Defense

[zachy]

Tell me who starts on defense which eleven this can get little tough especially when you get to the linebakers


1 2 3 4

5 6 7
8 9

10 11


Number them this way

[zachy]

that did not work out the way i wanted it so 1-4 are linemen 5-7 line bakers 8 and 9 cb and 10 and 11 safeties

[Super Texans fan]

1 Smith
2 TJ, Hard Out Here Fo a Temp (aka DelJuan), Okam (3-man rotation)
3 Amobi
4 Super Mario

5 Cush
6 DeMeco
7 Adibi

8 D-Rob
9 Reeves

10 Ferguson
11 Wilson

[zachy]

1 Smith
2 TJ (Hopefully Okam Will Push Him If not Take his Spot)
3 Amobi
4 Super Mario

5 Cush
6 DeMeco
7 Adibi

8 D-Rob
9 Reeves

10 Ferguson
11 Wilson


well i would choose zac diles over adibi if he his 100 percent. but ihope that brian cushing will bring some badly need nastyness to this defense

[Super Texans fan]

Talkin To John McClain He Said Adibi Added about 15 pounds of muscle and has better size and speed than Zac

[A-B]

Adibi will start IMO, but it is nice to know that we actually have guys like Diles and Bennett as depth for a change

[zachy]

Adibi will start IMO, but it is nice to know that we actually have guys like Diles and Bennett as depth for a change

And lets not forget our veteran Cato June

[A-B]

And lets not forget our veteran Cato June

fo sho'!;)

[zachy]

If you have seen brian cushing or meet him in person he looks like he just came out of the movie 300. lets all hope he can bring a certian trait to the table i say trait because this can not be taught it is called nastyness which this defense has none as of now but hopefully that will change with cushing.

[johndoe]

1 Smith
2 TJ, Hard Out Her Fo a Temp (aka DelJuan), Okam (3-man rotation)
3 Amobi
4 Super Mario

5 Cush
6 DeMeco
7 Adibi

8 D-Rob
9 Reeves

10 Ferguson
11 Wilson

I concur...

[raginbull]

If you have seen brian cushing or meet him in person he looks like he just came out of the movie 300. lets all hope he can bring a certian trait to the table i say trait because this can not be taught it is called nastyness which this defense has none as of now but hopefully that will change with cushing.

demeco Ryans can lay out some very nasty hits! i believe Deljuan will push TJ, and barber might beat out ferguson. I wanna see nolan in action the kid had a nose for the ball in college. 10 ints in 2 years! and like 2-4 tds not sure bout the numbers on tds

[Super Texans fan]

Nolan Had 5 TDs 4 ints to the house 1 fumble TD

[TK_Gamer]

I think alot of you are way off base with June. He is a lousy Sam, but he played great in coverage at the Will. I personally would not be surprised if either Bentley or Thompson are gone come opening day.

[zachy]

I think alot of you are way off base with June. He is a lousy Sam, but he played great in coverage at the Will. I personally would not be surprised if either Bentley or Thompson are gone come opening day.

Well do not forget you dont sign a veteran for just what he does on the field but what he also does on off the field and he does have a superbowl ring in which he led the colts in tackles.

[zachy]

demeco Ryans can lay out some very nasty hits! i believe Deljuan will push TJ, and barber might beat out ferguson. I wanna see nolan in action the kid had a nose for the ball in college. 10 ints in 2 years! and like 2-4 tds not sure bout the numbers on tds

yes you are right he can hit and so can d- rob but is it really nasty when you hit hard a couple times a game i wanna see some be nasty like a dick butkus lets punish people afterall this is football

[mike gomez]

that did not work out the way i wanted it so 1-4 are linemen 5-7 line bakers 8 and 9 cb and 10 and 11 safeties

1-Mario Williams

2-Antonio Smith

3-Amobi Okoye

4-Frank Okam
///////////////
5-Demeco Ryans

6-Brian Cushing

7-Xavier Adibi
///////////////
8-Dunta Robinson

9-Jacque Reeves
///////////////
10-Eugene Wilson

11-Dominique Barber

[Super Texans fan]

Look For Nolan to make a big impact on ST, The Jury is out on Brandon Harrison so IMO he will not make the cut.

