Texans RB Breakdown (1 Viewer)

[Chaka]

Doesn't help much if you see the hole but can't get there before it closes.

 

[Eminence]

Also, it doesn't help either back when you're playing from behind the whole entire game. Wait for Houston's defense to put a whooping on some teams, they pretty much gift-wrapped San Diego 7 points in the first 15 seconds on the game.

They didn't really get the chance to wear down on San Diego's defense via the run towards the end of the game it feels like.

 

[Shutout]

Overall, he will be fine. Last night, much like this week, was a quirky one. The opportunities were there where Foster easily could have had a TD but the Texans threw 3 TDs all to TEs (very unusual for them). Of all the RBs taken in the 1st round this year and expected to put up big numbers, only ADP, Charles, Rice, and Martin outscored him (edited to add Shady). There is a LONG list of RBs (and other skill players) that found themselves with strange stats this week.

That always cracks me up. The play action to the TE is ALWAYS there for the Texans at the goal line. I guess teams don't have a choice, but I still chuckle.

I did not say it wasn't there. I said that it is unusual for the Texans to utilize it so heavily. They dominantly play off Foster or a fade to AJ normally.

 

[Shutout]

Subjectively, Tate is the better runner, Foster has better vision and is better on third downs and near the goal-line. I could see the Texans going to more of a 50/50 split with carries unless Tate proves unworthy, with Foster getting the receptions and touchdowns. Not saying this WILL happen, but I could see it easily, which would concern me as a Foster owner.

If you can see this, you need your eyes checked. Will NEVER happen barring injury. Tate impresses on power. Foster is much more dynamic all the way around. He was rusty last night, there is no denying that, but when Foster is clicking, he presents stresses on a defense that Tate can never achieve.

 

[Shutout]

I genuinely think Tate is the better athlete at this point in their careers. Granted, Foster was obviously rusty but he still looks like the same high volume back that's going to struggle to maintain any type of gaudy YPC this year.

Foster's intangibles dwarf Tate's however and that's never going to change. When HOU needs to win (like last night) we will always see a heavy dose a Foster. I'd be afraid of blowouts if I was a Foster owner however. I don't think Kubiak will hesitate to sit Foster in the 4th quarter of games where they are well ahead this year.

Last year was an exception because of Tate's lingering injuries but in the past, the Texans HAVE been willing to sit Foster and let Tate and Forsett play more.

BUT...you don't have to worry about Foster because 99% of the time, if the Texans are on the good end of a blowout in the 4th, its because Foster has a gaudy statline.

 

[kd1]

Kubiak said they would rotate series. They didn't, really, though my guess is last night is still the largest timeshare you will see this season.

Foster looked healthy and unencumbered, and, as expected, a little rusty.

Barring injury, he's going to be great as usual. Seeing what I saw from other early-drafted RB's, I'd zip Foster right back up the charts to RB3, at worst.

Let's revisit this after week 2 where everybody praying to be right about predicting the downfall of the best fantasy rb over the past 3 years is eating crow.

 

[We Tigers]

They won't be eating crow. They'll just keep saying that Tate's going to take the job, and then when he's starting for another team in 2014 they'll speculate about the Texans trading JJ Watt to get him back.

 

[SameSongNDance]

I genuinely think Tate is the better athlete at this point in their careers. Granted, Foster was obviously rusty but he still looks like the same high volume back that's going to struggle to maintain any type of gaudy YPC this year.

Foster's intangibles dwarf Tate's however and that's never going to change. When HOU needs to win (like last night) we will always see a heavy dose a Foster. I'd be afraid of blowouts if I was a Foster owner however. I don't think Kubiak will hesitate to sit Foster in the 4th quarter of games where they are well ahead this year.

Last year was an exception because of Tate's lingering injuries but in the past, the Texans HAVE been willing to sit Foster and let Tate and Forsett play more.

BUT...you don't have to worry about Foster because 99% of the time, if the Texans are on the good end of a blowout in the 4th, its because Foster has a gaudy statline.

Yeah, to be fair, when I said "afraid" I really meant he could end up simply a high-end RB2. Since he was essentially being drafted as such towards the end of the preseason as the panic set it, I suppose it's a moot point. From a purely statistical standpoint, if you figure Foster to average around 4 YPC again and see a dip in touches (if Tate remains healthy) it's the only logical conclusion.

I still think Tate will legitimately hold some flex value down the stretch this year. The snap/touch ratio we saw last night was strictly due to the game state IMO. Like I said, if you can accurately predict the blow-outs you can comfortably flex Tate. It's a risky proposition for sure though.

 

[SameSongNDance]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

 

[kd1]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

 

[SameSongNDance]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I don't know anything about the man. He may be a joke but he also just so happens to be correct about last night. I've already stated my opinion on the matter but just wanted to add another perspective to the topic.

 

[kd1]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I don't know anything about the man. He may be a joke but he also just so happens to be correct about last night. I've already stated my opinion on the matter but just wanted to add another perspective to the topic.

