Tag: Laremy Tunsil

Deshaun Watson among 3 Texans who made the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl

Quarterback Deshaun Watson was one of three Houston Texans who made the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.

The Houston Texans have three players who made the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.

After fan voting and player voting was tabulated, quarterback Deshaun Watson, receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil were selected as the AFC’s best in the Pro Bowl.

Watson is making his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, becoming the first Texans quarterback in franchise history to mark consecutive Pro Bowl selections. He also ties quarterback Matt Schaub for the most in Texans history.

Hopkins is starting to become a regular fixture in the all-star game as he earned his fourth career selection. The two-time All-Pro’s 99 receptions are second in the league behind New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas.

Tunsil making his first career Pro Bowl is another validation of how correct coach Bill O’Brien and the five-man general managing council was in bringing the former 2016 first-round pick to Houston.

Ultimately, while the Texans are pleased at such selections, they would prefer not to play in the game set for Sunday, Jan. 26 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Rather, they would prefer to be preparing for Super Bowl LIV.

Bill O’Brien says Texans didn’t give up on Kareem Jackson’s fumble returned for a touchdown

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien says his team didn’t quit on Denver Broncos DB Kareem Jackson’s touchdown return.

One of the strangest plays from the Houston Texans 38-24 loss to the Denver Broncos Sunday was defensive back Kareem Jackson returning a fumble recovery 70 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Texans coach Bill O’Brien says his team didn’t give up on the play, instead citing it was a bizarre play.

“That was weird play,” O’Brien told reporters Monday. “The ball came out, the back judge said he was down, the rest of the officials let the play go, somebody heard a whistle, the ball was scooped up by one of their guys.”

On a first-and-10 from the Broncos’ 37-yard line with 3:52 to go in the quarter, receiver Keke Coutee fumbled after an 8-yard catch when linebacker Jeremiah Attachou stripped the ball on Coutee’s way to the ground.

Attachou picked up the loose ball and attempted a return, but was held up by tight end Jordan Akins.

“Akins had him in the grasp, and then he handed the ball to Kareem and Kareem ran it back for a touchdown,” said O’Brien. “It was just a strange play.”

As proof of the Texans’ not giving up on the play, but simply caught off guard by the back judge saying Coutee was down and thinking there was a whistle, left tackle Laremy Tunsil sprinted for Jackson.

Said O’Brien: “I don’t think anybody — I mean, Laremy Tunsil, he chased the guy down the field to try to catch up with him. Did you see that? That was unbelievable. He didn’t catch him, but he was gaining. So, I don’t think we gave up on the play.

“I just think it was a strange play.”

The Texans are hopeful the strange plays will go their way for the rest of the season as they commence their season series with the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 at Nissan Stadium.

How are former Dolphins starters on offense are faring elsewhere in 2019?

How are some of the former Miami Dolphins offensive starters faring in new places this season?

The Miami Dolphins shipped out numerous players over the course of the past year, so much so that the roster that Miami entered the 2019 season with was two-thirds new players. That turnover, in many instances, was necessary in order for a successful rebuild, even if that meant a downgrade for 2019 on the field.

But how are these former Dolphins faring in life with a new team in 2019? Many are finding more team success, but are those wins coming at the hands of their own performances?

OT Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans

Tunsil will forever be looked back on as fans remember this rebuilding project. The kickback the Dolphins faced for trading Tunsil was significant, mostly because the Dolphins offensive line has been bad for the better part of a decade. Tunsil was seen as the only staple and a potential future All-Pro player — trading him was a polarizing decision, to say the least.

Tunsil’s Texans currently sit at 8-5 and tied for first place in the AFC South — has Tunsil helped to stabilize the offensive line? Yes and no. Deshaun Watson is still getting sacked at an alarming rate (8.0% of his pass attempts). Tunsil, after being credited with one sack allowed in 2018, is currently credited with three sacks conceded in 2019, plus the NFL’s second highest total of penalties attributed with 13.

Tunsil’s pass protection skills are sorely missed here in Miami — he’d be the team’s best offensive player if he were still on the roster. But Tunsil isn’t exactly living up to the All-Pro standard fans thrust upon him once he was traded to Houston at the end of the summer.

