Yardbarker: Chris Taylor

Week 8 Fantasy Injuries

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:57:03 -0500

The Counselor is IN:

Here are the Week 8 fantasy injuries and my commentary.

Cardinals:
TE Ben Patrick has a knee injury and is questionable for this weekend. He missed practice this week. I would not count on him playing.

TE Leonard Pope is out with an ankle injury and will not play on Sunday.

WR Anquan Boldin has a head injury and is questionable for Sunday. The plan is for Boldin to play in 30 to 35 snaps of this game. That might be enough to be better than his fantasy substitute. If you have a quality WR to replace him with, then let Boldin ride the bench. If not, then start him and hope.

Falcons:
WR Laurent Robinson is probable with a knee injury. He returned to practice and should be ready to play this weekend. You might see a few less snaps by Jenkins. Robinson should only be an off week replacement at this time.

Ravens:
RB Willis McGahee has a sore knee and is probable. He fully practiced on Friday. He will play this weekend. The Ravens are committed to the RB by committee but McGahee seems to be getting the most playing time.

WR Demetrius Williams is questionable with an ankle injury. He did not practice on Friday. It does not look positive for him to play this weekend.

WR Yamon Figurs is out for this weekend with a knee injury. He did not practice this week.

WR Derek Mason has an undisclosed illness and is questionable. He missed some practice with this illness. I hope it is not Staph from the Browns.

Bills:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Panthers:
WR D.J. Hackett is questionable with a sprained MCL. He fully practiced for the first time on Friday since his injury. I don't believe he will play this weekend.

Bears:
Off Week 8

Bengals:
K Shayne Graham is probable with a sore groin. He practiced on Friday and appears to be ready to play this weekend.

QB Carson Palmer has an elbow injury and is out. It is likely that he is out for the year.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is probable with an ankle injury. He fully practiced on Friday. He will be ready to play this weekend but his value is limited with Palmer out.

WR Antonio Chapman has an ankle injury and is questionable. He missed practice this week.

Browns:
TE Kellen Winslow is out with a team suspension. He revealed he has been battling a Staph infection and that the Browns asked him to keep it quiet. The Browns did not like this. I can see a big fight coming with the Players Union. I would bet the Winslow will eventually get paid for this weekend even though he is suspended by the Browns.

TE Steve Heiden has a pectoral injury and is listed as probable. I expect Heiden to play this weekend with Winslow suspended.

Cowboys:
QB Tony Romo is questionable with a broken right pinky finger. Most experts believe that Tony will be out until after the week 10 off week. If something happens to Johnson during the game, Tony would be available.

WR Sam Hurd was put on the Injury Reserve and had ankle surgery.

Broncos:
Off Week 8

Lions:
TE Michael Gaines has a knee injury and is questionable. He is their top TE with Campbell in the IR for the season. If Gaines cannot play then FitzSimmons will start.

Packers:
Off Week 8

Texans:
RB Chris Taylor has a quad injury and was put on the Injured Reserve.

WR David Anderson is questionable for this weekend. If he plays, he will be the third WR.

WR Andre Davis had surgery to repair the ring finger of his left hand and is out for a few weeks.

Colts:
TE Gijon Robinson is questionable with an ankle injury. He missed most of the practices this week.

RB Joesph Addai has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He did not practice on Friday. He will be a game time decision.

Jaguars:
WR Mike Walker is out with a knee injury.

WR Matt Jones is available for this weekend. This is news because it was expected he would be suspended for Cocaine possession. It appears the suspension will not come before this weekend's games.

Chiefs:
QB Brodie Croyle has been placed in the Injured Reserve which ends his season.

QB Damon Huard has been placed in the Injured Reserve which ends his season. Message to the Chiefs: I am available to play QB for your team. I only ask to be paid the Minimum salary for this season. I have vast QB experience on Madden. I believe I can lead your team as well as any of your QBs this season.

Dolphins:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Vikings:
Off Week 8

Saints:
WR Marques Colston was suffering with a torn ligament in his thumb. He practiced this week and is now off of the team's injury report.

TE Jeremy Shockey is probable with a sports hernia. He should play this weekend.

Patriots:
RB Lawerence Maroney has a shoulder injury and was placed on the injured reserve list. He is done for the season.

RB LaMont Jordan is questionable with a right calf injury. He is not expected to play.

