View Full Version : Training camp 2011 news
I ain't got any. You got any?
Here's some (Texan related) news:
Vonta Leach to the Ravens for 3 yrs, 11 million....
Hello, James Casey.
Nconroe
07-31-2011, 12:53 PM
Looks like all draft picks but Watt and Carmichael signed now, they will follow soon I suppose.
Today is mainly physicals and meetings isn't it?
Today is mainly physicals and meetings isn't it?
Might be. I imagine the pictures and stories to come rolling in soon....
painekiller
07-31-2011, 02:40 PM
All the draft picks have been signed according to the chron.com (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7677362.html)
Defensive end J.J. Watt, the first-round pick, was the last draft choice to agree to a new deal. He gets a four-year contract, all guaranteed under the new collective bargaining agreement, for $4.701 million, including a signing bonus of $6.67 million.
........
Reed, 24, is a second-round pick who signed for four years and $4.701 million, including $2.779 guaranteed. He's expected to compete with Connor Barwin for playing time on the strong side. He also could be utilized as an end in passing situations.
........
Harris, 21, was the second pick in the second round. General manager Rick Smith traded to acquire an extra second-round pick to select Harris. Harris signed a four-year contract for $3.299 million, including $1.55 million guaranteed.
chuck
07-31-2011, 03:53 PM
Nobody asked me but I'm not sold on Casey at FB.
Nconroe
07-31-2011, 04:24 PM
sure not much on practice so far, maybe on evening or nightime news
http://www.kltv.com/story/15181881/texans-open-training-camp
mostly want to watch defensive at open practice and preseason for progress, but the fullback position will also be interesting to compare, Casey, two UDFA, maybe they will bring in some experinece FB as part of 90 man practice roster as well.
It would be nice to know what their cap situation really is now, if they need to acquire a few more players, perhaps on DL on LB, Punter, so on.
Sounds like no two-adays this year, so all morning practices. Last year those were two hours or so, wonder if with 90 players and one a days, they will go longer than that?
another short training camp update http://www.foxkansas.com/sports/nfl/story/Houston-Texans-2011-Training-Camp-Preview/wEjz6lzTtkG0TFyGPdLSWQ.cspx
first real practice is Saturday night, 8 PM, against NY Jets, here at Reliant it seems.
Former Patriots, A&M end Warren visiting Texans (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7677697.html)
Former New England defensive end Ty Warren is coming to Houston on Monday to visit with the Texans.
Former Cleveland fullback Lawrence Vickers doesn't have to come to Houston to visit with the Texans because he already resides here. The Texans are interested in Vickers to replace Vonta Leach, who signed with Baltimore today.
Warren, 30, is a Bryan native who played at Texas A&M. He was New England's first-round pick in 2003. He missed last season because of a hip injury but says he's 100 percent now.
"I'm an open book," Warren said while visiting with the Denver Broncos. "I've passed my physical. I'm ready to play. I'd love to come back to Texas. We'll see what happens."
Vickers, who grew up in Beaumont, spent his first five seasons with the Browns. Their new coaching staff wants a versatile fullback rather than one who's just a powerful lead blocker. Vickers is a leader blocker in the Leach mold.
Tight end James Casey is doing to get the first chance at Leach's job, but the Texans will have to sign a veteran, too.
Nconroe
07-31-2011, 05:08 PM
http://www.pennlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/optimism-high-again-as-texans-open-training-camp/e77c5927db644e0e882e67fd68e05730
Sounds like Demeco, Mario, and AJ all healed and ready to go from off season surgery.
And Foster, Breisel, and Studdard are all signed now.
Along with a few more UDFA, defensive tackle Guy Miller, defensive end Scooter Berry and linebacker Matt Marcorelle.
optimism a plenty for now, and we only have like 5th hardest schedule this year where seems past couple years we had hardest season schedule.
Matt Marcarelle - Height / Weight:6-2 / 250
could be a good UDFA signing, Delaware's defense ranks No. 1 in the nation among all NCAA Division I teams (FCS and FBS) in scoring defense, allowing just 11.5 points per game. Blue Hen sixth-year senior linebacker/defensive end Matt Marcorelle ranks among the active leaders in the nation in the FCS classification in three categories (No. 4 in forced fumbles with 7, No. 18 in sacks with 16.5, and No. 11 in tackles for loss with 40.5 - 4th all-time at Delaware).
itssharif
07-31-2011, 05:28 PM
Nobody asked me but I'm not sold on Casey at FB.
I think the Texans offensive minds can get creative in ways they can use him though. I'm kind of with you still but let's see!
painekiller
07-31-2011, 05:41 PM
Former Patriots, A&M end Warren visiting Texans (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7677697.html)
I like this. Warren as a back up can only help push/teach JJ Watts. I hope they sign him tomorrow.
barrett
07-31-2011, 07:18 PM
Casey might be able to play an h-back role, but he is definitely no FB. Our offense will either throw out the power running game and any FB plays we relied on from last year, or someone else will play FB. Casey is a great pass catcher who they are trying to find an NFL position for.
today
07-31-2011, 07:29 PM
I'd be interested to see all of our short yardage and goaline plays from last year to get a feel for just how important a role Vonta played in the power game. I sure hope that we get a reasonable deal worked out with Vickers, seems like a good fit for both parties.
Nconroe
07-31-2011, 07:46 PM
I don't know if true, I heard that like 80% of NFL teams don't use a FB anymore due to overwhelming passing attack.
And separately heard that Leach was only in on about 34 % of scrimmage plays last year, so even not full time use of FB for Texans.
But we certainly saw hi-lites where FB was used successfully, some big blocks by Leach last year.
Lance Z has these soundbites (http://blog.chron.com/fantasyfootball/2011/07/sound-from-texans-andre-johnson-helped-recruit-johnathan-joseph/) from the 1st day of camp.
If you click on any, make sure to check out AJ in the first one.... turn your volume up a notch....
chuck
07-31-2011, 10:25 PM
Casey might be able to play an h-back role, but he is definitely no FB.
This is precisely my thought. I love having him on the field and putting him in different places where he might receive the ball or give the defense another dimension to worry about, but asking him to charge through a hole and clear it out like a real FB, well, think again.
today
07-31-2011, 11:02 PM
And separately heard that Leach was only in on about 34 % of scrimmage plays last year, so even not full time use of FB for Texans.
Not sure who's correct, but 38% (i think) was the number that I heard spouted on the radio by Dylan Gwinn on Friday when he was on in Charlie's slot. He was using that to show that the expectations for Foster shouldn't be adjusted based upon losing Vonta.
The reason I was interested in the short yardage and goaline plays in my earlier post is because that's where I see us really missing a true blocking fullback, thus I wanted to review exactly how integral a role he played in those situations.
painekiller
07-31-2011, 11:09 PM
Lance Z has these soundbites (http://blog.chron.com/fantasyfootball/2011/07/sound-from-texans-andre-johnson-helped-recruit-johnathan-joseph/) from the 1st day of camp.
If you click on any, make sure to check out AJ in the first one.... turn your volume up a notch....
I'm with Eric, we need to go to more sets that make the defense react with no good options. They go nickle you run, they go big base or big you split out Owen and Casey, then you have fun.
Nconroe
08-01-2011, 05:45 AM
Not sure who's correct, but 38% (i think) was the number that I heard spouted on the radio by Dylan Gwinn on Friday when he was on in Charlie's slot. He was using that to show that the expectations for Foster shouldn't be adjusted based upon losing Vonta.
The reason I was interested in the short yardage and goaline plays in my earlier post is because that's where I see us really missing a true blocking fullback, thus I wanted to review exactly how integral a role he played in those situations.
Probably I remembered the 38% wrong.
I guess another similar question might be how did we do so much better last year from years before in the short yardage and goal line situations? or first half of game vs second half of game for offense?
barrett
08-01-2011, 07:54 AM
Not sure who's correct, but 38% (i think) was the number that I heard spouted on the radio by Dylan Gwinn on Friday when he was on in Charlie's slot. He was using that to show that the expectations for Foster shouldn't be adjusted based upon losing Vonta.
The reason I was interested in the short yardage and goaline plays in my earlier post is because that's where I see us really missing a true blocking fullback, thus I wanted to review exactly how integral a role he played in those situations.
That number could be misleading. Before I take that number to mean Leach's loss isn't that big (what the Texans are spinning), I would ask what % of Foster's yards came on those %38 of the plays. If Foster got 75% of his rushing yards on the 38% of the plays then we have a problem. If he got %38 then not so much. But the number of plays is not suprising or particularly revealing.
Nconroe
08-01-2011, 09:46 AM
just listening to 610 am who are at practice
sounds like 86 guys in camp today, any new or FA players can't practice till Thurs. when new NFL year is set to begin, all CBA negotiations done.
Cushing apparently still rehabbing for up to 6 more weeks.
I think Leach will mainly be missed in those off-tackle plays - Example: Foster's long run (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92clos5OGg0) against Oakland. When Leach blocked a guy, that guy was out of the play. Casey (or Vickers or whomever) will just have to get sufficiently in the way so Foster can use his skills, which are considerable. I think AF is going to be a marked man this year so the Texans will need to spread the runs around (Ward, Tate) and get creative....
today
08-01-2011, 09:59 AM
LanceZierlein Lance Zierlein
.@jharrisfootball says JJ Watt is KILLIING IT at practice today
Good to hear that JJ is starting things off with a bang. I hope this continues...
Cushing apparently still rehabbing for up to 6 more weeks.
Huh? Where'd this come from? 610?
Nconroe
08-01-2011, 12:34 PM
I must have heard wrong, Chron says he is cleared to practice after knee surgery. maybe just coaches working guys in slowly. sorry on confusion, my likely misinterpretation.
I must have heard wrong, Chron says he is cleared to practice after knee surgery. maybe just coaches working guys in slowly. sorry on confusion, my likely misinterpretation.
OK, no prob..
I look at it like this, Vontae was an excellent lead blocker, a so-so receiver, and a non-existant run threat. Casey (hopefully) will do acceptably as a run blocker, will be an excellent receiver, and quite possibly a threat to run in certain sets. So we give up something in the run game, and get better in the pass game. An acceptable trade-off.
Other than Casey, we have R UDFA Justin Bartlett, 6-0, 237, Carrol-Montana, and R UDFA Zack Pauga, 6-1, 246, from the obligatory Colorado State. Maybe we will bring in another vet FB for competition.
Pics (http://www.foxsportshouston.com/pages/photogallery?gid=9352&gf=aggregate)
Quotes (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Monday-AM-practice/8f3355fa-f75b-4588-b81d-2da54364769b)
The RFA's (Joesph, Manning, even Foster, etc.) can't practice until Aug 4 because of a weird league rule.... but they're out there.....
Nconroe
08-01-2011, 06:44 PM
those are some good quotes and pics
probably lots of pics around, here are 54 more
http://houston.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2011/08/01/texans-camp-day-1/
and a day 1 practice wrapup http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Texans-kick-off-training-camp-with-first-practice-of-2011/3063ff57-121b-4782-836b-f8e1a328211f
Atleast I got the part about Cushing a little bit, so he is recovering and likely back to contact practice in a few days, only walk through and running practice for now.
And a good podcast with Pete Priscoe of CBS Sports making training camp rounds at Texans today.
http://houston.cbslocal.com/2011/08/01/texans-much-better-on-defense/
some more photos http://www.nfl.com/photos/09000d5d8212815e#id:09000d5d82126b7c
today
08-02-2011, 10:38 AM
McClain_on_NFL John McClain
Andre Johnson suffered a dislocated finger. Gary Kubiak said he hopes Johnson will be back on field this afternoon.
Good news after being worried about him the last couple of hours this morning, not knowing how serious it was.
Tuesday quotes from practice (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Tuesday-practice/0b956fc8-4186-4337-a21d-c94de7d2868c)
today
08-03-2011, 10:29 AM
McClain_on_NFL John McClain
Texans have agreed on a two- year contract with FB Lawrence Vickers.
Yea baby!
Just tweeted from SR 610,
fb Lawrence Vickers former Browns FB signed a 2 year contract. No details given.
today
08-03-2011, 10:42 AM
McClain_on_NFL John McClain
Vickers' deal is two years, $3 million and &500,000 to sign.
Good value IMO.
Good pics and good reads. As always Arky, thanks for your efforts.
From the chron: (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7681626.html)
Texans reach deal with fullback Vickers
The Texans have reached a contract agreement with former Cleveland fullback Lawrence Vickers.
Vickers' deal is for $3 million for two years with a $500,000 signing bonus. Vickers, 28, played his first five seasons with the Browns. Vickers (6-foot, 255 pounds) has a style similar to Vonte Leach, who signed with Baltimore. Vickers is a powerful lead blocker who didn't figure in the Browns' running and receiving game.
"I'm not just a lead blocker," Vickers said today. "I can run and I can catch. Vonte is Vonte. I'm not Vonte. I'm me. I bring a whole new dimension back there."
Vickers grew up in Beaumont, went to high school at Forest Brook and resides in Houston. He could be on the practice field as early as this afternoon.
"This feels great," Vickers said. "I'm excited. My family's excited."
Tight end James Casey, the backup fullback, gets the first shot at Leach's job. Vickers will be competing with Casey for playing time.
Somehow, I think this is already Vicker's job to lose..
Saw this on a PFT post:
"Per a source with knowledge of the cap numbers, here are the seven teams that were in the red:**** Raiders ($17.3 million), Steelers ($11.5 million), Texans ($8.5 million), Vikings ($5.6 million), Lions ($5 million), Cowboys ($3.7 million), and Panthers ($939,000)."
It will be interesting to see how they chop $8.5MM from the payroll.....by tomorrow......
Article states this is thru Tuesday, so Vickers' deal is probably not included in that figure.
Wednesday quotes from practice. (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Wednesday-practice/af04201b-9eae-4d6b-be8d-60e281a32f4b)
cadams
08-04-2011, 02:16 PM
Saw this on a PFT post:
"Per a source with knowledge of the cap numbers, here are the seven teams that were in the red:**** Raiders ($17.3 million), Steelers ($11.5 million), Texans ($8.5 million), Vikings ($5.6 million), Lions ($5 million), Cowboys ($3.7 million), and Panthers ($939,000)."
It will be interesting to see how they chop $8.5MM from the payroll.....by tomorrow......
Article states this is thru Tuesday, so Vickers' deal is probably not included in that figure.
AJ, Ryans and smith redid their contracts
Quotes from Thursday's practice (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Thursdays-practice/d037b7b0-ea74-420e-ac24-7fa1087220e5)
today
08-05-2011, 09:58 AM
Hope this is nothing serious, and I hope we don't have to go through this every day or two....
McClain_on_NFL John McClain
Foster may have pulled something. He's on the field but not carrying the ball anymore.
McClain_on_NFL John McClain
Gary Kubiak will explain after practice what happened to TE Owen Daniels and RB Arian Foster. Daniels went to the dressing room.
today
08-05-2011, 10:08 AM
Good news, Owen was just sick:
StephStradley Stephanie Stradley
Kubiak: Owen Daniels was sick today. Left practice early. "A bug going around."
Not so good news here, I'm glad Kubes pulled him asap:
StephStradley Stephanie Stradley
Arian Foster left. Did 40 min. "Hamstring tightened up" per Kubiak. Took out as precaution.
StephStradley Stephanie Stradley
Kubiak didn't seem very concerned w/ Arian Foster. Holding number players out. 1st day back. Says more details known at PM practice
Hope this is nothing serious, and I hope we don't have to go through this every day or two....
McClain_on_NFL John McClain
Foster may have pulled something. He's on the field but not carrying the ball anymore.
McClain_on_NFL John McClain
Gary Kubiak will explain after practice what happened to TE Owen Daniels and RB Arian Foster. Daniels went to the dressing room.
@StephStradley: Kubiak: Owen Daniels was sick today. Left practice early. "A bug going around." #Texans
@StephStradley
Arian Foster left. Did 40 min. "Hamstring tightened up" per Kubiak. Took out as precaution.
I wonder if they were "carted" off the field....... :rolleyes:
Nconroe
08-05-2011, 03:50 PM
well, we always hear mostly good things from camp this time of year
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7684983.html
Does seem like defense is looking good so far.
I don't think anyone was carted off the field, hopefully just a small tweak by Arian.
There was a short hi-lite of Texans training camp on NFL network this morning.
Nconroe
08-06-2011, 06:45 PM
Went out to practice this morning, lot of people there.
Quite a bite of offense vs defense emphasis today,
at QB seemed Leinert looked reasonable.
Since Foster and Ward on side today, Tate, Slaton, and Oglannuya all had some good runs.
AJ out, Jacoby and Walters made some good catches.
At TE Casey and Daniels made some nice catches, Daniels was stretching a lot but kept going back out on his rotation.
There was some emphasis on finishing and running out plays all the way, even if a busted play or incompletion.
JJ Watts seemed to have a pass knockdown or two.
at CB saw some nice interceptions and knockdowns by McManis, Joseph, Harris, Molden, Allen, and McCain. Of course there were some nice pass completions as well, mostly in the short and wide out type today.
Rackers got a good workout under game rush conditions and didn't miss any FG at all that I noticed, although they were all under 40 yds for today.
I won't say too much bad about anyone yet, still early.
JW295
08-07-2011, 08:59 AM
Looks like Terrance Toliver, Lestar Jean and JJ Watt are making noise in training camp. Also In this report, we hear from Johnathan Joseph, Gary Kubiak and Terrance Toliver (audio included). (http://thexlog.com/201108061851/xtra-point-football/nfl/houston-texans-training-camp-report/)
Blitzwood
08-07-2011, 08:45 PM
Looks like Terrance Toliver, Lestar Jean and JJ Watt are making noise in training camp. Also In this report, we hear from Johnathan Joseph, Gary Kubiak and Terrance Toliver (audio included). (http://thexlog.com/201108061851/xtra-point-football/nfl/houston-texans-training-camp-report/)
Wow, great reporting from J. Braddock, really getting hyped for this coming season, especially T. Toliver, Defense and Vickers, too. Im hoping the B. Reed thing is just your typical rookie adjustment.
Nconroe
08-08-2011, 01:22 PM
looks like Texans picked up some depth, insurance help at LB this weekend.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/07/texans-sign-tim-dobbins/
Dobbins played for Wade as a rookie in SD in 2006, so I guess he knows what he's getting.
We have a lot of LB on the 90 man roster, guess we shall see who makes it to the final cut.
painekiller
08-08-2011, 11:08 PM
Heading out there in the morning, cant' wait.
popanot
08-09-2011, 08:35 AM
We have a lot of LB on the 90 man roster, guess we shall see who makes it to the final cut.They might be more concerned about Cushing's knee than they're letting on... :(
They might be more concerned about Cushing's knee than they're letting on... :(
Might not be. Saw this on CBS Rapid Reports. Usually they are about 50% accurate.....but Kubes stated as much during his post practice report.
45 minutes ago - by Brandon Williams - LB Cushing (knee) due back soon
LB Brian Cushing (knee) could make his initial appearance on the practice field on Wednesday, but the team -- which has been cautious in his rehab -- could push Cushing's debut to Thursday. Either day still fits the target date coach Gary Kubiak had for the third-year vet. Texans RapidReports
popanot
08-09-2011, 03:02 PM
Their 'concern' might not be whether he can make it back to practice soon, but whether he can hold up through TC and into the season.
AJ for mayor
Anytime receiver Andre Johnson gets his hands on the ball, fans go crazy. He ran a crossing route this morning, caught a perfect pass from Matt Schaub, turn and ran into the end zone for touchdown. The fans went crazy cheering for him.
Puts on a show
Jeff Maehl, an undrafted receiver, put on a show in the morning practice and caught everything thrown to him. Working from the opponents’ 15-yard line, Maehl beat cornerback Shaun McManus and hauled in a beautifully thrown pass from Matt Leinart.
Playing takeaway
Second-year receiver Dorin Dickerson is off to a great start with the Texans. Even though he missed an offseason of coaching because of the lockout, Dickerson is a different receiver. He runs precise routes, makes quick cuts, shows excellent speed and athleticism and has been catching just about everything. On a fade route in the left corner, Matt Leinart threw a perfect pass, and the 6-2 Dickerson went high to take the ball away from 5-11 cornerback Johnathan Joseph for a touchdown.
Read more here (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7689985.html#ixzz1Ua2z24Gl)
painekiller
08-09-2011, 10:42 PM
Thanks Arky for posting that.
I was out there this morning, and I am excited by what I saw. (I know koolaid)
Steve Slaton was looking like the Steve Slaton of two years ago, but as my nephew reminded me, I thought Chris Henry looked like the real deal in practice last year.
Dorin Dickerson has really stepped up his game. He is looking like he deserves some playing time. They put him in tight one time and he flattened the OLB on the run play. Plus he seemed to catch everything in sight.
Leinart is a huge upgrade over the Dan O. He is accurate and shows a lot of touch. Down side is he not very mobile.
Joesph had some good plays and some not so good moments.
Just to to be fair to Jackson, he made some bad plays early, mixed in with some good reps, but he had a huge breakup at the goal line in red zone drills. The crowd went crazy for the kid.
Winston was mauled by Barwin on one of his few rush attempts. It would have been a huge sack. Barwin is an animal.
Nading was flashing all day long, could have had something to do with he is working with the 3rd team.
Danieal Manning had a huge kickoff return, oh and he can play a little safety. Want to add he was victimized by Owen Daniels who made a great catch while in tight coverage Manning.
Speaking of Owen, he is catching everything. He looked like the OD of old.
Lestar Jean, Toliver, and Maehl are trying to make the job for Kubiak to pick who is cut a hard one. All looked good.
News alert Anthony Hill still cannot catch a cold.
Heading back out there tomorrow, will try to update you guys then.
Keith
08-09-2011, 11:35 PM
Thank pk for the notes. Very helpful!
Curious to see how Barwin progresses this season. Earl Mitchell too. These two could be big keys to how the defense improves this season. Lots of good early reports on Watt, too, which is nice, but I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't still a big adjustment waiting for him his rookie year transitioning to the NFL's regular season. Still, encouraging feedback on his camp so far.
Let us know what you see from any of the rookies if you get a chance.
painekiller
08-10-2011, 12:31 AM
Thank pk for the notes. Very helpful!
Curious to see how Barwin progresses this season. Earl Mitchell too. These two could be big keys to how the defense improves this season. Lots of good early reports on Watt, too, which is nice, but I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't still a big adjustment waiting for him his rookie year transitioning to the NFL's regular season. Still, encouraging feedback on his camp so far.
Let us know what you see from any of the rookies if you get a chance.
I watched Watts a lot today, and all I can say is he appears to be a man among boys. On one play, I'm watching the ball, and all the sudden a huge pile is created in the middle of the line. Watts had taken the OT into the OG and and put both on the ground. I'm telling you the he is impressing me already.
Reed looks OK, has a high motor and he was the guy chasing Leinart, which prompted me to say Matt was not very mobile.
I forgot to look and watch Harris, will try to tomorrow.
Yates looked pretty good for a rookie, he has shown pose, he has size, and better arm strength than Schaub. Looks like he can be a future 2, maybe more?
I only saw Keo on a few plays and I noticed he was not on the Kick off teams we watched today.
Bryan Braman UDFA from West Texas A&M, really wants to make this team. He is playing ILB also and he made a hit that put someone on his ass, I'm sorry but I missed who it was. Also he was heard from across the field yelling “You gotta love your job! Every rep!” during a water break.
Cheta is playing ILB and he looked OK to me, probably a PS guy, but we don't have many ILBs in camp.
Saw a guy running sprints on the back field who looked like a RB with his speed, turned out to be UDFA Mister Alexander ILB from Florida State.
Most of the notes I gave in my first report where things I saw without them being in the early reports form the Chron.com
As for the 1st team Offense, most of the time they looked good in the run game. When we did the red zone work, it seemed to me that the offense won some and the defense won some. Which is what I want to see.
The team is better then it has been in a long time. It reminds me of the feel of the Oilers in the late 80's right as they started their playoff run, a lot of talent that is trying to learn to win. Health, Health and Health is going to be a big key.
I'll get some more tomorrow.
nunusguy
08-10-2011, 08:13 AM
Good stuff PK, will look forward to same after this mornings practice.
I'll add a couple things from my visit to practice yesterday where I spent most of my time over at the one-on-ones between Dlineman/LBs and Olineman before leaving early.
I thought Brooks Reed was maybe the most impressive individual because of his outstanding quickness - that guy really gets out of the blocs, but he is on the smallish side which makes one think he's not destined to be an everydown defender ?
At the other extreme is Mario who showed great strength as he ran over Winstons azz with his bull rush, but I just don't see the quickness with him you'd expect from an elite 4-3 edge rusher let alone a 3-4 OLB ? And what was interesting was that after awhile they let the LBs go elsewhere and just kept the Dlineman to do one-on-ones vs the Olineman, except Mario remained behind with the Dlineman ? Maybe that speaks to the hybrid nature of his position, or maybe something else, I dunno ?
Their 'concern' might not be whether he can make it back to practice soon, but whether he can hold up through TC and into the season.
True dat.
According to some Twitter reports, he was on the field today running part-time with the 1's.
Don't see him playing Monday, but should be good to go for the Saints as long as he doesn't have a set back.
Thanks to Arky & PK for getting out there in that 100 degree heat to let us know some things. Stay hydrated guys. We really appreciate your efforts.
If Brooks Reed is really 6-2, 263, I don't see how he could look "small"?
nunusguy
08-10-2011, 03:47 PM
Thanks to Arky & PK for getting out there in that 100 degree heat to let us know some things. Stay hydrated guys. We really appreciate your efforts.
If Brooks Reed is really 6-2, 263, I don't see how he could look "small"?
I gather you are referring to my description of Reed, and I probably could have used a better adjective than "small". Perhaps I should have said he was relatively "short" when compared to somebody like Connar Barwin who's overall length seems to make him better suited to play the 3-4 OLB position ?
Oh OK, now I see where you were coming from. I imagine most people would look "small" with all those behemoths out there.
painekiller
08-11-2011, 11:11 AM
Yesterday was not an easy day to report on. They did a large portion of the practice on the south side of the field, thus my position near the 20 on the north side bleachers was not a good seat for that part of practice.
If you saw the chron.com report of practice yesterday you got most of my observations.
I will add a couple of notes I remember, The running backs on the field yesterday, Ward, Slaton and Chris Ogbonnaya, all looked sharp. Slaton is showing the burst he had as a rookie, and has had some big runs in camp. Ogbonnaya is showing speed and quickness I do not remember from his days at Texas. Tate is still on the sideline and he is losing ground. He is in desperate need of reps, and Slaton has been able to secure his spot as at he number 3 back. Not saying that Tate will be cut or is a bust, just saying he is falling further behind.
Holiday had a huge punt return that highlighted his speed, he hit the seam and he was gone no one could get near him, he is going to have to do that in the games a few times to make this team.
The UDFA WRs that the scouts secured are all pushing for that #5 WR spot. I am glad that I am not having to make this decision. Jean, Maehl and Toliver are all making cases for making this team. I have Jean slightly ahead of Toliver on the outside, and Maehl is a slot guy that is an upgrade over Anderson right now. So keeping all three will be tough.
Right now my favorite UDFA defender is Bryan Braman. He is at worse a practice squad guy. He is old for a rookie, 25, but he is showing a huge motor and great quickness at the OLB. He had another big play today, a sack.
I have to say, I am not seeing Mario flash in camp in the team drills. Could it be why he is getting called out by AJ?
Sorry Keith, but no big report on Harris. That does not means he has done bad, but the plays I watched him on, he had solid coverage and no one challenged him with a throw. So he did not have any big plays, just solid plays on a consistent basis. I guess that is a report.
Keo is not getting any return work with the ST which is surprising me. They are working Quin on punts, go figure.
Our high priced free agent DBs appear to worth every penny, and I agree with all the hype in the paper, The opening day starters at CB will be Joseph and Allen. I don't see that Jackson is consistent enough to get on the field as a starter yet. And I am not calling Jackson a bust, just not the 2nd best CB we got right now. Jackson is looking better than last year, but not as good as Allen right now. And in the NFL you never have to many CBs.
Oh and Watts...........
Taking advantage
Running back Chris Ogbonnaya is getting a lot of chances to carry the ball even though he went to camp fifth on the depth chart.
Arian Foster and Ben Tate have been out with hamstring injuries. Steve Slaton suffered a hamstring injury, too, during the morning practice. Ogbonnaya and Derrick Ward should get a lot of action in practice and in Sunday's preseason opener against the New York Jets.
Stripping the ball
Glover Quin was the team's best cornerback after his first two seasons, but he was moved to strong safety during the offseason. Quin has good size (6-0, 203), speed (4.55), instincts and hitting ability for safety.
In the morning practice, Matt Schaub threw a beautiful pass to the sideline for Andre Johnson. Right when Johnson was about to catch the ball and pull it to his chest, Quin showed a great closing burst, reached out and stripped the ball from Johnson, which doesn't happen very often.
Keep an eye on
A couple of defensive backs who continue to make plays and earn praise from their coaches are cornerback Sherrick McManis and safety Quintin Demps.
McManis (6-1, 193) and Demps (5-11, 206) made a lot of plays during the morning practice. McManis enters his second season. Demps is a four-year veteran who grew up in San Antonio and played at UTEP. The coaches will be watching them closely Monday night against the Jets.
Looking good
It’s not as if any extra evidence was necessary, but TE Owen Daniels and WR Andre Johnson are and have been exceptional… Rookie free agent WR Jeff Maehl continues to impress. Wide receivers coach Larry Kirksey was reserved Thursday in his praise of Maehl, mostly because the former Oregon star hasn’t shown what he can do yet in live action, but Kirksey said there were things the wide receiver possessed that can’t be taught. “He’s not a fast-twitch athlete, but at the same time, you find him making plays out here on the field,” Kirksey said. “He has a long ways to catch up with the speed of the game, but at the same time, he has playing speed… He’s someone who gets open and plays smart.”
Have had better days
Matt Leinart wasn’t as sharp as he was to open training camp, and the timing is curious because he’s slated to play plenty in Monday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets.
More at the chron (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7693189.html#ixzz1Ukzvh2Wx)
painekiller
08-12-2011, 10:49 AM
Biggest news today was Casey appears to have hurt his ankle. It looked like his ankle rolled on a catch late in practice, and he was very slow in getting up. He laid flat for a at least 30 seconds before getting up. He was helped off the field, but was walking with his weight on the ankle. He was limping. Not sure how bad it was.
News flash, Maehl dropped a pass today. And TE Hill actually caught one.
I want to point out Allen was working with the 1st team, but so was Jackson. I did not see Joseph in team drills. Not sure if I just missed him or what. Jackson had a real nice day. He stripped AJ on a few occasions. Like I said yesterday, he has improved. It's amazing what a pro coach can do with raw talent.
As for Harris, I watched him on a large number of plays. In team drill late in practice they played it like a game, the #2 offense in a 3 wide set got the ball on the 20 and they had to work against the #2 defense in a nickle package. Harris was on Maehl who has had a wonderful camp. Harris covered Maehl and keep him from being involved in the game. I think Maehl was targeted on one play and Harris broke it up. Brice was working with the #1's nickle.
Mario was back out there today. I'm still not seeing him making plays. Barwin has looked like a beast.
A note on Casey, he was working only with the 2nd team today. And Vickers was blown up again today, second time this week I've seen him blown up. Not just beaten, but blown up.
Leinart is a good solid backup, and Yates is still looking good.
Ward and Ogbonnaya both looked great again. So the OL is looking solid in the run game.
Channel 13 was saying that Joseph tweaked his hammy so was held out of morning workouts. A lot of hammies a result of the lockout and lack of OTA's IMO.
Channel 13 was saying that Joseph tweaked his hammy so was held out of morning workouts. A lot of hammies a result of the lockout and lack of OTA's IMO.
CBS Rapid Reports
Aug. 12, 2011 12:10 p.m. - by Brandon Williams - Joseph misses practice with groin issues
CB Johnathan Joseph missed Friday morning's practice with a mild groin pull, but is expected back for Saturday's sessions. The team did get WR Lestar Jean back after he missed Thursday while recovering from being inadvertently kneed in the head during Wednesday morning's drills. Texans RapidReports
painekiller
08-12-2011, 09:17 PM
CBS Rapid Reports
Aug. 12, 2011 12:10 p.m. - by Brandon Williams - Joseph misses practice with groin issues
CB Johnathan Joseph missed Friday morning's practice with a mild groin pull, but is expected back for Saturday's sessions. The team did get WR Lestar Jean back after he missed Thursday while recovering from being inadvertently kneed in the head during Wednesday morning's drills. Texans RapidReports
This is the report I heard also, groin not hammy.
edo783
08-12-2011, 09:59 PM
PFT is reporting that he has taken a shot in the groin to loosen it up. That sounds bad on sooo many levels.
nunusguy
08-13-2011, 08:12 AM
I had a couple groin pulls in school (both track and football), and they can keep you out for awhile. I dunno, which is worse, a groin or hamstring injury
and which usually requires the most time for recovery ?
JW295
08-13-2011, 08:43 AM
Hey Texan fans, if you want an up-to-date report on what's going on with the Texans, click here (http://thexlog.com/201108130925/xtra-point-football/nfl/houston-texans-training-camp-whos-in-whos-out/) as NFL Scout Jayson Braddock shares his observations on both players and coaches as they prepare for their Monday Night game against the Jets (audio included).
Interesting......
@espn_afcsouth: Antonio Smith on Sirius Radio right now talking about playing some nose in nickel situations. #Texans
chuck
08-13-2011, 11:29 AM
To everyone providing first-hand camp reports - great work, thanks, I appreciate all of it.
Sorry, it was groin, not hammy. :o I had both at one time or another playing for ye "Ol almamater. The groin was the harder of the two to get over.
Video: ESPN's Paul Kuharsky - Camping with the Texans (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/26480/video-camping-with-the-texans)
Looks like Tate's back on the field:
@HoustonTexans
Houston Texans Coach Kubiak on if RB Ben Tate will play vs. Saints: "Yeah, I hope so...He felt good (today)...He needs to play a little bit."
Foster came back yesterday, Ward will likely be sidelined this week due to concussion rules.
2 up, 1 down, not a real bad trade off.
I fully expect to see the Obi-whatever show in the 2nd half vs. the Saints. Give Foster Q1, Tate Q2, then let the kid run again.
Nconroe
08-18-2011, 11:38 AM
It appears Caldwell and Studdard out a while on OL for high ankle sprains, so , guess we see more of the young guys there.
Wonder if Jonathan Josephs hammy will be good enough to play against the Saints?
Hoping they put some emphasis on kick returns and return coverage this week.
cadams
08-18-2011, 11:39 AM
on forster, i would be fine if he didn't play this weekend again. don't want to risk aggravating that hammy
popanot
08-18-2011, 02:08 PM
Wonder if Jonathan Josephs hammy will be good enough to play against the Saints?I saw somewhere (I think on @NickScurfield's Twitter) where he was doing light workouts and running on the non-practice field. I highly doubt we'll see him this weekend.
I saw somewhere (I think on @NickScurfield's Twitter) where he was doing light workouts and running on the non-practice field. I highly doubt we'll see him this weekend.
From the practice quotes:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Thursday-practice/bd9901d5-338b-4743-8dfc-38b3ac051f0f
(on if CB Johnathan Joseph will play on Saturday) “I’d say it’s 50-50.”
painekiller
08-19-2011, 11:19 PM
It appears Caldwell and Studdard out a while on OL for high ankle sprains, so , guess we see more of the young guys there.
Wonder if Jonathan Josephs hammy will be good enough to play against the Saints?
Hoping they put some emphasis on kick returns and return coverage this week.
J Joe has a groin strain, a little bit dicier IMO. So As much as I want to see him, him resting the groin another week doesn't bother me.
Monday quotes (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Monday-practice-quotes/3df79c88-8ceb-4019-a780-9dbbdcf7af59):
Head Coach Gary Kubiak
(on if there is any new health news) “No, pretty much the same today, Johnathan Joseph back to work. We were real light today just getting moving. We’re going to start our week tomorrow. Joseph was back on the field today. Paul Williams was back on the field today, so a few bodies came back, but other than that we’re still working the same way.”
(on if RB Derrick Ward is closer to getting cleared to play) “Derrick did practice today and should be cleared here any time. We expect him to be available this weekend.”
(on if he’s worried about ILB DeMeco Ryans) “No, I think it’s just taking some time. It (his elbow) got really swollen on him and just getting the flexibility back and going through the rehab process. We were being smart last week. Today, you all can see we didn’t do much at all. It’ll be day-to-day with him, but I don’t have any doubt that he will be back sometime soon.”
(on his assessment of training camp) “I think it’s been good. Obviously the heat’s been very, very difficult, but I think our football team is in excellent shape. I like the way we’re holding up as far as our wind and stuff watching us play. We’re basically done today and get on our routine this week the way we do things in a normal season, so trying to get guys ready for the season.”
(on how long the first team will play against the 49ers on Saturday) “My first answer would be three quarters. We’ll see. Obviously we try to play a little bit more and get close to full game. We turn around and play Minnesota on Thursday, so I’ll play them as much as a possibly can this weekend.”
(on if there’s any update on WR Lestar Jean) “He’s got a pretty banged up shoulder. They’re in an evaluation process right now. You’re not going to see him out here in the next couple days, but should know more here toward the end of this week.”
(more) (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Monday-practice-quotes/3df79c88-8ceb-4019-a780-9dbbdcf7af59)
Wednesday quotes:
Head Coach Gary Kubiak
(on what he needs to see from WR Jacoby Jones this year) “Continue to make more plays. He had his biggest year with us as a pro last year. He and (WR) Kevin (Walter) pushed each other every day. I think all three of those guys as starters. That’s the reason we want him back on this team. I think he’s in position now to make even more and more plays.”
