[OFFICIAL] Texans training camp/pre-season thread

rcoleman15 · Aug 4, 2011

Morning practice is starting to wrap up and the "Live" link is now online again with the coaching staff and player interviews to soon follow:

Link:
http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/LIVE-Texans-Training-Camp-AM-practice-Day-4/84f85edf-12f9-4ad2-8775-4b351ac3e560

Texasboy1978 · Aug 4, 2011

I see no reason why we can't beat Indy week one. From what I understand, Manning (Peyton) may not even be playing and if he is, then he will be at reduced capacity. Either way, he will not be able to read our secondary the same as last year and we still beat them in week 1. From what I hear out of TC, the secondary is not going to be as easy to read this year based on what the players are saying with the new scheme of split corners where you don't know at any given play who is FS and who is SS. I think that's why Quinn is practicing as both.

Week 2 at Miami, as long as the Texans don't go in expecting to win we should come out of South Beach with a W.

Week 3, I think this one could go either way. The Saints replaced Bush with Sproles and look to be a tough team. However, this will be the 7th game the D has played together (I think people forget we have 4 games in preseason) and I look to see a lot of improvement. Not a sure loss in my opinion.

We have Pittsburg at home in week 4. The Steelers are a tough team, true enough, but I think I've read rumors of discontention in the locker room with Harrison and what not. Don't know that they will have it all together next year, and I think Big Ben is over rated. We have a #3 offense returning from last year, replacing Leach with Vickers and OD showed a lot of improvement coming back from injury towards the end last season.

In Week 5, Oakland...do we really need to go into this? Again, We need to go in not expecting a win, and play to win.

Week 6 at Baltimore, We say hello to Vonta. We gave Baltimore a pretty good game last year, but as was the pattern last year, we gave it to them in the 4th qtr. I think this year with improved defense, we come outta this one with a win.

@Tenn and vs Jax in week 7 and 8 Respectively. I see both of these games as wins. The Jags don't have enough on Offense and Tennessee looks to be a mess this year letting a couple of key defensive players get away. Should be fun to see AJ and Finnegan go head to head again.

I say 5-3, maybe 6-2 in the first 8 weeks, 4-4 at the utmost worse barring any significant injury.

Rocketman95 · Aug 4, 2011

the few minutes of the nfl network coverage i watched this morning was just atrocious. i'm not sure who was doing the scouting for the texans, but demeco griffin and jonathan vilma are not members of the texans. neither is demarcus mario mario.

Texasboy1978 · Aug 4, 2011

I'm confused, is this not an "official" thread, or is it still the offseason???

rcoleman15 · Aug 4, 2011

Source:
http://texans.studiotigaapps.net/transcripts/august-4,-2011-am-practice.aspx

Houston Texans Transcripts
Training Camp Practice #7 (Morning)
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Head Coach Gary Kubiak:

(on if the rest of the players will be able to practice this afternoon) "I don't know quite exactly what's going to take place. It's my understanding that hopefully all these other guys that haven't been able to do anything are able to do something as of 3 (o'clock) today, but that's still up in the air. I have changed our schedule to where we're going to have our walkthroughs later in the day so they can participate in those, but I don't have word from the League yet. We'll still have our normal walkthrough this afternoon. We're just moving it back so if those guys are able to come practice, they'll be part of our walkthrough."

(on if everyone will be in pads tomorrow) "No, I'm coming back in shorts tomorrow. I'm doing everything I can to get the team in the same spot. When all those guys are able to have a physical practice, we'll come back in shorts tomorrow, have a good practice and go back in pads on Friday. I'm hoping by the end of the week by Sunday, that we've got everybody on the same page."

(on why ILB DeMeco Ryans was sitting out today) "DeMeco (Ryans), Antonio (Smith) and actually Andre (Johnson) were all part of a restructuring situation from a contract standpoint, so they fall into the category with the other 10 or 12 guys right now. They actually can't do anything until this afternoon or tomorrow morning, depending on what happens, so that's why they weren't practicing. Andre wouldn't have practiced anyway."

(on if he considered doing the walkthrough in the morning if everyone could play this afternoon) "No I didn't because I think there's a chance it may not happen. We've been told as of yesterday that if you have anything to schedule it as late as you can schedule it today. If I pushed everything back and then we didn't get them back, then I would push it back for nothing. We'll catch them up. We'll stay on schedule here. The guys have had good work and we'll catch those 10 or 12 up."

