[Official] Texans Offseason 2011

rcoleman15 · Aug 10, 2011

Uprising said: ↑

No rc15 post yet.
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:grin:

Link:
http://texans.studiotigaapps.net/transcripts/august-10,-2011-pm-practice.aspx

Houston Texans Transcripts
Training Camp Practice #17 (Afternoon)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Head Coach Gary Kubiak:

(on WR Jacoby Jones and RB Ben Tate's health) "Jacoby (Jones), we sent him over for x-rays here at lunchtime and haven't found out anything. As far as Ben (Tate), basically he didn't do anything this morning and we're hoping he's ready to go tomorrow so we'll see."

(on the team's injuries) "We've have a few nicks this morning. (Rashad) Butler had a little hamstring tweak so he'll be day-to-day. We had a few guys nicked up, the young receiver Lester (Jean) got hit in the head pretty good on that one route he ran, so we'll see how he is tomorrow but other than that just bumps and bruises."

(on DE Antonio Smith's health) "Yeah, I forgot about him, he lost a lot of weight and actually came in this morning under weight and lost some more at practice; obviously you're going to lose some at practice and he just got gassed so we had to give him some IVs but he'll be back."

(on RB Arian Foster) "I would say Arian (Foster) right now, you still won't see him for a couple of days, so is there any hope towards Monday? You know, the further we go, the bleaker that looks from that standpoint but yet we're dealing with just a tweaked hamstring so there's no doubt that he's going to be back and we're taking it day-to-day. I'd like to think he'll be ready Monday but I'm not going to do anything crazy with him so we'll see."

(on ILB Brian Cushing) "It's a little like what we did with DeMeco (Ryans). It's just that DeMeco is a little bit further along. With DeMeco we kind of brought him along slowly and he's had his best three days the last three days. Cush (Brian Cushing) basically is starting from scratch and did two periods this morning. Hopefully he improves tomorrow but hopefully every day it's a little bit more. So he came out this morning feeling fine, so that's a good sign."

(on QB Matt Leinart's playing time Monday night against the New York Jets) "Well he's going to play a great deal obviously; preseason is his season, so to speak, so he will play a great deal. He's going to play against one of the top-three defenses in the game and they're very active from that standpoint but he needs to play. Matt (Leinart) needs to get back out there and get in the fire so to speak ,and we all do but it's a big couple of weeks for Matt."
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Here is an article from foxsportshouston.com and David Dalati on the O-Line.

Source:
http://www.foxsportshouston.com/08/09/11/Texans-O-line-stablizes-strives-to-impro/landing_texans.html?blockID=545459&feedID=4073

Texans' O-line stablizes, strives to improve

David Dalati
August 9, 2011

The Houston Texans' offensive line allowed 32 sacks last season, although not all sacks are directly attributable to the line. Nineteen teams allowed more. But the pride and joy of the line was Arian Foster's 1,616 rushing yards, which led the NFL.

"At the end of the year," center Chris Myers said, "to not make the playoffs but have the No. 1 rusher . . . it was a nice little side prize."

Foster rewarded his linemen with individual plaques for helping him win the rushing title.

For linemen, while keeping the quarterback upright is essential and the most noticeable portion of their job, run blocking provides the most fun.

"It takes away the will of the defense," said left tackle Duane Brown. "Knowing you're pushing them back . . . to run the ball down somebody's throat is everything for an offensive lineman."

The current line has Brown at one tackle and Eric Winston at right tackle. Wade Smith, signed as a free agent before the 2010 season, has been a very solid left guard. Mike Brisiel and Antoine Caldwell split time at right guard, and Myers started every game at center.

Besides Brown's four-game suspension for ingesting a banned substance, the entire line stayed intact all season and became a cohesive unit. That provided consistency and stability.

"Everybody that's in the two-deep (on the depth chart) has been here and has played a lot of reps," Smith said.

Said Myers: "You make certain grunts and sighs here and there and know what each guy's talking about."

At 30, Smith is the eldest of the group. (Myers turns 30 in September.)

"We all treat it like we're all rookies trying to learn the offense all over again," Myers said. "We take notes like we're rookies."

Although the line helped Foster break out as an elite runner in the league and protected quarterback Matt Schaub, Smith said the real prize will come when the Texans make the playoffs.

"I wasn't satisfied at all last season," Smith said. "I was proud of Arian and I was proud of the job Schaub did, but we didn't win enough games. But the stats alone don't impress me."

Now that the Texans possess one of the league's best running games, the sack numbers should decrease.

