[Texans] Training Camp Thread

[ima_drummer2k]

Anyone else tired of baseball? Anyone else ready for some football? Yeah, me too.

Out with the old, in with the new
Texans begin camp ready to put 2005 behind them


By FRAN BLINEBURY

First-year head coach Gary Kubiak is not mandating that his players stay at the official team hotel. So as they checked into training camp Thursday afternoon, there was not an abundance of suitcases and personal belongings being unloaded from cars.

However, the Texans are still carrying the baggage of last year's miserable 2-14 record, worst in the NFL.

"There's a lot of guys in our locker room with a chip on their shoulder," quarterback David Carr said. "There are guys with pride in our locker room, guys who have played football for a long time.

"It's all tied into the fact that we won two games last year, and we were all on that team. I'm surprised to be here. I think everyone's surprised to be here after winning two games. It was rough last year.

"There's a lot of things I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy that went on last year with the whole team. We don't want to relive that again. That's kind of distant in our memory, but we still remember it."

The disappointing 2005 season allowed the Texans to select standout defensive end Mario Williams with the No. 1 pick in the draft. But that came after a second-half schedule during which they became the butt of jokes and the focus of the so-called "Race for Reggie Bush," though the Texans decided to pass on the Heisman Trophy-winning running back.

"As a competitor, nobody likes to hear that you're losing on purpose," defensive tackle Robaire Smith said. "So we've been waiting for six or seven months to get back here and show everybody that we weren't doing it on purpose, that we're for real. Now we have a new coach, a new system."

Entering their fifth season in the league, the Texans no longer have the expansion glow and the aura of good feeling surrounding them simply for stepping onto the field.

"It's about wins," guard Chester Pitts said. "Think about it — a guy like me that's been here since day one, and I've never had a winning season. So it's a new chance to me. A chance to get excited and do whatever I can to make that happen."

Under new offensive coordinator Troy Calhoun, the offense will employ zone blocking, which will have Carr throwing on the run frequently in hopes of taking advantage of specific mismatches from week to week. Under new defensive coordinator Richard Smith, the defense will switch to a 4-3 alignment, meaning more attacking and more aggressiveness up front.

Under Kubiak, it is as if the slate has been wiped clean, and everything is new. That includes allowing the players the option of going home each night during camp.

"He's doing a lot of things they do in Denver (where Kubiak was the offensive coordinator)," defensive tackle Seth Payne said. "The philosophy is you let guys make decisions for themselves.

"You want the kind of guys on a team that are going to be responsible for themselves and responsible for the team. If they can't prove that they can handle that kind of responsibility in training camp, then what are they going to do in the regular season?"

Thursday's general mood was the usual, with players not looking forward to two-a-day practices in the heat and humidity but, in this case, ready to suffer the pain of camp in order to gain.

"I'm excited," Carr said. "I've been pumped up for a couple of weeks. Usually, my mood is I'm looking at the clock, hoping it doesn't come too fast. But I've been wanting to come out here for a while.

"I felt like when we left in the spring, we had some good things going, and we actually felt like a football team for the first time in a while. ( :eek: ouch...) It was depressing to leave it, and I wanted to get back into it.

"Even with this being a new offensive system, it feels like we're so much closer than we were the last couple of years. I don't know if it's because guys bought into a new system or what it is. But I know that I feel more confident."

But even as they checked into meetings and got ready for today's opening drills, the Texans carried their old baggage along with their playbooks.

"It's time to go to work," cornerback Dunta Robinson said. "Got to take care of my business. Got to make sure 2-14 never happens again."

LINK (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4078120.html) for Harrisment

[Harrisment]

no link? you're a very bad boy.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4078120.html

[jeff from vandy]

Please let them be DECENT this year, I can't take another season like last year!

[leroy420]

I can live with another non-postseason season. I just want to see real progress from the team as a whole and David Carr individually. I really think they are going to be much better this year. I can see them ending somewhere between 6-10 and 8-8. They just need that feeling of winning again...that they're going in the right direction. I'd say...get it early. Try to win the preseason games. Anything to have the feeling of victory again.