(on who flashed at him today) "(Darryl) Sharpton really flashed at me today. DeMeco (Ryans) was out so he got a chance to go in and run the defensive football team. Just watching him, I thought he did a hell of a job. Jason Allen had a very good day and there are kind of new guys every day showing up. I liked the way Sharpton stepped in and he got a chance to run the football team."

(on if it's frustrating having to work at a slow pace) "I say it's disappointing. It's not frustrating. It's just disappointing because you've got 10 or 12 guys that just want to practice and play. They want to go and it's not their fault, so I'm not going to get frustrated at them because they can't go. I'm not going to get frustrated because there's such good work going on with everybody else. It's about patience. It's about being fluid every day. Every day is a different day and when I get them all to the same spot, which I feel good about doing in the next three days, I'll feel good. There's nothing anybody can do. If I could do something about it, hell I'd do it. There's nothing they can do neither."

(on the status of ILB Brian Cushing) "I watched him run today. I think he's better every day. He's not ready to come back out here quite yet, so we're being smart with him. Is that this weekend? Is it next week? I don't know. We'll see. We're day-to-day with that."

(on if players like WR Lestar Jean and WR Terrence Toliver have caught his eye) "They really have. They're big guys. Obviously they're getting a big opportunity because Andre's (Johnson) out. Jacoby's (Jones) not practicing, so we're basically running with a real young group right now. They both got the body and the athletic ability to play in this league. We'll see how far they come. Special teams will probably be a big key there. It's a good group. It's probably as good a group of free agent wide receivers we've had."

(on how CB Kareem Jackson looks) "He's doing a good job. He's all business, but he was all business last year. Kareem (Jackson) comes here every day to work. I think he's really taken to (Defensive Backs Coach) Vance (Joseph). Our system that we're running is really what he ran in college. I think he feels very comfortable in it."
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WR Dorin Dickerson:

(on what motivates him to get better) "Just winning. I just want to be part of a winning team. I want to win a championship, I've never been part of a winning team in my life, I've been close a bunch of times but I just want to be a part of a winning team and help be one of the reasons why we win."

(on working with Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald this summer) "It was awesome. Tyler Palko was out there, too, and he played quarterback at Pitt (University of Pittsburgh). I went to high school with him and he brought me out there. Those guys know how to work and get it done. Larry (Fitzgerald) is one of the best receivers in the game, him and Andre (Johnson), and there's a reason why they are the best because they both do work really hard. So you could tell when you're there, working with them, why they are the best in the game."

(on if he has any mentors on the team) "Andre Johnson. I look at all of my teammates as mentors. We're all trying to push each other to the same goals and win a championship; well, first make it to the playoffs for the first time, so we all look up at each other."
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S Glover Quin:

(on Defensive Backs Coach Vance Joseph) "When you get a guy that knows exactly what his scheme is and a guy that knows how to help the players to make plays, it can only benefit the players if we all buy in; and I think that we're doing a great job of buying in, so we should be a whole lot better this year."

(on Defensive Backs Coach Vance Joseph being the right man to lead the Texans secondary) "I think he's definitely the right guy. When you have a young secondary, sometimes it's like he said last night: we want to be great, but when you're a young secondary, sometimes you really don't know how because you've never had the guys before you to show you what it takes every day to be great. With him bringing that excitement, that fun, that attitude to the game, to the practice field, to the meeting rooms, it makes the players relax a little bit but also be concentrating on what we're supposed to do. When you're relaxed and having fun, you'll automatically play better."

(on Defensive Backs Coach Vance Joseph losing his voice already during training camp) "We're having fun out here. We're hollering, we're talking, we're getting into it."

(on managing the heat during the team's first practice in full pads) "Man, it was steaming hot out here today, but you know, that's Houston and when we got drafted and came to the Houston Texans, you knew it was going to be hot for training camp and we've got to fight through it."
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ILB DeMeco Ryans:

(on if he was surprised about re-negotiating his contract) "Not really. I didn't know what was going on. Like I said, anything I can do to help the team get better, get where we need to be."

(on if he can understand Linebackers Coach Reggie Herring at practice) "Sometimes. He's a character. He's fun. He's a very live, a very animated guy but it's fun playing for Reggie (Herring) and having those coaches. I understand what he says when it's relevant pertaining to football. I understand what he's saying."

