Duane Brown Progress Report?

[foozball]

What's everyones opinion on how he's looked throughout the season?

[Texian]

A BIG disappointment! He doesn't discriminate he allows Speed, Bull and Technique SACKS. See "Sacks Allowed" thread, Brown's comparisions to other rookie stats (sacks allowed) are dismal. Looking like a Panic pick for need from Rick Smith. I wish the Texans had waited on one of the studs from this year's draft. This year's class is better than last years. Unfortunately we're stuck for at least another year.

[Texans86]

A BIG disappointment! He doesn't discriminate he allows Speed, Bull and Technique SACKS. See "Sacks Allowed" thread, Brown's comparisions to other rookie stats (sacks allowed) are dismal. Looking like a Panic pick for need from Rick Smith. I wish the Texans had waited on one of the studs from this year's draft. This year's class is better than last years. Unfortunately we're stuck for at least another year.

If this is sarcasm, I'm missing it. If it's not, you might want to read up on the Sports Illustrated thread that has him as one of the top 15 picks in this draft. Despite the fact that left tackle is one of the most difficult positions to just walk into in your first year, he is still getting national recognition. The things you mentioned that he can't do well right now are all things that offensive linemen learn through practice and repetition. As a rookie, he got blown away a few times this year. He has also done a pretty good job at other times.

[buffsoldier]

Regardless of what others on this message board may think, IMO Duane Brown has done a solid job as a rookie starting on the left side. He has been very good in the run game and though he has given up quit a few sacks, the Texans havent given him much help.

I blame his sack numbers more on the coaches for leaving a rookie isolated with some of the best pass rushers in the league without effectively using RBs or TEs to chip. Vanden Bosch, Freeney, Porter, Jared Allen, Terrell Suggs, and James Harrison

[foozball]

is he at least getting better or showing any progress?

[Rosstafarian]

is he at least getting better or showing any progress?

Yes. He's shown tons of progress now that he's not having to go up against elite ends and linebackers. I imagine next year the people complaining about Brown won't have as many numbers as he has this year.

For a rookie LT not named Thomas or McNeil (And no, I'm not that impressed by Jake Long. He's a good run blocker, pass protection is so-so) he's doing fine and he will get better along the way.

[sicemtexans]

defiantly duane brown is showing progress. As a rookie he has been a large contributor to Steve Slaton's success as he has been an excellent run blocker. Duane Brown has given up a number of sacks, however as a rookie i do not understand how he is being expected to be perfect, and we all know he matches up against the most talented pass rushers in the NFL

Personally I feel like as he continues to improve and our offensive line continues to mesh I think the future of this offensive line is something we can all be excited about

[Coog]

No kidding. Yeah he gave up some Sacks, HE'S A ROOKIE. Cut him some slack on that, he'll get better. But you cant disagree that he is a great run blocker. He has done a solid job at the hardest position on the OL. Look at Kubiak's draft picks so far(Mario, Demeco, Slaton, etc). I'd say he's a pretty good judge of talent. So, why do we keep second guessing personnel decisions?

[Texian]

Some of you act as if Brown was a top 2 OT taken. He was the 8th OT taken in the 1st RD no less. A panic pick and a reach by Rick Smith. Brown is doing what he always has done, giving up sacks. He gave up 8 his senior year. Based on the below numbers yes his play is disappointing. No sarcasm just facts.

Jeff Otah 4 sacks
Ryan Clady .5 sack
Jake Long 2.5 sacks
Branden Albert 3.5 sacks
Sam Baker 5 starts no sacks no penalties
Chris Williams No starts no stats

Duane Brown 10.5 sacks, a saftey and his missed block got Schaub injured.

The below info and post - credit goes to Goatcheese and i couldn't say it any better.

Orlando Pace 6.5 sacks
Joe Thomas 4.5
Tony Ugoh 11 games 1.5 sacks
Tra Thomas 6 sacks
Marcus McNeill 5 sack
Walter Jones 2 sacks
Jordan Gross 3 sacks
D'Brickashaw Ferguson 10 sacks (Yes, Jet fans are still disappointed in D'Brick)
Wayne Gandy 6.5 sacks
Jammal Brown 3.5 sacks
Flozell Adams 1.5 sacks

Worth noting: Brown has split snaps with Salaam for 10 weeks. Playing full time he would average out at 13.5-14 sacks. He would likely be even worse, giving up more sacks while tired out from not getting spelled. There's still 3 games left to add more.