"It helps a lot," Brown said. "You keep the defense on their heels, not knowing what you're going to do. When you can run the ball, run the ball, run the ball and then drop back and pass it, that's when you get 40 or 50 yard plays in the air. When you can't run the ball, when you have to drop back 40 times, it makes it tougher."

Although none of the linemen made the Pro Bowl, at least what was once a revolving door for the Texans appears stabilized. After years of tryouts at left tackle, the Texans have a unit that has played together for a full season and has evolved into a solid group.

"Usually, when you're running the ball well, your sacks are down," said coach Gary Kubiak. "We ran the ball well, so I'd like to see our sacks go down. But our first group is pretty solid."

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Next up is an article via the AP on Andre Johnson.

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-texans-johnsonat30

Johnson focused on Texans reaching playoffs

By KRISTIE RIEKEN, AP Sports Writer
39 minutes ago

HOUSTON (AP)—On his 30th birthday last month, Andre Johnson(notes) didn’t spend much time thinking about football or the fact that he has yet to reach the playoffs.

Still, the Houston Texans’ star receiver said he never thought he’d reach the milestone birthday before making the postseason.

“Like I said before, that’s something I think about every day,” Johnson said of making the playoffs. “I’m just trying to do whatever I can to hopefully stand up on that podium one day and hold that trophy. That’s my goal.”

Johnson has long been considered one of the top receivers in the NFL. He’s had more than 1,000 yards receiving in five of his eight seasons in the league, including the last three straight.

But as the Texans prepare for their 10th season and Johnson for his ninth, he’s prepared to do even more to help Houston reach the playoffs for the first time.

“You just have to turn your play up another notch,” he said. “That’s just the way I look at it so hopefully, the way I’ve been playing, I can just take it and turn it up a whole other level. That’s what I’m going to try to do.”

It would be difficult for Johnson to do much more for this team. He followed up two straight 1,500 yard-plus receiving seasons by catching 86 passes for 1,216 yards in just 13 games last year.

“He means everything,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “I was just telling the guys a while ago that I was putting pressure on him. When he practices good, we practice good as an offensive football team; same thing with the quarterback. Andre goes all day, works all day. You don’t find many guys that are nine-year pros and work like that. That’s why he’s a great player.”

Johnson missed four days of camp with a dislocated left index finger, but has looked good since returning on Sunday. He’s not 100 percent, but knows it’s important to practice as much as possible with the first preseason game with the Jets coming up on Monday.

“I feel pretty good,” he said. “The finger is still sore. I just keep it wrapped up with a splint … just trying to see how fast it can heal up, but I’ve been getting treatment and stuff on it every day just trying to get it fully healed.”

Johnson doesn’t talk publicly about personal goals and says he doesn’t care where people rank him among the top receivers. The only goal he shares with the media before each season is the one he hasn’t reached, but he’s grown weary of talking about that one, too.

“It’s like beating something dead,” Johnson said of talking about the playoffs. “We hear it over and over so we know what we have to do to get to where we want to go.”

Texans owner Bob McNair said he isn’t even considering the possibility of not making the postseason.

“It’s the playoffs,” he said. “That’s what we expect and have no reason to believe we won’t be there. We’re going to do whatever we have to do to win, period. Of course, that means you’re going to be in the playoffs … but it’s all about winning and we’ve had adequate time to get there and we’ve been very close. We just need to make that determination that we’re going to make it happen.”

As one of the longest tenured players on this team, Johnson’s leadership is something McNair believes will be key in helping the Texans reach their goal. Johnson signed a contract extension before last season that should keep him in Houston for his entire career.

“You just couldn’t ask for anybody to be a better teammate than Andre because not only is he a great player but he goes out there and plays as hard or harder than anybody, he never complains, he does his job, he’s willing to sacrifice and he doesn’t complain about how many balls you’ve thrown to him,” McNair said. “That’s what you’re looking for. This is a team sport and a lot of what happens depends upon the chemistry of that team. Andre helps set the right chemistry for us.”

Notes: LB Brian Cushing(notes) practiced for the first time on Wednesday morning after sitting out the first few practices recovering from offseason knee surgery. He took part in a couple of segments of practice and Kubiak said he’s “way behind” and they’ll need him to catch up quickly. … Receiver Jacoby Jones(notes) left Wednesday morning’s practice with a sore foot.
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Up next via HoustonTexans.com..."10 Questions with Brooks Reed"

Link:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/10-Questions-with-Brooks-Reed/e25aa8a7-3bc9-41f9-ad93-1ce2d1c0865d

10 Questions with Brooks Reed

Getting to know the 2011 Texans, 10 Questions at a time.