RB Sammy Morris has a knee injury and is listed as questionable. He is expected to be out for a couple of weeks. He is not safe start.

Giants:
WR Plaxico Burress is probable with a shoulder injury. He should play with no complications.

Jets:
WR Laveranues Cole has a thigh injury and is probable. He practiced lightly this week. He is expected to play.

K Mike Nugent is listed as out for this week.

TE Chris Baker is questionable with a back injury.

WR Jerricho Cotchery has a shoulder injury and is probable. He was limited in practice this week.

TE Bubba Franks has a hip injury and is questionable. It does not appear that he will play this weekend.

Raiders:
RB Darren McFadden is questionable with a turf toe injury. He is expected to start and play a full role for the Raiders.

TE Ben Troupe has been placed on the Injured Reserve for his foot injury.

Eagles:
RB Michael Westbrook is probable with ribs injury. He will play this weekend. He is a good start.

WR Reggie Brown has a groin injury and is questionable. He is expected to play.

WR Kevin Curtis had a hernia injury but is not listed on the injury report.

Steelers:
RB "Fast" Willie Parker is questionable for this weekend with a knee injury. He is not expected to play.

WR Santonio Holmes is out for Sunday's game.

RB Rashard Mendenhal has been placed in Injured Reserve for his fractured right arm.

RB Carey Davis is probable with an ankle injury. He is expected to play this weekend.

WR Dallas Baker has a shoulder injury and is questionable. He practiced this week.

Chargers:
RB LaDainian Tomlinson is probable with a toe injury. He practiced fully on Friday.

WR Chris Chambers is questionable with an ankle injury. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Craig Davis is questionable with a groin injury. Davis is another WR that should not be considered for your team.

Seahawks:
QB Matt Hasselbeck has a bulging disc in his back and is out for week 8.

WR Koren Robinson is probable with a knee injury. He is expected to start this weekend.

WR Deion Branch has a heel injury and is questionable. He will not play this weekend even though he is listed as questionable.

49ers:
WR Josh Morgan is questionable with a groin injury. He was limited in practice this week.

Rams:
RB Antonio Pittman has a cracked fibula and is probable for this weekend. He is expected to play.

RB Steven Jackson is questionable with a quad injury. He will be a game time decision.

Buccaneers:
WR Joey Galloway is listed as questionable with a foot injury. He will be a game time decision.

QB Brian Griese is questionable with an elbow injury. He was limited in practice this weekend.

K Matt Bryant is probable with a hamstring injury. He practiced fully on Friday.

WR Maurice Stovall has a hamstring injury and is questionable for this weekend.

WR Ike Hillard is questionable from a concussion. He was limited in practice this week.

RB Warrick Dunn has a back injury and is questionable. He will be a game time decision.

RB Carnell Williams is questionable with a knee injury. He did start practicing this week.

Titans:
WR Justin Gage is questionable with a knee injury. He practiced on Thursday and Friday.

WR Justin McCareins has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He did not practice at all this week.

Redskins:
RB Clinton Portis is questionable with a hip injury. The Redskins expect him to start this weekend.

WR Malcom Kelly has a knee problem and is questionable. There are mixed messages out there about how bad Kelly is. There is a belief that he will be put on the Injured Reserve.

The Counselor is OUT:

CB Robinson Activated; Taylor Placed on IR

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:37:04 -0500

The Texans made some roster moves today that could help them as they approach the second half of the season.A The team today activated cornerback Dunta Robinson and put running back Chris Taylor on season-ending injured reserve. Robinson has been out since November, when a collision with a teammate tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and ripped his hamstring off the bone. He returned to practice Wednesday and could play Sunday against the Lions. Taylor has been out with a deep thigh bruise.

Week 7 Fantasy Injury Report

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:06:49 -0500

The Counselor is IN:

Here are the Week 7 fantasy injuries and my commentary.

Cardinals:
Off Week 7

Falcons:
Off Week 7

Ravens:
RB Willis McGahee has a sore ribs and a knee and is probable. He is not listed on the injury report.

WR Demetrius Williams is questionable with an ankle injury.

WR Yamon Figurs is out for this weekend with a knee injury.

Bills:
QB Trent Edwards has a concussion and is probable for this weekend. He will play but will his head be clear enough to play well.

WR Roscoe Parrish is probable with a thumb injury. He should play on Sunday.

Panthers:
WR Muhsin Muhammad has a knee injury and is probable for Sunday. He will play this weekend.

