Texans Look To Draft And Free Agency To Reshape Their Defense:

The Houston Texans last season ranked 30th in the league in total defense, and dead last in pass defense. It’s pretty clear that something had to be done to fix the defense, if Houston was ever going to be a serious contender. Enter Wade Phillips and a brand new 3-4 defensive alignment. Although, the 3-4 defense will be more aggressive and help put more pressure on the quarterback, the Texans lack the overall personnel to make the switch. The good news is that they seem to realize their talent deficiency, and are looking to prioritize fixing it this offseason. Considering how much the Redskins defense imploded, when they switched to the 3-4 with the wrong personnel, Houston is making a smart decision.

While things could change based on how free agency plays out, I’d expect the Texans to use their top 3 picks on the defensive side of the football. While corner back and free safety are near the top of their list, Houston has needs along the front 7 as well. Look for the Texans to target an outside rush linebacker, defensive end and a nose tackle as top priorities this offseason.

Draft Insider Gives A Preview Of Their Top 30 Prospects:

While the list has most of the usual suspects there are a few key surprises. Here’s my take on some of the notable ones:

OT Tyron Smith in the top 5: I like Smith as much as the next guy and can by a top 10 ranking even, but top 5 is way to rich. I believe top 5 tackles need to be guys who step in from day 1 and are franchise guys. Players like Jake Long, Chris Samuels and Joe Thomas. Smith is the best of this year’s class, but he’s not at that level.

Ryan Kerrigan in the Top 10: Kerrigan is a good player, who has a relentless motor and plays with a good head be he isn’t top 10 material. Not in terms of talent, or potential. Kerrigan had a disappointing Senior Bowl week, and didn’t show the ability to be a dominate pass rusher. While I still thin he will be a very good one, he is more of a late first round pick in my eyes.

Von Miller ranked in the bottom 5: I understand some people look to knock Miller because he doesn’t have the ideal size, but this kid can flat out play. Miller has the ability to be an elite pass rusher despite not having the traditional bulk. He is super quick and fast, which will give opposing left tackles fits. I think Miller is one of the best players in this draft class and will easily be a top 10 pick.

Yanks Resign Rivera: Big news for the Yankees, as this was actually the only one of their veteran free agents who could have actually signed with another team. And the rumor is that another team offered him an additional year. $15 million a year is a lot for an old closer, but it is hard not to pay Rivera, who keeps getting it done each year. Now the Yankees just need to get Jeter and Pettitte to follow suit and not break the bank for them, so they can offer Cliff Lee whatever he wants.

Texans Can’t Stop The Eagles Offense: To be fair, there was much defense on both sides of the ball, but the Texans defense once again came up short. Although they put adequate pressure on Vick and relatively kept the ground game in check, the Eagles had little trouble moving the ball on them through the air (shocking). Houston needs to find a way to turn more of that pressure into to sacks, and cover better. This game could have been worse, as the Eagles dropped some easy catches including a sure TD. Philly now is atop the NFC East and looks like a surefire playoff contender.

LeBron Wins In His Return: While it was hyped like a playoff game only one team showed up to play it like one yesterday, as the Heat and James dominated the Cavs 118-90. Those who thought that LeBron James couldn’t handle the pressure were sadly mistaken as he was on fire scoring 38 points in 3 quarters. This game definitely answered some questions as to whether the Heat can come together and if they’d rally around their various stars. It also showed that once again James is the best player in the league, and despite his offseason mistakes, he showed Cleveland what they missed out on.

What are your thoughts on today’s stories?

A Guest Blog By Fanspeak Contributing Writer Matt (aka Slick)

I was forced into posting yesterday.  this is probably why I didn’t even recognize that arizona was playing stanford and not arizona st.  that could have changed everything.  Good news is, im sure it was far too late to consider action anyway.  2-6 is a killer, but i did hit my only total of the day.  Clemson v Fla St.  Naturally, it went under.

So lets gear up for a much bigger day today.  the NFL.  i usually dont play NFL games because i truly think many of the games are fixed, or at least pre-determined.  In the NFL, it is all about the money, even in the playoffs.  however, that doesnt mean we cant take advantage of a few that should go our way, as long as we can figure out what the outcome is before the game before it starts too. Let me explain…

These guys are professionals.  Tom Brady does not fret at the likes of the Cleveland Browns, but somehow, he looked like Ryan Leaf in headlights back there last week.  Does anyone really think that Cleveland is better than New Eng?  NO CHANCE.  In fact, if they played 10 more times, NWE wins 9 of them, but on this day, Vegas needed a win, and so the line stayed very low, everyone loaded up on NWE, and the Browns won easily.  there are a couple games every week that meet this criteria, and if you can find them, you will be very happy on payday.