Brooks Reed (6-2, 263) was selected by the Texans with the 42nd overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. A native of Tucson, Ariz., Reed will compete with Connor Barwin for playing time at strongside linebacker this season.

Reed answered 10 questions for HoustonTexans.com after practice during the second week of training camp.

1. How is training camp going for you so far?

“It’s been a great learning experience. I am changing positions and moving up to the NFL level and NFL speed, so it’s definitely helping with that. It’s going to be challenging, but at the same time, it’s fun and it’s something I like to do.”

2. What are you most excited about for this season?

“The new defense and the new coaches. I love my coaches and I’m happy to play for them. I love my new position and I can’t wait to see what I can do.”

3. What do you like most about Houston so far?

“I haven’t done that much during training camp. I’ve seen a movie and that’s about it. I do not have much time for anything else besides football during training camp.”

4. Favorite training camp meal?

“Fried Chicken.”

5. Favorite TV show of all time?

“’Seinfeld.’”

6. First Car?

“1989 Ford F250.”

7. What are some of your hobbies off the field?

“Right now, if I ever get time to relax, I stay off my feet and watch TV. I’m an outdoors kind of guy, and I like doing that stuff.”

8. Who on the team have you hung out the most with?

“A lot of the rookies – Shiloh Keo and Cheta (Ozougwu), my roommate.”

9. What’s currently on your iPod?

“Everything. I’ve got everything on there. I’ve got metal, I’ve got alternative, I’ve got reggae, rap, everything.”

10. What’s the proudest moment of your football career?

“Getting drafted by the Texans.”
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and here are two more new podcasts via 610am.

Description:

Week One: Texans Will Beat Colts

Alex Marvez, the Senior NFL Writer for FoxSports.com, discusses the impact of the Texans’ offseason moves and predictions for the season.
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Link:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fcbshouston.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Falex-marvez-8-10-11.mp3&podcast_name=Alex+Marvez&podcast_artist=Ben+Nance&station_id=&audio_link=true&config_file=config.xml&dcid=CBS.HOUSTON

Description:

Manning Plans To Be Kick Returner

Danieal Manning, the Texans’ safety, talks about playing dual roles for Houston and his expectations for the 2011 season.
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Link:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fcbshouston.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fdanieal-manning-8-10-11.mp3&podcast_name=Danieal+Manning&podcast_artist=Ben+Nance&station_id=&audio_link=true&config_file=config.xml&dcid=CBS.HOUSTON

Here are three new videos from Texans Tv...

1. Texans TV Bonus: McNair interview (8:57)
2. Texans TV Bonus: Getting to know Watt (1:48)
3. Cushing's return, Allen impressing (2:38)

and finally...

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rhino17 · Aug 10, 2011

couple of d's said: ↑

Man Clay Matthews could have been ours, oh well.
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I still think cushing is the better football player. Put him in the packers system and he would do exactly what matthews is doing and more. Cushing is bigger, faster, stronger, and had better instincts

justtxyank · Aug 10, 2011

rhino17 said: ↑

I still think cushing is the better football player. Put him in the packers system and he would do exactly what matthews is doing and more. Cushing is bigger, faster, stronger, and had better instincts
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emjohn · Aug 10, 2011

I'm nowhere near as down on Cushing as a lot of others. He didn't look bad last year so much as we didn't see the rotweiler making plays like in 2009. Watching him, he still looked just as explosive to me.

In my opinion:
He suffered from the missing 4 games (rust)
He definitely came out trying too hard and overcommitting.
I believe playing without Ryans hurt him a lot - loss of advice, teams could avoid him easier, teams were throwing more (and easily beat the rush), the failed Mike experiment, etc.

That said, he's coming into this season on the heels of knee surgery, hardly what he needed. Ryans is just as big a question mark following his injury.

*crossing fingers until they go numb*

jman255 · Aug 10, 2011

I don't know much about Manning, but I live in Chicago and people are pretty sad about his departure. They mainly talk about his kick returns, sometimes saying it was the best part of Bears' games. He better be returning out kicks! 30+ yards a return last year?! I'll take that all day. Especially with the kickoffs being closer.

rezdawg · Aug 10, 2011

jman255 said: ↑

I don't know much about Manning, but I live in Chicago and people are pretty sad about his departure. They mainly talk about his kick returns, sometimes saying it was the best part of Bears' games. He better be returning out kicks! 30+ yards a return last year?! I'll take that all day. Especially with the kickoffs being closer.
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There will be less returns this year because the kickoffs have been moved closer...lots of balls will be flying into and out of the endzone, so the return games wont be as potent this year.

rcoleman15 · Aug 11, 2011

Here are Thursdays Texans news items...

