I have always thought the same thing! But I guess Wade must know something we don't. I have read more than once that "so-called experts" believe in moving Quin to safety and I never understood it. If Kareem is as talented enough to be a first rounder, shouldn't safety be a piece of cake for him? Also, as bad of a season that he has had, wouldn't a change help his mental game? I see him potentially being like that minor league prospect that was rushed to the majors too early and never could catch up mentally. He NEEDS to be put in a position to succeed. I too would love to see Quin as our #2 CB, like he was when Dunta was here. Kareem scares me, but I am putting my faith in Wade. I have to. Thats what we got, since we never even tried for Cowher! Go Texans!?
Didn't see it posted here but the Chron's Lance Zierlein wrote a nice blog on the subject: http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/2011/03/post_182.html The Z Report March 27, 2011 Here is what the Texans 3-4 defensive front should look like After reading discussions on message boards, answering questions here on this blog and listening to questions/discussions on sports radio, I can tell that there is some confusion about what the prototypes are for the 3-4 defense. Let's take a look at what the defensive end and nose guard (also referred to as NT sometimes) position typically looks like and what they are responsible for in the 3-4. I'll also take a look at the Texans roster and examine how the players fit into this system. Defensive End The DE in a 3-4 will typically measure at 6'3 or taller and weigh 290 or more. Most teams prefer their 3-4 DEs to be 6'4 or taller, but if the DE plays with great strength and has athleticism (think 6'2 Cullen Jenkins from the Packers) then they will go with that player. It is usually best for the DE to have above average arm length and above average strength for his position. Basically, the prototype for the 3-4 DE is a hybrid between a 4-3 DT and DE. There are different alignments for a 3-4 DE, but they will usually be lined up across from the offensive tackle or on the tackle's inside eye. The DE will frequently have responsibility for the "C" gap which will be between the offensive tackle and the tight end so obviously the 3-4 DE has to be strong enough to not only hold up at the point of attack, but also win the physical battles against the tackles. With Wade Phillips "1-gap" system, you will see the Texans' DEs attempting to get up the field rather than reading and reacting, but they still have to maintain their gap responsibilities. Prototypes Aaron Smith, Steelers: 6'5 / 298 Kendall Langford, Dolphins: 6'6 / 290 Shaun Ellis, Jets: 6'5 / 290 Richard Seymour, Raiders (formerly Patriots): 6'6 / 310 Nose Guard I've heard Texans fans debate what the "1-gap" nose will look like for the Texans and whether or not that player is on the roster, but I think too much is made of the term "1-gap" as it refers to this position. For one, no matter whether you are looking at the Patriots brand of 3-4, the Steelers version or Wade Phillips version (all different), the nose is going to take on plenty of double teams each game and has to be strong at the point of attack to hold up and not be pushed around or teams are going to be able to gash the defense in the middle with their rushing attack. I know that Jay Ratliff's name comes up quite a bit, but he's atypical of what the 3-4 nose will look like at 6'4 / 309. Ratliff has tremendous quickness off the snap which makes him special, but he's also stronger at the point than many players his size. While Wade Phillips coached Ratliff, he also coached Jamal Williams and Pat Williams and Ted Washington and those players are all very big boys; therefore, I don't think it is easy to lock in on the body type of what Phillips and the Texans will be looking for. I do know this though, that player MUST be able to handle double teams without getting blown off the ball. Prototypes B.J. Raji, Packers: 6'2 / 337 Vince Wilfork, Patriots: 6'2 / 340 Kelly Gregg, Ravens: 6'0 / 320 Dan Williams, Cardinals: 6'2 / 327 Texans Roster Fits Amobi Okoye - He's not strong enough at the point of attack to start at the nose in a 3-4 and he's not a fit as a 3-4 DE. If he makes the team, it will be as a 3rd down rusher, but I doubt they pay him to be a backup in a system where he doesn't even fit. Sean Cody - I know the Texans have plans for Cody at NG, but I actually think he's a better fit as a 3-4 DE backing up Mario and Antonio Smith. Cody has the size and strength to be a solid defender against the run, but he's not as good a pass rusher as the Texans would want on 3rd downs. My guess is the Texans will keep him at the nose. Mario Williams - I doubt Mario is very excited about his move to 3-4 DE because your stats typically fall off at that position. In reality, Mario is a terrific fit in the 3-4 provided he plays with the strength that he has flashed since 2006. Mario can win head-to-head battles against tackles against the run and he will be one of the top pass rushing 3-4 DEs in the league the first day he steps on the field. Antonio Smith - If you've watched Smith closely over the last two years, you realize that he's been the most consistent defensive linemen for the Texans from an effort standpoint. With Phillips' one-gap system, Smith has a chance to really shine if he buys in, but there are legit questions about whether or not he'll buy into his new role. Earl Mitchell - Mitchell is stronger at the point of attack than you might think and I have no doubt that he can give you some very good snaps at 3-4 NG since he plays with such a terrific motor, but I don't think he has the body type to hold up to double teams over the course of a game so he'll probably have to play in a rotation. Connor Barwin - Barwin is moving to outside linebacker.
I'm surprised that no one is talking about the fact that two of our four "starting LBs" are coming off of season ending injuries. In fact everyone is pretty much penciling them in for career years.
