Yardbarker: Zach Diles

Is The Texans Defense Actually Good?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:15:13 -0500

View full size photo uploaded November 2, 2009 As Tim alluded to in his postgame write up, the defense came to play last Sunday. Matt Schaub and Steve Slaton owe the defensive squad a few baskets of muffins for giving up only 7 points on three first quarter turnovers. While the Ryan Fitzpatrick led Bills are not exactly an offensive juggernaut, but allowing zero second half points is impressive against any NFL tea...

Open Thread: Houston Texans (2-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-1)

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:30:17 -0500

Game: Houston Texans (2-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-1) Series Leader: Cincinnati Bengals: 3-1 Streak: Texans won last game Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 2-1. Kubiak: 1-0 Broadcast: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Don Criqui, Randy Cross. SIRIUS: 154 (Hou.), 121 (Cin.). XM: 107 (Cin.). SB Nation: Battle Red Blog NFL.com: Game Center Weather: Sunny with a high of 54 degrees [Weather.com] Uniform: Orange Television Coverage: If the Bengals sellout, then southwest Ohio ...

Final Practice/Injury Report: Houston Texans (2-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-1). Brian Leonard listed as doubtful

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:38:52 -0500

Brian Leonard and Frostee Rucker each missed practice for the entire week due to injury; both are listed as doubtful. Marvin Lewis is very unlikely to active either player; in the past, when a player missed the entire week, for the most part, they didn't play that week. Quarterback Carson Palmer fully participated in practice even with a bum thumb on his non-throwing hand. Even though they participated in some form during practice, Tank Johnson and Roy Williams are listed as questiona...

IDP: 10 Fantasy Impact Rookies for 2009

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:05:31 -0500

Each year at least one explosive defensive rookie makes a name for himself, but generally it’s not until his second or third year that most mature enough or get enough regular playing time to really make an impact at the NFL level. In 2008, the New England Patriot’s, Jerod Mayo and the Atalnta Falcon’s, Curtis Lofton were exceptional rookie standouts. In 2007, it was San Francisco 49er, Patrick Willis. Willis has been the top IDP fantasy pick both seasons since his roo...

NFL SWOT Analysis: AFC South

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:51:00 -0500

Houston Texans

Strengths – The offense is better than advertised. The key is the role players that surround the four star players (Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels). Kevin Walters and Andre Davis play the "big target and home run threat" roles that keeps defenses honest on Johnson. Behind Slaton, Chris Brown and Ryan Moats will do the same in a "Thunder and Lightening" role coming off the bench. Schaub and Daniels have Aikman-Novacek potential that kills defenses on third down. On defense, the front seven is loaded with young talent. Mario Williams leads the charge with Amobi Okoye and Antonio Smith helping on the D-Line with defensive captain DeMeco Ryans playing the sideline-to-sideline MLB role.

Weaknesses – The DBs are still weak, and will continue to be the bane of this defense. Dunta Robinson should be back to his form before his near career-threatening injury. However, Jacques Reeves is out indefinitely with a broken leg. Deltha O'Neal was brought out of involuntary retirement, but is far from an answer. Center Chris Myers is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain (a worse injury than it sounds). While he is not a well known player, he ma be the most important cog of the zone-blocking scheme.

Opportunities – This is a no-name offensive line that is ready to make a name for themselves. If Myers can come back from his injury soon, and the guards step up, we could have a very strong team that could unseat the Titans for the division. At CB, Fred Bennett and Antuan Molden will team up to man the CB spot opposite Robinson. Bennett has more experience, but Molden has loads of potential. If Molden realizes that potential, he will take the starting spot and not let it go.

Threats – How different is Antonio Smith from Anthony Weaver? Both are probably better suited to be 3-4 DEs. The 4-3 didn't work out so well for Weaver, but Smith brings a lot of promise. Both Dunta Robinson and Owen Daniels are in stalemates with the front office on contract situations. Hopefully this doesn't undermine their production. They will both be playing for contracts, so this may be a good thing for the Texans this season.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – Duane Brown from Tony Boselli, fulfilling the promise that Boselli was supposed to bring to spark this franchise. Brown played great last season, and should build on that.

Position Battle – WLB: Zach Diles vs. Xavier Adibi. If Adibi can realize his potential, he could be special. Whoever wins the spot can rest assured the spotlight won't be on them with Ryans and Brian Cushing manning the other LB spots. Don't be surprised if Cato June works his way into this mix. At DT, Frank Okam could unseat Travis Johnson, who never reached his potential.

