LB Cato June to Visit (Signed 1-yr, $500k bonus)

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by papabear

Kubiak has said he likes for his safeties to be interchangeable...which has generally meant OK against the run weak vs. the pass. Bush might change that up, but that's the philosophy Kubiak has had up until now. Same thing for OLB's. Whether or not that is a good approach is a whole different story.

Where has Kubiak said this? I know his history, prior to Eugene Wilson, suggested that. But, I have never seen a quote regarding that stance attributed to him.

That's also irrelevant to my point. My point is that if June is signed and wins a starting job, we better have some formidable run stoppers on his side of the field to make up for his inability to do just that.

[Bigtinylittle]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

Where has Kubiak said this? I know his history, prior to Eugene Wilson, suggested that. But, I have never seen a quote regarding that stance attributed to him.

That's also irrelevant to my point. My point is that if June is signed and wins a starting job, we better have some formidable run stoppers on his side of the field to make up for his inability to do just that.

I can't give you a citation to back up Papabear, but I'm almost positive I have heard Kubiak say those exact words. I guess it's possible, though, that now that Bush is in charge he might change things. But one reason I think we won't change is that I remember LZ saying on the radio one time that the whole league seems to be drifting slowly toward interchangable safeties. I know it's an idea that isn't popular with fans, but coaches seem to like it.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

Where has Kubiak said this? I know his history, prior to Eugene Wilson, suggested that. But, I have never seen a quote regarding that stance attributed to him.

That's also irrelevant to my point. My point is that if June is signed and wins a starting job, we better have some formidable run stoppers on his side of the field to make up for his inability to do just that.

The closest I could find from a quick search was a McClain article stating that the safeties were interchangeable in Richard Smith's defense. I know I've heard Kubiak say it interviews because I remember it started a lot of discussion. It doesn't really matter though because we don't know what changes Bush will make beyond the generic "more aggressive" response.

I think the general consensus is the the Texans safeties have generally been interchangeable based on personnel even if it wasn't by design. I though it was relevant to your post because you said that it was unfortunate that the SS generally plays the other side of the field from the WLB as it relates to June (who doesn't look like he's signing anyway) and his deficiencies against the run. I was just pointing out that since we tend to have two safeties who are both better against the run that it really wouldn't matter which side June was lined up on he would have a decent run-support safety behind him.

[kravix]

I know ive seen/heard/read it from interviews also. I tried searching for it but didnt find anything. I dont think that he ever said we want mediocre pass cover and run defence skills from our safeties, rather than wishing they could have 2 that can do both well and play either side of the field.

It is not my favorite philosophy, I would rather have one ball hawk and one run stuffer with mediocre skills on their respective filp sides rather than just ok at both.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by kravix

It is not my favorite philosophy, I would rather have one ball hawk and one run stuffer with mediocre skills on their respective filp sides rather than just ok at both.

I'd like to have seen Sean Taylor and Laron Landry play together longer. Those two guys on the field together was something to see.

That's the only combo I've seen on an NFL roster who could do both things very well.

In our upcoming draft, I see that type of potential in a William Moore/Chip Vaughn type draft. Granted those guys are quite the athletic specimens that Taylor/Landry were.

[Keith]

I'm kinda excited about this. I think June still has something left in the tank and has been undervalued by the league.

The Texans have agreed to a contract with free agent outside linebacker Cato June. He will sign a one-year contract worth $1.5 million, including a $500,000 signing bonus. The deal could be worth as much as $2 million. ...

June, 29, is 6-0, 227. He'll compete with Xavier Adibi for the starting job on the weak side. June had 63 tackles, including 49 unassisted, for the Buccaneers last season. ...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6358781.html

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Keith

I'm kinda excited about this. I think June still has something left in the tank and has been undervalued by the league.

Well, he is a cheap veteran presence. I'm almost as excited as I was about the Roosevelt Colvin signing. Maybe he'll pay off.

[jppaul]

I actually like this alot, I think it is these signings that make Smtih worth his salary. We have gotten some pretty good players from these signings.