Saturday, March 24, 2007

Houston's Clearing House

Shortly after the Matt Schaub trade, houston released both Quarterback David Carr, and RB Domanic Williams (Formerly Davis). It looks like Houston is completely trying to change the image of their team offensively.

Will this make Houston a contender? Anything's possible in today's NFL. Here's the first of many Offensive Inventory Reports i'll conduct during the offseason.

Quarterback - Matt Schaub - Grade: B
Schaub is definitely an upgrade for the Texans, who clearly had enough with former No. 1 pick Carr. However, he may not show dramatic improvement right away. many people forget that he's only started two games, and that causes many skeptics to claim Schaub's skills have wilted in Michael Vick's shadow. Whether this is true or not, Houston now had a new face of the franchise who has proven potential.

Running Back - Ahman Green - Grade: C
While a grade of C seems a little harsh, keep in mind I have factored in Green's long-term value. He's getting older, and his injury history is alot longer than you'd like your featured back's to be. While he IS an immediate upgrade from the kooky running back rotation of 2006, the Texans should groom a young back during this period rather than be dependent on banged up veterans in the future.

Backup Running Back - Ron Dayne - Grade: B+
He's no Michael Turner, but Dayne is at his best when he is spelling another back. His hard-nosed running style flattens tired out defenses. While the former Heisman Trophy winner has been classified as a dissapointment in the NFL, he does rather well here. Keep in mind it was Dayne who led the Texans to their first franchise victory against Superbowl XLI winner Indianapolis.

Wide Receiver 1 - Andre Johnson - Grade: A-
Johnson is actually very good. He led the league in receptions last year, and would no doubt be in the elite tier of wideouts if another offensive threat accompanied him on the field. This threat could be Green, but the Texans really need to get someone worthy of attention to replace Eric Moulds. With a good WR 2, and a Settled-in Schaub, Andre could be the star he's always supposed to have been.

Wide Receiver 2 - ?????? - Grade: F
Here's where I get my credibility back. Yes, it seems I have been awfully kind to the Houston Offense, but I draw the line at Wide Reciever 2. As far as I know, the holder of this position has yet to be determined. I would suggest that Houston looks to the draft, but let's face it, they have way too many needs elsewhere, and will possibly have a position battle between Kevin Walter and David Anderson. Either this is the case, or Houston's replacement at WR2 is SO under the radar that it is a bad sign in itself.

Tight End - Owen Daniels - Grade: B-
For awhile there, Daniels looked pretty damn good for a rookie Tight End. He seems to fit well in Kubiak's system, but one has to wonder how his adjustment to a new QB will go. He did emerge as a viable red-zone target last season, so when the Texans actually get into the Red Zone, his value increases.

Offensive Line - In Progress - Grade: D-
Every Mock Draft I have read has the Texans taking Penn Stater (We Are!) Levi Brown. There's a reason for that. Houston has, by far, the most needs in their offensive line, which was so pourous that it knocked David Carr out of a job. If the Texans want Schaub to Blossom, they have to pull this line together and draft well.

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