QB Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans

Ryan Tannehill was traded to Tennessee in the spring for a future 4th-round pick. After seven years of trying to make the leap and advance his game to the next level in South Florida, Tannehill has taken quite nicely to Nashville. He’s now 6-1 as the team’s starter and has the 8-5 Titans positioned to overtake the Houston Texans for the AFC South crown. If the Titans sweep the Texans over the next two weeks, Tennessee wins the division.

Make no mistake, the turnaround in Tennessee is all about Tannehill, too. He’s found the right mix of aggression to keep the Titans producing chunk plays and scoring points.

The unfortunate reality for Miami? Tannehill’s story had played out. There was no future for him with two straight coaching staffs failing to pull out this play for Ryan. It shouldn’t be considered Tannehill’s fault that the organization, roster and locker room were so broken that the only thing that could fix it was a hard reset — but Dolphins fans may look back and wonder “what if” if Tannehill’s blistering pace in Tennessee continues.

RB Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals

Drake isn’t finding any more team success in Arizona than he did in Miami. Drake was traded to Arizona at the deadline and promptly rushed for 110 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. When Drake announced himself to the world as a member of the Cardinals that night, there was a sense of “here we go again” among Dolphins fans. Another player traded away that is going to thrive elsewhere, right?

Not exactly. Drake played 6 games in Miami this season and averaged 5.0 yards per touch. In 5 games with the Cardinals, Drake is averaging 4.7 yards per touch, and that is despite averaging over 7 yards per carry in that game against the 49ers.

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Texans coach Bill O’Brien: We have to fix LT Laremy Tunsil’s penalties

Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil is one of the best in the NFL. However, his penalty issues have been a liability.

Laremy Tunsil leads the NFL in false start penalties with 12. Though he says there is a target on his back, it’s clear that starting prematurely has been the Houston Texans left tackle’s crux.

On Sunday, Tunsil took three false start penalties in a 38-24 loss to the Denver Broncos, all in the first half. Postgame, Bill O’Brien stated the obvious: he has got to fix that.

“Laremy’s — he’s played very well, but he’s had too many penalties,” said O’Brien. “He would be the first one to tell you that. We’ve got to try to fix it. We’ve got to continue to try to help him to fix it. I think nobody feels worse about that than him. He’s a great guy. He’s a great player, but we’ve got to fix that.”

Tunsil has played the part of an elite tackle. Entering Sunday’s game, Pro Football Focus rated him as the second-best pass-protecting tackle in the NFL. However, no matter how good he can snap-to-snap, his false start issues are a liability — similar to Jadeveon Clowney’s offside tenancies.

Houston has time to get Tunsil in sync with Deshaun Watson. They have three more games before the playoffs, presuming they make the postseason. The final three games, including their two-game series with the Tennessee Titans, could write the ultimate fate for the 2019 team.

Texans LT Laremy Tunsil feels he has a target on his back for officials to call false starts

Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil feels like he has a target on his back for officials to call false starts.

Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil led the NFL with nine false starts coming into Week 14.

Add another three to the former 2016 first-round pick’s total, and it safe to say he will also lead the league when Week 15 kicks off.

Tunsil told reporters after the Texans’ 38-24 loss to the Denver Broncos Sunday at NRG Stadium that he believes the false starts are due to a target being on his back.

Each of Tunsil’s three false starts led to the Texans’ drive stalling. The only one that didn’t wasn’t his second such penalty in the second quarter right before time expired.

It could be that Tunsil has a target on his back. However, the target seems to have gotten there thanks to some poor play on the former Miami Dolphins’ part as well. Nonetheless, it is an issue the Texans will have to correct or overcome as they gear up for the final three games of the season with two coming against the Tennessee Titans.

LT Laremy Tunsil continues to prove his worth to Texans

The Houston Texans traded a treasure trove of draft picks to acquire left tackle Laremy Tunsil in August. That is paying off tenfold.

When the Houston Texans shipped over two first-round picks, a second and change to South Beach for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver Kenny Stills, skeptics were enraged. The package, to many, was far too much for a 25-year-old tackle without a Pro-Bowl bid to his name.

Those skeptics are waning. Tunsil has proved his worth. Those over at Pro Football Focus can prove it.

According to PFF, Tunsil has a 92.3 pass-blocking grade since Week 2 of the 2019 campaign, best among all offensive players. His 90.8 pass-blocking grade for the entire season is the best in Texans franchise history, since the debut of PFF (2006).

Though missing one game and earning his fair share of false start penalties, the trade to acquire Tunsil has paid off for the Texans. He, by all means, is a franchise blindside protector at just 25 years old. Houston would pull the trigger, to send a treasure of picks, again in a heartbeat.

Texans Wire countdown to Ravens: 10 factors to watch

The Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens vie for early positioning for the No. 2 seed in the AFC. Here are 10 stats to watch as the game goes along.

WHEN: 12:00 p.m. CT

WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium

FORECAST: Mostly cloudy, 44 degrees, 11 mph winds

FOLLOW: @therealmarklane, @averydduncan, @MrRadioMann

LISTEN: Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] and 100.3 The Bull [KLOL]

WATCH: CBS (Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts)

Red: Houston-Baltimore

Blue: Denver-Minnesota

Green: Buffalo-Miami

Yellow: Jacksonville-Indianapolis

 

10. ravens qb lamar jackson’s rank for touchdown passes

The second-year field general from Louisville is just as dangerous through the air as he is on the ground. His 15 touchdown passes are tied with Daniel Jones and Carson Wentz for the 10th-most in the NFL. If the Texans can take away his proficiency through the air and make him one dimensional, it should help them try to steal a road win.

 

9. ravens cb marlon humphrey’s pass breakups

The Baltimore cornerback has broken up nine passes this season, tied for the 11th-most in the NFL. Wherever Deshaun Watson decides to go with the football, he is going to have to be aware of Humphrey. One method that could negate Humphrey’s defense is to outlast the initial wave of pass rushers, because no one can cover forever.

 

8. ravens rb mark ingram’s rushing touchdowns

The former New Orleans Saint is tied with Derrick Henry for the fourth-most in the NFL. Ingram’s ability to find the end zone makes him one of the best additions of the offseason. The Texans will have to keep him bottled up inside the red zone and take him away as a viable rushing option.

 

7. texans rb carlos hyde’s rank for first downs rushing

The 29-year-old has tallied 37 first downs on the ground in 2019, tied with Jackson and also Nick Chubb for the seventh-most in the NFL. Hyde will need to make his presence felt and keep the Texans offense diverse so they can’t key in on Watson.

 

6. texans lt laremy tunsil’s false starts

The solution to protecting Watson’s backside has incurred six false starts this season. Houston can’t avoid to give away free yards that could kill drives against the Ravens, especially in the red zone.

 

5. ravens te mark andrews’ touchdowns

Andrews has been a viable target for Jackson, and he is their leading receiver in every main statistical category. Even though the Texans defense is good at defending tight ends, they will have to take away Jackson’s best target if they hope to come away with a win.

 

4. deshaun watson’s rank for quarterback rating

The Pro Bowl field general has generated a 107.1 passer rating, good for the fourth-best in the NFL. Watson has melded his big playmaking skills with also protecting the football. The former 2017 first-round pick will need to amplify this skill as he takes on a tough Ravens defense.

 

3. kenny stills’ rank for yards per target

This is a stat from two weeks ago against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it is still true even after the bye week. The former New Orleans Saint and Miami Dolphin has a 13.1 yards per target, which is the third-highest in the NFL. Stills has filled in as the deep threat for Will Fuller, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. The Texans will need Stills to make a bevy of those 13.1-yard type catches to beat the Jaguars.

 

2. ravens’ rank for blitzing

The Baltimore defense has sent a defender on a blitz 175 times, the second-most in the NFL. The dividends haven’t exactly paid off as they have generated just the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL with 16. If Watson can survive the first wave, he can find the open man downfield.

 

1. ravens’ rank for points per game

The Ravens defense scores 33.3 points per game, the most in the NFL. The Texans have had two games above the 30-point mark in Week 5’s 53-32 win over the Atlanta Falcons and Week 6’s 31-24 win at the Kansas City Chiefs. It will take that level of keeping the Ravens down for Houston to have a chance to win the game.

Texans-Ravens Friday injury report: 4 starters questionable

Four starters are questionable for the Houston Texans’ AFC showdown with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, including Will Fuller and Laremy Tunsil.

The Houston Texans wrapped up their final practice of the week ahead of Sunday’s AFC showdown with the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT.

The Texans saw differences in their injury report between Thursday and Friday, elevating tackle Tytus Howard (knee) and linebacker Dylan Cole (knee) from limited participants to full participants.

Guard Greg Mancz and cornerback Lonnie Johnson continue to practice from their return from concussion protocol. There were no players that did not participate on Friday.

Tackle Laremy Tunsil (shoulder), wide receiver Will Fuller (hamstring), safety Tashaun Gipson (back/wrist) and cornerback Bradley Roby (hamstring) are all questionable for Sunday.

Limited participation
WR Will Fuller Hamstring QUESTIONABLE
CB Bradley Roby Hamstring QUESTIONABLE
T Laremy Tunsil Shoulder QUESTIONABLE
S Tashaun Gipson Back/wrist QUESTIONABLE
Full participation
ILB Dylan Cole Knee
G/T Tytus Howard Knee

For the Ravens, defensive tackle Michael Pierce (knee) is considered doubtful. Wide receivers Marquise Brown (ankle) and Chris Moore (thumb) are questionable.

Cornerback Brandon Carr (NIR), safety Earl Thomas (NIR/knee), cornerback Jimmy Smith (NIR), running back Mark Ingram (NIR) and defensive tackle Brandon Williams (NIR) were full participants on Friday.

Texans-Ravens Thursday injury report: Will Fuller, Laremy Tunsil limited

The Houston Texans unveiled their Thursday injury report for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Will Fuller and Laremy Tunsil were limited.

The Houston Texans continue to regain their health ahead of Sunday’s AFC showdown with the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT.

On Thursday, the Texans did not see a change on the injury report. All six limited participants from Wednesday remained limited, while rookie cornerback Lonnie Johnson and guard Greg Mancz continue to practice in their return from concussion protocol.

Houston did not have players who were non-participants or deemed as full participants.

Limited participation
ILB Dylan Cole Knee
WR Will Fuller Hamstring
S Tashaun Gipson Back/Wrist
G/T Tytus Howard Knee
CB Bradley Roby Hamstring
OT Laremy Tunsil Shoulder

The Ravens had three players who did not participate, including wide receiver Marquise Brown (ankle), defensive tackle Michael Pierce (ankle) and defensive tackle Brandon Williams (NIR).

Wide receiver Chris Moore (thumb) was a limited participant in Baltimore. Running back Mark Ingram (NIR), cornerback Jimmy Smith (NIR), safety Earl Thomas (NIR/knee) and cornerback Brandon Carr (NIR) were full participants.

Baltimore coach John Harbaugh raves about the Texans offensive line

The Houston Texans have built themselves an offensive line. Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is all too aware of that.

The Houston Texans offensive line used to be the butt of jokes. Key words: used to be.

After investing three first-round and two second-round selections to acquire blockers in the offseason, the Texans built Deshaun Watson and the run game an offensive line they can rely on. The league is taking notice, particularly their next opponent, the Baltimore Ravens.

“I think they’re playing really well,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh on a conference call on Wednesday. “Obviously they’re doing great. They’re running the ball at a very high level, they’re also protecting the quarterback.”

Houston’s 13th-worst 25 sacks don’t do the new-look offensive line —  LT Laremy Tunsil, LG Max Scharping, C Nick Martin, RG Zach Fulton and RT Tytus Howard — justice. In their 176 snaps played together as a unit, they have allowed just two sacks.

The Texans’ offensive line rising from the dwellers to respectability lie within the additions of Tunsil, Scharping, and Howard. Tunsil being a 25-year-old franchise left tackle; Scharping being his trusty sidekick; Howard being the first-round right-side centerpiece.

“They’ve got a first-round pick at right tackle, a top-10 or 12 pick or whatever he was at left tackle — did a great job of getting him in there. I think their guard, they’ve got a rookie guard from Northern Illinois, Scharping, we liked, a big, physical guy,” Harbaugh continued.

The two remaining starters from last year, Martin and Fulton, have played to stay. “Got one of the top centers in the league (Nick Martin), Notre Dame guy, and one of the most physical right guards (Zach Fulton) in football,” said Harbaugh.

Houston, after much-maligning, has their five-man offensive line. Harbaugh won’t doubt that; he knows what he will see on Sunday.

Said Harbaugh: “I just think they’ve done a great job putting that line together and they’re very well coached and they’re playing at a high level.”