[Speculation] Should the Texans Make a Trade for an Experienced (and Light) DE?

cadams · #1 01-23-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Two teams: Tennessee & Indy. Do you really think the Cardinals would be any better than third place in the AFC Central either ?
We can win 10 or 11 games (look at the Pats), but fail to make the playoffs if we can't atleast go 500 in our own division. What we have to do is consistantly split (or better) with those guys, so whatever that takes ?

Indy is going to take a step back nest year. Their defense has always been sub par, and they have a new coach who is going to implement a new system. I predict that indy is no better than a 9 win team next year. As for the titans, I am not all that worried about them next year either. Haynesworth will either leave or get a long term deal. If he leaves that defense will be in trouble, if he gets a long term deal I bet his motor slows down a bit. If their defense can't keep teams under 17 points they will have to rely on the pass a lot more than they will want to, and Collins won't have another season like the did this year (which really wasn't spectacular, just mostly mistake-free), and if VY ends up starting they will have a hard time making 9 wins as well.

I am not saying the Texans are one piece away yet, but I don't think the division will be as tough next year as you do. I actually think Jacksonville could bounce back some, those two defensive ends, who were rookies this season, should take steps forward this coming season.

da Bull · #2 01-23-2009, 01:12 PM

Just to stir the pot some. If I recall, Lance Lierlein commented in his blog that the Broncos had less than desirable defensive tackles. Since they're switching to a 3/4 maybe they could use a d-tackle drafted to play in the 3/4, such as Travis Johnson. Admittedly, he hasn't played up to his draft position but most of his career he's played in a 4/3 (Richard Smith's) which may not have schemed to his strengths. Also, Dumervil may not project to do as well in a stand-up position...could there be a win/win situation here?

HPF Bob · #3 01-23-2009, 02:42 PM

Well, except that a 3-4 DT is supposed to be a bloated hog who clogs up traffic. In fact, the primary purpose of the d-line in a 3-4 is be like those big concrete boulders they put in front of department stores to keep thieves from driving through the glass doors. If you get any pass rush from them, so much the better. While Travis Johnson hasn't supplied much of a pass rush, he hasn't exactly been an unmovable boulder either.

barrett · #4 01-23-2009, 03:13 PM

wasn't TJ drafted as a 3-4 DE? I know he wasn't taken to play NT.

papabear · #5 01-23-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrett

wasn't TJ drafted as a 3-4 DE? I know he wasn't taken to play NT.

Nope...pretty sure he was Supposed to play NT...which is why everyone was shocked when we drafted him. He was known more as a 1 gap type DT in college. IF we actually free up our lineman he should benefit. Could be a decent end in a 3-4 maybe. He is what he is at this point. average at best DT.

barrett · #6 01-23-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papabear

Nope...pretty sure he was Supposed to play NT...which is why everyone was shocked when we drafted him. He was known more as a 1 gap type DT in college. IF we actually free up our lineman he should benefit. Could be a decent end in a 3-4 maybe. He is what he is at this point. average at best DT.

I know he was a DT in college but I'm pretty sure he was not taken as a NT. The best I could find was this chronicle article from his first training camp.

"Defensive end Travis Johnson, who's learning both sides and moves inside to play tackle in a four-man front, is a work in progress. "

http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/ar...d=2005_3897218

This is exactly how I remember it. They drafted him and intended to make him a rotation player with Smith and Walker at 3-4 DE on 1st and 2nd down, and then moved him inside to DT a lot to replace Payne as a pass rusher on 3rd down.

Either way nobody ever saw Travis Johnson as a 3-4 nose, and nobody is going to now.

papabear · #7 01-23-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrett

Either way nobody ever saw Travis Johnson as a 3-4 nose, and nobody is going to now.

I seem to remember him as being a NT then too, but maybe it was just on passing downs. Then at least there was a chance he might grow into....now, no one would buy him being a 3-4 nose.