Steve Slaton and the Texans Offense

by MFriday on Feb 27, 2010 5:08 PM CST Comment 7 comments

Steve Slaton was far from terrific during the Texans 2009 campaign. Much has been said about his fumbling issues and low YPC. These are valid arguments, especially the fumbles. Compared to the other running backs on the team, I must wonder whether or not defenses were keying on Slaton.

There is no denying that he is an explosive player who warrants some defensive thought on every down. Because he is a speed RB, it seems wise to spread out the DL and LBs and move safeties up to defend against him.

But was the Texans passing attack more effective when Slaton was on the field? This is a question I really wish I had an answer to.

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Better question is how better it could have been?

Slaton sophmore slump in yards and of course fumbles is probably the signal most reason we didn’t make the playoffs. We came into 2009 with the running back question answered, but then we quickly realized it was a two part question. Texans went to the air more, so maybe we wouldn’t have had those high passing numbers, but the lack of running game really hurt us in those 4 losses that knocked us out of the playoffs. In games we were leading while having to rely on the pass other teams focused there defense on the pass because they knew we couldn’t run the ball and play effective clock management. I think our passing rating would have suffered but overall offensive rating could of been off the charts but we need to draft a pro-bowl offensive lineman that can create holes and protect Matt, hell grab two and resign Kevin Walters!!! With Owens back this year, the offense is set aside from pro-bowl offensive linemen. The more we can keep the offense on the field the more rested our defense will be and less chances of injuries.

by JRock Texas on Feb 28, 2010 1:50 AM CST reply actions

Just throwing it out there...

Thomas Jones is going to be a free agent who just had a career year. He is 31 though so I guess he isnt an option.

To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.

by TexasHoosier on Feb 28, 2010 4:14 AM CST reply actions

Given that

Slaton led the league in FO’s RB DVOA, I’d find it hard to believe that he didn’t improve the passing game. He’d have to be Owen Daniels bad at blocking to offset that.

- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter

by riversmccown on Feb 28, 2010 5:09 AM CST reply actions

I think most people forget, because of the fumbles and lack of success running the ball, but Slaton in the screen game and short passing game was still a dangerous weapon.

Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.

by nolander on Feb 28, 2010 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

Slaton is the single most reason we didnt make the playoffs?

Did he miss a bunch of field goals? Did he throw a HB pass? Did he fumble in the end zone at the end of the game? Did he get stuffed on the goal line on 4th and 1? Did he cause an offensive line minus 2 starters and a gimp center to suck at blocking? He he have Busing playing safety? Did he make Dunta grab everyone short of the towel boy that went by him?

The single most reason? Get real.

Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed

by DaGoaT on Feb 28, 2010 6:14 AM CST reply actions 1 recs