DGDB&D: a Texans blog.

Not since Barbaro, the most amazing race horse. human, and goldfish in history, managed to survive a brush with death and return to win the 2008 presidency have we seen a miracle of such magnitude.  After being cut, the Texans’ own version of Barbaro, Charles Spencer, was…..*sobs*

…..was……*keyboard blows up from tears*

…..saw….*lousy fuckin’ replacement dyslexic keyboard*

…..was….

…SIGNED BY THE CAROLINA PANTHERS TODAY! One can only imagine the stirring tribute that Dee Mirich is penning as I type.

Outside of being a total and complete asshole, I have two thoughts:

1. Other teams are now feasting on our scraps, which is a mighty damn good feeling.  As depressing as it was to look at the draft picks in our history, it’s pretty awesome to see where we are today.

2. To Charles, aka “Big Nasty”: My best, and most sincere wishes of good luck to you.  I can’t tell you how jealous I am that you are continuing to pursue your dream.  I hoped against the odds that you’d be back, and I hope the Panthers give you another year to heal.  I know I’m no Dee Mirich, but I really do hope you have a long and successful career.

First, my Spanish sucks.  Sorry if my translation is off.

Anyway, by now I’m sure you’ve heard that Charles “Big Nasty” Spencer was released today.  I don’t think any of us expected him to be the LT of the future, especially after the arrival of Alex Gibbs and Duane Brown.  Nor do I think anyone was shocked that a round of cuts came today considering that the team had to get down to 80 players by Friday and the easiest way to get there was to get rid of the guys least likely to make the team.  (Which is also why DGDB&D fave Jon Abbate as well as DT Eric Powell and G Dan Stevenson were sent packing this afternoon.)

No, I guess the only surprise, to the extent that there is one, is that Spencer was listed among the guys least likely to make the team, ahead of (or behind, I guess) such notables as TE Ryan Krause and/or 5-10 WR Mark Simmons.  Nothing against those guys, but you’d think that seeing what (if anything) Spencer had in the tank would be worth more than seeing what Mark Simmons brings to the table.  (Editor’s guess: Not much.)

In other, slightly related news while we are talking about roster space, I am still baffled about our continued employment of Bryan Pittman when THREE other Texans (Dreessen, Bulman, and Zgonina) can do his job while simultaneously not being limited to ONLY doing his job.  Dreessen would actually be the perfect dude to fill the dual role, as he is not asked to do much in the TE department on most days.

Another busy day IRL, so off to the races.

Papabear > BFD: Well, which isn’t much of a surprise to my wife.  Placing a player on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list does *not* excuse said player from the 80-man roster heading into training camp.  So, this could be the end-game for Barbaro Spencer as a Texan.  There’s always the possibility we re-sign him after other cuts during camp, but teams with a more shallow depth pool would almost certainly be interested.  There are some lessons to be learned here, one of which is that knee injuries, even with all the science and technology, are still not always curable.  Dunta, ear-muffs.

Colvin: Not much new on the Rosy Colvin front.  It’s nice that Rick Smith has a relationship with Colvin and his lawyer.  And Smith did give Andre Davis, who shares lawyers with Colvin, that nice big shiny contract.  And those strippers I hired to dance for Rosy should help.  But, all that said, if the battle is between the Texans and the Dolts, the best thing we can do is sell how competitive we’ll be.

Chris Taylor still gets you stoned: Following up last week’s warm and fuzzy article about Tim Bulman, the latest entry is about Chris Taylor by Brooke Bentley.  I realize I’m kind of an asshole when it comes to stories like this, and I think it’s more a matter of me, ummmmm, being an asshole rather than the work itself.  And, you know, Brooke isn’t bad.

These are the human interest stories that warm the deepest cockles of my heart.  I spent a lot of time around athletes during school doing interviews and stories just like this.  The fact is, there are a lot of hard-working, great guys who just don’t cut it.  RIght now, in my glass is completely empty mind-set, it…well, it makes me sad.  I was never really able to callous myself against watching athletes fall short of their dreams.  /cathartic moment

Even in the article, Taylor is mentioned as the #5 running back.  I think, again sadly, he missed a huge chance last year.  Unless Chris Brown or Ahman Green fall apart (I think we’re only missing Lorenzo White, Lu Blue, and Pink in our backfield), which is possible, Taylor’s best chance is to beat out Darius Walker for that fourth spot.  Of course, now we can expect a warm and fuzzy about Walker to make me want to root for him!

Bulman: Excellent article by Chris at HoustonDiehards about the Bulman situation.  And, no, I don’t think Bulman will make the team for the reasons broken down by Chris.  As Chris mentions, if it comes down to one of “Tim Bulman, N.D. Kalu, Earl Cochran, or Anthony Maddox,” I think Bulman would rank last on the list.  If we sign Colvin, it’ll muddy that picture even more.  Still, this is a must read article by Chris.