First up an article by Nick Scurfield via HoustonTexans.com

Source:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Cushing-practices-still-has-a-ways-to-go/1e1c293e-a228-437b-a54e-d517c2505f96

Cushing practices; still has "a ways to go"

By Nick Scurfield

Linebacker Brian Cushing participated in a morning practice for the first time in training camp on Wednesday.

Cushing had been relegated to afternoon walkthrough practices since the start of camp while recovering from offseason knee surgery. The 2009 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year did individual drills and one red zone period on Wednesday morning as the Texans wore shoulder pads, helmets and shorts in front of thousands of fans at the Methodist Training Center.

“It looked like he hadn’t done anything in a long time,” Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said after practice. “He got worn out pretty quick. He’s way behind. He missed a great deal of time last year. He’s missed what we’re doing so far this year. We need him. He’s a great player. We’re going to bring him along the right way. He’s got to do his part and work his tail off to get back out here. He’s got a ways to go.”

Cushing, who's expected to be a tackling machine as the Mike linebacker in Wade Phillips’ 3-4, said he did not experience any pain while running, cutting or jumping in the morning practice.

“I think the plan originally was to do a little individual (drills) Thursday, and I did two periods Wednesday, so I guess I’m ahead of (schedule),” he said. “I felt pretty good, and there was no setback, which is the most important thing, and I look forward to building upon that every day.”

Cushing does not expect to miss any time in the regular season.

“Preseason is his season”

Because the Texans’ starters are expected to play a quarter or less in the preseason opener, backup quarterback Matt Leinart could wind up in the spotlight on Monday Night Football against the Jets.

“He’s going to play a great deal, obviously,” Kubiak said. “Preseason is his season, so to speak, so he will play a great deal. He’s going to play against one of the top-three defenses in the game, and they’re very active from that standpoint, but he needs to play. Matt needs to get back out there and get in the fire, and we all do, but it’s a big couple of weeks for Matt.”

Leinart signed with the Texans after the preseason last year, so whatever reps he gets on Monday will be his first game reps as a Texan.

Wide receiver watch

The Texans have 10 wide receivers on their 87-man roster. All of them are first- or second-year players aside from the established trio of Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones.

“I know who three of them are, and after that, I’m trying to figure out what’s going to be next,” Kubiak said. “I told (the players), ‘Just because you line up fourth in line or fifth in line, that doesn’t mean a darn thing. You’re going to have to play your way onto this football team.’… I couldn’t tell you who’s ahead of who right now. I know we’re going to find out, but there’s a long way to go.”

Kubiak did single out undrafted rookie Jeff Maehl from Oregon as a player who impressed him on Wednesday.

“He didn’t get many reps, but he made a couple plays,” Kubiak said. “We have a turnover, he hustles and knocks the ball out of Brooks’ (Reed) hands. Those are things like that, that show you a guy’s a player. That’s one heck of a battle. That receiver deal will work itself out in the preseason.”

Health check

Wide receiver Jacoby Jones and defensive end Antonio Smith left practice early on Wednesday morning, Jones with what Kubiak called a “sore foot” and Smith for being “underweight.” Jones had X-rays around lunch time, but Kubiak did not know the results as of Wednesday afternoon. Kubiak said that Smith received IVs and should return soon.

Running back Ben Tate once again was sidelined by a hamstring injury, but Kubiak is hopeful he can practice on Thursday. Tackle Rashad Butler tweaked his hamstring Wednesday morning and is day-to-day. Undrafted rookie receiver Lestar Jean could miss Thursday’s practice after getting nicked in the head on a route on Wednesday morning.

Arian Foster is still a couple of days away from returning from a strained hamstring, putting his availability for Monday night’s game in question.

“The further we go, the bleaker that looks from that standpoint, but yet we’re dealing with just a tweaked hamstring, so there’s no doubt that he’s going to be back,” Kubiak said. “We’re taking it day-to-day. I’d like to think he’ll be ready Monday but I’m not going to do anything crazy with him, so we’ll see.”

