Training camp 2014 news

[Arky]

Training camp is cranking up. Won't be long before we are watching pre-season games. AJ is back and sounds like he's ready to go. Jonathan Joseph is active after missing off season workouts while recovering from toe surgery.

Day 1 pics (http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/07/texans-cb-johnathan-joseph-active-as-camp-opens/#25408101=0).

[WMH]

From the chronic:
http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/07/texans-add-pair-of-veteran-linebackers-in-groves-sidbury/


The Texans worked out outside linebackers on Saturday and signed two veterans, Quentin Groves and Lawrence Sidbury.

Groves, Jacksonville’s second-round pick in 2008, is playing with his fourth team. Groves (6-3, 265) played two years for Jacksonville, two for Oakland, one for Arizona and last season for Cleveland.

Sidbury (6-2, 266) was Atlanta’s fourth-round pick in 2009. He played four seasons for the Falcons and spent last season with Indianapolis.

[HPF Bob]

Groves seems to have been a bust wherever he's gone. I'm presuming these are Romeo's choices more than Smith or O'Brien because Romeo knows best who can fit his defense.

IIRC, Groves had a lot of sacks in college which was why he was drafted so high.

[Arky]

Some more moves (http://www.houstontexans.com/team/transactions.html):

07/27/2014 The Texans have waived the following players - injured: Alan Bonner and Cody White

07/27/2014 The Texans have waived the following player – left squad: Anthony Dima

[Keith]

hey this Clowney rookie looks pretty good.

https://twitter.com/CaptRonBRB/status/493823563099803649

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/7/28/5945471/jadeveon-clowney-hit-texans-practice

[barrett]

Wow. After watching that clip I'm about 100% more excited about the coming season.

[Nconroe]

John Harris had a a training camp report , this was no. 9 on Clowney:

"It was the first opportunity for the Houston public to see Jadeveon Clowney up close. He didn't disappoint.

On his first rep during 9-on-7, he drove TE Ryan Griffin back into the ball closing down an open hole.

On the second, he ran down the RB from behind.

On the third, he was so fast off the ball that he nearly created another 2013 Outback Bowl moment, although he pulled off on the hit on RB..."

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/24-Training-Camp-Observations-Day-3/36f0dc50-8caa-44f1-974f-0ab07a340501

Ok, guys were in pads , still early, lots of positives .

From pictures, Looks like at practice the Texans added some more bleachers and perhaps cut down number of free tickets to a practice? hope so

http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/photo-gallery/Fans-Training-Camp-Day-3/cc86e0eb-b5c5-4fb3-acae-d188324c85ad

[Nconroe]

more changes : couple minor 90 man roster changes today

Added
They signed on Tuesday Tim Cornett, 6'0", 209, 4.4 in 40, over 1200 rushing yds last two yrs. a undrafted rookie out of UNLV, he was UDFA to Arizona but they waived him. Apparently needed since Arian has been unable to practice for a few days.

Also Added OL Mike Farrell, 6'6", 303 lbs, out of Penn State in 2013 I believe.

Waived
Ricky Sapp , OLB, who just coulldn't seem to get healthy all this preseason. We had brought in the two other OLB a couple days ago, Groves and Sidbury.

Seems to me the Texans will have more depth on their final 53 man roster this year than last year, partly because the 25 or so first year guys who made squad last year will now be in second year.

[barrett]

How lucky are we to cheer for this guy?

http://grantland.com/features/j-j-watt-houston-texans-2014-nfl-preview/

Also, the quality of writing on grantland vs parent site ESPN is like reading a Charles Dickens novel vs 3rd grade "what I did last summer" essays.

[Arky]

Tania Ganguli on Texans Camp Report Day 4 (http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/6591/texans-camp-report-day-4?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

• Defensive lineman Jeoffrey Pagan, one of the Texans' three sixth-round picks this year, has appeared to catch on pretty well after missing the entire spring while recovering from shoulder surgery. His position coach, though, is not ready to assess Pagan's progress. "He's been out [here] for less than a week," Bill Kollar said. "Right now I really don't have an opinion one way or another. He's getting a little bit better technique-wise, but again, like everybody else he has a long way to go right now." What does a rookie fall the most behind on when he misses practices? "You fall behind on everything. Conditioning, technique, everything. Football is a sport, it has got to be hands on. You can watch all the film you want and stuff, but you have to be out there actually playing the technique to improve."

