Tebow: A man against his franchise

Today it was announced that the war for Peyton Manning was over. The Broncos with the help of John Elway have won that war to win over Peyton Manning, even after everything the 49ers have done to groom the team for Peyton Manning by brining in Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. So now after John Elway held a press conference saying that Tim Tebow would go in as the starting quarterback for the Broncos in training camp, John Elway is now shopping offers for trades for the same quarterback that beat the defending AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime. 

This past season, and this start of free agency is a story that couldn't be made up. This year is a quarterback hungry league for a couple teams that are struggling to find a franchise quarterback. Since free agency started fifteen quarterbacks have been taken and moved to different teams. The same teams that lost the Peyton race are still looking for a answer at quarterback such as the Arizona Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins. The San Francisco 49ers have still not resigned Alex Smith who is now forced to go around and test the market. The Seahawks just signed the two game sensation Matt Flynn so what's left for Tebow? The man that the media coined the term 'Tebow-mania', after all the 4th quarter comeback performances that could not be explained. Tebow stole all the national media so much that people that never watched one game last season knew about Tim Tebow. After Denver went on to start the season 1-4 with Kyle Orton at the helm Tebow came in and went 7-4. Tebow help lift the Broncos to the playoffs and won his first playoff game. Tebow changed the attitude of that team and that locker room. Now everyone knows last season history of Tebow now the question is where can he land? He will not be in Denver, so let's look at where most experts point. Jacksonville Jaguars. So far Blaine Gabbert has not panned out. When a team looks to bring in Tebow you change your whole offensive philosophy to fit him, to fit one guy. The problem is that the Jags have a new coach in Mike Mularkey who has this first year to make a statement in how he can coach. Most people have Tebow going to Jacksonville because it's Tebow's home, which is his crowd after being a Florida college quarterback hero. One thing Tebow will help with Jacksonville is their problem to be able to sell tickets and fill that stadium in a small market city. So much of a problem they have to put tarp advertisements over the empty seats. The Jags are not ready to give up on Blaine Gabbert and they recently have just signed Chad Henne to the back up role. I find it kind of hard to be able to bring in Tebow and tie all that money in the quarterback position. Tebow can still possibly go to Miami as they are in a search for a quarterback but only if Alex Smith does not land there. The best place for Tebow is Jacksonville, that franchise needs to be rejuvenated and turned around. Tebow has been run out of town that loved him and chanted his name one year, the very next they have put him on the trade block. It will be good for Tebow to get out of that Denver organization that were always back and forth on Tebow, never building around his strengths and seemed to always work against him and were just waiting for him to lose, well he never did, he just got ran out by Peyton Manning. It will be hard to see where Tebow will go after quarterback pieces are still falling around in free agency such as Alex Smith and Vince Young, but now let the race for Tebow begin.

Saying goodbye to a Unfinished Legacy

 

Well it's official, 100 million dollars and 6 years and Mario is gone. Can't blame him for taking that money and if you hold that against him... it's 100 million who wouldn't take that? After John McClain's horrible report he helped give Texans fans a false hope that Mario would actually consider staying even after hitting the open market which everyone knew if he did he would be the highest paid defensive player in history and the Texans can't compete with the crazy salary caps with teams like the Bills have.     When Mario was drafted by the Texans 1st overall in 2006 every single fan criticized the Texans passing up Houston native Vince Young and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. That decision is no longer questioned, not in Houston. It will be hard for Texans fans to say goodbye as now that he is gone, it will take sometime to let that sink in now that he is gone.

When Mario Williams came to Houston even though he was the number 1 overall pick he had alot to prove to Houston fans. Being a number 1 overall pick as a defensive player is even more stressful as he had to prove to all the Houston fans why he was chosen over Vince Young who also got around the same rookie contract as Mario getting 5 years around 50 million. Mario was seen as a superstar around the league and nationally but it seemed here he wasn't a superstar but just a really great defensive player. It could be argued that he was never considered one of the faces of this franchise, that being Andre Johnson and Arian Foster along with Matt Schaub and arguably Brian Cushing and now JJ Watt. During Mario's 5 years here in Houston he holds the teams all time sack record with 53, and the single season sack record with 14, the teams all time tackle record with 241 all in 6 seasons but in a 89 game span missing 11 games last season and 3 the year before. Mario proved himself to Houston fans as he showed himself as a freak of nature on the defensive side of the ball. Others will argue Mario would just get some sacks and seem to take some plays off. That was the view of a few fans and only a few. Saying goodbye to Mario is hard because for a guy thats drafted 1st overall to a team is a guy that usually finishes 

his career in the city that drafted him. It is not Houston's fault for not locking him up earlier to a contract extension as he got hurt the past two seasons. Those circumstances really where just not normal and put the Texans in a hard spot, they tried to lock him up this year but they where up against the cap and having let go of a lot of free agents in the hope of being able to resign him but it was clear to most Texan fans that this was the end of the Mario Williams era. Sure this defense was top 5 in the NFL without him this past season but you cannot argue that with him it would've even been better. It will be hard to say goodbye to Mario as it is a tough pill to swallow and now that he is gone we appreciate what we took for granted once it's gone. Mario Williams legacy in Houston will now go unfinished, it will not be looked as tarnished since he took the mega contract, but it will be looked at as the legacy that never finished. He will never be a part of the Texans in the playoffs, or their hopeful Super Bowl run, he was a big star stuck in the losing era of the Texans and part of the dead last ranked defense. Now Mario will be joining another atrocious defense with the Bills, but we will see how he does going back to his old position of defensive end, it will be hard and weird to see him in another uniform. We are going to miss you Mario. 