Everybody's overreaction is just bizarre to me. It's not like Foster was awful. He wasn't great, and I don't know why that was such a shock to people, since he hasn't played a real game of football in 6 months+. And the constant pointing to his 2 "drops" is laughable. One was behind him and pretty much uncatchable, the other, he would have been plastered for a gain of 0 the second he caught it. He caught 6 other balls, his hands still work. And what's the point in using that as a strike against him, anyway? Pretty sure Tate will never be taking over as the 3rd down back.

In order for Tate to take over as the Texans' main RB, it would also require them to be willing to cut Foster next year (waste that signing bonus money), and sign Tate, since there's no chance that they are signing Tate next year with the windfall that Watt is going to receive.

2 years removed from a rushing title, and people already want to throw him to the scrap heap, for basically no good reason. SMDH.

Somebody review the previous 5 NFL games the guy played before not playing football for the past 6 months, and get back to me. Thanks.

 

[Otis]

Getting tired of the pissing match. Tate is good, we've known that since his rookie year. He's going to get 8-10 carries a game.

Foster didn't look himself last night but it was only one game. For each of the last 3 years he's never had higher that a 3.3 YPC in week 1.

Foster owner?

 

[duaneok66]

I would be nice if we could (just once!) have an actual discussion without people having an agenda.

It is possible.

Isn't it?

 

[Chaka]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I sincerely doubt that.

You find him to be a joke, which is fine but I have no faith in your ability to take the pulse of all of Houston on that issue.

 

[cstu]

Getting tired of the pissing match. Tate is good, we've known that since his rookie year. He's going to get 8-10 carries a game.

Foster didn't look himself last night but it was only one game. For each of the last 3 years he's never had higher that a 3.3 YPC in week 1.

Foster owner?

Don't own either one, I just don't see the need to over-react after one game. Ray Rice is in a similar position and is still putting up good numbers while sharing carries.

 

[Chaka]

Getting tired of the pissing match. Tate is good, we've known that since his rookie year. He's going to get 8-10 carries a game.

Foster didn't look himself last night but it was only one game. For each of the last 3 years he's never had higher that a 3.3 YPC in week 1.

Foster owner?

Don't own either one, I just don't see the need to over-react after one game. Ray Rice is in a similar position and is still putting up good numbers while sharing carries.

Rice owner?

 

[cstu]

Getting tired of the pissing match. Tate is good, we've known that since his rookie year. He's going to get 8-10 carries a game.

Foster didn't look himself last night but it was only one game. For each of the last 3 years he's never had higher that a 3.3 YPC in week 1.

Foster owner?

Don't own either one, I just don't see the need to over-react after one game. Ray Rice is in a similar position and is still putting up good numbers while sharing carries.

Rice owner?

No.

I warned people about Foster and said there was too much risk with him, but I don't think he's a bum already.

A guy that carries the ball 15 times a game, catches a bunch of passes and scores 10 TD's can still be very valuable in PPR. In fact, Foster was the #1 RB in PPG in 2011 while splitting carries with Tate.

 

[kd1]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I sincerely doubt that.

You find him to be a joke, which is fine but I have no faith in your ability to take the pulse of all of Houston on that issue.

Oh no please please have faith in me, I'm speaking the truth!

Feel free to ask other Texan fans!

In the mean time, here's a nice twitter account parodying how stupid he is! I expect the humor to be lost on you since you had no clue who he is before rotoworld brought his name into your conscience, but, have at it!!!

https://twitter.com/FakeJohnMcClain

 

[coolnerd]

http://(on RB Ben Tate waving off RB Arian Foster and Foster looking like he was angry about it and if he was tempted to run Tate more at the end of the game) “I wish it would have come out a little more closer to even. I think I said that after the game. Obviously, it was Arian’s first time out this year. He didn’t play any in the preseason. I think Ben’s had an excellent preseason. I want to keep it somewhat close right now and watch them working to what’s going on. As far as waving a guy off, they’re competitors. They both want to be on the field. I understand that. I think that’s a good thing for the team.”

This is really the first quote that I seen where Kubiak has even hinted at anything resembling a possible committee.

 

[coolnerd]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I sincerely doubt that.

You find him to be a joke, which is fine but I have no faith in your ability to take the pulse of all of Houston on that issue.

Oh no please please have faith in me, I'm speaking the truth!

Feel free to ask other Texan fans!

In the mean time, here's a nice twitter account parodying how stupid he is! I expect the humor to be lost on you since you had no clue who he is before rotoworld brought his name into your conscience, but, have at it!!!

https://twitter.com/FakeJohnMcClain

McClain is an old school "drink and tell stories" reporter. Locals have multiple nicknames for including "pancakes" and "McLame." he really does not have special football insights nor reveals anything that is true insider information. Houston has been 1 newspaper town for at least a dozen years and his employer seems to be the only onewho thinks he is good. he has a good reputation among other reports because he is the only Houston football daily writer and he has buddies with much of the press (especially old guard).