Oh, and for the bet?  A pitcher and nachos on the loser.  I don’t mean pour a pitcher of beer on the loser - that would be alcohol abuse.

Duane Brown: Matt and I have talked about linking and talking less to and about the Comicle. However, since Jerome Solomon wrote this one, I’ll make an exception.

“Never Satisfied”: No, this isn’t a story by my wife. It’s about Mario’s new attitude. Eric sent both of these in, and as he said, it’s funny that nobody can do a story about Mario without mentioning Eric Metcalf Jr. and VY. Still, it’s a national piece by an AP reporter, which must mean something positive, right? Right???

Some (slightly meaningful) OTA quotes this morning:

Rick Smith: (on what cutting Gray says about QB Shane Boyd) “You know what, it says that Shane is making progress. It’s saying that Alex Brink is making progress. We’ve got some young quarterbacks that we really like that are doing a decent job and we feel comfortable with those guys going into training camp.” Comment: Yawn. Boyd may make the active roster, but, after we cut Gray, I’m leaning toward that we have two quarterbacks active on game day, not three.

Rick Smith: (on what the team will do with T/G Charles Spencer) “Well, we don’t know. We’ve got a lot of conversations to have between now and training camp. His rehab process has gone slow, and we had hoped that it would have been a little bit better at this point and so from a lot of standpoints, that’s a little disappointing. But we’re going to continue to be patient with Charles and give him every opportunity that we can to make it back.” Comment: Hello, PUP.

Rick Smith: (on DT Travis Johnson) “Travis is going to be fine. He’s rehabbing and he’s responding well to the treatment and so we expect that he’s going to be ready to go.” Comment: Travis went to the Crystal Pistol and personally asked every fifth dancer to inspect his groin for damage.

Coach Kubiak: (on negotiations with LB Rosevelt Colvin) “We are still talking to him. I think we are still a part of his decision process. We will wait to see what happens.” Comment: This is essentially what Rick Smith said, too. That they are being coy is not surprising, and hopefully it’s a good sign.

Got a super busy real-job day today, so play nicely amongst yourselves. Leg hugs for everybody!

Edit:  Oops, used Stacy’s link on the Mario story, not Eric’s.  They both sent it.  Carry on.

Can you hear me now? Good.: DeMonster, thanks in part to being a three-down linebacker, will be wearing the defensive headset for the Texans next year. The headset, which is like that used by the offense, is a new twist heading into 2008. For teams with more thoughtful players, such as DeMeco, Kevin Bentley, and Amobi Okoye, it’ll be a distinct advantage. The Texans could be a team with a lot to gain from this new do-hickey.

Bad News for Barbaro?: Kubes:

(on if T Charles Spencer will return before training camp) “Well, obviously, we’re down to a couple of days. We’ve had long discussions with him yesterday. The bottom line is that we’re not quite sure that he’s ready to get out here and be more active, so they’ll evaluate that through the weekend and make a decision.”

(on if would be a big deal if Spencer doesn’t make it out before training camp) “Well, it’s a big issue, you know, and the issue is strictly a numbers issue with the football team because taking 80 guys to camp and having 80 guys to go through an NFL camp is just a very small number. And it’s new water for all of us as coaches and general managers, so that’s why it makes this decision even tougher as we move forward.”

Let’s be honest: This is about as negative as you will see something during OTAs. As the Texans near their 80-man roster cutoff heading into camp, Barbaro is in trouble. Purely speculation on my part, but I’ve got a bad feeling after seeing these quotes.

This Year’s Jim Morris Award Goes to: Tim Bulman.

Look, this is great for him and all, but it also shows that we failed to address a major area of need in the draft. And, even though we had Colvin in for a visit, it looks like we will bring him in at LB and not DE if we sign him. Hopefully, we’ll be able to find something during camp cuts. I still don’t think we have an adequate answer opposite Mario (though, again, I have a Chaun-on!).

RIP: Jim McKay: The way he handled the 1972 Olympics should be required course materials for journalism classes.

RIP Dwight White: As badly as the Steelers used to kill us in the old days, there was at least a working respect for the team. The Steelers were not only talented, but they were a hard-working team. White was a cog of the Iron Curtain squads, a disrupter who complimented LC Greenwood on the other end.

The difference between the Steelers of yester-year and the Dallas Cow-fuckers of today? Class.

Ending on a Happy Note: More Kubes:

“Well, I want to knock on wood, but in all honesty, this camp, I think he’s the most improved player. He’s a pretty dang good player to begin with but what you saw take place here over the course of the last three weeks, you saw a guy go from still having some of his rookie habits, they went away in one week and we haven’t noticed them in the last two. That’s a good thing. It tells me he’s growing up. He’s becoming better. He’s becoming a pro. And if that happens, we’re going to be a better football team. I’ve been very impressed with the player he’s become through OTAs.” - on Okoye

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to dry off.