[Wolfscar]

RE -Mario Williams

DT -Amobi Okoye

NT -Frank Okam

LE -Antonio Smith
---------------
SLB -Brian Cushing

MLB -DeMeco Ryans

WLB -Cato June (with Diles and Adibi both coming on regularly on rotation)
---------------
CB1 -Dunta Robinson

CB2 -Jacques Reeves

(Nickel Corner - Glover Quin)
---------------
FS -Eugene Wilson

SS -Dominique Barber

I think we're going to see a lot of rotation on D this year though. We're rich in talent and I see this coaching staff doing everything they can to put the best players on the field to make any given play. I see Troy Nolan coming in at safety to make picks, I see us using a lot of corners, lots of situational LB play and LOTS of movement on that D-Line. I think we have a few little known D-Linemen who are going to come in and contribute this year, not to mention what Barwin's going to bring to that lineup.

Very excited about the D for 09/10. We're going to surprise a lot of people.

[raginbull]

Look For Nolan to make a big impact on ST, The Jury is out on Brandon Harrison so IMO he will not make the cut.

yeah harrison and busing will be cut. Nolan's college numbers are very impressive for a two year JC transfer. He loooks to be the complete package. he can play the ball and tackle. i believe he will have great potential and be a sleeper pick folks will be talking about with playingtime

[Soton_Texan]

One thing I hope Bush has emphasized from the get go is basic tackling technique. I felt the Texans as a whole had too many incidents last season by not wrapping up and ending the play. Lets hope that when Bush said he has simplified everything and gone back to basics that this is one of them.

It might not sound like much but in a potential breakout year we don't want any plays like that one against Carolina a couple of seasons ago where Steve Smith emerged from the pile and ran it in about 70 yards!!!

[A-B]

One thing I hope Bush has emphasized from the get go is basic tackling technique. I felt the Texans as a whole had too many incidents last season by not wrapping up and ending the play. Lets hope that when Bush said he has simplified everything and gone back to basics that this is one of them.

It might not sound like much but in a potential breakout year we don't want any plays like that one against Carolina a couple of seasons ago where Steve Smith emerged from the pile and ran it in about 70 yards!!!

Agreed. I was noticing alot of the ol' buttery fingers too. In the right place just slipping off the guy when it should have been a tackle.

[raginbull]

One thing I hope Bush has emphasized from the get go is basic tackling technique. I felt the Texans as a whole had too many incidents last season by not wrapping up and ending the play. Lets hope that when Bush said he has simplified everything and gone back to basics that this is one of them.

It might not sound like much but in a potential breakout year we don't want any plays like that one against Carolina a couple of seasons ago where Steve Smith emerged from the pile and ran it in about 70 yards!!!

Bush and kolar are emphasizing swarming to the football and the gang tackling mentality. the lastime you heard those two things specifically mentioned was when Dungy was installing the cover-2 and reworking the buc's defense. not saying we are gonna be that good on d, but I like the direction and aggressivness the new defensive staff has hinted at!

[Soton_Texan]

I am encouraged from what i have heard from the coaches, and what the defensive outlook is, so hopefully this issue will be resolved.

Players need to be taught that if you can't get a clean shot with a shoulder then you have to wrap them up. In this league arm tackles aren't gonna work by tackling high--no one can run without there legs so go low!!!!

I can't wait for this time in two months....home opener vs the Jets. Go Texans!

[RichieVar]

One thing I hope Bush has emphasized from the get go is basic tackling technique. I felt the Texans as a whole had too many incidents last season by not wrapping up and ending the play. Lets hope that when Bush said he has simplified everything and gone back to basics that this is one of them.

It might not sound like much but in a potential breakout year we don't want any plays like that one against Carolina a couple of seasons ago where Steve Smith emerged from the pile and ran it in about 70 yards!!!

I really put that play under the "such luck" category. Demps came in late and hit from the wrong angle and bascially knocked all our guys off of Smith.