I don't think you can call him a bust after 13 games. Unfortunately, I had very low expectations for Brown, and he didn't come close to meeting them. A guy drafted purely on athletic potential should not struggle athleticly. He get's beat by speed rushers, bull rushers, and technique rushers; what exactly is his strong suit? Brown is too slow, too weak, and too inexperienced.

There's no chance they draft another LT high next year, and almost no chance they even give anyone a chance to compete for the spot. They handed Brown the starting job the first day he was here without letting Salaam fight for it, and that's not likely to change.

[Texans86]

Texian must be right. Bench him. We've had pretty elite left tackle play for the past few years. Brown is a huge step backward, and real game experience won't help him get better in the future.

[tgriff00]

He is great at run blocking. He is very fast for his size and can get out in traffic on sweeps and screens. His pass protection is needs to get better and it has since WK1. He will be good for years to come.

[pure_respect]

People on these message boards have looked as his sacks allowed stat and cringed, without really remembering the other nuances that go into playing LT. He has shown up in the running game and has had been offered little help at pass protection (which some of the other listed Tackles have probably had.)

Let's also further recognize that our interior line is the weakest link, often leaving our QB without an opportunity to step into the pocket to avoid the angle pass rushers. Even if the tackles have a good block on their guy, pressure up the middle forces the QB outside of the pocket and into the laps of the DE/LB the tackle had just blocked. It's a lose/lose when the interior line allows penetration.

This kid has had it pretty rough, and he has had some people simply run by (sometimes through) him, but I have a feeling it will only cause him to work harder in the offseason to get a little better and a little stronger. Unlike other positions, there aren't many stats to grade linemen on. We basically only see where they make mistakes while there isn't a "pancake" stat available to the public to show us where he made up for these mistakes.

My $0.02

[Texian]

Texian must be right. Bench him. We've had pretty elite left tackle play for the past few years. Brown is a huge step backward, and real game experience won't help him get better in the future.

Now that's sarcasm??? Actually Duane Brown would be a very good blocking TE in Coach Gibb's ZBS. A very integral part of the system. In 09' they need to admit their mistake and take one of the following OTs.

1. Andre Smith, Alabama
2. Michael Oher, Mississippi
3. Eugene Monroe, Virginia
4. Jason Smith, Baylor
5. Ciron Black, LSU

Unfortunately none of that is going to happen and Duane Brown will be around for at least another year before they admit they panicked, reached and missed on their 2008 1st Rd pick. It might take another two years for them to face that reality.

[Clamp]

Aren't these many of the same criticisms and defenses that we heard about Mario not too long ago? "Drafted because of his athleticism but isnt showing it", "but he's going against the other team's best guy every week" i have seen alot of parallels. Well another is that tackles have to have good technique to compliment their strength. Just like Mario had to get that technique down before we saw statistical improvement, the same holds true for Duane. And just like people were so disappointed in Mario's 4 sacks his first year but he had great numbers the next and is doing even better this year, despite the fact that his sacks numbers are lower, Duane doesnt have great numbers this year. Give him a full offseason with a full NFL season to learn from and he will be a vastly different player next year. He will also be stronger thanks to an NFL strength and conditioning program, which some have criticized him about as well.

[Goatcheese]

Aren't these many of the same criticisms and defenses that we heard about Mario not too long ago? "Drafted because of his athleticism but isnt showing it", "but he's going against the other team's best guy every week" i have seen alot of parallels. Well another is that tackles have to have good technique to compliment their strength. Just like Mario had to get that technique down before we saw statistical improvement, the same holds true for Duane. And just like people were so disappointed in Mario's 4 sacks his first year but he had great numbers the next and is doing even better this year, despite the fact that his sacks numbers are lower, Duane doesnt have great numbers this year. Give him a full offseason with a full NFL season to learn from and he will be a vastly different player next year. He will also be stronger thanks to an NFL strength and conditioning program, which some have criticized him about as well.

Mario had a foot injury his rookie year. Most people have trouble walking with plantar fasciitis, and Mario still had 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks. A solid, if unspectacular rookie season even for a healthy player.

Brown is not injured. He really is that bad in pass protection.