WR D.J. Hackett is out with a sprained MCL.

RB Jonathan Stewart is has a stomach illness and is questionable. He is expected to play but is still questionable.

Bears:
WR Brandon Lloyd is questionable with a sore knee. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

WR Marty Booker has a sore back and is probable. He fully practiced on Friday.

WR Devin Hester is probable with a toe injury. He was limited in practice this week.

Bengals:
K Shayne Graham is questionable with a sore groin. He practiced on Friday but admitted that he is not yet 100%.

QB Carson Palmer has an elbow injury and is out.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is questionable with an ankle injury. He was limited in practice on Friday.

TE Ben Utecht has a sore chest and is probable. He did not practice on Friday.

RB Chris Perry is probable with a shoulder injury. He fully practiced on Thursday and Friday.

RB Kenny Watson is battling a hamstring injury and is probable. It is reported that he is close to 100%. He could become part of the RB rotation again.

Browns:
TE Kellen Winslow is questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Cowboys:
QB Tony Romo is questionable with a broken right pinky finger. He did successfully practice on Friday. Reports are all over the map on the chances that Romo will start. I would leave him on the fantasy bench unless you confirm that he is starting and even then I would have to think twice about it.

WR Sam Hurd was put on the Injury Reserve and had ankle surgery.

Broncos:
RB Ryan Torain is questionable with a dislocated elbow. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Eddie Royal is probable with an ankle injury. He fully practiced all week. He should be starting on Monday night.

TE Tony Scheffler has a questionable sports hernia and is probable for Monday. He was limited in practice this week.

RB Selvin Young is questionable and has a strained left groin. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Brandon Stokely is suffering from a concussion and is questionable. He did not practice on Friday. It is unlikely that he will play Monday Night.

Lions:
WR Calvin Johnson has a concussion and is probable. He appears to be fine and should start with no issues. He fully practiced on Thursday and Friday.

QB Jon Kitna has a back injury and has been placed on the Injured Reserve.

RB Kevin Johnson is probable with a shoulder injury. He fully practiced on Thursday and Friday.

Packers:
QB Aaron Rogers has a sprained right shoulder and is probable. He was limited in practice this week but should start on Sunday.

WR James Jones is questionable with a knee injury. He did not practice on Thursday.

Texans:
RB Chris Taylor has a quad injury and was put on the Injured Reserve.

RB Ahman Green is probable with a foot injury. He fully practiced on Thursday.

Colts:
TE Gijon Robinson is questionable with an ankle injury. He missed most of the practices this week.

Jaguars:
Off Week 7

Chiefs:
QB Brodie Croyle is probable with a shoulder injury. He has been practicing with the first team. He is expected to start on Sunday.

WR Kevin Robinson is out with a knee injury.

Dolphins:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Vikings:
WR Sidney Rice is questionable with a knee injury. Rice stated that he will play this weekend.

WR Bernard Berrian has a knee injury and is questionable.

TE Jim Kleinsasser is probable with a foot injury.

Saints:
WR Dave Patten has a groin pull and is questionable. He practiced fully this week.

WR Marques Colston is probable with a torn ligament in his thumb. He was limited in practice on Friday.

K Martin Gramatica was placed on Injured Reserve.

TE Jeremy Shockey is probable with a sports hernia. He should play this weekend.

Patriots:
RB Lawerence Maroney has a shoulder injury and is questionable.

RB LaMont Jordan is questionable with a right calf injury.

WR Kelley Washington has an ankle injury and is questionable.

Giants:
QB Eli Manning is probable with a chest injury. He should play with no complications.

Jets:
WR Laveranues Cole has a thigh injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice this week but is expected to play this weekend.

K Mike Nugent is listed as out for this week.

Raiders:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Eagles:
Off Week 7

Steelers:
RB "Fast" Willie Parker is out for this weekend with a knee injury.

K Jeff Reed has a calf injury and is listed as questionable.

WR Dallas Baker is out with a shoulder injury. Baker should not be on your fantasy team unless you have an extremely deep bench.

Chargers:
RB LaDainian Tomlinson is probable with a toe injury. He practiced fully on Friday.

WR Chris Chambers is questionable with an ankle injury.

RB Darren Sproles has an ankle injury and is probable. He should play this weekend.

WR Craig Davis is questionable with a groin injury. Davis is another WR that should not be considered for your team.

