Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith
This is where I'm getting... if the Texans are going to take the step from playoff fodder to playoff champion, they need to evaluate where they need to see the sort of improvement where they can slow down Brady, Manning, etc.
If Barwin is gone (or at best no more effective than he was in 2012), and if Mercilus cannot improve his edge contain and run defense, then there's the argument there to go get the best pass rushing front 7 player they can find in the draft or free agency next year. Even if Barwin is back and Mercilus improves, Antonio Smith then isn't getting to the QB often enough. That need (DE and/or OLB) ought to trump taking an ILB in spite of how thin the Texans are at that position or really any other position. Seems crazy given how they've invested high picks in Reed and Mercilus lately, but apparently it isn't enough.
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I think if Mercilous plays more it will make a huge difference. Like I said, he had more sacks than the rest of the guys combined despite his limited playing time. Sure, he doesn't play the run as well as those guys, but Cushing's healthy return (fingers crossed), should allow us to get away with Mercilous and not miss the run defense from what is really a pass rushing spot (WOLB). An improvement at NT could also help offset Mercilous in the run game. But he gets to the QB and has to play more.
I also really hope Antonio Smith is back. I think he is a huge part of Watt's success, and he puts up fantastic 34 DE numbers in his own right.
I really think most of the defensive issues are tied to Cushing's absence and problems running down hill. He is the tough guy and emotional leader. Watt is phenomenal but kind of a goof ball (smarter Gronkowski). Cushing is the tackling machine that allows all of the front 7 to slant and stunt so much, he's one of our best pass rushers, he's our best LB in coverage by a mile (and the Pats killed us with RBs and TEs in the passing game), and he is a guy that strikes a little fear in the opposing team just from how violent he is.
But obviously if Barwin goes we need another 34 OLB pretty early in the draft. I would for sure look there before ILB just because of the relative values in our scheme. Plus I am ok with James/Dobbins/Mid Round rookie if Cushing is healthy.