As much as I hate to say this, there are probably five football writers who cover the Cowboys ( I live in Arlington now) who run circles around him. Simply, he is awful.

 

[Chaka]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."

McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip. In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I sincerely doubt that. You find him to be a joke, which is fine but I have no faith in your ability to take the pulse of all of Houston on that issue.

Oh no please please have faith in me, I'm speaking the truth!Feel free to ask other Texan fans!

In the mean time, here's a nice twitter account parodying how stupid he is! I expect the humor to be lost on you since you had no clue who he is before rotoworld brought his name into your conscience, but, have at it!!!

https://twitter.com/FakeJohnMcClain

I am quite familiar with John McClain you OTOH come off as one of those Monday morning QBs who believe that because they played high school football (or Pop Warner or just watch a lot of football) makes them more qualified than people who have actually put in years of time and effort making a career out of developing relationships with actual NFL players and coaches that give them far more insight than you could ever hope and dream about. We get people like you all over the place around here and I am always left wondering why, if you know so much, you don't have a job y'know doing what you apparently are so qualified to judge.

Now please feel free to justify why it is that John McClain is so much less qualified than you and be sure to take the easy way out by telling me how you never said those specific words.

The simple truth is that McClain has more access and insight than we could ever hope for and, while that doesn't make him correct by default, we should still pay attention to what he says. And regardless of any of what he, or I, said it doesn't take a football genius to recognize that last night Ben Tate ran the ball better than Arian Foster.

 

[Chaka]

I apologize for being harsh kd it's really not who I am but I just find it bizarre that for every commentator, broadcaster or reporter there will invariably be a group who think that person is a hack, or a joke or a clown or whatever. The implication of that in my eyes is that the person making the negative comment feels that they could do better. While that may be true, though in most cases it likely is not, it makes me wonder why they aren't actually getting paid to do it.

Of course these guys aren't always correct, then again neither are the negative commenters and I am guessing that in the grand scheme of things the guys who get paid have better insight than the ones who don't. And to be so derisive of a guy like McClain for such an obvious and benign comment is completely bizarre. I mean does anyone really think Foster ran better than Tate vs the Chargers?

 

[kOOk]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I sincerely doubt that.

You find him to be a joke, which is fine but I have no faith in your ability to take the pulse of all of Houston on that issue.

Oh no please please have faith in me, I'm speaking the truth!

Feel free to ask other Texan fans!

In the mean time, here's a nice twitter account parodying how stupid he is! I expect the humor to be lost on you since you had no clue who he is before rotoworld brought his name into your conscience, but, have at it!!!

https://twitter.com/FakeJohnMcClain

 

[SproutDaddy]

TheZ E threads are amusing.

 

[jsharlan]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I sincerely doubt that.

You find him to be a joke, which is fine but I have no faith in your ability to take the pulse of all of Houston on that issue.

No, he is completely accurate. Fans fans consider John "Pancakes" McClain a total joke. Making fun of him is a bit of a hobby on Houston fan sites. He is flat out wrong all the time. He is "respected" by his media peers simply because he has been a beat writer for 40 years.

 

[Khy]

Interesting quote from Kubiak. Things could start to get dicey for Foster if Tate out performs him again this weekend. Lets face it though, a lot of us on the Shark Pool kind of saw this coming and were putting Foster in that "let someone else draft him mold" because of it.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Tuesday he regrets not giving backup RB Ben Tate more snaps in Week 1.

Starter Foster got 24 touches on 55 snaps, but produced just 90 total yards. Tate was far more effective, turning his 11 touches and 20 snaps into 62 total yards. "I wish it would have come out a little more closer to even. ... I want to keep it somewhat close right now and watch them working to [see] what's going on," Kubiak said. Foster is going to have to raise his level of play to maintain the 70/30 stranglehold he has on this committee. He should find more running lanes in a home game against the Titans Sunday.
Related: Ben Tate

Source: ESPN.com
Sep 11 - 8:12 AM

 

[kd1]

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes Ben Tate "ran a lot better" than Arian Foster in Monday's win, and should get more carries if Foster "doesn't improve fast."
McClain — one of the league's most respected reporters — is just stating the obvious. Tate ran circles around Foster against the Chargers, finding seams as Foster found dog-piles. A rusty Foster also muffed two critical third-down passes. A veteran who's dominated the league the past three seasons, Foster isn't going to suddenly find himself behind Tate on the depth chart, but Tate is very much going to put pressure on him if he can stay healthy. To this point in Tate's career, that's been a challenge.

"One of the league's most respected reporters". That's a trip.

In Houston, everybody considers him and his reporting an absolute joke.

I sincerely doubt that.

You find him to be a joke, which is fine but I have no faith in your ability to take the pulse of all of Houston on that issue.