this week is tough.  I see one that sticks out.  Jacksonville -1.5 V Houston.  Houston is better.  Houston would win most of the time.  but on this day, everyone is going to take Houston, and the JAGS are going to win.  I see something similar again in Cleveland too.  now that the Browns have won a few, the league has taken notice, and so have the oddsmakers.  NYJ a small favorite in Cleveland today.  The average joe knows that the JETS are far superior to the hapless offense that the BROWNS field each week, but again, on this day, the BROWNS will keep it close.  the JETS are super bowl contenders, and no one thinks the BROWNS will be playing extras this year.  So, if you have to bet a few teams, Take JAX, Take CLEV.

Oh, and did i mention i love totals?   Wheres the beef?  See below.

UNDER 48.5 in JAX v HOU

OVER 40.5 in MIN v CHI

OVER 44.5 in KC v DEN

OVER 37 in CAR v TB (what?)

see you next week…

Slick

This afternoon is the NFL trade deadline and while it doesn’t have the same activity as the other major sports it is possible to see one or more big names moved today. The Redskins have never been too active at the trading deadline, but here is one deal that I hope they make:

Washington trades DE Andre Carter to the Texans for RB Steve Slaton, WR Dorin Dickerson and a 4th round pick (Redskins might have to include a player like Barnes or Horton to even out the deal)

Why it works for Washington: I love Andre Carter and think he was a great free agent signing years ago, but he is completely misplaced in the Redskins 3-4. Now I know the latest reports have the Redskins playing Carter in primarily pass rushing situations with his hand down, but doesn’t make it any better really. You would have basically demoted one of your 4-5 best defensive players to a situational pass rusher, and turn him into a high priced backup. It is just a bad defensive system for Carter, and unlike Haynesworth, you can’t move him to a better position. The Redskins in return would get the speed back they were looking for this offseason in Steve Slaton. Slaton had a huge rookie year, but has struggled ever since. He would give the Skins another dimension on offense, and could be used as a backup returner as well. He excels at catching the ball out of the backfield and would be the perfect change of pace back for Torain. With Portis’ injury very much a question mark going forward (as well as his future with the team) Slaton would be a good fit in Washington. He is stuck at 3rd on the depth chart behind Arian Foster and Derrick Ward, and things will only get worse next year when rookie Ben Tate returns from injury. Dickerson is someone that the Texans might have a hard time giving up, despite being a 7th rounder and not making a catch yet this season. He is a raw receiver (he played his last 3 years at Pitt as a linebacker and a TE), but he offers incredible size, strength and athleticism. The Redskins lack of a big receiver is problematic, and with the exception of Brandon Banks the Redskins lack a true ‘young receiver’. Adding a draft pick would significantly help this team rebuild as they are already without their own 3rd and 4th rounders next year.

Why it works for Houston: The Texans have shown themselves capable of being a playoff contender, but aren’t exactly there yet. Houston has been looking for a pass rusher opposite Mario Williams, since Conner Barwin went down with an injury this summer. Antonio Smith is solid, but not a great pass rusher, and none of there retreads have shown anything this year. The Texans have generated 10 sacks this year, but half of those are from Mario Williams and most of the rest came against the Raiders (which is like stealing candy from a baby). With the Texans secondary struggling and their linebacking corps losing DeMeco Ryans, Houston needs to put more pressure on the quarterback if they want to survive. Carter would do just that, and would be a great compliment to Williams on the other side. Houston should have no trouble giving up Slaton as part of the return for Carter, and while they may bulk at Dickerson some, they are so deep at receiver that I think they’d go for it. While they would have to give up a solid draft pick, in all likely hood it would be at the end of the 4th round, making it somewhere in the 120′s. Carter is also under contract, and relatively affordable over the next few years, meaning this isn’t just a one year fix.

Analysis: Carter has a No Trade Clause, but I’d have to believe he’d waive it to go to a contender and to play once again in a 4-3 (opposite one of the best ends in the league no less). I don’t see that being much of an issue to this deal. The Redskins can make up for Carter’s presence with Lorenzo Alexander and Chris Wilson. Alexander has already replaced him in the base formation, and surprisingly generates a good bit of penetration. Houston, needs defensive back help, but the next best thing for them is to generate more of a pass rush to slow down their opponents passing attack. The Texans are finally competitive this year, after a number of years of mediocrity, I could see them making a bold move/statement to show they are legit, and adding Carter would do just that.

