Well, that headline takes a bit of liberty with this article posted at the AOL FanHouse on Tuesday. But the article did discuss how the running back position would shake out for the Houston Texans during training camp.
A few weeks ago, our own Brad Engel pondered the same topic and passed along what the Houston Chronicle had to say, which was that Ahman Green, Naperville North graduate Chris Brown and rookie Steve Slaton would be 1, 2 and 3 on the depth chart.
This is what AOL's Stephanie Stradley had to say about Brown and his chances for extended playing time this season with the Texans.
Chris Brown: Oft injured free agent running back, formerly of the Titans.
Pros: Only back on the roster with experience but not too much experience. Nice size for a Bronco-style back and had nice success running in the same zone blocking system in college at Colorado.
Cons: Oft injured free agent running back.
I will leave it up to you guys if you want to read her capsules on the other backs, but here is Stradley's conclusion. It's awfully similar to what the Chronicle wrote, but there is such a thing as independent minds making the same conclusion.
Pre-camp, I am guessing that the Texans lineup will be Green, Brown, Slaton, unless either Green or Brown have issues, and then (Chris) Taylor takes their place. They might keep Taylor and only carry one fullback on the roster.
So essentially the trick for Chris Brown is staying healthy. The Texans wouldn't have this many running backs in camp if they had a high level of confidence in Brown or Green. Both have proved to be effective toters of the rock, wait for it, when not injured.
All things being even, there is no reason that Green, a geriatric an 11-year vet, should be able to beat out Brown for the starting job. I mean, he's been in the league so long that when he left Nebraska, the Cornhuskers were still good.
If both are healthy and Green does emerge as the starter, that will signal the end for Brown as a viable back in the NFL. Anyone who has to compete for a starting job at this point in his career already has doubters, especially those who go by the titles coach and general manager.
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