2009 Training Camp Updates [Archive]

Keith

07-31-2009, 08:18 AM

First day of camp is here!!

Anyone going to practice this morning? (If so, you are probably already there.) ItB.com will be there on Sunday morning, hopefully filing a first-hand report by Sunday night. I know several of you may also be there for Saturday morning as well... please post your initial 2009 impressions here!

Some player tweets on the eve of camp:

Brandon Harrison:
Yes I'm tweeting at 1:30 in the morning. Yes I have camp in the morning. Yes, tomorrow is gonna be a loooong day. Pray for me tweets

Cato June:
First day of camp.. Always exciting..the mentally weak won't survive

Andre Johnson:
Good morning twitter world. Training camp is finally here on my way to practice

Yes, this is a subtle reminder to look up @IntheBullseye (http://twitter.com/Inthebullseye) and others on Twitter...

papabear

07-31-2009, 09:07 AM

I was out of town when TC tickets went out....so if anyone's got extras for this weekend let me know

Keith

07-31-2009, 09:26 AM

I'm told Owen Daniels is on the field. No sign of Cushing though.

Dunta was a predictable no-show:
http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2009/20090731.html

Nconroe

07-31-2009, 11:31 AM

I have two tickets available for Sat. morning, if you can pick them up today near 290 and Hollister area.

Just listening to 610 during practice, sounded like Schaub and Orlovsky were throwing good, Andre Johnson, Andre Davis and Jacoby Jones and Owen Daniels were catching well, and Slayton was running well. Sounded like one RB was injured, I think Clifton Dawson, not sure of that name. Couldn't listen too long.

Keith

07-31-2009, 01:16 PM

Report from the chron:

Dawson injured: Running back Clifton Dawson left Friday’s morning session early with an apparent leg sprain. Coach Gary Kubiak said the team's medical staff will evaluate Dawson. -- JOSEPH DUARTE
Tribute to Elway: Texans backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky will wear No. 7 for the Texans because of his admiration for John Elway. He wore No. 6 for his first four NFL seasons in Detroit because the No. 7 was retired in honor of Dutch Clark. - JORDAN GODWIN
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6556103.html

Not much else of interest in there, but given we're starved for news on the first day, thought I would pass the link along.

Arky

07-31-2009, 01:28 PM

Lopez on 790AM reported that there was a whole different atmosphere at the first morning practice. Sounds like lots of optimism among fans and players....

NBT

07-31-2009, 02:39 PM

Cushing agent Conlan, is busy with his other clients picked before Cushing, so it may be mid to end of week next getting him signed. Too bad, rookies need TC.

Update - glad to hear Cushing has signed.

Keith

07-31-2009, 02:41 PM

Cushing agent Conlan, is busy with his other clients picked before Cushing, so it may be mid to end of week next getting him signed. Too bad, rookies need TC.

Yeah, heard this angle before, and if I were Cushing, that would make me mad. SHOW ME THE MONEY!! Showmethemoney. SHow. ME. Da. MonAYYYY!!!

fyi - Rosenhaus just tweeted that he had all his clients in camp on time. Just sayin'.

Keith

07-31-2009, 08:07 PM

Some Day1 observations from aj_:

...
Second team LBs were Cato June at Sam (surprise), Kevin Bentley in the middle and Adibi at the Will.
Barber and Harrison were second team safeties. ...

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-778-Houston-Texans-Examiner~y2009m7d31-Texans-training-camp-report-Day-1

mussop

07-31-2009, 08:46 PM

Some Day1 observations from aj_:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-778-Houston-Texans-Examiner~y2009m7d31-Texans-training-camp-report-Day-1

Who were the starters?

painekiller

07-31-2009, 10:22 PM

Dang it had a long post written out and it got lost due to my walking away from the box too many times.

So short version

I want to say I have been a Kasey Studdard hater, well today he made me change my mind. He has improved a ton, not starter quality yet, but he understands anchoring himself now.

Butler is a solid back up.

Okam is going to stay 3rd team unless he learns to explode like Bulman, Robinson, and Cody.

Young kids to watch Tim Jamison, Nading, Josh Leonard, on the DL.

Quin and McCain looked good.

David Anderson has improved a lot.

Dan O throws a nice pass. He looked good.

