Official Texans @ Cowboys Thread, 08/22/2008

[Keith]

Originally Posted by barrett

drop Anthony Weaver into coverage repeatedly for some reason.

Reason = no chance at getting into the backfield.

Weaver is wasting a roster spot.

I'm really starting to hate this scheme. I haven't been much on the 'fire Smith' bandwagon, in part because this had been a developing defense, but not anymore.

The schemes just aren't any good. It doesn't help that the team needs another DE, WLB, and FS, but they should be better than they are with what they have already. Smith's zone crap is really starting to bug the hell out of me.

[popanot]

I've thought the Smith hiring was wrong when it happened and have been calling for his head for 3 years now. It's ridiculous to have this young of a defense with this many high picks and constantly be abused like they are. It's not talent or age at this point. They should have hired Bates instead of Smith when they had the chance, or, hired Gregg Williams and canned Smith's arse before TC. The DC and RB situations are going to be the downfall of Kubiak, IMO. As for RB, I can't figure out why the hell they can't get serious about it. Most teams have 2 RB's better than any of ours, although, I hope Slaton turns that around. TBD....

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by popanot

They should have hired Bates instead of Smith when they had the chance, or, hired Gregg Williams and canned Smith's arse before TC.

Ok I was on the hire Bates bandwagon back when they where putting the staff together. But his attitude 2yrs ago and his production last year in Denver have made me rethink that move. Just leave it at Denver's defense was worse than ours last year, and Bates was canned.

I will give Smith the season, well at least a few games, before calling for his head.

[popanot]

Originally Posted by painekiller

Ok I was on the hire Bates bandwagon back when they where putting the staff together. But his attitude 2yrs ago and his production last year in Denver have made me rethink that move. Just leave it at Denver's defense was worse than ours last year, and Bates was canned.

I will give Smith the season, well at least a few games, before calling for his head.

Bates may or may not have been successful here, I don't know. But he was certainly the best qualified guy available when we were looking. Both Bates and Williams are known for their attitude, but most great DCs have an attitude or edge to them. Anyway, I won't be surprised if a change is made at DC during the season. Perhaps the Rhodes signing was the first step.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by popanot

Perhaps the Rhodes signing was the first step.

I dunno, but wouldn't you expect Frank Bush be the guy to replace Smith if they make a change at DC ?

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

I dunno, but wouldn't you expect Frank Bush be the guy to replace Smith if they make a change at DC ?

I don't know that either of those guys would be the answer. Bush's d-line hasn't exactly been world beaters, and I was under the impression that, due to health reasons, Rhodes was here primarily in an advisory role. I also would prefer to stay away from his zone heavy scheme.

You'd think if Smith does get fired someone like Johnny Holland would be the candidate to replace him. He has a very solid reputation. He also turned down the opportunity to be Sherman's d-coordinator to stay here in Houston in the NFL ranks. I think he is a prime candidate for a promotion, and if we're not the ones to do it another team will be. Another person, in-house, might be John Hoke who has worked magic in the secondary for the past couple of seasons.

[Nconroe]

Thanks Keith for your drive by drive review and analysis of the third preseason practice game.

While we had a rough start to the game, we seemed to have a good chance at winning the game at the end, and we got to analyze a lot of fairly young players in a new scenarios compared to prior times in this training camp. Some real hitting was going on this game.

I guess we'll see, I still think this year will be our best ever, and pretty good chance to get into the playoffs. Funny tasting coolaid.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by Keith

Smith's zone crap is really starting to bug the hell out of me.

I don't get this at all. We have seen a lot of zone stuff to think that's his "defensive philosophy." But, from what the coaches say, the zone stuff is a reaction to the talent on the field and not the true scheme they want to run. They sign Jacques Reeves because he is supposedly made for man-to-man, press defense. They also hired Ray Rhodes, who's known for his zone scheme.

So, they're definitely sending out mixed signals here. You've had three years to get "your personell" in place, so if your intention is to run man, the time is now. But, not only are you still running out there with zone stuff, you hired a coach who's career philosophy has been zone. Things just aren't adding up.

There's two possible explanations. One, this "it's just preseason" stuff is legitimate, and we will see a drastic turnaround come the regular season. Or, historical precedent holds true, and Richard Smith is the incompetent coordinator his tenure has shown he is. I certainly hope the former is the case, but I'm not holding my breath.