Aaron Schobel to the Texans?

dalemurphy · #1 08-02-2010, 04:05 PM

http://www.texansbullblog.com

Rumors and reports are circulating that the Texans could sign Aaron Schobel this preseason if they want him. At this point, the Texans can not sign, contact, nor comment on Schobel because he is still officially a Buffalo Bill. John McClain has an informative article at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/7135755.html that details the situation. Essentially, the Bills will be releasing Schobel and because of Schobel’s relationship with Bill Kollar (Texans DL coach), and his farm in Colombus, Texas… he would like to play in Houston.

Schoble is 32 years old and has been a highly successful DE pass rusher and playmaker in his career. He has suffered a number of injuries that past few years, limiting his practice time and gameday snaps, but he has remained a pass rushing force. He only played five games in 2008 due to injuries but rebounded last season with 10 sacks in 16 games, while still hampered with knee/leg ailments (http://www.pro-football-reference.co...S/SchoAa99.htm).

He is an undersized, high energy DE. He has less than elite speed and strength but has a great motor and understands the finer points of the game. Though he is unlikely to remain and every down player, I think he would be highly effective in a DE rotation. The Texans have three DEs that are assured of making the roster: Mario, A.Smith, and Barwin. However, only Barwin is strictly an edge rusher. So, Schobel could certainly fit into the rotation. As a matter of a fact, it is a wonderful thought to imagine a 3rd and long with Schobel and Barwin lined up at DE and Mario and A. Smith both pinched in at DT. There are many combinations that could be effective, and I think a deeper rotation of the DL is something that will help the pass rush significantly. I know that Kollar believes in heavy rotation and keeping guys fresh and their motors running high (strange that Okoye had so many snaps last year under Kollar). I’m sure there will be more on this potential development soon. Essentially, his presence would push out at least two of the following DEs from the roster: Bulman, Jamison, Nading.

here’s a fun highlight from last season: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7OAzUqlaHQ

HPF Bob · #2 08-02-2010, 05:05 PM

He certainly kills us. If he doesn't take time away from Barwin's development, I'm all for it.

Didn't he play at Rice?

dalemurphy · #3 08-02-2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

He certainly kills us. If he doesn't take time away from Barwin's development, I'm all for it.

Didn't he play at Rice?

TCU.. and went to high school in Columbus, Tx.

dalemurphy · #4 08-04-2010, 10:11 AM

Schobel will be a Texan in 24 Hours

I’m not Adam Schefter but my sources are as solid as ESPN’s sources saying “Bret Favre is retiring”. Multiple reports assert the Bills will cut Aaron Schobel today. Given the fact that the Bills GM is on record saying that they don’t want him on the team and given his huge contract, I am confident the reports are accurate.

Why do I have confidence he’s coming to Houston? Well, I am not always a believer in reports from John McClain. However, yesterday, McClain directly quoted Schobel saying that Houston is the team he wants to play for. McClain doesn’t make up quotes. When he is speculating or trying to fill newspaper/blog space, he will say “I think” or “I’m hearing”… Also, there seems to be some real momentum to this deal.

I think it is a great deal for the Texans. I’m not a guy who usually gets excited about big name free agents and 30+ year old veterans signing with my team but this move would make a ton of sense. The Texans have two pure edge rushers on their entire 80 man roster right now: Connor Barwin and Tim Jamison. Both players are young and somewhat unpolished. Antonio Smith is actually a better interior pass rusher and Mario, though he provides an excellent pass rush, is not a classic edge rusher.
more at http://www.texansbullblog.com

Mike · #5 08-04-2010, 11:42 AM

This would be a great short term signing. He does not have to play every down, can can rotate in to spell Mario and Antonio, as well as come in on obvious passing downs.

This would make our pass rush instantly better.

superbowlbound · #6 08-04-2010, 11:54 AM

oh man. Can you imagine the push we'll get on 3rd and long with Mario and Smith on the inside and Barwin and Schobel on the outside? It's gonna be beautiful.