• Two new players were at Texans camp on Tuesday: offensive lineman Mike Farrell, a Penn State alumnus, and running back Tim Cornett . Cornett went to UNLV but attended high school in the Houston area. The rookie running back made his presence felt during a team drill in which he bulldozed a defensive back. The Texans also released Ricky Sapp, according to the league's transaction list.

• Once the pads came on, fullback Jay Prosch's blocking ability really began to stand out. He'll be a boon in the running game.

• I've really liked watching running back Alfred Blue. He's very talented as a runner, a hard worker and coachable. The aspect of the game that young running backs struggle with the most is pass protection. It'll be interesting to see his ability there.

• Head coach Bill O'Brien said offensive guard Brandon Brooks is close to returning. Earlier in the week he declined to share what had landed Brooks on the active/non-football injury list. Safety Lonnie Ballentine was not practicing with an injury he suffered during camp. On Ballentine, Andre Johnson and Arian Foster, O'Brien used the same line: "I don't think it's life threatening."

• And since I mentioned the offense struggling in an earlier post, I should also mention this. The receivers continued looking terrific. EZ Nwachukwu is making a serious case for himself.

Been hearing many thing good things about wide receiver EZ Nwachukwu like the above. Also, I think another to keep an eye on is Lacoltan Bester, WR out of Oklahoma. I got a feeling about this guy..... I see practice squad minimum.... So very important to these guys that they look good in the preseason games.

[Nconroe]

What do you think about guys who make a mental mistake have to run a lap?

We used to do that in high school. might make guys really pay attention.

[barrett]

I am sure guys are on board with laps from the new coach now. If we win this year I am sure they will stay on board and they'll call him a great motivator. If we lose this year they will rebel/quit on the idiot who treats them like kids and makes them run laps.

The dictator act works great when you win and terrible when you lose. Since I only care about us winning, I am all for it. BOB will either bring discipline and victories and be the next Bellichek, or he will bring losses and rebellion and be the next McDaniels.

[HPF Bob]

O'Brien used the same line: "I don't think it's life threatening."

Guy really takes after Belichick, doesn't he?

BOB will either bring discipline and victories and be the next Bellichek, or he will bring losses and rebellion and be the next McDaniels.

Spot on, Barrett.

[painekiller]

And we all thought Kubiak was tight lipped. I miss his "openness" now.

[Nconroe]

I think I like the way BoB is coaching so far.

Seems to preach teamwork, daily improvement, play smart, understand several positions, be flexible, communicate with each other, have fun, up tempo, be active, work hard. Offense and defense both multiple with players reading in real time for next action.

And he has guys believing his methods will make them a winner. They seem to joke with BOB and believe so far.

I'm not sure if it is dictator, but it is immediate feedback to learn and teach.
I was thinking the"not life threatening" was a funny joke. enjoyed it.

I can't wait to see a practice, preseason and then real season to begin.

An example of handing out reward and praise as well from todays practice to Duane Brown-motivator
"On a play near the end of practice, Kareem Jackson intercepted a pass and was pursued by Brown for the length of the field. Following the play, Brown left the practice field in a golf cart at the suggestion of head coach Bill O’Brien.

“I think he chased K-Jack (Kareem Jackson) about 95 yards, 100 yards, and 322 pounds,” O’Brien said Wednesday. “You know, that was a hell of an effort by Duane Brown. He’s another guy that I probably don’t talk about enough. He means a lot to this football team, great teammate, really good person, tough guy, fun guy to coach, really puts the team first. He left it out on the field on that one. We just told him to take it in and maybe get in the air conditioning a little sooner than the rest of them.”

[barrett]

I think I like the way BoB is coaching so far.

Seems to preach teamwork, daily improvement, play smart, understand several positions, be flexible, communicate with each other, have fun, up tempo, be active, work hard. Offense and defense both multiple with players reading in real time for next action.

