Another Early 53-Man Look:

by Cut Block on Aug 18, 2011 1:03 AM CDT

QB (3): Matt Schaub; Matt Leinart; T.J. Yates

RB (4): Arian Foster; Derrick Ward; Chris Ogbonnaya; Ben Tate

FB (2): James Casey; Lawrence Vickers

WR (5): Andre Johnson; Kevin Walter; Jacoby Jones; Lester Jean; Dorin Dickerson

TE (4): Owen Daniels; Joel Dreessen; Jon Weeks; Anthony Hill

OT (4): Duane Brown; Eric Winston; Rashad Butler; Darius Morris

G (4): Wade Smith; Mike Brisiel; Antoine Caldwell; Shelley Smith

C (1): Chris Myers

K (1): Neil Rackers

P (1): Brett Hartmann

DE (3): J.J. Watt; Antonio Smith; Damione Lewis

NT (3): Earl Mitchell; Shaun Cody; Scooter Berry

OLB (5): Mario Williams; Connor Barwin; Brooks Reed; Bryan Braman; Jesse Nading

ILB (3): DeMeco Ryans; Brian Cushing; Darryl Sharpton

CB (6): Johnathan Joseph; Jason Allen; Sherrick McManis; Brandon Harris; Kareem Jackson; Roc Carmichael

S (4): Danieal Manning; Glover Quin; Troy Nolan; Shiloh Keo

Week One inactives: T.Yates, B.Tate, A.Caldwell, B.Braman, J.Nading, R.Carmichael, T.Nolan

Notable cuts/IR: Steve Slaton -RB; Zach Pauga -FB; Devard Darling -WR; Jeff Maehl -WR; Terrance Toliver -WR; Garrett Graham-TE; Derek Newton -OT; Brad Maynard -P; Tim Bulman -DE; Tim Jamison -DE; Xavier Adibi -LB; Tim Dobbins -LB; Cheta Ozougwu -LB; Brice McCain -CB; Antwaun Molden -CB; Dominique Barber -S

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Keo needs to work on wraping up and finishing the tackle

But I can see him on the 53 man roster.

by jtr bmf 281 on Aug 18, 2011 1:19 AM CDT reply actions

I want to see what we are going to with the back up OLB spots

Xavier Adibi, Brahman, Sharpton, and now Jesse Nading.

by Catallac392 on Aug 18, 2011 1:26 AM CDT reply actions

Keo looks like a safety project, but may provide immediate value as a returner.

McManis/Allen/KarJax could also fill in at safety, if need be.

I’d be curious to see who we’d play at the gunner positions, if the roster shapes up like this. I wouldn’t trust any of these WRs to be effective (they’re probably all too tall), so it looks like it may come down to the DBs.

Reed could swing between OLB and ILB.

All three DEs can play DT in the Nickel package. Scooter Berry is my token NT depth.

by Cut Block on Aug 18, 2011 1:37 AM CDT reply actions

While I propped up the KR, forget his name, because he really had bad blocking

He, in reality didn’t do anything special to help himself. I’m hoping they do try someone else this next game. Keo is a good candidate and anyone else not names Danieals or Jones.

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Aug 18, 2011 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Pray to Durga that it isn't Slaton, the next time... or any time.

I think we’re all hoping it will never be Danieal Manning, either. Not that he wouldn’t be adept. But, in some cases, it might actually be better to regularly start your offensive drives backed up to your own goal…

by Cut Block on Aug 18, 2011 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Allen might jump Kareem but I don't see McManis doing so and Harris sure as hell won't.

We won’t cut Adibi or Graham. Not sure what makes you think we would. Might be overreaction to Braman’s performance but we’re not keeping him over Adibi if it came down to that. Adibi has been excellent in TC and he looked good against Jets starters and the 2nd team. He’s invaluable depth at a position where one starter is coming off a serious injury and the other is coming off knee surgery.

Also Braman’s not going to jump Nading unless he looks like that against better competition and not a bunch of 4th and 5th team OL. I’m not even sure he’ll beat out Tim Bulman of Jamison.