A look at the newest member of the Steelers... Jerrod Johnson

Jerrod Johnson, a Texas A&M legend and record smashing quarterback who did not enter the NFL Draft was picked up recently by the Pittsburgh Steelers. A sweet steal that the Texans really feel asleep on. Jerrod Johnson the 6'5 250 lbs scrambling quarterback who broke all the Texas A&M records and holds multiple Big 12 records was picked up by the Steelers as they now have seen, as of all the NFL, how a QB of his size and speed can just dominate a game. Cam Newton? The other QB who is exactly 6'5 250 and can run making defensive coordinators look stupid? Yea, the Steelers saw that success and with the right system knew what the Eagles where trying to pick up but just did not have enough roster space.

Jerrod Johnson from 2007-2010 passed over 8,000  yards 67 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. In 2009 his TD-INT ratio was 30-8. That same year he also rushed over 500 yards and 8 touchdowns. His total rushing numbers where 877 yards for 16 touchdowns. He still currently holds the Big 12 record for throwing 242 consecutive passes without a interception. Jerrod went undrafted in 2011 the year of Cam, because Jerrod did not even enter the draft after he was coming off a shoulder injury. Jerrod did enter the UFL draft and went 1st overall , he spent the summer offseason of 2011 training with the Hartford Colonials and then was picked up during training camp by the Philadelphia Eagles and spent training camp and preseason with the Eagles before he was released at the end of preseason due to too many quarterbacks under contract on the roster of Michael Vick, Vince Young, and Mike Kafka(notice the running ability in the first two). After his release he continued to train after being picked up by UFL team Arizona Rattlers. Jerrod maintained training to stay in shape and rehabbing his shoulder and maintaing practice under game speed. After the crazy rookie sensation successes of Cam Newton a few teams started to dig back up Jerrod Johnson and loved his exact size and speed of Cam, and his proven accuracy and big arm through college while at Texas A&M. Jerrod can throw with the best of them and showed it during his tenure at Texas A&M while dominating the Big 12 while having a below sub par offensive line. Jerrod just doesn't run well    
but runs smart and fast. Because his line was pretty awful he would run around in the back just to by time to be able to throw a big bomb, not just take off for a first down or more. The difference between him and Cam during college was that Cam would check one or two recivers and then just take off, Jerrod was all about the pass and would by the pass game more time with his legs and after that then he would take off and run, and as you see with Cam, Jerrod was hard to take down due to his size. I was hoping the Texans where going to invite him to training camp this year even though Jerrod flew under the national radar Aggies always get noticed by coach Kubiak. Now that the Steelers have signed him everyone should definitely keep a eye on the steelers especially during preseason. The Steelers are not brining back their aging back up Charlie Batch but still keeping Byron Leftwich. Look for Jerrod to beat out Byron for the second string position as he was signed to a contract in January to the Steelers and not just invited to a training camp like he was with the Eagles. Im surprised that no Aggies are talking about this or being excited so hopefully i will help get this news out there. Everyone is talking about Tannehill in the Draft being taken in the first round, but to compare him to Jerrod who lost his job due to injury, im taking Jerrod every day of the week over Tannehill. Watch out for Jerrod as he has the size and speed of a Cam and we all saw how well that worked out for him as he put out the greatest rookie quarterback performance in history. Keep a eye on Jerrod this year during the August preseason.






 

What is happening to the Texans?

When everyone agreed that signing Arian Foster to a good long term deal and to let Mario Williams walk everyone had to take that in for a second but went along with it just fine. After that, everything the Texans have done during their management in free agency seemed to have not made any sense.
The Texans have many unrestricted free agents whose contracts have expired, only three or four of them

would have wanted more money in their new contracts that being in Mario, Arian and Chris Myers. When we signed Arian and let Mario go and retain Chris Myers that is the move that everyone understood and made sense. The problem is the Texans went on to sign Arian and then release former Heisman trophy winner Matt Leinart to create some more salary cap space. Well everyone saw that coming. Then the Texans released right tackle Eric Winston who has started over 80 games and who was still under contract for 3 years was cut for salary cap space which still to this day shocks everyone and does not make sense. The next day after those cuts free agency opened. The Texans still did not secure contracts for any of the following free agents and who are now all on the open market: C Chris Myers, TE Joel Dreessen, OG Mike Brisiel, OG Kasey Studdard, DT Tim Bulman, LB Tim Dobbins, CB Jason Allen, S Domininque Barber, WR Bryant Johnson S Quintin Demps. Ok you look at this list and realize ok now also add Eric Winston and you see 3 out of 5 of the starting linemen of the best offensive line in the NFL...what just happened to the Texans? Some people briefly speculated that the Texans where up to something big. That they where letting some of these guys walk to bring back Mario Williams. That was a brief thought. Now everyone is on the open market with other teams flying out our free agents now giving them offers we definitely can not get back players like Mario and Eric and if you still think so then you are really keeping up a false hope.
The Texans should have extra cap room after resining all their small name free agents to basic contract extensions and then creating cap space saved from last year by not signing Joel Dreessen because he is going to want starter money now and same goes for Jason Allen. Then the Texans also would not retain Jeff Garcia and Jake Delhome as they wont be needing their services next season. It was also widely understood that Jacoby Jones would be released to be given an extra 4 million in cap space after his unproductive season and horrible last memory it is hard to see him in a Texans uniform anymore after he hasn't panned out and it showed while Andre was gone.
Cutting Jacoby was one of the acting factors why it was also understood that the Texans would draft a legit number two wide receiver after the gaping hole in production was obvious during Andre Johnson's absence. The only problem with this whole thing is now that all those players are now on the market and out of everyone the Texans brought back it was just a lone Arian Foster without his offensive line, oh did i forget to mention they released his fullback that was still under contract for 2 more years? Yeah Lawerence Vickers? Yeah he is gone now, that two great epic blocking fullbacks in two years the Texans have gone and let go. I don't know what the Texans are doing or planning but the team that was regarded as the most balanced team in the NFL and was regarded among national media as "The team to beat in the AFC", the same media would consider the Texans to make a legit Super Bowl run, the same team with Vegas odds of 8:1 to make it to the Super Bowl. Well this team as of right now has serious holes. Everyone now needs to pray, and possibly every mock draft reworked for the Texans draft choice.