Rookie Contributor – Strong-side LB Brian Cushing should be the day one starter. He fills a huge hole that this team has had for a few years. Antoine Caldwell could get time early on in place of Chris Myers if he can fend off Chris White. Utility player Connor Barwin might get some pass rushing opportunities, as well as some time on offense as a blocking back or TE.

Indianapolis Colts

Strengths – Peyton Manning. You have to start with that name. The reigning MVP led an ailing team to a 12-4 record. With targets like Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark still playing at a high level, Manning shouldn’t have much of a problem approaching last year’s numbers. The offensive line, led by Tony Ugoh and Jeff Saturday, is back and healthy with depth that received valuable experience last year. On defense, a strong DE corps start with a fleet duo, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, who terrorize opposing backfields. The DBs can be great if they stay healthy. Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson form a good combination of CBs that can cover many kinds of receivers, and former defensive player of the year Bob Sanders teams up with Antoine Bethea at safety.

Weaknesses – RB Joseph Addai took a step back last year. Hopefully Donald Brown can provide a breath of fresh air. If Brown can considerably ease the load, Addai could get back to form. The game of musical chairs at OLB has led to inconsistency. Two players must emerge as the full time starters to build continuity and camaraderie with their counterparts.

Opportunities – Pierre Garcon and Roy Hall both have opportunities as the WR3 and WR4. Both boast a lot of untapped potential in different ways. Garcon is a home-run threat. Hall can create space and make catches in the middle. If neither step up, look for BYU’s Austin Collie to get some looks.

Threats – The D-Line is light and athletic. However, they can be easily overpowered. They drafted a DT in the 2nd round, but Fili Maola is more of what they already had. Why not draft a run-stopping DT, when that was a weakness for the team last year.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – Anthony Gonzalez from the departed Marvin Harrison as Manning’s new #3 target (behind Wayne and Clark). If Manning can utilize Gonzalez’s lightning speed to his advantage, DBs better get ready to give some cushion.

Position Battle – Both OLBs: Philip Wheeler and Clint Session are the front-runners, however Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler could make things interesting.

Rookie Contributor – RB Donald Brown, who could end up becoming the work-horse back of this team.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Strengths – Maurice Jones-Drew and Greg Jones are a couple of bright spots. Having them in the backfield together poses a dual threat to defenses as MJD can flat out outrun you, while Greg Jones can just flatten you. Rashean Mathis will shut down his share of #1 WRs. He won’t see many balls thrown his way. The defensive front seven is an underrated bunch with a healthy share of spotlight and role players, helping them fly low enough under the radar that they can be a surprise.

Weaknesses – This team does not look good. This was once a promising young team that was headed in the right direction. Now they are caught in a downward spiral. The WRs are a joke, regardless of Torry Holt’s arrival. David Garrard may not be good enough to cope.

Opportunities – With Fred Taylor gone, MJD has the ball all to himself (for now). If he can prove to be durable and the backups can spell him from time to time, he could put up gargantuan numbers.

Threats – Through the draft and free agency the team added depth to the offensive line, however several of the starters are coming off major injuries. If the injuries mount on the line again, stick a fork in this team. If MJD isn’t able to handle the entire load and the running game suffers, the passing game will suffer even more.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – The Head Coaching job from Jack Del Rio to an interim coach, if the team continues on this downward spiral.

Position Battle – DE: Reggie Hayward vs. Derrick Harvey. As much as the coaching staff likes Hayward, Harvey must work his way onto the field.

Rookie Contributor – RB Rashad Jennings. He was one of my steals of the draft. Don’t be surprised if he’s the RB2. He’s a big back with speed, he just played on a small level. CB Derek Cox and WRs Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard could get some looks early.

Tennessee Titans

Strengths – Tennessee has one of the most potent running attacks in the league. Chris Johnson will have high expectations after his superb rookie year. A now svelte LenDale White is ready to prove that he deserves his share of the carries. They run behind the best set of bookend OTs in the game in Michael Roos and David Stewart. On Defense, the Titans have a great second-level defense led by OLBs Keith Bullock and David Thornton. Cortland Finnegan came into his own last season as one of the top CBs in the league. Michael Griffin and Chris hope team up to form one of the best safety tandems in the league.

Weaknesses – While the team tried to upgrade its WRs, they still need to prove they can produce on the field. This has been one of the weakest bunch of WRs in the league since Derrick Mason left the team. The defense lacks a true edge rusher. Jevon Kearse is not that guy. Vanden Bosch gets in the backfield based on his non-stop motor, but is in it alone. Could Jason Jones move outside?