Maybe he will have a miracle turn around like D'brick, and only give up 2.5 sacks next year. The signs don't seem to be pointing in that direction, but we can all hope.

[doodyps]

I can see the arguement that he isnt having a good year (its almost impossible to say he has) but why are people saying he "can't" be a good LT all of a sudden?

Why so pessimistic? He has shown flashes of brilliance in the running game. Also, while 10 sacks is pretty bad, thats 10 sacks out of 400+ snaps or more. I realize its all relative and other LT's are giving up less, but thats still NFL quality blocking. It's not like he is getting pushed back every down, or completely schooled constantly. He simply makes mistakes once in a while and wiffs others. Those are things fixed with experience. Weak? I don't see that. I see a very big guy thats light on his feet that can pancake good nfl ends and linebackers. He has technique issues. for the 8th LT taken in the draft or whatever, I think he's doing pretty well. I see tons of upside. Worst case scenario with him is we draft another LT and move him to guard. I have no problem with that. It wouldnt bother me if we drafted another OL in the first round this year. It would only make out team better.

[tgriff00]

I can see the arguement that he isnt having a good year (its almost impossible to say he has) but why are people saying he "can't" be a good LT all of a sudden?

Why so pessimistic? He has shown flashes of brilliance in the running game. Also, while 10 sacks is pretty bad, thats 10 sacks out of 400+ snaps or more. I realize its all relative and other LT's are giving up less, but thats still NFL quality blocking. It's not like he is getting pushed back every down, or completely schooled constantly. He simply makes mistakes once in a while and wiffs others. Those are things fixed with experience. Weak? I don't see that. I see a very big guy thats light on his feet that can pancake good nfl ends and linebackers. He has technique issues. for the 8th LT taken in the draft or whatever, I think he's doing pretty well. I see tons of upside. Worst case scenario with him is we draft another LT and move him to guard. I have no problem with that. It wouldnt bother me if we drafted another OL in the first round this year. It would only make out team better.

Agree 100%. A lot of guys on here have to have something to B**** about and since Schaub was lights out last week and we are winning I guess Brown is the likely candidate for them. No worries Duane, prove them all wrong.

[infantrycak]

I can see the arguement that he isnt having a good year (its almost impossible to say he has) but why are people saying he "can't" be a good LT all of a sudden?

Why so pessimistic?

There are people who invest as much or more energy and emotion into the draft as they do the regular season for "their" team. Once their team doesn't follow their couch wisdom, they are honor bound to beotch and moan about the picks until the players in question make the pro-bowl so that they are too embarrassed to beotch and moan anymore.

[justin of doom]

Give the kid a chance to learn.

[Goatcheese]

I can see the arguement that he isnt having a good year (its almost impossible to say he has) but why are people saying he "can't" be a good LT all of a sudden?

There's a difference between "can't", and "it doesn't seem likely". Travis Johnson could explode next year with 10 sacks and 100 tackles. It's not likely, but it could happen.

Why so pessimistic? He has shown flashes of brilliance in the running game. Also, while 10 sacks is pretty bad, thats 10 sacks out of 400+ snaps or more. I realize its all relative and other LT's are giving up less, but thats still NFL quality blocking. It's not like he is getting pushed back every down, or completely schooled constantly. He simply makes mistakes once in a while and wiffs others. Those are things fixed with experience. Weak? I don't see that. I see a very big guy thats light on his feet that can pancake good nfl ends and linebackers. He has technique issues. for the 8th LT taken in the draft or whatever, I think he's doing pretty well. I see tons of upside. Worst case scenario with him is we draft another LT and move him to guard. I have no problem with that. It wouldnt bother me if we drafted another OL in the first round this year. It would only make out team better.

I think people are pessimistic because he was drafted in the first round, and has looked like a 5th round developmental project. I don't get this "8th left tackle taken" nonsense. He was taken in the first round. It doesn't matter if he was the 26th LT taken.

While 10.5 sacks is pretty bad for 16 complete games, Brown hasn't played 16 complete games. He's played 3 games, and 2/3 of 10 games. That means he's given up 10.5 sacks in roughly 9 and 2/3s games. Project that out over 16 full games, and Brown is going to give up 17-17.5 sacks.

That's 17 blind side hits on our potentially elite QB with suspect health. :eek:

IMO people are unhappy because the rest of the offense is ready to win right now, and Brown simply isn't. LT is the most important position on the entire line, and it continues to be our weakest link.