We might carry 4 RB’s but I’m thinking if Tate actually stays healthy we’ll run with 3 again. Which means Chris O is out. And if we did run with 4 Slaton (yes Slaton) would be the logical fourth or 3rd (where he is right now) because he knows this offense and is still an explosive receiver out of the backfield.

I also don’t see either Scooter Berry or Anthony hill making the team. They’ll be sacrificed for depth at other spots.

Prediction: 11-5 AFC South champions.

by Ethan Matz on Aug 18, 2011 6:00 PM CDT reply actions

Also Scooter Berry is listed as a 285 pound DE on the teams depth chart.

If we carried a third DT it would be the undrafted rookie, 302 pound Guy Miller.

But It’s more likely to me that Damione Lewis would be that guy who could switch to DT if the need arises. He can play both DE (which is where he’s listed right now) or DT.

Prediction: 11-5 AFC South champions.

by Ethan Matz on Aug 18, 2011 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions

We shall see.

But I selected Anthony Hill over Graham, due to Hill being a blocking specialist, and (supposedly) one of the better special teamers on our roster. I’m not sure that Graham offers anything that Daniels, Dreessen, and Casey wouldn’t already add… and he doesn’t specialize for this team, in ways that Hill (potentially) should. Hill, if healthy, brings a different type of player, for a different type of situation.

Now, I’m not saying I would personally agree with everything I’ve posted up there, but I did attempt to see things from Koobs’ and Phillips’ points of view, to make sense of things from "their perspective" as well as a strategic one, while I was attempting to lay this all out.

Braman has shown potential, albeit in a very small sample. But edge rushers are highly valuable in this system, and the five I listed might all be worthy of keeping around. Adibi has only been effective over the small sample length of time that Braman has, to be quite honest. And, as I noted, I think Reed and Sharpton (plus the entire numbers game) might ultimately stand in Adibi’s way as far as making the team. To be fair, I do see the possibility of Adibi prospering for us, and soon. So, again, we’ll see.

Agreed on Ogbonnaya and Tate, but Slaton’s career effectively ended with an injury, back in 2009. He is not the same player we grew to love, pre 2009. No reason to pretend that he is, or ever will be (I just hope there’s an Al Davis out there, who does). I still have serious concerns about how Tate’s injury affects his future, as well. I’m not dealing with promise, or potential, or who’s better at 100% health. There is a regular season game against Indy in a few short weeks. Koobz is going to dress the RBs who are most ready to play. Tate has missed plenty of time already. He’ll certainly have to start displaying some durability, at the very least.

Bulman and Jamison are DEs in Wade’s defense. I’m not sure why you chose to compare them against Bryan Braman.

I will definitely agree with you, on Damione Lewis.

I also agree that it’s an extreme long shot, for Mr. Scooter Berry to make the team. Of course, with teams around the league facing cut deadlines, there will probably be players both leaving and arriving, before the end of preseason. So, I dare say no one will ever hit one of these “53 man projections” perfectly. But, for example, when I looked to add the 53rd player, I saw the need for DL depth. And Wade, like Koobz, tends to like players who are multidimensional and interchangeable, as much as possible. I admit to knowing next to nothing about Scooter Berry, and don’t honestly have delusions that he’ll make this team. But in this instance, he’s merely a placeholder for a team need (DL depth) for the purpose of filling our roster at that position. And I expect he’d be able to offer more versatility on Wade’s DL than either Bulman or Jamison, though that is blatant speculation talking, of course, and nothing more.

The roster here, on BRB, actually has Berry listed as a ‘DT’. Nose Tackle would probably make more sense than DE, because he is apparently 6’1" 285, and good NTs are often short and stout… DEs, not so much. Maybe your source is more accurate, and maybe not, but 6’1" does make me think of him as a NT [nominally] rather than a DE.

I hope all of this gives you more insight into what I’ve presented here. Cheers.

by Cut Block on Aug 18, 2011 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm getting my roster info from the main site.

I figure that’s the most accurate place for who’s where on the team even if they are behind at time’s for updates.