(on being able to help the team off the field) "It's just something that needed to be done. That's it. No big deal."
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DE Antonio Smith:

(on the indecision the defense faces in a new defensive style) "We're going to have that when you come into a totally new defense and what I mean by totally new is the calls are different, the names of things are different and you have to re-teach yourself after all the things you've learned over your career."

(on how beneficial it would have been to have a longer offseason) "It would have been real beneficial but I don't think it's that big of a deal. I think it puts you a little bit behind the eight-ball, but it's the offseason anyway so it's our job to just get going."

(on if he understand Linebackers Coach Reggie Herring) "I understand him clearly, 'cause if you don't he'll repeat it three or four or five times."

(on if he thought he would ever have a coach as loud as Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line Coach Bill Kollar) "No, I told Bill today that he (Reggie Herring) has his number and Bill was like, 'I feel bad for the guy.'"

(on his first impressions of Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips) "My first impression of him is that he knows what he's doing. That's the first thing that he said to us 'I know what it takes and I know what's needed.' You can see it in the way he carries himself and the way the defense is structured and if you learn it, the terminology and all that, there is so many ways you can use this defense. It's been successful for him for years and years for a reason."

(on if the defense has bought into the 3-4 system) "Yeah, I think it's easy for him now because with the rock-bottom we hit last year, you can't do nothing but look up with a fresh mind and a new frame of mind for this defense. You just want a fresh start, you want to get that taste out of your mouth."
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FB Lawrence Vickers:

(on what he brings to the team) "I don't necessarily think I bring something different. I'm a different person in a sense that I bring passion. I don't necessarily know if that's different, but I bring passion, excitement. I enjoy the game. I enjoy doing whatever it is to get the win. I want to win. I'm in a good position, being here, with a chance to win. I'm just going to take it all in and be the best player I can be."

(on how exciting it is to be playing in his hometown) "It is exciting. I think everybody else is more excited than me. My kids are; they're going to go back to school and tell their friends that daddy's home now. I'm enjoying it."

(on if there is a lot of pressure replacing former Texans FB Vonta Leach) "I don't look at it as I'm replacing anybody. I'm Lawrence. So I'm coming in and I'm doing me. I'm not coming in to replace nobody. I'm coming in to make my own name and do the things that I do and that's just the end of that one."

(on developing chemistry between him and RB Arian Foster) "I guess it's repetition. I don't necessarily put a time limit on it, but repetition I think will make things a lot easier for me and us just feeling each other out. That's with just every fullback. Just feeling each other out, knowing the likes and dislikes and how they like things and just going from there."

(on other parts of the game besides blocking) "I like everything about football, catching, blocking, running, whatever it may be. I just want the opportunity to do some different things than what I did last year. I was just a straight blocker so I'm happy about the opportunity to be able to run out the backfield, catch the ball, make dominating blocks, block on the outside, block on the edge, just whatever it is they ask me to do. I'm here to do that. I'm ready to work and I'm just trying to win."

(on competition with TE James Casey) "This is my sixth year (in the NFL). I've been starting four out of the six (seasons). I'm just going to come in, I'm going to try to help as much as I can and try to learn as much as I can. With the competition thing, it's always competition. I had competition in Cleveland, I had competition everywhere, so competition doesn't bother me at all. I enjoy it. Let's go get it. Let's see who's going to do it. I know what I'm going to go out there and do so I'm just ready to get out there and do what I do."
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Jet Blast · Aug 4, 2011

Groogrux said: ↑

the few minutes of the nfl network coverage i watched this morning was just atrocious. i'm not sure who was doing the scouting for the texans, but demeco griffin and jonathan vilma are not members of the texans. neither is demarcus mario mario.
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Yeah, it's pretty bad. NFL Network never talks about the Texans and now when they do they can't get any names right.

Lombardi was on talking about the Texans and he said DeMarco Ryans instead of DeMeco. He said Shane Cody instead of Shaun.

Kara Henderson was onsite and I heard her say Quin Glover instead of Glover Quin.

Might be best if they stop talking about us. Go back to their love affair with Tom Brady.

Nick · Aug 4, 2011

Jet Blast said: ↑

Yeah, it's pretty bad. NFL Network never talks about the Texans and now when they do they can't get any names right.

Lombardi was on talking about the Texans and he said DeMarco Ryans instead of DeMeco. He said Shane Cody instead of Shaun.

Kara Henderson was onsite and I heard her say Quin Glover instead of Glover Quin.

