Barber Made the Starting SS?

[Keith]

Yes, he began working with the first team more almost a week ago now.

From Kubiak on 8/11:

(on S Dominique Barber getting reps with the first team defense) "Yeah, we're just trying to give reps to guys we see earning those type of reps, and Dominique has had that kind of camp, and we're going to give those guys opportunities. I tell the starters all the time, when we call the first group out here, we have 22 guys who step out on the field, but all 22 of them have to prove that they belong there every day. So Dominique is pushing (S) Nick (Ferguson) right now, but Nick will respond. Nick's a pro, so it'll be a heck of a battle. Just impressed with how much progress Dominique has made."

(on whether S Dominique Barber covers more ground at safety than past Texans safeties) "Well, to me, that comes from playing a bunch. Guys that really know what's going on, smart to schemes, smart to routes, those are the guys who cover the most ground. And (S) Nick (Ferguson) has seen routes for many, many years. Dominique, not so many, so I think he's going to only get better."

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/St...?story_id=5446

[NBT]

I like it, Barber is going to be a good safety for a long time.

[papabear]

I knew Barber was working with the first team...but I didn't take it as a lock. It sounded more like a reward for some solid work by Barber with the chance to entrench himself as the starter.

...It would be nice if one of those late round safeties we always take finally pans out.