Don't get me wrong, I want every Texan player to develope into an all-pro. I still pull for Faggins every time he steps on the field. I still hope for TJ to come around. There's a difference between hope, and reality. Imagine if the front office had said "Man, I hope Faggins is an elite corner, I feel safe passing on D-Rob!" It nearly happened. Capers loved him some Petey.

[Texian]

I think people are pessimistic because he was drafted in the first round, and has looked like a 5th round developmental project. I don't get this "8th left tackle taken" nonsense. He was taken in the first round. It doesn't matter if he was the 26th LT taken.

The 8th LT taken in the first round who gave up 8 sacks in his senior year is not so much a reflection on Brown as it is a question on management's decision to draft him. It raises the question did management, in a panic, reach to fill a position of need. The jury is still out but right now it looks like a reach and a miss. You're right it doesn't matter when Brown was taken. However if Brown had been taken in the 3rd or 5th RD and based on his level of performance, everyone would be screaming why in the heck is Brown still starting and why was he given the job without any competition.

[HuttoKarl]

Cut some slack, buttheads.

The guy's played LT for three years now and has a lot to learn. He's shown huge strides and knows that he's got a ways to go. To expect a rookie to come in and shut down the best pass rushers in the NFL is stupid.

Some of you will gripe just to gripe. It's sick. You hated Mario until he had a great season. You hate everything when times aren't good. FAIR WEATHER.

[TransplantTexan1]

Brown's biggest problem is consistency. Earlier in the season, he was getting beat frequently, including on some running plays. But over the last eight or so games, he's having good stretches mixed with at least 4-5 plays where he gets beat and beat bad. What he needs to do is eliminate those 4-5 plays and show more consistency with his footwork. Even against power rushers, he's not anchored well due to poor footwork. It seems to be mostly a technique issue (how to kickout or how to shift) but I've seen at least 2 sacks he's allowed this year where he didn't seem to know his blocking assignment and has taken himself out of position.

It's a learning curve and the sacks are a disappointment but I think there are things there to indicate that he can eventually be a solid LT--but only if he can develop some full game consistency.

[GoldenHolden]

We have to keep in mind that even Mario had trouble in his rookie season. LT is a hard position to start at as a rookie. Give him an offseason and hopefully he will make a good deal of progress by next season.

[kevin]

Brown has played LT two years, one in college and one in the pros

[Dgmtexas]

Regardless of what others on this message board may think, IMO Duane Brown has done a solid job as a rookie starting on the left side. He has been very good in the run game and though he has given up quit a few sacks, the Texans havent given him much help.

I blame his sack numbers more on the coaches for leaving a rookie isolated with some of the best pass rushers in the league without effectively using RBs or TEs to chip. Vanden Bosch, Freeney, Porter, Jared Allen, Terrell Suggs, and James Harrison

That is right on the money, all the other teams may sure these type of guys are double teamed at the least. Duane Brown, within 2 years from now is going to be a pro-bowl caliber left tackle.

[TheGoaT]

Obviously any player we draft should be cut if they dont make the pro bowl in their rookie year. :rolleyes:

[281lxm]

wasn't there a real american hero commercial about people who post on the message boards.....this thread and several of the responses just may be the reason why....

"Mr. professional sports messageboard poster you..."

[TEXANBRONCO]

personally i think 3/4 of you guys dont even know the POSITION enough to even talk about it.. this team is doing what?...ITS BUILDING....that right there is a learning process in itself. to trust the guy next to you/to stop the guy in front of you.. i think he did very well:D and believe me any TEXAN that does what KUBIAK tells them to do ......STAYS ON THE TEAM. wasnt he a 1st round pick? from KUBIAK.....soooooooo was MARIO.....remember:D try not to DAWG TEXANS to death with the baby stuff and cryin all the time ...i would like to see any1 of yas try to stop PORTER/FREENEY or 1/2 of what he stopped in his 1st year. and yes its a extremely tough position, but unless you,ve played it yourself....PLEASE stop with the get rid of him DRAMA:D

[nscurfield]

If you want to get his coach's opinion on how Brown has progressed, check out this article I wrote a few days back. Offensive line coach John Benton discusses Brown's development in detail.