Opportunities – With Albert Haynesworth in Washington, the task at DT falls on the shoulders of Tony Brown, Jason Jones and newcomer Jovan Haye. Keep an eye on Haye. He is a sleeper, and could be the top DT on this club at season’s end. Sen’Derrick Marks could get some time based on his size and run-stopping ability. Rookie WR Kenny Britt needs to mature early and get on the field. The team could use his playmaking ability.

Threats – Vince Young is a head-case living in a fantasy world. How long before he becomes the kind of distraction that negatively affects the team?

Passing/Receiving the Torch – Not many ready to pass. Eventually, Kevin Mawae will have to pass his torch to Leroy Harris.

Position Battle – QB2: Vince Young vs. Patrick Ramsey. After last night’s preseason game, Ramsey is in the lead. The team will give Young every opportunity, but at what point to you give up on him?

Rookie Contributor – Possibly WR Kenny Britt. Possibly DT Sen’Derrick Marks. However, keep an eye on Jared Cook at TE. He has the talent and athletic ability to be something special in the league.

Texans To Have A 3-Way Battle At Outside LB

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:04:50 -0500

Texans second-year LB Xavier Adibi, recovering Zach Diles and newcomer Cato June are expected to slug it out for the third starting spot alongside...

Texans To Have A 3-Way Battle At Ouside LB

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:04:50 -0500

Texans second-year LB Xavier Adibi, recovering Zach Diles and newcomer Cato June are expected to slug it out for the third starting spot alongside...

Texans’ Adibi Battling For Job

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:29:40 -0500

Houston Texans linebacker Xavier Adibi has reportedly been packing on the pounds, in a good way, to boost his chances of winning a starting job at weakside linebacker. Adibi has bulked up from 220 pounds to 240 pounds as he tries to beat out former starter Zach Diles, who’s recuperating from a broken leg, and veteran [...]

Texans Hosting Free Agent OLB Cato June On Tuesday

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:36:20 -0500

The Houston Texans are bringing in Free Agent OLB Cato June for a visit today. June would provide depth behind Xavier Adibi and Zach Diles, both of...

Texans Hosting Free Agent OLB Cato June On Tuesday

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:38:47 -0500

The Houston Texans are bringing in Free Agent OLB Cato June for a visit today. June would provide depth behind Xavier Adibi and Zach Diles, both of...

Cowboys Survive Texans 23-22 Friday Night At Texas Stadium

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:05:32 -0500

The Cowboys finally won a preseason game this year, thanks to the Texans' Jacoby Jones dropping a 2-pt. conversion pass from QB Sage Rosenfels allowing Dallas to hold on to a slim 23-22 victory.? Even after the failed attempt, it took another Texans mistake to seal the game for Dallas.? With just under two minutes left, Dallas was facing a 3rd-and-11 from their own 23-yard line when QB Brad Johnson was sacked going back to pass.? Houston had called their final timeout just before the play, so if Dallas could just get a first down, the game would be over.? Houston was called for holding on the play, giving the Cowboys an automatic first down and they were then able to run-out the clock to preserve the victory. While Dallas did look impressive at times in the first half, they also?had some terrible turnovers that made the game much closer than it should have been.? Romo, who ended the day?15-of-19 for 166 yards?with one touchdown and one interception, missed some plays to Terrell Owens he?should have made and the pick in the red zone was very costly, leading to a touchdown for the Texans.? Marion Barber was impressive, as was the first team offensive line overall, with?75-yards rushing and a TD.? The scariest play in the game, however, was on a kick-off return by Isaiah Stanback, who made a nice return, but Texans WR Harry Williams collided head-to-chest with one of his own players and remained motionless on the field for several minutes.? He eventually was led off the field on a stretcher and kept completely immobilized.? It was later learned he had full movement of his arms and legs and is expected to make a full recovery.? Just a reminder to us all how dangerous the game can be. As for Stanback, he made a good return on that play, but at the start of the second half, he fumbled the kick-off giving the Texans great field postion, making the second turnover of the game for Dallas.? All totalled, the Texans received 13 points from Dallas turnovers, making this game much closer than it should ever have been.?? Stanback also suffered a shoulder injury on the tackle and wouldn't return to the game.? The Cowboys moved the ball practically at will during the first and second quarters, only stopping themselves on the Romo interception, while the Texans struggled offensively at first.? Matt Schaub was not throwing the ball well and the running game, behind mostly second-team RB's, was getting stuffed.? But after the Zach Diles interception in their own endzone, the Texans marched 80-yards quite handily to tie the game at 10 all.? Dallas responded with a nice drive of their own resulting in a 1-yard MBIII touchdown run and got a Nick Folk field goal just before the half after a good two-minute drill, to get to a ?20-10 half-time score. Although it was rumored that Romo and company would play deep into the third quarter, he and several others such as T.O., Witten, Barber?and Crayton?did not return after the half, but the first team OL and Brad Johnson took over.? After a decent drive following the Texans field-goal off the Stanback fumble, rookie RB Felix Jones missed a handoff from Johnson inside the Texans' 10-yard line and gave the ball back to Houston for Dallas' second redzone turnover of the night.? Matt Schaub, who was still in the game for the Texans, marched them down the field about 80+ yards for another FG, closing the score to 20-16.? Brad Johnson again led the team on a well-orchestrated drive following a good return of the kick off?and a long pass reception by WR Danny Amendola from Johnson, but the end result was just another FG by Nick Folk making it a 23-16 lead shortly into the fourth quarter now.? Sage Rosenfels entered the game for the Texans, who had a good season last year filling in for an injured Matt Schaub, and led the Texans on their final drive of the evening finishing it off with an 8-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown to cut the lead to 23-22.? His next?pass just bounced off the fingertips of WR Jacoby Jones on the 2-pt. attempt and , as they say, the rest is history. The Cowboys did improve on several areas over the prior two games, but not the kick coverage aspect.? The Texans had one big return on the opening kick off,? a 68-yarder by WR Andre Davis of the Texans, which set-up their first field goal and another 50+ yarder late in the game setting up the last Houston touchdown.? The Cowboys?did have?a couple of good returns on punts and kicks themselves, other than the fumble to open the second half, but there is stil much work to be done on kick coverage teams. Penalties were kept to a low, with only 5 for 38 yards over the span of the game although at least two of them were rather questionable calls late in the game. ?One was an interference call?against S Pat Watkins and the other an illegal contact against CB?Evan Oglesby that greatly assisted the Texans in their touchdown drive.? The?starting offenses and defenses played very well, for the most part, but their is still a question as to some of the second and third?teamers.? The second-string OL had trouble protecting Brad Johnson and in run blocking while the second-string defense committed some penalties and had trouble stopping the run game.? An interesting fact that was mentioned in the game was the brother of Marion Barber, Dominique Barber,?who is a back-up S trying to make the Houston team, might get to play in the game.? He did get a little playing time, but never while his brother was also playing.