Quotable

“I’m 30, but you know what, I feel young, I feel fast, I feel fresh. I feel like this is going to be my best year I’ve ever had in my career, and that’s the way I approach things. You don’t know how many balls you’re going to catch and what’s going to happen out there, but I’ll be damn ready when it comes my way.”
- WR Kevin Walter, on what’s different about him this season

“I guarantee he gets respect from his teammates. He’s just a warrior. He goes all day long. Today is a great example. I don’t know if Kevin caught a ball until the last period, and when he caught it, he had the biggest smile on his face. He finishes further than anybody else. I stood back there by our DB coach Vance (Joseph) during practice. It was interesting: He said to me a couple times, ‘Boy, that guy’s an impressive football player.’ It’s just what he stands for all the time. You get your money’s worth out of Kevin Walter every day.”
-Gary Kubiak, on why Walter doesn’t get more respect from the fans or media
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Second up is an article by Alan Burge and The Houston Texans Examiner on the state of Texans camp.

Source:
http://www.examiner.com/houston-texans-in-houston/half-full-or-half-empty-you-make-the-call

Half full or half empty, you make the call

Alan Burge
Houston Texans Examiner
August 10, 2011

With the Texans in their second week of training camp and with the preseason opener just days away, there's equal opportunity for the optimists and pessimists out there as the team as it enters its 10th anniversary season.

Five reasons to feel good

1. Relative health: I don't believe in jinxes and I'm knocking on every tree in the Sam Houston National Forest as I type these words, but the Texans are in relatively decent shape healthwise as they finish their second week of camp and get ready for the big bad Jets on Monday night. The team has it's share of nicks and tweaks (see five reasons to be concerned) but so far they've been able to avoid the critical season enders that have hit other teams.
2. Stability and depth on offense: The Texans return every starter on the last year's top five offense except for one, fullback Vonta Leach (see five reasons to be concerned). Not to diminish Vonta's worth but if you're one of the many Texans fans who think Vonta was leading the way on each and every Arian Foster run last season, you should take a few minutes and watch this video about the concept of split flow in some of the Texans bread and butter running plays. The offensive line returns intact - resigning Rashad Butler was a key, there's good wide receiver depth behind all-everything Andre Johnson, and the Texans may even have a legit backup quarterback this season.
3. Matt Leinart: In a bit of a surprise, Leinart re-signed with the Texans after the Seahawks decided to sign Tarvaris Jackson. Leinart has a good attitude - he loves Gary Kubiak's system - and he's been impressive in camp. He'll get a lot of reps in preseason so we'll see how real his progress is. The fate of every Texans season rides on the health of Matt Schaub and Texans fans should feel more comfortable with Leinart at #2 than Dan Orlovsky.
4. Running back depth: For the first time ever, the Texans have a very good stable of running backs (see five reasons to be concerned). Lined up behind last year's league leading rusher Arian Foster is veteran Derrick Ward who was impressive in limited action last season, second year player Ben Tate, Steve Slaton, who will get plenty of reps in preseason and Texas-Ex Chris Ogbonnaya who has been impressive in training camp.
5. J.J. Watt and free agent acquistions in the secondary: Watt is big, strong, high-motor, disruptive and will be a handful at the left defensive end position in the Texans 3-4 defense. Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning plug a major hole in the back end of the Texans league worst defense last season.
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Third up is and article by John McClain on Jason Allen.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7692522.html

Joining the party
After falling out of favor with his first team, cornerback Jason Allen is earning a second chance with the Texans

By JOHN McCLAIN
Aug. 10, 2011, 10:54PM

Texans coach Gary Kubiak caught a lot of reporters off guard this week when he disclosed that cornerback Jason Allen is pushing Kareem Jackson for a starting job.

Allen, 28, is off to a terrific start in his first training camp with the Texans, who signed him Nov. 10 after Miami waived the defensive back.

"There's absolutely no doubt," Kubiak said when asked if Allen could win the starting job. "He's done a heck of a job, and we're going to play our two best guys."

Johnathan Joseph just got $23.5 million guaranteed, so he's ticketed for one starting spot. Jackson, who started 16 games as a rookie but didn't play as well as the coaches hoped he would, is the other starter.

For now. When Jackson looks over his shoulder, he should see Allen gaining on him.

Comfort level raised

"He's just consistent," Kubiak said of Allen. "He's made a lot of plays on the ball. He's always been an effort guy. He's more comfortable being here this year, and he's playing better."

Kubiak was quick to praise Jackson. It's not that Jackson is doing bad; it's that Allen is doing well.

"I think he's played well," Kubiak said about Jackson. "I think he's more comfortable in what we're doing. He's getting tested every day, a lot of balls coming his way.

"He's in a battle, but I think he's holding his own."

There's no reason Allen shouldn't be excelling during the first two weeks of camp. He was the Dolphins' first-round pick in 2006. He intercepted three passes in eight games with Miami last season but still got dumped. In seven games with the Texans, he intercepted three more passes.

"Jason has real good ball skills," Kubiak said.

Allen says there's a reason for that.

"Practice," Allen said. "We practice a lot — and in the past I practiced a lot - catching passes. It's just something that comes with experience and forming good habits."

At 6-1 and 200, Allen has ideal size for a corner. The cornerbacks he's competing against are in the 5-10 to 5-11 range.

A corner with size and who has good ball skills and the talent to have been a No. 1 pick is going to be hard to keep off the field.

"You've got to understand that I came in a late period of the season, so I was just trying to fit in," Allen said. "My role to come in and make plays when the opportunity presented itself.

"Right now, it's a whole new ballgame. The slate's clean, so everybody's competing. The coaches want to see who's going to make plays and who's going to compete and who is going to be mentally and physically tough."

'Sky's the limit'

Allen knows what it's like to not be wanted. The Dolphins shoved him out the door. Now he's desperately wanted by the Texans to be a defensive back who can cover and make plays on the ball.

"It plays a lot to my strengths," Allen said about the new 3-4 defense. "It gives (us) the opportunity to be physical and the opportunity to make a lot of plays. Guys are getting their hands on the ball across the board.

"The sky's the limit for us if guys will continue working and being focused each day of practice and doing what we're capable of doing."

The coaches would love for Allen to get six interceptions again.

"I'm just going out to compete, and, at the end of the day, when you're trying to get better, coaches will see that," he said. "The coaches will make the right decisions and put the best 11 guys on the field."
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Fourth is a piece by Jeffrey Martin on Brian Cushing.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7692560.html

Catch you later
Brian Cushing's belated first practice of preseason shows the linebacker is running behind, but he's not that concerned about closing the gap

By JEFFREY MARTIN
Aug. 11, 2011, 12:01AM

For the first nine days of training camp, Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing was essentially a spectator. Slow to overcome offseason knee surgery, Cushing mainly stood around in uniform and watched, large bags of ice affixed to his right knee.

That's how it was until Wednesday, anyway, when shoulder pads finally appeared under the No. 56 jersey.

Cushing is back, albeit with an ample amount of rust, and there are two distinct camps on this subject.

First, from the man himself when asked if he is concerned about the chance of missing time when the regular season commences:

"No, I'm not. It's Aug. 10. I feel real good. Just the progress that we made from last week to today already, if you asked me last week if I thought I would be practicing today, I would tell you probably not. The fact for me to come out here and do this is positive, and it's that something that in a week from now, I'll even be further ahead."

And then there's the take from Gary Kubiak, who has been eager to see where the third-year linebacker stands in his recovery.

"It looked like he hadn't done anything in a long time," the Texans coach said. "He took the individual period. We put him in a red-zone period. He got worn out pretty quick. He's way behind. He missed a great deal of time last year. He's missed what we're doing so far this year.

"We need him. He's a great player. We're going to bring him along the right way. He's got to do his part and work his tail off to get back out here. He's got a ways to go."

Not lacking confidence

Cushing acknowledged as much, but instead of dwelling on what has gone wrong, he chose to focus on where he's headed.

"I've missed eight, nine days, and that's something that I can make up," he said. "I've missed time before, I've come back and I've done all right. … I think the plan originally was to do a little individual (drills today), and I did two periods Wednesday, so I guess I'm ahead of it. I felt pretty good, and there was no setback, which is the most important thing, and I look forward to building upon that every day."

Clearly, his confidence isn't lacking — asked whether any cobwebs were shaken loose when fullback James Casey hammered him during a morning collision, Cushing insisted it was Cushing who administering the hammering. Seemingly at ease, his comfort - maybe even relief - was evident while interacting with fans during a 20-minute autograph session.

"You look like you've been surfing," a fan mused, likely a nod to Cushing's decidedly normal, non-Mohawk haircut.

"You look like you've been surfing," a fan mused, likely a nod to Cushing's decidedly normal, non-Mohawk haircut.

"I've never surfed in my life," Cushing replied.

Later, a young boy placed a No. 59 shirt in front of Cushing, who feigned disgust.

"You want me to sign a DeMeco (Ryans) jersey?"

There were smiles and laughter from Cushing. He said he isn't overly fixated on making amends for last year's substandard season in which he played just 12 games because of a drug suspension, but yes, he intends to be a better player. He's excited about the prospect of being a weapon (again) in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense, mostly because he believes he'll be completely healthy again.

