This is the first in a series of entries where we’ll discuss areas that the Texans need to address… and by “need to address,” I mean need to fix. Now. (Yeah, it might be a loooong series.) Some of them are fundamental changes, and some that shouldn’t be such a big deal and just need certain people to get over their stubbornness. Possibly people whose names rhyme with Shmary Shmoobiak and Shmick Shmiff.
FIX IT – Approach to Free Agency
The Texans have always believed in building through the draft, and filling in gaps with free agency. If you asked all 32 NFL GMs their thoughts on team-building, 32 of them would repeat that mantra. While I generally agree 100% with that philosophy, the “Texans version” of it hasn’t worked. That’s not because it’s a flawed philosophy, it’s because the team has been very bad at implementing it.
Obviously I’m not saying the Texans need to throw big money at big free agents, but there’s no reason the team shouldn’t be in play for a big name here and there. But this isn’t so much about that as it is the fact that the Texans seem terrified to use free agency as anything but a way to plug holes in the dam.
Part of that hesitation is because of the team’s own ineptitude (in some cases) with free agent signings. We all remember the disaster that was Ahman Green (who could have seen that coming), and countless other examples. Of course, not all of the free agent signings over the years have been bad. There have been a handful of good street FA signings that panned out well, even if only for a short time. I personally am a fan of the Antonio Smith signing. Sure, the Texans overpaid him, but you have to overpay to get significant pieces in free agency. Smith isn’t a game-changer by any stretch, but he certainly has played an integral role on the defensive line and one could argue he’s been the Texans’ most consistent D-linemen since he came to town.
Bob McNair decided to retain General Manager Rick Smith, so I expect nothing to change, but Smith, who had no experience as a GM prior to joining the Texans, could benefit from turning his process upside down, shaking it, and burning it to the ground looking at things a little differently.
The Texans shouldn’t treat free agency as a big, scary bad thing that can ruin a football team. That danger is certainly there, but just because you gamble doesn’t make you reckless, or an idiot. Signing Albert Haynesworth to a big FA contract? Reckless AND idiotic. Giving Javon Walker top money after all his injuries and declining pay? Reckless AND idiotic (or maybe the Raiders should get their own personalized descriptor).
Last year, this team idiotically and recklessly gambled on a young secondary to get the job done, and how did that turn out? That is not hindsight, by the way. It was far and away my number one concern heading into 2010… as I’m sure it was the top concern of many others.
In football, as in life, not everything is black and white. You’d never know it if you listen to three seconds of sports talk radio, but the whole world is colored with shades of grey. Free agency doesn’t have to be limited to being used merely as a supplement. You can make serious headway rebuilding a broken team around a free agent pickup.
I’m not calling for the Texans to go out and sign Nnamdi Asomugha, Champ Bailey, LaMarr Woodley, Steve Smith, etc. I’m just calling for them to get in the game. Be in the mix. Make some noise. Get on the NFL radar and BE AGGRESSIVE without being reckless, like, say, the Redskins. It’s what teams in the NFL do. You don’t have to be the genius architect of a whole new model of team-building… you just need to build a team, or in the Texans’ case – rebuild a broken defense. It can happen, but not if the decision-makers don’t look in the mirror and see that the problems start with them.
Feb 2, 2011 at 08:07:29
You know what, I’m scared at the Texans having a good defense. When I think about it, that means the O will have more time on the field, and anyone with football knowledge will tell you that’s a good thing. However, hear is where I’m scared, it seems the more time the Texans offense has on the field the crappier they are. Now I know it’s not the players fault, but when I look back at last season, the Texans put together some of the most brilliantly called plays and drives when they only had 2 minutes to do so.
So in short, I don’t think our Dennison/Kubiak are up to the challenge of having a great defense and more time to call plays (think).
Feb 2, 2011 at 08:49:59
Bob McNair seems to be set on delivering a “competitive team” much like Uncle Drayton with the Stros. Winning is gravy, but the goal is to be profitable which the Texans are. Very much so.
Feb 2, 2011 at 12:39:11
It’s pretty bad when the owner has to call the Chronicle and schedule an interview to basically convince the fans that he does actually want to win. Then, in this interview, he states that he’s happy the Texans haven’t had early success. As irritated as I get with some of Kubiak’s mistakes, it’s the lack of structure and accountability that seem to hold us back. I have no idea if Smith does anything other than keep McNair company on game days. Various journalist have said that Kubiak “signs off on all draft picks” AND that Smith has “final say” over draft picks. That doesn’t make sense. Also, is it McNair that prevents Smith from going after quality free agents, or is it Kubiak saying we don’t need them? I don’t know, and I don’t think they know either. We don’t even have an OC who calls the plays. If Kubiak is our real GM, HC and OC, how about they fire Smith and Dennison and use that money to go get a corner?
Feb 2, 2011 at 15:16:43
I don’t think Texans will ever go for the top free agent but tier2 or 3. This year i hear that might be Steelers CB and maybe move Queen to safety.
Feb 2, 2011 at 22:14:17
Maybe look at CBs like Ike Taylor, jonathon Joseph, Richard marshall, carlos Rodgers. All are huge upgrade. We aren’t getting asoughma.
maybe look at safeties like Eric weddle, brodney pool, or Ryan Clark
We just need slightly above average players back there.
I hope ewwww and pollard go. Quin should move to safety.
Quin FS
Pool SS
Rodgers CB
K jax CB
I don’t feel great with k jax starting but you can only fix so much in one off season.
I guess if pollard stays for a decent dollar about 2 free agent CBs, like Rodgers and Marshall….
I think they have to spend money on 3-5 impact FAs on defense. I bet they get 1
Feb 3, 2011 at 09:29:56
We need at least 1 statistic proven rush linebacker.
1 decent cover corner that plays the run.
2 new safeties.
What about a pro bowl center like Kalil?
Would you trade Super Mario for a top 10 pick?
How about to the Bengals for the 4th overall pick.
His rookie contract will expire soon. Does he want to sign long term to play 3-4 end? Doubt it. He’s a star and star defensive ends play in 4-3s.
Antonio Smith has to go. He said himself he’s not in shape to play 3-4. Need some bulk on the d line.
Feb 3, 2011 at 11:46:12
Goud,
I like the idea of trading Mario for a first round pick, and it wouldn’t have to be as high as #4. I think he’d do well in this defense, but he’s going to want more money than we’re going to want to pay anyway, so we may as well get something for him now. As for Smith, he’ll be 295 once the season begins and he’ll do fine. All players are a little light at the end of the season. I don’t think we could get anything for him anyway. I do think we could get a 3rd round pick for Mitchell if he doesn’t fit.
Feb 3, 2011 at 14:52:59
We need to start talking about getting some of the Chargers’ linebackers. They got a lot of free agents this year, and we need could use some experienced 3-4 LBs.
Feb 3, 2011 at 16:46:34
Aaron
Not chargers linebackers, but their safety. Eric weddle would be a great addition.
And don’t sleep on chris Meyers. He played very well this year, and that is the least of our worries. Kalil isn’t an upgrade, just a sexy name.
If we could pry David Harris out of NY that would be HUGE. I know it won’t happen