Edit: Thanks to Stacy and Foomey for meeting me for a beer Saturday night.  It was great meeting y’all.

Day 1 of minicamp is in the books. Which means that day one of the Alex Gibbs era, the return of Barbaro, the likely immolation of Jacques Reeves, and a whole host of other stuff. Mmm…tastes like chicken, err, football.

Anyway, most of the quotes coming out after today’s workouts were what you’d expect. The rookies were wide-eyed and thrilled to be there; the team looks good, but has to shake off some rust; everyone’s goal for minicamp is just to improve and get comfortable with the new pieces and plans; blah blah blah.

One thing jumped out, however–that BFD’s fear seems likely to come to fruition. At least if take Kubes at his word.

(on how T Duane Brown looked) “Well, I’ll have to go back and see but, you know, we’ve got to see how far we can bring this kid in the next month and so we put him right in there with the first group today. And I know it was very tough on Ephraim (Salaam), and y’all know I have a great deal of respect for Ephraim and I can understand why it was tough, but as I explained to him, I’ve got to see how far I can bring this young man. But I know Ephraim’s going to do his job and I’m expecting good things from him, but we felt like we had to put this kid to work right away.

(on if T Duane Brown is first on the depth chart) “Yes, he’ll be working with the first group, and that’s the only way we’re going to find out if this kid’s going to get to where we want him to go and how quick he can get there. You draft these kids in the first round to come in and play and that’s nothing against Ephraim (Salaam), as I said, and we’ve had this conversation. But I understand the difficulty in that, but we as coaches feel like we have to put this kid to work right away.”

Hmm…what to make of this? I’d say (a) Gibbs wants his guy to play and he wants it NOW, (b) Kubiak realizes that the better half of Black Salaami isn’t all that good, and (c) Duane Brown really is the archetype ZBS LT that we need. Plus, there is probably a little (d) “tell the fanbase the kid is a bona fide #1 just to keep the natives from becoming restless” in there as well. Lord knows no one wants restless Houstonians running around.

At this point, I am inclined to believe that Brown will be the opening day starter at LT. Now, I understand the fears of him being eaten alive by the various monster RDEs in the AFC South, but there are two things that make me think he’ll be okay if he is the starter from dia una (takes large swig of the Kool-Aid):

First, I am just telling myself (over and over and over) that, Gibbs’ pet or not, he will not be the starter until he can really be the starter. By which I mean, trial-by-fire only goes so far, especially when you are talking about the guy who is protecting the blindside of your franchise QB’s surgically repaired shoulder. So he is only going to get this LT gig if he can really do it. Will he struggle against KVB, et al? Possibly. But the question is not can he stop KVB on every single down; the question is can he stop KVB (or whomever) more consistently than Salaam can? If the answer is yes, then by all means, throw him in there and let him show me that I was wrong when I broke the TV remote after his selection.

Second, though, I am taking some comfort in this little snippet from BRB:

In his first game at right tackle he faced none other than Mario Williams. At his post-draft press conference, Duane was asked to comment about his encounter with Williams.

“I remember that night like it was yesterday. I was two weeks into the position; it was the opener and a night game at NC State. (Mario Williams) is a very intimidating figure. I held my own that night and it was the beginning of my transition. Being able to go against him in practice, he is one of the best defensive ends in the league. I think practicing against him will be great for me and will help me.”

He started at right tackle for two full seasons before moving over to left tackle in his senior year. In those three years, Brown racked up 42 consecutive starts.

In his senior season, Brown boasted an outstanding 89% blocking consistency average. By comparison, the overall first pick in the 2008 NFL draft, Jake Long, had an 88% blocking consistency rating in his final year at Michigan.

As we all remember, Mario was a bad motor scooter in college. If Brown really did hold his own against Super Mario in his first ever game as a tackle, then he has some serious natural-born talent hidden away in there. And, for all the effort he gave us last year, that is something that Ephraim Salaam just doesn’t really possess.

Of course, if I am wrong to optimistic now (and, conversely, right to have been pissed on Draft Day), I reserve the right to give him a horrible nickname and point out again and again that we already had a ZBS LT on the roster in Eric Winston. I’m a fickle mofo like that.

A couple of links this morning for your chuckling pleasure.

Evidently, Sage Rosenfels wants to be a starter. No, ya think? When I was a little kid growing up, playing football on the street in the middle of the summer in 105 degree weather, I used to dream about the day I’d be on the bench backing up a great quarterback as he won the Super Bowl. I would hold a clipboard like nobody’s business.

I know Steph calls these the “warm and fuzzy” articles with a side of leg hug, but I again feel like my brain has been assaulted by a Ukrainian egg blower through my nose. Yes, he wants to be a starter. Sadly, I think he has a better chance of that as a ViQueen rather than as a Texan. But before this year, Rosie had only 150 passing attempts, and this year he turns 30. Now, he’s definitely better than a certain division rival’s QB, but I still don’t think Rosie is of starting quality due to less-than-average arm strength and his tendency to throw poorly timed picks. Regardless, 2007 will be his career year, and you sell high. In other words, take the third rounder for him and be happy.

Cuz if the ViQues think that Gus Frerotte is the answer, they deserve to suck.

In an article that actually has some marginal meat on a rag’s marginal bones, Megan Manfull has some notes from Thursday’s workout. Now, if there’s an area where the Comicle has us dirty effing bloggers beat, it’s because I can’t take off work, drive to Houston, and watch practice. So well done, Megan.

I get two nuggets from this post. First, Barbaro Spencer lives! I would’ve liked to know an approximate weight, or how he looked physically in general. Or if he was walking around with a bucket of Popeye’s. The May OTAs will be huge for him, and here’s hoping he’s in shape.

Megan also reports that Dunta Robinson is running (in the comments section), calling it “quite a feat.” Because there is a widespread “misinformation” regarding knee and leg injuries, allow me to med-head for a moment. Even though Dunta’s injury was devastating, we are about five months post surgery. Getting to the point of straight-line running is actually fairly easy. The tough part is retraining your body, and gaining the confidence, to make cuts. That a player is running may also give a false confidence that the hard part of rehab is done, which, again, just isn’t true. I’m speaking from personal experience on this issue, so no sourcing. So while this is good news, it would be extremely troubling if he wasn’t running yet.

I still think we need to hedge our bets and look to CB in the draft…just in case.

h/t to Eric for links this morning. For the record, as busy as things are these days, he’s saving my sorry ass. So a public thanks to you, Eric.

*Or, um, “rich old man”-style. Whatever.

Texans owner Bob McNair did a two part interview with Texans TV early last week. It was, as you would expect, fairly general stuff–yes, we’ve turned a corner as a team; yes, it was hard to watch all the injuries last year; yes, it was important to re-sign the Special Teams Ninja; etc.

There was, however, one answer that stuck out.

Brooke Bentley: This year’s draft will be a little different for you because the Texans don’t have a top-10 pick. They will be selecting a player with the 18th selection. What excites you about this year’s draft and which direction do you see the team going with the first-round draft pick?

Bob McNair: Fortunately, there is depth in several positions and depth in several positions where we could use some more help. We’ve had problems with left tackle in the offensive line from day one, as you will recall. We thought we solved that when we picked Tony Boselli. Then, we drafted another young player behind Tony and he didn’t work out and Tony never played one down for us because of his injuries. And the last year with (Charles) Spencer, we thought, “Now, we’ve got the guy in there,” and then I think it was in the second game (of 2006) that he got injured and then he was down. So we have had a real difficult time filling that position. Ephraim (Salaam) did a good job for us last year and he’s going to be back with us, but we need a young player in there that’s going to be with us for a long time.

Hopefully, we’ll find that. If we don’t, there’s some good defensive backs and one of those should be available at the 18th pick. And who knows? Maybe there’s an outstanding running back. If there is somebody special, we would certainly consider that. But I think that Rick and his people have done a good enough job in free agency that we are not really vulnerable or desperate at any one position, so we can pick the best athlete that is available when our turn comes. And if we have the opportunity to trade down and still get the player we want and get an additional pick later, then certainly we always like to do that.

Hmm…I like the reference to possibly trading back. I dislike the idea of taking any DB at 18 whose name doesn’t rhyme with Smodgers-Thromartie. And I am genuinely concerned by the total lack of mention of DE or DT. (Though I suppose it’s possible that Bob is just playing some Texas Hold’Em and not tipping his hand here. Maybe he is just reciting what some of the “experts” are saying while fully planning on going a different direction. Or maybe I am overthinking this.)

The Texans did a little house-cleaning yesterday, though nothing major, releasing:

Shawn Barber - Pancakes is reporting that Zach Thomas is being brought in by the Texans next week. Will he try to re-capture Barber’s magic from the 2007 signing? Or will it be yet another bullet point that signing old linebackers who’ve lost a step is actually a bad idea. Barber costed us over $2MM. Yay?

Jeb Putzier - I really thought he would be a special receiving TE in Denver, and when we signed him, I hoped he would break out for the Texans. Yeah, I was a little wrong.

Drew Hodgdon and Mike Flanagan - These moves shouldn’t be a surprise in that we signed Okobi and Eslinger. Flanagan, especially, does not personify the mobile C necessary in a zone-blocking scheme.

All I can say is: Zach Thomas better not be the only free agent we bring in over the next couple of weeks.

Two follow-up notes to the post below:

1. I realize that I am being uncharacteristically optimistic when it comes to Dunta. It is entirely plausible that he doesn’t step on the field at all in 2008. I am just buying into the idea that his rehab is going well and assuming that he has the type of personality that lends itself to a more rapid recovery (i.e. “fuck the naysayers, this is the style I bring” vs. “oh, man, I don’t deserve this; why’d this happen to me?”) You’ll note, however, that I am not so sold on my own beliefs that I don’t also think we should go after Asomugha.

2. Until Steph mentioned it, I was completely unaware that Charles Spencer is a big ol’ fatty now. Probably not the best thing for a rehabbed leg. I’m leaning more toward assuming he’ll be a guard in 2008.

Certain discussions in football are incredibly dependent upon context. Take, for instance, “who is the greatest player of all time?” Without contextualizing the question, we can have different answers and all might be correct. If you are asking “who was the most dominant in his era,” the near-universal answer is Jim Brown. If you are factoring in which player had the biggest drop-off in talent between himself and the second-best player at his position, Lawrence Taylor is a popular answer. And if you are considering longevity coupled with a high level of performance, a case can be made for Larry Allen, Emmitt Smith, or even Brett Favre if a person is so inclined.

Discussing the draft is no different. Before we can have any sort of serious discussion regarding our needs (both perceived and real) and how the draft can meet them, we have to answer the following:

• What is the 2008 contribution from Dunta Robinson likely to be?
• What is the 2008 contribution from Charles Spencer likely to be?
• Is Travis Johnson going to be on the 2008 Texans?
• Which of our free agents are going to be re-signed?
• Which free agents from other teams are we looking at?
• Which role players/reserves from this year played well enough to challenge for an expanded role next year?
• Which starters played poorly enough to “earn” their outright releases?

Let’s try to tackle these. Everything from here is on is my best guess, so feel free to correct/mock/taunt me in the comments.

1. What is the 2008 contribution from Dunta Robinson likely to be?

The facts: According to this article (hat tip to reader Eric, who keeps me abreast of stuff almost daily), Dunta is taking rehab seriously and is progressing well.

“I know myself, and I know what I will do to get back on the field,” [Dunta said].

Unless you enjoy being wrong, don’t doubt him.

He might be moving slowly with a limp [as of now], but at some point next season, No. 23 will throw his body around Reliant Stadium, making hard-hit highlights.

***

The most likely scenario calls for Robinson, 25, to be placed on the physically unable to perform list entering camp. If he isn’t ready at the start of the season, he would not be eligible to be activated until after the sixth game.

Though he has been told he is ahead of schedule in the rehab, he smartly realizes to rush would be foolish.

Really bad grammar aside, no one is currently ruling out the possibility that he will be back on opening day. Now, given the severity of the injury–see video here–it might be a little much to expect a September return, but what if he is ready to go by October? With Dunta and Fred Bennett, it would make very little sense to draft a CB at 18. (This is doubly true when you consider that this draft isn’t exactly rife with big name cornerback talent–not only would be drafting redundantly, but you would be reaching to do it.)

One strange sub-question to this is what if Dunta does return as planned in 2008, but is not as fast as he was prior to the injury? Because I know we don’t want to hear it right now, but there is no guarantee that he can rehab his speed back to what it was (or even what it needs to be to be a top corner). If this happens, as a couple people said shortly after he was hurt, it might just make sense to pencil Dunta in as a free safety when he returns, allowing him to play the ball and still knock the piss out of people, but without expecting him to also turn and run with the Reggie Waynes of the world. In such a scenario, obviously that second corner position is an issue. I’m just not sure it is an issue to address via the draft.

Predicted answer to the question: I think Dunta returns in mid-October and, by November, is in “playing shape.” He might be slightly slowed, but any conversion of him to safety would be in 2009 at the earliest.

2. What is the 2008 contribution from Charles Spencer likely to be?

The Facts: If it seems like a really loooooong time since Spencer got hurt, you are not imagining things. He had surgery on the broken leg on September 18, 2006, meaning that 103 weeks will have passed between that date and opening day 2008. Now, of course, the good news is that there was some talk and hope going into 2007 Camp that Spencer would play at some point this past year. While that didn’t happen (obviously), the team website reports that Barbaro is expected to participate in the team’s offseason conditioning program.

To have been cleared for such workouts, Spencer’s rehab would have to be completed to his personal physician’s satisfaction and he would have to have been evaluated by the team doctor. So, apparently, 2 out of 2 medical professionals agree that Spencer is healthy enough for NFL workouts. That’s a start. Much like with Dunta, however, there is no way of knowing short of seeing Spencer play whether he was able to rehab to the level of an NFL left tackle.

Also similar to the Dunta situation, if Spencer does not have the quickness and explosiveness needed to take on professional defensive ends, the team is not without options. Fred Weary is a free agent and Chester Pitts was less than stellar for much of the year, so moving Spencer to a guard spot is certainly a possibility. Given his bulk and athleticism (6-5, 350 compared to 6-4, 307 for Weary and 6-2, 320 for Pitts), lining him up beside Eric Winston or a real–read: not Ephraim Salaam–left tackle would certainly be an asset to our running game (unless it is foolishly decided by the powers above that we are going to convert to a pure zone blocking scheme).

Predicted answer to the question: I think that Spencer will be at 100% of whatever his post-surgery ability is and that Kubiak will give him every chance to win back the LT spot. For better or worse, unless Spencer is visibly way too slow, has some sort of major surgery-related setback, or Jake Long/Sam Baker falls to us at 18, I’m guessing that Spencer is our guy going into next season.

3. Is Travis Johnson going to be on the 2008 Texans?

Facts: Travis is a loud-mouthed, under achieving jerk. While his taunting of Trent Green was hilarious (to me), his play has never been such that we can absorb his stupid penalties and brain farts.

Prediction: This organization values “character” and “appearances” more than just about any team ever, so I really can’t see how Travis is on this roster come September. He will be gone either through trade (if we can find a sucker) or outright release closer to June 1, either of which is fine because we need a real nose tackle anyway.

4. Which of our free agents are going to be re-signed?

Facts: The following are my predicted fates for the unrestricted free agents:

• Roc Alexander–gone w/ no offer
• Charlie Anderson–signed
• Kevin Barry–gone w/ no offer Oops.
• Mark Bruener–gone? retired? neither?
• Danny Clark–signed
• Andre’ Davis–signed
• Ron Dayne–signed
• Will Demps–signed
• Glenn Earl–gone w/no offer
• Von Hutchins–gone b/c offer withdrawn after Wynn signs
• ND Kalu–signed
• Cedric Killings–gone (retired)
• Jason Simmons–gone w/ no offer
• Matt Turk–signed
• Fred Weary–gone b/c unable to perform in 2008
• Dexter Wynn–signed

And for the restricted free agents:

• CC Brown–signed
• Anthony Maddox–signed
• Jerome Mathis–gone b/c he’s a fragile wuss
• Scott Jackson–signed

Quick Review:

Unrestricted Free Agents have four or more seasons of service and have reached the end of their contract. They are free to sign with any club through the first day of the first scheduled NFL training camp. After that, their exclusive rights revert to their original club (if that club made a June 1 tender to these players) and that team has until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season to sign the player. If the player does not sign, he must continue to sit out the rest of the season.

Restricted Free Agents have completed three accrued seasons of service and have reached the end of their contracts. They have received offers from their old clubs, but can negotiate with any team until April 21. If a new team’s offer is accepted, the old club has the right to match the offer and keep the player. If they do not match the offer, the old team might receive a compensatory draft pick (subject to how much the new team’s offer was).

Notes regarding predicted answer to the question: I have been going back and forth on whether they will sign Mark Bruener. He’s a great run blocker, but he’s old as hell, so it wouldn’t shock me to see them carry Joel Dreessen if they want a third TE or for them to keep Bruener because they release Putzier. I think the Von Hutchins/Dexter Wynn thing comes down to who signs first and, god, I hope it’s Wynn. I think Demps wins out over Glenn Earl and I think that is a good thing. Finally, I think they keep Turk for another year unless someone releases a top-tier punter for some odd reason.

5. Which free agents from other teams are we looking at?

Facts: We have a better free agent budget than in some recent offseasons, but we are still not free and clear of some of the dead money (Domanick Davis Williams, anyone?) Keeping in mind the overriding philosophy of not over-spending on big names and putting character at the forefront of any player evaluation, here are some names at key positions that I could see us considering (my favorite at each position is linked to player info):

RB–Musa Smith, Derrick Ward, LaBrandon Toefield, Michael Bennett, and Justin Fargas. Notable omissions–Michael Turner (price), Julius Jones (not good)

DE–Marques Douglas, Bobby McCary, Travis LaBoy. Notable omissions–Jared Allen (character, price), Justin Smith (price)

DT–Ethan Kelley, Isaac Sopoaga. (This position is likely better filled through the draft) Notable omissions–Albert Haynesworth (character, price), Pat Williams (I was an idiot and overlooked his extension signed in September, so he’s not a free agent like I had been saying)

S–Gibril Wilson, OJ Atogwe, Mike Doss. (This position is extremely thin in free agency this year) Notable omission–Ken Hamlin (slight character concerns, overpriced due to Pro Bowl)

CB–Keith Smith, Domonique Foxworth, Nnamdi Asomugha. (Yes, I realize Asomugha’s predicted price tag, but if the team thinks Dunta will not be back in 2008 or will not be back to his old self, I think Smithiak realizes the value of a shutdown corner. Plus, I am hoping that his low INT total this year will temper the cost.) Notable omission–Asante Samuel (will think he’s worth too much and won’t talk to smaller-market teams)

OT–Jordan Gross, Stacey Andrews, Adrian Jones. Notable omissions–Flozell Adams (age), Cory Lekkerkerker (not enough Ks for jersey if he’s signed)

6. Which role players/reserves from this year played well enough to challenge for an expanded role next year?

Facts: The injuries to 94.35% of our roster this season gave us an extended look at some guys who under normal circumstances would have gotten nothing but scout team and special teams reps. Honestly, this was the one silver lining to come out of the bubonic plague that struck our locker room.