Either way, I'm just glad football season is back.

GO TEXANS

[pgabriel]

the texans, the boys on 610, the chronicle, everyone needs to stop bumping their gums about how this is now going to be a successful franchise because they got rid of capers. listening to 610, you'd think kubiak was the greatest thing since lombardi. just show us what this team is when the real season starts, and quit yapping about how much your practices are better. that doesn't mean jack.

[MadMax]

the texans, the boys on 610, the chronicle, everyone needs to stop bumping their gums about how this is now going to be a successful franchise because they got rid of capers. listening to 610, you'd think kubiak was the greatest thing since lombardi. just show us what this team is when the real season starts, and quit yapping about how much your practices are better. that doesn't mean jack.

yeah. i'm excited about this upcoming season. but i seriously don't have the first clue how they'll finish. i don't think i could even begin to make a prediction.

[MadMax]

Anyone else tired of baseball?

NEVER, OLD MAN!!!! :cool: :D

[ima_drummer2k]

the texans, the boys on 610, the chronicle, everyone needs to stop bumping their gums about how this is now going to be a successful franchise because they got rid of capers. listening to 610, you'd think kubiak was the greatest thing since lombardi. just show us what this team is when the real season starts, and quit yapping about how much your practices are better. that doesn't mean jack.
Oh, I agree with you on that, don't get me wrong. Talk is cheap and is utterly useless if you don't win games come the regular season.

But that's why I love training camp. Every team is 0-0. Every team is in the playoff hunt. Every team upgraded from the year before. At least if you believe all the training camp interviews.

But I do think we will be much improved this year. I mean, how can we not when we won 2 frickin' game last year? More than that, I think we will be fun to watch again. This offense seems to cater more to Carr's strengths instead of his weaknesses. More quick throws on the run.

I'm saying 7-9. And you know what? I'll take it after a 2-14 year.

[pgabriel]

and I'm not saying don't post news. I agree also that the team should be better but they have been kind of going over board on all the things they say is so much better.

[leroy420]

and I'm not saying don't post news. I agree also that the team should be better but they have been kind of going over board on all the things they say is so much better.

You are right. We have no idea how good of a head coach Gary Kubiak will be. What we do know for a fact is that the previous staff might literally be the worst coaching staff in history. Kubiak, Sherman, et al can only be better.

[Groogrux]

I think the practice thing is a big deal.

[Buck Turgidson]

I think the practice thing is a big deal.
That's where it all starts.

AI is a dumbass. Funny, but a dumbass.

[pgabriel]

I think the practice thing is a big deal.


But its subjective first of all, and second of all, what else are they gonna say. so its fine that its said, they should be positive, just don't report it as evidence that the team is gonna be that much better.

the media in this town has no credibility, especially on 610. they report these so called "bad practices" as if that was their opinion when the previous regime was here. yet we never heard anything about that till the previous regime was fired.

[Groogrux]

But its subjective first of all, and second of all, what else are they gonna say. so its fine that its said, they should be positive, just don't report it as evidence that the team is gonna be that much better.

I agree with that. I don't think the hard practices mean that they will be successful this year, I just think with the practices they apparently had the in the past, they weren't going to ever be successful. I saw it every season growing up playing basketball. If we had a ****ty week of practice or if we had coaches that didn't run good practices, we sucked on game days. When we ran tight, hard (teehee) practices, we may have lost some games still, but we were in a much better situation to win.

With other sports at this level, I think it's different. But with football, if you have that intensity on non-game days, you're much more likely to bring it with you on Sunday.

the media in this town has no credibility, especially on 610. they report these so called "bad practices" as if that was their opinion when the previous regime was here. yet we never heard anything about that till the previous regime was fired.

That, I agree with. I'm going on what the players have said, though.

[swilkins]

Quote from Robaire Smith

"As a competitor, nobody likes to hear that you're losing on purpose," defensive tackle Robaire Smith said. "So we've been waiting for six or seven months to get back here and show everybody that we weren't doing it on purpose, that we're for real. Now we have a new coach, a new system."


OK? Did I read this correct?

