For all of the talk about how the labor strife has affected rookie players and rookie head coaches, the Texans also are in bind as they look to switch to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Wade Phillips and, more to the point, modification the entire culture on that side of the ball.
There is important pressure on the franchise to finally break through and reach the playoffs, and that task is only compounded by all of the teaching, learning and bonding time lost because of the lockout. That's all the more reason for the Texans to be fast-growing in free agency, and all the more reason for them to target particular areas of the defense.
The Texans indeed are set up to be aggressive in free agency, according to league sources, and will be among the teams pursuing All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
While awaiting a collective bargaining agreement and fresh free-agency rules, it's very difficult to gauge the market and how high the price for a top cornerback will go. But seek the Texans to nearly monitor that market and determine if the cost point on Asomugha fits their budget.
The secondary is an area in need of advance, and the Texans habitually have been willing to spend under committed owner Bob McNair. So they'll target that area in free agency.
A year ago, the Texans allow cornerback Dunta Robinson go, a move that was understandable given concerns about his injury history and his earnings spiraling on the open market (he signed a six-year, $57 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons). Houston made a concerted push to land free-agent cornerback Leigh Bodden but ultimately lost out as he continued in New England.
Asomugha, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Oakland Raiders, is far and away the premier cornerback available this year, but the Bengals' Jonathan Joseph is another alternative.
Houston also is seeking safety help, and Gerald Sensabaugh is a logical free-agent nominee. I expect the Texans to make a bid for him as well.
Sensabaugh has strong ties to Phillips through their time together in Dallas and knows the coach's system well. Sensabaugh could help teach it to others, with time of the essence after the lockout ends.
Adding a shutdown corner and a dependable safety will be imperative for a Houston team that has fallen prey to critical breakdowns at crucial times and a defense that has yielded shocking amounts of yardage and points far too often. Modify is needed, and Phillips will look to shake up the make-up and attitude of that unit whenever the market lastly opens.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Asomugha could be part of solution for Texans in free agency
Artikel Terkait Asomugha could be part of solution for Texans in free agency :
RB Bradshaw states he wants to stay a New York GiantNew York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw looked to back away a little from his agent's overtures to the Miami Dolphins on Mond ...
Nearing preseason puts pressure on parties to seal labor dealAt one point Thursday, the status of the NFL labor talks -- or at any rate the perception of them -- had frayed to the point wher ...
Asomugha is a star, but suitors have reason to be worriedNnamdi Asomugha is arguably the best cornerback in the game, but most teams would be wise not to break the bank for his services ...
Carter continues to progress in recovery from knee surgeryDallas Cowboys second-round pick Bruce Carter keeps on to show improvement as he rehabs from left knee surgery. “The knee’s doin ...
Rams announce plans to host training camp in St. LouisThe St. Louis Rams will join a rising list of squads set to host training camp at home this summer, the team declared Monday. Fo ...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment