Brown to Start?

[Rocker]

I heard it may take a while for Brown to start? If he does start where will Charles Spencer, and Saleem go?

[TexansFight]

The luxury of having Salaam is we can take our time with Brown as he has only played LT for 1 season. He will eventually start next year as the season goes on or earlier due to injuries. Salaam simply becomes the backup as thats really what he is in the NFL. Spencer is an interesting situation. Due to being out so long, I doubt many see him returning to 100% this year....if ever. But if he does make it back full this year, he is good enough to start. But I doubt they let him start at LT due to us spending our #1 there. So he would be our starting RG. Thats the perfect scenario.

[DiehardChris]

Salaam has had his issues, but he hasn't played horribly - I think he'd actually be one of the better back-up LTs in the league if it works out that way. I keep hearing that Brown won't start right away, and that's really the only thing that bothers me about the pick - but really, for ZBS LTs there weren't any better choices.

I don't think Spencer was projected to start in his rookie season when he was drafted in the third round - but he ended up there. Who knows?

I don't think Spencer is fast enough to be a guard in the ZBS system. He would have to not only get 100% healthy - but be as fast and agile OR even faster and MORE agile than he was before that incredibly devastating injury to move to guard in the new system. If we weren't running ZBS then yeah, that'd be an easy call - but I'm skeptical that he can be a guard in Gibbs' system.

[DiehardChris]

I just don't see it.

Big, huge Charles Spencer at RG between fast linemen Myers and Winston... it would slow the whole right side of the line down UNLESS he can come back to the level he was at before the injury, which as optimistic a fan as I am - I think is impossible considering how destructive the injury was.

[zanth91]

I just don't see it.

Big, huge Charles Spencer at RG between fast linemen Myers and Winston... it would slow the whole right side of the line down UNLESS he can come back to the level he was at before the injury, which as optimistic a fan as I am - I think is impossible considering how destructive the injury was.

So you're saying he'll be cut? He has lots of talent that can't be wasted. Best place for him is to power in the RG spot.

[DiehardChris]

No, I don't think he'll be cut unless he's still hurt. If he's hurt, I think they'll cut him or maybe PUP list him one last time.

If he's back to 100% healthy AND he's as fast, agile, and skilled as he used to be - then I think he can still be the starting LT with Brown learning under him until he's ready to start. If it gets to a point where they are BOTH playing well and both worthy of being the starting LT - that's a pretty good problem to have.

I just don't know if it's even physically possible for him to be fast enough to hang as a guard in this system. Let's not forget, it wasn't just a typical leg fracture that he's coming back from. It was a totally devastating leg injury that it's been said resembles injuries suffered by people jumping from 2-3 story buildings.

[bt304203]

What I see happening is the Salaam will start at LT until Brown comes into his own. Once that happens, Salaam could move to guard and begin teaching spencer how to handle that position.

I see our line starting the year as...
Salaam.Spencer.Myers.Pitts.Winston...then moving to...
Brown.Salaam.Myers.Pitts.Winston...once Duane is ready

[edo783]

I see Brown getting some time after about game 4. Depending on how some limited time goes, he might start getting starts in about the game 8-10 time frame. It all depends on how fast he picks up the Gibbs version of the ZBS. The good news is that was the system they used at VT IIRC. Spencer will likely follow somewhat the same timeline. Get him some play time, build it up and if able, and maybe start around game 8-10.

[diddykong466]

i think brown will get equal opportunity to start as salaam. i'm getting the vibe from the comments in this forum that salaam is a lock to start out the season as the starter, i dont think thats the case. i think salaam and brown will be watched very carefully during the preseason and barring any injury i see brown winning the gig. salaam is a year older, and nearing the end of his career. don't forget, the same coaching staff did not hesitate to start 3rd rounder charles spencer the same yr salaam was on the team (his first with the texans i believe)., so they dont view it as a vet vs rookie they view it as who is the better player to contribute to the overall oline. jus my 2 cents..

[infantrycak]

It was a totally devastating leg injury that it's been said resembles injuries suffered by people jumping from 2-3 story buildings.

Really, where? Kubiak was just interviewed about Spencer this week and sounded 100% confident Spencer would be playing OL in the NFL again.

If he's back to 100% healthy AND he's as fast, agile, and skilled as he used to be - then I think he can still be the starting LT with Brown learning under him until he's ready to start. If it gets to a point where they are BOTH playing well and both worthy of being the starting LT - that's a pretty good problem to have.

I just don't know if it's even physically possible for him to be fast enough to hang as a guard in this system. Let's not forget, it wasn't just a typical leg fracture that he's coming back from.

So he can come back to be LT but not G? Not buying that one. I think there is a whole bunch of overgeneralizing that goes on about ZBS. Spencer in his limited time displayed quick feet and an inclination to get down field--those are more important to ZBS than size characterizations.

[Towlie]

Can spencer be put on the PS??? Or does IR count as active roster

[Wolf123]

I don't see brown starting till probably after the bye week. Salaam always plays banged up and thats usually when his production falls. I'm sure Gibbs is going to be very hard on brown and hopefully will see him on the field sooner then later.

[outofhnd]

Brown is still pretty raw and I have reservations about sending him out there week 1 against premier pass rushers and expecting him to succeed. I think he will be brought along and allowed to add some weight to his frame. Hey may get a start late in the year or next year.

[motivationalSPKR]

IMO, Spencer would be better suited for guard in the zone blocking scheme. You can better utilize his size and strength inside. In a division where you have to go against both John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth, you have to have strength in your center and guards. Salaam will not be used for guard, he will simply tutor and back up Brown.

[TransplantTexan1]

Yeah, it seems the more I listen and observe, it appears the Texans want to have Spencer make a serious push to be a guard (probably RG). He's very strong but bigger than your average guard. However, given his strength and athleticism, he probably looks like a better fit into the ZBS as a guard.

That is, if his weight is under control and he hasn't lost too much of his agility after the injury.

[Matt_in_KW]

Gibbs is going to be work with him ALOT between now and camp. I think it will be a day to day thing. If Gibbs gives him the thumbs up...he will start. If not, he will see some time, but maybe 1/4th at best of the snaps.