AFC:

AFC EAST:

1. New York Jets

2. New England Patriots

3. Miami Dolphins

4. Buffalo Bills

The Jets are the team to beat in the AFC East and their chances got progressively better with the return of Darrelle Revis from his holdout. Once again the Jets will have a championship caliber defense that can beat any team in the NFL. The real question mark is the development of Mark Sanchez. While a lot of hype surrounds him, he hasn’t really shown himself to be a capable starter, much less a “Franchise Quarterback”. It could have just been rookie jitters but those excuses won’t fly this year, with an improved offense and a whole offseason of working with two top flight wide receivers, (Edwards and Holmes). The Patriots offense could be championship caliber, but I think this could be a let down season in New England. Their passing attack is superb, but their running game seems to get weaker each season. The holdout of Logan Mankins weakens that offensive line and really hurts their depth. While the Pats offense is high powered their defense has been slacking off in recent years. The Dolphins could be an up-and-coming team, but really are a stretch as a contender. This is a big year for Chad Henne, but I am not sure if he is the right answer. The Bills unfortunately aren’t going to be much of a threat in the East as their quarterback and offensive line play leave a lot to be desired.

AFC NORTH:

1. Baltimore Ravens

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Cincinnati Bengals

4. Cleveland Browns

The North will be a battle to the end, but I think the Ravens will come out on top. With Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and Derrick Mason already in place the Ravens went out and added a pair of rookie tight ends and a pair of veteran receivers. Combined with a quality offensive line (albeit one who is dealing with injuries), the Ravens now might have the best all-around offense in the AFC. The Ravens defense is still one of the best in the league and is good enough to carry this team far into the postseason. The Steelers are a bit of a surprise pick here considering they will be without their quarterback for the first 4 games, but they have the talent to go far this season. Even after trading Holmes, they have one of the better offensive units. The Steelers defense still has the makings of a great unit and I’d expect a big rebound year for them. The Bengals are a quality team and will in the playoff hunt all year. But I’m not sure if Palmer is as good as everyone believes. That defense has some game though and should keep them in the race until the end. The Browns should be improved some and could have the pieces for a nice future, but it will be another year or so before they are competitive.

AFC SOUTH:

1. Indianapolis Colts

2. Houston Texans

3. Tennesse Titans

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Colts should be the best team in the AFC this season. As long as they have Peyton Manning they are a Super Bowl contender. Their defense and O-line need some work, but Manning is too good to ignore. The Texans could make a serious run this season and I’d expect them to make their first postseason. The Titans are an intriguing team with Vince Young and Chris Johnson on offense, but they lack the receivers to be a serious offensive force. The Jags are a team that I think could be a huge disappointment this season and think they could end up with a top 5 pick in next April’s draft.

AFC WEST:

1. San Diego Chargers

2. Oakland Raiders

3. Denver Broncos

4. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chargers should be the only playoff team out of the West this year, and that is despite not having Vincent Jackson. They still have a top offensive unit and an impressive defense. They are far superior to any other West team, and should runaway with this division. The Raiders I think will be a very improved team this year and could even end up with a .500 record. Their offensive line will hold them back, but the Raiders could be returning as a relevant team in the West. The Broncos have some talent, but injuries have already depleted this team and could haunt them this entire season. I really see the Chiefs as another disappointing team as I’m not a big believer in Matt Cassel.

Playoffs:

1. Colts

2. Jets

3. Ravens

4. Chargers

5. Steelers

6. Texans

Colts over the Steelers in the AFC Championship game.

Revis Agrees To Terms: After months of posturing and holding out the Jets and All-Pro Corner Darrelle Revis have agreed to terms. It looks as though it is a 4 year deal for as much as 46 million, with over $30 million guaranteed. This move is huge for the Jets as the impact of Darrelle Revis can’t be understated. He is by far the best cornerback in the league, and the Jets have now locked up his services for the next 4 years (which is one year longer than they previously had him under their control). With the season starting and the Jets offense still a work in progress, the Jets need their defense in top form.

Leinart Signs With The Texans: While a lot of speculation surrounded the Chief or Seahawks as Leinart destinations, the Texans ended up with the former USC star. While barring an injury there is zero chance Leinart will see the field in Houston, getting some experience in a top flight offense could help Leinart earn his next job (it worked for Rex Grossman). Leinart has a long way to go to resurrect his career, but a change of scenery was necessary.

Redskins Emerge As A Top Suitor for Houshmandzadeh: It is a bit surprising one of the major contenders aren’t looking closer at Housh, but the Redskins make plenty of sense. Their receiving corps is really weak behind Santana Moss, and Houshmandzadeh would be a vast improvement. While the Raiders or some other team could still end up with him, it would be a major coup for the Redskins and McNabb to end up with Housh. The Redskins would go from having one of the worst receiving corps to a pretty respectable one.