I do agree though that we need to work on the basics. As much as we all love big hits, I could go an entire season of us not getting one as long as we don't miss tackles. No more shoulder tackles. No more looking for a big hit all the time. Wrap up and drop the ballcarrier.

[Soton_Texan]

I really put that play under the "such luck" category. Demps came in late and hit from the wrong angle and bascially knocked all our guys off of Smith.

I do agree though that we need to work on the basics. As much as we all love big hits, I could go an entire season of us not getting one as long as we don't miss tackles. No more shoulder tackles. No more looking for a big hit all the time. Wrap up and drop the ballcarrier.

I agree is was a bad luck play, its just one that sticks in memory! I remember a lot of times this season where many arm tackles were broken and players simply missing tackles. Lets just hope they learn to wrap them up. I can't stand players only looking for the highlight reel hit when they could just stop a person 10/10 by basic tackling technique.

[BornOrange]

Don't be surprised if Reeves and Bennett are the opening day starters at CB.

If Robinson holds out of training camp and joins the team the week before the opening game, I seriously doubt Robinson starts. Even if Robinson comes back a little earlier, if Reeves and Bennett are playing well Robinson just might be the highest paid nickle back in the league.

[raginbull]

I am encouraged from what i have heard from the coaches, and what the defensive outlook is, so hopefully this issue will be resolved.

Players need to be taught that if you can't get a clean shot with a shoulder then you have to wrap them up. In this league arm tackles aren't gonna work by tackling high--no one can run without there legs so go low!!!!

I can't wait for this time in two months....home opener vs the Jets. Go Texans!

arm tackling is one thing I would like to see much more disciplin from the d as a whole. they have a tendency to bite on the play action and have trouble keeping the play in front of them. they need to learn to defend better against play-action.

[Dr. Z]

RE -Mario Williams

DT -Amobi Okoye

NT -Frank Okam

LE -Antonio Smith
---------------
SLB -Brian Cushing

MLB -DeMeco Ryans

WLB -Cato June (with Diles and Adibi both coming on regularly on rotation)
---------------
CB1 -Dunta Robinson

CB2 -Jacques Reeves

(Nickel Corner - Glover Quin)
---------------
FS -Eugene Wilson

SS -Dominique Barber

I think we're going to see a lot of rotation on D this year though. We're rich in talent and I see this coaching staff doing everything they can to put the best players on the field to make any given play. I see Troy Nolan coming in at safety to make picks, I see us using a lot of corners, lots of situational LB play and LOTS of movement on that D-Line. I think we have a few little known D-Linemen who are going to come in and contribute this year, not to mention what Barwin's going to bring to that lineup.

Very excited about the D for 09/10. We're going to surprise a lot of people.

What he said. ^^^

[edo783]

Don't be surprised if Reeves and Bennett are the opening day starters at CB.

Frankly, I'll be more surprised if they aren't the starters on opening day, barring some sort of injury issue of course.

[blake1776]

1 Barwin
2 Smith
3 Amobi
4 Super Mario

5 Cush
6 DeMeco
7 June

8 D-Rob
9 Reeves

10 Barber
11 Wilson

I think that we will see the success of our 3rd down package on the D-Line and fall in love with a lightning quick d-line that will suffice, we can't stop the run with any fatty's we have so let's just put Smith in the DT spot, he's pretty big anyway.

I think June will take the spot and offer solid play moreso than Adibi and Diles, plus I want to see him take out Manning

Corners- Not much to say

SS will be barber, he comes from good Stock and what we saw in the bears game at the end of the year was special, he is exactly what we need.

[Yosarian]

here comes the craziest prediction. :D

1.Smith
2.Robinson
3.Okoye
4.Williams

5.Cushing
6.DeMeco
7.Barwin

8.Robinson
9.Reeves

10.)no clue
11.) no clue
11.)

[blake1776]

Barwin as a LB? I like it.

[Yosarian]

Barwin as a LB? I like it.

He's fast enough and his size would make our linebacking corp very intimidating. Two beasts on the outside and one smart athletic player in the middle. I think it could be the best scenario for Barwin. Thats the surprise..lol

I'm sure I'll get a little bashing for this prediction but you gotta admit it kinda makes sense. lol If we want to use him at DE he needs more size and experience. Let him get the experience at LB this year and see how much weight he can bulk up to in the offseason next year. Even Mario will tell you that as a DE you have to be a specimen of extraordinary skills. I can't see barwin coming in off the bench and being that much of a contributor at rotational DE. But as a linebacker who get a lot of snaps...who knows.....and it should speed up his adjustment to the big leagues and keep his confidence up and also still allowing him to rush the QB.

I don't see any reason why he isn't a perfect size and speed for a linebacker. Maybe its a crazy idea since we have so many lb's. Just throwing it out there as a possibility.

[blake1776]

He played TE so I'm sure he could keep up with them, and we could still blitz him.

[Humble1]

Base D predicted starters:

DE= Mario, Smith
DT= Okam, Amobi
LB= DeMeco, Cushing, Adibi
CB= Reeves, D-Rob
Safeties= Wilson, Ferguson

"Base Pass D" starters:

DE= Mario, Barwin
DT= Smith, Amobi
LB= DeMeco, Adibi, June
CB= Reeves, D-Rob
Safeties= Wilson, Ferguson

"Nick D" starters:
Same as above with June out and Bennett in.

[raginbull]

He's fast enough and his size would make our linebacking corp very intimidating. Two beasts on the outside and one smart athletic player in the middle. I think it could be the best scenario for Barwin. Thats the surprise..lol

I'm sure I'll get a little bashing for this prediction but you gotta admit it kinda makes sense. lol If we want to use him at DE he needs more size and experience. Let him get the experience at LB this year and see how much weight he can bulk up to in the offseason next year. Even Mario will tell you that as a DE you have to be a specimen of extraordinary skills. I can't see barwin coming in off the bench and being that much of a contributor at rotational DE. But as a linebacker who get a lot of snaps...who knows.....and it should speed up his adjustment to the big leagues and keep his confidence up and also still allowing him to rush the QB.

I don't see any reason why he isn't a perfect size and speed for a linebacker. Maybe its a crazy idea since we have so many lb's. Just throwing it out there as a possibility.

Barwin has added weight since being drafted, and kubiak said he's very wirey and has some deceptive strength when looking at him. i like him at end. the only other alternatives would be Bullman or Mcclover on passing down and i believe Barwin has a better shot at getting to the qb. there is to much at lb and its a hard transition to make from playing with your hand in the dirt. We saw how well it went with Babin.

[infantrycak]

Barwin will not be a LB with Kubiak as head coach. C'mon people, a little realism. He may rush out of a two point some but he isn't going to start at LB.

[Yosarian]

Barwin will not be a LB with Kubiak as head coach. C'mon people, a little realism. He may rush out of a two point some but he isn't going to start at LB.

Realism....okay...he will be our back up tight end. He played tight end all through college so he must be a tight end. Sure he played some defense. But i think if you comb the web you will find a lot of "experts" pegging him as an OLB...not a DE because his pass rushing skills are weak and unrefined.

We picked up Smith to play opposite Mario. Not Barwin. Saying he might become a OLB is far from unbelievable. He out ran all the LB's at the combine. He jumped higher than all the wide recievers. He played a ton of special teams. He obviously can catch being a tight end most of his football career so why not OLB. It's not as far fetched as you think. We aren't a team who can afford not to get our first two draft picks in the game for an immediate impact. Cushing is starting. And so might Barwin....at OLB.

[raginbull]

Barwin will be at end in the nickel and dime when Antonio Smith slides inside. They are very impressed with Adibi's work and how he looks with some more weight on him.

[Yosarian]

Barwin will be at end in the nickel and dime when Antonio Smith slides inside. They are very impressed with Adibi's work and how he looks with some more weight on him.


