Mar
4th
[UPDATE] It’s KILLING me to not be able to blog at this time of the season. I just need another day to finish up the move, and I will then have a BIG update on Tuesday, complete with a big Mock Draft Tracker update, and the launch of Offseason Central 2010. It won’t be long until things are back to normal around here. I appreciate everyone’s patience, and I’m loving the great comments and discussion. Keep it up.
***
I’d love to go wall-to-wall on free agency, but now that I’m back from the short hiatus – I’m in the middle of moving. Sigh. Bad timing.
So, I turn it over to you guys for a day or two. As soon as I get a minute, I will be all over it.
Loading ...
Mar 5, 2010 at 00:23:45
someone tell rick smith to sign rams FS atogwe. pollard+atogwe=solid.
Mar 5, 2010 at 08:32:13
Come on guys! Matt Turk!!!! Texans win the offseason!!
Mar 5, 2010 at 10:03:28
How about trading our 1st Rd pick for Brandon Marshall and Denver’s #45 Pick?
We waited this long to sign Matt Turk?
Mar 5, 2010 at 13:06:42
I’d still love to see Zoltan Mesko in a Texans uniform. But, considering that he’s a physical freak, I’m sure the Oakland Raides will draft him in the second round. :^)
That said, Pancakes is happy about Turk because of his hang time, which leads to the next question: out of all the stats that are tabulated, how is average hang time on kickoffs and punts not one of them? After all, and I think you’d all agree, an exceptional hang time is just as important as exceptional distance.
Oh yeah, and SIGN LEIGH BODDEN!!!!!
On that note, the rumors are that we are comepting against Pittsburgh, Seattle, and New England. The PAtriots don’t want him or they’d've signed him pre-FA. The Steelers NEVER spend big money on free agents. And, the Seahawks, well, at 28, Bodden would probably rather spend his prime years on a winning team contending for the playoffs instead of a rebuilding franchise in the hands of a marginally successful NFL coach.
SIGN LEIGH BODDEN!!!!!!!!!!
(Just imagine the draft implications if our #1 corner spot is set for the next four to six years?)
Mar 5, 2010 at 13:08:30
@whoistravis
I like the Atogwe idea, but we have Eugene Wilson in place. The only guys we would look at would be someone cheap that could develop into the role like KC’s Jarrad Page (David Gibbs has a good track record working with former Chiefs safeties, lol), or drafting a rookie.
We usually only make one big-money free-agent signing, and it looks like it will either be Leigh Bodden or Stephen Neal. (both Patriots, coincidentally. I guess we liked what we saw in Week 17)
Mar 5, 2010 at 14:27:47
How good do you think Brandon Marshall will feel about being the number 2 dog for his entire career behind AJ?
How good do you think the Texans will feel about paying their new number 2 receiver like a number 1?
Mar 5, 2010 at 14:33:42
how about our third for boldin….
he is the perfect compliment to AJ, and with a 4wr set with AJ, BOLDIN, JJ, DA, and the OD….wow
MAYBE he could ruch the passer too.
@kyle from previous post
your right dunta is in ATL…. but man, against bress twice a year……OUCH
Mar 5, 2010 at 15:52:09
@ allenOU
I would say Bouldin but he has had some injuries and is older
Mar 5, 2010 at 16:49:32
boldin and marshall will end up elsewhere. texans have no need for wr even if walter splits.
Mar 5, 2010 at 17:40:29
Texans certainly have a need for WR if Walter leaves
JJ or DA as your number 2. Um no.
I love JJ, bit not sure he is ready to be out there every play. And he is not a good blocker at all….
Mar 5, 2010 at 19:22:41
Well Boldin got traded to the Ravens for a 3rd and 4th Rd pick and we just agreed with Walter. So no Big need at WR now. Should we cut Andre Davis?
Mar 5, 2010 at 19:35:06
Cut Davis, draft Jacoby Ford to return/receive, and use Jacoby Jones more as a receiver.
Mar 5, 2010 at 19:57:14
Looks like Kevin Walter is remaining a Texan. Good news.
Mar 5, 2010 at 20:32:48
I would cut davis. I like ford and maybe even holiday in the 5th
real curious as to dunta s contract. The falcon fans think they got the black tebow or something
Mar 5, 2010 at 22:54:26
Robinson got $27 mil GUARANTEED? Wow.
Mar 5, 2010 at 23:09:37
Congrats to antrell Rolle. A player I really wanted to pick up. 5 yrs 37 million with 15 million guaranteed is alot of cash but he would have looked good in a Texans uniform. hopefully we can draft earl thomas. I agree with Kyle WE NEED Leigh Bodden. I am also hearing the name of Stephen Neal which would fill another big need for us!
Mar 5, 2010 at 23:47:21
Neal resigned with new England
and pancakes said they are NOT going after bodden. So they must be
Mar 5, 2010 at 23:57:06
Kevin Walter: 5 yrs/$21.5 million/$8 million guaranteed
Good contract. I thought the Nate Burleson signing would kill us. We might need to cut Davis and draft a late rd WR
Mar 6, 2010 at 00:00:26
@kd
you read my mind brother. Maybe an Eric decker type
also rolle got 37 mil from the giants
and dunta supposedly getting 27 mil guaranteed lol. Ouch
Mar 6, 2010 at 00:13:37
I told you guys Dunta was going to Atlanta! Pow!
Mar 6, 2010 at 00:24:50
That’s like saying a monkey likes bananas. But good call anyway
I told you KW was going to BAL. Oh wait…..
I actually hope they pass on bodden now….
Mar 6, 2010 at 00:53:09
Now I hear 23.5 mill guaranteed for dunta. Still ouch!
Mar 6, 2010 at 01:06:18
I don’t remember anyone saying Atlanta until yesterday! I get one thing right in three years of doing this, I’m running with it dammit!
Mar 6, 2010 at 01:15:29
Dunta just wanted to go home. Thats fine. So if we sign Neal or Wade Smith and Bodden, does that mean we got with DT or FS in the 1st Rd?
Mar 6, 2010 at 10:08:01
I think for R1 – R3, only QB, WR, and maybe DE and LB are off the board. Right now, I don’t think the Texans are in the hunt for any FAs that will impact who we take in the early rounds (i.e., don’t have to draft for need).
Mar 6, 2010 at 11:40:21
@KD
IF we sign Bodden, the draft is our oyster. We would either get to trade up to ensure we got Earl Thomas (then again, Panckaes loves him so we must hate him. Remember last year when he was ga-ga- over Clay 3? Oh wait. That was me. Crap.)
We also can pull the standard Texans move of trading down to the spot in front of San Diego and draft the player they want (Ryan Matthews).
Another fun idea would be to trade down and steal Maurkice Pouncey from Indianapolis. Pouncey is the best interior lineman after Iupati (who, sorry, doesn’t fit ZBS), so, assuming he fits it would be a good pick there as well.
The bottom line is that, if we draft Bodden, then, as long as we get a running back SOMEWHERE in the draft, we can pretty much go BPA, which is that really freeing and relaxed draft atmosphere that playoff teams get to have.
All we have to do is pay Bodden 26 Million guaranteed, and, in an uncapped year, I think it can be done. Stay tuned.
Finally, Whether or not he meant to, K-Dubz got lucky. Detroit’s vicious overpayment of Nate Burleson set the market for Walter’s paycheck. 21 million to a guy who is decent but whose talents are inflated because he fits our system PERFECTLY (sounds like a tight end I know) is not necessarily highway robbery, but it’s more than he would have gotten in Baltimore. Kevin should send the Cardinals a fruit basket for putting Boldin on the clearance rack.
Mar 6, 2010 at 12:04:32
Dunta got a 57 million dollar contract??? you got to be kidding.
Mar 6, 2010 at 13:34:18
@Kyle
I like Matthews and Pouncey. I wouldnt be excited about the Bodden signing but it will clear things up for the 1st Rd of the draft. But if we give Bodden 26 mil Guaranteed, then we might as well have kept Dunta.
@1Texan
Adam Schefter is saying 6yr/57 mil/25.5 guaranteed.
Mar 6, 2010 at 13:36:39
@Kyle
I like Matthews and Pouncey. Maybe we can work some draft day magic. I wouldnt be excited about the Bodden signing but it will clear things up for the 1st Rd of the draft. But if we give Bodden 26 mil Guaranteed, then we might as well have kept Dunta.
@1Texan
Adam Schefter is saying 6yr/57 mil/25.5 guaranteed.
Mar 6, 2010 at 14:34:10
@KD
Bodden is better than Dunta, and we all know that Dunta’s mindset, though understandable, was simply not conducive to him staying in Houston.
