Getty ImagesNose tackle is one of the most important positions in the 3-4 defense, where a large, strong man is needed.
The Texans could soon be looking for another, now that Ra’Shon Harris has been lost for the season with a torn triceps suffered in practice on Tuesday. Coach Gary Kubiak disclosed the injury to the media on Wednesday.
Don’t expect a new nose tackle to be signed in advance of the team’s next preseason game, on Saturday against the Saints. “Well, let’s say we’re moving some people around,” Kubiak said in comments transcribed and distributed by the team. “It’s hard with the CBA rules right now; even if you went out and found somebody, they couldn’t even play on Saturday, the way you have to have the acclimation period, so it doesn’t do you any good. Now, are we having to take a look at ourselves as we move forward, having to play two games in five days? Yes, [G.M.] Rick [Smith] and I have to do that.”
With starter Shaun Cody also expected to miss the game due to a back injury, the team will give rookie free agent Hebron Fangupo (excellent name) plenty of work. “He’s been getting a chance to play and this Saturday and Thursday night, if [Fangupo] wants to make it in the league, boy, there’s no excuses. He’ll get every rep he can possibly get, he’ll get to play a bunch. So we’ll see how he shows up and plays but what an opportunity for him due to the circumstances right now.”
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who said that defensive ends Tim Jamison and Jared Crick also can slide inside, believes Fangupo has “some potential” but that he “really hasn’t shown it yet.”
Harris, who joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2011, had been getting some work against the first-team defense. “We thought he held up well,” Phillips said.
The defense will need guys who can hold up in the middle, if they plan to repeat or build on last year’s performance.
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The Texans don’t use a 2 gap system in the Philips 3-4. All 3-4′s don’t require a “large, strong man”. Starting NT, Shaun Cody (304) and backup, Earl Mitchell (300) are 1 gap tackles in Wade’s system.
Wade Phillips doesn’t need two-gappers across the front. Get with the program.
I think the rotation of Earl Mitchell, Tim Jamison, Jared Crick and Hebron Fangupo will be enough of a rotation to get through Saturday night. DEPTH is always the key to making a Super Bowl run. If they cannot find a quality defensive tackle, I wonder will the Texans consider signing Andre Carter to play defensive end and then move Jared Crick to defensive tackle this season. Maybe they should sign Albert Haynesworth to ensure he does not hurt Matt Schaub again. Nevermind, the Andre Carter scenario is better.
texansbullblog
The Texans don’t use a 2 gap system in the Philips 3-4. All 3-4′s don’t require a “large, strong man”. Starting NT, Shaun Cody (304) and backup, Earl Mitchell (300) are 1 gap tackles in Wade’s system.
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MUCH RESPECT….I love knowledgeable fans, and I’m in his division.
Titans fan
Wade Phillips looks like a marshmallow with a headset on!!!
If I were the Texans, I would be giving Shaun Smith a call, he’s the best ball handler in the game.
I think is going to be like Suh. I wouldnt play him at NT though
Doesnt matter u texans hillbillies, colts and Luck is taking back what we loaned yal last year…the afc south division …hope yal 10 gallon hat wearing scrubs enjoyed yr 15min of fame!!!
I think Crick is going to be like Suh. Wouldnt play him at NT though
peytonsneck,
Someone from Indiana is really making fun of Texans ? Seriously ?
Actually, Ra’shon “Sunny” Harris wasn’t a UDFA, but
was originally drafted by the Steelers in the 6th round in 2009. He showed some early promise
playing in the 3-4 in his two stints with the team.
Well, that was until he decided he wanted to be called “Sunny”, then they were forced to cut him.
He should be a better fit in Phillips 1-gap system.
Look for Wade to scoop up a NT from his former team the Cowboys who will probably cut a good one to get to 53 since they are deep in that position.