As the initial excitement of free agency and the NFL Draft has died down, we’ve reached the slow part of the off-season. Training camp will begin in a couple of weeks and I felt this would be the perfect time to see what’s on some of the fans minds coming into this season. I took to Twitter to see what kind of questions you, the fans, had and decided to answer each question here. Welcome to the first edition of the Last Word On Houston Texans fan mailbag.
Last Word On Houston Texans Fan Mailbag
Where Will D’Onta Foreman Land On The Depth Chart?
Where do you think Foreman is on the RB depth chart? #3 behind Blue?
— Josh Davies (@daviesinator) July 11, 2017
Great Question Josh! I think D’Onta Foreman is more than likely going to start the season as the backup to Lamar Miller. Alfred Blue has been a great backup running back for the Texans the last three seasons. My main concern with Blue is the calf injuries. He finished 2015 with a calf injury that he was able to play through but it seemed to be hindering him last season.
2016 was a career-low season for Blue. The calf injury caused him to miss two games and he finished the season with 100 carries for 420 yards and a score. This is including the last two games of the regular season where Lamar Miller didn’t play. I think Bill O’Brien saw a need for a change at the backup running back position and I believe Foreman is who he wants behind Miller.
Who’s The Starting Center, Greg Mancz or Nick Martin?
https://twitter.com/twelle4/status/885166832503664641
You know, Thomas, I haven’t thought of that. That’s actually a great idea! Greg Mancz came in last season and proved he could perform well at the center position. Nick Martin played some guard during his time at Notre Dame as well. Ironically, Mancz also played some offensive guard during his time at Toledo.
I think O’Brien is wanting Martin to be the center but I definitely wouldn’t rule out Mancz being named the starter. If Xavier Su’a-Filo doesn’t improve, we could definitely see either Mancz or Martin take over that left guard spot. We’ll definitely learn a lot more as training camp gets underway but, for now, I’m sticking with Martin at center.
Who Will Play The Slot Receiver Position?
https://twitter.com/GR_money/status/885170301759258624
Deandre Hopkins is a lock, for sure, Barry. I definitely have high expectations for Will Fuller because he showed explosive abilities last season. If Fuller can work on eliminating the drops, he’s gonna be a dangerous number two receiver. As far as the slot goes, I’m really expecting a healthy balance of both Braxton Miller and Jaelen Strong.
I must admit, though, I’m more excited to see what Miller brings this year. He didn’t get to showcase much last year and, let’s face it, we didn’t have the best quarterback either. While Strong is the more sure-handed receiver to put in the slot, Miller is the speedy playmaker to send across the middle for a big play.
Who’s The Starting Quarterback?
https://twitter.com/dustindfields/status/885490344535539713
This is without a doubt the question on every Texans fans mind, Dustin. I’ve said from the very beginning, and I’ll continue to stick to it, Deshaun Watson is the starter. O’Brien can say Tom Savage is the starter all he wants, I’m not buying it. You don’t trade up 13 spots in the first round to select your franchise quarterback just for him to sit for a year.
Rick Smith knows it and Bill O’Brien knows it. Watson was the most NFL ready quarterback in the draft. In the college football realm, Alabama is the closest thing you can come to facing NFL competition. Watson performed well against the Crimson Tide on two separate occasions. Not only did he perform well, he won the National Championship against them last year.
Watson is a natural winner, he’s putting in the extra time to master O’Brien’s offense and I believe he’s ready. Once training camp gets started, we’ll know a lot more about just how ready he is. But mark my words: Deshaun Watson will be named the starter before the Texans play the Jaguars on September 10th.