I’d still like to see us draft a cornerback early on, but, if we don’t sign Bodden, we lose Ryan Matthews because we pretty much HAVE to draft whichever CB we have highest rated at #20, which should be Devin McCourty right now (better than Kyle Wilson because Wilson does not support the run)
I personally see nothing wrong with offering Bodden the same deal Dunta got. Hell, didn’t we offer Dunta this same deal? Don’t tell me Dunta balked because of a comparatively measly 2.5 mil?
The bottom line is that you have to spend money to make money, and why should any of us care if McNair has to fork over 26 mil to get the best cornerback available, and the only guy in FA or the draft who deserves to be a #1 corner in the league (not Marshall, and CERTAINLY not Haden or any other rookie).
Which would you rather…complain now because we “overspent” on Bodden, or complain later when Quin, Reeves, and a rookie get torched all season long?
Finally, name me 1 playoff team that didn’t have at least one standout cornerback.
Mar 6, 2010 at 15:02:19
@Kyle
if you can figure how to draft bodden somehow, I will give you a cookie lol!
The dunta contract is Insane. He now makes more than everyone except namdhi and maybe clements..?
I think we will be fine without him, and the falcon beat writers seem to think he makes their secondary awesome.
All I know is I can’t wait to watch the first NO vz ATL game
Mar 6, 2010 at 15:42:56
Dunta got overpaid, no doubt, but he’s a legit starting CB, and since the NFL has now morphed into a completely QB-driven league his position will continue to be in high demand. That means CB’s are gonna get paid.
As a result of losing him we almost have to draft secondary in the 1st or 2nd round whether it be CB or S. Our schedule next season holds a near murderer’s row of QB’s, and we’ve got to upgrade the talent level in our defensive backfield or we’ll get burnt repeatedly.
I’m still holding out hope, though, that Mike Iupati is available at 20. He is a phenomenal fit for any blocking scheme, including ours. Those are Lance Zierlein’s words – not mine (his father is an NFL O-Line coach). Iupati has good lateral quickness and more importantly that much-needed mean streak. My goodness, no team in the league had a more anemic running game than us. There might’ve been a team with worse numbers, but when the games counted we failed. Failed miserably. We need a macho run blocker who can open holes for whatever RB may tote the rock. Iupati is that guy.
I think that pretty much sums up our team needs. First and foremost (by a country mile) is getting the run game back on track. After that we have to defend the pass better, and that means getting better pressure on the QB, and covering recievers like a legit NFL defense.
Mar 6, 2010 at 15:53:16
@Carson
Once again, by signing Bodden, we diversify what we can do in the first round of the draft. As disappointed as I would be if we don’t sign Bodden to be our #1, if we don’t and we wait until the second or third round to draft OUR STARTING CORNERBACK, how can we possibly believe we’re going to make the playoffs?
Also, the rumor is that Bodden is wanting a deal in the 7-8 million dollar range.
After Dunta got 6/57/25.5, does it really sound all that crazy to offer 5/40/26?
If you think that money sounds crazy…
2010 FA CB’s:
D-Rob; 6/57/25.5
2009 FA CB’s:
N.Asomugha 3/45/26
K.Hayden 5/43/22.5
D.Foxworth 4/28/16.5
R.Bartell 4/28/13.6
The last five big money contracts for cornerbacks were right around this ballpark of either guaranteed cash or total cash.
Finally, a quote from NFP’s Michael Lombardi:
“Someone tell me what tape to watch last year where Texans corner Dunta Robinson covered anyone. How can he get over $23 million guaranteed? The Falcons needed a corner, and after signing Robinson, they still need a corner….”
Mar 6, 2010 at 16:38:19
With Dunta gone we have a large talent void at cb/secondary. Although CB is a major need we WILL NOT take a cb at #20 if Earl Thomas is available. Taking Thomas in the 1st round allows the Texans to be flexible with their remaining picks because they will have already added an explosive talent to upgrade the secondary and allows them to draft CB at a later round based on value and not based on need. Taking a CB at #20 would not maximize the value of that pick since the best CB value is in rounds 2,3 & 4 while safety value is clearly (and only) in the 1st round. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT.
Mar 6, 2010 at 17:06:34
Dustin
I’m with you bro. Don’t think Thomas will be there at 20
I still want a trade for Carlos rogers. 4th rounder
I also wouldn’t mind trading down with the cowboys and taking Ryan Matthews right before San diego
but only if we get a CB before draft day.
I’m still holding out hope that Bennett can be a solid nickel back and can go back to his rookie year production
And props to chris for calling the dunta signing. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes lol! Great to have you back man!