Nothing But Unanswered Questions

The Texans have the best offensive line in the NFL and for one key reason is the same group have played together for a great amount of consecutive games, the best thing about the Houston Texans is their zone run block. They have a chemistry together that just does not grow on trees, they know each others weakness, they have a mental timing when moving together for blocks and for setting up a hole. Point is they are the best at what they do because one thing in common for all of them is that they are athletic. When crediting Arian Foster for his successful seasons and in specific the 2010 lead rushing season you credit his line and Vonta Leach. Well today marks the biggest day of shock that has ever occurred to Texans fans as today they have released the starting right tackle number 73 Eric Winston.

The biggest problem with this whole thing is why mess up something that has been the strongest aspect of your whole offense? Why take out a piece that sets the tone for your whole teams offense? As the old saying goes don't mess with something with that doesn't need to be fixed. The biggest problem I have with this whole thing besides that it does not make any sense whatsoever is that if anything this move seriously hurts the teams expectations of a AFC Championship berth. This move came after hours in the dark of the media under the radar with no heads up, even to Eric Winston. A few hours ago I hear on the radio that Eric Winston was 'given his walking papers' and I immediately go into a heart sunk mood thinking 2012 was our year, why Eric? Now what does this do in our draft priorities? Starting a rookie on our perfect line? Or starting a backup who was on IR last season? Another problem was that this whole move was never even up for consideration, I have heard them all, the cut Demeco move or cut Jacoby and Matt Leinart (Leinart was let go today), letting go of Joel Dreessen I have heard them all. Everybody in this city is in shock after being in confusion all night why we let go of a Pro Bowl potential tackle. None of it makes sense. There was never any hint we would have to let go of Eric and thats what caught more people off guard. Because it was never in discussion. People in the media are starting to dig up reasons why Eric was let go was that it was solely to create cap room to bring in Chris Myers, sacrificing one linemen for another. Which part of that makes sense? As it has come to more light a finger to point this all at is super agent Drew Rosenhaus. Drew represents Eric and was told by the Texans that "We don't want to ask Eric to take a paycut so we will let him go and get his starter money". First of all he is still under contract and was waived, it wasn't like we were trying to resign him and he wanted to much money, Eric was just straight up waived and shown the door. Heres the big problem about Drew, he represents over 120 other athletes and besides Eric you know who he also represents? Chris Myers. Drew is playing the Texans. He went around "testing the market" with Chris Myers and wouldn't let his client take a paycut and is going to get what he wanted which is get Chris a big contract and go off and still get Eric starter money somewhere else no problem for the future Pro Bowler. It does not make sense first to let go a lineman of the best offensive line but to sacrifice a lineman for another. What hurts the most is that the Texans are on the tip of making a Super Bowl run this season and everyone in the nation knows it, but to get rid of a integral piece of that offense that helps lead the league in rushing and helps block for a top passing offense. Eric Winston was unfair casualty to a problem that could have been solved cutting someone else. This offense will see a drop and the run game will see a drop. People discredit Foster by saying if (enter any starting running back here) had his offensive line they would be damn near close to leading the league in rushing each year. Adrian Peterson having the Texans line instead of the horrid Vikings line would be just plain unfair, we will leave it at that. Point is every man on that line is a integral piece. Why we let go of not a expendable piece but instead a integral piece will remain unanswered for awhile. Until we know all the answers it is hard to say what really happened. When free agency opens tomorrow I would be shocked absolutely shocked if Eric lasts 48 hours on the market that the caliber of a player he is. I really am left at the end of this whole thing with nothing but questions which wont be answered till tomorrow by Mr. Bob McNair himself. In the end the only thing that makes sense is that none of it makes sense. The team will miss him but more than the team this city will miss one of the nicest fan fav and fan friendly players, a down to earth real guy. We are going to miss you Eric, you can bet whatever team you play on I will be watching. Thanks for everything Eric.

Vince Young in limbo in a QB hungry league

When people think of Vince Young, people think of his legendary tenure at Texas. I like to remember what a lot of people around sports media overlook or seem to forget when mentioning quarterbacks in free agency and that is Vince Young's time as a starter in Tennessee in a organization that seemed to work against him. Lets look at the things that people and media really overlook around the league about Vince Young.

When Vince Young was drafted third overall by the Titans, coach Jeff Fisher never wanted him or wanted anything to do with drafting him, the decision to draft VY was mainly due to the owner Bud Adams. Since Vince Young arrived at Tennessee Jeff Fisher always gave him hard time and never wanted to work with him and help his development. If you wonder how big development plays into rookie quarterbacks just take a look at what the Texans did with TJ Yates, and then look at situations where guys haven't develop well because of coaching but have lots of potential guys like Mark Sanchez, Jamarcus Russell and Matt Leinart. All those Quarterbacks had fantastic college careers but coming into the NFL the coaches never got along with their new rookies and really hurts their development. It takes time to properly develop a quarterback, you have to work with them, put pieces around them and come up with a system that fits their strengths. While Vince Young was at Tennessee there is one important statistic that is indisputable and that he is a winner. His win loss record as of now is 31-19 as a starter compare that to some starters in 2011 with Matt Cassel at 28-26, Rex Grossman at 25-21 and the list can go on but we will end it with Ryan Fitzpatrick coming in at 18-33. Vince Young just wins, people say the same thing about Tim Tebow when defending the worst passer of 2011 but Vince Young wins games better than Tebow, Vince runs smarter, more accurate passer, a bigger arm and just wins the game with prettier looking statistics than Tebow who will have a game of attempting just 7 passes the entire game. Before there was a guy named Cam Newton in the NFL Vince held the record by rushing touchdowns in a season by a rookie quarterback and also was one of the few rookie quarterbacks to be ever chosen to a Pro Bowl. In his first four seasons he amassed a 26-13 record and his .667 win percentage ranked best in Titan franchise history (which includes all the Houston Oiler records) and fourth best among quarterbacks drafted between 2000-2009 coming behind Roethlisberger, Rivers and of course Tom Brady. He is a two time Pro Bowler and a NFL Rookie of the Year, two things Tebow has never done.

 

Vince Young and Jeff Fisher clearly never got along and that really hurts early development. In the 2008 season Vince injured his knee in the beginning of the season and was expected to just miss two to three weeks and after Vince recovered Jeff fisher never let him start for the rest of the season. At the start of the 2009 season Jeff Fisher said Kerry Collins would go in as the starter and Vince would have to "earn his job back". Well after the Titans went 0-6 to start the season Bud adams was furious with Jeff Fisher and demanded to start Vince Young, Vince went on to set a NFL record by winning the next five in a row after starting 0-6, something that is still yet to be done again. Jeff Fisher went on to say 'im still in Kerry Collins's corner, the record was a reflection of team play'. Vince went the rest of the season winning 8 of his 10 starts. After next season Vince Young was let go and Jeff Fisher was fired.  

When Vince Young was picked up by the Eagles for the 2011 season it was a smart move because his playing style is similar to Vick. Vick can never finish a season to save his life due to his smaller size and run style so Vince was brought in just in case. Vince Young's first start was against the same active New York Giants roster that went on to win the Super Bowl, and Vince Young went on to lead the Eagles to a victory against the future Super Bowl Champions and today Vince remains undefeated 5-0 against the Giants. During the same season Mike Vick faced the Giants earlier and still could not pull off a win at Philly while Vince had to do it on the road at NY. Vick lost against the Giants and which was part of a Vick lead Eagles 4 losses in a row. Heading into the 2012 season there are many teams that need a quarterback, the Eagles can't afford Vince Young to just come off the bench so he will not be resigned. Some teams that need a quarterback are the same teams that are looking to grab RG3, Ryan Tannehill, Matt Flynn and now Peyton Manning. Those teams being the Redskins, Dolphins, Cardinals, and some will say the Browns even though i do not think they need a new quarterback. Some new names that have been brought up to bring in Vince Young are the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, yes Tebow will go in as the starter during just training camp essentially meaning he will get the most snaps, but competition is still open at quarterback in Denver. Denver has hinted that they will make a run at Vince Young simply because they need someone to come in and compete with Tebow and can similarly run the offense the same by being able to run if need be. Denver has said they are looking to bring in at least two quarterbacks at least one veteran through free agency and possibly one in the draft in the middle rounds. Vince has the potential, his size and speed is great combination to avoid injury, he can run with the best of them and throw with the best of them, he is pretty clutch and knows how to win, next week free agency will open and thats when things will start to get crazy and interesting. As much as i want him in Houston Schaub is a great quarterback for our offense and I do think Vince would flourish in his hometown i would rather him go somewhere where he is a starter and in a perfect world i would love for him to be offered a contract to come compete with Schaub who is in the last year of his contract and compete in training camp to settle the debate amongst Houston fans once and for all. You know my take, im a big Vince Young supporter, he just needs to be in a organization that supports him and to a fan base that will support him and that is the only thing I hold against Denver is that Vince can come dominate and take the starting job like taking candy from a baby but those crazy fans will still chant 'Tebow' in the stadium to bring him back. Whoever gets Vince Young is getting a great experienced quarterback who has played in the playoffs and on the biggest college stages, and just knows how to win and is hungry to comeback and prove himself, don't be surprised if Vince wins Comeback Player of the Year, all he needs is a team and a chance.   

When the game is on the line there is one man who i want holding the ball...

A Long Kiss Goodbye: Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay

Everyone knew it was coming, a press conference held today at Lucas Oil Stadium otherwise know by the majority of people as 'the house that Peyton built'. Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay both fought back tears as they told announced in front of national media that Peyton Manning's career as a Colt has now came to a end. To most Texan fans this is a day of celebration as its viewed the thorn to the Texans side has been removed. Since the Texans first season a new division was created called the AFC South, the Texans are the reining 2011 AFC South Division Champions, a franchise first. Since the divisions inception the Colts have won or more appropriately Peyton Manning              (Manning-less Colts are the worst team in the NFL) have dominated the AFC South since becoming the first division champions in 2003. Since the first one in 2003 the Manning dynasty have won the division 7 times from 2003-2010. The Colts have released Manning on a mutual agreement that Peyton was not wanted there anymore and that the team has completely fired all the head coaching staff and the front office staff being given the green light to go into rebuilding mode. First step:find a new franchise quarterback.