I liked adibi's play last year. But Barwin is bigger by about 15-20 lbs and taller by a few inches and i'd venture to say ..faster. A more prototype size and spped that a linebacker has. He isn't big enough to be a pass rusher. He's listed at 256. He's going to be one dimensional speed rusher because he isn't going to bull rush anyone in this league at 256. And at 6-4 he isn't really as tall as you'd like in an end who needs to get their hands up in front of passing lanes.

It might sound unrealistic to some but i think Barwin should fit very very nicely into the lb rotation. Athleticism will only get you so far against brute force on the line.

[Wolfscar]

I liked adibi's play last year. But Barwin is bigger by about 15-20 lbs and taller by a few inches and i'd venture to say ..faster. A more prototype size and spped that a linebacker has. He isn't big enough to be a pass rusher. He's listed at 256. He's going to be one dimensional speed rusher because he isn't going to bull rush anyone in this league at 256. And at 6-4 he isn't really as tall as you'd like in an end who needs to get their hands up in front of passing lanes.

It might sound unrealistic to some but i think Barwin should fit very very nicely into the lb rotation. Athleticism will only get you so far against brute force on the line.

He is extremely quick for a guy that big and it would be a scary sight to see Barwin and Cushing lining up outside of Williams and Smith, all itching to knock you out of your cleats. I don't see him starting at LB, but it will be interesting to see how they use the guy.

[infantrycak]

I liked adibi's play last year. But Barwin is bigger by about 15-20 lbs and taller by a few inches and i'd venture to say ..faster. A more prototype size and spped that a linebacker has. He isn't big enough to be a pass rusher. He's listed at 256. He's going to be one dimensional speed rusher because he isn't going to bull rush anyone in this league at 256. And at 6-4 he isn't really as tall as you'd like in an end who needs to get their hands up in front of passing lanes.

It might sound unrealistic to some but i think Barwin should fit very very nicely into the lb rotation. Athleticism will only get you so far against brute force on the line.

He dropped weight to be at 256 lbs in order to be considered as an OLB by 3-4 teams. He has already talked about getting up to a more regular weight near 270 lbs.

[raginbull]

I think pretty much our experimentation with the hybrid ends/linebackers left when Capers was fired. he will be best in the de rotation because that is where he can contribute the most immediatly

[Yosarian]

He dropped weight to be at 256 lbs in order to be considered as an OLB by 3-4 teams. He has already talked about getting up to a more regular weight near 270 lbs.

That's good to hear about him gaining weight. He needs to get bigger to have success at DE in the nfl. Once training camp nears it's end we all will have a better knowledge base for how these new guys will be used.

270 is going to be tough for him imo. He is already pretty huge and at 6-4 how much bigger can he get. We do seem to have a great training staff and dieticians on the team so if they want him at 270, i'll bet they find a way to do it.

EDIT:

Looking at the leagues best sack totals....

OLB-DemarcusWare-6-4/262 lbs.-20 sacks
OLB Joey Porter-6-3/255 lbs-17.5 sacks
DE-John Abraham-6-4/263lbs-16.5 sacks(exception to the rule)
OLB- James Harrisson-6-0/242 lbs-16 sacks
DE- Jared ALLEN-6-6/270 lbs
de jULIUS pEPPERS-6-7 283 lbs
DE Justin Tuck-6-5 274 lbs
DE Mario Williams-6-6/288 lbs
----------------------------

Barwin is perfect size for OLB to make great iimpact in sack totals at that position. But at DE almosrt all are taller and all are heavier than Barwin. If he can get up to weight without losing his speed, maybe by building his leg strength and upper body some he would be effective at DE Like John Abraham who is small but explosive.

[raginbull]

That's good to hear about him gaining weight. He needs to get bigger to have success at DE in the nfl. Once training camp nears it's end we all will have a better knowledge base for how these new guys will be used.

270 is going to be tough for him imo. He is already pretty huge and at 6-4 how much bigger can he get. We do seem to have a great training staff and dieticians on the team so if they want him at 270, i'll bet they find a way to do it.

EDIT:

Looking at the leagues best sack totals....