Link: http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5080 (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5080)

[Se7en]

I am shocked nobody is talking about the fact that Brown rarely had help blocking. He was usually totally alone ina one on one situation with the D/E when he got beat. No RB help, nothing.

I am not sure why we did that so much, but giving Brown a little help from time to time shouldn't be so rare.

[Texan Naija]

I am shocked nobody is talking about the fact that Brown rarely had help blocking. He was usually totally alone ina one on one situation with the D/E when he got beat. No RB help, nothing.

I am not sure why we did that so much, but giving Brown a little help from time to time shouldn't be so rare.

It probably had something to do with our personnel.

I mean our only healthy running backs for most of the year were Slaton, Moats and though he never saw the field Walker. None of which are probably outstanding blockers at the line, although Slaton proved decent at protecting Matt. The only TE that could block pretty well was Dressen and they couldn't use Vonta Leach on every play when he was so vital to the running game and they did know when they might have needed to put in his backup for RB duty.

[HuttoKarl]

Too bad Duane didn't get to play against the crappy AFC West two times this past season like Clady did.

Again...some people complain simply to complain. It's rampant amongst Houston sports fans.

[Se7en]

Too bad Duane didn't get to play against the crappy AFC West two times this past season like Clady did.

My thoughts exactly... put Clady against all the best DEs in the league that Brown just had to face and their numbers would look totally different.

[Carlos]

If you want to get his coach's opinion on how Brown has progressed, check out this article I wrote a few days back. Offensive line coach John Benton discusses Brown's development in detail.

Link: http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5080 (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5080)

Nice article, thanks.

[wildroot]

I too, think Brown is a disappointment at left tackle, but he would make a good guard.



(I've seen apostrophes used to pluralize nouns and even used in the possessive pronoun ITS, but I don't think I ever before saw one put into a verb.)

He was supposed to have been hand pick for his spot so I'd assume he had all the tools when he got here. Hopefully he picks it up better next year. Keeping my fingers crossed 'cause he's ours now.

[Yosarian]

I'm disappointed in Brown's performance this year.

So?

Every 1st round pick deserves two years before i make a judgement.

This is the NFL. It takes time..playing time...to get good in this league.

Also, i'd like to point out one very very important detail that NO ONE has even mentioned. Brown stayed healthy all year. Although he showed signs of tiring, he didn't get injured. Staying healthy is important in this league.

He will get better. Give him some time.

[willieg52]

The truth is Brown is a Terrific Run Blocker but a Horrible Pass Protector. To be fair the kid was a rookie and he did go up against some of the best DE's in the league, however, as a 1st round Franchise LT you should be able to limit the sacks allowed by whatever DE's you face in the league because that is the sole reason he was picked up in the 1st round. If your a really good LT you don't need help in Pass Protection and for some of you guys to say that the coaches should have done a better job in providing help to him in passing situations are missing the point. We drafted this kid to Pass Protect 1st Run Block 2nd. Run blocking is just hustling to your assaingment while Pass Protection takes Athletic Ability and Technique. Brown lacks the Technique, but Maybe he can learn from his mistakes this year in Pass Protection and work hard to improve that 1 critical area of his game that vastly needs improvement.

[TheGoaT]

its a pretty ridiculous statement to say that he shouldnt get any pass blocking support and be successful. ALL left tackles get help pass blocking, even the best ones.

[Se7en]

Brown stayed healthy all year. Although he showed signs of tiring, he didn't get injured. Staying healthy is important in this league.

Only because the "No Gain Dayne Train" left town and is no longer diving into the back/sides of out lineman's legs every single time he touches the ball.

[Se7en]

its a pretty ridiculous statement to say that he shouldnt get any pass blocking support and be successful. ALL left tackles get help pass blocking, even the best ones.


I agree... saying that run blocking "is just hustling" is also pretty silly. We drafted this guy because in the zone blocking system we need athletic left tackles that can run to their blocking assignments in the flats. Most lineman do not have the kind of run blocking ability that Brown has, so writing it off as no big deal is just silly.

If Brown can improve on his pass protection or if we can get him some help with chip blocks, then he will be one of the better LTs in the league due to his athletic ability one running plays when we pull him to block.

[HomeBred_Texan]

Well, he must have been doing something right....

