Training Camp Thread

[kravix]

Figured I would start a thread for discussion about news and reports from Day 1.

I listened to the Owen Daniels inteview on 610 after the first practice. I didnt take notes, I really should have and will try to do better next week.

OD did say that when he lines up against MW if Mario gets his hands on him its all over because they are so long.

Duane Bown did practice witht he 1's, he looked pretty good according to Brook Bently. edited

AJ caught a long TD pass, and he is looking good evidently.

[Mike]

Couple of things I caught from listening to various reports.

1) There seems to a sense of urgency. Expectations are up, players are playing fast, everyone is accountable. "It feels different around here."

2) Nobody got hurt (knocking on wood). First day last year Chris T blows up a knee. Or as Emmitt would say "blowed up his knee."

3) Initial reports were that practice would run to about 10:30 but the horn sounded at 10:10 or so. That could be a sign things were crisp and Kubes was happy with the work they got in. (speculation on my part)

[papabear]

I heard they called it early too. There was a some talk f how Kubiak was going to ease into things....no or light hitting for a couple of days, afternoon practice would be more of a walkthrough/teaching session than a workout. Basically try to keep everyone healthy. With OTA's and they way most guys stay in shape there really is no need for the grueling training camps of the past. The rookies need the work and time to learn, but for the most part there is no reason to kill the guys in camp with killer workouts.

[Arky]

Some good pics here:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_1.html

[kravix]

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4420

Quotes from the morning practice from the mainsite.

Biggest suprise that shouldnt have been a suprise. Chris Taylor is looking great and will start taking reps at FB.

(on if he feels if RB Chris Taylor is back to where he was and where he fits in) “I felt that way the last four or five days of OTAs. I did not feel that way initially. It looked like he was definitely not the same. But he came out of OTAs very good. He looked good this morning. We are also going to work him a little bit at fullback. So, he’s a big part of this team and he needs to have a good camp and stay healthy.”




Dejavo from last TC? And not to long ago Kubes was saying that he wasnt going to play him there at all.

[papabear]

I think with the emergence of Walter, Davis, and hopefully Jones that Kubiak is going to want to use those weapons more....meaning I expect a lot of 3 WR 1 RB sets. I really think in order to carry that 4th running back (I think it will be Taylor if healthy) that we only carry one "real" FB with Taylor and maybe somebody like Dreesen as emergency back-ups.

[Keith]

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4420

Quotes from the morning practice from the mainsite.

For those that haven't figured this out yet, if you only read one link/article/item each day from camp (aside from ItB.com, of course :D), make it the quote sheet on the official site.

Some other tidbits:
(Kubiak on having all his players in camp) “The only one that’s not here is (RB) Chris Brown. I’m dealing with him on a family situation and I’m expecting him to be back here tonight and on the field in the morning.”

(Kubiak on T Duane Brown signing his contract right before practice) “We got it done early this morning, but it took some time for him to sign and stuff. He’s the only guy I’ve ever seen sign a contract with his ankles taped. But we got him out here and we had a portion of the practice with him.

[Keith]

gotta run, but here is a little write-up:
http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2008/20080726.html

Had to leave around 30-45 mins early, so for anyone else who went, please let us know your impressions.

[Mike]

Nice takes on Gibbs. He is a bad ass equal opportunity ass chewer for certain. Cook is going to have his hands full making this team, especially of all the RB's stay healthy and CT taking snaps at FB. Nice to see Chester being coached up. Man, I think Gibbs is really going to have an profound effect on this group.

[NBT]

Yeah Abate is already gone. I think taylor will be the B/U FB this year.

[painekiller]

Sorry about this, but did not have time this morning to post much here and I only answered some questioned on TT.com. Here is some observations of the OL drills from there.


Gibbs is a beast, he would not let the players slow down during running blocking drills. 123-123-123-123, just about that quick.

Pitts looks the best he ever has. Maybe looking to make the next step.

Myers is the real deal, great technique. Surprising strong in one on one drills.

Brissel looked solid, appears to be ahead of Weary, who was getting a lot of gruff from Gibbs.

Winston is solid.

Brown appear to be stronger against the speed guys and not so ready for the power move just yet. He was getting frustrated, and showing a lot of fire. Nading was eating him up, where he had some very good reps with Mario (he also had some very bad reps with Mario, but that is because Mario is a beast). He was taken in early from practice after the trainers had tried to stretch out his legs, might be cramps.

I will be looking for Salaam to be the opening day starter.

White is ahead of Eslinger who is not very far behind. Studdard looked over matched and slow.

Frye work out at tackle and I did not see much from him because of multiple player groups.

Butler had some good reps.

Didn't have a roster and missed some of the other guys.

DL drills, Okam was surprising, he was able to get into the blocker and then quickly get separation and move to make a play. If he was to loose 10 to 15 lbs, wow. As it is he is a wow.

Okoye is quick, and after practice he was working with Jethro on beating a double team. I really like Jethro.

Zgonina is practicing like his football life is on the line, and it is. He looked very solid.

Mario............................................. ...........................................and ditto.

Sorry I missed a lot of the 7 on 9 drills and such, watched the big uglies.

BTW we are going to cut some very solid players, and that is a first.

I can already tell that my pretraining camp roster prediction will have some big changes.

I will try to get a better look at the glamour guys.

[painekiller]

I have to say something about Walker. He is not the biggest or the fastest player, the kid just seems to always find the hole and make positive runs.

He is going to be hard to cut.

[edo783]

I have to say something about Walker. He is not the biggest or the fastest player, the kid just seems to always find the hole and make positive runs.

He is going to be hard to cut.

Sounds a bit like DD how was.

[Arky]

I have to say something about Walker. He is not the biggest or the fastest player, the kid just seems to always find the hole and make positive runs.

He is going to be hard to cut.

If they cut him, somebody is going to pick up a nifty little running back. I think one of the "old guys" may get injured (and soon) which would make it moot.

There's something to say for his youth and, so far, his ability to stay healthy..... He and Slaton are just a couple of months apart in age; Darius being two months older...

[Arky]

Day 2 pics here:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_2.html

[painekiller]

I have to say something about Walker. He is not the biggest or the fastest player, the kid just seems to always find the hole and make positive runs.

He is going to be hard to cut.

He looked even better today, day 3.

[painekiller]

A few notes from day 3.

Chris Brown had better pick it up or he will be pushed down the depth chart. He fumbled and had a poor day. Gibbs was in his ear on multiple occasions. Walker is making the case for him to get a roster spot, Brown isn't.

Butler stood out today, but not for good reasons, again he got a lot of attention from Gibbs, and not the good kind. False start and a few missed assignments. (Never caught Frye today).

The times I focused on Adibi in passing drills, he looked very solid.

Greenwood made a huge play against Chris Brown and got the ooohhh from the fans.

Earl Cochran had a huge play from the LDE position against the run, every defensive player got a charge from that. Jethro was pounding heads in approval from that one.

Moffit was always around the ball, and on one pass play he had Chris Taylor on a deep route and appeared to have him stride for stride, nice job.

BTW I miss my replay button when I'm at practice.

Shane Boyd is better than all the backups QBs from last season not named Sage.

Jacoby Jones had a very nice PR. Without the replay not sure he wasn't down at the start of the play, but he made some nice moves getting by the 2nd wave.

Near the end of practice it appeared that Kubiak was really tearing into the team. Today's practice seemed to be slower, and less intense as a whole. And I believe Kubiak was venting his displeasure.

I think I said it yesterday, but it bears repeating, we are going to be cutting some real football players this season, guys like Zgonina and Walker know they are on the bubble and they are playing like it.

Lastly Brown is showing a fire to succeed. He was banged up a few times and went to the side and stretched, but he always can back in when the 1st team did it's next set of reps. Once this kid gets his legs under him, he will be OK. (Do not take that to mean he is the opening day starter).

Hope to see some of you out at Tuesday mornings practice.

[nero THE zero]

Paine, I really appreciate the recaps. Keep 'em coming.

[kravix]

Here are my thoughts from Day 3 practice.

QB-

Schuab looked good. He had one real bad pass to AJ in double coverage that was just up for grabs. Another, either he overthrew a timing pass to AJ that would have been a TD or AJ was off. The rest were mstly short throws with zip and accuracy.

Sage looked solid.

I have to disagree with pk about Boyd, he didnt seem to make read progressions, was staring down his recievers, and made some piss poor throws because of it.

I didnt catch Brinks.

WR-

AJ didnt get huge seperation today, but he was still AJ and made some good cathces and there were a few times he got his seperation after Schuab had made his read there.

Walter looked great. He caught a ton of passes, although he did drop one very short. He made a great diving catch to.

Davis was getting decent seperation and showed his ability to run good routes catching some shorter passes.

David Anderson dropped a few passes, had at least one good catch but looked shakey.

I didnt catch JJ or Williams so Im not sure there.

JJ seemed to be limping around alot during ST practice. His return looked pretty decent, but there was a flag on the play that most likely would have brought it back.

RB

Green looked good. If healthy he is the best RB on the roster. He had some good runs and some bad ones.. But I think more of it was the OL or DL than him.

Brown looked bad. He had one decent play to the edge, but other than that he came up short.

Slaton looked good at times and worse at others, there were a few plays he had Kubiak on him for dancing a bit in the backfield. Little rookie things but all together very primising.

Taylor looked ok. Nothing great or bad about him.

Walker....... Wow. He looked better than any of the other RB's out there. It didnt matter if he was taking reps with the 1's, 2's, or 3's. He was just getting it done, and looked faster than any of the other RB's. I think he knows that he is a long shot and his bringing it.

OL

Our running game looked pretty sad today, most of the decent runs were outside or cut backs from the running back to go the opposite direction. I have to say that this is probabaly due to no cut blocking in practice and learning the new system.

Brown looked good and like someone else said his explosion to the second level is fast. There was one really great run play where he hit his man, drove him, released and made it to the LB by the time the RB was hitting the hole he made.

Gibbs was on fire, but I didnt hear the wonderful specifics that Kieth heard the other day. Maybe it was the music they pumped in?

I agree with pk.. Butler was struggling and wasnt doing very well.

Winston held up very well againt MW when they lined up in thier pass rush package.

DL

Just some general observations. They seemed to play the run good on the inside, but not so good on the outside.

The pass rush package was Mario, Weaver, Amobi, Colvin.. Left to rigt. They did pretty good, there were definatly a few plays that would have been sacks. There was one where Mario and Colvin colapsed the outsides at about the same time, it was pretty.

I have to say that I didnt see Mario comming off the ball any faster than last year. He still seemed like the last man moving, altough I was only really able to catch him when he was lined up a LDE. He still played great, I just didnt see the explosion off the ball I though I would.

Okam is huge.

TJ seems to have gotten over his slow meandering everywhere, and seemed pretty peppy the whole practice.

LB

I didnt really catch much of them, but it did seem like thier coverage over the middle was pretty solid, and thier presence at the line and outside was good.

Johhny Holland is intense. He is always coaching and the players seemed to respond to him very well. Most of the mistakes the LB's made they knew it right away to. The LB's dont take a single minute off, whether its indivdual drills or anything else. They were all full speed and intense.

DB

I was slightly worried about this, and after today I am still worried.

Bennet was awesome, he stuck AJ at the line and kept with him all the way down the field. He deflected anther short pass, and looked good every play I watched him.

I only watched Reeves on one play I think. He pressed AJ at the line pretty good and stayed on him ok. He didnt get burnt, but I think that had the play lasted a bit longer he may have gotten beat.

Fletcher was meh. He seemed to get beat often, and his only good play was a press on AJ at the line and keeping with him, although had the safety not been there on the play AJ would probably have caught it and taken it home.

I didnt catch much of Molden, he did seem to be very active though.

Demps played ok from what I saw.

#29, he wasnt even on the list and i didnt catch his name, had a good break up and almost int, but it was against 2-3 string guys.

All in all there were no big passes, and coverage seemed pretty good, especially with the starters. DRob and Faggins were there cheering on the other DB's and helping them the whole time. DRob did warmups and stuff with the team, he was full speed and never limped.

I agree with pk that the practice seemed some what slugginsh and today was much cooler than yesterday it seemed. I dont think Kubiak was very happy either as he seemed more and more agitaed as the practice progressed.

[painekiller]

Here are my thoughts from Day 3 practice.

QB-

I have to disagree with pk about Boyd, he didnt seem to make read progressions, was staring down his recievers, and made some piss poor throws because of it. He seems much more accurate than BVP ever was, I am not wanting him to be the starter or the backup just yet, but he is not a wasted roster guy like last years 3rd and 4th QBs.
I didnt catch Brinks. Boyd and Brinks are rotating the practices they work so the arms stay sharper. 1st and 2nd string QBs did not throw in all the drills, that is for the back ups to do.

#29, he wasnt even on the list and i didnt catch his name, had a good break up and almost int, but it was against 2-3 string guys. #29 is listed as #39 on the sheet,. Derrick Robinson CB from Rutgers, and he maybe playing his way into a PS position. (Good thing for him).



There is so much going on during ever second of practice, no one person can see it all. Thanks for adding to our observations.

[Arky]

Day 3 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_3.html

[coloradodude]

Day 3...pic #5

OL getting nasty. Nice to see that for a change.

[KJ3]

i don't know why but everytime i've seen myers he just looks less strong than an o'line guy usually looks but everytime i've read anything (or seen pictures...1 for 1 haha) he's mentioned as strong and solid. i hope he is, strength or solid play aren't really things flanagan or mckinney brought out of the center position. is weary hurting still? everyone always said he was our best guard but briesel has been eating up his opportunity.

keep the camp reports coming fellas, some of us were too dumb to go get tickets......

[Keith]

Day 4 quote... and RB Chris Brown missed practice this morning.
(Kubiak on rB Chris Brown’s injury) “His back was bothering him when he came in this morning and so we have him out of practice and he won’t practice in the afternoon on special teams, so we’ll see if his back is better tomorrow.”

(on if RB Chris Brown will return on Tuesday) “I would sure hope so. He is already a day behind and needs to get back out here, but his back cramped up.”

(on the running backs) “Well, its interesting that you would ask because I was so impressed with (Chris) Taylor, Ahman (Green), 37 (Darius Walker) - yeah, I call them all kinds of names - and (Steve) Slaton. Just really, really an impressive morning from the group because they were short a guy, one of their partners was down and they had to pull on each other a little. But the running back group had a hell of a practice.”

(on LB Chaun Thompson’s injury)” Yeah, Chaun could be out, it could be eight to ten days with this hamstring, so it’s set back for him. I think he knows what he is as a player and as a past rusher. The times going to hurt him, but I think we just have to get him back out here.”


http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4433

I only pulled out a couple quotes. Take the think to read the whole thing.

[kravix]

I forgot to say this, but when we were going through the gates the guy taking the tickets said we could come back to every practice even if we didnt have a ticket and they would still let us in.

I may or may not take them up on it and try. Its up to you if you want to take the shot. But dont get mad at me if they dont. Im just relaying what the dude said, nothing official.

[bono]

does anyone else think Chris Brown doesn't make it through camp?

[nero THE zero]

(on the competition for positions) “There’s competition at every spot. You know, match our starter and then go day-to-day. But competition, that’s what makes players better. It’s who you are. It’s like Ahmans’ getting pushed by young players now, and Matt (Schaub) knows he gets pushed every day. So that’s what makes the group better, that’s why were going to be better. Fred Weary is pushing (Mike) Brisiel and (Chester) Pitts, you know? And (Kasey) Studdard is a much better player. So it’s just a part of the game.”
Wow.

I was under the assumption that it was Weary's position to lose given that he was the starter last year and, by all accounts, looks very good physically. But, I guess not.

[papabear]

does anyone else think Chris Brown doesn't make it through camp?

That was my thought when I saw the quotes....I've thought it likely that if either Green or Brown misses significant time in camp that one of them gets cut. If both of them have issues then I would guess that they decide who is the lower injury risk....even though that might be like being the smartest kid on the short bus. Kubiak wants to have one veteran.

I think Brown better show Kubiak that he's at least willing to try and fight through injuries. If he's hurting himself even more Kubiak will sit him, but for a new player trying to make an impression on his new coach you don't want to have the appearance of someone who isn't tough enough.

That is one thing I'll give to Green he at lest tried to keep playing last year.

[NBT]

That was one of the things the Tacks were saying, that Chris Brown acted like he was made of fine china, and as such was constantly holding himself out of contact. The thing is, if he really wants to, he can be a real force in the run game. Just look at what he did at Jax the first game of the year last year. Something like 167 yds rushing, or something like that. Well let's just hope between the two of them Green & Brown can give us a consistant running game. If not, we better hope Slaton & Taylor & Walker can pickup the slack. Not a real cozy scenario.

[Bigtinylittle]

....even though that might be like being the smartest kid on the short bus.

Hey, don't make fun of the smartest kid on the short bus. That was ME!

Kubiak never calls out players for a poor performance. He just calls them out for not being on the field.

That's why I'm always a bit sceptical of his comments. Not that that's a bad thing. Yesterday he was praising Roberson. Does anyone think Roberson will make an active squad, barring injuries? I think a lot of what Kubiak says is just psychology. I hope what he says about Studdard is true, though. I hope he gets in the mix. When he got drafted, a lot of people pretty much discounted him. To tell the truth, I was one of them.

[Arky]

Day 4 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_4.html

[painekiller]

Brown should watch Walker play. The kid is going hard every play and I would rather have a "slow" Walker who tries hard a hurt all the time Brown.

I am starting to think Walker maybe bursting the Bubble and Brown is crawling on top of a bubble.

[Bigtinylittle]

On paper, a guy who weighs 205 and runs a 4.55 forty probably shouldn't be in the NFL, and maybe Walker soon won't be. But I DO think he has what it takes to stick with a team and maybe it will be the Texans. The thing I like about him the most is he seems to have great vision, great decision making. I think he is definately better than Gado, Lundy or Echimandu.

[coloradodude]

On paper, a guy who weighs 205 and runs a 4.55 forty probably shouldn't be in the NFL, and maybe Walker soon won't be.



Just out of curiosity, do you know how much Terrell Davis weighed and what he ran the 40 in?

[nunusguy]

I hope what he says about Studdard is true, though. I hope he gets in the mix. When he got drafted, a lot of people pretty much discounted him. To tell the truth, I was one of them.
One of the reasons a lot of people felt that Spencer was released was because he wasn't a fit in Gibb's ZB system, notwithstanding a possible recovery from his injuries. Therefor why shouldn't Studdard be released for the same reason because he's clearly not a fit either in Gibb's same ZB schemes ?

[RunninRaven]

On paper, a guy who weighs 205 and runs a 4.55 forty probably shouldn't be in the NFL, and maybe Walker soon won't be. But I DO think he has what it takes to stick with a team and maybe it will be the Texans. The thing I like about him the most is he seems to have great vision, great decision making. I think he is definately better than Gado, Lundy or Echimandu.

I'm wondering if Walker might have upped that 40 time some since entering the NFL. Someone that was at a practice mentioned that he looked as fast as any of the other RBs out there. I just hope he isn't the odd man out in a numbers game and then goes on to be a good-great RB somewhere else.

[KJ3]

you know the general knock on walker is he is slow and undersized. he never has looked slow to me, quite honestly he's always looked pretty worthwhile and undersized guys are everywhere in the nfl so it doesn't really matter.

[papabear]

Just out of curiosity, do you know how much Terrell Davis weighed and what he ran the 40 in?


I believe he was in the 4.7 range. 40's are so overated.

[papabear]

Hey, don't make fun of the smartest kid on the short bus. That was ME!

Kubiak never calls out players for a poor performance. He just calls them out for not being on the field.

That's why I'm always a bit sceptical of his comments. Not that that's a bad thing. Yesterday he was praising Roberson. Does anyone think Roberson will make an active squad, barring injuries? I think a lot of what Kubiak says is just psychology. I hope what he says about Studdard is true, though. I hope he gets in the mix. When he got drafted, a lot of people pretty much discounted him. To tell the truth, I was one of them.

I do agree that Kubiak uses the media as psychological tool. He will call guys out for poor performance though. He's called Taylor out for fumbling and not blocking well enough. He's called Pitts out for not using his potential. He's called TJ out for being lazy. He doesn't do it all the time, and I think he's careful about who he does it too....some guys will respond, others won't.

[Bigtinylittle]

Just out of curiosity, do you know how much Terrell Davis weighed and what he ran the 40 in?

I think you missed my point. I was just saying that not many of the guys with those stats make it in the NFL. The ones who do have to have something special going for them. Obviously, Davis was one of those guys who did. So did Emmitt Smith. Interestingly, both those guys were drafted much lower than they should have been. Teams were scared off by their low top end speed.

I think in general, top end speed is somewhat overrated in the NFL. Guys like Reggie Bush, who probably has as much top end speed as any back in the NFL, has struggled mightily the last two years. Top end speed really only becomes a factor when you make it to the open field, and even for the best runners, that doesn't happen very often. Especially if you are a dancing wuss like Reggie. If I remember correctly, Ron Dayne had a longer run last year then Bush.

Walker is very fluid, with great vision and no hesitation in his game. He seems to have the ability to instantly cut back without losing any speed, and he seems to have a good idea of when to do it. I think that's what will help him stick in the league, and that's why I really enjoy watching him run.

I noticed that Kubiak said that this year he has put behind him the problems that Kubiak mentioned last year. Kubiak never got too specific about them, but I wonder whether part of it was that Walker didn't really want to hit the weight room seriously.

I haven't seen him yet this year. Does anyone know whether he has put on a little but more muscle?

[papabear]

I haven't seen him yet this year. Does anyone know whether he has put on a little but more muscle?

I think it was McClain who asked Kubes about that....he said he's in good shape this year and that he just thinks Walker is one of those guys who is just a little thick in the mid-section. In other words he doesn't have ripped abs, but he's worked hard and he's in good shape.

[Arky]

Walker is very fluid, with great vision and no hesitation in his game. He seems to have the ability to instantly cut back without losing any speed, and he seems to have a good idea of when to do it. I think that's what will help him stick in the league, and that's why I really enjoy watching him run.

Yep, good eye. I think he does that better than anybody on the team (backfield).

I noticed that Kubiak said that this year he has put behind him the problems that Kubiak mentioned last year. Kubiak never got too specific about them, but I wonder whether part of it was that Walker didn't really want to hit the weight room seriously.

I think it was attitude mainly. The whispers I heard were that he came in with a I'm-from-Notre-Dame-and-my-caca-don't-stink attitude. I think Kubiak gave him an attitude adjustment by cutting him and then either before or after the recall, finally convinced him that he was going to have to put in lots of work to make it in this league.

I think a lot of whether he stays or goes will depend on what Mr. Gibbs thinks of him.....

[painekiller]

I believe he was in the 4.7 range. 40's are so overated.

Mid 4.6's might be closer, but in paid in the open he was gone, just like Jerry Rice another "slow" player.

[papabear]

Mid 4.6's might be closer, but in paid in the open he was gone, just like Jerry Rice another "slow" player.


That kinda sets up my point. Whether he ran a 4.65 or a 4.73 makes a big difference in some peoples opinion (not saying you PK), even though if two guys ran a 40 yard race that would be damn close....close enough to not matter 99% of the time on the football field.

People point to Walker's 4.55 forty time as someone who will have a hard time in the NFL at RB, but if he had run a 4.48 you might not here it quite as much. In either case the difference is only a step or two. Granted, that might be the difference in a 12 yd gain vs. taking one to the house, but that difference in the 40 time can come down to who spent the most time with a good track coach working on technique.....and have absolutely nothing to do with how fast they they play with pads on when its gametime.

I'm not trying to pick a fight with bigtiny. Guys like Walker slide every year apparently because of their forty time so it appears to be a big deal to NFL teams as well...it just doesn't make sense to me in a lot of cases. Teams do need some kind of baseline to judge these guys on. I think a lot of it is they want to see how committed the kids are. In other words, who put the work in to get ready and how they handle themselves in that environment.

[Arky]

Day 5 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_5.html

[painekiller]

People point to Walker's 4.55 forty time as someone who will have a hard time in the NFL at RB, but if he had run a 4.48 you might not here it quite as much. In either case the difference is only a step or two. Granted, that might be the difference in a 12 yd gain vs. taking one to the house, but that difference in the 40 time can come down to who spent the most time with a good track coach working on technique.....and have absolutely nothing to do with how fast they they play with pads on when its gametime.



100% agree

[jaimeg]

What's with all the love for Darius Walker?????

When I said he would emerge as the man at running back (thread a couple months back) there was no love.:p

[KJ3]

i don't think anybody expects darius walker to be "the man" for us but i think everybody can see what he did in a limited role last year was fairly decent even though the expectation of him was...just about nothing. really though, the only reason he got a shot was injuries to green, dayne and taylor. also because echemandu couldn't hold onto the ball 10 times in a row haha...but as a 3rd down type i wouldn't mind hanging on to him.

[barrett]

Regarding Walker, in all the positives mentioned I have not even heard the one thing that set him apart from our backs last year...he can catch the ball.

We are running a west coast offense after all. Because of this I think a lot of his chances rest more on whether Slaton can pass block and help in the passing game rather than on whether Brown is healthy. We have a coach who loves the screen pass so much we were throwing it to Ron Dayne last year. We have a number of decent runners if they are healthy, but I think the back who can contribute the most on 3rd down could be the safest back on the roster.

[painekiller]

What's with all the love for Darius Walker?????

When I said he would emerge as the man at running back (thread a couple months back) there was no love.:p

You where right and my opinion was wrong. I miscalculated the young mans heart. He wants to be here and play. And he is proving it everyday in practice.

[cadams]

i have liked the kid since he came out of college. i was really glad the texans signed him out of college, and was disappointed he didnt get more playing time last year. that said, he is probably going to always play a reserve role if everyone is healthy. i think slayton can be special, and can be an everydown back at some point.

[coloradodude]

I believe he was in the 4.7 range. 40's are so overated.

That's correct and he entered the league at 206. I'm thinking Walker's in good company especially if he's picking up the nuances of the ZB scheme. Also, I like his game speed.

[painekiller]

Just a quick note from practice today. Eric Winston, who has had a heck of a camp BTW, walk the gauntlet today and signed every kids and adults balls ..., whatever they had to be signed. He was hot tired and sweaty yet he never once acted like he was in hurry. That is the kind of thing that I have seen from him the last two years. I am proud he is a Texan.

[papabear]

Just a quick note from practice today. Eric Winston, who has had a heck of a camp BTW, walk the gauntlet today and signed every kids and adults balls ..., whatever they had to be signed. He was hot tired and sweaty yet he never once acted like he was in hurry. That is the kind of thing that I have seen from him the last two years. I am proud he is a Texan.

He's just trying to prove that cavemen really do know how to read and write :D


It's good to hear stuff like this. I have never been a big autograph hound, but for a kid it can be a huge deal.

[Arky]

re: Winston

He does the Hustle just like we do...

:p

[Arky]

Day 6 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_6.html

[kravix]

Watch the video recap of today on the mainsite. Early in the video it show Brisiel man handling Weaver. The next part shows him holging up against a LB I think, he was rocked back on his heels a bit but didnt give much ground.

Just an interesting tidbit. I have my doubts that anyone is going to take that spot from him, he is also taking reps a C as the backup. He makes the team regardless I think, but I really believe his is our starter on day 1.

[coloradodude]

How does Duane Brown look? I imagine confused at times but is holding his own? Has he stood out yet?

How about Slayton? Same questions and one more. How does he look physically? Solid or fragile?


Thanks

[Bigtinylittle]

I haven't been to camp this year, so I will just tell you what I have read elaswhere.

1. Brown has been doing best against the speed rush. He seems to handle it well. He has struggled, though, against the bull rush. Also, for some reason unknown to me, he came to camp somewhat pudgy. I imagine he has probably lost some of that weight already. I also read that as expected he has been outstanding at getting to the second level, something I'm sure is making Gibbs very happy.

2. Slaton is definately the best back the Texans have for widening the field, something which is even more important in a Gibbs type scheme than it is in a power scheme. He's not even close to being the best back in camp, though. That would be Green. IF Green stays healthy, he should be every bit as good as he was at the beginning of last year. As for Slaton, I am expecting him to get on the field as a change of pace back even at the beginning of the season. I really think he will fulfill the Reggie Bush role for us, for a lower round cost and a heck of a lot less money. It's not even inconceivable that he could be more effective than Bush-- almost as fast, with a lot less dancing. I think Bush's biggest problem is that all his life he has gone for the homerun on every play. I'm really hopeful that Slaton won't have that problem.

[painekiller]

How does Duane Brown look? I imagine confused at times but is holding his own? Has he stood out yet?

How about Slayton? Same questions and one more. How does he look physically? Solid or fragile?


Thanks

In the 11 on 11 drills it is sometimes hard to watch him due to the confusion of bodies and speed those men move at.

But the other day Walker had a huge cutback run where he started to the right, one or two steps and planted hard and cut back to an open backside that was sealed off perfectly by young Mr. Brown.

Now during 1 on 1 drills, he does well on some plays and he gets blown up on some others. But I do not remember anyone going through him, to his inside yes, not as much to his outside, and never over the top.

He is learning, and they are pushing his body and his mind hard. And Ephram has been helping the youngster.

[kravix]

I dont have much to add about Brown.

Green is definatly the best back on the roster, and with they way things have been going I would have to say Walker is the second best right now. The kid has just looked pretty good.

Slaton is fast. From what I understand he is larger than he was in college. He hasnt had any problems getting outside and turning the corner and after he gets the motor running he is defiantey fast. I am not sure about how he is doing during blocking. I think that is what will make or break his play time this year. 3rd down back has to be able to cover the blitz and catch out of the backfield.

I wouldnt compare Slaton to Bush. I think Slaton will probably be better. His size is right at the bottom of where you would expect an everydown back to be but he has speed. I havnt watched any film of Slaton and dont know how well he ran between the tackles in college but I expect he will be able to, whereas Bush probably wont be. I dont want to turn this into that kind of thread, but "poor mans Reggie Bush" is kinda funny. Most teams wouldnt draft an obvious 3rd down gimmick back in the top three. Besides, I hope like hell he isnt a "poor mans Reggie Bush" cause I would feel like we got screwed with a wasted pick.

[KJ3]

i think i would be satisfied if he turned out to be "reggie bush". that's gotta be hard though...reggie bush didn't even turn into "reggie bush".....

[Arky]

Day 7 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_7.html

[Keith]

Made it out to practice Thursday night only to find the team working out sans pads and helmets. Undeterred, I still file a report.

http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2008/20080801.html

PK - Nice to finally meet you.

[Arky]

Made it out to practice .....




Eheh, good stuff. Those amusing articles from the old site (HPF) live on.....

Just a FYI, Mark Knopfler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw5ION9TV7M) was the lead singer/guitarist for Dire Straits...

[painekiller]

PK - Nice to finally meet you.

You too, sorry we did not connect earlier. Well maybe it was better for you.....:D

[papabear]

I have been an Owen Daniels fan for a while.....but if he is really rocking the porn stash I might have to buy his jersey.

[painekiller]

Have not seen it here, and only can comment on one play, but Mike Bell was able to get to the outside on one sweep I was able to see from the end zone. Not sure how many yards he would have gotten, but he made the corner, so he showed a little bit of speed.

Also they had Molden return a kick, and he made a very good run. He can fly and is shifty when he runs at high speed. He looked very good at the job.

Jacoby Jones made a great move to get past a defensive play designed to stop the slant at the goal line. Colvin lined up in the lane that Jacoby was supposed to use, he had some CB on top of him in tight coverage, so a double team on the slant. But he dropped the ball.

Bennett was working the slot WR in nickle packages and he blitzed the QB when they where in Goal line drills. I believe he got to the QB before the ball left. 1st time I have seen the Texans do a good CB blitz since Dunta's rookie year.

Lastly Salaam was being told to go in after the horn sounded to end the autographs, he refused and stayed until every one that wanted one got one, a couple of interns came over and he ignored them and keep signing. Then Kubiak walked over to the other end of the bleachers, and he started signing. These guys went above and beyond and I want everyone to know. Great job!

[KJ3]

Have not seen it here, and only can comment on one play, but Mike Bell was able to get to the outside on one sweep I was able to see from the end zone. Not sure how many yards he would have gotten, but he made the corner, so he showed a little bit of speed.

Also they had Molden return a kick, and he made a very good run. He can fly and is shifty when he runs at high speed. He looked very good at the job.

Jacoby Jones made a great move to get past a defensive play designed to stop the slant at the goal line. Colvin lined up in the lane that Jacoby was supposed to use, he had some CB on top of him in tight coverage, so a double team on the slant. But he dropped the ball.

Bennett was working the slot WR in nickle packages and he blitzed the QB when they where in Goal line drills. I believe he got to the QB before the ball left. 1st time I have seen the Texans do a good CB blitz since Dunta's rookie year.

Lastly Salaam was being told to go in after the horn sounded to end the autographs, he refused and stayed until every one that wanted one got one, a couple of interns came over and he ignored them and keep signing. Then Kubiak walked over to the other end of the bleachers, and he started signing. These guys went above and beyond and I want everyone to know. Great job!

on bell-cool. clearly anything is going to help.

on molden-cool. adds to his seemingly growing value.

on jones-cool....until the last sentence. i've read a couple things now about him making highlight type plays...and then dropping the ball. i remember that being a problem for him last year too. hopefully my perception of him being a little butterfinger-ed isn't correct. we need him to step it up this year.

on bennett-double cool. blitzes? in august? i'm all about 'em.

[Arky]

Day 9 pics (full pads):

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_9.html

[Bigtinylittle]

I was fascinated by Kubiak's comments on Okam. It seemed to me that he was calling him out in the media. As I've said before, I think Kubiak does that from time to time.

I think the idea that the main reason Okam dropped in the draft was his coming to the combine overweight and his taking the LSAT, has been laid to rest. Kubiak basically said that Okam took off way too many plays in college, and didn't work hard enough on technique. In other words, he's on the lazy side.

A lot of DTs in college have Okam's problem and never get drafted. Okam got drafted because even though he slacks off, he has shown that he's a magnificent physical talent.

When Kubiak took over the Texans, I think TJ was a lot like Okam in the discipline department and Kubiak has straightened him out somewhat, so I am optimistic that Okam will improve his work habits now that he is a Texan. Even if he doesn't I'm pretty sure he'll be a good short yardage addition, so using a fifth round pick on him wasn't too much of a gamble to take.

Call me cautiously optimistic.

[NBT]

I too, have secret hopes that Okam will become a beast.Keeping my fingers crossed.

[dadmg]

This is a week old, but I just found it and didn't see it elsewhere in the forums, so I figured I'd toss it in here. From ESPN.com's AFC South blog, here's Paul Kuharsky's impressions of an early day in Texans' camp that focuses most of its attention on the backs:


http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcsouth/0-2-100/Texans-practice-notes-and-observations.html

[RunninRaven]

This is a week old, but I just found it and didn't see it elsewhere in the forums, so I figured I'd toss it in here. From ESPN.com's AFC South blog, here's Paul Kuharsky's impressions of an early day in Texans' camp that focuses most of its attention on the backs:


http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcsouth/0-2-100/Texans-practice-notes-and-observations.html

Interesting that the only things he said of Walker were negative plays. Everything else coming from camp so far has been glowing with regards to Walker's progress.

[kravix]

Well I have seen the calls for intensity, fire, attitude, and a bit o nasty from our linemen on both sides. Looks like they may have heard the call and are stepping up.

http://houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4463

The Texans' intensity got the better of them Monday morning when the defensive and offensive lines got into it during practice. Head coach Gary Kubiak said likes the team to be physical, but the players must maintain their composure.

Head coach Gary Kubiak

(on what did you tell the guys with getting angry with each other) “This game’s about intensity and I felt that we needed to find another level of intensity. That was something we addressed as a team last night and we found it this morning, but we’re not going to lose our composure. That’s what football is all about. You’ve got to be able to play physical, play nasty but you’ve got to understand the team is number one. You can’t hurt your team, so it’s a good lesson for everybody. I like the enthusiasm and effort, but we’re not going to lose players because of lost composure.”



Kubes kinda liked it

(on the intensity of the defensive line) “Let me be the first one to say that I put them in a tough position really as a coach because I’m saying ‘You be aggressive, you knock the heck out of people, but stay off the ground’. That’s hard to do. It’s hard to play this game when you’re being very aggressive and keeping people up, but that’s what we have to do as a team. We have to keep the interest of the team intact as we practice and I understand that’s tough in what I’m asking them to do. But I thought we found another gear today, and that’s a big point of emphasis for our football team right now. And I thought we took a step forward today.”



ND Kalu liked it too.

(on defensive line setting the tone) “It all starts with the D-line. You want an honoree defensive line just to lead the defensive, but at the same time, we have to be smart. We can’t start fights, get ejected from games. I don’t know if you saw, but we did have a fight today at practice. It’s fun when you are young. I remember when I was young; I was the first one to start a fight just to prove that a Rice guy wasn’t too soft. But at the time, it is OK to fight out here, but don’t take that on Sunday because you will get ejected, get fined and you will probably get cut if you do to many times.”

(his take on the skirmish during practice today) “I thought it was good. I know that Coach Kubiak doesn’t like it. I think it is good to do it out here because there are no yellow flags or fines. We need to get a little more ornery on defensive, and the defensive linemen started that fight.”

[NBT]

I have seen a lot of posts, but no one has specifically mentioned how the team was picking up on Gibbs version of the ZBS. Is Gibbs yelling at everybody, or just some specific players? How is it looking? How well is Brown taking to it?

[kravix]

I dont know how well they are picking up the scheme. The run game looked so so the practice i was at and in videos.

Gibbs is high energy though. He yells at the linemen, RB's, TE, QB, DL just about anyone close enough to get unloaded on. He does smile and give encouragement though, its not all dressing down.

[Arky]

Day 10 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_10.html

[Arky]

Day 11 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_11.html

[papabear]

I have seen a lot of posts, but no one has specifically mentioned how the team was picking up on Gibbs version of the ZBS. Is Gibbs yelling at everybody, or just some specific players? How is it looking? How well is Brown taking to it?


I haven't been, but it's going to be hard to see much of a difference in practice. It always is, but since we're not cut blocking in practice it's going to be pretty tough to see much difference from the zone we ran before. Other than the cutblocks....my guess is that the changes, while they could be significant, will be hard for the average person to see, myself included.

[Arky]

In preparation for the upcoming pre-season game, here's a link of the Texan roster in numerical (jersey number) order:

http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster.asp?sort_by=2&print=yes

All you have to do is click the link and then click your printer icon for a two page printout.

I find it really helpful for easy lookup when watching all the new guys...

[Arky]

Day 12 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/Texans_at_camp_Day_12.html

[Arky]

Day 13 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_13.html

[Arky]

Day 14 pics:

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery/TEXANS_AT_TRAINING_CAMP_DAY_14.html