Aaron Schobel: Here We Go Again
by Jake on Sep 5, 2010 4:35 PM CDT
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PrintOn August 16th, recently released defensive end Aaron Schobel announced that he would not pursue a playing career with another team despite reports that he would like to play for the Houston Texans. The discouraging news came as a surprise because signing in Houston made so much sense. The Texans are much closer to contending for the playoffs than the Buffalo Bills, they employ his good friend and former defensive line coach BIll Kollar, and they are the closest NFL franchise to his home in Columbus, TX.
Now it seems that the last word on the Aaron Schobel story may not have been written. Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that the Texans have continued courting of Schobel and that the pseudo-retired player is still considering playing. He has reportedly told team officials that he will give them a final answer Monday. Apparently Engel got this scoop because of a connection to Schobel through his alma mater TCU.
There have been those on this blog that sneer at the possibility of Schobel joining the Texans but for the life of me I can't figure out why. I firmly believe that you can never have enough good defensive linemen in a 4-3, and Schobel's 10 sacks in 2009 says that he is still that. Pressure is a young secondary's best friend, and considering that the Texans don't have a single cornerback on the roster with over three years experience, it doesn't get much younger.
I've seen the argument that Schobel would take snaps away from second year end Connor Barwin. Gary Kubiak will play whoever is playing better. At 32, Schobel is not a long-term threat to Barwin, who is entering his third year ever as a defensive player and can use more time to learn and develop. I've also seen the argument that Schobel is a camp-dodger and would be a negative locker room influence. I personally have never heard of Schobel being a negative influence before. If he can skip camp, step right in and tally 8-10 sacks, I would do cartwheels.
This seems like a no-brainer move to me if Schobel will sign. Bob McNair has already shown a willingness to spend some cash in the uncapped year when he resigned Andre Johnson to an extension two years into a five-year contract. If the worst case scenario is that Schobel performs at a lesser level than who you already have, then what did you really lose?
My last point on this is that it seems like this might have been a very well kept secret by the Texans and Schobel. Paul Kuharsky of ESPN pointed out yesterday that the team had not yet placed suspended linebacker Brian Cushing on the reserve/suspended list yet and therefore still had a roster spot to play with. I wouldn't put it past the realm of possibility that the team and Schobel came to an understanding a few weeks ago; you skip camp, and we'll save a spot for you. I guess tomorrow we'll find out.
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Whoa,
Another random appearance from Jake!
Good stuff man.
Schobel would be a good pick up. He can mentor Barwin and play DE/LB.
Point of order
You probably can have too many defensive linemen at some point. 10 would probably be too many, I’m sure that 12 would be too many. Its not like they’re versatile like Tight Ends. You can never have enough TE’s.
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Sep 5, 2010 5:07 PM CDT reply actions
But other than that, I agree with you
I think Schobel would make a good addition to the team, even if it is only for a year or maybe two.
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Sep 5, 2010 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Random time to come out of hiding Jake.
Good write up.
"You got to believe in yourself. Hell, I believe I'm the best-looking guy in the world and I might be right."- Charles Barkley
I would have a problem with him signing now
I still want him, but the fact that he couldn’t be bothered to sign in time to make one or two preseason games seems like it could be an issue. Even Brett Favre did better then that.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
I think he's trying to outdo Brent Faver on camp dodging
But like it was said, if he can give us 8-10 sacks, I’ll take him on those terms
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Sep 5, 2010 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Thats the problem though
he won’t be ready week 1, and are we comfortable just letting him saunter onto the field with no preseason under his belt?
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
Who gets the axe if we sign him?
As much as I hope he would provide that spark we need to be an excellent pass-rushing team, I’d hate to do that to someone who played his heart out in preseason. What you’re basically saying is, "You did great kid, you’re a Houston Texan now…
PSYCH!"
Cushing is still being counted in the 53.
The first four games Cushing won’t count against our roster limit and Schobel can be #53. However, after game 4 someone has to go. Of course by that point we’ll have 4 regular season games to evaluate talent and let the weakest link go.
by TexanSchmackDown on Sep 5, 2010 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions
When we start making shirts for BRB
I want one that has a picture of Jakes face on a milk carton that says, “have you seen me?”.
Jacoby is my ghostwriter.
by Salad on Sep 5, 2010 7:06 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Danny Clark cut...
LB David Nixon from Oakland and CB Jamar Wall® from Dallas were claimed off waivers today.
SMITHIAK! You sly dogs you!
I didn’t think you had it in you! This is a surprise. This is really a surprise. I like it!
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Please
Let this be true. Vets don’t necessarily need camp. Strahan skipped camp and that year was a huge contributor on the Giants Super Bowl team. Not saying sign Schobel and we win the super bowl but with Kollar in the fold I think Schobel could make a smooth transition.
It makes me smile to think...
Schobel and Williams at DE and Okoye and Smith at DT. There’s only so many double teams you can throw at 4 guys. If Okoye can get in a 1 on 1 then I think we’ll start to see his numbers soar. Throw a little Barwin in the rotation and this D Line is FREAKING NASTY!!
by TexanSchmackDown on Sep 5, 2010 10:21 PM CDT reply actions
Amobi?
Mushrooms or Acid?
Just your average, run of the mill hardcore casual Texans fan.
by Autra on Sep 5, 2010 10:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I know, I know...