Sorry for the short report my last copy was much more complete. Hope to see some of you tomorrow.

papabear

08-01-2009, 01:04 PM

I was at the Saturday morning practice today. Thanks again to Nconroe for giving me tickets.
They're not in full pads so it's hard to really see much. Especially on the defensive side. Anyway, here are my mental notes.
-Adibi is noticeably bigger. He said he's gained 20 lbs since last year when he was sick and had trouble keeping on weight. He was spltting time with Diles at WLB. Cato June and Chaun thompson were splitting first team reps at SLB....Cushing signed this morning, but he wasn't out there.
-Mccain(rookie late round CB) is FAST....but he's small and had trouble jamming WR at the line. He also was lining up as gunner on the punt coverage team and had a LOT of trouble getting around the guys jamming him.
-Okam took some reps with the first team. Travis Johnson was out there, but limited and I didn't see him do anything. The coaches seem to be coaching Okam pretty hard...not that he was screwing up, but they really seemed to be trying to push him...like they know he's the only true NT on the roster. They did seem to get on him a little once though.
-Jacoby had two nice catches. One was an out that he had to go up and get and he did a nice job dragging his feet at the sideline. The other one was on a deep route where the CB had outside leverage. He did a really nice job leaning into him to create space back inside and had a nice little veteran push off before making a nice diving grab. Winston said he muffed a couple of punts at mini-camp, but he caught them all off the jugs machine today.
-Owen Daniels looked like a man on a mission....to get paid
-Casey had a great catch with two guys all over him. Gibbs was talking to him a lot on his blocking.
-Duane Brown looked really athletic getting to the edge on an outside zone play
-Demeco was pretty vocal, and he seemed to be enjoying himself. Lot's a laughing and smiling.
-glover Quinn looked decent at Corner....I think he's got the size for safety.
-David Anderson looked good catching the ball....but the best part was when they were stretching and he's singing and dancing the whole time while everyone else still looks like they are asleep. He cracks me up.
-Buster Davis is short
-heard the coaches atta boy Barwin a couple of times, but I really couldn't see what he did either time.

NBT

08-01-2009, 04:00 PM

PK's report on Okam is dissapointing to say the least. You would have thought he would have worked on his leg strength in the weight room. You can't have explosion out of your stance without it. I fervently hope he gets it worked out because without TJ, we are going to need his NT bulk in the run defense.

Keith

08-01-2009, 04:46 PM

Thanks for the reports guys! Hopefully I'll have something more to add after tomorrow morning.

Read that James Casey is getting the reps at FB with Vonta Leach out (death in family). Pretty thin on the depth chart there I suppose if Casey is already Plan B.

Camp Quotes - Day Two (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5407)

Keith

08-01-2009, 09:33 PM

Uh oh?

From Mario via Twitter:
"Big toe sore"

Keep up with ItB on Twitter via the link below. Account registration is a breeze if you don't have one already.

Keith

08-01-2009, 10:33 PM

Intrigue re: Antonio Smith at practice Saturday morning via Lance Z:
...The defense had been jumping offsides all morning and Bill Kollar said that tomorrow there would be "up-downs" for players who continued to jump offsides. On the next snap, Antonio Smith gave a half-assed effort. Kollar, unhappy with the effort level, asked Smith to come back and take another rep. While Kollar was displeased he didn't scream Smith down or cuss him out. Here is where it gets bad.

As Smith starts walking back toward the defensive line, he tells Kollar that this drill is bulls***, and when Kollar starts to go back at Smith a little bit, Smith just starts letting the F-bombs fly as he directs them to Kollar. He got up in Kollar's face and Mario Williams had to step in and separate things. ...

http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/2009/08/post_111.html

Worthwhile to read the entire post, btw, as there are some good notes on other players, but this hasn't really been reported elsewhere.

TheMatrix31

08-02-2009, 06:11 AM

Smith needs to know his f'n role.

Keith

08-02-2009, 07:52 AM

Tweeting live as I can from today's morning practice. Link in sig.

bckey

08-02-2009, 08:16 AM

Keith. SpursTexansAstros over on the texanstalk bb was at training camp yesterday. He posted this over there:

Yeah it was intense...the defensive line coach made a comment that if smith had made the sack they would have won the superbowl and the next play smith got blocked and I didnt hear what was said but Smith went at the coach and had to have two players block him.

Also Tim Bulman and an o lineman mixed it up..but Bulman was the one who got it going ..his motor was just higher...nothing ..the ol player cooled him down.

I'm not saying it makes what Smith did excusable it just gives some insight to what helped fire Smith up. Looks like Kollar is going to be firing these guys up.

Its post 198 under the official training camp thread.

nunusguy

08-02-2009, 11:40 AM

That's a disappointing report about this years most expensive FA and a player the team is surely looking to as a leader since he's one of the more senior starters and a SB vet.
I dunno maybe Smith has a problem taking direction including being reprimanded by men not of his race ? I know plenty of white men who can't deal with that. But if there's an incident whenever Kollar disciplines Smith in a manner he can't accept, frankly the team has a very big issue.

studogg

08-02-2009, 11:57 AM

TexanJedi

08-02-2009, 12:40 PM

I think it was the Superbowl crack, and the heat.

Joshua

08-02-2009, 12:49 PM

FWIW, LZ appears dubious of the super bowl crack from Kollar. In the comments to his post, several bring this up and he responds that he and John Harris were only a few feet away the whole time and neither heard this comment from Kollar.

painekiller

08-02-2009, 03:32 PM

I've seen a much more aggressive defense this last 3 days. The LBs are moving towards the line at the snap. The defense is playing in the backfield.

I know that statement is concerning to some, but don't let it. In a real game, our offense would run straight at the teeth of the defense. Which is a concern, if the opponent splits the LBs the RB has a long way to go to get to a weak link (our safety).

It looks like 8 in the box is going to be a norm.

I like the quickness Adibi showed today working the inside run, and also Diles was spotted limping.

I got to watch Caldwell today, and he looked like a rookie going against our 39 year old DT. Caldwell was stood up and pushed, but recovered quickly and was able to get anchored.

One off season should help him. I am hoping to see some progression by the end of camp.

Keith

08-02-2009, 03:53 PM

Day 3 training camp diary has been posted!

http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2009/20090802.html

Also, Mario's update on his sore big toe via Twitter:
Superjit90 (https://twitter.com/Superjit90)@StephStradley (https://twitter.com/StephStradley) lol I'm good just breaking shoes in in reply to StephStradley

Superjit90 (https://twitter.com/Superjit90)@IntheBullseye (https://twitter.com/IntheBullseye) nah I'm aight about 1 hour ago from Twitterrific in reply to IntheBullseye (https://twitter.com/IntheBullseye/status/3080132260)

edo783

08-02-2009, 05:16 PM

Great TC write up on the front page Keith. I loved the detail. Please keep it up.

painekiller

08-02-2009, 06:12 PM

Great write up.

painekiller

08-02-2009, 06:23 PM

I wanted to mention, I have really like what I have seen of David Gibbs. He is intense but he talks to the guys. Also Kollar has been impressive. I like the one on one coaching both are doing during drills.

painekiller

08-02-2009, 06:37 PM

It appears one of the items that Kubiak was not happy with was the defense's knockout hits. He said he wants the kind of things on Sunday, just not against each other. "We have to be smart".

Mario scared me when he jumps on Moats' legs to get a fumble. Then the pileup ensued, I was glad no one got hurt.

Nconroe

08-02-2009, 07:39 PM

Excellent writeup Keith. Did anyone else hear Sirius NFL with Gil Brandt and Vic Carruchi, they did four hours from Training Camp and interviewed 17 of the Texans. Excellent show with Gil Brandt making a prediction Texans will be in playoffs this year.

I watched practice from field 2 endzone mostly. I didin't see any friction between Antonio Smith and Coach or anyone, so that's blown over.

First i watched DL do the sled drills. I guess quickest hard hitters were Mario, and then to me looked like Okeye and Barwin, followed by Bullman and Robinson, and then the rest. Okam seemed to lift sled the highest, but not the fastest.

On some 7 on 7 drills, Jacoby caught atleast two passes, which I think was more than anyone else, other than Casey, no drops during this drill. Arian Foster and Slayton looked good out of the backfield. Grossman looked better than i thought he would, some sharp passes for most part.

Then some DL/OL drills. Other than Mario, Barwin most was pretty impressive, getting to the backfield on almost every attempt from right and left. Okam had a good bull rush up the middle against Myers. Duane Brown looked much better than last year.

In the team drills I saw Jacoby Jones and Walters both make two pretty good catches, and then JJ did a drop near end, but it was over the shoulder after a couple of jukes, but coulda been caught. actually seen many receivers drop this kind of pass occasionally including our ProBowler in early years.

I agree, there was plenty of coaching going on and seemed all 80 guys were trying their hardest. Some tough cuts to be made. Depth much better.

Overall, both sides of ball look bigger, quicker, and more athletic this year compared to previous year for my laymans eyes, so I am encouraged it will be a good year, meaning into the playoffs is my prediction right now.

Keith

08-02-2009, 07:45 PM

Thanks for the comments guys.

Sometimes I get wordy, so using the implied emotions of our stock smilies, here are my impressions after just one workout:

:eek::D
Arian Foster - ready to back-up Slaton, just need to see him in pass pro more

:D
Mario Williams - dude, yo.
Andre Johnson - yep.
DeMeco Ryans - in control.
lil' Gibbs - impressed so far.

:)
Brian Cushing - coaches seem to know his strengths.
Glover Quin - don't get hyper-excited, but he's intriguing for sure.
Kasey Studdard - I'm a little surprised, too.
David Anderson - stop underestimating him.
Glenn Martinez - caught my eye several times.
James Casey - choo choo... all aboard!

:confused::(
Amobi Okoye - oh boy. at least he's giving Cody and Okam more reps, they're a'ight.