Might be best if they stop talking about us. Go back to their love affair with Tom Brady.
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Just because the NFL network is run by the NFL does not mean they are the ultimate source of quality reporting regarding their league. Eisen/Sapp/Irvin/Faulk do okay... but they're only around in the evening time. The rest of the reporters are fairly new to the buisiness.

I'll still take ESPN or Peter King's training camp reports over any other sources.

Uprising · Aug 4, 2011

Texasboy1978 said: ↑

I'm confused, is this not an "official" thread, or is it still the offseason???
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This one wasn't created or stickied, yet, by a mod.

DonkeyMagic · Aug 4, 2011

Nick said: ↑

Just because the NFL network is run by the NFL does not mean they are the ultimate source of quality reporting regarding their league. Eisen/Sapp/Irvin/Faulk do okay... but they're only around in the evening time. The rest of the reporters are fairly new to the buisiness.

I'll still take ESPN or Peter King's training camp reports over any other sources.
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it's not even about being the ultimate source, it's about professionalism and knowledge of what you are talking about.

rcoleman15 · Aug 4, 2011

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DonkeyMagic · Aug 4, 2011

just heard that the afternoon practice has been pushed back...maybe a sign the FA can start practicing

Uprising · Aug 4, 2011

Thanks for the video and transcripts.

rcoleman15 · Aug 4, 2011

Uprising said: ↑

Thanks for the video and transcripts.
Click to expand...

Your welcome.

Here is another video interview. This time with Andre Johnson from NFL.com

Description:

Published: Aug. 4, 2011 at 01:19 p.m.

02:49 – Texans WR Andre Johnson gives us the gruesome details about his finger dislocation and the Texans' plans to become Super Bowl contenders this season.
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Link: (Sorry no embed code)
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8213a650/Texan-tough-guy-battling-through-injury

next here is Stephanie Stradley new blog post detailing this mornings practice:

Link:
http://blog.chron.com/texanschick/2011/08/texans-training-camp-day-4-best-day-yet/

and finally here is Pete Prisco's offseason grade for the Texans.

Link:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/15393413/free-agency-grades-boldness-doesnt-guarantee-success

Houston Texans: I loved the moves to add Joseph and Manning. They will give the Texans some good coverage skills in the back end, something they lacked in a big way last year. The secondary should be much improved. Losing Leach isn't the hit some would make you think. They replaced him with Lawrence Vickers, a cheaper version. Hey, it's just a fullback. Grade: B
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ima_drummer2k · Aug 4, 2011

Not sure if this has been posted, but here is an uncharacteristically GREAT interview Rich Lord did with Arian Foster yesterday.

http://houston.cbslocal.com/2011/08/03/arian-foster-holding-out-wouldnt-of-helped

Arian was asked why he didn't hold out and he said he couldn't look himself in the mirror if he would have.

The leading rusher in the NFL is only making 500K this year....and he's cool with it. I can't believe this isn't getting more national attention. Foster is quickly becoming my favorite Texan. Hope he rushes for 2,000 yards this year and gets his well deserved payoff soon afterwards.

I also like how he jumped on Rich for stereotyping running backs. Arian is a guy I wouldn't mind sitting next to on a long flight and just picking his brain for a few hours.

DonkeyMagic · Aug 4, 2011

ima_drummer2k said: ↑

Not sure if this has been posted, but here is an uncharacteristically GREAT interview Rich Lord did with Arian Foster yesterday.

http://houston.cbslocal.com/2011/08/03/arian-foster-holding-out-wouldnt-of-helped

Arian was asked why he didn't hold out and he said he couldn't look himself in the mirror if he would have.

The leading rusher in the NFL is only making 500K this year....and he's cool with it. I can't believe this isn't getting more national attention. Foster is quickly becoming my favorite Texan. Hope he rushes for 2,000 yards this year and gets his well deserved payoff soon afterwards.

