TEXANS’ TWO-STEP CREATING BIG BUZZ
As the NFL’S youngest franchise at a pup-like 19 years of age, the closest the Houston Texans have been to the Super Bowl is four divisional round playoff losses.
That won’t stop them from being the talk of the league the rest of this week and much of next.
The official trade request made by franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson will be the hottest topic of discussion, but let’s get back to that in a bit. Also tossed around and picked apart will be the Texans’ surprising hiring of Dave Culley — the 65-yearold passing game co-ordinator of the Baltimore Ravens — as their head coach. Lots to chew on there. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Culley will be the oldest first-time head coach in NFL history. In his 27-year career, he’s never even been a co-ordinator.
But while his initial NFL job was as a wide receivers coach with the current NFC champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1994-95, Culley was an assistant for Andy Reid, coach of the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs, for 14 years in Philadelphia then moved west to work with him for four more in Missouri.
“Dave will do a good job,” said Reid. “He’s a people person. He’ll bring energy to the building. One of the most loyal guys I’ve ever been around. He’s a great person. We’ve had a few cheeseburgers together.”
Chiefs star Tyreek Hill was among those singing Culley’s praises on social media Thursday — probably without thinking his current offensive co-ordinator, Eric Bieniemy, would take notice.
Yes, once again Bieniemy has mysteriously been passed over for a head coaching vacancy.
“I’m glad I have him (for at least another season) but I’m not so glad I have him,” said Reid. “I was really hoping he would have an opportunity to take one of the jobs.”
Nobody can accuse the Texans of overlooking an African-american, however, as Culley is also Black. Along with Robert Saleh, a Muslim who is the new sideline boss of the New York Jets, two of the seven head coaches hired in this cycle are minorities.
Now to Watson, who led the league in passing with 4,823 yards while tossing 33 touchdown passes along with just seven interceptions on a 4-12 team.
ESPN’S Adam Schefter reported that while his trade request became official on Thursday, he actually made it week ago, and the hiring of Culley will not alter his thinking.
At 25, Watson signed a four-year extension last September worth US$156 million which, at a salary of $39 million, is considered team friendly.
Watson also has a notrade clause, of course, which means he can dictate his destination.
His preference is reportedly is to join Saleh in New York. Watson recently “liked” a Post back page on Instagram about him becoming the new offensive leader of the Jets.
While many teams have cap issues to consider, only a few won’t explore the idea of acquiring Watson.
The Chiefs are set with Patrick Mahomes. Tom Brady will finish his career in Tampa. Buffalo’s good with Josh Allen. The Los Angeles Chargers aren’t moving off Justin Herbert. Aaron Rodgers isn’t leaving Green Bay. Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow will remain the present and future of the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.
Other than that, if there’s a will there’s a way.
“Don’t sleep on the Carolina Panthers,” the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Thursday afternoon on NFL Now. “They are a team that I’m told is going to be aggressive in potentially acquiring Deshaun Watson.”
Others should as well. A still young yet experienced outstanding quarterback like Watson almost never becomes available.
❚ OUT OF THE HUDDLE: The Texans’ initial reaction to Watson’s request was to say they won’t accommodate him. Their leverage, per Schefter: “Can fine Watson $95,877 for missing minicamp. Can fine him $50,000 per day for each day of training camp missed, plus one week salary — $620,000 — for each pre-season game missed. If he retires, Texans collect $21.6 million.” Nobody can really believe it will get to that. With a new GM in Nick Caserio and new coach in Culley, they’ll cash in on this prime asset, presumably with some very nice draft picks, while likely taking a long hard look at other established QBS available, either via trade (hello Matthew Stafford) or free agency.