 When Jim Irsay repeatedly announced via twitter all last season that the Colts where going to draft Andrew Luck that drew the flag that the Colts are going in a new direction. How it has been handled since draw many comparisons made in the sports nation by parting ways with a long time girlfriend.
LeBron James announcing live that he was leaving Cleveland being the face of their franchise and leaving to South Beach that same day was much like breaking up with his girlfriend by showing up with a new and hotter girlfriend and telling his ex in person while holding hands with his new girl 'its over im with her now'. Manning and Irsay was more handled like a divorce, parents telling their children 'mommy and daddy still love each other' but daddy is wanting to move down the street to marry the hot new college grad girl. One was handled better than the other but both where made for different reasons, one is of age and the other was tired of carrying his sorry team. Now Peyton still wants to play but he understood it would be best not to play as a Colt. All the staff and fellow teammates that where put around him over the past fourteen seasons are all being let go. Peyton wants to win, and in a Colts uniform would be setting him up for failure. As of today Peyton Manning is on the waiver wire for any team to make a move at him. So far multiple teams have expressed serious interest in Peyton's services. Those teams are the teams that think they are one quarterback and a nice draft away from a Super Bowl.

 The teams that really want Manning are teams like the Redskins, Dolphins, Jets, Cardinals and the Browns. Those teams minus the Jets are all trying to make a run to get RG3 or Ryan Tannehill. Peyton has the luxury to chose what team he wants to play for, and the team that gets him has to do things the way the 4 time NFL MVP's way. Simply handing over the offense and let him run it and carry it, let the coach just sit down and enjoy the ride and also Peyton wants a team that has good draft picks to draft some pieces for him. The team that also gets Peyton will only be getting a very temporary Super Bowl run opening (thats to say if he can get there again as he has only been twice and won once) which after he retires that team is in the same deep hole they are in today. The team that take him will need still need to find a long term franchise quarterback, and will be where they are today after Peyton leaves after a season or two if he can hold through without getting injured that is. Peyton is a great player and a hall of famer, but I wouldn't want him on my team as you see what happens to the Colts after he is out of the picture they are nothing, I still think RG3 is going to pan out better than Andrew Luck but now over the next week the news wont be who is going to get RG3 with the second overall but

who is going to land Peyton Manning. You know what this all means Texans fans? The AFC South is now ours for the taking for the next few years.
So whats your take? Would you want Peyton Manning?

Texans Path to the Draft: Post NFL Combine

A lot has been going down on with those boys on Kirby. With the Texans resigning Arian Foster and the NFL Combine now over there are some names that we can now take a harder look at for the Texans first round choice. Most people agree that the Texans have no glaring holes except at a legit number two wide receiver. Lets take a look at who's still on the Texans watch who can fall to them at 26 overall.

1. Stephen Hill Georgia Tech
Some people will say who? Stephen Hill?
Hill is now the buzz for the wide receiver class of 2012 after going to the combine and running a 4.36 40yd dash and a 11ft 1in broad jump which ranked first out of the receivers and while standing at 6'4 catching everything that touched his hands at the gauntlet he really jumped his draft stock. Hill held his Pro Day this morning and more than 50 NFL scouts and GMs where there to see him preform as he caught every pass in every route he ran. Hill is now projected to go 30th overall now to the 49ers but i seriously doubt Houston would pass him up. If he is on the board Houston will take the 6'4 4.3 speed freak to really compliment opposite Andre, imagine that size and speed combo lining up on either side.

2. Alshon Jeffery South Carolina
First off the only reason i have Alshon at number two even though he is my favorite WR in the draft is solely because he did not run the 40 at the combine or participate in combine drills, he has the best hands on tape and is reported to be able to run a 4.4-4.5 40 and being 6-4 220 lbs being overweight is no longer a concern for all those people who for no reason where all worked up about him being possibly overweight. Alshon has the best and measured with the biggest hands at the combine, he is a true psychical mismatch to all those corners and just dominates alone with his size and hands. Alshon is scheduled to have his Pro day on the 27th this month where he will preform drills, run routes and run his 40 yd for everyone. Until he has a official 40 time i have him at number two even though he is my favorite in the draft. If he is still on the board when the Texans are on the clock it will be a hard pick between him and Stephen Hill. If he runs a 4.4 or 4.5 he will go be ranked higher on the board than Hill.

3. Rueben Randle LSU

Showing up at the combine by running a 4.55 40yd dash he jumped his draft stock up. Randle the 6-4 208 lbs receiver did not see much action from LSU last year as Jordan Jefferson seemed to struggle in the passing game sometimes. Randle by some is looked to be taken 26th by the Texans if Alshon and Hill are already taken. I honestly do not think Randle will be taken in the first round but i do see the Texans might try steal him with a 2nd round pick because i think he will still be available. The Texans like him as Rick Smith and Coach Kubiak went up to him individually to express interest in him. Randle would love to play for the Texans to be able to mentor under the best in the league Andre Johnson. I do like Randle a lot but i think i would lose sleep over the fact if the Texans end up using a first round pick on him. Randle can put himself in the 1st round and answer my unanswered questions in his Pro Day which is still to come later in the month.

4. Jeff Fuller Texas A&M

My favorite dark horse pick in the WR class, after a disappointing senior season due to nagging injury and a not impressive Senior Bowl Jeff Fuller is looked as a 4th-5th round steal of a draft pick. Fuller ran 4.42 and a 4.52 40yd dash which really kept him as a possible top 100 prospect. The Texans defiantly want him as they shown interest in him before the draft and during the draft interviewing him. When healthy Fuller can be a incredible big bodied solid receiver and the Texans know this, his pro day is coming soon and don't be surprised if a big number of scouts show up because he has questions to answer with his hands. Fuller will definitely be on the Texans board to be taken in the 4th or 5th round. Fuller has a lot to prove but don't be mistaken because he has A grade potential.