If He was as bad as some say he was, I don't think our offense would have been so explosive and ranked so high in moving the ball. I can't make myself judge rookie Tackles personally. It is a huge difference in going from College type DE's to Pro type DE's and it takes a huge learning curveto become an elite LT. I thought he did OK for a rookie LT.

So I look at it this way, he can only get better. If he started slipping and got worse, Kubs would pull him in 2 shakes of a cat's tail....

So I am not worried at all. You have to have faith. And faith my friends, is what football is all about, LOL. ;)

[Yosarian]

Only because the "No Gain Dayne Train" left town and is no longer diving into the back/sides of out lineman's legs every single time he touches the ball.

y'all wont ever let that one go huh? rolf.

[revan]

Only because the "No Gain Dayne Train" left town and is no longer diving into the back/sides of out lineman's legs every single time he touches the ball.

OMG That brings back horrible memories of when I used to watch the games and too see Dayne run like that.

[TexSid]

I think we don't know enough yet. He is still raw and got beat a few times too many for me. But he is a rook and I would expect a big improvement next year since he will be stronger and know his role better.

When I think back to the games where the O-line played poorly (Pitt, TennGame1, Balt, Minny) I feel like the whole line collapsed --especially up the gut so Schaub had no where to step up. Really a speed rusher can usually be pushed to the "long route" to the QB but if the QB cannot step forward then he is toast. I feel like some of Brown's wrost games were worst games for the whole line, especially G/C/G....

[NJTexan]

give Duane time, he is the type of players we need on our line. give him a real center... im more concerned about the rest of the oline

[Zac Attack]

I remember seeing the Draft re-done. They had Duane Brown going like as the 13th pick. (I forget where exactly, but it was higher than where the Texans picked him up)

Brown likely will get better. He may never become a pro bowler, but I think he can become a staple of the Texans unit for the next decade.


Do not forget, that with the type of system the Texans are running, it emphasises running the ball effectively. The passing game feeds off the rush.

Now, Brown must get stronger....which is entirely possible -- that will help with the pass protection. He improved over the last weeks. But, he got his feet wet with some of the top defenses in the league.

[Zac Attack]

http://walterfootball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7358

I found that Brown gave up 11.5 sacks this season. That was tied for 31 in the NFL.

[TexSid]

yikes!!!! That is worse than I thought. I figured he would be around the low twenties. Wow Clady giving up 0.5 sacks is amazing (and they run the same scheme!). Thanks for the link

[Hoss]

Here's my take on this thread:

1-for the people saying Duane Brown was a reach in the draft. It has been reported and confirmed that the Chargers were going to pick Brown if we passed on him. NFL Network reported this as well several days after the draft. Looking back at the GM in San Diego he has constantly picked pro bowl caliber players and being a top judge of talent, which is hard to argue, if he wanted Brown, he saw something that the Texans saw as well. So he wasn't a reach.

2-the sacks charts are nice stats, and that data takes some time to put together and report, so for those that got it for us to see thank you. And I like many people were probably worried after the first couple of games, seeing Brown melt down and lose his cool early in the season. But I feel he got better as the season wore on, and if anyone has sack charts showing his sacks per game as the season wore on many people's insight on the fact that he got better might be proven. But after a rough start I feel he settled down and was one of the strongest links on the O-line.

3-one season, especially for rookies can not and does not tell the entire story of how a players career will go. If it did, then '06 OROY Vince Young would be leading the titans to the super bowl right now, and all of those people that rushed out and got vyoung jerseys wouldn't be wondering what they were going to do with their support of a 50 million dollar water boy. give the kid, and he is a kid, some time to develop more strength and technique, but I think he will become a solid player for us for a long time.

just my opinion
-HOSS

[LongBignasty1]

I agree lets focus on the guys on the other line.

[superdave532]

Here's my take on this thread:

1-for the people saying Duane Brown was a reach in the draft. It has been reported and confirmed that the Chargers were going to pick Brown if we passed on him. NFL Network reported this as well several days after the draft. Looking back at the GM in San Diego he has constantly picked pro bowl caliber players and being a top judge of talent, which is hard to argue, if he wanted Brown, he saw something that the Texans saw as well. So he wasn't a reach.

2-the sacks charts are nice stats, and that data takes some time to put together and report, so for those that got it for us to see thank you. And I like many people were probably worried after the first couple of games, seeing Brown melt down and lose his cool early in the season. But I feel he got better as the season wore on, and if anyone has sack charts showing his sacks per game as the season wore on many people's insight on the fact that he got better might be proven. But after a rough start I feel he settled down and was one of the strongest links on the O-line.

3-one season, especially for rookies can not and does not tell the entire story of how a players career will go. If it did, then '06 OROY Vince Young would be leading the titans to the super bowl right now, and all of those people that rushed out and got vyoung jerseys wouldn't be wondering what they were going to do with their support of a 50 million dollar water boy. give the kid, and he is a kid, some time to develop more strength and technique, but I think he will become a solid player for us for a long time.

just my opinion
-HOSS

I really like your points here, I think everyone should consider these before bashing him.. even Mario was the "worst draft pick in the history of professional sports" until the middle of his second year.

Honestly though, I liked his unhinging after the first few games of the year. I don't believe that a LT is one of those positions where you have to always keep your cool for the sake of the composure of the team, especially if you're a rookie. If you're a rookie that only has one year of being a LT under his belt, I think it's even less important. Lineman need to have that fire burning inside them if they are going to be successful. That tells me that he really cares about his performance, he wants to help the team win and he knew he was doing a poor job of it. If he's going to make that second year jump that we're all hoping he will, he needs to be hard on himself; he needs to care about the game. That meltdown showed me that he does care, it gave me some hope that he'll turn out just fine.

[zanth91]

Here's my take on this thread:

1-for the people saying Duane Brown was a reach in the draft. It has been reported and confirmed that the Chargers were going to pick Brown if we passed on him. NFL Network reported this as well several days after the draft. Looking back at the GM in San Diego he has constantly picked pro bowl caliber players and being a top judge of talent, which is hard to argue, if he wanted Brown, he saw something that the Texans saw as well. So he wasn't a reach.

2-the sacks charts are nice stats, and that data takes some time to put together and report, so for those that got it for us to see thank you. And I like many people were probably worried after the first couple of games, seeing Brown melt down and lose his cool early in the season. But I feel he got better as the season wore on, and if anyone has sack charts showing his sacks per game as the season wore on many people's insight on the fact that he got better might be proven. But after a rough start I feel he settled down and was one of the strongest links on the O-line.

3-one season, especially for rookies can not and does not tell the entire story of how a players career will go. If it did, then '06 OROY Vince Young would be leading the titans to the super bowl right now, and all of those people that rushed out and got vyoung jerseys wouldn't be wondering what they were going to do with their support of a 50 million dollar water boy. give the kid, and he is a kid, some time to develop more strength and technique, but I think he will become a solid player for us for a long time.

just my opinion
-HOSS

These posts make offseason threads more interesting!

I just love your points. Everything is right on and I 100% agree. Brown may not have showed his pass blocking skills yet, but he's great in the run game. He'll end up being one of the better LT's in the league just for being in a division with the best set of D-linemen in the league.

[HuttoKarl]

Here's my take on this thread:

1-for the people saying Duane Brown was a reach in the draft. It has been reported and confirmed that the Chargers were going to pick Brown if we passed on him. NFL Network reported this as well several days after the draft. Looking back at the GM in San Diego he has constantly picked pro bowl caliber players and being a top judge of talent, which is hard to argue, if he wanted Brown, he saw something that the Texans saw as well. So he wasn't a reach.

2-the sacks charts are nice stats, and that data takes some time to put together and report, so for those that got it for us to see thank you. And I like many people were probably worried after the first couple of games, seeing Brown melt down and lose his cool early in the season. But I feel he got better as the season wore on, and if anyone has sack charts showing his sacks per game as the season wore on many people's insight on the fact that he got better might be proven. But after a rough start I feel he settled down and was one of the strongest links on the O-line.

3-one season, especially for rookies can not and does not tell the entire story of how a players career will go. If it did, then '06 OROY Vince Young would be leading the titans to the super bowl right now, and all of those people that rushed out and got vyoung jerseys wouldn't be wondering what they were going to do with their support of a 50 million dollar water boy. give the kid, and he is a kid, some time to develop more strength and technique, but I think he will become a solid player for us for a long time.

just my opinion
-HOSS

Quoted for truth.

Another excellent post by Hoss. Where's that rep button?

[needmorelinemen]

Brown has played LT two years, one in college and one in the pros

This is priceless input. Not that I post here very often, but this cracked me up.