And he has guys believing his methods will make them a winner. They seem to joke with BOB and believe so far.

I'm not sure if it is dictator, but it is immediate feedback to learn and teach.
I was thinking the"not life threatening" was a funny joke. enjoyed it.

I can't wait to see a practice, preseason and then real season to begin.

I think as long as we win they will continue to like him. Everybody loves someone who helps you be successful.

But if we are 6-10, then all of a sudden grown men won't be so fired up about running laps.

I am all for it. I think it was needed after Kubiak (AJ made a comment about the difference and how it was needed). I just think he needs to win to maintain the benefit of the doubt they are currently giving him.

[chuck]

And we all thought Kubiak was tight lipped. I miss his "openness" now.

I don't miss anything about that motherscratcher.

And I'm pretty sure the lap running is a training camp thing. If they're still running laps in week ten I'll raise my eyebrows a bit.

[Arky]

John Harris:

Ultimate 11: Week One TC 'Eyecatchers' (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Ultimate-11-Week-One-TC-Eyecatchers/c759e8e4-751c-491d-946d-76645b3c649f)

11. DE Ricardo Mathews (No. 94) was signed in the off-season to little fanfare. But, after seeing him this week, it's seemingly money well spent. He's played some over the nose, spelling Jerrell Powe, and some at the 3-4 DE position. His versatility is key but he's sudden, quick and powerful at the point of attack. He's got a stockier build but that also makes him ultra-difficult to block.

10. I've seen ILB Max Bullough (No. 53) play 20+ times if I've seen him once. At 252 pounds, I knew that he'd shine against the run in the middle. But, he's surprised me with his coverage ability; it's much better than I thought, even in man-to-man situations. I've noticed a few times when the undrafted rookie from Michigan State ran step-for-step with a RB or TE in man-to-man coverage.

9. If you're one of the lucky ones to have seen the first day of OLB Jadeveon Clowney (No. 90) in pads, you can always say "you were there". He's still not even 100% but the burst, the power, the ability to re-direct and the competitive fire are 100% evident. His overall game needs to be honed, even he'd admit that, but he can do things on a football field that mere mortals can't. Then why is he only 9th? Keeping bonus baby rookies in their place...for now.

8. ILB Justin Tuggle (No. 57) has played only a short amount of time at linebacker, be it inside or outside, but he's been a pleasant surprise with his instincts and pursuit to the football. Sure, the linebacker lineage runs in his blood (his Dad Jessie was a Pro Bowl linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons), but he's striving to make his own name here in Houston. He's doing that and then some with his start to camp.

7. I went to Texas A&M's first Pro Day, because, well, the Aggies had two of them, if you recall. But, that's neither here nor there, but on that first Pro Day, WR Travis Labhart (No. 17) performed extremely well. His 20-yard shuttle, 3-cone drill and 40-yard dash were on par with some of the best receivers in the 2014 draft class. A few of us chatted him up after the workout and jokingly said "hey, would love to see you in Houston", not thinking it would actually happen. Thankfully, it did because he's been outstanding since arriving back in May. I saw him drop one quick screen early on day one in pads. That's the only drop I've seen. He's made diving catches, catches on fourth down, catches across the middle and catches in the end zone. I don't know how the numbers will shake out for him come Cut Week/Day but he's making it difficult for this staff to let him go.

6. RB Alfred Blue (No. 44) got only 71 carries in his final year at LSU but he's probably had that many touches and then some during his first week in Houston. During mini-camps and OTAs, I wondered aloud how much courage rookie running backs have when the pads go on. Luckily, that's not even close to being an issue with Blue. He's got burst to and through holes with some juice, not to mention his contributions in the passing game as well.

5. DE Tim Jamison (No. 96) might be the most difficult guy for the OL to block consistently well on this team (minus that really good No. 99 fella). I don't know that I've seen a pass rush 1-on-1 rep in which he's been completely defeated. It's the best I've seen him look in his years in Houston.