Not counting free agent guys like Andre Davis and Charlie Anderson, the three guys who jump to mind are Earl Cochran, Kasey Studdard, and Zac Diles. Last one first, Kubiak said recently that Diles had shown an ability to possibly play the other LB positions, so I could see him getting a chance to earn the SLB position in camp next year. This is not ideal–I’d much rather have a pure SLB over there–but if we can’t resign Charlie Anderson and Danny Clark, it might not be the worst thing to happen. Cochran showed a real nose for the ball every time he got in there and he even earned a starting role for the last game of the season. Studdard is a coaching staff favorite and showed real potential on the interior.

Predicted answer to the question: If the team is able to get a big nose tackle either through the draft or through free agency, it would not shock me to see Cochran given a chance at the starting defensive end gig next summer. I like the guy, so this would not bother me. Diles’ opportunity to earn a starting role is going to be limited to a total departure of the other SLBs on the roster or the untimely death of DeMeco Ryans. Finally, Studdard should be in line to compete for an OG position, especially if Spencer is playing OT. There’s also a chance that Brandon Harrison or Brandon Frye could compete, but, again, that is going to depend more on who leaves this offseason than what either actually did during the 2007 campaign.

7. Which starters–other than Travis Johnson–played poorly enough to “earn” their outright releases?

Facts: Anthony Weaver is the highest-paid player on this team, yet he was not even among the five best DEFENSIVE players we had this year. That is unacceptable. Shawn Barber started off fine, but injury derailed him. Still, that might be enough to earn a ticket out. Ahman Green I cannot discuss without getting angry. DeMarcus Faggins should lead this list, but he seems to have some sort of soft spot in the hearts of the leadership. Jeb Putzier…I’m pretty sure he is still on the team, though you wouldn’t know it by watching the last 8 games. Jordan Black was atrocious from day 1. Mike Flanagan apparently subscribed to the Jordan Black newsletter. Finally, Michael Boulware was decent on special teams, but horrid in coverage. If you listen real closely, you can hearing him whiffing on another assignment as I write this.

Obviously, there are salary cap implications for cutting any of these guys. Based on the best numbers I could find, the cap hit for each guy would be as follows (and remember that you can split guys cut on June 1 over two seasons as well as 2 guys cut prior to June 1 but designated as such):

• Weaver: $8.1MM
• Barber: $1.4MM
• Green: $3.75MM
• Faggins: $425K
• Putzier: $950K
• Black: $900K
• Boulware: $0 (unless there are some hidden bonuses that I missed)
• Flanagan: $1MM
• (Johnson: $2.7MM)

Keeping Weaver is going to cost us $6.2MM against the cap, so it depends entirely on whether losing him is worth roughly $2MM plus whatever his replacement costs. Then again, if he is one of the June 1 guys, you are saving money ($4.05MM vs. 6.2MM) in the short term. Knowing this, I think he’s either gone or will be “asked” to restructure his deal. Same deal with Green, though I say it is less likely that he is given the chance to restructure because he is cheaper to cut than to keep ($3.75MM vs. 5.1MM). Deciding whether to keep the others listed here depends less on dollars and cents and more on long-term planning for the franchise.

Predicted answer to the question: Like I said, I think Weaver is either not a Texan or is not under the same contract come September, but I am betting it is the latter. I think Green is giving his walking papers, which he will carry with a limp. Faggins stays around be he’s cheap, they like him for some reason, and because God likes to torture me like that from time to time. Putzier…I’m going back and forth on. I think he’s gone if they keep Bruener and vice versa. Boulware and Flanagan are done. Barber stays because he’s versatile and is good leadership for some of the younger ‘backers.

*****

So, about 2700 words later, there you have it. One obsessive-compulsive fan’s look at the background questions that have to be answered before we can form a coherent draft strategy. I’m sure I missed something in there.

So, in the wake of Charles Spencer’s PUPpy love comes news that the team worked out former Green Bay Packer Kevin Barry. (Hat tip to reader Mark. Again. Because he rules.)

Barry has pretty good measurables (6′4″, 332), which is always nice. I suppose the two most intriguing things about him are, first, that he can play left tackle and, second, that in limited action (8 starts over 4 years) he didn’t allow a sack.

This move makes me think that the team is either adding depth–always a good idea–or is having second thoughts about Jordan Black. (That would be the Jordan Black of 13 sacks allowed last year fame.) I am fine with either of those reasons, though I find myself leaning more and more to the “wait… you mean that Jordan Black?!” side of things.

In the end, I think this team can function with Salaam as our LT for as long as it takes Spencer to heal. That said, I also prefer seeing the team explore other possibilities. Standing pat is for suckers.

Well, it’s official. Charles Spencer will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning he will miss (at minimum) the first six games of the 2007 campaign.

Damn. Double damn, even.

Now, I’ve spent the last 3 months harping on how our line was not that bad last year, despite not having Barbaro, as well as Mike Flanagan and the since-departed Zack Weigert. And, it’s true, many of the sacks of David Carr were created by none other than David Carr–a problem that we won’t face this year. And it’s fair to say that Salaam did a decent job filling in last year, though allowing 7.5 sacks is not exactly what I would call All-Pro caliber.

So, no, all is not lost.

Still, I was hoping Spencer would be ready to go if for no other reason than I wanted the full varsity line intact when Schaub slides under Flanagan’s butt for the first time against the Chiefs. Then again, by having basically the same line that Carr ended last season with, maybe fate has lined up so Schaub will still succeed and we can say “See?! I told you Carr was responsible!” That would be nice.

On the flip side, going against Julius Peppers with Ephraim Salaam scares me. A lot.

Anyway, I’m just rambling at this point. Spencer on PUP list. Matt not happy about it. The circle of life is complete.

At some point prior to the preseason games, I plan on doing a 2007 preview, both in terms of the Texans schedule and of the NFL as a whole. I want to get a better handle on some of the teams as they go through real camp and not merely OTAs, though, so I am holding off for the time being.

“So what,” you say?

Well, the guys at Seahawks Huddle have already done one for the Texans. (How’s THAT for a nice segue? Oh yeah, baby… you know you like the way I lead a story. I’ll shut up now.)

I have to say, I agree with many of their premises, including the idea that Jacoby Jones was a very good pick and that Manchild might wind up being even better than anticipated.

They also suggest that the Texans might finally be poised to turn the corner and–possibly, if the fumbles bounce just right–turn in their first non-losing season. This is pretty much what the guys at Battle Red Blog and I have been saying ad nauseum. Still, it’s nice to see the same conclusion from someone who has no reason to be biased toward the machine that is Kubiak’s Texans.

Speaking of non-biased analysis, KC Joyner offered this nugget in his latest ESPN chat (Insider only):

With the addition of Schaub and with the other moves Houston made, I like their chances a lot. I’m not sold on their secondary** and banking on Ahman Green is a bit risky, but I could see Houston putting up 7-8 wins this year, maybe 9 if things bounce right for them.

People outside the US also seem more knowledgeable than the random Screaming Heads on your television, at least when it comes to the Texans. From the same chat:

Randy (Greenich, England): You know what… I am sick and tired of the media claiming the same old excuse that the Texans have no line. The truth is that the media has no clue because they don’t even pay attention to the Texans. The Texans have drafted numerous linemen over the past few years and last year they were pretty solid although banged up. David Carr was the problem because he has ZERO pocket presence. Can you please be one media person who can actually look at their off-season and see a little hope? Shaub, Green, nice draft, good value free agents and a solid young core defense should be better than 4th worst. What do you say?

KC Joyner: Randy, I agree with you on Houston being an up and coming team. I see 6-8 wins out of them this year, including another win against Indy.

Sure, no one in his right mind is talking Super Bowl. (PLAYOFFS?!?) Still, it’s nice to be entering a season where a winning record is a realistic possibility. It’s even nicer to be hearing the same thing from people who are on the outside looking in.

And, with that, I’ll stop kicking Barbaro. For a little while.

*Who is?

Charles Spencer is not a horse.

Given the fickle nature of equine leg injuries and the itchy trigger finger of horse trainers, this is a good thing. It is also a good thing because, to my knowledge, horses are unable to read newspapers and completely incapable of feeling like they’ve been disrespected.

Because he is not a horse, Charles Spencer has none of these limitations. He is healing. He is reading newspapers. And, most importantly, he is using what has been written about him as motivation.

I read everything, and I use it every day for gas in my system[.] I cut everything out, and it’s sitting in my office in my house. As long as they keep writing them, I’ll keep putting them up. I’ve got a lot of anger. It’s been awhile, so I’m a little excited to get back.

I cannot think of any possible off-season development that would be bigger for this team than getting a healthy Charles Spencer back at left tackle. At 6′4″/352, Spencer has the build and skillset to be a dominant left tackle in the NFL. Jordan Black and Ephraim Salaam, on the other hand, have the build and skillset to be short-term fill-ins for a dominant left tackle in the NFL. My sources tell me that it is much better to have the actual dominant left-tackle in that situation.

Because we (meaning myself and whomever is reading this) are also not horses (assumedly), we have fingers. And we will be keeping them crossed that Spencer is ready to go on opening day.