I hear what you’re saying on Adibi but he’s right behind Ryans, and with Ryans and Cushing coming off either injuries or surgery he’s shown to be a capable fill in for either one. And according to Kubiak he’s been pretty impressive in TC this year. Moving him inside may reignite his career as well as add some real nice depth along with Sharpton.

I know the two Tim’s are listed as DE’s but we will go to a 4 man front like we did against the Jets so keeping one of the two to help rotation and depth will be important there. We get rid of both of them all of a sudden there is nobody behind Watt and Smith and Braman and Reed, as OLB, aren’t exactly big.Especially Braman at 230. We’d be pretty light and teams would be willing to run on us because of that. We probably won’t keep both but one of the two.

I think it’s going to come down to Braman and Friday for that last spot for depth at LB. Although Braman is the pass rush specialist and Friday is the more versatile LB since he plays the strong side.

I’d agree on Slaton but I don’t think he’s done and I’m not sure Kubiak will just cut him if he can’t trade him like has been speculated. Even with Chris O’s game he’s still going to be behind him if we go with 4.

Of course if we go with 3 then yes I believe Slaton will be cut assuming Tate stays healthy and shows the potential we hope he has.

Prediction: 11-5 AFC South champions.

by Ethan Matz on Aug 18, 2011 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions

The team site is one arm of the ‘department of propoganda’. Pancakes is the other arm. I’d trust Yahoo, or NFL.com first. Or, especially, BRB. Then again, nothing is written in stone, at this time of year. There is always a competition, and unforseen winners. Guys get tested at new roles, and often times, even switch back to their original, once camp/preseason is over. Considering that this defense is undergoing scheme change, everything is muddled in its appearance, especially to outsiders like us.

So, on that note, keep an eye on the depth chart, but recognize how quickly it can be changed.

Though, I don’t entirely disagree with most of your points. Slaton would be the big one. I’ve seen enough backs come out of nowhere under Koobs’ tutelage. He’s not going to be sentimental, once it comes time to part with damaged goods. We just need someone to push them (Slaton) out. Slate has less chance of making this team than Ogbonnaya, because Oggy can at least promise health and durability over a 16-20 game season. It would take a big injury to Oggy to help Slate, at this juncture. Or a sustained show of competence, and fitness, by Slaton himself. I’m not holding my breath for either scenario.

Koobz will definitely cut Slaton, because we can’t wait forever. He’s already had like a million second chances. It hasn’t worked out, and there are guys like Ward and Oggy, who are getting reps (knocking on wood with Ward) and displaying their effectiveness.

Slate isn’t getting traded, either. What has he shown?

My 53 isn’t thin at SOLB. There would always be Barwin, Mario, Cushing, and Reed, who could all easily fit there, if needed. Reed has the right build for the strongside, in fact that’s what they claim to have drafted him for.

You may be right about Friday. As for Braman, he is listed at 6’5" 230 (and he does look really lanky) but actual weights tend to fluctuate much more rapidly than roster/propoganda updates ever do. Either way, I wouldn’t personally have a big problem with seeing Braman line up strongside. He’s a big man.

I’d keep as many guys with edge rushing value, as possible. Ryans and Cushing might be in recovery, but again, we still have Reed and Sharpton who could play inside. And it will always be easier to find ILBs off the street, than it will be to find capable edge rushers.

As for the DEs, Mario and Barwin are supposedly our #1 DEs in Nickel and Dime sets.
Watt, Antonio, and Damione can/will jump inside to DT on those downs (they will be swingmen, in those situations). Mario and Barwin can also spell them at 3-4 DE, in dire straights. It’s also why I wanted another guy who can play both NT and DE (hello, Scooter), because Mitchell and Cody would be also effective, as DEs, if we still needed extra.

We need to keep as much talent as possible. We are the win-now Houston Texans, after all. We appear to already have plenty of versatile depth. Bulman and Jamison are strictly DEs IMO. I wouldn’t expect them to play NT or OLB very well. Maybe they’d be serviceable at DT on four man lines, but so can six other guys who are almost guaranteed to make this team.