4. When the three day rookie mini-camp in May concluded, I was hoping that WR EZ Nwachkwu (No. 17) could carry the momentum of that weekend into full team mini-camps and OTAs. He's done that and then some. He's been playing with a ton of confidence and catching everything thrown his way. He's not the most natural hands catcher, but his hands are improving. He can fly and gets open in the middle of the field more than any other WR right now.

3. DE Julius Warmsley (No. 74) is the wrong size, the wrong body type and the wrong position. But, he's done more right than many of his co-horts in camp this week. He's short for a DL and weighs well under 300 pounds, yet he finds a way to do something in camp each and every day. He'll whip an OL for a "sack" and then bat down a pass. I've mentioned before that he came to Houston back in May on a tryout during rookie mini-camp, earned a contract and has played like he has nothing to lose. Again, the numbers are stacked against him, but his effort and production in week one are more than worth mentioning.

2. WR Mike Thomas (No. 89) left Wednesday's practice after chasing Kareem Jackson down after an interception but he'll be back on the field soon. The Texans need him because he's perhaps the most natural slot receiver this team possesses. His ability to create separation in short spaces is uncanny and impressive. I'm not the only one that's noticed, either.

1. This is going to shock many, but you know what, so be it (it'll be one of the last times I'll talk about kickers, presumably). K Randy Bullock (No. 4) and Chris Boswell (No. 2) have shined kicking field goals on a daily basis. Through three days of the FG kicking competition, I can only remember two field goals missed - one by each. Both have bombed kicks from 50 yards and deeper and most of the kicks are right down the middle. I know, I know, there isn't much pressure on kickers in training camp and no live rush up to this point. Regardless, I don't often talk nice about kickers, but they deserve some kind words.

[Nconroe]

Good to get all the camp news, but I was thinking as I read all these daily analysis that there must be at least 80 guys being named as having a great day.

But then we keep waiving players and bringing in new guys.

waived today is Trevardo Williams, I guess didn't get over injury, another draft pick from last year. too bad.

and brought in two more
1. wide receiver Joe Adams , 5'11", 185 24, 2012 out of Arkansas, also kick returner ,basically replaces Bonner who went on waivers/IR
2. OT, Brice Schwab, 6'7", 302 24, played at Arizona State in 2012, practice squad for Carolina Panthers and NE Patriots.

Seems we have quite a few OT or OL in camp for the time being, maybe trying to find someone who can stop our defense consistently. Its early.

[barrett]

Good to get all the camp news, but I was thinking as I read all these daiily analysis that there must atleast 80 guys being named as having a great day.

But then we keep waiving players and bringing in new guys.

waived today is Trevardo Williams, I guess didn't get over injury, another draft pick from last year. too bad.

and brought in two more
1. wide receiver Joe Adams , 24, 2012 out of Arkansas ,basically replaces Bonner who went on IR
2. OT, Schwab, 24, played at Arizona State in 2012, practice squad for Carolina and Panthers.

Seems we have quite a few OT or OL in camp for the time being, maybe trying to find someone who can stop our defense consistently. Its early.

That's the problem with having a terrible local paper. The best coverage we get on the Texans right now is written by the Texans. The Chronicle is terrible, ESPN's Texans reporter is terrible and writes all fluff, and so the Texans website is the best we get. It may be officially biased but at least it's well written and football smart.

[Arky]

John Harris:

26 Training Camp Observations: Day 6 (partial)



.............

2. The two new players added to the roster were former Arkansas All-American punt returner Joe Adams and former Arizona State OT Brice Schwab. The latter was drafted by Carolina in 2012 after a stellar career as a Razorback but didn't make the roster. He came in for a workout on Thursday and showed well, so the Texans signed him. Schwab was undrafted coming out of Arizona State following the 2012 season but he spent 2013 with Tampa Bay and New England. The roster churn continues at all times in the NFL and there's no telling when an opportunity turns into something bigger.

3. As it pertains to Adams on the field, he is well schooled catching punts. I was standing next to Deepi Sidhu (@deepslant) watching Adams catch punts and I told her that his form was perfect, his technique was "teaching tape" worthy. Now he just has to do something with it when he does catch it.