I also like how he jumped on Rich for stereotyping running backs. Arian is a guy I wouldn't mind sitting next to on a long flight and just picking his brain for a few hours.
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heard that too. Real cool guy and easy to cheer for. I hope he has a long and productive career with the texans.

vinsensual · Aug 4, 2011

I liked the quote about not caring about proving the naysayers wrong.

rcoleman15 · Aug 4, 2011

<style type='text/css'>.bbpBox99216869650726913 {background:url(http://a2.twimg.com/profile_background_images/27993840/Foxsports_background.png) #9AE4E8;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}</style> <div class='bbpBox99216869650726913'><p class='bbpTweet'>Just got word from a source they have received enough votes! Let the league year begin<span class='timestamp'><a title='Thu Aug 04 20:35:19 +0000 2011' href='https://twitter.com/#!/Jay_Glazer/status/99216869650726913'>less than a minute ago</a> via <a href="http://ubersocial.com" rel="nofollow">UberSocial</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=99216869650726913'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/favorite.png' /> Favorite</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=99216869650726913'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/retweet.png' /> Retweet</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=99216869650726913'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/reply.png' /> Reply</a></span><span class='metadata'><span class='author'><a href='http://twitter.com/Jay_Glazer'><img src='http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/351605399/Glaze_head_shot_normal.jpg' /></a><strong><a href='http://twitter.com/Jay_Glazer'>Jay Glazer</a></strong><br/>Jay_Glazer</span></span></p></div> 
 <style type='text/css'>.bbpBox99217015998386176 {background:url(http://a2.twimg.com/profile_background_images/27993840/Foxsports_background.png) #9AE4E8;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}</style> <div class='bbpBox99217015998386176'><p class='bbpTweet'>The players have voted to ratify the new CBA!<span class='timestamp'><a title='Thu Aug 04 20:35:54 +0000 2011' href='https://twitter.com/#!/Jay_Glazer/status/99217015998386176'>less than a minute ago</a> via <a href="http://ubersocial.com" rel="nofollow">UberSocial</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=99217015998386176'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/favorite.png' /> Favorite</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=99217015998386176'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/retweet.png' /> Retweet</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=99217015998386176'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/reply.png' /> Reply</a></span><span class='metadata'><span class='author'><a href='http://twitter.com/Jay_Glazer'><img src='http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/351605399/Glaze_head_shot_normal.jpg' /></a><strong><a href='http://twitter.com/Jay_Glazer'>Jay Glazer</a></strong><br/>Jay_Glazer</span></span></p></div>

DonkeyMagic · Aug 4, 2011

REEKO_HTOWN · Aug 4, 2011

rcoleman15 · Aug 4, 2011

Link:
http://texans.studiotigaapps.net/transcripts/august-4,-2011-pm-practice.aspx

Houston Texans Transcripts
Training Camp Practice #8 (Afternoon)
Thursday, August 4, 2011

Head Coach Gary Kubiak

(on everybody on the team being able to practice today) "We were just kind of going. We didn't know if we would have them back this afternoon or what. Things worked out good. That was kind of our plan, to put them through a walk-through this afternoon. We'll come back in shorts tomorrow and hopefully I've got them all on the same page by the weekend."

(on what he thinks S Danieal Manning will be bring to the team) "I like his passion for the game. When we studied him playing, he really loves to play. He's a fiery guy. He's been successful. Everybody knows who he is and he can help us in special teams from a return standpoint. I'm expecting him and (CB) Johnathan (Joseph) to go back there and lead the group. They've got to catch up with the other 73, so that's what we got to start doing tomorrow."

(on rookie WR Jeff Maehl) "He reminds me of David (Anderson) a little bit in college. He plays in the slot, makes a lot of plays. That's probably where his concentration is going to be with us doing some of those types of things inside. He's a guy that a lot of things say no, but when you cut the film on him and start working 11-on-11, he just tends to make plays. We'll give him an opportunity. He's going to have to do some things for (Special Teams Coordinator) Joe (Marciano) also."

(on how important it is for players to be willing to restructure their contracts, like WR Andre Johnson, ILB DeMeco Ryans and DE Antonio Smith) "If you don't have players that are unselfish and willing to do anything to help the football team, then you can't go out and sign players in free agency and do things like that. The reason (CB) Johnathan (Joseph) is here and the reason (S) Danieal (Manning) is here and some of the things we've been able to get done and get the fullback (Lawrence Vickers) here, is because of them guys helping the football team out. They've been very good to this football team, not only as players but as people too. It means a lot."

(on how he plans on shuffling the new players in) "I kind of had a plan the whole time. We took these guys to the brink today. We had a heck of a physical practice today. Now these other guys, it's about 12 or 13 guys catching up with 73. You didn't want 73 guys waiting on those 12. I think we're ready to do that. Those guys, I think they're in good shape. We'll see. I've got to evaluate them each day. I think we'll be able to do that now. Those guys are chomping at the bit. They want to play football."

