- Messages
- 79,344
- Reaction score
- 45,889
Message delivered to troubled Texans
No one's job as starter is safe until team goes forward
By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
Outside linebacker Jason Babin and cornerback Phillip Buchanon realized they were in trouble after being benched during the Texans' 27-7 loss to the Steelers on Sunday. On Tuesday, they found out the extent of that trouble.
Texans coach Dom Capers informed Babin and Buchanon that each had lost his starting job because of inconsistent play in the first two games. With defensive end Gary Walker also out with a sprained shoulder, the Texans will start three new players in their next game against Cincinnati on Oct. 2.
Shantee Orr, a third-year player, will make his first start in place of Babin. Fourth-year cornerback Demarcus Faggins, who has been the Texans' nickel back, will take over for Buchanon. First-round draft pick Travis Johnson will start in place of Walker.
"We ain't winning right now," said Buchanon, whom the Texans acquired for two draft picks from Oakland in the offseason. "I'm not making any plays. We had no turnovers. We had no plays. We're not winning. There's nothing positive right now, so sometimes you have to make a change."
Not benched
Buchanon and Babin will still see the field. Buchanon will continue returning punts and will take over duties at nickel back. Babin, who will come off the bench to share time with Orr, said he hopes he can earn his job back quickly. He has not missed a start since he was selected in the first round of the 2004 draft.
"It definitely caught me off-guard," Babin said. "I don't feel excited about it, but if that's what they feel they need to do to get the advantage, that's why they're the coaches and not me. It's tough, because nobody likes to lose a starting role. But you just have to fight back."
The moves sent a message to players besides Babin and Buchanon. Linebacker Antwan Peek said no one can afford to get comfortable in his job.
"It is a wake-up call," Peek said. "But that's the way it goes in this game. Guys just have to do what they have to do to make sure they keep their jobs. That's everyone's fear — to have your job taken away from you."
Bring on the challenge
Orr and Faggins said they are looking forward to the challenge of helping the defense improve after a dismal start. The Texans have given up 49 points and forced no turnovers. They have only two sacks.
"You get nervous a little bit, but you've got to go out and play regardless," said Faggins, who has started three games in three seasons. "They are going to put you out there, and you know you want the opportunity. You've got to go out and make plays, and you've got to execute."
Orr and Johnson will be the least experienced players on defense. Since joining the team in training camp, Johnson has learned to play behind Walker and Robaire Smith on the left and right sides. Johnson has seen action off the bench in the first two games, but he realizes starting will be different.
"I'm here to start right now, to fill in for Gary, and hopefully there's no dropoff while I'm in there," Johnson said. "They're paying me to come in here and play, and I feel like I'm going to play. I'm going to fill the shoes. I mean, Gary's a Pro Bowler. Gary's a big-time Pro Bowl player. He was back in that Pro Bowl form this year, and hopefully I can meet those expectations."
Each of the new starters is motivated to prove he deserves the new opportunity. With Buchanon and Babin striving to rejoin the first team, the competition at each position will continue in practice and in games.
"I look at it as an opportunity to go out there and be able to finally show myself," Orr said. "I get a whole game to contribute, so I want to go out there and have a good day. I'm just trying to stay humbled and focused and take advantage of the opportunity."
[email protected]
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3362955
No one's job as starter is safe until team goes forward
By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
Outside linebacker Jason Babin and cornerback Phillip Buchanon realized they were in trouble after being benched during the Texans' 27-7 loss to the Steelers on Sunday. On Tuesday, they found out the extent of that trouble.
Texans coach Dom Capers informed Babin and Buchanon that each had lost his starting job because of inconsistent play in the first two games. With defensive end Gary Walker also out with a sprained shoulder, the Texans will start three new players in their next game against Cincinnati on Oct. 2.
Shantee Orr, a third-year player, will make his first start in place of Babin. Fourth-year cornerback Demarcus Faggins, who has been the Texans' nickel back, will take over for Buchanon. First-round draft pick Travis Johnson will start in place of Walker.
"We ain't winning right now," said Buchanon, whom the Texans acquired for two draft picks from Oakland in the offseason. "I'm not making any plays. We had no turnovers. We had no plays. We're not winning. There's nothing positive right now, so sometimes you have to make a change."
Not benched
Buchanon and Babin will still see the field. Buchanon will continue returning punts and will take over duties at nickel back. Babin, who will come off the bench to share time with Orr, said he hopes he can earn his job back quickly. He has not missed a start since he was selected in the first round of the 2004 draft.
"It definitely caught me off-guard," Babin said. "I don't feel excited about it, but if that's what they feel they need to do to get the advantage, that's why they're the coaches and not me. It's tough, because nobody likes to lose a starting role. But you just have to fight back."
The moves sent a message to players besides Babin and Buchanon. Linebacker Antwan Peek said no one can afford to get comfortable in his job.
"It is a wake-up call," Peek said. "But that's the way it goes in this game. Guys just have to do what they have to do to make sure they keep their jobs. That's everyone's fear — to have your job taken away from you."
Bring on the challenge
Orr and Faggins said they are looking forward to the challenge of helping the defense improve after a dismal start. The Texans have given up 49 points and forced no turnovers. They have only two sacks.
"You get nervous a little bit, but you've got to go out and play regardless," said Faggins, who has started three games in three seasons. "They are going to put you out there, and you know you want the opportunity. You've got to go out and make plays, and you've got to execute."
Orr and Johnson will be the least experienced players on defense. Since joining the team in training camp, Johnson has learned to play behind Walker and Robaire Smith on the left and right sides. Johnson has seen action off the bench in the first two games, but he realizes starting will be different.
"I'm here to start right now, to fill in for Gary, and hopefully there's no dropoff while I'm in there," Johnson said. "They're paying me to come in here and play, and I feel like I'm going to play. I'm going to fill the shoes. I mean, Gary's a Pro Bowler. Gary's a big-time Pro Bowl player. He was back in that Pro Bowl form this year, and hopefully I can meet those expectations."
Each of the new starters is motivated to prove he deserves the new opportunity. With Buchanon and Babin striving to rejoin the first team, the competition at each position will continue in practice and in games.
"I look at it as an opportunity to go out there and be able to finally show myself," Orr said. "I get a whole game to contribute, so I want to go out there and have a good day. I'm just trying to stay humbled and focused and take advantage of the opportunity."
[email protected]
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3362955
