He's fine. Granted, he's had a huge workload, but our run game wasn't great last year, largely due to the loss of Leach. This year, with Greg Jones, Foster will be fine. He showed some rust last night, but he did miss all of preseason. He also may not be 100%. If he's not returned to form by week 6, we'll have this conversation.
Having two healthy rb's is more important for this team than any other. They're one of the only run first teams left in the league (even though they still pass a ton and are really a "balanced" team). Foster regressed last year, but also had to carry more of the load (and they couldn't really run to the right with the inexperienced line). Number regression can also be pointed at due to the yearly line shuffle. I just want both guys to stay healthy. Collectively, they will put up some huge #'s. I also think Arian has a better knack for the end zone and is less prone to fumbles (hence the end of game carries).
Last year's issue was no real FB (James Casey experiment = fail), and no healthy #2. He just looked rusty to me. It's his ATTITUDE that concerns me.
Lets not overreact ...Alfred Morris one of the top young RB had a crap game of 12 carries for 45 yards...it happens....Fosters performance did not concern me, he's too good and brings too much to the table...but it was a bad look of him on the sideline. . . In a way, I'm glad Foster wants the ball all the time and especially at the end but come on Foster...
I always loved and respected the way Foster carried himself. I was very disappointed watching him being pissed on the sideline. Not cool at all
Foster used to look like he was moving in slow motion (in a good way) - gliding through open holes and finishing runs like a hot knife. He still looks the same, moves elegantly, in slow motion - but the result is different now. It's as if he's moving too slow. And it's been this way for most of last year as well. We're already seeing his signature - fall to the ground for no reason move - creeping back. I don't care about Foster as long as we have Tate. Whichever is better can play. Whichever is worse can be the cap casualty at the end of the year. Foster might be fine but I wouldn't be so sure, the historical evidence is not on his side.
Most running backs don't last long in this league. It's not unusual for a player to have a couple of great years and then start a steady decline. I thought that Foster had lost something last year and commented on it at the time. Foster can still be a big part of the team, but he needs to be a team player and understand that the Texans have other good running backs also. Tate deserves to be getting touches every game, and at this point looks to be running better than Foster. Fans get attached to players and they have a hard time letting go, but nothing lasts forever, and now may be the time to see Tate move into the starting lineup. I don't see Kubiak making a change, but I would be impressed if he did.
Foster was terrible at picking up 3rd and 1 last year and that may be carrying over to this year. He's not a brusing back, he relies on making a nice move and making the defender miss. Those moves aren't there right now. Tate is the RB to pick up short yardage. He can knock someone over and bull his way to the first down.
He'll be fine. They were forcing the split in playing time which might have made it hard for him to get in a rhythm. That, combined with the lack of a preseason, is the likely reason for his (by his standards) below par play. Might take another game or 2...but he'll be just fine. And if not, I've enough confidence in Tate to take over.
I'm a big Tate fan, but he just hasn't been healthy to really trust too much. Foster is a better blocker and receiver, even though Tate is becoming a better receiver. I don't know if he dropped a pass last season, but definitely not as fluid going from catching to running.
The O-Line sure wasn't helping him out either. Especially the left side, which is normally the dependable side.
If Foster repeats his performance of last season and Tate stays healthy, then I wouldn't be surprised to see Foster cut, and Tate resigned.
Unfortunate to see... but I hope this lights a fire under his arse. Really need him to be the back he was TWO seasons ago.
I'm saddened by his attitude as well. Who is behind there... Lestar Jean? :grin: Looking at him like "Why you mad, tho'?"
You're right. For some reason, I thought Foster's extension took place before the 2011 season, not last year. Bye bye Tate.
We all know Arian has an attitude problem. Remember when Kubiak, the player coach, benched Foster for the first half two seasons ago?