(on if everybody will be in pads by Sunday) "I expect to come back Saturday in pads, Saturday and Sunday. I'll get them a day without them and just check their conditioning level. If we go two hours in the morning, maybe those guys will only go an hour and a half. We'll see."

(on if the free agents need more reps than the new guys) "I don't think it's a matter of getting them more to start off with. I think it's a matter of seeing where they are. We'll put a clock on them tomorrow morning. As far as what we're doing, we'll take it day by day, but like I said, I'm hoping by Sunday morning that these guys are all on the same page."

(on the health situation) "Somebody got a couple nicks; we had a quad, Paul - our receiver Paul Williams - got a quad. Other than that, we're fine. We're doing pretty good. Health looks good."
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Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips

(on CB Johnathan Joseph and FS Danieal Manning) "Well they've (Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning) been in all the meetings and they seem to learn well and they seem to catch on well. You know, they played in the League and they started in the League, so I think they're comfortable that way. They still got to learn the new system like everybody else but it comes quicker to guys who have played."

(on how good practice was today) "I thought we had our best practice today, so that was encouraging because we put a lot of things in for them. I didn't think we were doing real well early, as far as mistakes. I think talent-wise and effort-wise we were doing good things. I thought a lot of thing came together today."

(on his staff if he understand Linebackers coach Reggie Herring) "I think my staff is an excellent staff. A couple I've had with me before. Other ones have been in the same system as my system so my staff, I think, is on the same page. There's a lot of teaching to get done and I think they've done a good job of that."

(on what guys on the team from last year are grasping the new 3-4 defense) "Like I said, today's practice we did some real good things as far as assignments and technique. We're learning our assignments well, we didn't have many busts today and we put in a lot of things, so that was an important step for us. I'm encouraged by today. Of course, tomorrow could change."

(on if this is the toughest situation he's had to teach a defense) "Yeah, well I know there was a time when there was no offseason and we went to New Orleans (Saints). I think we started five rookies the first year. Pretty much everywhere I've been has been a change because they weren't doing well the year before so, there were changes personnel-wise so, it's similar to a lot of the situations I've been in."

(on what FS Danieal Manning can bring to the defense) "Well, he's a good player. The more good players you have the better you can do. Actually, the more things you can do because he gives you the ability to play man-to-man with the free safety which a lot of free safeties can't."

(on DE J.J. Watt) "Well, J.J. Watt is stepping up and being a starter right now. We didn't see that early, you know usually you don't step in and be a starter but he's come in and really accepted the role. I look at what the other players look at and they seem like they think he fits in well as do I. It worked out that we had some guys that played last year, weren't able to practice and one of the starters from last year is in Chicago now so it was an opportunity. Kube (Coach Gary Kubiak) says it a lot 'Anytime you get an opportunity, then take advantage of it.' He's doing that."

(on his depth at nose tackle) "I feel real good. I think our nose tackles have probably played as good as anybody so far, just in practice and then both of them are able to do the things that we want done and they've done them well."
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RB Arian Foster

(on whether it's an easy transition for him to start practicing again) "I know the system, so it doesn't impact me from a cerebral standpoint. I went to all the meetings, I knew what was going on, so not from a cerebral standpoint."

(on building a relationship with FB Lawrence Vickers) "Once you're a professional, your job is your job and relationships get formed, but at the end of the day you have to do your job. When relationships do get formed, I think it's a special thing. You just have to take it day by day with something like that. You can't rush it."

(on what the important steps are to build relationships with teammates) "Just repetition. Nothing cures that but repetition. We both have to get out there and we have to get a lot of reps during practice. We're both professionals. He's (FB Lawrence Vickers) been in the league a long time and he knows how to practice. I think what separates good players from great players is that they know how to practice."

(on whether he has more confidence working with a veteran fullback) "Absolutely. Any time you have a veteran in front of you, there's not much they haven't seen in this league. This league throws a lot of things at you, but he's (FB Lawrence Vickers) been around it. He's been around systems. He's been around the NFL for a while, so he knows how to work. That's all it's about right now is getting on the practice field and getting reps."
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WR Jacoby Jones

(on what it was like to get back on the field after waiting four days for the CBA to be ratified.) "It was good. Just sitting here, watching and learning and sitting in the classroom, it was like taking a test again, like the ACT or something. It was fun to get back out here."