No, he is completely accurate. Fans fans consider John "Pancakes" McClain a total joke. Making fun of him is a bit of a hobby on Houston fan sites. He is flat out wrong all the time. He is "respected" by his media peers simply because he has been a beat writer for 40 years.

Yawn. You sound like you played high school football or Pop Warner or some such.

 

[jsharlan]

I apologize for being harsh kd it's really not who I am but I just find it bizarre that for every commentator, broadcaster or reporter there will invariably be a group who think that person is a hack, or a joke or a clown or whatever. The implication of that in my eyes is that the person making the negative comment feels that they could do better. While that may be true, though in most cases it likely is not, it makes me wonder why they aren't actually getting paid to do it.

Of course these guys aren't always correct, then again neither are the negative commenters and I am guessing that in the grand scheme of things the guys who get paid have better insight than the ones who don't. And to be so derisive of a guy like McClain for such an obvious and benign comment is completely bizarre. I mean does anyone really think Foster ran better than Tate vs the Chargers?

Its pretty easy for someone like you to sit on the outside with no knowledge of Houston sports history and point fingers at a local fan. I don't recall him claiming to be better at anything. What he is telling you is that for decades we have followed McClain's "reporting" on a daily basis and have experience with his accuracy and his perceived respect when it comes to the Texans. Saying Tate ran better than Foster in week 1 would have been fine, if he stopped there. Going on to say Tate should receive more carries if Foster doesn't improve fast, implies from a man in his position, that he has insider information from the team that they actually feel this way. From past experience, we are telling you he does not have such insider information and simply makes things up on his own.

 

[jsharlan]

Interesting quote from Kubiak. Things could start to get dicey for Foster if Tate out performs him again this weekend. Lets face it though, a lot of us on the Shark Pool kind of saw this coming and were putting Foster in that "let someone else draft him mold" because of it.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Tuesday he regrets not giving backup RB Ben Tate more snaps in Week 1.

Starter Foster got 24 touches on 55 snaps, but produced just 90 total yards. Tate was far more effective, turning his 11 touches and 20 snaps into 62 total yards. "I wish it would have come out a little more closer to even. ... I want to keep it somewhat close right now and watch them working to [see] what's going on," Kubiak said. Foster is going to have to raise his level of play to maintain the 70/30 stranglehold he has on this committee. He should find more running lanes in a home game against the Titans Sunday.
Related: Ben Tate

Source: ESPN.com
Sep 11 - 8:12 AM

This is exactly what Kubs said before the game. Yet when the chips are down, Kubiak will turn to Foster.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Interesting quote from Kubiak. Things could start to get dicey for Foster if Tate out performs him again this weekend. Lets face it though, a lot of us on the Shark Pool kind of saw this coming and were putting Foster in that "let someone else draft him mold" because of it.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Tuesday he regrets not giving backup RB Ben Tate more snaps in Week 1.

Starter Foster got 24 touches on 55 snaps, but produced just 90 total yards. Tate was far more effective, turning his 11 touches and 20 snaps into 62 total yards. "I wish it would have come out a little more closer to even. ... I want to keep it somewhat close right now and watch them working to [see] what's going on," Kubiak said. Foster is going to have to raise his level of play to maintain the 70/30 stranglehold he has on this committee. He should find more running lanes in a home game against the Titans Sunday.

Related: Ben Tate

Source: ESPN.com

Sep 11 - 8:12 AM

This is exactly what Kubs said before the game. Yet when the chips are down, Kubiak will turn to Foster.

The question I have is what type of coach is Kubiak? Is he a guy that is into analytics and stays on top of in game stats, or is he more old school and just goes with his gut or gives deference to gameplan/vets?

If he's not into tracking in-game stats, I could see how he could miss the gigantic difference in performance. But once Monday comes and he went back and watched tape, the difference would be obvious. At that point, the gameplan really could start to change for the next week.

We will know more after Week 2. If Tate does get more carries and does well, I would expect it to grow to a more even timeshare. I'm sure Foster will still get more carries, but I could see it being a 60/40 share. Although if Foster continues to look that slow and weak, there is the very small chance he could end up being just a 3rd down and goaline guy. I out that at a very small chance, but I don't think it's totally impossible either.

 

[jsharlan]

Kubiak is very old school and loyal to his players. He will stick with the veteran he trusts regardless of stats.

 

[jsharlan]

From a non fantasy perspective, I totally agree something like a 60/40 timeshare is completely in the Texans best interest. Tate is capable and they need Foster fresh at the end of the season.

 

[Mortimer Ichabod]

Arian smells like Shaun Alexander after his last great year in Seattle. Abandon ship!

 

[cstu]

I apologize for being harsh kd it's really not who I am but I just find it bizarre that for every commentator, broadcaster or reporter there will invariably be a group who think that person is a hack, or a joke or a clown or whatever. The implication of that in my eyes is that the person making the negative comment feels that they could do better. While that may be true, though in most cases it likely is not, it makes me wonder why they aren't actually getting paid to do it.

