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Colvin Signed- Situational DE?
As most of us know, former Patriots’ OLB Rosevelt Colvin was recently signed by the Texans. Congats to the team as we pick up ANOTHER (Chaun Thompson) above par linebacker to add to what is easily a top 10 LB corps in the league. Colvin gives something to the Texans, though, that no other linebacker has to show for- his size. At 6′3″, 250 lbs, Colvin is now the biggest linebacker on the squad, more so, he possesses the veteran leadership and experience (10 yr. pro) that the youngest D in the league may need to move to the next level.
Numerous articles, interviews, and reports around this signing seem to all have one thing in common- they refer to Colvin as more of a “pass rusher” than a “linebacker”. Wow, thinking of that brings me back to the days when Antwan Peek would come off the outside and crush opposing quaterbacks, and it just may happen that Colvin is used in the same type of role. The situation which I believe will most likely occur is having Morlon Greenwood still man the weak side, DeMeco Ryans in the middle, and Zac Diles and Colvin rotating at the strong side LB slot depending on the situation of the down (passing=Diles, running=Colvin). Also, a scenario that I believe may also work on rushing downs, is having DE Anthony Weaver replaced by Colvin and DT Travis Johnson replaced by DT Frank Okam. This would create a huge frontline of Colvin, Amobi, Okam, and Mario. Then in this situation, you would have the second wave consist of your original starting linebackers (Diles, Ryans, Greenwood).
All in all, with the signing of Rosevelt Colvin, we can expect to see: 1) More defensive substitutions. 2) A much stronger run defense. And, 3) An even more dominant linebacking corps. Colvin may very well be the missing piece to the puzzle, and if so, look for the Texans defense to be playing a new type of ball in 2008.
So where’s our weakness this year, the secondary?
June 20th, 2008 at 8:38 amGreat blog! I love the picture of Colvin all over Peyton. Our defense should be greatly improved this year. One question, what effect do you think Ray Rhodes have on the defensive sevondary?
June 21st, 2008 at 7:26 amTexansNo1Fan and Quinn,
First, our secondary is obviously not the strongest part of the teams’ defense this year. But then again, that’s the case every year. With the addition of rookie CB Antwaun Molden, CB Jacques Reeves, and CB Jimmy Williams the corner position should be mediocre until Dunta Robinson comes back- then both corner position will be solid. Still expect Fred Bennett to be the starter next year with Reeves (the Dunta) across from him.
Secondly, Ray Rhodes is a hell of a coach. Don’t ever doubt that. What he will bring to the Texans is more blitzing, hence the signing of Rosevelt Colvin. Also, Rhodes has always been a coach whom focuses on discipline. Expect to see our young secondary be well trained and the communication between DB’s will be up.
June 21st, 2008 at 2:30 pmjrossharden,
I’ll be extremely pleased to see more blitzing from our D. Some say we didn’t blitz very often because of a suspect secondary last year. I sure hope Molden or Reeves stand up and be counted this season. I’m still worried about Dunta. That was a horrendous injury. When I heard that his hamstring had been pulled loose from the bone I figured his career was over. But in typical Dunta style his rehab is going well from all reports and he should be back by mid-season. I’ve heard talk of moving him to safety if he has lost a step, but I expect a complete recovery. I like the Colvin signing. He should bring more pressure off the edge and help free up Mario and Amobe.
June 22nd, 2008 at 6:19 am