Knee coming along

Cushing insisted he felt great Wednesday, although Kubiak wondered if the combination of a lack of conditioning and a sore knee might have limited his linebacker.

"There's no pain," Cushing said. "If anything, it just fatigues a little bit towards the end of my reps. But compared to last week, it's light years ahead of where it is now."

No decision has been made on Cushing availability for Monday's game against the New York Jets. However, Kubiak's comments might be an indication.

"That's up to the coaches right now," Cushing said. "We haven't really discussed it. I think I'm a little bit behind right now to go into a full game. I would love to, but we'll see."

And on the same day Cushing finally took the field, owner Bob McNair addressed the assembled media. Fittingly, one of the questions was about Cushing.

"He practiced some today, and I think he's going to be fine," he said. "I think with Gary and Wade, he's not going to be a good player, he's going to be a great player. I think this year he'll have a chance to be out there for the full year, and it'll make quite a difference for him."
Click to expand...

Fifth is the Texans Notes by Jeffrey Martin and John McClain.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7692521.html

Texans notes: Jets game just another opener

By JOHN McCLAIN and JEFFREY MARTIN
Aug. 10, 2011, 10:41PM

Don't expect to see quarterback Matt Schaub and the rest of the starters much beyond the first two series of Monday's preseason opener against the Jets. Coach Gary Kubiak said he'd treat the first exhibition as he would any other — despite the lockout cutting into precious preparation time.

All of which means, of course, it's Matt Leinart's time to shine at the helm.

"Well, he's going to play a great deal, obviously," Kubiak said. "Preseason is his season, so to speak, so he will play a great deal. He's going to play against one of the top three defenses in the game, and they're very active from that standpoint, but he needs to play.

"Matt needs to get back out there and get in the fire, so to speak. … We all do, but it's a big couple of weeks for Matt."

New slate for Slaton

Steve Slaton appeared to be on the outside looking in when it came to the running back position since the Texans will probably keep only three. The top two spots belong to Arian Foster and Derrick Ward. Last year's second-round pick, Ben Tate, has missed a lot of time with a bad hamstring, and Slaton has taken advantage of his absence, making one good play after another as both a runner and a receiver.

Slaton is healthy again and looks as quick as he did his rookie year, when he carried for over 1,200 yards and accumulated almost 1,700 from scrimmage.

Slaton excelled during the morning session, scoring going outside when he cut around the corner and outraced the secondary. He blew through the middle a couple of times for touchdowns.

Undrafted but impressive

Receiver Lestar Jean, a 6-3, 215-pound undrafted rookie from Florida Atlantic, continues to make plays. He and Terrence Toliver (6-5, 204) are impressive rookies who have outstanding size. They've both made plays in every practice.

Jean made two outstanding catches in the morning practice. He outjumped smaller defensive backs. The Texans have four receivers - Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones and Dorin Dickerson - who'll make the team. A fifth spot and a practice squad spot are there for the taking.

The coaches are eager to watch Jean and Toliver in the preseason opener against the Jets.

Proving his worth

Owner Bob McNair said if Arian Foster has a season like last year, he'll be rewarded.

"I think Arian understands if he performs this year, shows that he can be consistent, he'll be rewarded," McNair said. "That's how the game works, but you don't do it based on one season."
McNair expects playoffs

Bob McNair on Wednesday reiterated what he said two weeks ago, that he expects the Texans to make the playoffs and go far into the postseason.

"We have to be there," he said. "It's time for us to make it happen, and there's no reason we shouldn't. That's what I fully expect."

Man of Troy

Safety Troy Nolan, who's in his third training camp, made four good plays in the morning practice. Nolan (6-2, 206) tied for the team lead with three interceptions last season. At times, he showed a knack for making big plays.

Nolan showed excellent ball skills today. He knocked down the ball on a corner route that Lestar Jean ran. He knocked down a deep ball down the left side and one over the middle.

Injury report

Wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who left the morning session on a cart, has a sprained ankle and could miss a few days. There is nothing new on running back Ben Tate and his hamstring and head coach Gary Kubiak hopes he'll be ready to work today. Tackle Rashad Butler tweaked his hamstring and is considered day-to-day.

Wide receiver Lestar Jean, who has impressed coaches and teammates, took a good bump to the head. Kubiak said they'd see how he is today. Defensive end Antonio Smith, who dropped weight before training camp and has lost weight during camp, was described by Kubiak as "gassed" and in need of IVs, but he should be fine.

