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Hi, Rick.
Remember me? We met back in 2007. I was the girl who boldly walked up to you at Reliant Stadium and asked why you decided to draft Mario Williams over Reggie Bush or hometown hero Vince Young. I remember you politely dismissing my “two cents” and giving me an answer about “strategy” that I didn’t quite buy. I secretly cursed you in my mind, but I got over it. In the end I guess you were right, so I apologize. We sure dodged a bullet not drafting Young, didn’t we??!?? So, in hindsight, I get it.
Tomorrow all eyes will be on you and the 53 players that you decide NOT to cut and which will make up your final roster. These will be the 53 guys that suit up and take the field in this 10th season of the franchise, try to defend the AFC South Division title and at least reach the AFC Championship game. No pressure, I know.
Given the significant heat that you must feel, I thought it only fitting to weigh in and help you in the process of making certain cuts in key positions. In theory, this is a guide for you to use tonight after the game against the Vikings. In truth, they are my opinions. However, as has already been proven, I am no stranger to telling you what I think about doing YOUR job. I know, the nerve of me.
Fullback: You must be thinking about cutting Moran Norris because James Casey is your starter. Don’t do it. Yes, Casey is a beast at FB, but Norris brings something else to the position – heart and experience. He will outwork anyone and the players look up to him. Who cares that teams don’t usually keep two FBs? Be a pioneer, Rick!
Wide Receiver: Keshawn Martin and Lestar Jean have impressed both in camp as well as preseason games. Even though Martin needs to be reminded that receivers don’t DROP the ball TWICE in one game, he’s worth keeping. That means that there will be a tough decision to make with respect to the other guys, Juaquin Iglesias, Devier Posey, Jerrell Jackson, Jeff Maehl and Trindon Holliday. As for cutting Holliday, I would encourage you to think otherwise. Even though he might not cut it at receiver because of his size, this guy is a playmaker. He could quite possibly put the Texans in the position to get in the red zone quicker after returns than any other specialist in the past. He’s fast, he’s exciting to watch, and he knows how to get down the field. Give him a shot. Keep Posey even though he has no catches. He will probably have a great game against the Vikings. Cut the other guys.
Related: Who Dat Dropped The Ball?
Running back: Jonathan Grimes was impressive in camp and has averaged 5.4 yards per carry. However, you don’t want to be the guy who keeps 4 RBs, especially since this year feels like a “passing” year. Keep him on the practice squad and don’t feel bad about. You are already overloaded in the RB department.
Linebackers: This must be your specialty since you like to draft and sign them. However, you are in a rough spot here and currently carry13 backs. You could easily cut four or five of these guys and still be in good shape. Jesse Nading deserves a hard look since he has been a stand out for you in preseason. But even if you had to, it would be acceptable to me if you let him go along with Shawn Loiseau and Rennie Moore, among others. Keep 8 – cut the others.
As for the other positions, I trust your judgment. In general, you are heavy on offensive linemen and could release a few players there. You will have a harder time with the D-line since there are a number of key injuries and you can’t risk not having strong and effective back up here.
Overall, the Texans have had a great preseason. I know, I know, you would rather not have all this pressure on you. That’s why I have provided this guide for your benefit. Feel free to give me a call to discuss at any time.
Sincerely,
Morgan “Meaux” G.
Outstanding letter to Rick Mogan. Let’s hope he takes your advice!
LOVE it. Great letter! Let’s just hope he listens….