Seahawks:
QB Matt Hasselbeck has a bulging disc in his back and is out for week 7.

WR Koren Robinson is probable with a knee injury. He is expected to start this weekend.

WR Deion Branch has a heel injury and is questionable. He is did not practice and is not expected to play.

QB/WR Seneca Wallace is probable with a calf injury. He is expected to start at QB for the Seahawks this weekend.

WR Billy McMullen is out with a compound fracture in his right pinkie.

49ers:
No significant fantasy injuries. There is a joke here but Gore is a significant fantasy player.

Rams:
WR Drew Bennett is out this weekend with a foot injury.

WR Dane Looker is suffering from a concussion and is questionable.

RB Antonio Pittman has a leg injury and is out for week 7.

WR Keenan Burton is questionable with a knee injury.

Buccaneers:
WR Joey Galloway is listed as out with a foot injury. He will be a game time decision.

QB Brian Griese is questionable with elbow and shoulder injuries.

WR Antonio Bryant has a foot injury and is probable.

K Matt Bryant is probable with a hamstring injury. He practiced fully on Friday.

WR Maurice Stovall has a hamstring injury and is out for this weekend.

Titans:
WR Justin Gage is questionable with a knee injury. He missed practice on Thursday.

WR Justin McCareins has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He will be a game time decision.

Redskins:
RB Clinton Portis is questionable with a hip injury. The Redskins expect him to start this weekend.

WR Malcom Kelly has a knee problem and is questionable.

RB Ladell Betts is out with a strained lateral collateral knee ligament and strained hamstring.

WR James Thrash has a mild knee sprain and is probable.

The Counselor is OUT:

Texans RB Chris Taylor Won't Play Vs Colts

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:53:21 -0500

Texans RB Chris Taylor is expected to be out this week against the Colts due to a quad injury. Rookie RB Steve Slaton will carry the load and be...

RB Green Goes Full Speed at Practice

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:19:22 -0500

The Texans will need some sort of effort from the running game Sunday to beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and they got some good news in that regard Monday as RB Ahman Green took part in practice and went full speed despite previous issues with his groin.

Odd NFL Previews: The Average Fans Guide to the AFC South

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:00:20 -0500

Last, but certainly not least...it's the AFC South, which just happens to be the deepest division in the AFC. Well, nobody said it was the most interesting division, but oh well. Despite having three legit playoff teams and an up-n-coming team, it still just seems bland. Peyton Manning remains the resident kingpin and the Colts rule the land. The Jags look to build upon the foundation they've started and possibly overthrow the Colts. However, as always, just when you think you've got Petyon Manning and the Colts figured out...he/they prove you wrong.

So, how's it gonna shake down? Let's take a look...

1. Indianapolis Colts

RB Brown Placed on IR with Back Issues

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:58:30 -0500

It appears that the Texans are once again going to struggle to try and find that special back to carry the load in 2007.

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.

PASSING THE TORCH: Olympians Who Made The Jump To Professional Wrestling

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:54:06 -0500

Now that the Olympics are almost over (and too bad, too - where else am I going to find 75 hours of swimming on the tube?), many Olympians need to consider what they will do next. Some will turn pro. Some will go on the lecture circuit. Some will transition into the corporate world. But only a special few will take that truly extraordinary leap-and become professional wrestlers. Below are five athletes who traded their Olympic rings for wrestling rings, by competing in the grappling big l...

Running Game the Key to the Early Success for Texans

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:17:01 -0500

The Texans continue to prepare for the 2008 season with question marks at the RB spot.? Ahman Green, who has been totally unreliable in his tenure in Houston, says that despite an injury in the first play of the first preseason game to his groin, he'll be ready to go come September 7th vs the Steelers in Pittsburgh.? "I'm very happy with the way it's going," he said. "It's nothing serious. It's one of those training-camp things where you get kind of worn out. You've just got to get your legs back under you." Right now the team leads the NFL is preseason passer rating at 126.7, but the team realizes that a lack of running the football is going to but too much stress on QB Matt Schaub come the regular season, and they are going to have to find yards on the ground from somewhere.? With Green being injury-prone, the job may fall in the hands of rookie Steve Slaton. Slaton has played well enough in the first two games to make the coaches think twice before keeping him off the field, but again, he's a rookie and it remains to be seen if he can hold up.? The team also has Chris Brown and Chris Taylor, and yesterday took a flier on former Cardinal back Marcel Shipp. This team ran for just 99.1 yards per game last season, a number that is going to have to improve if they even want to get back to the .500 mark they were last season going 8-8.? With three of the first four games on the road, the running game is may be the most important part of the early success, or lack of it, for the Texans in 08.