:mad:
Rex Grossman - duck and cover.
Antonio Smith - saw little that impressed me today, but I could've missed something here.
Dunta Robinson's agent - no explanation needed.

:(
Ryan Moats - Not bad, but not great either. Brown and Foster should be ahead of him as Slaton's backups.
Cliff Washburn - hard day at LT. Wished Butler was at LT instead of RT today.

Keith

08-02-2009, 08:04 PM

A clip of aj_'s Day 3 impressions:

- Heard in the crowd: "The defense is tearing them up today." Indeed they were. Collapsing pockets, shutting down the run, forcing turnovers and false starts ... the defense killed the offense today,

- The domination built to a crescendo when DeMeco picked off Schaub which sent the LBs into a frenzy.

- Hit of the day I: Xavier Adibi obliterating Arian Foster microseconds after catching a dump off from Dan Orlovsky. The QBs had no time to set today.

- Hit of the day II: Nick Ferguson doing the old de-cleater on David Anderson.

- Another variation in the defensive line set (from left to right): Mario, Bulman, Smith, Barwin ...
http://www.examiner.com/x-778-Houston-Texans-Examiner~y2009m8d2-Texans-training-camp-report-Day-3

The Day 3 Quotes:
Head coach Gary Kubiak (morning practice)
(on LB Brian Cushing's first day of camp) "He looked very good. Actually, we told (linebackers coach) Johnny (Holland) to give him half of the reps that he would normally get, so Johnny held to that. I caught him a couple times trying to cheat him in there, but he looked good. I think his conditioning level is good. ...
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5412

And hmm.... (http://www.houstontexans.com/uploads/photo/thumbs/10469.jpg)

TexicanMexican

08-02-2009, 08:32 PM

Great write up Keith. And everybody else who posts nuggets of info and observations.

Keith

08-02-2009, 09:36 PM

Thanks!

Local Houstonians... Ch 13 (ABC) is airing a Texans special at 10:35pm tonight.

TexanJedi

08-02-2009, 09:39 PM

Thanks!

Local Houstonians... Ch 13 (ABC) is airing a Texans special at 10:35pm tonight.

Great work and thanks for the reminder.

nero THE zero

08-02-2009, 09:49 PM

Keith

08-02-2009, 09:51 PM

Eric Winston via Twitter says Cushing got a haircut tonight. "We gave him the Matt Schaub fade"

:D

painekiller

08-02-2009, 10:19 PM

Thanks!

Local Houstonians... Ch 13 (ABC) is airing a Texans special at 10:35pm tonight.

Getting ready to go watch and then hit the bed so I can attend the practice again tomorrow.

edo783

08-02-2009, 10:19 PM

I suspect it had to be a couple of lineman holding him down. I don't see many others having the Omph to get the job done. I wonder if he took it as just part of being a rook. I hope so. If he takes it well it will bond him into the team better.

painekiller

08-02-2009, 10:29 PM

This is weird. Both Keith and AJ are getting poor impressions of Rex thus far, which is what I'd expect. But, LZ, one of the most respected footballl guys in the city, is seeing something completely different and has said he is the best QB on the field thus far.

It's almost as if Rex has some photos on LZ or something.

Rex has looked spotty at best. But he is only in day 6 of live drills with the new offense. He is working with 3rd string receivers. So i am giving a break.

He has nice deep ball. His release is quicker than Schaub's. And he is IMO still in shock no one picked him up before we did with a mini deal for 3rd team honors.

Orlavski is also spotty at best. His delivery is on the slow side, but his ball gets where it need to be quick enough, and it looks catchable. He is not mentally ready, but he has weeks to go. He checks down a lot.

Schaub has looked sub par so far. He hit a lady in the head with his ball...wait wrong sport. He has looked rusty. Only AJ and David Anderson have looked solid in the pass game. Forgot Owen looks spot on also.

Both aj and Keith left out our heckling to Rick Smith, "Pay the man". Must admit aj had better timing with Ryans int.

Keith

08-03-2009, 08:07 AM

Speaking of haircuts, here's a pic of David Anderson's latest, this time with a hairline to match Schaub's:

http://sportsblog.abc13.com/2009/08/a-haircut.html

With a similar hairline myself, I can only wonder if Anderson is taunting the hairline gods.

Keith

08-03-2009, 10:23 AM

uh oh.

Texans cornerback Glover Quin left the team’s Monday morning practice with an injury to his lower leg or foot.