Of course these guys aren't always correct, then again neither are the negative commenters and I am guessing that in the grand scheme of things the guys who get paid have better insight than the ones who don't. And to be so derisive of a guy like McClain for such an obvious and benign comment is completely bizarre. I mean does anyone really think Foster ran better than Tate vs the Chargers?

Its pretty easy for someone like you to sit on the outside with no knowledge of Houston sports history and point fingers at a local fan. I don't recall him claiming to be better at anything. What he is telling you is that for decades we have followed McClain's "reporting" on a daily basis and have experience with his accuracy and his perceived respect when it comes to the Texans. Saying Tate ran better than Foster in week 1 would have been fine, if he stopped there. Going on to say Tate should receive more carries if Foster doesn't improve fast, implies from a man in his position, that he has insider information from the team that they actually feel this way. From past experience, we are telling you he does not have such insider information and simply makes things up on his own.

I agree it's pure speculation, but you don't have to be much of an insider to know that if Tate keeps averaging 5 YPC and Foster 3 YPC then something has to give.

 

[Khy]

Kubiak is very old school and loyal to his players. He will stick with the veteran he trusts regardless of stats.

He is for sure very old school. But the real question starts to become this (hypothetical):

Week 1: Tate outplayed Foster by a mile, Kubiak watched the film and made a public statement that Tate should've seen more snaps.

Week 2: Tate's going to see more snaps this week, if he out performs Foster again, it's still probably a 60/40 split at best.

Week 3: Say we're still starting this game at 60/40... what if Tate once again out performs Foster and Foster still looks sluggish? Is this now a 50/50?

Week 4: Okay, so Foster is still sluggish looking, Tate is lighting up his chance with 12 or so carries a game and running for more yards than Foster with less carries.

Week 5: Now what? Foster has 80 carries for 240 yards and 3 TDs to this point, Tate has 51 carries for 250 yards and 2 TDs to this point. Does Kubiak really start to question Foster?

Week 6: It happens again, Foster's still looking sluggish, is Tate now the 'unnamed starter' do we see 55/45 in favor of Tate now?

Again, this is PURELY hypothetical, I'm just really saying... how long can Kubs really hold out for the 'proven veteran' if Foster is indeed just losing tread. This is a Super Bowl or bust year for the Texans. There's only so many carries he can give Foster if he keeps looking sluggish and slow while Tate's out there looking like Foster did in 2010.

Arian smells like Shaun Alexander after his last great year in Seattle. Abandon ship!

I had a feeling he'd continue to regress this season. So far... it's holding true and to be honest, he looked down right awful. I think the guy has to start eating meat again cause since this vegan diet thing he's looked more and more sluggish every game.

2010 4.9ypc

2011 4.4ypc

2012 4.1ypc

2013 3.2ypc... does it continue?

 

[Chaka]

I apologize for being harsh kd it's really not who I am but I just find it bizarre that for every commentator, broadcaster or reporter there will invariably be a group who think that person is a hack, or a joke or a clown or whatever. The implication of that in my eyes is that the person making the negative comment feels that they could do better. While that may be true, though in most cases it likely is not, it makes me wonder why they aren't actually getting paid to do it.

Of course these guys aren't always correct, then again neither are the negative commenters and I am guessing that in the grand scheme of things the guys who get paid have better insight than the ones who don't. And to be so derisive of a guy like McClain for such an obvious and benign comment is completely bizarre. I mean does anyone really think Foster ran better than Tate vs the Chargers?

Its pretty easy for someone like you to sit on the outside with no knowledge of Houston sports history and point fingers at a local fan. I don't recall him claiming to be better at anything. What he is telling you is that for decades we have followed McClain's "reporting" on a daily basis and have experience with his accuracy and his perceived respect when it comes to the Texans. Saying Tate ran better than Foster in week 1 would have been fine, if he stopped there. Going on to say Tate should receive more carries if Foster doesn't improve fast, implies from a man in his position, that he has insider information from the team that they actually feel this way. From past experience, we are telling you he does not have such insider information and simply makes things up on his own.

I agree it's pure speculation, but you don't have to be much of an insider to know that if Tate keeps averaging 5 YPC and Foster 3 YPC then something has to give.

And there is the point. I have no illusions about McClain being even 50% accurate but when given the choice of opinions from some random dude who listens to sports radio in Houston and a guy who actually has access to players and coaches I am guessing the latter will be more accurate than the former.

Again all McClain did was offer an opinion. He didn't say Tate will get more carries if Foster continues to struggle, he said Tate should get more carries if Foster continues to struggle. What's to disagree with?

 

[Mister CIA]

I would be nice if we could (just once!) have an actual discussion without people having an agenda.

It is possible.

Isn't it?

There's no room for your anti-agenda agenda here.

 

[We Tigers]

Kubiak is very old school and loyal to his players. He will stick with the veteran he trusts regardless of stats.

He is for sure very old school. But the real question starts to become this (hypothetical):

Week 1: Tate outplayed Foster by a mile, Kubiak watched the film and made a public statement that Tate should've seen more snaps.

Week 2: Tate's going to see more snaps this week, if he out performs Foster again, it's still probably a 60/40 split at best.

Week 3: Say we're still starting this game at 60/40... what if Tate once again out performs Foster and Foster still looks sluggish? Is this now a 50/50?

Week 4: Okay, so Foster is still sluggish looking, Tate is lighting up his chance with 12 or so carries a game and running for more yards than Foster with less carries.

Week 5: Now what? Foster has 80 carries for 240 yards and 3 TDs to this point, Tate has 51 carries for 250 yards and 2 TDs to this point. Does Kubiak really start to question Foster?

Week 6: It happens again, Foster's still looking sluggish, is Tate now the 'unnamed starter' do we see 55/45 in favor of Tate now?

Again, this is PURELY hypothetical, I'm just really saying... how long can Kubs really hold out for the 'proven veteran' if Foster is indeed just losing tread. This is a Super Bowl or bust year for the Texans. There's only so many carries he can give Foster if he keeps looking sluggish and slow while Tate's out there looking like Foster did in 2010.

Arian smells like Shaun Alexander after his last great year in Seattle. Abandon ship!

I had a feeling he'd continue to regress this season. So far... it's holding true and to be honest, he looked down right awful. I think the guy has to start eating meat again cause since this vegan diet thing he's looked more and more sluggish every game.

2010 4.9ypc

2011 4.4ypc

2012 4.1ypc

2013 3.2ypc... does it continue?

I think you might want to wait another week before plotting out Foster's demise come week 6. He started out just as poorly on a YPC basis each of the past two years (3.0 and 3.3), and yet went on to be Arian Foster. No one is speculating that Doug Martin or CJ Spiller or Trent Richardson are finished after their own very poor opening weeks. I understand that neither of them have a player of Tate's caliber behind them, but that's not really relevant to the question of Foster's abilities.

 

[kd1]

I apologize for being harsh kd it's really not who I am but I just find it bizarre that for every commentator, broadcaster or reporter there will invariably be a group who think that person is a hack, or a joke or a clown or whatever. The implication of that in my eyes is that the person making the negative comment feels that they could do better. While that may be true, though in most cases it likely is not, it makes me wonder why they aren't actually getting paid to do it.

Of course these guys aren't always correct, then again neither are the negative commenters and I am guessing that in the grand scheme of things the guys who get paid have better insight than the ones who don't. And to be so derisive of a guy like McClain for such an obvious and benign comment is completely bizarre. I mean does anyone really think Foster ran better than Tate vs the Chargers?

Its pretty easy for someone like you to sit on the outside with no knowledge of Houston sports history and point fingers at a local fan. I don't recall him claiming to be better at anything. What he is telling you is that for decades we have followed McClain's "reporting" on a daily basis and have experience with his accuracy and his perceived respect when it comes to the Texans. Saying Tate ran better than Foster in week 1 would have been fine, if he stopped there. Going on to say Tate should receive more carries if Foster doesn't improve fast, implies from a man in his position, that he has insider information from the team that they actually feel this way. From past experience, we are telling you he does not have such insider information and simply makes things up on his own.

I agree it's pure speculation, but you don't have to be much of an insider to know that if Tate keeps averaging 5 YPC and Foster 3 YPC then something has to give.

I have no illusions about McClain being even 50% accurate but when given the choice of opinions from some random dude who listens to sports radio in Houston and a guy who actually has access to players and coaches I am guessing the latter will be more accurate than the former.

Again all McClain did was offer an opinion. He didn't say Tate will get more carries if Foster continues to struggle, he said Tate should get more carries if Foster continues to struggle. What's to disagree with?

Lol. Backtracking much?

Why don't you go scour twitter and find any random fan's opinion and post it here for discussion then?

 

[Khy]

Kubiak is very old school and loyal to his players. He will stick with the veteran he trusts regardless of stats.

He is for sure very old school. But the real question starts to become this (hypothetical):

Week 1: Tate outplayed Foster by a mile, Kubiak watched the film and made a public statement that Tate should've seen more snaps.

Week 2: Tate's going to see more snaps this week, if he out performs Foster again, it's still probably a 60/40 split at best.

Week 3: Say we're still starting this game at 60/40... what if Tate once again out performs Foster and Foster still looks sluggish? Is this now a 50/50?

Week 4: Okay, so Foster is still sluggish looking, Tate is lighting up his chance with 12 or so carries a game and running for more yards than Foster with less carries.

Week 5: Now what? Foster has 80 carries for 240 yards and 3 TDs to this point, Tate has 51 carries for 250 yards and 2 TDs to this point. Does Kubiak really start to question Foster?

Week 6: It happens again, Foster's still looking sluggish, is Tate now the 'unnamed starter' do we see 55/45 in favor of Tate now?

