That's one play where we ran a coverage we've never ran before. Ad the coach was fired too. You don't play scared because you got burned. You add speed and coaching and dictate to your opponent.
And he's also 35, this kid could be the kicker for the next 10 years.....and he's got just one hell of a lot stronger leg. Have Novak line up and take a shot from 60 yards, how many times does it bounce before getting there? Fairbairn drilled one from that distance just this year and he hit the back of the net with it.
....and so is Fairbairn. He's also a LOT younger and has a MUCH stronger leg. It's a no-brainer. You go with Fairbairn and you won't need to worry about a kicker for a decade, stick with Novak and you'll be looking for a new kicker pretty soon.
I want the kicker who can at least consistently get touchbacks. Novak can't. Fairbairn can. Plus Novak wore no. 8 and I cringe everytime I see it
True but if you can't consistently kick it out of the endzone, you can't exactly dictate to your opponent. A bigger leg at least gives you the option. All in all, Novak was pretty good but if you can bring in a possible upgrade, why the hell not?
Each NFL team's best undrafted free agent signing of 2016 Houston Texans: Stephen Anderson, TE, Cal Anderson will be a bit of a pass-catching specialist—he's not going to move anyone as a blocker. But the 6' 2", 230-pounder runs with 4.6 speed and could turn into a dangerous threat if the Texans opt to get their TEs more involved. http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/05/02/nfl-draft-undrafted-free-agent-signings-steals-sleepers
I have never seen Fairbairn kick, but I would compare our current situation similar to the one when Justin Tucker was signed as UDFA by the Ravens. Ravens had already had an established veteran kicker at the time, but Tucker was given the job and the rest is history.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kansas, OL, Larry Mazyck will also be headed to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a>.</p>— PDS (@PatDStat) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatDStat/status/727266251773366272">May 2, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Cory Carter fifteen 60+ yard punts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNyvGSWLu0A In-game 72 yard punt after safety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcIWtVvENW0 Cory Carter 86 yard punt in game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eGzPwqRfiQ I think this kid could be Lechler's heir apparent.. hopefully he sticks around
I'm pulling for this kid because of everything he's gone through. And because he went to Cy Creek! Could he displace Savage?
I doubt it. They need someone to throw the ball in rookie camp though. If he's lucky he can get invited to training camp and then if he's even luckier he might get on the practice squad. The only threat to Savage's roster spot is that they run with 2 QBs and cut/trade him instead of Weeden. (I doubt this happens) On the punter, just looked at Lechler's contract and he only has 500k guaranteed for 16. If Carter is impressive could the Texans cut Shane Lechler?
I know he is very well liked. I'd be surprised, but he wasn't nearly as good last year as his reputation.
I'm sure there is an intelligent reason but I don't get why the Texans don't get highly rated and successful backup QBs. It's like they'd rather get these no-name guys and cross their fingers hoping they make it. The Patriots have Jimmy G and Brissett, the Bengals have McCarron, the Raiders have Cook, the cowboys have Prescott, Browns have Kessler, Chiefs have Hogan, and the Texans have Savage and undrafted Keeton? I know some of you have a lot of hope in Savage working out but he was drafted above McCarron and Mettenberger. I'm sure there's a reason and maybe their analysis/rating is much different than most of us but it's just puzzling to me.