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 working on the second level. And though Ryans will be one of the best linebackers in the league next year, don't expect him to be named Team MVP. That title will belong to, none other, than Mario Williams. Williams had a roller coaster like third year last year, having tied for third in the L with 14 sacks, being snubbed from the Pro Bowl, and maintaining his ability to be seen at clubs "making it rain". Mario not only will take this title for the Texans, but he may also make a case for League MVP. Breakout Player: Zach Diles. Yes, Zach Diles. If you don't know the name by now, learn it. Know it. Memorize it. Diles is a second year pro fresh out of K-State, and is on the verge to make a huge name for himself. Diles was drafted last year due to his fierce play and being a relentless ball hog. Everyone assumed that the kid would serve as DeMeco Ryans' backup for three years, get released, and sign on with another team (IE. Antwan Peek). But through hard work, Zach Diles landed a spot on the '07 roster, and on top of that, became what Kubiak once called "a freak at linebacker". Don't get me wrong, earning playing time at any LB position on this team is very difficult, but Diles has done it. Since TC is over, Diles has solidified a name for himself and is projected to start on the left shoulder of DeMeco, at Weak Outside Linebacker. Also, look for Diles to have a few INT's this year, as he displayed a great sense of pass coverage during Training Camp. Biggest Disappointment: I'm going out on a limb here- Owen Daniels. Daniels had a very productive year in 2007 and has had a fair camp. The reason that I make this claim then, is merely based on his performance in the clutch. I think everyone began getting sick of watching Owen drop balls on short five-and-ins, in fear of being crushed by the opposing LB's. Daniel's needs to get tough- fast! Joel Dreessen surprised many last year as the teams third tight end. I saw Dreessen make some plays that I would question Daniels to make. Owen is going to need to step up this year if he plans to be the future of Houston Texan tight ends. Fantasy Stud: Kevin Walter. Hands down, the elite compliment to an elite player. When I think of Walter, I see a bit of Wes Welker- great hands, possession receiver, short route/first down, type of guy. Walter didn't have 1,000 yard season last year, and he won't this year. But trust me, when opposing secondaries are flocking towards AJ every down, it opens up the No. 2 guy, in this case, Walter. The reason which I declare Walter the fantasy stud is primarily due to the fact the he had 800 yards last year in his first shot at starting. He also piled up 4 touchdowns, which is fair for a player in his role. Walter is someone that should be picked up with a late round fantasy pick. Offensive Outlook: Fair, with a chance of scattered showers. The Texans' finally have begun moving on. Not necessarily figuratively, but literally. With the number of Original Texan players dropping every year, our team is developing into a mold which the GM Rick Smith can clearly accept. The team gets something this year that they have NEVER had in the past- a decent offensive line. Yes, last year's line did well, giving up the seventh fewest total of sacks in the league, but this year is different. We finally drafted a lineman in the first round! Hello, Mr. Duane Brown, welcome to Houston. With Brown's amazing play, and overall athleticism, he has gained the starting job at LT opening the season. Barring injury of course, Ephraim Salaam will be benched, playing sparingly in spot situation of as a third tackle. Another new addition to the O-Line this year is, former Bronco (go figure), Chris Meyers. Meyer's is a fourth year pro who started every game for Denver last year, and he gives the team a more secured feeling at center, than in years past. The line this year will look like (LT-RT); Duane Brown, Chester Pitts, Chris Meyers, Mike Brisiel, and Eric Winston. A pretty solid group, who you could expect to be a tough match for opposing defenses. Then comes the situation in the backfield. Ahman Green is old, injury prone, and to be quite frank- is not ready to lead this team. After all the hype created on the "Arrival of Amazing Ahman" story, people began thinking our running back situation may be solved! That is until you realize that he is 31, and has only played in 25 games in the past three seasons! Come on, the dude is fragile. He needs to be wrapped up in bubble wrap, boxed up, and shipped outta town! Ahman played OK in his six games of action for the Texans in '07, compiling a grand total of 260 yards on 70 attempts (3.7 avg.). That's weak. But THANK GOD Rick Smith acknowledge this lack luster year by Ahman, and brought in an insurance policy- Chris Brown. No, this Chris Brown can't sing pretty melodies and dance