That’s how I see it, but I’m not Smithillupsoobz. I might have gone too thin on the DL. I certainly couldn’t have gone any thinner.

by Cut Block on Aug 19, 2011 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Yahoo? You trust Yahoo?

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Aug 20, 2011 3:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Yahoo's fact checking can be abysmal.

But I’d trust anything, before I’ll trust a roster listed on a particular team’s site.

by Cut Block on Aug 20, 2011 7:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Not sure how the Texans official depth chart is propaganda.

Yahoo just copies the depth chart from the official website except with fewer players listed.Otherwise they are the exact same.

And NFL.com still has last years depth chart listed.

Edge rushers are always good to have but if we can’t stop the run they aren’t much use. A key part of this pass defense is the ability of the front 7 to stop the run without a safety in the box. We already saw a glimpse against the Jets when they popped off that 19 yard run. Having ILB that can effectively play the run will be important.. Also having guys that won’t get pushed around on running downs will be important.

Reed is already making the switch to SOLB and it doesn’t look like he’ll be expected to be play much if any ILB. I also doubt Cushing is going to be used outside much either. He and Demeco are going to be the guys expected to make the tackles on running plays inside and outside. 100 tackles are expected from them just like what we see in the Pats or Ravens 3-4 defenses.

And their is no way Mario will be at SLOB. That’ the LB that will have to cover maybe 50% of the time. Mario is not going to be put into that position. He might switch sides for confusion but he’s not a SOLB.

And just because the Tim’s might be strictly DE doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be quality depth there. It’s important this front have a decent rotation and I think one of those two is going to be kept for that reason. Jamison made a beautiful play on the reverse the Jets ran Monday with his ability to get through the line and make a play in the backfield.

Prediction: 11-5 AFC South champions.

by Ethan Matz on Aug 20, 2011 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions

I think any team’s “official” depth chart should be taken with a grain of salt, but because of who we have in charge, I’m especially leery of trickery. I understand that some sites tend to rely on what a team site spits out. Others can be more objective, at times. Don’t take my word for it, though.

Don’t be fooled by my grandiose ideas of going thin at certain positions, due to the fact that many of our players are talented enough, on paper, to jump around on cue. Things should be this easy. Again, I can definitely see things your way.

Then again, it’s all possible, too. I expect more combinations than you’re giving Wade credit for. What will you say, if Braman (for example), proves to be effective against the run? His listed weight isn’t the be all, end all. Run stopping isn’t a huge emphasis for 3-4 OLBs, anyway. Teams will attack us up the middle, more often than not. But let’s say he does prove effective. Then what? Would you keep him, along with the other OLBs I listed?

by Cut Block on Aug 20, 2011 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Well I'm not saying Wade won't be diverse with his players.

I expect guys in the front 7 to play several different spots but they will be in the spot they are most effective most of the time. Demeco and Cushing will be in the middle the majority of the time. Reed and Barwin will be OLB in base and the DE most of the time on obvious passing downs when we go nickel.

But I don’t see Cushing moving to the SOLB or WOLB much this year. The coaches have already said they believe he’s best blitzing from the middle and I agree with that. Same for Demeco. Reed will rarely if ever be put in the middle. He and Barwin are outside players and playing inside would really put them out of position.

As far as Braman, we can downplay 230 but for a OLB in the 3-4 you have to be able to hold your ground on the line of scrimmage. Many TE’s weigh more than that and it’s not much heavier than some RB’s. His ability to play the run wasn’t seen much Monday because the Jets just sat back and threw with Greg so I’m not sure how well he really can play the run yet. I still see him most likely ending up on the practice squad and developing more because I doubt he’s going to be a huge contributor on defense.

That could change after the Saints game but I have to see more from him against better players.

Prediction: 11-5 AFC South champions.

by Ethan Matz on Aug 20, 2011 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, even if he truly is deficient versus the run, if we cut him he’ll get gobbled up by some other 3-4 team, so long as he keeps mangling QBs. It’s going to make for some tough calls, as always.

by Cut Block on Aug 20, 2011 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions