Tag Archives: Houston Texans

NFL

Barber, Dominique

Card: SP Rookie Authentics 2008 (1256/1399)
Received: TTM 2009, Texans Blitz

After playing college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and recording 191 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 46 games, Dominique Barber would be drafted in the 6th round by the Houston Texans of the 2008 Draft. Barber’s assets coming out of the draft were a great work ethic, a nose for a ball, and that he is a run enforcer. Critics pointed out though that Barber has average speed and is limited in his pass coverage skills.

Dominique did not start a game his rookie season in 2008, but made his first career sack and a pass defensed. In 2009 he started 6 games, before he was placed on injured reserve. He finished the season with his first career interception, made 4 pass deflections, and 33 tackles. Currently, he is best remembered for his performance in the season opener against the Jets when he was lateralled an intercepted pass from a teammate that he promptly returned for a touchdown.

2010 was a difficult season for the Texans defense- and Dominique would start only one game making 6 tackles, but once again lose the majority of his season on injured reserve.

As we enter 2011 and the defense of the Texans is being reshuffled under new coordinator Wade Phillips, it is unknown if Barber figures into the overall scheme of things. His father and brother have also spent extensive time in the league.

I think this is a pretty ugly card. Not only is Dominique in his warmups, -something I can’t stand,  he looks awkward coming to the line of scrimmage. I certainly wouldn’t call this an action pose. I’m not really sure what this compass circle dealy is in the background, and there’s that strange ridge that pops up from the bottom that really has no purpose. The worst part about it is the cursive lettering. It makes me feel like I’m going to a lowrider car show. Just a horrible card, but it was the only one I could get on the cheap of Barber at the time.

G/Gs  33/7    Tac  54      Sac 1    Fum 0       Int   1      Yds   3     Avg  3.0   Td  0     Lg  3

NFL

Bush, Frank

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: 2009, Texans Blitz

Linebacker Frank Bush was a 5th round choice of the Oilers in 1985. He played admirably in his rookie season and was named to numerous all-rookie teams. Unfortunately in 1986 Bush would be diagnosed with a narrow spinal canal- a career ending prognosis. The Oilers would immediately bring him onboard with their coaching staff starting as a scout where he’d stay on board through 1994. In 1995 he moved to the Denver Broncos- winning two Super Bowl rings serving in a variety of capacities for the team including linebackers coach, and secondary coach. Bush would stay there through 2003, leaving to coach linebackers and be assistant coach to Dennis Green in Arizona. The Texans new coach in 2005, Gary Kubiak wanted to bring Bush on board as his defensive coordinator, but was unable to wrest him from the Cardinals staff. Bush would be hired by the Texans in 2007 and serve initially as a defensive assistant under Richard Smith. With Smith relieved of his coaching duties in 2008, Frank would get his chance at defensive coordinator. That season the team would blitz aggressively and the defensive unit would improve steadily through the season against the run and pass after an incredibly rough start. 2010 would not be so fortunate. Starting an extremely young secondary the team would give up 24 points in 14 of 16 games, allowing opposing quarterbacks post over a 100 average QB rating. The team would finish a disappointing 6-10 and Bush would be relieved of his job. He wouldn’t be out of a job long and caught on quickly with the Tennessee Titans where in 2011 he is now serving as their linebackers coach.

NFL

Adibi, Xavier

Card: Upper Deck Star Rookie 2008
Acquired: Texans Blitz 2010

A dominant linebacker at Virginia Tech over his tenure there from 2004- 2008, Xavier Adibi was drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 by the Houston Texans.  Adibi was named to the the All-ACC team in 2006 and 2007. In the latter year he was also named All-American for his efforts. A hitting machine with good speed in coverage and instincts, the knock on Adibi is his read and reaction time to offensive game plans.  Xavier has been hampered by nicks and tears since he was drafted, playing in only 7 games in 2008, making 35 tackles (27 solo) . He’d sit on the bench for the majority of 2009, but in 2010 he’d play in 11 games making 22 tackles and 2 forced fumbles as the Texans were forced to shuffle around linebackers when injuries decimated the middle three.  Things finally started to look better  as Adibi in the final contest of 2010 against Jacksonville stepped in and make 5 tackles and 3 assists.

Truly Xavier has become an ‘X-Factor”, with the Texans shift to a 3-4 alignment under new defensive coach Wade Phillips, it is unknown where he figures into the team’s future plans. With Adibi’s size, frame, and familiarity to the 3-4 defense from VT, it could be possible that he slips back into an inside linebacker role.

UPDATE 12/6/2011- Xavier would be among the final cuts of the Houston Texans in 2011. He’d be claimed off of waivers by the Minnesota Vikings.