like a Michael Jackson reincarnate, but he can run. Last year with the Titans, though injured for a good portion of the season, Brown carried the ball 102 times for 462 yards in a backup role with the team. Brown is a very long back, and can stretch the field. Odds are, Brown will touch the ball 10-12 times a game and a good season for him will be 600 yards. There isn't much competition now for the third RB spot, as Steve Slaton, the rookie out of West Virginia is a sure shot to make the team. Kubiak likes Slaton's speed an can imagine him as a possible third-down back. Slaton also has above average hands, and the speed to break to the outside. Chris Taylor, the oft-injured back from Indiana, and ND product Darius Walker will compete for the fourth spot at RB. A great perk to being a Texan running back, is being able to line up behind Vonta Leach. With another exceptional performance last season, the 250 pound ECU product has proven to be one of the best full backs in the AFC by dazzling spectators with huge hits and reliable hands. Jameel Cook will be Leach's backup. The squad looks solid at receiver, especially if Johnson comes back as healthy as predicted. Andre hopes that this year is the one that will set him above the rest and I think he's hoping correctly. Johnson has a good knee, and a great outlook for the year, which is good. And the other WR's are clearly ready to match Johnson's effort. Kevin Walter will be the Number 2 guy, with Jacoby Jones as his backup. Backing up Johnson, will be the highly acclaimed breakout player of last year, Andre Davis. Davis, and Jones alike, both showed great potential last year as special teams returners, and Davis also as a receiver. Jones is lightning fast with decent hands and will be a good number 4 receiver. Davis, also, is very fast, and will primarily be thrown deep balls this year. David Anderson is assuming the 5th spot on the team. Owen Daniels will start at tight end, and Mark Bruener will back him up- again. The two will nearly split time depending on the play called. Daniels = Pass. Bruener = Run. Also projected to make the squad at TE is Joel Dreessen. Dreessen played well last year and even nabbed a TD. As one could expect, Matt Schaub will be named the starting QB. Rightfully so, after throwing well enough to accumulate a rating of 87.2. Schaub only played in 11 games of the 2007 campaign, filling in for him was Sage Rosenfels. Sage dominated the opponents, throwing for more TD's in 5 starts than Schaub did in 11 (12:9). Sage is comfortable with his spot as a backup and he understands that Schaub, being a bit prone to injury, could go down at anytime. The team is very sound at the QB position and look for that to not be a problem in the upcoming season. Defensive Diagnosis: The Texans all-in-all will be good on this side of the ball. Defense has never really been the teams proud spot, until about two years ago when a couple of guys by the name of DeMeco and Mario were drafted to the team. Yes, I do speak of DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams. To some it up; our D-Line is revamped, our LB corps is incredibly deep, and our secondary is missing it's savior (Dunta Robinson). Up front is the area where the opposition will fear. Mario Williams is coming off an amazing year in which he chalked up 14 sacks. Amobi Okoye, did everything expected of a rookie last year, and at 21 years old, hopes to have that DT spot claimed for the next few years. Also, Travis Johnson will return as a started at the other DT position. Johnson had a good year last year with 41 tackles. Travis has a bit of an attitude problem, but I doubt being a little angry never did bad on the field of play. At the other DE position, you'll find a tandem of players. Anthony Weaver is the named started, but will primarily play on rushing downs. On pass plays, expect former-Patriot addition, Roosevelt Colvin, to go in. Colvin was the talk of the Texans off season, by choosing to come to Houston as oppose to other bigger markets. Kubiak will find a place for Colvin on the field. The Texans also have reserve players Earl Cochran, N.D. Kalu, Tim Bulman, Frank Okam, Anthony Maddox, and Jeff Zgonina, all with much credibility and will all be competing for roster spots. The Texans show their true colors when talking about the Linebackers. DeMeco Ryans, arguably a top 3 LB in the NFL, will be back to pave the path to the QB. Ryans has made 283 tackles in two seasons, and was named as a Pro Bowler last year. Ryans has all of the attributes to be a superstar and it's just a matter of time before that potential is reached. Next to Ryans will be second-year player Zach Diles and Veteran Morlon Greenwood. Diles, who will be getting his first opportunity to start, will play the WLB position. Diles has great recognition of the offense, and makes huge hits. Greenwood, who had his best year as a