Texans look for help at linebacker By CARLTON THOMPSON Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle HOUSTON — After ranking near the bottom of the NFL in sacks each of the past three seasons, the Texans are in desperate need of an outside pass rusher. After being released by the Baltimore Ravens last week, Peter Boulware is an outside linebacker in need of a team. Sounds like a good match. That is, if the Texans are satisfied with the health of Boulware's right knee and toe, which had injuries that contributed to him missing all of last season. There's also the matter of money, which played a part in the Ravens releasing their all-time sack leader. Boulware visited the Texans and underwent a physical examination Tuesday. How things will progress from this point is unclear. "Anytime there's an experienced player that has had experience in the league and becomes available, you always look at him," Texans coach Dom Capers said. "That's basically what we're dealing with. We've just talked. That's basically where we are at." The Texans are prepared to enter the season with Antwan Peek and Jason Babin as their starting outside linebackers, but as general manager Charley Casserly demonstrated in his pursuit of St. Louis Rams left tackle Orlando Pace, he's willing to explore the possibility of acquiring elite talent. Boulware, who has spent his eight-year career with the Ravens, was the fourth player taken in the 1997 draft. He has 67 1/2 sacks and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times. The Texans, who have stressed getting younger and faster on defense, must decide if Boulware, 30, still is capable of producing at that level. "I think I have a lot left in the tank," Boulware said. "That's really part of my motivation, being let go by the Baltimore Ravens. I want to prove to myself and everybody else that I do have some great years left in me. Hopefully, I can get out on the field and show it. "I have to believe I can still be great. To be honest with you, if I'm not playing to the level that I think I can play or I don't think I'm going to be good, I'm not going to go out there and try to mess around. If I'm playing, I'm going to play at a full-speed level and hopefully be good at what I do." The former Florida State star had been an ironman in the Ravens' lineup until suffering a season-ending knee injury on Dec. 21, 2003. Boulware opened the 2004 season on the physically unable to perform list, but he suffered a turf toe injury when he began practicing in November and finished the year on injured reserve. Boulware, who missed just one start during the first seven years of his career, said his injuries are a thing of the past and that he could have practiced Tuesday if necessary. "I am healthy," he said. "I'm ready to play. It's just a matter of me going on the field and proving it." Adalius Thomas played well in Boulware's absence, and the Ravens, who are switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme, drafted defensive end Dan Cody in the second round of last month's draft. In order to remain in Baltimore, Boulware (6-4, 255) likely would have been asked to take a reduced role, possibly as a third-down pass-rush specialist. That also would have meant a pay cut for Boulware, who was due base salaries of $6 million in each of the next four seasons. The Ravens released Boulware after the two sides were unable to agree on a restructured contract. Baltimore's best offer was believed to be $2 million for one year with a chance to earn an additional $2 million in incentives. "It wasn't really a money thing," Boulware said. "It was a reduction maybe in my role, maybe being a third-down player. I know I can play on third down, but I also think I can be a first- and second-down player as well. If I have to be a third-down player, that's fine, but at least I'm going to weigh my options and see what happens." Several other teams are believed to be interested in Boulware, including Cleveland and Seattle. www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/318674 I'd love it if the Texans got Boulware.
If he's close to being his old self and healthy, why the hell not? He's a very good OLB in a 3-4 and could really help with the pass rush. That said, I still want to see Peek get more of a shot. I think he could turn out to be a devastating pass rusher if given more than just the occasional 3rd down.
Boulware and Peek would be nasty on the outside. Hopefully we can get him. It will be tough for him to turn down Seattle since his little brother plays for them.
This guy is screwing the ravens just like glenn screwed yall. "I am leaving because of this, but I guess I will settle for the same thing somewhere else"
Yeah I know he is not going anywhere I just think Boulware will start right away and Peek will beat out Babin in camp.
What makes Babin better than Peek? Peek is faster, more athletic, and seems to put more pressure on the QB than Babin does.
Peek isn't a smart football player, Babin is. The coaching staff has said that Peek's habit of constantly making mental errors is the main thing keeping him off the field. Also, Babin had a pretty solid rookie year last season, and that was with him learning a new position. I expect him to improve quite a bit this year.
