How an astonishing turnaround impacts Houston Texans' future plans
FULL SPEED AHEAD
19 March
Tank Dell could be even better in 2024. Composite Getty Image.
The Houston Texans have made significant improvements to their defense during the recent free agency period, which has been widely recognized.
However, their offense still requires some work, as evidenced by their efforts to trade for Keenan Allen from the Chargers. Unfortunately, the deal did not go through, and the Texans missed out on a chance to add another Pro Bowl-level receiver to their roster.
Despite this setback, there is some good news for Texans fans, as Tank Dell, who suffered a fibula injury last season, is reportedly making excellent progress in his recovery. According to KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson, Dell expects to be ready for OTA's this spring, which is great news for the team.
In addition, the Texans have added former Bengals running back Joe Mixon to their offense, which should provide an improvement over the departed Devin Singletary.
#Texans wide receiver Tank Dell @Tankdell4 back running, looks sharp, first offseason workout with private coach Delfonte Diamond @DelfonteDiamond 'Hasn't lost a beat, looks 10 times faster, way ahead of schedule. That first year was the teaser' https://t.co/maROLB8Np1 https://t.co/Z8t2ODWeNt
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 17, 2024
Dell's the type of player the defense has to know where he is at all times. He's almost impossible to cover with elite quickness in his route running, and he can take the top off the defense as well.
As it stands right now, the Texans have all of their receivers returning from last season. Collins, Dell, Robert Woods, Noah Brown, John Metchie, and Xavier Hutchinson are all under contract.
So while missing out on a trade for Allen is a bit of a downer, the team has plenty of options for Stroud to throw to. Plus, Allen will play this season at 32 years old and has a cap number of over $23 million. He's also in the last year of his contract, and would have cost the Texans a 2025 third round pick, plus a pick swap, per Aaron Wilson.
Could the Texans have another receiver in their sights?
The Texans are rumored to have interest in Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, but trading for him would cost a draft pick and GM Nick Caserio would have to negotiate a long-term mega-contract with him. A move that could preclude the team from re-signing NIco Collins, who's in the last year of his deal.
What about the draft?
This is where I would like to see the Texans add a receiver. This is a great year for wide outs in the draft, with plenty of depth. Adding a young, talented receiver for Stroud to grow with seems like the best plan of action moving forward. I respect the Texans for trying to go all in with Allen, but looking to the draft is a strong Plan B.
How Astros surging ace raises key questions about Houston's short, long-term rotation moves
Jul 25, 2024, 5:39 pm
It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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