Is Robaire saying that he is going to prove that they were that bad, next year? How do you do that? By losing under different coaching?

If someone was questioning the talent of the team and he would respond by saying they'll prove they're better players next year, I would understand.

I know what he means. I'm just picking fun.

[sammy]

and I'm not saying don't post news. I agree also that the team should be better but they have been kind of going over board on all the things they say is so much better.

Im very excited about the new coach and system. Since day 1, we have had the most predictable offense. This team should be more fun to watch and having a solid # 2 for the first time will be nice.

[pgabriel]

yeah, I'm excited about eric moulds also. that dude is one of the most underrated players in football.

[rikesh316]

Great Texan video from first day of camp at KHOU.COM.

[rrj_gamz]

I'm so glad camp is here as that means the regular season is on the horizon...WOOHOO!!!

[JuLiO-R-]

I'm going to the Texans' practice tomorrow, I'll make sure to take pictures.

[ima_drummer2k]

I'm going to the Texans' practice tomorrow, I'll make sure to take pictures.
Sweet, please do. Looking at those KHOU videos, it looks like there were a lot of people out there today.

Mario looked like the heat was getting to him. Welcome to Houston, Mario. :D In the interview, he seemed a little shocked at how hot it was. Those of us who have lived here all these years are pretty much used to it.

DD looked good. Knee looked good, but maybe not 100% yet.

AJ had some nice catches. Looked like they were running lots of crossing routes which would seem to play right to his strength, which is running after the catch. He's going to be hard to bring down.

[swilkins]

But its subjective first of all, and second of all, what else are they gonna say. so its fine that its said, they should be positive, just don't report it as evidence that the team is gonna be that much better.

the media in this town has no credibility, especially on 610. they report these so called "bad practices" as if that was their opinion when the previous regime was here. yet we never heard anything about that till the previous regime was fired.

I think the fans want something to get excited about. Is that OK. Nobody realistically believes that this team will win 8 with the SOS we have.

The owner made the right move in hiring proven winners. This team will be a winner in time. I love getting excited about this team. Between last season and my ex, I'm needing some good news like you wouldn't believe.

[JamesC]

More pics from practice:

http://www.texansbullpen.com/06photogallery/Preseason/2006-07-28-TrainingCamp/Photos/DSC_0259.JPG

http://www.texansbullpen.com/06photogallery/Preseason/2006-07-28-TrainingCamp/Photos/DSC_0247.JPG

http://www.texansbullpen.com/06photogallery/Preseason/2006-07-28-TrainingCamp/Photos/DSC_0260.JPG

http://www.texansbullpen.com/06photogallery/Preseason/2006-07-28-TrainingCamp/Photos/DSC_0256.JPG

http://www.texansbullpen.com/06photogallery/Preseason/2006-07-28-TrainingCamp/Photos/DSC_0234.JPG

[rocketfan83]

I can't wait to see what Mario can do. He's going to have a huge chip on his shoulder he should dominate from the start. I wanted the Bush or Vince bad but I'm over it, I'm excited about finally having somebody to watch on defense.


I'm thinking they can get back to 7-9. I'm happy we got Kubiak I'm curious to see what Carr can do he has a heck of an arm just never was allowed to throw the ball down field last season.

*I got my Cowboy's Texan tickets a few nights back. Just win that one and Ill be happy :D

[JuLiO-R-]

I went to the practice today, but I got there late so I didn't really seen anything good. I didn't get great pictures, the one's posted above are a lot better. But I do have some video clips I'll be posting up later.

It was fun, but it was very hot, and they make it worse by charging you 3.50 for a bottle of water. :mad: I didn't get any good autographs from the players, only Sage Rosenfels who I didn't know before today. But I did get to meet some of the Texans Cheerleaders, and the Twins are hotter in real life. :eek:

[Groogrux]

I cannot freaking wait.

[swilkins]

Everytime I look at this, it makes me laugh.:D

http://texansbullpen.com/06photogallery/Preseason/2006-07-28-TrainingCamp/Photos/DSC_0164.JPG

[ima_drummer2k]

Looks like Ryans is turning some heads in camp. McClain was saying yesterday that everyone is real impressed with him and he thinks he will be the starter at MLB.

Texans put faith in Ryans
Rookie displays lots of potential at middle linebacker

By DALE ROBERTSON
LINK (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4085325.html)

The prospect of having an undersized rookie start at middle linebacker this season should make the Texans cringe. Except for one thing. Last season an undersized rookie started at middle linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, who weren't seen cringing until they had lost the Super Bowl.

No, Lofa Tatupu couldn't beat the Pittsburgh Steelers by his lonesome. But the USC product had a good-enough season on Seattle's behalf for everyone in Houston to keep an open mind about DeMeco Ryans, a Tatupu type who lined up in the middle Monday morning.

"Ideally, it's nice to have a veteran in that position," said defensive coordinator Richard Smith, who is quick to remind observers that Ryans isn't ensconced in the middle. "But if the cards are dealt another way, that's all right, too. Right now the position is competitive. We moved him to the 'Mike' today. You never know what might happen tomorrow. Everybody's trying to earn a position."

The job isn't too big for the rookie, Smith said.

"We're really pleased with what we saw in the minicamps and offseason work. DeMeco is very knowledgeable and was obviously well-coached in college. ... We think his movement skills are perfect for the position. He's smart. He'll handle it. He upgrades the athletic ability at the position."

Defying conventional wisdom, the Seahawks had reached the same conclusions last summer about Mosi Tatupu's son and look how nicely things panned out.

Like Tatupu, Ryans comes from a college football colossus, Alabama. He knows what big games in front of big crowds are all about, so he's prepared for the NFL, as was Tatupu. Also, Ryans and Tatupu weigh about the same (close to 240 pounds). And although Ryans lost points with the pickiest draft analysts because he's short for an NFL linebacker, he's 6-1, which makes him two inches taller than Tatupu.

The Texans love Ryans' intelligence and athleticism. They have concluded there's only one question about the man they made the first pick of the second round of the draft: Can he handle calling the defensive signals and still play instinctively? Smith will spend the preseason ferreting out the answer.

"As with anything," Smith said, "he's going to learn with experience and game-time situations. If he can, it's a bright spot for the organization."

Ryans' intelligence isn't at issue. He made the Southeastern Conference's Academic All-Conference team in his last two seasons at Alabama.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak calls Ryans studious in the classroom and accountable on the field.

"The kid loves to play," he said. " If you could see him in a meeting room and the way he goes about his business for Joe (Marciano) and our team, he's like a seven- or eight-year veteran already."

Take it in stride

Ryans doesn't appear to be stressed by the responsibility he might be asked to bear. "It's a little harder," he said. "In college everybody turned to the sideline and got the signals. Here, one person gets them and relays to the defense. "I did it in high school. For me, it's like going back to high school a little bit."

All things being equal, Ryans admits he prefers being the middle to the flanks, but he'll go where he's put. After his NFL career officially began on his 23rd birthday — with the opening of his first training camp Friday — he seems excited just to walk onto the field every morning, despite the heat and drudgery.

"I think it was hotter in Alabama," he said, flashing a smile you'll see often. "I'm just glad I have the opportunity to come out here and compete for a starting job. I'm trying to get better, to hone my skills. I like the middle, but it doesn't matter. I feel blessed to have the opportunity. "A lot of people wish they could be in your shoes. Honestly, I don't think I could have ended up in a better place."

Ryans grew up near Tuscaloosa, Ala., breathing in the Alabama football tradition from the day he was old enough to know what a football was. The Texans couldn't be more different. Ryans is taken by the newness of everything, not the least of which is Kubiak's coaching staff.

Looking to break out

The NFL's 32nd franchise has only known defeat in its four seasons. Ryans sees a role in changing that. "I'm in a place where I have a chance to prove something," he said. "Other teams have had the great players who paved the way. Now I've got a chance to be one of those for this organization.

"Here we're a new team with new coaches that's up and coming. I like that. It's a way to establish our own tradition and get things going in the right way. It's time to put the bad seasons behind us."

The Seahawks put their bad seasons — close to three decades worth — behind them with the arrival of Tatupu, who was also a second-round pick, taken 45th.

Informed of the parallels between the two of them, Ryans said: "You know, I hadn't thought about that. But I'd like to go to the Super Bowl, too."

He might be getting ahead of himself, but the Texans have to appreciate his thinking.

[tierre_brown]

Good article, ima. Everyone's talking about how Super Mario is going to wreak havoc, but I think DeMeco Ryans is also going to be fun to watch on D. He's very disciplined and should be a great change from the solid but unspectacular LBs we've had in the past.

[rhester]

That top picture where Mario is throwing Seth Wand around like a rag doll looks like he is about 1.5 seconds from giving David Carr the "I could kill you if I want" hug. :D

[Glish21]

Just saw on espn that Wali Rainer will be out for the season with a broken ankle. Just checked quick but I couldn't find a link. Does this make Ryans the starter even if they didn't want him to be?

[ima_drummer2k]

Just saw on espn that Wali Rainer will be out for the season with a broken ankle. Just checked quick but I couldn't find a link. Does this make Ryans the starter even if they didn't want him to be?
The article I linked above mentions it, but I must have not pasted it. Click on the link and scroll down to the bottom.

[moligity]

Heat of battle

Rookie offensive tackle Charles Spencer and veteran defensive end Jason Babin got into a fight, but they weren't involved in a drill. They were standing to the side, and Spencer slapped Babin, and they got after it, but it was quickly broken up.

"It was hot, and we'd been going at it (in drills), and it's just one of those things that happens," Babin said. "It only lasted about 10 seconds. We were too tired to even cuss."

They were even more tired when they went at it briefly a second time.

chron.com (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4088266.html)

[JamesC]

Heat of battle

Rookie offensive tackle Charles Spencer and veteran defensive end Jason Babin got into a fight, but they weren't involved in a drill. They were standing to the side, and Spencer slapped Babin, and they got after it, but it was quickly broken up.

"It was hot, and we'd been going at it (in drills), and it's just one of those things that happens," Babin said. "It only lasted about 10 seconds. We were too tired to even cuss."

They were even more tired when they went at it briefly a second time.

chron.com (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4088266.html)



Thats hilarious. Reminds me of when we used to get into fights during practice. I had my fare share of scraps during practice and games.

[gucci888]

Heat of battle

Rookie offensive tackle Charles Spencer and veteran defensive end Jason Babin got into a fight, but they weren't involved in a drill. They were standing to the side, and Spencer slapped Babin, and they got after it, but it was quickly broken up.

"It was hot, and we'd been going at it (in drills), and it's just one of those things that happens," Babin said. "It only lasted about 10 seconds. We were too tired to even cuss."

They were even more tired when they went at it briefly a second time.

chron.com (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4088266.html)

They got it all wrong. Spencer was just using the "What did the five fingers say to the face?" joke.

[slowmustang]

For those interested, there is a video of a T-MAC interview on the Texans website. He says he was there to recruit Mario. :D

[RocketsMVP]

For those interested, there is a video of a T-MAC interview on the Texans website. He says he was there to recruit Mario. :D

Nice find.

[ROCKETS1972]

Look at the first team
the four Preseason games will be the tell tell signs of how the Texans will do
this season

the first team when the Oilers were a Playoff team except for the last Preseason game they might play the first half of the first quarter.
A bad omen is when it is half time like last year Texans and your first team
Defense is giving up points to the other teams second and third team offence.

Preseason games 1-3
If Carr is still playing in the 2nd quarter that can be a bad sign that means
their not executing their plays very well like last year if he appears in the
third quarter we will be 2-14 again.

Preseason game 4 the score at halftime will give us an idea of how the team
is doing if the Texans are winning or the score is low that is a good sign
if we are losing by more then 10 points then it could be a very bad omen.

[ima_drummer2k]

Rookie offensive tackle Charles Spencer and veteran defensive end Jason Babin got into a fight,
Good. Nothing wrong with fighting at practice, it's all part of the game.

There should be more of it. I want these guys to be nice and salty when the first game against Phili gets here.