4. Schwab's size strikes you right away. The rust was evident during drills but what he did today was much better than anything he did yesterday, if you catch my drift.

5. As Marc Vandermeer and I were doing our Texans Radio thing this morning, the QB, RB and WR were in the end zone near us running goal line routes. Each of the three quarterbacks was responsible for an eligible receiver. Someone's wires got crossed on one rep as one QB (not sure the exact guilty party but it was...wait, I should stay quiet) threw to the same receiver as the other QB. The ball nearly hit Bill O'Brien in the head. I don't think he saw it, so I hope I didn't out anyone. Maybe I should just move on...QUICKLY.

6. Great to see RB Jonathan Grimes back on the field after passing his conditioning/physical tests. Coach Bill O'Brien noted after practice that Grimes is a 3-down running back, which inherently increases his value immensely.

7. A guy that is just steady is second year WR Alec Lemon. He made a catch going across the middle in 7-on-7 and it hit me that he does that often and without fanfare.

8. Earlier in the week, I saw DE Jeoffrey Pagan seemingly struggle a bit getting away from a zone blocking OL. But today he handled that much better, defeating the zoning OL and turning him upfield back into the RB.

..........

13. Xavier Su'a Filo, as I mentioned earlier this week, loves contact but in pass protection, when he gets tall, doesn't drop his hips and anchor, he'll struggle. Later in practice, I saw him "sit down" a bit better and, as a result, he slowed down the pass rush of Jared Crick.



14. In a combination/stunt pass protection drill, rarely does a DL come completely clean to the quarterback, but hard working rookie Julius Warmsley did just that on his one rep during the drill.

.......................

21. On the last team period of the day, DJ Swearinger batted down Fitzpatrick's first pass as he blitzed the team's QB. Then, the defensive backs locked down the secondary for a coverage sack on the next play. Coaches John Butler and Anthony Midget have busted tail working with that group and it's showing.

22. QB Case Keenum hit Camp Star WR EZ Nwachukwu on a three-step slant - his best throw of the day.

23. C Chris Myers was asked who he thought has played well during camp and he said without hesitation "James Ferentz". The former Iowa OL certainly doesn't look the part, a lot like Warmsley, but he's well schooled and wins more, much more, than he loses. He won't knock anyone on his backside but his pass pro technique and production have been good and he's making an impression on the players and the coaching staff.

24. OLB Jason Ankrah has been asked to do a lot during camp that he's never done before. But, he set the edge against the run for four years at Nebraska. That experience was evident when he did that exceptionally well on a zone run his way during an 11-on-11 team drill He destroyed the tight end and shut down a perimeter running lane for RB Andre Brown.

...................


The rest Here (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/26-Training-Camp-Observations-Day-6/65cfae28-cbeb-45b2-bb45-8ddce28c8d90).

-------------------------------------------

The knock on Joe Adams was that he was having ball security issues with Carolina which forced him to spend some time in the CFL. I can say that he and fellow Razorback Dennis Johnson weren't particularly fumble prone while playing at Arkansas. I remember Adams would drop the occasional pass. Johnson wasn't really an excessive fumbler. For whatever reason, they both have had trouble in the NFL. If they get it figured out, they can help the team....

[Arky]

"Official" Texan moves (http://www.houstontexans.com/team/transactions.html):

08/01/2014 The Texans have signed the following players: Joe Adams, Brice Schwab

08/01/2014 The Texans have released the following player: Trevardo Williams

08/01/2014 The Texans have waived the following player - injured: Bryan Witzmann



--------------------------------

We'll be watching Texan pre-season football in a week.

The Hall of Fame game is tomorrow night on the NBC, 7pm CST, Buffalo vs. NYG.

There's football the following Thursday (double-header), Friday and Saturday on the NFLN. Texans will play in the last game Saturday night, 7:30 pm CST, I surmise, on ABC Channel 13 at Arizona.

[Nconroe]

I made it out to practice this morning.

Got lucky with cool and overcast weather.

Got unlucky in that I didnt get there early so difficult to find a good viewing spot.