Again, this is PURELY hypothetical, I'm just really saying... how long can Kubs really hold out for the 'proven veteran' if Foster is indeed just losing tread. This is a Super Bowl or bust year for the Texans. There's only so many carries he can give Foster if he keeps looking sluggish and slow while Tate's out there looking like Foster did in 2010.

Arian smells like Shaun Alexander after his last great year in Seattle. Abandon ship!

I had a feeling he'd continue to regress this season. So far... it's holding true and to be honest, he looked down right awful. I think the guy has to start eating meat again cause since this vegan diet thing he's looked more and more sluggish every game.

2010 4.9ypc

2011 4.4ypc

2012 4.1ypc

2013 3.2ypc... does it continue?

I think you might want to wait another week before plotting out Foster's demise come week 6. He started out just as poorly on a YPC basis each of the past two years (3.0 and 3.3), and yet went on to be Arian Foster. No one is speculating that Doug Martin or CJ Spiller or Trent Richardson are finished after their own very poor opening weeks. I understand that neither of them have a player of Tate's caliber behind them, but that's not really relevant to the question of Foster's abilities.

I don't 'completely' agree with that... I'll concede that you're correct about him having bad starts each of the last two seasons.

The difference of course being in 2011 he had a pulled hammy, clearly wasn't correct and was pulled from the game and didn't start the following me. Then went on to be Arian Foster.

In 2012, he started off bad and actually remained rather bad throughout the season. His fantasy season was completely saved by his crazy amount of touchdowns that he managed to get from the goal line.

2010: He had 18 touchdowns, 10 of them were goal line (2yard line) touchdowns, 8 touchdowns outside the 5 yard line and 3 of them were from beyond the 15 yard line

2011: He had 12 touchdowns, 4 of them were goal line touchdowns, 5 touchdowns outside the 5 yard line and 4 of them were from beyond the 15 yard line

2012: He had 17 touchdowns, 11 of them were goal line touchdowns, 4 touchdowns outside the 5 yard line and 0 of them were from beyond the 15 yard line

He's become significantly less explosive he used to be good for 3-4 big TDs (as most elite RB1's are) until last season where he literally didn't see a single one. And last season was saved on an higher than average amount of goal line TDs. If Tate gains a bigger role and Foster keeps struggling it's not really a bad assumption that his production drops significantly. And again, I'm in no way saying I'm not getting ahead of myself here. I'm just saying... I thought he was a risky pick all offseason and his first game back made it look even worse. If he doesn't benefit from another ridiculous amount of goal-line TDs this season he could be in for his first non-top 10 finish this year. I just think you have to be realistic that it's possible and there are a lot of signs pointing to it.

 

[GregR]

As others have said, Kubiak tends to be slow to move away from what he's comfortable with. He was that way with his coaching staff, part of why Houston's defense was so horrible early on until the owner made him take on Wade Phillips. This includes being comfortable with a starter he's done well with. He's pretty conservative overall, and I don't know that he pays that much attention to statistics during the game versus going with what he's comfortable with.

I'd said before, he might state he's going to change things up somehow. If it's a single decision, benching X for Y, sure he can do that. If it is a decision he has to make repeatedly over the course of a game, I expect him to drift back towards what he's always done. I tend to wait until I see otherwise to believe it. Now the fact he's saying it again, maybe we'll see more of an even mix. But Week 1 was very much what I expected we'd see in way of the split even after the previous talk, because that's about what we've always seen. If Houston had gone up early then I could have seen him rest Foster late in the game, but that was the only way I didn't think Foster would have more touches.

Fumbles seem to be one of the few things that will cause him to make an abrupt change. I would expect Tate's carries to bump up a bit this week just because it's more on his mind. But I wouldn't expect Kubiak to ride a hot hand like some coaches will. Maybe he'll get to that point, but I would expect it would take a game or two more of seeing Tate perform at or above Foster's level where he was focusing on that particularly, before Kubiak will hit his comfort level.

 

[Bad_Mo]

Tate was fortunate to have some wide open lanes created by the line when he got his touches. Foster not so much. Foster is still more talented, has better vision, is a better receiver, and is plain tougher. Anyone you thinks Tate is better simply doesn't watch the Texans very often.

I didn't watch every snap of the game but do remember seeing Foster drop at least two catchable passes. His hands didn't look impressive at all last night.

So based on a few snaps in one game, you have deemed Tate a better receiver? If only the two of them had played in dozens of games in the past so a evaluated opinion could be formed.....oh wait.

Where did I say that I thought Tate was the better receiver? The comment was about Foster's stone hands.

 

[We Tigers]

Khy, my point is that there are very few signs pointing to *anything* after week one. I'm not even sure the TDs outside 15 yards is a useful measure since Foster had many big plays last year. Just check his game logs and you'll find a lot of 15+ yard runs. In the last playoff game against NE, he had a 21-yard run and a 29-yard reception. Against the Bengals, he had a 17 and 15-yard run. Whether they're TDs or not is just a product of where the play is called. If you're looking for his most recent performances, I'm not sure you get a lot of value looking at just this one.