Mar 6, 2010 at 17:28:30
According to Pancakes, the Texans were never seriously considering Leigh Bodden. Feel free to blast me out of the water for saying this, but the fact that Rick Smith and Bob McNair are not willing to spend money on one of the best cornerbacks in the league proves that anytime they have ever said they want the team to go to the playoffs, they were hypocrites.
Jabari Greer, Kelvin Hayden, Antoine Winfield, Darrell Revis, Quentin Jammer, Terence Newman, Bryant McFadden, Dominique Foxworth, Asante Samuel, Charles Woodson, Leigh Bodden, Leon Hall, Glover Quin
I just listed the #1 corners of the 13 NFL teams that, according to draft order, performed the best. Looking at that list, it’s obvious who of that group doesn’t belong, and that also tells you which team didn’t make the playoffs, and which team won’t.
Please feel free to refute me, here, because I would feel a whole lot better if someone could convince me that we can make the playoffs with Quin, Reeves, and a second or third round rookie CB. (And, I’m being generous with the second/third round projection, considering last year Rick Smith threw a temper tantrum because Glen Coffee was off the board before his third round pick, so he just didn’t draft a RB at all, which we needed just as bad as we do this year)
Again, please counter this argument and convince me that this Texans team has hope.
Mar 6, 2010 at 17:57:34
@ Kyle
I would love to see Bodden in a Texans uniform.
Thru FA or the draft we’ve got to seriously upgrade our defensive backfield. It’s second in importance only to establishing the run game.
Mar 6, 2010 at 19:13:52
@Carson
As well as Schaub played, and with K-Dubz back in the fold, I would consider our secondary more important than our running game.
This is a QB/passing league, whether or not Kubiak wants to admit it. The Colts have no running game and they do just fine.
I really feel like we HAVE to get the #2 CB available at #20. I think that is Devin McCourty, but I can’t complain if the team goes with Kyle Wilson. I don’t really think anyone else is in the running.
The only situation in which I would feel comfortable is if we trade down for Ryan Matthews, then use the third rounder we would get as compensation (whether we trade with Arizona or Dallas it should be worth at least a third), to move up our second round pick to grab the best cornerback available. Our current second plus the late third equals Washington’s #37 pick, and they would probably like to make that pick and recoup the third-rounder they lost by drafting Jarmon last season. At #37, there should still be the #3 or #4 cornerback available, which just might work out
Mar 6, 2010 at 20:17:35
I think thar quin, McCain, and Bennett will step up, and I also feel this is the year reeves proves to be a true #1. I think he figures it out.
The more I read on bodden the more I like the guy.
I’m probably the only one with this much faith, but I think our pass rush will improve and therfore our secondary will be better.
Glass half full….
Mar 6, 2010 at 20:27:13
@Kyle
Something needs to be done. Defense needs improvement and run game and taking care of that with the same players on the roster and rookies isnt realistic. The remaining FA pool doesnt impress me but there are some players still there that could help us so we wont look at the draft as the only hope i.e. Bodden, Thomas Jones or maybe a restricted FA
Mar 6, 2010 at 22:57:30
@ Kyle
While it’s true that the Colts don’t have a strong running game, they do have something we don’t have – Peyton Manning. I’m a diehard Texans fan, but Manning is head, shoulders, and torso better than Matt Schaub. That’s just the way it is. They also have a better O-Line (pass-pro), better TE, and a better stable of recievers. Come to think of it, they also have better RB’s. I doubt, though, if those other players would be quite as valuable on a different team. Manning makes that entire offense better. Take him away and they’d struggle to win 5 games. Unfortunately, he never misses a contest, and he’s probably got 5 more elite years left in him.
That said, we don’t have to copy Indy. We need to play the type of game that’s best suited for us, and that means having a more balanced offense. Our QB did a great job of staying healthy in 2009, but we all know he has a little bit of an injury history. The Texans have got to run the ball in order to lessen the shots he takes. Who wants to think about this team with Dan Orlovsky at QB?
There’s also a double benefit in drafting Mike Iupati, or Maurkice Pouncey if they grade him as a top-twenty talent, in that they can not only help in the run game, but they’ll also help to protect #8.
Again, I fully recognize the glaring hole in our secondary, but in my opinion everything starts with bringing the running game back to respectability. If you can run the ball, then you can keep a young secondary off the field.