I did see Blue and Prosch both make good runs.

I think this from Texans website covers it much better than I could.

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/30-Training-Camp-Observations-Day-7/27c92566-cf0f-4a7e-b1b6-30d977653fcf#start

[nunusguy]

Hey NConcoe, did Clowney suffer an injury at practice today ? There's been some talk along those lines.

[painekiller]

With the new BoB Texans we will never know what happened.

O'Brien said they have him on a pitch count and were taking extra precautions with him during his "rehabbing". (http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/08/texans-jadeveon-clowney-exits-practice/#25408101=0)

I've stopped reading the team quotes because they all read the same.

He practiced hard, he is getting better every day. The team all practiced hard.....

[Keith]

I made it out Saturday morning too. No detailed report like the old days though... I stood in the end zone for four hours and saw little that hasn't already been said.

Our QBs suck. Savage throws a pretty ball, but he's still too new to be counted on. Fitzpatrick seems... I dunno. Like a vet that knows when to turn it up, and it wasn't Saturday morning. Nothing new about Keenum that we didn't already see last season.

Hopkins is awesome. I am very interested to see what Posey offers... color me intrigued. Mike Thomas is the slot, which means he'll see a ton of passes this year for 4 yards.

Blue is a bit interesting too. Seemed to run tall, kinda like James Starks. Need to see more. Wonder if he has a lower center of gravity.

Duane Brown looks like a return to form is on the horizon. Can't really say much else about either the OL or DL, couldn't see much.

There is still a serious lack of ILB talent with Cushing out. Reed was not in the ILB group from what I could see. Some flashes from the other no-names, but just as many ughs.

Mercilus lost contain... he's just not a 3-down player. Stop trying to make him act like one. Clowney is definitely a beast. Very excited here.

Swearinger was sharp. Hope he's ready to take the next step... looked like it Saturday.

The punter rocks. Kickers both struggled. Shocking, I know.

[Nconroe]

Another personnel swap out

Released tight end Chris Coyle who hasn't been practicing recently.

Added Bronson Irwin, a 6-4, 316 pound undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma, Seahawks released Irwin on July 29.

[HPF Bob]

What position will Irwin play since those dimensions don't sound like a tight end?

[Nconroe]

I think I saw OG somewhere, probably hear more today or soon.

Saw when Irwin released Seahawks picked up our old friend, Eric Winston.

[Nconroe]

And another move on OL

The Texans claimed Sam Longo, 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, 23 yrs, OC or OG, a UDFA out of Cincinnati, who was placed on waivers by the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.

Texans cut OT Brice Schwab from Arizona State they just picked up last week.

[Nconroe]

How about that Seattle signed Wade Smith as well as Eric Winston to their OL. Hope they both make the team.

[nunusguy]

How about that Seattle signed Wade Smith as well as Eric Winston to their OL. Hope they both make the team.

The defending SB champ appears to have worse, maybe far worse OLine issues than we do ?

[painekiller]

I made it out Saturday morning too. No detailed report like the old days though... I stood in the end zone for four hours and saw little that hasn't already been said.

Our QBs suck. Savage throws a pretty ball, but he's still too new to be counted on. Fitzpatrick seems... I dunno. Like a vet that knows when to turn it up, and it wasn't Saturday morning. Nothing new about Keenum that we didn't already see last season.

Hopkins is awesome. I am very interested to see what Posey offers... color me intrigued. Mike Thomas is the slot, which means he'll see a ton of passes this year for 4 yards.

Blue is a bit interesting too. Seemed to run tall, kinda like James Starks. Need to see more. Wonder if he has a lower center of gravity.

Duane Brown looks like a return to form is on the horizon. Can't really say much else about either the OL or DL, couldn't see much.

There is still a serious lack of ILB talent with Cushing out. Reed was not in the ILB group from what I could see. Some flashes from the other no-names, but just as many ughs.

Mercilus lost contain... he's just not a 3-down player. Stop trying to make him act like one. Clowney is definitely a beast. Very excited here.

Swearinger was sharp. Hope he's ready to take the next step... looked like it Saturday.

The punter rocks. Kickers both struggled. Shocking, I know.

Wow! I am now less optimistic then I was before reading this.

Bad QB, no ILBs, kickers that suck and Mercilus is a not a three down player.

And I'm not saying your wrong, just saying my rose colored glasses are being stepped on.

[Warren]

They seem to be a lot more aggressive in turning over the bottom of the roster this year. I know part of that has to be attributable to the new staff looking for guys that fit their systems, but I wonder if there's a "trickle up" motivational aspect as well -- keep the heat on the scout teamers to earn their places in camp each day in the hope of leading to more intense and competitive practices.

[Arky]

They seem to be a lot more aggressive in turning over the bottom of the roster this year. I know part of that has to be attributable to the new staff looking for guys that fit their systems, but I wonder if there's a "trickle up" motivational aspect as well -- keep the heat on the scout teamers to earn their places in camp each day in the hope of leading to more intense and competitive practices.

Yes, could be. Don't recall them being this aggressive in truly improving the depth before.

The Texans have first shot on waiver wire pickups and would be foolish not to take advantage of it this year. Backups and bubble players better stay on their toes...

[Arky]

Quotes from Monday's training camp (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Quotes-Monday-Training-Camp/6a30a463-f421-4727-929b-ee2f64d29626):

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
(on what the film showed) “It was, again, a disappointing performance. I thought we ran the ball well and did some good things up front, but a lot of things, the pass game starts with me, in terms of stuff we can get better at, but that’s the best way to do it, come out today, get a good practice in, get some sweat, and competitive plays out here on the field.”

(on the unfamiliarity with plays in the first preseason game) “The good thing about it is it was the first preseason game, so we’ll sit there and learn from it, but we’ve already moved on, moved forward, we made some corrections in our walkthroughs, and we’re looking forward to the next one now.”

(on being surprised by poor performance) “You never with the preseason, how it’s going to go, especially the first time out or anything, but we would have hoped to have a better showing.”

(on taking a step forward by bringing tape lessons onto field today in practice) “Yeah, it was a good day to slow it down and to look at what we did wrong and why and really get to those answers to those questions and move on from it. This whole thing is a work in progress; it’s a process where we’re kind of moving along and we’ll continue to get better and hopefully that shows leading up to the season.”

(on if a tough game like that plays with his confidence) “No I don’t think you can let it play with your confidence at all. You’ve just got to take it for what it was, learn from it, and move on. For me, that’s what I’m going to do. It was the first one, I’m disappointed, but we already moved on and we’re out here practicing, trying to get better.”.................

CB Kareem Jackson
(on mood after the game) “My mood didn’t change any. It’s a simple fact: we didn’t do what we’ve been working on all camp. Defensively, we didn’t get off of the field on third down, we made some fundamental errors, and we didn’t execute.”

(on mistakes being more mental than physical) “I think more mental and somewhat physical, but that’s just all what it boils down to. We’ve just got to go out and do what we’ve been practicing all week.”

(on the rule changes affecting a defensive backs’ game) “No, as a player, you’ve just got to go out and play, you can’t think about the rules every play. You’ve just got to go and play, if they’re going to throw the flags, they’re going to throw them. You can’t sit and think about that every play and not put your hands on receivers. You just have to go out and play.”...................

G/T Xavier Su’a-Filo
(on what coaches said they liked that he did and didn’t like) “We haven’t really talked about it yet but there are some good and bad things. I think overall we wish the outcome would have been different but I can only control what I do and make sure I’m doing my job for the offensive line and for the offense, so that’s about it.”

(on what he would like to improve going into this week) “Keying in on specific details just making sure I’m that much more focused and tuned in on each play. In the NFL, there are a lot of different things that you can’t get away with in the league and people catch you or body language looks different kind of things that you really have to be in tune because it’s the NFL and good players want to play against good people.”

(on when he realized he could play in the NFL) “Yeah, it was awesome. I really just tried to come out and treat it like another day of practice but obviously it was a game and got to go execute. I just wanted to try to execute the best that I could and earn the respect of my teammates.”