As always, people do this dance with Foster because he's Foster. He gets less rope than any superstar RB in the league.

 

[Khy]

Khy, my point is that there are very few signs pointing to *anything* after week one. I'm not even sure the TDs outside 15 yards is a useful measure since Foster had many big plays last year. Just check his game logs and you'll find a lot of 15+ yard runs. In the last playoff game against NE, he had a 21-yard run and a 29-yard reception. Against the Bengals, he had a 17 and 15-yard run. If you're looking for his most recent performances, I'm not sure you get a lot of value looking at just this one.

As always, people do this dance with Foster because he's Foster. He gets less rope than any superstar RB in the league.

Okay...

2012 - 351 carries - 10+ yards: 38 carries (10.8%) 20 yards+: 9 carries (2.5%) 40 yards+: 1 carry (0.2%)

2011 - 278 carries - 10+ yards: 32 carries (11.5%) 20 yards+: 7 carries (2.5%) 40 yards+: 2 carries (0.7%) *13 game season

2010 - 327 carries - 10+ yards: 33 carries (10.1%) 20 yards+: 12 carries (3.7%) 40 yards+: 3 carries (0.9%)

I suppose you're not to far off in reality. Granted this is strictly on rushing plays. Here's his receiving as well

2012 - 44 receptions - 10+ yards: 6 receptions (13.6%) 20+ yards: 1 receptions (2.2%) 40+ yards: 0 receptions (0%)

2011 - 53 receptions - 10+ yards: 17 receptions (32.1%) 20+ yards: 9 receptions (16.98%) 40+ yards: 3 receptions (5.6%)

2010 - 66 receptions - 10+ yards: 27 receptions (40.9%) 20+ yards: 6 receptions (9.1%) 40+ yards: 1 reception (1.5%)

It seems that the biggest gap really is in his passing totals over the seasons. At least in terms of big play ability.

EDIT: Do keep in mind. I've been a Foster owner since I reached for him a little in 2010 and he exploded. I've had him in a couple keeper leagues and drafted him in most of my redrafts since then. Except this year, I'm a huge Foster fan. I just don't see it this season.

 

[Chaka]

I apologize for being harsh kd it's really not who I am but I just find it bizarre that for every commentator, broadcaster or reporter there will invariably be a group who think that person is a hack, or a joke or a clown or whatever. The implication of that in my eyes is that the person making the negative comment feels that they could do better. While that may be true, though in most cases it likely is not, it makes me wonder why they aren't actually getting paid to do it.

Of course these guys aren't always correct, then again neither are the negative commenters and I am guessing that in the grand scheme of things the guys who get paid have better insight than the ones who don't. And to be so derisive of a guy like McClain for such an obvious and benign comment is completely bizarre. I mean does anyone really think Foster ran better than Tate vs the Chargers?

Its pretty easy for someone like you to sit on the outside with no knowledge of Houston sports history and point fingers at a local fan. I don't recall him claiming to be better at anything. What he is telling you is that for decades we have followed McClain's "reporting" on a daily basis and have experience with his accuracy and his perceived respect when it comes to the Texans. Saying Tate ran better than Foster in week 1 would have been fine, if he stopped there. Going on to say Tate should receive more carries if Foster doesn't improve fast, implies from a man in his position, that he has insider information from the team that they actually feel this way. From past experience, we are telling you he does not have such insider information and simply makes things up on his own.

I agree it's pure speculation, but you don't have to be much of an insider to know that if Tate keeps averaging 5 YPC and Foster 3 YPC then something has to give.

I have no illusions about McClain being even 50% accurate but when given the choice of opinions from some random dude who listens to sports radio in Houston and a guy who actually has access to players and coaches I am guessing the latter will be more accurate than the former.

Again all McClain did was offer an opinion. He didn't say Tate will get more carries if Foster continues to struggle, he said Tate should get more carries if Foster continues to struggle. What's to disagree with?

Lol. Backtracking much?

Why don't you go scour twitter and find any random fan's opinion and post it here for discussion then?

Not in the least. No one ever argued that he had a high degree of accuracy, just higher than that of the random fan who has no direct team access.

Sorry if I hurt your feelings by agreeing with his observation.

Tate looked better on Monday night, it's not a particularly bold statement.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Tate looking pretty good already, 60 yard run.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Tate looking pretty good already, 60 yard run.

Kubiak may actually give him 2 or 3 more now.

 

[Bad_Mo]

Tate looking pretty good already, 60 yard run.

Kubiak may actually give him 2 or 3 more now.

Kubiak is waiting for Tate's YPC average to top 15.00 before giving him the ball more. I mean, why go with the guy who gets you down field faster...you're fathead kicker is just going to blow numerous opportunities to put points on the board.