With a supporting cast of Williams, Schobel, and Smith I could rack up 2 or 3 sacks this year. I’m still drinking the Kool-Aid on Okoye. I think that this is going to be a good year for him. If not… trade fodder.
by TexanSchmackDown on Sep 5, 2010 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Jake comes out of hiding
and so did you.
Is hell about to freeze over?
Now if MadMartygan and Women B. Shoppin comes out to comment here, my mind would esplodessss.
If Schobel does sign, does that mean Antonio Smith can play DT more often instead of just rushing downs?
And if that’s the case, can we cut a spare DT to make room?
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
DTF approves of this message
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Sep 6, 2010 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Means they're 5% true...someone should start a thread for this!
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
All together now
So you’re saying there’s a chance?
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
www.battleredblog.com
by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 6, 2010 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
probably more than one in a million
It took the Astros 44 years to get to the Series, the Oilers-Texans are due to get to the big dance...Go Texans!!!!!
by oiler-texan diehard on Sep 6, 2010 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Schobel is going to sign on Monday,
via Pancakes on twitter. Don’t jump for joy yet, considering Pancakes has been wrong on many things.
"You got to believe in yourself. Hell, I believe I'm the best-looking guy in the world and I might be right."- Charles Barkley
No, he didn't...
Technically he said, lots of reports said……which means he didn’t say it. Although, I do believe him when he says an offer is on the table.
"Lord, beer me strength."
was the offer extended day before yesterday
for tomorrow so they will announce it last week?
I am Sancho
by HoustonTransplant on Sep 6, 2010 5:11 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I need Admin rights on BRB
so that I can Rec this 1000 times
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
and....
This is why you can’t believe anything anyone from TCU says.
Make up yo’ mind already, Schobel!!!
Bills fan here
Enjoy having him. He’ll be missed in Buffalo, especially when we have next to no pass rush this year.
No pass rush, no passing game
You guys must really miss Bruce Smith & Jim Kelly
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Sep 6, 2010 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
I cry a little every time the HOFers get together in Buffalo…Thomas, Kelly, Smith, (soon to be) Reed…then O.J. shows up and ruins everything.
by stetzwebs on Sep 6, 2010 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well,.....
Seeing that Smith wears number 94,…. Maybe he’ll want number 49 so he can be a eligible receiving TE!!!! Cuz you know,…. You can never have enough of those
by TexansPride on Sep 6, 2010 3:46 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Whats the hold up
So are we gettin him or what????
If at first you don't succeed, draft, draft again
Gotta give it up for Aaron
he did a better job than Farve of avoiding camp. It’s all about the $$$ & I have nothing against signing him as long as it’s a 1 year deal, so there won’t be any cap ramifications down the road. Jordann was exactly on point in that he would be an ideal tutor for Connor.
It took the Astros 44 years to get to the Series, the Oilers-Texans are due to get to the big dance...Go Texans!!!!!
by oiler-texan diehard on Sep 6, 2010 6:42 PM CDT reply actions
All I have seen is that the only thing that separates the Texans and Schobel is money
So, it may take one more day. I think if they want him to be active for the Colts they get it done. If not, they may never get it done.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
If Smithiak is sold that he will be an asset, then money should be no object
Easy for me to say because it’s McNair’s cash, but there is no cap this year (right?) so give him a 1 year deal and get him in pads tomorrow. Don’t f*** around because we need all the weapons we can get to battle the Colts.
It took the Astros 44 years to get to the Series, the Oilers-Texans are due to get to the big dance...Go Texans!!!!!
by oiler-texan diehard on Sep 6, 2010 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Not all indications say he will be there, but there are enough to make me think it will happen
I wouldn’t expect 10 sacks, because he would get limited play compared to previous seasons. I’m not sure he would be better than Barwin is now. Barwin had over 5 sacks with limited play last year. I see him getting more snaps and resulting in better numbers this season.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
I heard a rumor that Schoebel was spotted in Texas and may be even living in a house there !
Could be a sign !
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
That was a while ago
Or are you being sarcastic? He supposedly bought a house in the Houston area before pre-season
I am Sancho
by HoustonTransplant on Sep 7, 2010 2:09 AM CDT up reply actions
oooh clever double entendre
sign — as in signing a contract
sign — as in signs and portents or omens of what is to come.
well done, War Wolf!
the suspense! agggggghhhhh!
LOL did he or didn’t he?
I thought he already had his regular home somewhere way outside of Houston, a house INSIDE Houston city limits or even in neighboring subdivisions could speak volumes … and except for WarWolf’s rumor, I hadn’t heard that before.
Accuracy Nazi here...
Did I blackout and miss the 2nd year of Barwin’s NFL career?
At 32, Schobel is not a long-term threat to Barwin, who is entering his third year ever as a defensive player and can use more time to learn and develop.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
His first year as a defensive player
was his senior year of College. Before that he was a TE remember? Dumbass.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
Yep....dumbass here
Was thinking NFL years….
I was all confused after seeing the name “Jake” as the author. We all know he died in 2009.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
losing patience
i am really losing my patience will schobel. make up your mind already man, only 5 days until opener. what are all you guys odds that he signs?
Rumplestiltskin
I Don't See It Happening
For what it’s worth, LZ—who appears to have an in or two with Schobel’s crowd—says the rumors of Schobel joining the Texans are “ridiculous.”
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Sep 7, 2010 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions
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