I will be posting updates on the Texans path to the draft as pro days happen throughout the month and update my draft picks based on pro day performances.

Note: i did not include Kendal Wright from Baylor because i am confident he will not be available.

Check tomorrows post about Peyton Manning as the Colts will announce sometime tomorrow that he will be released as we take a look on his next potential landing spot for the 2012 season.

Arian Foster brought back for 5 years

Arian Foster, the Houston Texans running back has been given a five year contract today worth $43.5 million, including $20.75 million guaranteed. Foster was not included in the Texans cap these past two years because out of the 55 man roster his contract was not in the top 51. Past two years since Foster has been a starter he has made $525,000, the most underpaid player in the NFL.

In 2010 his first year as a starter and break out year he won the triple crown by leading the NFL in rushing yards:1,616,rushing touchdowns:16 and receiving yards:604. His 2010 1,616 yards are the most by any undrafted player in the history in the NFL. Thats right everyone knows by now that arguably the best running back in the NFL went undrafted. He followed up in 2011 by rushing 1,224 yards with 10 rushing touchdowns while catching 617 yards through the air all while missing the first three games to a hamstring injury. Foster would've had more in each category if the incredible back up Ben Tate didn't get so many carries for 942 yards, pretty good back up right? Best running back tandem in the history of the NFL. Back to Foster if you just put his 2010 numbers plus his 2011 numbers and you do that to all the other running backs in the NFL using their 2010 and 2011 numbers Foster leads the league in the triple crown as well so thats what arguably makes him the best in the NFL. Thats right, all his numbers since he has been a starter in 2010 have been better in every category beat Adrian Peterson,Chris Johnson,Lesean McCoy (insert any running back name here). Foster has been a Pro Bowler the past two years, and during the 2012 Playoffs Foster rushed over 100 yards in both games and set a record by most yards by a running back in their first 2 playoff games with 285, a record previously held by Duane Thomas since 1970 with 278.

The Houston Texans will now have this historic running back part of their team for the next five years but since he has been given the multi year deal it is almost certain Mario Williams will be let go. It is agreed that Arian Foster is a play maker and anytime he touches the ball he has the ability to take it all the way, he is such a key part of the offense and will help for the Super Bowl run over the next years to come. Well fans are you happy and relieved we have Foster locked in? Or did you want Mario? who makes more of a difference? A top 5 defense without Mario now adding Mario or a Top 5 offense with Arian. I am pretty sure Arian plays a bigger role, but thats just my take whats yours?

The Saints: the most disgusting team in the NFL

It has just been confirmed by the NFL and now in full steam ahead to punish the New Orleans Saints who where just discovered running a bounty payoff program administered by Saints defensive staff.

There was a leak in 2009 the Saints Super Bowl season that they where running a bounty to take out players but the man that leaked it went back and retracted what he said. Coaching staff had a 50 thousand dollar pot paying out players 1K for knocking out a player 2K for getting a opposing player carted off the field. During the 2009 playoffs the Saints where paying their players double for knocking out opposing players out of the game. It is reported anywhere that 22-27 Saints defensive players where involved in the bounty payoff process and at least one defensive coach. Investigation in now in full effect and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is planning to issue full punishments which could include but not limited to suspensions,fines and revoke draft picks. A player approached the NFL in 2009 but took his statement back even though there where so many obvious unnecessary roughness calls against Brett Favre and Kurt Warner in the playoffs where there was reportedly a 10 grand bounty to knock out each player.

Whats sickening is that this is the year when they won the Super Bowl and im happy it will be discussed and in question by the NFL over the next few days. When a organization involving the players,coaches and player staff where encouraging this i hope they all get fully punished and suspended and should be all dismissed from the NFL and show this can not ever be slightly tolerated. Oh do not count Sean Payton out as i write this it was just discovered he knew the whole time and encouraged this whole thing, including the owner and GM. Some punishments that sound right to me is dismiss the everyone involved, forfeit the Super Bowl win, prosecute them all in court for criminal charges for conspiracy, aiding and abetting felonious assault, yea those all sound about right.

A look at Kareem Jackson after 2 seasons.

Listening to the local Houston sports station it is very obvious how many Texan 'fans' just hate the 2010 1st round draft pick Kareem Jackson. Any time people lay out their solution they all include cutting Kareem Jackson just coming off a much improved second year. These 'fans' give up on this 1st round talent pick out of Alabama and already start to call him a bust, if you have that opinion of Kareem then let me point out a few things on why i have faith in Kareem and also a big fan of.

Coming in the Combine scouts would call Kareem a very aggressive corner that has speed and quick feet, everyone also agreed the guy could hit in the back field and disrupt passes pretty well but could use improvement in watching for the ball and go for the pick. When Houston drafted him many fans where really uncertain about Kareem and did not really know of him well. They decided since the success of Rick Smith in the 2006 draft fans had faith in Rick and not so much Kareem. The 2010 rookie season was far from pretty. It was obvious teams would target the rookie starting corner and burn him every game at least once or twice on big plays. Everyone agrees on that, but what i do not understand is why don't fans ask the question 'why was Kareem immune to being benched?'. It seemed obvious and understandable Kareem would lose confidence after getting lit up so much he would start to just try stay with the receiver and tackle him than look to try disrupt the pass or go for a interception. Kareem has the potential and true fans who look at him understand that and true scouts and coaches know that. The problem was he never got groomed up and slowly let into the games he was expected to start day one. It's beyond me why he was not just coached more and used later once he looked ready and caught up to NFL speed. Well after his rookie season Rick Smith brought in Jonathan Joseph to help the 2010 NFL's 32 ranked pass defense, and help be a vet and coach up Kareem. The 2011 Kareem saw much improvement and if you disagree then you where probably not watching the 2011 season and where accidentally watching 2010 reruns.