OLB-DemarcusWare-6-4/262 lbs.-20 sacks
OLB Joey Porter-6-3/255 lbs-17.5 sacks
DE-John Abraham-6-4/263lbs-16.5 sacks(exception to the rule)
OLB- James Harrisson-6-0/242 lbs-16 sacks
DE- Jared ALLEN-6-6/270 lbs
de jULIUS pEPPERS-6-7 283 lbs
DE Justin Tuck-6-5 274 lbs
DE Mario Williams-6-6/288 lbs
----------------------------

Barwin is perfect size for OLB to make great iimpact in sack totals at that position. But at DE almosrt all are taller and all are heavier than Barwin. If he can get up to weight without losing his speed, maybe by building his leg strength and upper body some he would be effective at DE Like John Abraham who is small but explosive.

Good numbers barwin is the #2 option so his sacks should be estimated in the 3-5 range Smith is the big money man and I hope to see 6 or more from him, we all know Mario will notch double digits in sacks this could really put marios sack total in the upper stratosphere if the rest of the line can pull its weight.

[Super Texans fan]

I liked adibi's play last year. But Barwin is bigger by about 15-20 lbs and taller by a few inches and i'd venture to say ..faster. A more prototype size and spped that a linebacker has. He isn't big enough to be a pass rusher. He's listed at 256. He's going to be one dimensional speed rusher because he isn't going to bull rush anyone in this league at 256. And at 6-4 he isn't really as tall as you'd like in an end who needs to get their hands up in front of passing lanes.

It might sound unrealistic to some but i think Barwin should fit very very nicely into the lb rotation. Athleticism will only get you so far against brute force on the line.

Dude 6-4 is plenty tall Dwight Freeney is only 6-1 not saying Barwin is the next Freeney just a height comparison

[Yosarian]

Dude 6-4 is plenty tall Dwight Freeney is only 6-1 not saying Barwin is the next Freeney just a height comparison

Dwight Freeney is listed at 268. At barwins height he needs to be around 285 to have the same power as Freeney. Not 256.

Right...but if you look at ALL the de's who are less than 6-3/6-4 i think you will see that it took them all 3-4 years of experience befor ethey became really good. No undersized DE has produced in their rookie year. However a case can be made for OLB position for Barwin. That was all i am saying is that even though everyone has him pegged as our speed rusher DE in situational defenses...i think we could get a lot more bang for our buck putting him at OLB the first 2 years and switching him to DE as he learns what it takes to beat the Olinemen.

I think the rose colored glasses say he will make immediate impact at DE for us and I have my glasses off. We can play him at DE but don't expect him to make much of an impact at that position considering the stats of players before him at his size.

The stats say he will do little at DE in his first 2 years. Especially since everyone is saying that he is only going to play under certain situations, limiting his time on the field.

Here are some stats of good DE's at or below 6-4 height and below 256lbs
And if they made an impact in their rookie year.
----------------------------------------
2008 season

Robert Mathis-6-2.245 lbs- Rookie year 3.5 sacks 20 tackles. Nice sack totals for a guy who played much like Barwin is expected to. Butwith Freeney on the opposite side, he had one on one and came in fresh. I guess the same arguement people will have about Barwin making impact for us.

Jacob Ford-6-4.256 pounds-rookie year- no sacks 2 tackles, barely played.

Bertrand bERRY-6-3.254lbs/-7 sacks in his first 4 years in the league.

Juqua Parker-6-2.250lbs-5 sacks in first 5 seasons

----------------------------------------------------------
Out of 36 DE's that got at least 5 sacks last year, only 4 are smaller or equal size to Barwin. In other words 32 DE's are bigger out of 36 who got at least 5 sacks at DE position.

I'll let you make an arguement about Mathis who proved to be an exceptional player from the get go. He makes for a better arguement than Freeney who outweighs Barwin by 12 pounds and has a much lower center of gravity.

Remember who these guys go up against. HUGE MONSTERS! At 256 lbs, Barwin isn't going to get around anyone. That's why i make the arguement to let him play some OLB until he beefs up and learns some NFL caliber tricks or he will be a valuable commodity wasted at a position where he is over matched by his counterparts on the oline.

