ATRAIN
06-23-2008, 11:02 AM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3452045
Improved running game shaping up for Texans
Injuries slowed Ahman Green in 2007, but now healthy and behind a revamped offensive line, Green should return to his Pro Bowl form.
Gary Kubiak is ready for the Texans to make their first true playoff run, and the key word is run. Kubiak hired blocking guru Alex Gibbs to revamp the offensive line and install his athletic, attacking zone-blocking scheme. Though much of the success of the running offense depends on the health of veteran running back Ahman Green, the early reviews of the transition along the line are good.
What we learned from minicamp
The offensive line is set to get younger and better at the expense of a few veterans. First-round pick Duane Brown moved ahead of veteran Ephraim Salaam, and Salaam wasn't too happy about the move. Most teams considered Brown a second-round pick, but Gibbs can usually take non first-round talents and turn them into solid blockers. Athletically, Brown fits perfectly in Gibbs' scheme. It also helps that he will be working next to left guard Chester Pitts, who has been a mentor to Brown. Chris Myers, acquired from the Broncos, has taken over at center. Mike Brisiel is holding down the right guard spot until veteran Fred Weary is healthy. Eric Winston is set at right tackle. The members of Gibbs' retooled line have an average age of 25, and he has veterans available to replace them in case they fail.
The Ryan Effect
NFL.com Video
DeMeco Ryans explains his every-down demeanor and how it has rubbed off on his teammates.
Finally, the Texans have options along the line. No longer are they going to patch the line with veteran free agents as they did the past season. The Texans felt so good about their depth that they released veteran tackle Jordan Black, whom they signed to a two-year, $3.4 million contract last year. The running options have also improved. Green is the starter. Chris Brown is a more athletic replacement as the backup instead of departed Ron Dayne. Steve Slaton, the team's third-round choice, could be a sleeper. On paper, this is the best the running offense has looked in the history of the franchise.
Still unresolved
The Texans have to figure out a plan at cornerback until Dunta Robinson returns from reconstructive knee surgery, and they appear to have everything covered. Robinson may miss the first six games of the season, which is more optimistic than the original plan of a November return. Jacques Reeves was given a five-year, $20 million contract to be the insurance policy, but he will have to be the No. 1 cornerback going into the season. Fred Bennett, who's coming off a good rookie season, will start on the other side. Third-round choice Antwaun Molden might be too raw to be the third cornerback, but veteran DeMarcus Faggins is still around if needed. Molden had a solid minicamp.
The loss of Robinson was a big blow. He was developing into one of the top corners in the AFC, and good cornerback play is needed in this conference and particularly in this division. What is encouraging is the pass rush looks good with the improvements along the defensive line, particularly defensive end Mario Williams.
Injury analysis
The biggest concerns are Robinson, who is on schedule for an October return, and tackle Charles Spencer, who seems to be nowhere close to coming back from two missed seasons because of knee problems. Guard Fred Weary needed a scope as he continues to rehabilitate his fractured leg and may not be ready for the start of camp. But he should be ready for the regular season and has a chance to compete for the starting job at right guard.
Halfback Ahman Green had a good offseason because he didn't push his recovery from knee problems. Wide receiver Andre Johnson looked good after having a couple of knee procedures in the past year. Halfback Chris Taylor is coming off ACL surgery and was active at camp. The best news is that quarterback Matt Schaub is showing no ill effects from the injury to his nonthrowing shoulder last season.
Biggest sign of optimism
Kubiak cited defensive tackle Amobi Okoye as having the team's best offseason. That took some doing. Defensive end Mario Williams, motivated by not being selected to the Pro Bowl last season, was unblockable in OTAs and minicamp. To beat out Williams for that praise says a lot for Okoye's spring. All of a sudden, the Texans have an inside-outside threat along the defensive line that might remind opponents of the Warren Sapp-Simeon Rice days in Tampa Bay. The Texans have the makings of a great defensive line. Travis Johnson and Anthony Weaver should be free to draw single blocking because of Williams and Okoye, which could make them more effective.
If the Texans can generate a great pass rush, it will make the transition in the secondary a lot easier. The Texans had only 31 team sacks last season, 14 by Williams. That number has to increase. The Texans signed former Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin Monday to help on third downs and rush the quarterback.
Training camp start date: July 25
Improved running game shaping up for Texans
Injuries slowed Ahman Green in 2007, but now healthy and behind a revamped offensive line, Green should return to his Pro Bowl form.
Gary Kubiak is ready for the Texans to make their first true playoff run, and the key word is run. Kubiak hired blocking guru Alex Gibbs to revamp the offensive line and install his athletic, attacking zone-blocking scheme. Though much of the success of the running offense depends on the health of veteran running back Ahman Green, the early reviews of the transition along the line are good.
What we learned from minicamp
The offensive line is set to get younger and better at the expense of a few veterans. First-round pick Duane Brown moved ahead of veteran Ephraim Salaam, and Salaam wasn't too happy about the move. Most teams considered Brown a second-round pick, but Gibbs can usually take non first-round talents and turn them into solid blockers. Athletically, Brown fits perfectly in Gibbs' scheme. It also helps that he will be working next to left guard Chester Pitts, who has been a mentor to Brown. Chris Myers, acquired from the Broncos, has taken over at center. Mike Brisiel is holding down the right guard spot until veteran Fred Weary is healthy. Eric Winston is set at right tackle. The members of Gibbs' retooled line have an average age of 25, and he has veterans available to replace them in case they fail.
The Ryan Effect
NFL.com Video
DeMeco Ryans explains his every-down demeanor and how it has rubbed off on his teammates.
Finally, the Texans have options along the line. No longer are they going to patch the line with veteran free agents as they did the past season. The Texans felt so good about their depth that they released veteran tackle Jordan Black, whom they signed to a two-year, $3.4 million contract last year. The running options have also improved. Green is the starter. Chris Brown is a more athletic replacement as the backup instead of departed Ron Dayne. Steve Slaton, the team's third-round choice, could be a sleeper. On paper, this is the best the running offense has looked in the history of the franchise.
Still unresolved
The Texans have to figure out a plan at cornerback until Dunta Robinson returns from reconstructive knee surgery, and they appear to have everything covered. Robinson may miss the first six games of the season, which is more optimistic than the original plan of a November return. Jacques Reeves was given a five-year, $20 million contract to be the insurance policy, but he will have to be the No. 1 cornerback going into the season. Fred Bennett, who's coming off a good rookie season, will start on the other side. Third-round choice Antwaun Molden might be too raw to be the third cornerback, but veteran DeMarcus Faggins is still around if needed. Molden had a solid minicamp.
The loss of Robinson was a big blow. He was developing into one of the top corners in the AFC, and good cornerback play is needed in this conference and particularly in this division. What is encouraging is the pass rush looks good with the improvements along the defensive line, particularly defensive end Mario Williams.
Injury analysis
The biggest concerns are Robinson, who is on schedule for an October return, and tackle Charles Spencer, who seems to be nowhere close to coming back from two missed seasons because of knee problems. Guard Fred Weary needed a scope as he continues to rehabilitate his fractured leg and may not be ready for the start of camp. But he should be ready for the regular season and has a chance to compete for the starting job at right guard.
Halfback Ahman Green had a good offseason because he didn't push his recovery from knee problems. Wide receiver Andre Johnson looked good after having a couple of knee procedures in the past year. Halfback Chris Taylor is coming off ACL surgery and was active at camp. The best news is that quarterback Matt Schaub is showing no ill effects from the injury to his nonthrowing shoulder last season.
Biggest sign of optimism
Kubiak cited defensive tackle Amobi Okoye as having the team's best offseason. That took some doing. Defensive end Mario Williams, motivated by not being selected to the Pro Bowl last season, was unblockable in OTAs and minicamp. To beat out Williams for that praise says a lot for Okoye's spring. All of a sudden, the Texans have an inside-outside threat along the defensive line that might remind opponents of the Warren Sapp-Simeon Rice days in Tampa Bay. The Texans have the makings of a great defensive line. Travis Johnson and Anthony Weaver should be free to draw single blocking because of Williams and Okoye, which could make them more effective.
If the Texans can generate a great pass rush, it will make the transition in the secondary a lot easier. The Texans had only 31 team sacks last season, 14 by Williams. That number has to increase. The Texans signed former Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin Monday to help on third downs and rush the quarterback.
Training camp start date: July 25