Kareem had some very solid moments in 2011 and sparks of light that made me feel so happy and proud of him, a way of him telling the 'fans' and media "forget the haters". Kareem had a great pick in the Atlanta game as well as having a game clinching pass defended in the end zone. Kareem looked totally different and more confident, when addressing some media that actually took notice he told them "i got my swagger back". Kareem Jackson's 2011 season was much improved after a year under his belt and thanks to the coaching of Wade Philips and Vance Joseph, along with the added vet help of Jonathan Joseph. His improvement in the secondary help keep the Texans throughout the season as a top 5 defense in the NFL.

In the end Kareem still has a little improvement he needs to do but hey thats what a full offseason with Wade Philips is for. Give every rookie four years to show their best idea for their max potential Kareem is now going into his fourth, so before you call him a bust you have to slow down and take a look and see he is improving and will develop more because trust me there is plenty more of potential Kareem has to offer. Keep a eye on him in training camp this year and don't be afraid to be impressed. Plus a true fan would cheer him on and hope he works out for the best and take him in and make him feel wanted here in Houston, not just bash him all day on the radio crying that he is the reason we lose a game. If you want to free up cap space for Mario dump Jason Allen he won't be needed anymore with Kareem and Brandon Harris taking over plus he is going to want starter money anyways, thats what a smart fan would really say to make a effort to keep Mario.

Can the Texans pursue Randy Moss?

Randy Moss. The name rings different memories for people, for me its 2007 when i watched the Patriots go undefeated to lose the Super Bowl, he set a record catching 23 touchdown passes out of Tom Brady's record setting 50 that where thrown that same year. Some is his signature gloves in the helmet, his many spectacular catches, his true 4.2 speed that no one could catch, and then there are some who sadly remember his years in Tennessee or Oakland. Well unless you have been paying no attention to NFL free agency Randy Moss is coming back just for one year for only one thing in mind, and no it's not a lot of money he is not T.O., he is coming for a run for a Super Bowl ring.

Randy Moss is coming back for one year just for a ring so he has the luxury of picking a team that he thinks have the best chance to make a run at a Super Bowl berth. Some teams have shot themselves in the foot by coming out and saying they are not interested in the most talented wide receiver in the history of the NFL. Thats right i said the MOST. He is like LeBron James when comparing to Michael Jordan, they are the two best and most talented players in the history of the NBA but the only thing that all the LeBorn haters bring to the argument is LeBron has no rings end of story, i think thats always been a invalid point because a team wins rings and one man can only carry a team so hard. Randy Moss is in the same discussion when arguing against Jerry Rice on who is the best of all time, Jerry Rice did not win all those rings i'm pretty sure the rest of the 49er dynasty led by a guy who's name happened to be Joe Montana won those rings together. Point being is Randy Moss is the only receiver to run a legit 4.2 in the combine and maintain that for a career. Now Randy is going to go to a team that not only has a chance to have a Super Bowl but a team that needs a legit number 1 or number 2 receiver. Randy Moss commands double teams every play something experts have coined the term the 'Randy Moss effect', just his presence on the field opens up another receiver or the running game on every play.

Now last time i checked the Texans are going to get a legit number two receiver whether they acquire that through the draft or in free agency, now before you count out Randy Moss as a Texan he will come cheap, he just wants a ring. Randy Moss just turned 35 and wants to retire with a bang ending with a ring, his agent has came out and said that Randy wants no money up front until he make the team. So lets start there whats wrong with that Texan fans? whats wrong with inviting the guy to training camp and if he doesn't have what it takes (he will blow out all the rookie WRs and everyone but Andre out of the water) then he doesn't get paid! It's a win/win for Houston, now after he make the team here is the best part his agent said 'Randy wants no money up front but a base salary of around 3-5 million all incentive based'. That means he would like to sign for around 3-5 million but take no money up front, he gets paid based on the amount of games, the amount of snaps and the amount of catches he makes. He just wants to play. Now some people look at 3-5 million as a lot for one year...are you kidding me? for Randy Moss? Do you Texan fans know how much Jacoby Jones is going to get next year unless he is cut and replaced by i don't know say Randy Moss? If you don't know well Jacoby is going to get 4.79 million for the 2012-2013 season, would you be willing to let him go and give that money incentively based to Randy? While Andre was or majority of the season was not playing here are Jacoby's numbers: played 16 games, started 10, caught a cute 31 passes for 512 yards and 2 touchdowns. Pretty disappointing.

Now if you can try to comprehend on if the Texans, who are looked at nationally to make a Super Bowl run and also are in big need for a number 2 WR bring in Randy Moss? Andre Johnson and Randy Moss lined up on each end one of them is going to have double coverage you cant double them both. You have two guys that command double teams and catch everything that touches their hands and both of them commanding double teams every single play will open up the run game for Arian like a run game has never been opened up before. You can pay Jacoby or you can turn that contract over to Randy Moss who currently has 954 receptions, 14,858 yards, 153 touchdowns and a 7 time Pro Bowler. The Texans do have the money to get him, but they have to let go of Jacoby, you tell me if thats worth a trade.

Take a look at him to remind you what he's capable of then let me hear your take.

Texans Free Agency...Who's gonna walk

After the combine has just passed and we have a better idea of where certain guys are going to go in the draft one this is for the sure that the Texans roster for 2012-2013 season is uncertain. Going into free agency which opens March 13th the Texans need to make some big time decisions on what to do with all their free agents and their super tight salary cap which at this moment has not been released to the public as they are trying their best to 'restructure' some contracts. Lets take a look of who's contracts are up and who are you willing to let go, lets see what we are working with.

