3-4 DEs do a lot of things that don't show up in the stat lines. That's one of the things that makes JJ such a phenom. You don't usually see that type of production from that particular position. Crick wasn't a force by any stretch of the imagination, but he was a very solid player. Still replaceable though. I think Covington will be able to fill that roll plus some.
JJ freelances alot which helps him produce stats. the last two coaching staffs let him get away with it and rightfully so since he produces.
Agreed, I think Still will win the starting spot over Covington. But Covington will see a lot of action at that position as well as nose tackle.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> announce that six Training Camp practices will be open to the public, the first being July 31 <a href="https://t.co/cqP9QjnzbB">pic.twitter.com/cqP9QjnzbB</a></p>— Daniel Gotera (@DTGoteraKHOU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DTGoteraKHOU/status/755104170764492802">July 18, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
[rQUOTEr]http://tinyurl.com/TexansCamp Top storyline: The Texans put their offense through an extreme makeover this offseason, and training camp is the furnace that will help forge the finished product. They'll be together more than they ever have been, they'll be miserable in the heat, and Brock Osweiler's leadership will begin to experience its first real tests. The Texans' defense allowed the lowest third-down conversion percentage in the league last year and the seventh-fewest points. Considering certain outliers early in the season, that number is impressive. Their offense couldn't give the support they needed for more than a first-round playoff exit. They're counting on this year's changes to provide that. If Osweiler can master the offense: That will be a start for the Texans. Osweiler started learning Bill O'Brien and George Godsey's offense in March, almost as soon as he signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the team. They invested that money in him because they expect him to change things. Player who will have fans buzzing: Jaelen Strong made several impressive catches during organized team activities, showing off his hand strength. He's in better shape than he was a year ago, and he'll make some catches that induce crowd noise during the open practices. There are some obvious answers here, but Strong will be a newcomer to this list. Position battle worth watching: It's not a sexy position, but center is the one we'll go with here. The Texans drafted Nick Martin out of Notre Dame in the second round with the intention that he would soon become their starting center. Tony Bergstrom is a veteran signed to a lower-end contract this offseason, and he's also competing for that spot. While Martin adjusts to the NFL, Bergstrom might be the answer there. That rookie should start: Other than Martin, first-round pick Will Fuller comes with high expectations to contribute early. I don't expect Fuller to be the team's starter in Week 1, but just as cornerback Kevin Johnson increased his role as the 2015 season progressed, Fuller should have a similar trajectory during his rookie season. Veteran whose job is in jeopardy: The Texans don't have a notable veteran whose job is really in jeopardy. They moved on from those much earlier in the offseason. The two competitions that come closest are at receiver and linebacker, where receiver Cecil Shorts III and linebacker Akeem Dent could face challenges from younger players. Will Devon Still solidify himself as a starting defensive end? Still has the inside track to winning the starting spot opposite J.J. Watt. The position was vacated by Jared Crick, the Texans' starter in the previous two seasons, who signed with the Denver Broncos in free agency. It's a little bit more of a diverse position than Still has played in the past, so there is an adjustment. Keep an eye on the offensive line: This actually might be the biggest question mark on the offense. There's just so much we don't know about what this unit will be like in 2016. Left tackle Duane Brown is recovering from a major surgery for a torn right quad tendon. He has been diligent in his rehab, but his return could bump right up against the start of the season. They're replacing center Ben Jones with either Bergstrom or Martin, and Jeff Allen will plug in where Brandon Brooks was last season at right guard. They'll also expect growth from Xavier Su'a-Filo, who will be their starting left guard. What fans will be saying after camp: "Lamar Miller is so fast. Will Fuller is so fast. This whole offense has gotten so much faster, and that's a lot of fun. Let's hope the pieces can come together to show off that speed this fall."[/rQUOTEr]
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The five open practices at <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans">@HoustonTexans</a> Training Camp sold out in just three (3) minutes! First practice is Sunday, July 31st <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTexans?src=hash">#WeAreTexans</a></p>— Texans PR (@TexansPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexansPR/status/756213111334445056">July 21, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Is this cause for concern? <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JJWatt">@JJWatt</a> will begin training camp on PUP after undergoing back surgery but should be ready for the start of the regular season.</p>— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/756292524981882880">July 22, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Makes last season even more impressive <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watt played last season with a herniated disk, among his many maladies. But he's never missed a game. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) <a href="https://twitter.com/taniaganguli/status/756295708114759680">July 22, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Scary stuff... JJ has been an Iron Man, I've been fearing that he can't keep going like that forever.
Yep. 5 seasons in the league, 3 time DPOY and he hasn't missed a game in his career. It's downright remarkable, but with this injury and all the ones he had last season it's taking a toll on his body. My fear is the injuries permanently catch up, and though he will probably still be a good player, JJ's best days might be behind him. The NFL is a brutal game
Lamar F'ing Miller is going to go off. _____ We probably can pinpoint the exact day Bill O'Brien and Co. decided they had to have Lamar Miller. On Oct. 25, 2015, Miller shredded O'Brien's Texans defense for 236 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in the first half of a blowout win for the Dolphins. Miller didn't get another touch in the second half for Miami, but Houston had seen more than enough.
We don't have a training camp thread, so this will do: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jaelen Strong reported in optimal condition, has lost a ton of weight since a year ago when he was overweight and sluggish. Looks quick</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/759762732325285889">July 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very vocal Osweiler. Directing receivers, offense and noticeably calling everything out. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/759763811175772160">July 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes, Osweiler looks good. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/759761370506080256">July 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rookie wide receiver Will Fuller had some good moments in his first training camp practice, also had a few drops.</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/759782035820978176">July 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texans offensive tackle Derek Newton was carted off, unclear what the nature or severity of injury or ailment was</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/759782758285619200">July 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