Mar 7, 2010 at 02:39:32
Is there anyone on this blog who watches film and could accurately assess Glover Quin’s chances? I mentioned our HUGE need for Bodden on McClain’s blog, and he was so calm in declaring that “I was the only one” who didn’t think Quin could handle it.
I don’t know a lot about GQ, but I thought his “great season” meant he was ready to be our #2, not #1. Can anyne throw something out there as to how likely he is to handle the 16 best receivers we will face?
Mar 7, 2010 at 10:03:02
I, too, wouldn’t mind seeing Bodden here, but you guys need to remember that there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes. Did you ever stop to ask why Bodden is going to his 4th team, and why people aren’t seeming to beat down his door? Do the teams know stuff about him we don’t?
Another factor is that when you start just jumping out there and paying FA massive sums of money, it can foster real resentment in your locker room. They have to be careful about that.
Mar 7, 2010 at 11:03:06
@ALLEN
I would only be ok with the texans taking a RB in the 1st round only if it was because they traded down. Ryan Matthews would be my RB of choice, I dont think there is a better fit out there.
Mar 7, 2010 at 13:36:17
@Dustin
I agree. The more I think about Slaton’s neck injury, the more it looks like we need a guy like Matthews who can be the full-time load-carrier, as opposed to an outright compliment of Slaton like Gerhart or Dixon.
Besides, the Texans, for some reason, LOVE to take the player the Chargers want right before the Chargers can get him. So, a trade down with Arizona or Dallas not only works out well for us (get a third-round pick at least; Dallas would have to convert our first 6th into their 4th as well), but makes sense depending on how the draft is falling (Dallas could be targeting Anthony Davis; Arizona could be targeting Brandon Graham or JPP if he falls).
Either way, Ryan Matthews’s ceiling in San Diego, so we would still have an almost guaranteed shot at nabbing him.
I get the impression that our current Draft strategy is:
1. Draft Earl Thomas
2. If Earl Thomas is not unavailable, trade down and draft Ryan Matthews.
Without Bodden:
27 (from DAL) – Matthews
51 – Kareem Jackson (best CB available; should be good enough to beat Reeves for the #2 job by Week 1)
Mar 7, 2010 at 13:50:42
Leigh Bodden is (allegedly) visiting Houston today!
Hopefully, this means either he’s signed, or we can get concrete information as to why we’d pass him up.
Now that it’s been revelaed that Dunta only earn 22.5 guaranteed, AND the speculation for Bodden’s contract has dropped from 7-8 Mil a year to 4-5 Mil a year, this could be a solid value. I’m sorry, Pancakes. You have your sources but I have mine. He may say all his scout buddies like Dunta better, but that was probably the pre-injury Dunta. No one in the world thinks post-injury Dunta deserved the contract he got, so, as long as Bodden’s agent doesn’t pull a Crabtree and call the Falcon’s overpayment “market value”, we could get a heck of a deal on the cornerback walterfootball.com (and Chad Ochocinco) call one of the best cover corners in the NFL.
Another point to consider: in reference to Wade Smith (our other free agent courtship) someone (I think Stradley) said you can gauge how good a FA signing is by how positive or negative the old fans are about losing him. Well, Pats fans are MAD AS HECK about the fact that their front office didn’t already get a deal done, and are saying that the Patriots NEED to keep him. To me, that’s a good sign.
Mar 7, 2010 at 17:00:24
Oh yeah. Pre injury dunta I do believe was a top 10 corner. But now, PFF has him ranked 94. Guess who is at number 14. Mr bodden
i’d like a lineman in the first but the steelers probably take iupati to protect rapelessburger lol!
I’m predicting bodden at 5/25 with 12 gtd. That would be awesome.
Probably more like 5/30
Mar 7, 2010 at 18:14:41
Pancakes tweeted that bodden is basically signed!!
Well this is great news
Mar 7, 2010 at 20:29:59
I hope we sign Bodden. He better not be using us for leverage.
David Carr just signed with the 49ers. I wonder if this is the first time two #1 overall picks playing the same position have been on the same team?
Mar 7, 2010 at 21:07:31
@Carson
It is not the first time because David Carr was Eli Manning’s backup last year and they were both #1′s. I hope we sign bodden also. looks good I just did not see where “pancakes” said it is a done deal. If we give him a deal like New England, I think we win! If we get him for % million a yr that is a steal because tbat is what we are paying reeves for our #1
Mar 8, 2010 at 01:03:47
This proves carr like birkenstocks!!!
Mar 8, 2010 at 01:36:35
I’m with the general community in that I have no idea why Mike Singletary wants ANOTHER bust #1 QB.
Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, Nate Davis, and now David Carr.
Someone should tell the Niners front office that fraction math does not apply to the QB position. :^)
As for Pancakes’ newfounf obsession with twitter, he didn’t say Bodden was all but signed, but a day-and-a-half visit says a lot.
I hope the Texans slightly overpay to keep him from even bothering to bring the deal back to New England. Paying him 6 mil a year is still half of Dunta’s price tag for a better CB.
Mar 8, 2010 at 10:37:21
Sweet, I have a good feeling about signing Bodden, and that will make us a better team than last year. And with Walter back, this is shaping up to be another good off season.
Mar 8, 2010 at 16:06:44
It’s kind of odd we havent heard anything about Leigh Bodden by now. Rather he has signed or left town. Is he just chilling in Houston for the week or something? Seriously, it just might mean they need more time to work on the structure of the contract.
Mar 8, 2010 at 17:50:59
@KD
I agree with you. We would have signed him by now. We usually do not let them leave houston. That was the case for Antonio Smith and Dan Orlovski. I hope he is still in Houston. We really need him. Pancakes needs to do an update on this situation!!!!!!! The suspense is killing me.
Mar 8, 2010 at 18:05:38
@KD
I have to believe no news is good news until we hear that he’s signed. As long as he’s here, they’re talking.
The big question is this: It is widely speculated that Bodden re-signed with his agent who negotiated the New England deal so that he could remain with the Patriots.
So, the question is: Can Houston make him an offer so good that he won’t even go back to New England to match?
That’s why, with his price tag way down to the 4-5 Mil range, we gotta overpay. It’s about spending enough money to close the door on New England.
Finally, we all know Stephanie Stradley likes to find people with statistics, and a link to profootballfocus.com shows some stats for the Bodden vs. Dunta discussion:
Overall score:
Bodden 6.8 (14th overall) Dunta -11.7 (t98th)
I’ll note here that the stats appear to split the corners into 3 categories: those who played well, those who didn’t play much, and those who played a lot and played poorly. Reeves is #41 overall, but played half the snaps of Dunta. However, that right there indicates that Bodden played well as a #1 corner in NE, and Dunta played poorly as a #1 in HOU.
Pass Coverage:
Bodden 6.7 (13th) vs. Dunta -1.2 (60th)
In all four subcategories (pass rush, run defense, pass coverage, and penalties) Bodden scored higher, but this was an important one in my opinion. After all, you want your best corner to be able to cover right?
By the way, I’ll reiterate that Bodden beat Dunta in run defense, so that theory that Dunta is better vs. the run doesn’t hold water
Penalties:
Bodden didn’t do great, but Dunta tied for the NFL lead last season with NINE penalties called against him. Since most CB penalties would be 10-yard holding and auto-1st-down pass interefence, I’d want to shy away from a CB who is great at getting flagged.
Interceptions:
Bodden 5 (t9th) vs. Dunta ZERO (t84th)
Passes Defended:
Bodden 12 (t7th) vs. Dunta 7 (t37th)
These rankings indicate something that I have said before in Dunta’s defense: as long as he’s one of the 32 best corners in the NFL, he deserves to start and be our #1 corner. Well, arguably the two most important categories for a CB, Bodden is Top 10, and Dunta is undeserving of the position of a team’s top corner. By the way, take note of the interceptions ranking. 83 other corners got an interception, and Dunta didn’t. (and this is just counting the corners who have start time, since Brice McCain is not listed, so there’s actually more; and let’s not forget linebackers and safeties who did what Dunta could not) Also, Dunta is one of only 2 corners who logged over 1000 snaps without an INT. At least 23 corners logged less than 500 snaps (including J.Reeves) and managed an interception.
Dunta was also tied for 6th overall in missed tackles.
And the final nail in the coffin for the Bodden v. Dunta discussion:
Opponent Passer Rating (when passing into his coverage):
Bodden 59.3 (13th) vs. Dunta 99.3 (84th)
Yes, these are just stats, so they aren’t the end all be all, but…
…if you want your top corner to be unable to get interceptions while giving up tons of penalties and making your opponent play like Peyton Manning or Matt Schaub, take Dunta.
…if you want your top corner to be GOOD AT getting interceptions, while making your opponent play like Josh Freeman and Jake Delhomme, take Bodden.