(on if he still expects WR Jacoby Jones to contribute on special teams) “Oh yeah, he’ll definitely be our punt returns and (FS) Danieal (Manning) will be our kick returner. It’s time for him to have some of those returns. He’s had some in the past and it’s time for him to get back on the top of his game.”
(on if RB Derrick Ward has been cleared to play on Saturday) “Good question. He’s been practicing. He will be cleared. I know that. I don’t know if it was today or tomorrow, but he will be cleared.”
(on how he’s going to divide the carries between the running backs) “Well, (RB) Arian (Foster) needs to work, so the first group’s going to play three quarters of football. That means that (RB) Derrick (Ward) and (RB Ben) Tate will spell him from that standpoint and one of those guys will take the fourth quarter. Like I said, there’s still plenty of balls to be carried between now and opening day and we’ll see how it pans out.”
(on if there’s any chance ILB DeMeco Ryans or NT Earl Mitchell will play on Saturday) “Yeah, I think there’s a chance with both of them. DeMeco’s doing a lot better today. I watched him work with Kap (Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer Geoff Kaplan). He’s got his flexibility back. I didn’t want him out here because we were beating on each other a little bit today, so I’m trying to be smart. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”
more (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Wednesday-Practice/b80e8554-46f2-42cb-8f69-1770bd62dd5a)
painekiller
08-24-2011, 10:14 PM
Wednesday quotes:
more (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Wednesday-Practice/b80e8554-46f2-42cb-8f69-1770bd62dd5a)
Thanks for posting these everyday Arky, I forget to go to the official site and your post get's me over there
Nconroe
08-24-2011, 10:16 PM
Looks like J Jo practicing so we may see him Saturday.
Brian Cushing said he is painfree for first time in five years so expects to be faster this year.
And the big deal, congratulations to Shiloh Keo family on birthb of baby boy today.
Thanks for posting these everyday Arky, I forget to go to the official site and your post get's me over there
Eh, no problem. :) When it comes to Texans info, I find these straight-from-the-horse's-mouth comments to be better than sifting through a bunch of messageboard blah, blah, blah or speculation (no offense to any discussions here past, present or future).
nunusguy
08-25-2011, 06:59 AM
Looks like J Jo practicing so we may see him Saturday.
Brian Cushing said he is painfree for first time in five years so expects to be faster this year.
And the big deal, congratulations to Shiloh Keo family on birthb of baby boy today.
J Jo is apparently picking up where he left off in Cincy by initiating a new history of injury for this city ?
And Cushing is reportedly 10 lbs lighter this year, but is that a positive if they are moving him inside especially with our smallish front ?
And I worry about Shilohs chances to continue as his familys breadwinner, given the kinda start his NFL career is off to, but hopefully he'll pick it up in these last 2 preseason games. Anyway congrats on the baby !
Sheesh, what a worry-wart.
Thursday quotes:
Head Coach Gary Kubiak
(on if there was anything unusual today) “No, we had to stay inside because of the weather, so our normal guys we hold off the turf, we held today. Other than that, we had a good practice. It’s good work for us, go play on the road in this League, learn how to handle traveling and getting ready to play.”
(on if he’s made a decision on if ILB DeMeco Ryans will play on Saturday) “Well he wouldn’t practice today on the turf. I wouldn’t turn him loose. We’ll see. We’ll wake up tomorrow, see where he’s at. Obviously he hasn’t had any work this week. That really doesn’t scare me really as much as just that we do the right thing with him.”
(on if it’s a big deal if ILB DeMeco Ryans doesn’t play on Saturday) “I think every player needs to play. I don’t care who they are. DeMeco has played a lot of football, but we have to do what’s best for him physically right now. I think he’s going to be fine, so we’ll see.”
(on the offensive line’s health) “It’s a little nerve-racking right now. Obviously our ones have been fine. Our second group is really our third group that we started camp with. It’s been a struggle here the last couple weeks. We’ll see. It’s a big game to get through hopefully healthy and play those young guys next week, but we’re down in numbers.”
(on G Shelley Smith’s injury) “He got rolled up yesterday and so he’s not out here today. We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”
(on if it’s nerve-racking from an injury standpoint) “Yeah, just think about this; normally our second group has been (Kasey) Studdard, (Antoine) Caldwell, (Rashad) Butler; that’s a dang good group and all of a sudden it’s all young guys. When you get beat up in camp, those are types of things that happen and I think it really showed up especially in the second half last week offensively. We didn’t play very well in my opinion. It’s an opportunity for those young guys and a couple of them may end up making this team, so we’ll see.”
more (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Quotes-Thursday-practice/9d83fb02-4fbd-4a9b-8900-b7239d1decfa)
Nconroe
08-25-2011, 04:59 PM
wow, Rashad Butler is injured as well, I guess I missed that.
hope Caldwell and Butler are.Returning soon. Studdard appears out for season.
Hope a few of those big young OL can step up.
popanot
08-26-2011, 06:53 AM
J Jo is apparently picking up where he left off in Cincy by initiating a new history of injury for this city ?
And Cushing is reportedly 10 lbs lighter this year, but is that a positive if they are moving him inside especially with our smallish front ?
And I worry about Shilohs chances to continue as his familys breadwinner, given the kinda start his NFL career is off to, but hopefully he'll pick it up in these last 2 preseason games. Anyway congrats on the baby !Thanks for that little ray of sunshine.
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