The Texans said he would be left out of the afternoon practice as a precaution and will undergo an MRI today.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6558685.html

nunusguy

08-03-2009, 11:36 AM

Attended my first Texans practice today. Didn't stay the whole session but was there long enough to get a quick look-see at some of the players including our top picks. Cushing is even bigger than what I imagined, and tall. Really he's almost rangy and looks more like a DE than a LB to me. And actually I guess he did play DE for a year in college ?
Speaking of DEs, I dunno how Connar Barwin weighs in at 265 which I believe is Kubiaks claim ? He's wiry. Hopefully he's as quick as they claim.
And every year I see Mario again he looks more like a power-forward that a football player. A more and more like former Chiefs great, DE Art Still.
Oh BTW, they definitely got to Cushing and his shoulder-length hair. Whoever did that to him did a real # on him. Welcome to the NFL son.

painekiller

08-03-2009, 12:45 PM

Well you can see the legs are starting to get tired. Player are starting to fall.

Quin did get iced and did leave for a short time. He was back later without the ice and just watching but still in pads. It appears to be a calf injury, I thought he might of been kicked in the shin by the way the iced him.

The offense must of looked bad to Kubiak because the entire offense had to go run sprints after a hot long practice. I even saw Kubiak running outside the practice facility on the street. BTW Kyle Shanahan lead his troops he was the first to finish the run. Big Bruce Matthews pulled up the rear on his two bad knees.

As for observations, Cushing got a little rookie hazing done last night and he appeared with an ugly mohawk today.

Caldwell has been working at OC with the 2nd team and White has been working at Guard. This might be due to be short handed at OG, due to Chester not practicing yet again. Chester's missed reps have been taken by Casey Studdard, and he has held his own, while working with the 1st team.

Hill finally was able to practice, and he made good impression to me. The man can block, and his routes looked solid also.

Thor can catch, but he finished practice with a bobble that Cushing hauled in 25 yds downfield. Nice drop.

Ferguson made the WR pay when they went over the middle, but he knew to not hit the franchise (#80 to those who could not guess).

I like the attitude I see from the new defense. We will see much more gang tackling, and Mario is on a mission.

A few guys in the crowd got Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak to look over by chanting "Pay 59" .

BTW today's practice might of had more people than yesterday's, I am scared to see what Thursday night will look like.

Nconroe

08-03-2009, 01:34 PM

I know contract shouldn't be negotiated in public, but I thought I heard someone say Demeco was made an offer by team which would have him be the second highest paid Middle Linebacker in the league, but he said no. What more should the team do that would be fair? Raise the guarantee part? And I do think 59 is most underpaid of the three in negotiations for now, but sounds like a nice offer has been made, he should say yes and he'd then be very well paid. And that offer may not be the real offer, I sure don't know. And Demeco does look good out there in practice, for sure. But just because they haven't signed, doesn't mean a fair offer hasn't been given either. And he is in camp, a real plus compared to Dunta who is really hurting only himself right now.

Arky

08-03-2009, 02:01 PM

And hmm.... (http://www.houstontexans.com/uploads/photo/thumbs/10469.jpg)

Who do we have here? ItB people?

papabear

08-03-2009, 02:02 PM

The thing about the "leaked" contract offers is you never really know. Depending on what agent you asked you could get several different answers for the highest paid, MLB, TE, etc...Even gauranteed isn't always gauranteed. So when hear things like "second highest paid MLB" I always wonder what criteria is that based on? Are they talking about Total possible value of the deal, average annual salary, signing bonus, something else? Even like in Dunta's case where the rumor was 23 million gauranteed, there's too many ways to manipulate the numbers to make it sound like a better offer than it is. Agents do it all the time after the fact as a recruiting tool.

Keith

08-03-2009, 04:19 PM

Who do we have here? ItB people?
Well, the Dunta doppelgänger would be me (keep hope alive!). Had I not been wearing my hat, you might have been able to see my natural "Schaub" haircut, too.

Not sure the two guys on my left, but they were good fans for sure. The two on the far right might be familiar to ItB.com regulars...

I suspect someone at the Texans is keeping me in the bullseye... :p

papabear

08-03-2009, 04:44 PM

Well, the Dunta doppelgänger would be me (keep hope alive!). Had I not been wearing my hat, you might have been able to see my natural "Schaub" haircut, too.

Not sure the two guys on my left, but they were good fans for sure. The two on the far right might be familiar to ItB.com regulars...

I suspect someone at the Texans is keeping me in the bullseye... :p

I'll be dammned....I'm pretty sure I was sitting just down the row from you on the right in that picture, one row down. I thought I heard somebody mention "In the Bullseye".

painekiller

08-03-2009, 05:07 PM

Not sure the two guys on my left, but they were good fans for sure. The two on the far right might be familiar to ItB.com regulars...

I suspect someone at the Texans is keeping me in the bullseye... :p

Well I got cut in half because the wide angle could not ge tall of me in the shot.

I am the one on the far right.

ramp1028

08-03-2009, 09:53 PM

who do we have here? Itb people?

well, the dunta doppelgänger would be me (keep hope alive!). Had i not been wearing my hat, you might have been able to see my natural "schaub" haircut, too.

Not sure the two guys on my left, but they were good fans for sure. The two on the far right might be familiar to itb.com regulars...

I suspect someone at the texans is keeping me in the bullseye... :p

well i got cut in half because the wide angle could not ge tall of me in the shot.

I am the one on the far right.

Oh Thank God!!! For a minute i thought this might be our new secondary!!!

:D

painekiller

08-03-2009, 11:45 PM

Oh Thank God!!! For a minute i thought this might be our new secondary!!!

:D

That would be a problem, one dash down the field and I would need a lot of oxygen and golf cart to get back to the huddle.

Arky

08-04-2009, 12:01 AM

painekiller

08-04-2009, 07:18 AM

LOL, ramp. :p

Well, I think the guy next to PK is AJ of the Examiner?

The one guy in the Mario jersey looks a bit like a portly Mike Hampton...

As far as my own haircut, I've been sporting the "Extreme Schaub" for several years.... Not a baldy but getting close... ;)

Yes that is aj. I spent most of the last few days, standing with him and trying to help him with who was on the field. Both he and Keith do a wonderful job of note taking during the practice.

NBT

08-04-2009, 01:22 PM

Thanks to both Keith & PK, and whoever else stands out there in the heat to give us a little insight on TC.

Mike

08-04-2009, 02:38 PM

Myers carted off the field. Had his leg rolled up on. No details yet.
That really bites if he is hurt bad, looks like he had bulked up after taking some beatings last year for being so light in the ass.

Keith

08-04-2009, 02:46 PM

Yeah, doesn't sound too good, but no official word yet. Foot is in a walking boot now, MRI pending. Jacques Reeves also got hurt today too, per McClain's blog today:

Cornerback Jacques Reeves limped off the field after he went up in the end zone to try to take away the ball from receiver Andre Davis. Reeves had him covered like a rash, but Davis made a spectacular catch. Reeves stayed down for a while and then limped away. He didn't return to practice.

http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2009/08/kubiak_rips_players_after_morn.html

Actually some good info in that link, esp. since the fans weren't able to attend this morning.

Nconroe

08-04-2009, 04:11 PM

quote from McClain in Chron today- same article Keith referenced.

Kubiak rips players after morning practice

I've seen Gary Kubiak chew out players on the field. I've seen him jump on them off the field. He does it when he believes they deserve it.

I hadn't seen Kubiak go ballistic about his players until after today's morning practice. He was fuming becaue he considered it a terrible practice. He thought the players were sloppy and that center Chris Myers' foot injury in which a teammate rolled on his leg could be attributed to sloppy play.
--------------------------------------------end quote---------------

That is interesting, things seemed so organized and fast paced when I was there Sunday. Wonder if it was about one guy so all get yelled at or in general guys were dogging it. it was hotter today and likely a few have sore muscles now. wonder if they went into the dome this afternoon. And good for Kubes to show some emotion and keep after the guys.

Mike

08-04-2009, 05:15 PM

Myers with high ankle sprain. Sounds like it could have been much, much worse.

Reeves with broken leg. That is really bad news. Hopefully we can get Molden up and running and #23 gets into camp.

Arky

08-04-2009, 06:08 PM

Reeves with broken leg. That is really bad news. Hopefully we can get Molden up and running and #23 gets into camp.

Yeah, the radio is saying Reeves out 6-8 weeks - no surgery needed for the break. He should still make most (14?) of the real games this year....

TheMatrix31

08-04-2009, 06:36 PM

Damn....as if our secondary wasn't weak enough.

Nconroe

08-04-2009, 07:07 PM

We have like 10 CB and 6 S on the squad, so we ought to have some guys for practice and preseason. Molden and Glover Quin ought to return soon. I thought Matteral Richardson and Glover Quin both did pretty good at the practice I saw. If Reeves out 6 weeks he returns before our second game against the Titans. Can we trade Dunta for someone who wants to play?

Here is a nice story about one of our UDFA CB's who might get a chance now http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6559583.html

painekiller

08-04-2009, 09:29 PM

Here is a nice story about one of our UDFA CB's who might get a chance now http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6559583.html

He does not have a chance, IMO.

As for the sloppy play. It started on Monday, It appeared the legs where getting tired on some of the players and they started going to the ground more often.

Also the defense has been much more aggressive than in past years during practice . Have seen a few plays where I cringed at the thought someone might get hurt with that hit.

Almost time for Mr. Moulds to get healthy.

NBT

08-05-2009, 10:21 AM

PK, how do the secondary guys, that are still out there, look to you? Are there any diamonds-in-the-rough types? Other than Parsons, of course. How does Brice McCain look?

Keith

08-05-2009, 11:33 AM

Texans invited a couple CBs to Houston.

