DB questions?

[painekiller]

After the last few weeks of play, we have all grown to question the decision to go young.

I have two main questions:

What happens to the defense if Jacques Reeves was not cut and we sign Al Harris? Reeves had issues, but he had experience and was a solid enough guy. And Al Harris would have brought a solid veteran player to work with the young guys.

And lastly how bad is Molden that he can not get any playing time on defense? He has been active for 8 games this year yet gets no snaps on defense. Anyone has to be better than McCain.

Are both of these indictments of David Gibbs and Ray Rhodes decisions?

[nunusguy]

I think it's safe to say at this point that the Texans decision to "go young" at DB (specifically corner-back), has at the very least turned out to be a bad strategy, and if the primary goal for this year was to make it to the playoffs post-2010 then maybe even worse ?
And yea, why not give Molden a shot at this point ? Or how about McManis, who I saw play last year in college vs Wisconsin and he was very impressive and the announcers described him as one of the best cover-corners in the Big 10.
I'm still puzzled about Jackson getting beat deep so frequently, and the questions about his deep speed ? He knocked out a ligit (official) 4.4-something at the Indy combine, so he should have adequate long-speed to cover on the deep-routes ?

[EndZoneSeats]

It's been a terrible decision and it's going to cost Kubiak his job.

[NBT]

Why Keep a player like Molden and pay him some pretty big bucks if you never intend to play him, or give him any on field trials? I have been asking myself lately whose decision that was? Was it young Gibbs? The last few minutes of the past two games have been sickening to watch as Quin, who was in on the misplay both times, got the goat of the game award. And what about the deep over the top support (or lack of), by the safties? Kubiak said in one of Bob Allen's (Ch 13) interviews, that the defense was two players from being where he wants the defense to be. Free safety has got to be numero uno, and maybe strong safety should be segundo? Never-the-less we are back to wait till next year and that burns me up.

[Fonz the Boss]

We saw Reeves play last year and I dont think he would have been of any help. I do agree that we should have at least signed Al Harris to tutor our young guys. I do believe KJ will turn into a corner that was worth a first round pick but in the meantime his learning curve is killing us.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by painekiller

After the last few weeks of play, we have all grown to question the decision to go young.

If the team makes a credible run for Asomugha or Sensabaugh or any other reliable veteran we will see a repudiation of this failed scheme.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by chuck

If the team makes a credible run for Asomugha or Sensabaugh or any other reliable veteran we will see a repudiation of this failed scheme.

So now your the one digging up old worn out threads?

[Keith]

Ugh, has this just been the dullest offseason.

Yeah, hopefully Wade Phillips has been able to come in here with no attachment to the players on the roster previously picked and coached by this team and just make a really honest assessment of the status of the secondary. And with any luck, Smith and Kubiak both are listening to and considering his input. Adding just one solid starter to the secondary could do wonders for the defense.

[NBT]

Dullsville for sure.

I hope you are right about Wade Phillips. I feel he is, but until he can get his players on the field we won't know for sure.

In the bidding war for F.A.'s to come, I am beginning to think the rarified atmosphere where Asomugha is, is just too high, especially if he wants a 4 or 5 year contract (with his 30 year old legs!). So I would hope that Jonathon Joseph, or Cromartie, or one of the other experienced CB's would come to the Texans.

[painekiller]

How do I see the backend of our defense playing out?

Based on the new info of our cap issues, I do not see top tier guys like Aso or Joseph coming here.

Best case would be: CB 1 Aso, CB 2 Jackson, nickle Harris, dime McCain
safeties = Weddle, Quin

Who I think we end up with: CB 1 Richard Marshall, CB2 Jackson, nickle Harris, dime McCain
safeties = Goldson, Quin

Worse case: CB1 Jason Allen, CB2 Jackson, Nickle McCain, dime Harris
safeties = Nolan and Quin

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by painekiller

How do I see the backend of our defense playing out?

Based on the new info of our cap issues, I do not see top tier guys like Aso or Joseph coming here.

Best case would be: CB 1 Aso, CB 2 Jackson, nickle Harris, dime McCain
safeties = Weddle, Quin

Who I think we end up with: CB 1 Richard Marshall, CB2 Jackson, nickle Harris, dime McCain
safeties = Goldson, Quin

Worse case: CB1 Jason Allen, CB2 Jackson, Nickle McCain, dime Harris
safeties = Nolan and Quin

Ok so my best case was never going to happen with Weddle getting $8MM, and Aso appearing to just be playing us.

Now what happened, is must better then I could have hoped for. Getting J Jo and Manning to go along with Quin and Jackson

This is the most DB talent that has been in Houston since the old Oilers existed. Jonathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, Brice McCain, Jason Allen, Antwaun Molden, Sherrick McManis, Brandon Harris and Roc Carmichael at CB. Danieal Manning, Glover Quin, Troy Nolan, Dominique Barber, Shiloh Keo and Torri Williams at safeties.

A side note to all this talent is our special teams should also be better.

We are going to be cutting some really good football players this season.

Thank you Bob McNair and Rick Smith.

[NBT]

I think the writing is on the wall for Molden. He has had 3+ years and just has not panned out. Couldn't get off of the training table. I am very encouraged about the secondary help we now have.

I was right about Aso, by the way.. I don't think any of us saw Manning coming to Houston a couple of days ago. But he did and much kudos to Smith, Phillips, and Vance Joseph for selling him on Houston.

I think Brandon Harrison will quickly establish his territory where Kareem Jackson once roamed.

JMHO

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by NBT

I think Brandon Harrison will quickly establish his territory where Kareem Jackson once roamed.

JMHO

I think Brandon Harris will become the nickle guy on the slot guy, a position he played well in college. From that position he has a knack for blitzing. And the trend of the NFL is less base defense and more nickle so he will be playing a lot.

[NBT]

So are you saying Kareem Jackson will retain the hold on his CB position? I think the young man would benefit from sitting on the bench and watching for awhile.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by NBT

So are you saying Kareem Jackson will retain the hold on his CB position? I think the young man would benefit from sitting on the bench and watching for awhile.

I did not address Jackson, I only addressed Harris. I am hoping that the Texans make everybody earn their playing time.

[NBT]

I know you didn't address Jackson. That's why I asked it as a question, not a declarative statement. Sorry if you took it wrong, PK.