Romo, Cowboys Get Past Texans 23-22 in Big D

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:21:52 -0500

The battle for the Governor's Cup was started out in exciting fashion as Andr? Davis returned the opening kick off for 68 yards. This put the Texans in great starting field position but the offensive line was no match for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. Seven plays after starting on the Cowboys 37 yard line they settled for a 44 yard field goal from Kris Brown. The Texans lost the fight at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Ironically, this caused Houston to turn to the ground game. Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton were the most consistent weapons for the Texans. They were almost equally productive, but Slaton earned his 44 yards in a more entertaining matter. He bounced off of tackles and even stiff-armed Roy Williams and made Adam Jones miss in the same play. The D-line could barely get in arms length of Tony Romo. Mario Williams was double teamed on almost every play, yet he still managed to hurry Romo on multiple occasions. Williams came up big when the Cowboys threatened in the red zone. He jumped in the backfield and caused a fumble inside of the 5-yard line. Matt Schaub played for three quarters and never looked comfortable. Maybe it was a tough Cowboys defense or maybe it was a rattled Houston quarterback, but Schaub never got into a rhythm. After a Zach Diles interception, Schaub engineered a 12-play, 6:17 minute drive but it was mostly due to a steady dose of the speedy Slaton. The second and third teams got the best of the Dallas backups. They looked very sure of themselves and played the best football of the night, for Houston. They scored 9 points in the fourth quarter, when the first team only combined for 12 points in the first 3 quarters. In the last effort to steal the game, Gary Kubiak called for the two-point conversion with a one point deficit. A well-designed over/under play was executed but 2nd year player Jacoby Jones couldn't get both hands on the ball. Ultimately the Governor's trophy changed hands and Houston relinquished Texas-area bragging rights. Don't get bummed over this loss, though. Slaton will continue to get better and Matt Schaub is not always going to play like an awe-struck rookie.

Houston Texans (Toro Times)

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:58:42 -0500

Team MVP: Well, to be quite honest, this is a toss up. Anyone could throw out Andre Johnson's name into "Team MVP" conversations, but simply due to his recent past injuries, I don't think he'll be MVP, though he will be a powerful piece of the Offensive game plan. You could also make a case for the soon-to-be three year veteran, DeMeco Ryans. DeMeco, who was second last year in the AFC with 128 tackles, is no doubt the leader of the defense who keeps the 4-3 system worki...