1. Mario Williams ROLB
The talk of the town, radio stations and even national media is what is the fate of the 2006 1st overall pick? The 6'6 284 lbs beast is just coming off season ending injury only playing about 4 games. In his 82 played games since 2006 he has amassed 241 tackles and 53 sacks. He is arguably the best defensive end in the NFL and might be one of the best outside linebackers, last season his first as a OLB he was on pace to have a 20 sack season. When you draft a guy 1st overall you plan for him to be here for his career. Problem is as a rookie he had over a 50 million dollar contract, if he hits the open market he will become the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. The only thing the Texans can do is offer a long term 7 year deal offer the max they can and let Mario know thats all they can do and if takes it he takes it if not are you willing to let Arian Foster walk instead and get a first round pick out of it? Before you make up your mind all you anti-Mario people check this video out to have a little reminder what this young man is capable of, and Wade is just getting started with him.

2. Arian Foster HB
the 2010 NFL leading rusher's undrafted rookie contract of 560K for 2 years is now over, since 2010 he is still the rushing and scoring king, he only played 13 games this year and went over 1K rushing yards and if you combine his 2010 and 2011 numbers he is the leading rusher over every running back.
Foster could've held out for a big paycheck last year but he didn't, he kept quiet and just showed up to work everyday, his numbers these past two years make him arguably the one of the best running backs in the NFL (1.Adrian Peterson, 2.Arian Foster, 3.Chris Johnson). Arian is very smart and very elusive and is extremely effective running or catching the ball. The offensive line is meant for him, he is a integral key part of the high scoring Texan offense, from 2010-2011 seasons he has amassed 2,840 yards and 26 touchdowns rushing and 1,221 yards with 4 touchdowns receiving.
Its time to pay the man, whatever it takes you have to either franchise tag him or you give the man his long term deal he deserves, you cant have both him and Mario as we know right now that looks extremely unlikely. For those guys that say let him walk and take a extra 1st round pick heres a video to remind you what he can do.

 

3. Chris Myers C 

To be clear he is not the last of the Texans free agents but he is the last of the three that will require big money, there are others but their contracts are not near these big three. To start Chris is a veteran, a true leader on the NFL's best offensive line helping pave the way for undrafted running back Arian Foster to lead the league in rushing almost two years in a row. The offensive line is a zone blocking run scheme that requries not so much as big boys on the line but athletic to get up to set blocks for Arian or to move as one on the play action that the Texans are the best in the NFL at. Chris is the anchor and leader for this line, it is extremely important to keep this offensive line together for Arian. If you want Arian you got to bring back the boys who set his epic blocks, now the Green Bay packers are already talking to Chris so we got to give him the money he deserves soon, but you take him you cant bring Mario. Watch the Arian video and watch number 55 and all the other linemen and watch how important their blocks are and what they set up, you have to give him good money when you already have competition to keep him. 

So now you know the situation, you know my take, whats everyone else's? 

A solid look at RG3:Post Combine

4,293 yards passing, 37 TDs to 6 interceptions, 72.4 completion % and oh don't let me forget the rushing 699 yards 10 TDs on 179 attempts. Thats the Baylor Bears sensation RG3 numbers from 2011 season. To put it simply the guy dominated and thats why he took home the Heisman. Now everyone says Andrew Luck is the sure fire number 1 pick and he probably will be the first overall but i'd like to take another look at why RG3 should be a force to be to be considered.     

After watching his combine i was officially sold on RG3 being the quarterback i would take in the draft, 

 

The guy ran a 4.41 40 and a 4.38... thats ridiculous. The guy came in measuring at 6'2 225 making his speed the fastest 40 time pound for pound. coming in at 6'2 clears a big question mark when people feared he be a solid 6 feet or 6'1 and you know everyone wants their QBs at a solid 6'2, RG3 came in at a 6'2 3/8th which is now going to make him a serious hot commodity to trade up to take him 2nd overall. People worried about his size and run style, comparing him to Michael Vick who cant finish a season to save his life, Mike Vick measured at the combine 6'0 210, so thats 2 inches taller and a solid 15 more pounds on him. Now take a look at the best highlight video of RG3. 

Those big throws in the video confirms he has a bigger arm than Andrew luck, he can make bigger throws, he just doesn't run first and when he runs he runs smart. Take this in perspective of Andrew Luck vs RG3, RG3 can make bigger and longer accurate throws than Andrew Luck, When RG3 takes off with his 4.3-4.4 speed he pretty much just gained 40 yds in around 4ish seconds with pads on, and heres the best part of the whole thing that people don't talk about for some reason: RG3 was offered to go to Stanford OVER Andrew Luck by then coach Jim Harbaugh, he was given the scholarship first over luck. When he walked up to the podium to answer questions he covered one side of his face with a smile because Jim Harbaugh was in the crowd and Coach Harbaugh asked him why he turned him down for Stanford and RG3 answers "Well it worked out for everyone" Andrew luck came up short to the Heisman to Super Cam and to RG3. Now i'm not saying RG3 is the next Cam, not at all, Rookie of the Year Cam just came off the greatest rookie year by a QB since Peyton except Peyton had 28 interceptions to his 26 TDs. That aside i would consider RG3 going number 1 even though he won't but i guarantee you he will have a better rookie year than Andrew Luck, because simply RG3 is better in every way, the only thing people can bring up with Luck is his years in a pro style offense being 'groomed' for the NFL. Theres a reason RG3 was offered the Stanford job over Luck, and won the Heisman, come 2012 season he is just going to have to remind everyone why.