The Texans are bringing in veteran cornerbacks Deltha O'Neal and Jason Webster for tryouts on Thursday. ...

General manager Rick Smith and coach Gary Kubiak are familiar with O'Neal, who played in Denver when they were with the Broncos.

Webster is a native of the Houston area, having attended Willowridge High School and Texas A&M.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6561454.html

nunusguy

08-05-2009, 11:37 AM

NBT - FWIW I just heard Texans safety Nick Ferguson on radio-1650 here in Houston say that he thinks Brice McCain is somebody we need to keep an
eye, kinda a sleeper (my term not his but that's what he was suggesting).
What an extraordinary piece of good fortune if we were to get a corner in the 6th round of this years Draft who could make a real contribution to the team in 2009 given how desperate we are at that position.

painekiller

08-05-2009, 12:27 PM

PK, how do the secondary guys, that are still out there, look to you? Are there any diamonds-in-the-rough types? Other than Parsons, of course. How does Brice McCain look?

The other day in team drills, McCain got position on his receiver and caused his receiver to break off the route, the WR was Andre Johnson.

On another day McCain tried to stuff Jacoby Jones at the line and he bounced off Jones, who immediately had 3 steps on the rookie. He did close the distance, but Jones was open had he caught the ball.

So I see promise but he is a rookie and he will make mistakes. But he has speed and the position coach likes to work with young guys.

cloudwasher

08-05-2009, 01:07 PM

I was watching NFL Live on ESPN last night and while talking about free agents still available, they mentioned that Ty Law is still out there. While I know his play with the Jets last year was less than impressive, maybe he should be considered as a stop-gap measure if Reeves does end up being out for 8 weeks or if (heaven forbid) this ridiculousness with Dunta lasts into the regular season...

Mike

08-05-2009, 01:24 PM

Texans invited a couple CBs to Houston.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6561454.html

At least it is not Dexter Wynn again. That would cause spinal fluid to leak from my ears.

cloudwasher

08-05-2009, 03:57 PM

The chron has an interesting article of shorts about today's practice.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6561550.html

Highlights: Chris Brown and Fred Bennett are looking good so far, James Casey got what appears to be a minor injury, and Cushing got (what would have been if they could hit QBs) a sack...

NBT

08-05-2009, 05:28 PM

We really need Fred to step up to the plate this season. Sometimes it takes a young player a year or so to really come to grips with the mental and physical stamina the NFL demands. Hopefully this will be the year for Fred.

coloradodude

08-05-2009, 10:53 PM

Please don't anyone get excited about Deltha O'neal and start quoting stats like on Bull Pen. Those clowns actually used the phrase "shutdown corner" and O'neal in the same sentence.

If we do sign him, and he plays, get ready to watch him get burnt as bad as Faggins at times.

kravix

08-05-2009, 11:06 PM

Keith

08-06-2009, 01:22 AM

Texans invited a couple CBs to Houston.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6561454.html

Three more names to add to the tryout list: CB Mike McKenzie and RBs Brad Lester and Andre Hall.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/nfl/090805_texans_cornerbacks

I bet if you had decent cover 2 skillz or could de-cleat a college LB from the fullback position then the Texans might ask you to try out later today, too.

mussop

08-06-2009, 08:35 AM

Three more names to add to the tryout list: CB Mike McKenzie and RBs Brad Lester and Andre Hall.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/nfl/090805_texans_cornerbacks

I bet if you had decent cover 2 skillz or could de-cleat a college LB from the fullback position then the Texans might ask you to try out later today, too.

I was wondering why McKenzie was being considered? Well maybe one of them can find the fountain of youth and avtually contribute in a opsitive way for us until we get over these injuries.

painekiller

08-06-2009, 09:09 AM

I was wondering why McKenzie was being considered? Well maybe one of them can find the fountain of youth and avtually contribute in a opsitive way for us until we get over these injuries.

Might be to be a mentor to all the young CBs. 3yrs experience is still learning in the NFL and that is our top CB right now.

edo783

08-06-2009, 09:15 AM

Might be to be a mentor to all the young CBs. 3yrs experience is still learning in the NFL and that is our top CB right now.

I think this may be most of the reason they are looking at some vet corners. Some stability at the position and some teaching for the young guys. I really don't think we are in that bad of straights at CB, but some vet stability and knowledge would be a good thing. Probably would truly only need them for the first 2-4 games until Reeves is ready.

Keith

08-07-2009, 11:34 AM

Nice, long, insightful read from BigRon at the FanBlogTexans blog at chron.com. A snippet from the article:
Of the two rookie free agents, Arian Foster was definitely the standout. He looked like a less polished but slightly more compact version of Chris Brown. He doesn't run as upright as Brown and was a lot quicker than I expected to see. You can definitely tell that he's finally healthy, which is really encouraging after a pretty rough senior year at Tennessee. I would like to see him run behind his pads a bit better, as he really doesn't appear to be as stout as his 220+ lbs. would lead you to believe. However, the flip side of that coin is that he is VERY light on his feet and looked really explosive for that size. He broke off several nice runs, especially on Sunday with the shoulder pads on. ...

http://blogs.chron.com/fanblogtexans/2009/08/a_fanseye_view_of_texans_train.html

nero THE zero

08-07-2009, 12:46 PM

Keith, PK, etc., is McCain playing ahead of Quin based on merit or is Quin playing second team to catch up due to lost reps forced by injury?

papabear

08-07-2009, 12:49 PM

On another day McCain tried to stuff Jacoby Jones at the line and he bounced off Jones, who immediately had 3 steps on the rookie. He did close the distance, but Jones was open had he caught the ball.

That meshes perfectly with what I thought of him from the practices I went too. Definitely fast with the skillset to be a solid corner....but he had serious issues trying to bump/jamp WR at the line. He also got abused as a gunner on punt coverage teams several times. He was just repeatedly thrown to the grown on rep.

Since we're supposedly going to do some bump and run stuff and want our CB's on the line jamming WR's that could be a problem for him....but he's definitely got potential.

nero THE zero

08-07-2009, 01:00 PM

That meshes perfectly with what I thought of him from the practices I went too. Definitely fast with the skillset to be a solid corner....but he had serious issues trying to bump/jamp WR at the line. He also got abused as a gunner on punt coverage teams several times. He was just repeatedly thrown to the grown on rep.

Since we're supposedly going to do some bump and run stuff and want our CB's on the line jamming WR's that could be a problem for him....but he's definitely got potential.

It's interesting that we drafted him because our M.O. for our secondary has consistently been guys with size and athleticism. They must have a specific design in mind for McCain because he is not the typical secondary draftee of this regime.

papabear

08-07-2009, 01:25 PM

It's interesting that we drafted him because our M.O. for our secondary has consistently been guys with size and athleticism. They must have a specific design in mind for McCain because he is not the typical secondary draftee of this regime.

I think once you get down to the 6th round your aren't necessarily looking for the prototype. It's either a project or just the best football player left...which seems to be the case. His size is likely why he slipped so far to begin with, but that late in the draft I'm sure the Texans looked at him and said here's a a solid football player with some top flight speed. I'm sure they probably thought he might be more of a return guy initially, but he seems to be getting more play at CB now.

Keith

08-07-2009, 01:37 PM

Keith, PK, etc., is McCain playing ahead of Quin based on merit or is Quin playing second team to catch up due to lost reps forced by injury?
Before Quin got nicked up last week, he was ahead of McCain, actually the starter at nickel (behind Reeves and Bennett) with Robinson sitting out of training camp and with Molden on the PUP.

nero THE zero

08-07-2009, 04:11 PM

painekiller

08-07-2009, 06:34 PM

Also, what's up with Troy Nolan? I haven't heard a word about him since both Gibbs and Kubiak referred to him as "that other rookie defensive back I can't recall the name of right now" in OTAs.

Doesn't sound too promising.

Kind of sums it up doesn't it. I have not noticed him, but then again I keep forgetting him at the bottom of the depth chart. Most likely a PS guy this season.

Keith

08-07-2009, 11:49 PM

If you think the battle for OLB playing time is happening only on the field, then your missing a whole 'nother aspect to it.

In Twitter.

Okay, I never said the other aspect was worthwhile :p, but here is a TwitWar being waged between Diles and June:
Diles: I might have to put hands on Cato if his ankle tape keeps crossin the line into my locker space...real talk

June: You don't have a line young fella.. Matter of fact I might make you clean up my locker

Diles: oh is that your word...try me then if you feelin froggish and see if your locker looks the same the next day...

June: You keep playin with me and I'm going to steal all your left cleats

Diles: all my left cleats huh...you won't do that if your in your RIGHT mind...tweet beef cuz..

edo783

08-08-2009, 12:46 AM

Funny stuff. Sounds like they are loose and having some fun.

nunusguy

08-08-2009, 07:42 AM

I actually would have preferred that the Texans draft diminutive CB Alphonso Smith from Wake forest with their first round pick instead of Cushman on the theory that we really needed help at the all-important corner back position and that competant 4-3 Sams can be had in the mid-rounds.
Well Brice McCain may be a poor mans version of Alphonso Smith (who is also only 5'9"), who had remarkable ball skills but not the top-end speed of McCain. BTW Smith ended up going high in the second round (37th overall)
to th Broncos.

NBT

08-08-2009, 12:31 PM

NUN, can't say I agree with that assesment. While I might have gone for Mathews with #15, I think Cushing was a better choice now in retrospect.

mussop

08-08-2009, 01:39 PM