He's great at what he's good at, now it's just putting the rest of the skills needed on the table. It seems like a team trend to attach to complimentary players. Player coaches and now players themselves helping each other gives a trusted perspective to learn from.
I'm sure all teams do this to an extent, but it's exciting to read how coaches are preparing players for MULTIPLE ROLES, whether it be the secondary or the line. I feel like if other teams can't pin who is going to do what in certain schemes, that could cause serious problems for an offense.
Some players are meant for niche roles and that could be Houston. And that’s okay. Trying to change his game to make him “complete” player might take away from what makes him a special rusher.
I honestly don't think it's the worst thing if he never fully develops his game, it would be nice obviously, but having someone as a designated pass-rusher if he can get back to doing that at a high level it would help them a lot
I don't know if the Lions use a roster spot on someone like Houston if he cannot handle the SAM. If it came down to that. They covet trust and versatility. Enough teams would be interested though that he might garner a trade instead of just cutting him.
What's your take, Justin? It seems like a head issue. Does Houston have talent and cognition to become a complete football player rather than a shiny single-function tool?
I think the Lions want and need mental growth in the second level. The demands and playing styles are different and he needs to close that gap, the same way Barnes did in 2023.
But man, hard to dismiss the pass-rush even if the off-ball stuff doesn't click. I love watching Houston go through pass rush drills after practice. His hands and feet are so quick. He's like a ninja, lol.
Writing comments at 7 am is not my thing but here we go, lol. Houston and Barnes working together is interesting aned encouraging. Barnes had a good camp last year but I would remember he would make 1 or 2 plays each day that would get him chewed out. So, Houston getting yelled at is not overly concerning on day 2 of camp. If j
James makes a similar 3rd year jump that Barnes did that would huge for this team.
If you listen to Dan Campbell presser yesterday the word, trust, stuck out to me. He said it multiple times when asked about Houston. It's obvious that's where it starts with Houston's ability to get and stay on the field.
He's great at what he's good at, now it's just putting the rest of the skills needed on the table. It seems like a team trend to attach to complimentary players. Player coaches and now players themselves helping each other gives a trusted perspective to learn from.
I'm sure all teams do this to an extent, but it's exciting to read how coaches are preparing players for MULTIPLE ROLES, whether it be the secondary or the line. I feel like if other teams can't pin who is going to do what in certain schemes, that could cause serious problems for an offense.
The problem with Houston was that he was a liability against the run, and opposing offenses started to take advantage of this.
Some players are meant for niche roles and that could be Houston. And that’s okay. Trying to change his game to make him “complete” player might take away from what makes him a special rusher.
Yeah for sure
You can't expect every player to be totally well rounded
He's a sixth round pick, it's ok for him to be a niche player, as long as he's healthy and does it well
Man, I hope he can put it all together because him and Hutch rushing the passer is nearly unstoppable.
I honestly don't think it's the worst thing if he never fully develops his game, it would be nice obviously, but having someone as a designated pass-rusher if he can get back to doing that at a high level it would help them a lot
I don't know if the Lions use a roster spot on someone like Houston if he cannot handle the SAM. If it came down to that. They covet trust and versatility. Enough teams would be interested though that he might garner a trade instead of just cutting him.
What's your take, Justin? It seems like a head issue. Does Houston have talent and cognition to become a complete football player rather than a shiny single-function tool?
I think the Lions want and need mental growth in the second level. The demands and playing styles are different and he needs to close that gap, the same way Barnes did in 2023.
But man, hard to dismiss the pass-rush even if the off-ball stuff doesn't click. I love watching Houston go through pass rush drills after practice. His hands and feet are so quick. He's like a ninja, lol.
Writing comments at 7 am is not my thing but here we go, lol. Houston and Barnes working together is interesting aned encouraging. Barnes had a good camp last year but I would remember he would make 1 or 2 plays each day that would get him chewed out. So, Houston getting yelled at is not overly concerning on day 2 of camp. If j
James makes a similar 3rd year jump that Barnes did that would huge for this team.
If you listen to Dan Campbell presser yesterday the word, trust, stuck out to me. He said it multiple times when asked about Houston. It's obvious that's where it starts with Houston's ability to get and stay on the field.
Nice article! I hope he's a menace on the field for opposing teams. Good to see that he has the right approach mentally.