I'll be pleasantly surprised if he plays DE well this year. But at OLB it wouldn't surprise me at all for him to be a stand out on our defense.

And i want to keep adding on that we have our DE in Smith. Why would we take him out to put in Barwin? It doesn't make sense other than to spell Smith even though we are going to do it on the most crucial downs where we have a chance to stop the opposition.

[blake1776]

But how many of those DE's ran as fast as he did?

[Yosarian]

But how many of those DE's ran as fast as he did?

I don't know but I'd venture to say none of them.

That may be the one thing i am forgetting is how fast Barwin is. Funny that you mention that since we were just talking about Freeney who, if i remember ...was pretty darn fast himself.


Barwin 4.66 (40 yard dash)

got this about freeney from here (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3251338&type=story)

2002: Dwight Freeney (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5897), Syracuse -- Colts (1st round, No. 11 overall)


Freeney is a great example of how an experienced general manager can sift through the combine and find gold. He is not prototypical in all of the measurables. He is not small, but he is short (6-1). However, the Colts realized a 4.48 40-yard dash time, 37-inch vertical leap and 28 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press were terrific numbers for a 266-pound man. Because of his combine workout, Freeney skyrocketed to the 11th pick and has been a standout for the Colts.

But it's Barwins size and strength that I'm concerned with. He did 21 reps on the bench press....that's not too good for a DE. The top 20 guys this years average was over 30 reps. If his only weapon is speed we're in trouble. I did some research on him and he seems extremely smart about football. He may be able to parlay his speed and intelligence into some production for the team. Whatever happens , i'm getting anxious to see our new youngsters and what they can do in the nfl. Freeney was faster and did 7 more reps than Barwin. I don't think we can expect to see Barwin come out and make a big impact this year. This is going to be a development year for him. Putting him at DE without proper strength and weight is going to be a fun thing to watch. I remember watching Nading last year struggle hard trying to play DE in this league. Again, he doesn't have the size. Barwin at least has the height to get bigger. I like the 270 lbs thought brought up earlier. I think ...at that weight he could do a little bit of shoving back.

I'll be watching the weights as the season approaches. Hopefully Slaton has been telling him..."you gotta get bigger" since he (Steve) seemed to come to that realization after last year and came into camp looking really bigger and ready.
I know it's a crazy thought, but i just wonder how crazy it is. I don't want to see Barwin get handled out there and lose his confidence, and going against physically more powerful opponents can get you hurt if you aren't careful. One thing Barwin should be able to excel in would be an inside stunt move. Start outside and fade back under and rush up the gut. His speed could catch some olinemen off guard as he sneaks around. I don't think he will be as good at the straight around speed rush because i think he'll get shoved too wide to make a play. I don't see him bull rushing anyone without guessing the snap count which gets you penalties. So here we have this multi dimensional athlete and we put him in a place where he can do one thing well..(yet to be seen,i may be totally wrong and he might be great at everything) But it seems like a waste of this guys talents.

I'll reserve judgement until the season approaches. If he gets to 270 ......I'll be convinced , he can do it. If he gets to 285 , then we got us a DE. ;)

[blake1776]

Reps aren't a fair assessment. I'm pretty sure Barwin's arms are super long, that's why he did less reps. I think he is going to be hell trying to keep up with and will be heavily in the rotation for our starter opposite mario.

[Yosarian]

Reps aren't a fair assessment. I'm pretty sure Barwin's arms are super long, that's why he did less reps. I think he is going to be hell trying to keep up with and will be heavily in the rotation for our starter opposite mario. Do you think he is going to be heck because of his speed , or are you saying that you think he will out muscle the olinemen he faces? Or both.

I just don't see him being a power rusher. Not this year. Preseason should be a good gauge since most teams are playing back ups and shouldn't be too refined in preseason.
If Barwin can't show us anything in preseason,,i'll refresh this thread.

I guess i am done with Barwin. Let's discuss someone else for a while. :rolleyes:

[protoTexans]

I concur...

But I am gonna wait until TC starts before I start slapping starters on the Back. I am hyped about this season, but need to be realistic & wait until we actually see who's up for being on the field.