So, is there ANYONE left who thinks Dunta is better? And, no, Pancakes, you can not refer to the fact that Bodden’s been on three teams to Dunta’s one as a stat. :^)
Mar 8, 2010 at 18:32:36
Wade smith is going to meet with zona
bodden tweeted at about noon he was going to work out, so I see that as a good sign as he didn’t bounce out of town
it tough to compete with the pats though, cause If the money was the same, which would you choose….
I give it a 75% chance we sign him, and we will have to overpay JUST a little
Mar 8, 2010 at 19:54:33
@AllenOU
Don’t be so quick to consider NEw England an obviously better venue.
Houston has brand-spanking-new facilities, and, from a team standpoint, you can argue that Houston has a better team.
Statistically, our offenses are close (3rd and 4th in yards, 6th and 10th in points per game, 1st and 4th in first downs, 2nd and 6th in time of possession) and you can make a case for Schaub/Johnson/Daniels vs. Brady/Moss/Welker.
As for defense, both teams struggled with a pass rush, but have key playmakers.
The big difference is that New England is old and possibly fading (failed to win division the last 2 years, and only one terrible playoff loss in that span), whereas the Texans are full of youth and on the rise.
You can make a strong case that the Patriots are “reloading” which is code for “we have our franchise QB, but the rest of the team needs help”, whereas the Texans are close to being Super Bowl contenders once they become the sum of their parts.
There’s also the fun of playing against Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne twice a year. Considering the rivalry between the Pats and Colts, he’s gotta love that. :^)
Mar 8, 2010 at 20:07:27
I’m hearing he resigned with the Pats
Mar 8, 2010 at 20:15:31
@KD
Leigh Bodden’s agent Alvin Keels tweeted that that report is “not true and premature at best”.
He also says Bodden won’t make a decision until at least tomorrow.
I’m taking this to mean that Houston made him an offer, and he is formally offering New England the chance to match it.
Considering the fact that the Pats didn’t make hardly any effort to re-sign him before free agency (the reports are that they barely talked to him; this is not a case of refusing 23 mil guaranteed) tells me that they might think they can train up Jonathan White and Darius Butler for free as opposed to signing Bodden.
Let’s hope that Belicheck gets very arrogant. :^)
Mar 9, 2010 at 14:07:59
So much for bodden
and i agree about the texans being better as far as where someone would like to go. But I think people and players look at the past and the superbowls and all that and that why I made the comment.
I would rather live in Iraq than new England. Lots of newport smoking manatees up that way. Compared to hot teachers an flight attendants in htown.
I was just saying how it is perceived. But I agree with you kyle, 100%
Mar 9, 2010 at 19:24:02
I do not understand what the texans are doing. As much as I wanted bodden, it appears we were used as leverage and he never wanted to be here in the first place. however I think we should have signed Thomas Jones. He got 2 yrs 5 million. he has some football left in his tires and would have been a great addition.
Mar 9, 2010 at 23:36:37
@truth
The Texans organization has fallen in love with Ryan Matthews, and we’re not going to get anyone else.
Last season, Rick Smith fell in love with Glen Coffee and, when the Niners plucked him two picks before we were on the clock in Round 3, Smith threw a temper tantrum and didn’t draft anyone, covering his tracks later with Arian Foster and Jeremiah Johnson off the waiver wire.
When Pancakes says something to the effect of “12 scouts I trust think Matthews is the perfect fit” it stands to reason that we are showing our hand, big time, and, if some team snatches him, we’ll be screwed because Smith would probably throw another hissy fit instead of being reasonable and drafting Montario Hardesty in round 2 if Matthews is gone in Round 1.
By the way, I’m working on a new mock draft. I’ll give you the link when it;s finished, but here’s the first round.
1. STL – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
2. DET – Russell Okung, OT, Ok. St.
3. Trade! TB’s 3 for SEA’s 6 and 40
SEA – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
4. WAS – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
5. KC – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
6. TB (from SEA) – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
7. CLE – Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8. OAK – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Trade! BUF’s 9 for PHI’s 24 and Michael Vick
