Lay off of Mario!

[wrestler4life]

So far, the sky is falling again in Texan's land. We have to wait until the season begins to see what Mario can do. Stop with all of the negativity and let the guy play! Go Texans!!!!!

[Rosstafarian]

Only mario williams can shut us up about his greatness now.

[wrestler4life]

Only mario williams can shut us up about his greatness now.

Well, the I say lay off of him and give him a chance

[sleepwalker]

Only mario williams can shut us up about his greatness now.

What he said.

[Crank_It_Up]

Mario was touted as having great strength and speed, of which we have seen neither. His play is average at best, which makes him one of our better players.

[Durant35]

i agree give him time

[DAFT]

Mario needs to show somethin and he hasn't.

He always acts like he doen't care what people think but guess what some of the so called people who call you out (payig fans) pay your over bloated contract and you have done nothing. I watched the game tonight and I counldnt tell if mario was in or richard simmons was. Have some pride in your work!! YOU ARE GETTIN PAID TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR WORK- WHY DON'T YOU EARN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And don't nobody come back with its just pre-sea garbe. thats crap if anything Mario should be dominatine.

[Pantherstang84]

Mario needs to show somethin and he hasn't.

He always acts like he doen't care what people think but guess what some of the so called people who call you out (payig fans) pay your over bloated contract and you have done nothing. I watched the game tonight and I counldnt tell if mario was in or richard simmons was. Have some pride in your work!! YOU ARE GETTIN PAID TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR WORK- WHY DON'T YOU EARN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And don't nobody come back with its just pre-sea garbe. thats crap if anything Mario should be dominatine.

To quote one of my favorite movie lines....

Lighten up Francis!


Some of you people are way over the top.

[DTexan]

Shotty Safety play is keeping me from critizising Mario.

[DAFT]

take you rose colored glasses off, the secondary looks bad cause the D-line gets no pressure on the QB, Mario is a dissapointment so far.

[ROUGHNECKS]

I have to agree if they could get some pressure the secondary can take some chances because they would be able to trust the d-line will get the pressure. I'm not ready to scrap the d-line but would like to see more.

[DAFT]

All I'm sayin is a D-line that gets pressure an maybe, just mabe a sack makes a secondary look so much better.

Of course CC can get burned but you can't put it all on him, if the D-line gets penetration/pressure/sacks like they should given the money the Texans have put out for that line then the secondary looks a hell of alot better. So dont bring that weak crap about CC. Yeah our SS and FS spots could be better, but everything starts on a effective D-Line.

[ferretman26]

All I'm sayin is a D-line that gets pressure an maybe, just mabe a sack makes a secondary look so much better.

Of course CC can get burned but you can't put it all on him, if the D-line gets penetration/pressure/sacks like they should given the money the Texans have put out for that line then the secondary looks a hell of alot better. So dont bring that weak crap about CC. Yeah our SS and FS spots could be better, but everything starts on a effective D-Line.

unfortunetly this is all true thats why williams has to step up or the entire defense will suffer witch intern means the entire team suffers i just hope he can if not i think are season is lost wel not completey but on the defenses side it is

[Wolf123]

Mario didn't have a great rookie season we all know that, but its ridiculous to judge him on two preseason games. Don't judge him until after the season. Then if you want to say what a bust he is thats fine but please no more stupid comments just because mario didn't get any sacks in a preseason game.

[HuttoKarl]

When the team starts to actually blitz and make O-Lines adjust to schemes, I think the pressure will come and Mario will be freed up somewhat.

[redkoolaid]

I wish some people like *cough* Hyrdroshok...would stop giving Mario Williams the David Carr treatment..

i.e. protecting him, and coddling him, when he's a grown *** man...playing like a peon


As a Texans fan I hope Mario pans out...but he has yet to show me anything....YET...except that he can drive Lamborghini's really really fast..

[B420tx]

I'm not worried about our D-line right now. If we get to week 3 and then generate no pass rush then I'll be worried, Right now its all vanilla and all opposing OLs have to worry about are stunts, they don't really have to worry about picking up blitzes since we aren't doing any (might change in the cowboys game) and with 5+ blocking 4 your not going to get to the QB very often, which is why I'm more disappointed in the overall coverage on our team, not just our secondary. You also have to remember that a defense will not stop everyone all the time and most offensive drives stall because of a fault on the offense in the first place. Remember its pre-season, all of the players that already know they have a spot on the roster want to protect their bodies* and make sure they are healthy for when the real season begins (I held my breathe when Weary went down last game).

*The exception to this seems to be Dunta, it looks like he would hit a concrete wall if a football was duct taped to it.

[texasterror312]

i agree dunta always plays hard no matter if its preseason or what.That would be great if we could put dunta's motor and heart into mario.