Texan in 2007 (118 tkls.), will suit up again to play off of Mario Williams on the right side. Greenwood, 30, is back for another season and will contribute immensely. Backing up those three will be Chaun Thompson, Kevin Bentley, and rookie Xavier Adibi. All are excellent reserves and Adibi has the potential to be an amazing LB for years to come. The corps will be a force to be reckoned with and expect opposing runs to be shut down fairly significantly. An area of concern on the defense will be the secondary. Though 2007 proved to be a tough year for the corners and safeties, 2008 may be different-in the second half of the season. That is when Dunta Robinson returns. Robinson went out against the Raiders last year, after tearing his ACL on what many people deemed as a freak accident. Robinsons slot will be filled by Fred Bennett, who came on as a rookie last year and played above-par, totaling 62 tackles and 3 picks. Across from Bennett, will be off season signee Jacques Reeves. Reeves has been a corner for the Cowgirls for 4 years, and showed his ability to prevail in the clutch. Though, he does have some problems with coverage, Reeves will play well enough to hold his own until Robinsons return. Backing up the corners are; potential nickelback Jammar Fletcher, Peetey Faggins, and rookie Atwaun Molden. Molden, who excelled at corner for EKU last year, will get a plethora of opportunities with the injury to Dunta, and don't be surprised if he does well. At safety, the Texans will have Will Demps and C.C. Brown back. Both played well last year, and Demps revived his career (and name) through hard play and big hits. Also, Glen Earl, the teams former starting FS returns from injury and will push Demps for time. "Red Letter" Game: December 14, 2008. Tennessee Titans At Houston Texans. This is huge. Both teams entering this game will be fighting for third in the division, which like last year, could result in a chance at the wild card. The Titans beat Houston last year on Rod Baronis' record 8 made field goals, and revenge is oh so sweet. Season Projection: 9-7. I know, not great. But STILL an improvement over the 8-8 record last year. With a 9-7 record, the Texans may have an outside shot at squeaking into the playoffs. Don't get your hopes up too soon, as the team was only 1-5 against divisional teams. The AFC south is pretty damn tough. Parting Smack: Indianapolis Colts: Okay, we all know about Peyton Manning, the 6'5" QB with the rocket arm. Yea, awesome. Well, once Peyton got his ring, his acting career boomed. Except his acting sucked. So it's basically like watching a Helen Keller do A LOT of screaming when I see Gatorade commercials. I mean come on, the guy is doing exactly what Brett Favre is- leaving one field that you're great on and going to another one that you just happen to suck on! Seriously though, the Colts are good. Really good. And I'll be satisfied with one win against them. But if I have to see ONE MORE commercial featuring Manning, or his little brother, I think I'll be making vacation plans for the gallows. Jacksonville Jaguars: And here we are now, with the nasty Jaguars. So used to being the second best team in Florida, they finally did something about it! Drafted a lot of horrible first round receivers, let 'em do coke, and still they "remain optimistic about the future"! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? I've never had a problem with the Jags, well besides the fact that their uniforms look like my vomit (only after eating really old salad), and I have no room to talk about being the second best in the state.. But jeeze Jacksonville, Del Rio can only get you out of a minor hole- y'all are in a crater Tennessee Titans: The good ole Titans are on deck now. The team that sucked so bad, Houston didn't want them. Well not really, but I'm sick of Vince Young and all his antics. I remember the hype around VY, Mario, and Reggie Bush prior to the draft. VY hardly passed a test designed for second graders. God, speaking of Helen Keller, I think she's back! Just dressed as some freak athlete in a powder blue costume. And then there is us. The Houston Texans. The team that until last year, no one knew about. And that has hardly changed. But we are here. I think it's time. No, I don't think it's time for a Super Bowl, but I think it's time to add another last name. The Houston Texan-Broncos. Sounds applicable. But let's face it, the front office loves the Broncos, the fans don't. We'll see who is right during Preseason Week 1. - John R. Harden

RB Slaton Going to Find Playing Time Hard to Come By

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:21:04 -0500

From: Pro Football Weekly The way we hear it, the feeling is that Texans rookie RB Steve Slaton has an uphill battle to get significant carries as a rookie, given the presence of veterans Ahman Green, Chris Brown and Chris Taylor.