(on helping the undrafted rookies like WRs Jeff Maehl and Terrence Toliver get up to speed) "Those young guys have got great talent. Some of the young receivers that usually come in, they come in wide-eyed; these guys come in with great confidence. I'm expecting them to big things.
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CB Johnathan Joseph

(on what the first few days of training camp were like while he wasn't practicing) "It was boring. We talked about different little things, but the great thing about sitting over there was we were able to get mental reps and look at the game from a different aspect, so I think it was still helpful and beneficial sitting over there on the sideline while we weren't able to work."

(on whether he felt rusty after such a long layoff) "I guess that's still to be determined tomorrow. We come in for the A.M. practice and have a chance to go against guys with live bullets and not a walk-through, so tomorrow will be a good call."

(on how much of the defensive playbook he has grasped) "I'm pretty caught up on everything just because I had a chance to be in all of the meetings with everyone. I just couldn't come out here and practice. Out here at practice and during the walk-throughs, I was able to still watch and stand on the side and pick up things as well."

(on whether he prefers which side of the field he lines up on) "It's not really a preference, because at corner, it's all really the same whether you're left or right, sometimes you're going to have to run over to the slot set which would put you on the other side, so it's all the same."

(on whether he minds lining up against receivers in the slot) "Not at all. Whatever is asked of me, I'm there to do."

(on getting to mix it up in practice tomorrow) "Absolutely. It's been a long time coming; seems like a whole year or two years since I've played any football with the lockout. Tomorrow, I'm just looking forward to it."
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QB Matt Leinart

(on what he did during the lockout to stay in shape) "I was down home in Southern California, working out every day, throwing a lot with a lot of guys that are out there, just preparing myself for the season. Being a free agent, I wasn't sure what was going to happen, but I'm excited to be out here and be back with this team and these guys; and it's a great organization, a great team and I'm just excited to be a part of it."

(on what it was like to finally practice after waiting four days for the CBA to be ratified) "It feels good. I've been just kind of patiently waiting this last week. It's awesome. It feels good just to get a sweat going, get with the guys, get in the huddle, run some plays. I'm excited for the morning."

(on having to wait four days for the CBA to be ratified) "It's really bizarre. None of us really knew what was going on and why we were sitting out, but at the same time, we took advantage of it mentally with a lot of mental reps. Now it's full-go and we're excited. This is what we're here to do, is play football. So we're excited to do that."
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FS Danieal Manning

(on if he's trying to take on a leadership role) "A little bit of both. I'm learning from those guys also. Some of those guys have, like I said, been around, played their little system a little bit and I haven't. I come from a different system, and just picking it up. Those coaches, like I said earlier, those coaches are doing a good job conveying what they want and I just have to get out here and put it on the field."

(on if the defense is banding together) "Like you guys know, any industry that you're doing, in my case football, team camaraderie is number one. When you know your guys are sticking with each other it's easy to get over that 'I made a mistake' type of thing because you're never alone. Just everybody coming together. We have to circle the wagon and play, like I said, play Houston Texans football."
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DE Antonio Smith

(on the 3-4 defense) "The techniques are all still the same, exactly how I played it in Arizona. A lot of the terminology, a lot of stuff is different than it was, than I've ever played before, even though it's still a 3-4 it's different than the 3-4 I played in Arizona."

(on if Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips' 3-4 is more aggressive) "You're aggressiveness is on your defensive players and I think that we aren't accepting anything less here than aggressive because that's what kind of defense we want to be, and that's what type of coach Wade (Phillips) is. I think it's about the same, it just depends on how you play the game."

(on playing outside like he did in Arizona) "I don't know. Whatever they need me to do. That's how I've always been. I can play all the positions so if they want me to go there, I go there."

(on how DE J.J. Watt is doing) "He's doing good. He's bringing us nice snacks to the meeting room and everything. He's been a good rookie."

(on if re-negotiating his contract was an easy process) "It was easy. They told me about it, I went upstairs, I did it, and it was over. It was quick. I got a day off of practice. I just had to go upstairs and explain to me what they wanted to do, why they were doing it, and what it was for, and I was okay with it."

(on dragging out the re-negotiation to miss more practice) "No, I feel bad when I'm looking at my boys out there sweating and they're giving me the dog growl like they want to get me because I'm not practicing today. I don't need any more days off. I'm ready to get back into it. It was easy. It wasn't anything I had to think about, it wasn't anything I had any problems with. Just go and do it, help the team out, done.
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DE J.J. Watt

(on how well he is making the adjustment to the NFL from college) "I actually think it was helped out by the fact that I played at Wisconsin and we had kind of a pro-style run practice and we had some great offensive linemen there that helped prepare me. The speed of the game is a little bit different and every single offensive lineman is a great offensive lineman in the NFL. But for the most part, I'm pretty comfortable with the playbook so far and I've come out here and I've worked every day and my goal is just to get better every day and I've done that so far."

(on lining up in different positions) "Yeah, there's a ton of different assignments. We have a lot of different rules that we have to follow from our defensive standpoint. It's not just 'Line up and go.' We actually have a lot of thinking going on."

(on if the Texans defense is complicated) "The thing about this defense and Coach ( Defensive Coordinator Wade) Phillips is that he tries to make it as easy as possible so we can fly around and have fun. I think he's a done a great job of that so far. That's what I'm noticing; I haven't had too much of an issue learning the playbook, so it's nice because you can actually just go out there and play football."

(on if he pinches himself when he looks at some of the guys he's playing next to) "It's nice. I don't have time to pinch myself, though, because I need to be a starter and I can't sit here and be star struck."
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Here is an article by AP writer Kristie Rieken on Danieal Manning:

Link:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-texans-dmanning

Manning ready for task of improving secondary

By KRISTIE RIEKEN, AP Sports Writer
1 hour, 18 minutes ago

HOUSTON (AP)—Danieal Manning(notes) grew up in Corsicana and starred at Abilene Christian before spending his first five NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears.

Now the safety is back in the state he loves, hoping to help the Houston Texans turn around the league’s worst pass defense.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said of playing for the Texans. “I was planning for this for a long time. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Still, he knows that getting the secondary on track in Houston won’t be easy. The Texans allowed more than 267 yards passing a game last season which was key in the team finishing a disappointing 6-10 and failing to make the playoffs yet again.

He thinks one ingredient to success could simply be bringing a winning attitude to this team that has finished above .500 just once in its first nine seasons.

“I just want to help the guys around here believe that we can be playing for a championship,” he said. “That’s the one thing—we’ve got to get the mentality changed around here. They’ve got the talent all around, from offense, defense, coaches—there’s just nothing else you can ask for. Guys just got to continue to believe.”

Manning started each game last season for the Bears and finished with 72 tackles and an interception. In 2009 he had 92 tackles, a sack, safety, interception and two forced fumbles.

But his statistics don’t tell the entire story of why the Texans are so high on him.

“I like his passion for the game,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “When we studied him playing, he really loves to play. He’s a fiery guy and has been successful.”

He’s excited to play with cornerback Johnathan Joseph(notes), another new Texan, whom Houston hopes can pair with Manning to make the secondary a strength of this team. Manning believes the experience that he and Joseph bring to the group will help the younger players develop this season.

The pair has some catching up to do after spending the first few days watching from the sideline while waiting for the new, 10-year collective bargaining agreement to be ratified. They were happy to finally be allowed to practice with their new team for the first time on Thursday afternoon after the CBA was ratified, even if it was only in shorts without helmets.

“It felt good,” Manning said after Thursday afternoon’s practice. “I’m glad to be out there officially and running around, sweating up and communicating.”

First-year defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is looking forward to taking advantage of Manning’s versatility this season.

“He’s a good player,” Phillips said. “The more good players you have the better you can do—actually the more things you can do, too. He gives you the ability to play man to man with a free safety which a lot of free safeties can’t.”

Manning is aware of the reputation Houston’s secondary earned last season with its terrible performance and wants to help change the way people view the group.

“These guys have to wear that chip on their shoulders, so I’m going to take it with me also,” he said. “I’m going to develop the same type of attitude that these guys have that we want to go around the league and prove guys wrong.”

The Texans also hope Manning can contribute on special teams. A dangerous kick returner, Manning averaged 24.7 yards a return last season with a long return of 62 yards.

The signings of Manning and Joseph were a factor in Houston having to restructure the contracts of linebacker DeMeco Ryans(notes), receiver Andre Johnson(notes) and defensive end Antonio Smith to get below the $120.4 million amount set forth in the new CBA this week. Ryans said it was important to do for the good of the entire team.

“Whatever I can do to help the team—on the field, off the field—it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We’re all working toward a goal and that’s winning and if it takes moving something around, it isn’t a big deal to me.”
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