moats and Marion Barber, has very good value, because they are behind perennial injured Running Backs ahead of them. In Morencey's case, in Kubiak's run heavy offense, will probably see a lot of good touches to establish the run and keep Davis fresh.

 

[AB in DC]

The problem with Morency is that Kubiak like Antowain Smith and Wali Lundy too -- and they were guys he helped to bring in, instead of inheriting.

One thing's for sure -- the Texans backup RB will have super value this year. Good luck figuring out who that is, though.

 

[ImTheScientist]

If I had for everytime someone "called something" ..... ok .... you "called it"

 

[Kleck.]

Morency has so much talent, Houston was able to cut the grrrreat Tony "the Tiger" Hollings.

 

[Buckna]

If I had for everytime someone "called something" ..... ok .... you "called it"

Not too mention they call something that other people have been debating in a new thread every few days.

 

[ImTheScientist]

If I had for everytime someone "called something" ..... ok .... you "called it"

Not too mention they call something that other people have been debating in a new thread every few days.

 

[todd2006]

It's not VM with the value... It's the Texans' 6th round pick Wali Lundy.

Very much in the mix.

 

[jbird]

Morency has so much talent, Houston was able to cut the grrrreat Tony "the Tiger" Hollings.

Now I know why they passed on Bush. They have Morency.

 

[duaneok66]

He like Ryan Moats and Marion Barber, has very good value, because they are behind perennial injured Running Backs ahead of them. In Morencey's case, in Kubiak's run heavy offense, will probably see a lot of good touches to establish the run and keep Davis fresh.

it's only a run first offense until they trail by three touchdowns . . .

 

[Chitown Mole]

It's not VM with the value... It's the Texans' 6th round pick Wali Lundy.Very much in the mix.

in the mix...but I don't see value for Lundy till next year. Most people will be sleeping on Morency. I plan on not taking dom and stealing Vernand mid to late draft. Smith is way too slow...he looked like he was running in slow motion. Lundy has been ok...but nothing special. Morency has explosion and the ability to break runs wide open when he gets into space. Morency is clearly the value pick of this group imo.

 

[wannabee]

It's not VM with the value... It's the Texans' 6th round pick Wali Lundy.Very much in the mix.

in the mix...but I don't see value for Lundy till next year. Most people will be sleeping on Morency. I plan on not taking dom and stealing Vernand mid to late draft. Smith is way too slow...he looked like he was running in slow motion. Lundy has been ok...but nothing special. Morency has explosion and the ability to break runs wide open when he gets into space. Morency is clearly the value pick of this group imo.

thanks for the updates, Chitown, keep them coming

 

[cstu]

I think Morency will do good if DD gets hurt, but I think it's funny that Morency is actually almost a year older than DD.

 

[FFFIEND]

I second the morency vote.

 

[todd2006]

It's not VM with the value... It's the Texans' 6th round pick Wali Lundy.Very much in the mix.

in the mix...but I don't see value for Lundy till next year. Most people will be sleeping on Morency. I plan on not taking dom and stealing Vernand mid to late draft. Smith is way too slow...he looked like he was running in slow motion. Lundy has been ok...but nothing special. Morency has explosion and the ability to break runs wide open when he gets into space. Morency is clearly the value pick of this group imo.

I hear you... At my auction, I always search out back-up RBs that could produce if called upon. The fact that there is a new system in Houston only gives weight to some turnover at the offensive positions. I don't see DDavis lasting the year... or maybe even getting started. Morency should get a chance but I envision A. Smith, Lundy, and a few other rookies getting a strong look too. We'll see.For the record, L Betts is another "chestor taylor-like" player that could impress next season... Much like Morency. We'll see.

 

[montanagold]

Forgot about Lundi!!

 

[redman]

For the record, L Betts is another "chestor taylor-like" player that could impress next season... Much like Morency. We'll see.

Agreed. He'll never be a world-beater, but he could emerge from a backup role like Lamont Jordan did if he manages to land on a team that wants him to be a starter (or of course - God forbid - Portis goes down this year). It's a contract year for Betts . . .

 

[oldfootbal]

I will bet anyone $100 that if D.Davis does not finish the season, it will be Lundi or Chris Taylor and not Morency or A.Smith.

 

[redman]

I will bet anyone $100 that if D.Davis does not finish the season, it will be Lundi or Chris Taylor and not Morency or A.Smith.

Nice and specific there, buddy!

 

[Traders2001]

I will bet anyone $100 that if D.Davis does not finish the season, it will be Lundi or Chris Taylor and not Morency or A.Smith.

Nice and specific there, buddy!

 

[coolnerd]

I will bet anyone $100 that if D.Davis does not finish the season, it will be Lundi or Chris Taylor and not Morency or A.Smith.

Okay, I will bitePlease give your reasoning for this.

 

[Shiver44]

He like Ryan Moats and Marion Barber, has very good value, because they are behind perennial injured Running Backs ahead of them. In Morencey's case, in Kubiak's run heavy offense, will probably see a lot of good touches to establish the run and keep Davis fresh.

it's only a run first offense until they trail by three touchdowns . . .

I think it could be a situation like Atlanta of '04. Mis-cast in a 3-4 with 4-3 personel. Travis Johnson is not a 3-4 DE, Babin a OLB, etc. They'll be better on the defensive side of the ball. Also, with a more productive offense, the ToP will help the defense as well.