More here (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Quotes-Monday-Training-Camp/6a30a463-f421-4727-929b-ee2f64d29626).

[WMH]

Brown, Cornett and Johnson were released.

@MarkBermanFox26: Texans agreed to terms with running backs Ronnie Brown and William Powell.

[Nconroe]

I just wonder if this will happen to several position groups or guys will get time to improve?

[Nconroe]

And team just activated nose tackle Louis Nix III to start easing back into shape after recent orthroscopic knee surgery. hopefully he will help Dline quite a bit once regular season underway.

[Arky]

30 Training Camp Observations: Day 13 (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/30-Training-Camp-Observations-Day-13/471c46b8-2616-4aac-9d6c-f97945475f2f)

Worth a look just for the video of Rick Smith doing the ice-bucket challenge.....

[barrett]

ESPN finally put some decent coverage of Texans training camp up. It is in the Atlanta Falcons blog but it's the best football reporting they've done on the Texans all year.

[Nconroe]

Good to see AJ, Foster, and Cushing back at practice. Now if get Brandon Brooks and Jonathan Joseph back healthy may be good to go for start of season. And hopefully no one else gets injured which is hard to do in football.

And next week we can watch the ESPN Denver Broncos blog.

Plus the Texans signed free agent cornerback Junior Mertile , cornerback , 6-1 197 Age: 24, Florida International.

[Arky]

Quotes (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Quotes-Texans-Tuesday-practice-in-Denver/6b84ec90-9439-4934-8181-742f20a25d1f) from Tuesday's practice at Denver:

Head Coach Bill O’Brien
(on getting Brandon Brooks back) “You know, it’s always good to get everybody who’s been on the shelf a little bit back healthy. Brandon is no exception. He’s played a lot of football here in Houston. He came back with a little injury and he’s working his way through it and it was good to see him out here today.”

(on how Johnathan Joseph is doing now that he was back out at practice) “He’s doing well. He’s another guy who’s had a very good career in this league and anytime you have a corner of his ability--he’s working through some things. He’s able to come back out here today. It was a good thing for our team.”

(on what he thought about working with Denver) “It was good. You know, anytime you go against another team that obviously is a heck of a football team and they throw different looks at you, now you can go back to the meeting room and show our team some things that we need to work on and correct and things like that, and then some things that were good., I think it’s always good to go against another team and not just go against yourselves all the time.”
...............

DeAndre Hopkins
(on what he thinks about going against Denver) “It was good going up against a defense that you’re going to see coming up at the end of the week. You kind of get familiar with the things you do and hopefully you execute when the game comes.”

(on if there was trash talking going on between the teams) “No, not much. You know, it’s football so there’s always going to be talking.”

(on going against Aqib Talib at the end of practice) “You know, it is just fun and games. I think they like to pick on guys that they know can beat them. So not going to sit there and talk to nobody that’s wasting their time.”
.....................

CB Johnathan Joseph
(on how it felt to be back out there) “It felt great just to be back out there with my teammates. You know, getting in and getting some good work. Just a blessing to be back out there.”

(on what part of practice he participated in) “Just individual drills for the most part. Couple of walk through drills. Didn’t do any team drills.”

(on how far he is from where he wants to be) “I don’t really have a percentage or a time table. I’m just working every day just trying to get myself where I’m in good enough shape to go all game.”

(on if he has an idea when he’ll play for the first time) “Not my call to make, you know. Just doing my job of being ready when my number is called. Like today I came out, worked on the small things, technique details.”.............


More Here (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Quotes-Texans-Tuesday-practice-in-Denver/6b84ec90-9439-4934-8181-742f20a25d1f)

[HPF Bob]

now you can go back to the meeting room and show our team some things that we need to work on and correct

Such as how to stay within 10 miles of the receiver and not get flagged?

[Nconroe]

JJ Megawatt expressed its time for a pay raise and contract extension. He has earned it. Hope they get it done next few weeks.

[Arky]

Video: Hard Knocks + JJ the Barbarian

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-hard-knocks/0ap3000000380954/Hard-Knocks-J-J-Watt-is-a-monster