Rumor: Texans trying to Trade DJ

[chuck]

I tell you what, 2012 was a draft for the ages! Why, the Texans hauled in six guys who have actually seen the field on a fairly regular basis! None of them is particularly good, mind you, but at least they suited up and got on the field. That is a banner year for the Godfather.

[barrett]

Regime changes result in moves like this. Swearinger was a Kubiak/Phillips/Smith pick. He had a year to win this group over and he didn't. He played OK (created lots of turnovers but gave up big plays), but he also acted like an idiot. Now he is gone. It is not the least bit surprising.

NFL HCs like to have "their" guys. O'Brien appears to be taking 2-3 seasons to clean house instead of doing it all at once. In most places guys like Foster, AJ, Joseph would have been gone as soon as the new coach showed up. That and the lack of urgency at QB says O'Brien is super confident he has 4-5 years minimum. With McNair's slow trigger that is probably a safe assumption.

[HPF Bob]

I'm just waiting for 1) the vote of confidence McNair gives Rick Smith and 2) the cries of racism if he's ever fired.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

I'm just waiting for the cries of racism if he's ever fired.

Nice try, but no. If Quanell X happens to be a Texans fan he will join the conga line like everyone else.

[popanot]

Originally Posted by barrett

Regime changes result in moves like this. Swearinger was a Kubiak/Phillips/Smith pick. He had a year to win this group over and he didn't. He played OK (created lots of turnovers but gave up big plays), but he also acted like an idiot. Now he is gone. It is not the least bit surprising

I don't disagree with this. I just wish that if you're drafting a guy in the 2nd RD and then jettisoning him 2 years later, that he SOME redeemable value you can get in return (useable aging vet, 4th/5th/6th RD pick - something). This is all Smith, and I wish I could say I'm shocked McNair puts up with it.

Originally Posted by barrett

That and the lack of urgency at QB says O'Brien is super confident he has 4-5 years minimum. With McNair's slow trigger that is probably a safe assumption.

All he has to do is look at McNair's tolerance for incompetence at GM and past HC's to know he has a boatload of time. Finish average or above average and he has the golden goose in hand.

[Nconroe]

fwiw, I think DJ created the situation where he had to be let go , couldn't wait, once he sent out his texts.

Sounds like perhaps DJ started his own downfall last year during OTAs by not wanting to be on special teams.

I also think McNairs patience is a positive overall.

Now we need to replace our top 3 Safeties of last year who did fairly well, but are not back.

They surrendered only 19.6 points a game (7th best in 2014), were first in the NFL in takeaways with a safety position that created 6 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, 14 pass deflections and 1 touchdown.

[Nconroe]

And DJ claimed by Tampa Bay. If he can mature , he can be a solid contributor. Wish him well.

[chuck]

I'm not sure his problem is largely maturity. He plays a position where you need to tackle and he sucks at tackling.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by chuck

I'm not sure his problem is largely maturity. He plays a position where you need to tackle and he sucks at tackling.

Yep. He had limitations and strengths that would offset each other and make him a valuable in the box safety if he tackled. But he doesn't so every game he doesn't force a big turnover he is a minus.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Nconroe

Sounds like perhaps DJ started his own downfall last year during OTAs by not wanting to be on special teams.

I think that is exactly the 'straw that broke the camel's back' - this HC does not like entitlement. He believes that players have to earn their position on the team everyday. The past is not worth anything, it's what you contribute today.

For those who hadn't heard the story, the Texans were in a team meeting. The floor was then handed over to the Special Teams Coach to go over some things and a couple of players got up and left. O'Brien went outside to confront them by asking "Where the F*#K do you think you are going?" He didn't like the response, "We don't play on Special Teams." That pissed off the coach even more, "You don't play on Special Teams?!?" He couldn't believe that the Player was Telling Him where/when he played. "That's right, I am a Second Round Pick and I don't have to play Special Teams to make this roster."

So, essentially the Head Coach hates players who feel like they have their job in the bag and don't have to compete for it. He really isn't a big fan of complacency. So, you add that all up, and D. Swag is a Buc.

[chuck]

BOB is starting to grow on me.

[Warren]

Here's more on the story Roy talked about, with audio from O'Brien: http://www.houstonpress.com/news/dj-...-audio-7431332

[HPF Bob]

Curious if J.J. Watt had done that what O'Brien's reaction would have been? Of course, J.J. actually does play special teams (ask Cleveland's punter) so it's a moot point.

[barrett]

I can't imagine he cares that much if his top players play special teams. He cares if a player thinks it's up to them if they play special teams. NFL coaches are control freaks and any player that bows up to the new coach like that is an idiot.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Curious if J.J. Watt had done that what O'Brien's reaction would have been? Of course, J.J. actually does play special teams (ask Cleveland's punter) so it's a moot point.

If you listen to the audio, O'Brien's opinion was that JJ has been a exceptional player, but still acts as if nothing he has done in the past assures him. He continues to grow and develop into an even better player even though there is the opinion that he is the best player in the NFL.