Thanks for the heads up

I think if he doesn’t get into practice by monday, he’s the next cut. The team has proven it’s dedication to Green, Taylor, Slaton, and even Walker. I think that it’s a battle between Brown and Bell for the last RB spot, and Brown had better be scared now.

Because we’re installing a simplified run blocking scheme that is tried and true? Or is it because all our hopes hinged on Brown’s health or participation in training camp? Or is it because we didn’t bring Ron “Speed Demon” Dayne back? No, let me guess, the FO always makes terrible moves… whatever.

Look – Fact of the matter is that we have five backs (six including Brown) that can all outproduce Ron Dayne in the ZBS. Do we have the next Adrian Peterson on our roster, no. Are we going to have a “terrible” running game – I seriously doubt it. The FO brought Brown in and he showed out well in mini-camp and OTAs. If he can’t go by the middle of TC, he’s gone. No worries, we have five other backs who are all busting their ass to make the team.

Don’t you have a QB to go idolize?

Any serious NFL fan knows that even the best RB’s cannot flourish without adequate blocking. See OJ Simpson’s stats early in his career. Was he a bad player his first 3 seasons with the Bills, and then suddenly make the transformation to superstar and amass a 5 year run (1972 – 1976) that was the best in NFL history up to that time? Of course not. It is common knowledge that the Bills’ line play was miserable and even the greatest RB in the league could put up good, but not great, numbers behind their subpar blocking.

It is also common knowledge that the Texans OL was a primary area of need after the 2007 season. Unfortunately there were other areas of need: CB, S, DE, RB and LB. In fact WR, QB and PK were arguably the only areas that were set. Many mock drafts had us taking a RB with our top pick. I see that you too were buying into that. Instead Smith used free agency & trades to get a starting CB to fill in for Dunta, a starting center to replace McKinney, a couple of speedy LB’s (Thompson & Bentley) and a pass rushing specialist in Colvin. He also was able to trade down, adding 2 more draft picks, and still get a LT that projects as a good fit for the ZBS. Given the hand he was dealt his moves were nothing short of brilliant. He did all this without overpaying, keeping our cap in great shape for the future. Sure, picking a franchise RB always makes a splash, but building the line first is much smarter.

Chris Brown’s upside made him worth signing, again without blowing big money. He looked great in OTA’s. In light of Brown’s back spasms, Smith again has acted quickly by shedding an excess safety and adding Bell, who has a legitimate chance of contributing in the near term. He has not given up on Brown yet, but has done the right thing for the organization, keeping open all posible options for success.

As SOLIS has accurately pointed out, the Texans running game will not be spectacular this year, but is certainly to be better than last year. We can address the (apparent) need for a marquee RB after the ‘08 season, or we might find out that Slaton, Taylor, Bell, et al are a lot better than we thought. The Texans are committed to be a run-first team, and will continue to make all the right moves to get there ASAP.

GO TEXANS!!!!!!!!!!!

a few of us call the Texans the “Broncos East,” “Houston Broncos,” “Southern Broncos affiliate,” or things of that sort. I (and I assume the rest of MHR) mean no disrespect by any of them, we’re all still distraught over the loss of Kubiak though. if any NFL fan were to have a #2 team, mine would easily be Houston.