[CypressTexan]

I have supported Mario since the pick was announced before the drasft. That said its time for him to start showing flashes of greatness to justify his drafting. I think he is a good kid, he worked hard in the off season to shed weight and increase his strength and speed so I believe the kid has heart. I think he will progress this season but you cant blame Texans fans for being concerned about his lack of flash to this point. Even though he was injured last season he has gone through two camps now and got to face some questionable talent VS. AZ and really got locked up way to much. I think very few people are writing the kid off just yet but if you are not concerned about his lack of flash on any play you might be fooling yourself.

[HydrOshocK]

I wish some people like *cough* Hyrdroshok...would stop giving Mario Williams the David Carr treatment..

i.e. protecting him, and coddling him, when he's a grown *** man...playing like a peon


As a Texans fan I hope Mario pans out...but he has yet to show me anything....YET...except that he can drive Lamborghini's really really fast..

Show me exactly where I've given Mario the "David Carr" treatment.

Protecting and coddling him...are you serious?? You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about noob. I suggest you go back and read my posts before you open your pie hole and spew your nonsense, you only make yourself look that much more ignorant....if that's possible.

If you want to get a flame war started I strongly urge you choose someone else. Maybe someone with a much lower IQ and vocabulary to match your own.

And spell my name right next time

[CypressTexan]

I'm sorry, but Mario is a big bust! The things he done last season followed him into this season. They already called him out saying that he's playing lazy, and is he aggressive enough.

I wouldn't be surprised if they try to trade him next year, but probably couldn't because of his salary is to high. The Texans may just end up releasing him like they did David Carr.

Who is they? The coachs have said nothing of the sort. The players have not said anything along thoses lines either. ND Kalu and others have said he has all the talent to make it but he is thinking to much.

They= The Man, always trying to keep a man down!

[Vinny]

some of you guys got it really backwards....if you don't get a passrush the secondary has no chance in this league...I don't care who you are, if you get no pass rush you will get burned in the NFL.

[CypressTexan]

some of you guys got it really backwards....if you don't get a passrush the secondary has no chance in this league...I don't care who you are, if you get no pass rush you will get burned in the NFL.

Vinny I agree for the most part. But on quick passing routes even a good pass rushing team will not have time to pressure the QB. Thats were Payton kills people with those quick passes before the rush from good defensive teams like the Bears can get to him. Its the old which came first the chicken or the egg argument. Without a good pass rush we will get killed on the deep ball and there is nothing even a good secondary can do about it. The same can be said of the secondary, without good DB's we will get killed on the quick outs and there is nothing the the D-line can do about it.

[Marcus]

some of you guys got it really backwards....if you don't get a passrush the secondary has no chance in this league...I don't care who you are, if you get no pass rush you will get burned in the NFL.

Boy, I swear to everloving God, Vinny, I am stunned to see how many people, and supposedly knowlegable people at that, have that concept so turned around.

It's just unbelievable to me.

[HydrOshocK]

I'm sorry, but Mario is a big bust! The things he done last season followed him into this season. They already called him out saying that he's playing lazy, and is he aggressive enough.

I wouldn't be surprised if they try to trade him next year, but probably couldn't because of his salary is to high. The Texans may just end up releasing him like they did David Carr.

See this is a prime example of overreacting IMO. I can understand how some fans are already starting to form a negative opinion of Mario after his performance thus far. And in previous posts ***cough*** I have also expressed some concern about his ability to adjust to the mental side of the game. But it's too soon for me to label a bust tag on someone when they still have only been in the league 1 1/4 seasons. If that's coddling someone then I apologize.

I've been watching NFL football for 20+ yrs and have seen first hand the rapid changes in size, speed, and athleticism of the players and the game. There have been some rookies like Demeco Ryans that have been able to step right in and contribute at a very high level, but those players are the exception and there's only a few of them per year. The rest of the rookie classes usually take a few yrs to develop and have the light go on so to speak.

Take T. Johnson and Jasin Babin for instance. If you've notice, those two have turned it on. Babin has been dominant when he's in the game and T.J. is playing with more effort and enthusiasm. Mario so far has not stepped it up this preseason and that's starting to concern me, but in no way am I going to agree that he can't do it, or that he should be released....that's irrational thought.

What I will concede to is that he needs to perform better. Right now his head is still swimming, as has been quoted by his teammates. He has to reach a point where he's able to tune all of that out and let the game come to him. I still think he can do that because I've seen it happen first hand with countless other players. The bottom line is that it takes time for some guys to get it. I think we all hope that Mario can turn it around before the season opens for the better of the team....but there are a select few here that desperately want to see him fail. I ask you, wouldn't you think it was unfair to be judged a failure at your job before you really even got started?

It's not Mario's fault he was the #1 overall pick, he didn't select himself. The FO made that choice and I'm sorry if passing on Reggie Bush and Vince Young is hard for some to swallow, but it's unrealistic to completely trash a guy as a total bust when you still don't know that for sure. If you think all great football players dominated from the start when they got to the NFL then I have to question your football knowledge.

I want to see what Mario looks like for an entire healthy season. If he continues to struggle then something needs to be done. There is no question that our coaches know that and I trust their judgment so I'll leave that up to them. I'll form my own opinion over time.

So you arm-chair GMs that open your mouth and accuse someone of "coddling" a player can keep on hating because your opinion means very little to me. I've given you specific reasons for my opinions and if you don't agree that's your business, but don't step on my jock and point fingers without backing it up with some logic.

[vince_Young!!!]

Hey nice game against the cards, good luck to the texans this year. Hey offense looking nippy! There :) But just to say something its true if you don't get pressure from your d-line, your doomed. Just ask the Titans last year. Not even pac-man could cover all day. I hope you guys work that out this year. Hopefully its a 2 team race, between titans and texans, come on aren't we tried of colts and jags? :D

[Pantherstang84]

See this is a prime example of overreacting IMO. I can understand how some fans are already starting to form a negative opinion of Mario after his performance thus far. And in previous posts ***cough*** I have also expressed some concern about his ability to adjust to the mental side of the game. But it's too soon for me to label a bust tag on someone when they still have only been in the league 1 1/4 seasons. If that's coddling someone then I apologize.

I've been watching NFL football for 20+ yrs and have seen first hand the rapid changes in size, speed, and athleticism of the players and the game. There have been some rookies like Demeco Ryans that have been able to step right in and contribute at a very high level, but those players are the exception and there's only a few of them per year. The rest of the rookie classes usually take a few yrs to develop and have the light go on so to speak.

Take T. Johnson and Jasin Babin for instance. If you've notice, those two have turned it on. Babin has been dominant when he's in the game and T.J. is playing with more effort and enthusiasm. Mario so far has not stepped it up this preseason and that's starting to concern me, but in no way am I going to agree that he can't do it, or that he should be released....that's irrational thought.

What I will concede to is that he needs to perform better. Right now his head is still swimming, as has been quoted by his teammates. He has to reach a point where he's able to tune all of that out and let the game come to him. I still think he can do that because I've seen it happen first hand with countless other players. The bottom line is that it takes time for some guys to get it. I think we all hope that Mario can turn it around before the season opens for the better of the team....but there are a select few here that desperately want to see him fail. I ask you, wouldn't you think it was unfair to be judged a failure at your job before you really even got started?

It's not Mario's fault he was the #1 overall pick, he didn't select himself. The FO made that choice and I'm sorry if passing on Reggie Bush and Vince Young is hard for some to swallow, but it's unrealistic to completely trash a guy as a total bust when you still don't know that for sure. If you think all great football players dominated from the start when they got to the NFL then I have to question your football knowledge.

I want to see what Mario looks like for an entire healthy season. If he continues to struggle then something needs to be done. There is no question that our coaches know that and I trust their judgment so I'll leave that up to them. I'll form my own opinion over time.

So you arm-chair GMs that open your mouth and accuse someone of "coddling" a player can keep on hating because your opinion means very little to me. I've given you specific reasons for my opinions and if you don't agree that's your business, but don't step on my jock and point fingers without backing it up with some logic.

Excellent post Sir. A+

[cbnjwill]

i must say it looks like mario is becoming the ultimate teamate. he seems to be there to help his teamates up after they make a play every time. if he would only be the one on the ground making a play then making he could start earning some of that number one pick money

[63Bravo]

Hi all!! I used to be Bigsarge but I can't log in on that anymore??? Anyways I watched the game and this is my take on the thing. I watched Mario get Double teamed a little, but I also saw whe he wasn't and he had trouble getting away. Maybe it is just technique?? The thing is that to have all the money invested in the d-line it should be the most feared of every NFL team. Once they saw that there was no pass rush they didn't have to have extra blockers therefore they had extra receivers. IMO if you have a good d-line then that limits the opponents passing game because they should need extra blockers. I think the d-line needs about 3 more games to gell but after that there should be no excuses from them. Even if they make the QB hurry his passes that is better than what happened on Saturday. The AZ QB's had enough time to text message his receivers and have a freakin martini. So Mario and Okoye need to step it up, and get in the QB's face quick fas and in a hurry. They seemed lacksadasical at times.

[Darkninja]

You folks are giving Super Mario the same "Overrated David Carr Treatment Excuses".....yeah I rooted for better draft picks. But the NFL has changed greatly over the years. If you don't see great talent ex. D.Ryans then I question your football knowledge. Players that come around during the their rookie seasons and change/dominate the game are "Great-talented" players. I simply think that Mario sucks overall and there are people/fans out there that gives him the same excuses that he will get better and he just won't prove himself. He is really heading to the "Bust team" he has his chance at a real job and he doesn't tune well to the "Grown Man's Game". He needs to be cut and sent away. Mario just can't handle that job and he proves it all the time. Demeco has stats and talent of a #1 draft pick. If he got #1 then I would have understood why he was picked at the top spot.....his talent proves it. But Mario has no proven talent just like DC. Remember that guy, David Carr? DC was really good but he had a bad O-Line. That was the best excuse! Not! But the O-Line really did a good job for Sage when he was at QB, so whats the excuse? Nooo....DC Plain as Jane sucked overall! Here it goes all over again for Mario.

[redkoolaid]

Show me exactly where I've given Mario the "David Carr" treatment.

Protecting and coddling him...are you serious?? You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about noob. I suggest you go back and read my posts before you open your pie hole and spew your nonsense, you only make yourself look that much more ignorant....if that's possible.

If you want to get a flame war started I strongly urge you choose someone else. Maybe someone with a much lower IQ and vocabulary to match your own.

And spell my name right next time

now isn't that something?

someone who spells their name as "HydrOshocK"....is telling ME about vocabulary and IQ?!?!?

LMAO!!!...I'm devastated...I seriously am man...come give me a hug...

[wildroot]

I dunno...Mario's a veteran now. He still played every game last year against the best lineman of the opposing team. That should count as all sorts of experience. He was hurt, granted, but he still played and gained experience and insight as to what to expect.

As for the "coddling" of Mario by some of the Posters, guys, he's not a rookie anymore. There are 2nd day picks that are outperforming him. He may not have picked himself First, but he took the money. Raise your level of expectations for these guys. Hell, we could have took Jason Hatcher in the 3rd round, he got 2.5 sacks. May not be 4.5 sacks, but is that 54mil worth 2 extra sacks? I'm just saying we can't be here in 2010 making excuses for Mario; that it's only his 4th year. He'll be making 800 million by then. I know, it only his second season. Give him time. Times out, honeymoons over...he needs to produce now. We've not talking about rocket science. Knock the guy in front of you down and hit the ball-carrier or passer. End of story.

I'm basing this off what I'm reading on this site, but I'll get to see him play this next weekend and be able to see for myself.

I'm not panicking, but man, I'm just a little bit more than concerned.

[wildroot]

I don't think they are considered veterans until 3 years in the league. I think that is right....

That may be the language used when it comes to benifits or retirement or some Union stuff, I'm simply saying he's been around the block, he's seen combat, he's been bloodied, he's got a season under his belt. He's not new anymore. He knows the way to the stadium.

"Other than Rookie"

[joedinkle]

Here's a couple of quick facts.

Fact 1: Of the league's top 5 sack leaders in 2006, the average number of sacks they had their rookie season is.....4.5(pwnge!!)

Fact 2: Only 2 had more than 5 sacks there rookie season. One of those 2 has been flagged for substance abuse(Lights Out).

Edit: Fact number 3, I have too much time on my hands

[NeedQB]

I was on the side of thinking Mario was not such a bad 1st round choice for the Texans as Young will be another Steve McNair & Reggie Bush is just too small for the RB position.

But saying that, Mario does not, or is not, trying to prove anybody wrong with his play, or lack of.

Play can be defined as, "making plays". His size, strength & speed should create havoc against the opponent offensive line.

Do any of you remember Ray Childress?

I don't think anything else needs to be said.

[Koolbrz]

So far, the sky is falling again in Texan's land. We have to wait until the season begins to see what Mario can do. Stop with all of the negativity and let the guy play! Go Texans!!!!!


Why do i get the feeling that you will be saying the same thing next training camp. You know, after another 4 1/2 sack season.

The dude is a freakin bust. I dont care what anybody says!! He is content doing what he is doing. Which in my opinion is nothing. Wait until the season begins?? I guess its ok for him to take all of the preseason off and do nothing until the season starts, right?? Then he can turn it up and do what we all expect him to do...I dont think so.

All Mario has done is prove me right since his first day on the football field as a Texan. HE IS HIGHLY OVERRATED!!! Looks like just another avg. D-Lineman to me.

[Yosarian]

A fairly heated debate going on here.

my 2 cents...

Yes i am disappointed with him so far.

No, i don't think he will be a bust.

I want to see his stats his 3rd year. Then i can decide. For now, he gets the benefit of my doubt. I have to assume there is talent there and that our coaching staff will correct whatever techniques he uses that is non productive. I will give him this year and next year to develop into what he is expected to do. If he has no stats that 3rd year....I'll be "really" disapponted then.
-----------------

[Houston_Fanatic]

Well, the "plain vanilla defense" doesn't work for me, either. Anybody see tonight's game - Ravens & Giants? Both teams brought heavy pressure against the opposing QB's - we haven't done squat in either game.

I have already expressed my concerns with Mario's lack of intelligence, football instincts and lazy attitude. We can revisit this after the Dallas games since Kubiak said they would game plan for it and treat it like a regular game until the last quarter.

Did it bother anybody else when Kubiak said in the presser that they needed to teach Mario when a passing situation should be expected? Are you kidding me??? How dumb is this DE?

[HydrOshocK]

now isn't that something?

someone who spells their name as "HydrOshocK"....is telling ME about vocabulary and IQ?!?!?

LMAO!!!...I'm devastated...I seriously am man...come give me a hug...

That's it? That's all I get? I give you about 7 paragraphs of reasoning and level headed argument and you give me this.......:rolleyes:

k

[HydrOshocK]

A fairly heated debate going on here.

my 2 cents...

Yes i am disappointed with him so far.

No, i don't think he will be a bust.

I want to see his stats his 3rd year. Then i can decide. For now, he gets the benefit of my doubt. I have to assume there is talent there and that our coaching staff will correct whatever techniques he uses that is non productive. I will give him this year and next year to develop into what he is expected to do. If he has no stats that 3rd year....I'll be "really" disapponted then.
-----------------

That's what I've been saying. I am bothered by the fact that he doesn't seem to be too bright, but I can't say he's completely hopeless yet either. No coach in his right mind decides a guy is a complete bust after one injury plagued season and a disappointing camp. Kubiak has proven he's not afraid to kick a #1 pick to the curb if he doesn't "get it". I'm sure Mario will be no exception if that time comes, but it's not for me to say. I'll leave that up to the coaches.

[DiehardChris]

He's not a bust. It's waaay too early for that. But it's definitely time to worry, I think. It bothers me a great deal that motivation is a problem for a guy who has to always hear how he's not VY or Reggie Bush. You'd think that would put a permanent chip on his shoulder and it would fuel his desire on every play.

Instead, he just kind of looks lost to me. He was coming off the ball WAY late against Arizona in a few plays. Scary... but he might just be one of those guys who needs the game to mean something for him to truly get into the game.

[HydrOshocK]

Well, the "plain vanilla defense" doesn't work for me, either. Anybody see tonight's game - Ravens & Giants? Both teams brought heavy pressure against the opposing QB's - we haven't done squat in either game.

I have already expressed my concerns with Mario's lack of intelligence, football instincts and lazy attitude. We can revisit this after the Dallas games since Kubiak said they would game plan for it and treat it like a regular game until the last quarter.

Did it bother anybody else when Kubiak said in the presser that they needed to teach Mario when a passing situation should be expected? Are you kidding me??? How dumb is this DE?

Yea that's the part that made me scratch my head. His problem appears to be in his head. Kubs said he needs to focus on the mental things like down and distance recognition so that he would know when to put it in high gear and get to the QB. That tells me Mario isn't understanding some basic things. The coaches all agree that physically he can be a dominant player but he hasn't figured out how to make himself better yet. I don't pretend to know what's going on in Mario's head but I'm hoping he figures out how to get it corrected.

[koshea]

Rose colored glasses? So you think it was Mario's fault CC got burned not once but twice by the deep balls and a trick play? Yeah, don't buy that one. I am just as disappointed as you about Mario and the D-line but like I said, the secondary doesn't get a pass either

i dont know about mario but i played DE in highschool and Junior college and the 3 things you look for every play are CBR

CUT BACK
BOOTLEG
REVERSE

i do believe we got burned on a reverse pass, where i saw no DE anywhere near the passer (forgot who threw it)....anyways, yeah, that **** didnt even fly at my highschool i was overy dissapointed at our d line on that play

[benefactor]

I am truly in awe of all the people that are turning on him so quickly....some of you sound like a bunch of Yankees fans.

Hydroshock's long post earlier in the thread said it best. He has some deficiencies that are worthy of criticism, but there is no way you can label ANY player a bust after one season. Someone else said that they would be able to make a decision in his third season. This sounds much more reasonable. So lets all calm down....though I know there will always be those who like to sling turds of doom then say "Ha! I told you so!" when one finally sticks to the wall.

[wildroot]

Yea that's the part that made me scratch my head. His problem appears to be in his head. Kubs said he needs to focus on the mental things like down and distance recognition so that he would know when to put it in high gear and get to the QB. That tells me Mario isn't understanding some basic things. The coaches all agree that physically he can be a dominant player but he hasn't figured out how to make himself better yet. I don't pretend to know what's going on in Mario's head but I'm hoping he figures out how to get it corrected.

I'm just totally dumbfounded that at this stage of his football career, H.S, collegiant (sic) and Pro, he doesn't know the basics, like down and distance recognition? Oh please....Sink me

[benefactor]

I'm just totally dumbfounded that at this stage of his football career, H.S, collegiant (sic) and Pro, he doesn't know the basics, like down and distance recognition? Oh please....Sink me
Probably because this stage of his career is called the NFL....but hey, whats the difference?

[JMLOCKETT]

OK I am not ready to call him a bust. The positiion does take a while to learn. However maybe we should bench him to let him know that he is not guarenteed a spot just because he is the number one pick.

[Shawn E. Supergenius]

He is just showing the same thing over and over, no aggressiveness. There was nothing this week that made me change my mind from last weak. He is a single move guy that engages his man and gets locked up easliy. You could put a TE on his side to block Mario and freely have 5 linemen to block other attackers. Our blitzes are going to be bad. You have to keep in mind that the Cardinals offensive line isn't one the greatest in the NFL. I talked to a couple of their fans at the game and they are really worried about their offensive line.

[Texan's Blue]

What is concerning me about Mario is that he seems to be the slowest one off the line? Did anybody else see that? It's allowing the offensive lineman opposite him to get in position and wait for the attack. This to me is less of a motivation problem and more of a confidence/technique problem. It seems he's not anticipating the snap and is waiting to see movement down the line. What can be done to fix that???

[Keldar]

Hydroshock's long post earlier in the thread said it best. He has some deficiencies that are worthy of criticism, but there is no way you can label ANY player a bust after one season. Someone else said that they would be able to make a decision in his third season. This sounds much more reasonable.

This should not be the case with a number one overall pick, especially a down lineman in a 4-3. There are numerous examples of D-linemen who make an impact in their first year. (i.e. past Defensive Rookies of the Year; Julius Peppers, Jevon Kearse, Simeon Rice, Hugh Douglas, Tim Bowens, Dana Stubblefield, Leslie O'Neal, Bill Maas)

OK I am not ready to call him a bust. The positiion does take a while to learn. However maybe we should bench him to let him know that he is not guarenteed a spot just because he is the number one pick.

I'm not ready to confirm a bust, but as the late Joel Bushbaum used to say (paraphrasing), "he's built like Tarzan, but plays like Jane." Benching might help, or it might harm his already fragile sentiments.

He is just showing the same thing over and over, no aggressiveness. There was nothing this week that made me change my mind from last weak. He is a single move guy that engages his man and gets locked up easliy.

What is concerning me about Mario is that he seems to be the slowest one off the line? Did anybody else see that? It's allowing the offensive lineman opposite him to get in position and wait for the attack. This to me is less of a motivation problem and more of a confidence/technique problem. It seems he's not anticipating the snap and is waiting to see movement down the line. What can be done to fix that???

...and unfortunately you can't coach having a "motor". :(

[Taylor]

He is just showing the same thing over and over, no aggressiveness. There was nothing this week that made me change my mind from last weak. He is a single move guy that engages his man and gets locked up easliy. You could put a TE on his side to block Mario and freely have 5 linemen to block other attackers. Our blitzes are going to be bad. You have to keep in mind that the Cardinals offensive line isn't one the greatest in the NFL. I talked to a couple of their fans at the game and they are really worried about their offensive line.

First off, I like your unintentional pun in the second sentence of your post.

Secondly, whereas I do agree that he gets locked up too easily and isn't doing a very good job getting off his blockers, I really don't think it can be boiled down to non-aggressiveness. I think that a lot of it is over-thinking.

If you notice, he is not quick off the ball, like Mr. Supergenius noticed, and he's not quick into his moves, until you see him recognize what is going on in the play. He always runs plays down very hard, and if he recognizes the play quickly, you see him being more aggressive. So, I think the aggressiveness and hustle come when you see him understand the play. He's not a lazy kid. I just think that he will take some time to adjust.


(Side Note): So many people use his quotes against his personality. I think that shows a poor sense of judgment. First, because we only get a few soundbites from him every week, which is never a good amount to judge from. But, primarily, because he has never really had good publicity, and he knows that. Do you think he really isn't bothered by how much people talk about VY and Bush over him? Do you think he really doesn't care? No, but if he admits it, everyone will be all over him, making him look bad, yet again.

His PR is a no one situation. So, I think it is better to listen to his teammates talk about him. They continue to say good things and have good diagnoses for his problems. When they stop saying good things about Mario or start throwing him under the bus, then we have problems.

[TK_Gamer]

Mario is gonna have to learn tricks of his own to get past that. I watched him in TC and he had some nice moves and yet I haven't seen him use one of them yet.

you hit the nail right on the head, some of you people think college lineman can come into the NFL and dominate but they never do, it takes them 2 to 4 years to learn the "tricks of the trade", and learn how to counter offensive lineman with years of experience. It's alot easier to hold a guy back than it is to move a guy out of the way or get around him. especially when the guy holding you is stronger and bigger than you are.

Mario will be just fine if the irate fan's don't kill his spirit before he figures it all out.

[TK_Gamer]

Oh and maybe there is a reason we havent seen any of the moves Mario learned in training camp........

[El Tejano]

I happen to believe Mario was being held on many occasions Saturday, especially on the TD throw. However, Mario does need to bring it more. I've been waiting for this dominant pass rush and our secondary is becoming a 3rdary because of it. I aint hatin Mario, heck I am wearing his jersey right now as I type but dude needs to bring it man.

[Vinny]

Mario will be just fine if the irate fan's don't kill his spirit before he figures it all out.if he is that mentally weak...he ain't gonna make it anyway. The massive paycheck brings massive expectations....goes with the territory.

[El Tejano]

So, I think it is better to listen to his teammates talk about him. They continue to say good things and have good diagnoses for his problems. When they stop saying good things about Mario or start throwing him under the bus, then we have problems.

That's good and all but right now everyone wants their job.

[Taylor]

That's good and all but right now everyone wants their job.

good point. So, maybe DRob and Demeco should be listened to the most (I think they are fairly secure in their job)

[63Bravo]

This is why I could not be an NFL owner or coach (besides the fact that I am not qualified). I am a firm believer that you earn your money before you spend it.

1. I would give the league minimum.

2. I would pack the contracts full of incentive bonuses.

3. Everyone would have to earn there job, (none of this rookie starting right out of camp crap)

4. I would promote starters off of merit not paychecks (see #1).

I know this is never going to happen but that is just the way I am...lol This whole thing irratates me.

[HydrOshocK]

Thank you for helping me make my point guys. You all have valid concerns when it comes to Mario's progress and we are all aware of the comparisons to those 1st rounders that bust into the league and dominated, but it's becoming apparent that Mario is a player that has some things to overcome before he can take it to the next level, and there's far more of those players in the league than the former. Yes, I know that it shouldn't be the case but it is.

Now the question becomes...what can be done to turn him around? Shifting veterans around might help, benching might also. Ultimately that's up to the coaches....and we've got some good ones. Labeling Mario a bust at this point is not only a shot at him, but an insult to coaches as well. You are basically saying he's a complete failure and you don't believe that Kubiak, Smith, Fanklin, and Bush can straighten him out. Maybe that proves to be the case, but I think our coaches know more about the situation than anyone posting hate threads on this message board. I have the utmost confidence that they'll do what they need to set him straight but the rest is up to Mario. If he still fails to get it, then we can revisit the "bust" debate.

This is not the "David Carr treatment" fellas, but considering he set the standard for disappointment around here I'd like to see Mario get at least part of the fair shake that DC did.

[Zac Attack]

Mario might be better at tackle. He is great against the Run. And then Okoye excels at the pass.

Babin is impressing me at end.

[gsus8091]

Once again Mario will be fine, everyone in Houston seems to have this need for instant gratification thats just foolish. I know we Texans know our football, I mean come one us, Cali and Florida are the football kings in the U.S. but to think we know more than the coaches and players is just nonsense. When they start panicking then I will.

[wildroot]

Quote:
Originally Posted by wildroot56
I'm just totally dumbfounded that at this stage of his football career, H.S, collegiant (sic) and Pro, he doesn't know the basics, like down and distance recognition? Oh please....Sink me

Quote:
Originally Posted by benefactor
Probably because this stage of his career is called the NFL....but hey, whats the difference?


I hope you were being facecious...He should have learned down and distance recognition in Jr High

[dalemurphy]

Thank you for helping me make my point guys. You all have valid concerns when it comes to Mario's progress and we are all aware of the comparisons to those 1st rounders that bust into the league and dominated, but it's becoming apparent that Mario is a player that has some things to overcome before he can take it to the next level, and there's far more of those players in the league than the former. Yes, I know that it shouldn't be the case but it is.

Now the question becomes...what can be done to turn him around? Shifting veterans around might help, benching might also. Ultimately that's up to the coaches....and we've got some good ones. Labeling Mario a bust at this point is not only a shot at him, but an insult to coaches as well. You are basically saying he's a complete failure and you don't believe that Kubiak, Smith, Fanklin, and Bush can straighten him out. Maybe that proves to be the case, but I think our coaches know more about the situation than anyone posting hate threads on this message board. I have the utmost confidence that they'll do what they need to set him straight but the rest is up to Mario. If he still fails to get it, then we can revisit the "bust" debate.

This is not the "David Carr treatment" fellas, but considering he set the standard for disappointment around here I'd like to see Mario get at least part of the fair shake that DC did.


Kirwan was talking about Mario today on NFL radio. Strahan has 132 career sacks. In his first four years he started about 50 games and had a total of 15 sacks- 7.5 of those in his 4th year. I think it may be a little early to panic. Remember, Mario isn't a pure edge rusher. Those guys tend to make impacts quicker than the every down DE... Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Michael Strahan are the prototypes of what Mario can be. They all took time to develop... Peppers is the one notable exception to that.

[wildroot]

Once again Mario will be fine, everyone in Houston seems to have this need for instant gratification thats just foolish. I know we Texans know our football, I mean come one us, Cali and Florida are the football kings in the U.S. but to think we know more than the coaches and players is just nonsense. When they start panicking then I will.


I think we're all beyond instant gratification. That's not going to happen. If it did, it would have happened last year out of the blocks. No, we're looking at what it's going to take for him to be a dominant force on the defense this year, his second year.

[Koolbrz]

See this is a prime example of overreacting IMO. I can understand how some fans are already starting to form a negative opinion of Mario after his performance thus far. And in previous posts ***cough*** I have also expressed some concern about his ability to adjust to the mental side of the game. But it's too soon for me to label a bust tag on someone when they still have only been in the league 1 1/4 seasons. If that's coddling someone then I apologize.

I've been watching NFL football for 20+ yrs and have seen first hand the rapid changes in size, speed, and athleticism of the players and the game. There have been some rookies like Demeco Ryans that have been able to step right in and contribute at a very high level, but those players are the exception and there's only a few of them per year. The rest of the rookie classes usually take a few yrs to develop and have the light go on so to speak.

Take T. Johnson and Jasin Babin for instance. If you've notice, those two have turned it on. Babin has been dominant when he's in the game and T.J. is playing with more effort and enthusiasm. Mario so far has not stepped it up this preseason and that's starting to concern me, but in no way am I going to agree that he can't do it, or that he should be released....that's irrational thought.

What I will concede to is that he needs to perform better. Right now his head is still swimming, as has been quoted by his teammates. He has to reach a point where he's able to tune all of that out and let the game come to him. I still think he can do that because I've seen it happen first hand with countless other players. The bottom line is that it takes time for some guys to get it. I think we all hope that Mario can turn it around before the season opens for the better of the team....but there are a select few here that desperately want to see him fail. I ask you, wouldn't you think it was unfair to be judged a failure at your job before you really even got started?

It's not Mario's fault he was the #1 overall pick, he didn't select himself. The FO made that choice and I'm sorry if passing on Reggie Bush and Vince Young is hard for some to swallow, but it's unrealistic to completely trash a guy as a total bust when you still don't know that for sure. If you think all great football players dominated from the start when they got to the NFL then I have to question your football knowledge.

I want to see what Mario looks like for an entire healthy season. If he continues to struggle then something needs to be done. There is no question that our coaches know that and I trust their judgment so I'll leave that up to them. I'll form my own opinion over time.

So you arm-chair GMs that open your mouth and accuse someone of "coddling" a player can keep on hating because your opinion means very little to me. I've given you specific reasons for my opinions and if you don't agree that's your business, but don't step on my jock and point fingers without backing it up with some logic.



All the excuses and all the logic i have read on these message boards are bogus. I call it like i see. The guy is not performing. I heard on 610 today that Kubes is looking for a way to lite a fire under this guys azz. Hell, IMO 50+ million dollars is enough motivation to come out and perform. Even if its every other game...lol. Mario, at this time, does not even look like he is close to having a breakout season. I also heard that he has a problem with down and distance. Hell, my 11 yr olds, know about down and distance. Sounds to me like he does'nt even know the basics of playing on the D-Line.

I want this guy to be very successful. I just dont see it. He looks awful out on the football field. With his size and speed he should dominate most of the lineman out there. Instead he is the on getting punked. In my opinion, i call him a bust. A yr on the job, there should be some kind of improvement. I dont see it. Enough said.

[Texan's Blue]

Once again Mario will be fine, everyone in Houston seems to have this need for instant gratification thats just foolish. I know we Texans know our football, I mean come one us, Cali and Florida are the football kings in the U.S. but to think we know more than the coaches and players is just nonsense. When they start panicking then I will.

I think we're all beyond instant gratification. That's not going to happen. If it did, it would have happened last year out of the blocks. No, we're looking at what it's going to take for him to be a dominant force on the defense this year, his second year.

Personally I would be happy just to see him get off the line at the same time as everybody else... or... maybe keep his footing like everybody else on the line...

[Double Barrel]

tsk tsk....all these great expectations from just a first overall pick. It's like some expect him to show something....anything....to justify his draft status. Like a first overall pick should have to show some fire and determination at this point... :p

This team has been big on five year projects, so we should withhold our judgements until...hmmmm....2010?

some of you guys got it really backwards....if you don't get a passrush the secondary has no chance in this league...I don't care who you are, if you get no pass rush you will get burned in the NFL.

The Professor is in da' house! We need a Football 101 course for some of the basic concepts this new game of football has to offer. Maybe mix in Team Concepts as bonus homework.