The upcoming Tennessee game (12-14-08)

[barrett]

Originally Posted by sinnister

The way you make it out, Okam must be not do anything. You say he doesnt practice hard...Show me a quote where Kubs has said this. The only thing I have heard Kubiak say concerning Okam and where he was as a player was that he had a lot to learn. As for Fred Bennett, he started after Duanta Robinson when he was injured. As I remember, it was after that Kubiak made a statement about he should have probably played him more, but he felt like Petey was "better" at the time. I will see if I can find the quote, or maybe someone else can provide that.

This is becoming pointless. You think Okam is lazy, and he may be. I don't know that. If he is as lazy as you are making him out, then he should be cut; however, I doubt he is as bad as the rap he is getting.

What conclusion do you draw from the fact that he continues to get passed on the depth chart by guys like Nading, Zgoniga, and Robinson? The Texans staff has no reason to like these guys and has more invested in Okam than any of them (5th round pick). If he can't beat out any of these guys it should tell all of us everything we need to know about how good he is right now. Maybe he EARNS time next year and turns a corner in becoming a player, but every conceivable sign points to no right now.

[kravix]

I am not gonna look up the quotes but Kubiak did say he wished he had played Walter and Diles earlier, and yes it because of the way the practiced and played in the little time they saw. I am not sure about Bennet, as I think he made the field more due to DRobs injury, as we dont seem to quick to roll out rookie CB over a vet no matter how bad their play.

I havent seen any negative remarks about Okam that may not have been said about Moulden, usually it is along the lines of having a long way to go, or alot to learn, or needs to practice better, or really step up blah blah blah... I would like to see the quote from Kubes saying Okam is a fat lazy slob and the only reason he is still on the team is because McNair wants to give the UT fans that bailed with VY some reason to watch the Texans.

Also Kubiaks remarks about playing players earlier typically only came after the players got on the field for an extended time and everyone says hey why was this guy sitting so long, or WTF are you thinking (in the case of Walter for almost all his first year as a starter).

As for Okam beating out Zgonina or Robinson.. Well one is acient and can at least make up for that with his experience and the other is playing well atm but it is his second year and the entire def is playing like we stole them from another team.

Look at TJ, his first 2-3 years everyone said he was lazy and unmotivated, maybe he was, or maybe he just didnt get it until sometime last year. Now he has one of the best motors on the DL and chases every play. DL is a hard spot to play and the more they think the worse their play is and slower they seem. Add in the fact that Okam is a rookie and a big guy and even though he isnt playing I am sure conditioning is a huge factor, almost every rookie has them from about halfway through camp till the end of the year.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by kravix

I am not gonna look up the quotes but Kubiak did say he wished he had played Walter and Diles earlier, and yes it because of the way the practiced and played in the little time they saw. I am not sure about Bennet, as I think he made the field more due to DRobs injury, as we dont seem to quick to roll out rookie CB over a vet no matter how bad their play.

I havent seen any negative remarks about Okam that may not have been said about Moulden, usually it is along the lines of having a long way to go, or alot to learn, or needs to practice better, or really step up blah blah blah... I would like to see the quote from Kubes saying Okam is a fat lazy slob and the only reason he is still on the team is because McNair wants to give the UT fans that bailed with VY some reason to watch the Texans.

Also Kubiaks remarks about playing players earlier typically only came after the players got on the field for an extended time and everyone says hey why was this guy sitting so long, or WTF are you thinking (in the case of Walter for almost all his first year as a starter).

As for Okam beating out Zgonina or Robinson.. Well one is acient and can at least make up for that with his experience and the other is playing well atm but it is his second year and the entire def is playing like we stole them from another team.

Look at TJ, his first 2-3 years everyone said he was lazy and unmotivated, maybe he was, or maybe he just didnt get it until sometime last year. Now he has one of the best motors on the DL and chases every play. DL is a hard spot to play and the more they think the worse their play is and slower they seem. Add in the fact that Okam is a rookie and a big guy and even though he isnt playing I am sure conditioning is a huge factor, almost every rookie has them from about halfway through camp till the end of the year.

This has all been my point the whole time. Okam is currently not good enough to play. He is a rookie at a tough position and he needs more time. But right now there are a number of young players who are better and belong on the field before him. I don't see how any of this is up for debate.

I have never said Okam is lazy, just that he does not practice well. This is clear from Kubiak's comments ("alot to learn about being a pro"), and from our current depth chart. I hope Okam learns, gets better, and EARNS playing time. I just think it is ridiculous to put him on the field right now ahead of guys who've earned it simply because he is young.