 

[Routilla]

Mike Bell

 

[Biabreakable]

He like Ryan Moats and Marion Barber, has very good value, because they are behind perennial injured Running Backs ahead of them. In Morencey's case, in Kubiak's run heavy offense, will probably see a lot of good touches to establish the run and keep Davis fresh.

it's only a run first offense until they trail by three touchdowns . . .

I think it could be a situation like Atlanta of '04. Mis-cast in a 3-4 with 4-3 personel. Travis Johnson is not a 3-4 DE, Babin a OLB, etc. They'll be better on the defensive side of the ball. Also, with a more productive offense, the ToP will help the defense as well.

Houston is running a 4-3 defense. That is why they drafted super Mario.DD will be back practicing on monday...

 

[Biabreakable]

Mike Bell

 

[Jack Ham & Eggs]

DD will be back practicing on monday...

I think that's wishful thinking at this point. Even if he does practice, there's a better than slim chance the knee swells on him again.

 

[Redmanchu]

If I had for everytime someone "called something" ..... ok .... you "called it"

excuse me sir....is that a wheatpenny?

 

[todd2006]

DD will be back practicing on monday...

I think that's wishful thinking at this point. Even if he does practice, there's a better than slim chance the knee swells on him again.

Agreed. DD is D-O-N-E.

 

[Righetti]

Dominick Davis has fluid in his knee and isn't practicing. Kubiak couldn't commit to a time table for his return, when he might play in the preseason, or if he would be available on opening day. This injury stems from the end of last season and the recovery from surgery is taking much longer than anyone expected. Part of my argument in taking Bush when Houston had the chance is that you simply cannot bank on Davis staying healthy.Now with that said, Kubiak feels great about the depth at running back. Antoine Smith, a former University of Houston standout, is back home and ready to pound the rock. Rookie Wali Lundy (more on him later) has impressed with his pure speed and cutting ability. Second-year back Vernand Morency will get reps early in this weekend's preseason opener against Kansas City.

Adam Schein Article

 

[Domination]

I think that it will be Geg Jones. Taylor wont stay healthy and Jones proved last year that he can play.

 

[redman]

Dominick Davis has fluid in his knee and isn't practicing. Kubiak couldn't commit to a time table for his return, when he might play in the preseason, or if he would be available on opening day. This injury stems from the end of last season and the recovery from surgery is taking much longer than anyone expected. Part of my argument in taking Bush when Houston had the chance is that you simply cannot bank on Davis staying healthy.

Now with that said, Kubiak feels great about the depth at running back. Antoine Smith, a former University of Houston standout, is back home and ready to pound the rock. Rookie Wali Lundy (more on him later) has impressed with his pure speed and cutting ability. Second-year back Vernand Morency will get reps early in this weekend's preseason opener against Kansas City.

Adam Schein Article

Nice. Let's see how he looks.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

It's not VM with the value... It's the Texans' 6th round pick Wali Lundy.Very much in the mix.

concur.

 

[Hammerage]

It's not VM with the value... It's the Texans' 6th round pick Wali Lundy.Very much in the mix.

concur.

I didn't see the game last night but did Morency even play??? If not that is not a good omen (unless it was due to injury). Lundy on the other hand looked like the bomb.

 

[duaneok66]

Morency is listed as being a sub in the game, but he never lined up in the backfield, so I guess he just played on special teams . . .

 

[Ozymandias]

It's not VM with the value... It's the Texans' 6th round pick Wali Lundy.Very much in the mix.

concur.

I didn't see the game last night but did Morency even play??? If not that is not a good omen (unless it was due to injury). Lundy on the other hand looked like the bomb.

Morency DNP. Lundy 9 for 59 with a td. Also caught a pass for 9.

 

[Hammerage]

Morency DNP. Lundy 9 for 59 with a td. Also caught a pass for 9.

So did he not play because of injury or because he has been passed on the depth chart by everyone else?

 

[coolnerd]

Morency DNP. Lundy 9 for 59 with a td. Also caught a pass for 9.

So did he not play because of injury or because he has been passed on the depth chart by everyone else?

He tweeked a hammy, but Kubiak announced early last week that two of the 5 backs in competition would not get any significant action in the 1st pre-season game, but that they would get significant action in the 2nd pre-season game with guys playing a lot this week taking the back seat. He felt it was the only way to get everyone a fair long look.

 

[Hammerage]

He tweeked a hammy, but Kubiak announced early last week that two of the 5 backs in competition would not get any significant action in the 1st pre-season game, but that they would get significant action in the 2nd pre-season game with guys playing a lot this week taking the back seat. He felt it was the only way to get everyone a fair long look.

Thanks.

 

[bocksheesh]

I don't know if it was against the 1st or 2nd string Defense last night, but Lundy looked excellent.

Granted, it's the Chiefs. And their Defense continues to look horrendous, just horrendous.

But Lundy looks like another RB to keep an eye on in the Houston RB pool. Anyone know anything more about Lundy and where he stacks up in the current situation?

 

[toxicbees]

I don't know if it was against the 1st or 2nd string Defense last night, but Lundy looked excellent.Granted, it's the Chiefs. And their Defense continues to look horrendous, just horrendous.But Lundy looks like another RB to keep an eye on in the Houston RB pool. Anyone know anything more about Lundy and where he stacks up in the current situation?

If you look at the replays, Lundy had some wide open holes to run through. However, I'm not sure he has break away speed. Overall he looks good, and has to be in the running for the RB job should Davis be out. Lets see how Morency does next week.