PHI – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
10. JAX – Dez Bryant, WR, Ok. St.
11. DEN (from CHI) – Jason Pierre-Paul, OLB, South FLA
12. MIA – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
13. SF – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
14. SEA (from DEN) – Charles Brown, OT, USC
15. NYG – Rolando McClain, ILB, ‘Bama
16. TEN – Derrick Morgan, DE, GA Tech
17. SF (from CAR) – Taylor Mays, SS, USC
18. Trade! PIT’s 18, 114 for BUF’s 24, 72
BUF – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
19. ATL – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Mizzou
20. Trade! HOU’s 20, 115, 187 for NYJ’s 29, 61
NYJ – Earl Thomas, FS, Texas
21. CIN – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
22. NE – Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn St.
23. Trade! GB’s 23, 119 for TB’s 35, 67
TB – Everson Griffen, DE, USC
24. PIT (from PHI via BUF) – Mike Iupati, OG/OT, Idaho
25. BAL – Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
26. ARI – Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson
27. DAL – Maurkice Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida
28. SD – Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee
29. HOU (from NYJ) – Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St.
***I know you will balk at Houston trading down with Earl Thomas and Dan Williams on the board, but, like I said, the front office loves Matthews, so that’s who they will target. Since they’ve never spent a Top 100 pick on a safety, I’ll believe the Earl Thomas hype when I see it.***
30. Trade! MIN’s 30 for STL’s 33, 128
STL – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
31. IND – Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
32. Trade! NO’s 32 for GB’s 35 (from TB), 152
GB – Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
I can give you reasons for the picks if you disagree, but, with no current free agents on the Texans’ radar, I thought this could distract us while the Wade Smith thing gets sorted out.
Mar 10, 2010 at 02:46:17
Yea, Kyle thats all well and great. But the chances of SD taking Mathews directly before us in your scenario are EXTREMELY HIGH. They love him too. And also if Thomas is on the board the Texans will take him -trust me.
Mar 10, 2010 at 09:50:42
@Kyle
How do you know who the Texans front office is in love with? Also, how do you know Rick Smith threw a “temper tantrum” and a “hissy fit”? Maybe he had other players rated higher than any RB’s on the board after round 3.
Mar 10, 2010 at 14:01:35
@Yohann
First off, I’ve read some stuff that indicates that the Chargers might prefer taking Jonathan Dwyer in the second round over Ryan Mathews. Second, they won’t pass Dan Williams if he falls that far. Just like we wouldn’t pass up Joe Haden or Gerald McCoy at 20. Nose tackles do not grow on trees, especially ones deemed “unblockable”.
@KO
There is absolutely no excuse for drafting a blocking tight end, a second cornerback, and a backup safety over running back other than a hissy fit. There just isn’t.
Maybe “hissy fit” is too strong of a term, but more “obsessive-compulsive” maybe. The way our running scheme is talked about, it’s something that only a select few running backs can seem to handle. I don’t know why, but the way Pancakes gushes about Mathews fitting our scheme makes it seem like 99% of running backs don’t.
So, by “hissy fit” I should mean Rick Smith believed that Glen Coffee was the “only” guy who could really fit our system. In that vein, I believe that the team feels the same about Mathews.
As far as how do I know who the team is in love with, John McClain is pretty accurate. I can’t vouch for 2007 and earlier because I didn’t heavily follow the draft until the 08 session, but, in 08, McClain said we would draft a tackle and listed the ones that Alex Gibbs liked. Duane Brown was the last one on that list. In 2009, McClain said we would draft a linebacker, then liked Cushing before the connection with Bruce Matthews clouded his judgement towards Clay 3 (who has been an outstanding rush linebacker for the Packers, may I say). Now, McClain is saying Mathews. Yes, he’s also saying Earl Thomas, but I have seen no evidence to believe that Kubiak would give up on Eugene Wilson AND the team would draft a position they have given no respect to in the history of the franchise.
Mar 11, 2010 at 13:37:01
@ kyle
you are higher than giraffe pussy my friend.
mccoy and suh WILL NOT FALL out of the top 5
it just aint gonna happen.
and ill pass on matthews and any other RB in the first unless it is spiller
Mar 12, 2010 at 10:34:00
Just watch, Allen. Those two don’t really fit in the 3-4, and, after Detroit and Tampa, the next 4-3 team is Oakland, who likes Bruce Campbell, then Jacksonville, who doesn’t have the ammunition to trade up, then we’re out of the Top 10.
If Detroit takes Okung and Seattle trades up for Clausen, both VERY LIKELY scenarios in my opinion, then Suh will go #6 and McCoy will go some time after that.
Mar 12, 2010 at 18:12:53
Not gonna happen. Someone will trade up to get them I promise. Tampa would love to get out of the third spot and no chance Seattle tale clausen that early. He is going to tumble just like Quinn did.
I hope your right though, and I wonder if the texans could have the balls and ammo to trade up to 9 or 10 to grab one of them. Don’t think we do though