As for running back Arian Foster, he's still a few days away from returning, Kubiak said. The coach admitted Monday was looking "bleaker," but the plan remains to handle the tweaked hamstring with plenty of treatment and rest. He's still day-to-day.
Click to expand...

Here is one new podcast from 610am.

Description:

Which Free Agency Moves Could Be Next?

John McClain discusses the latest details from Texans training camp.
Click to expand...

Link:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fcbshouston.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fjohn-mcclain-8-10-11.mp3&podcast_name=John+McClain&podcast_artist=Ben+Nance&station_id=&audio_link=true&config_file=config.xml&dcid=CBS.HOUSTON

And finally...

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Ricksmith · Aug 11, 2011

rcoleman15 said: ↑

Here are Thursdays Texans news items..
Click to expand...

I'm starting to think you're not human. When do you sleep lol? Good work as usual, by the way.

ima_drummer2k · Aug 11, 2011

I'm not as concerned about Cushing either. I don't think he looked as bad last year as a lot of people seem to think he looked. First of all, he missed the first part of the season. Second, he played out of position for a while. Third, when the secondary is historically bad, it makes everyone on the defense look bad.

Most importantly, I think a lot of it had to do with....

You guessed it.....

Frank Bush

vinsensual · Aug 11, 2011

I would love to know what reason Kubiak had to keep him on the team the entire 17 weeks.

RedRaiderRocket · Aug 11, 2011

Tomorrow is the day you might get lucky, if you get early.

Getting players to sign autographs is just one of the perks fans can get if they attend open training camp practices.

Info To Get Free Passes

This Friday’s practice is also open to the public, and the team’s wide receivers will stay late after practice to sing autographs for those who were in line early enough.

These players will be signing autographs:

#12 Jacoby Jones, #14 Derrick Townsel #15 Jeff Maehl, #16 Trindon Holliday, #17 Paul Williams, #18 Lestar Jean, #19 Dorin Dickerson, #80 Andre Johnson, #82 Terrance Toliver and #83 Kevin Walter

http://houston.cbslocal.com/2011/08/11/texans-receivers-signing-autographs-friday/

rhino17 · Aug 11, 2011

rcoleman15 said: ↑

And finally...

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Click to expand...

"The feeling around here is that the kid is gonna make the team"

no ****, the guy was a 2nd round pick

rezdawg · Aug 11, 2011

rhino17 said: ↑

"The feeling around here is that the kid is gonna make the team"

no ****, the guy was a 2nd round pick
Click to expand...

Thats exactly what I was thinking when I heard that, I did one of these in real life ---> ...of course he's making the team, there is no doubt about it. Even if he completely sucked, they would keep him based on his draft position.

emjohn · Aug 11, 2011

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/7692522.html

Sounds like Allen is officially the front runner for the second starting spot. Hope Jackson shines on special teams, cause if not, this could be his last season on the squad.

DonnyMost · Aug 11, 2011

Allen at the 2 and Kareem fighting with McCain for the nickel is just dandy with me.

tmacfor35 · Aug 11, 2011

DonnyMost said: ↑

Allen at the 2 and Kareem fighting with McCain for the nickel is just dandy with me.
Click to expand...

It sounds like Kareem may be fighting the rookie Harris and Mcmannis. I think McCain gets cut.

REEKO_HTOWN · Aug 11, 2011

emjohn said: ↑

Hope Jackson shines on special teams, cause if not, this could be his last season on the squad.
Click to expand...

Not if Smith and Kubes are still here.

It really is pathetic that this years defensive draft looks so good while last years looks so bad. Wade sure looks like the man with eye for talent.

DonnyMost · Aug 11, 2011

tmacfor35 said: ↑

It sounds like Kareem may be fighting the rookie Harris and Mcmannis. I think McCain gets cut.
Click to expand...

I keep getting McCain and McMannis confused.

MadMax · Aug 11, 2011

DonnyMost said: ↑

Allen at the 2 and Kareem fighting with McCain for the nickel is just dandy with me.
Click to expand...

wow....

emjohn · Aug 11, 2011

REEKO_HTOWN said: ↑

Not if Smith and Kubes are still here.

It really is pathetic that this years defensive draft looks so good while last years looks so bad. Wade sure looks like the man with eye for talent.
Click to expand...

I think Kubiak has been removed from the equation finally. It's Wade's defense and I suspect he's got all the pull he needs. Okoye being tossed was a good sign. I'm hoping we see Moldon and McCain gone at roster cuts.

In the end, if Jackson loses his starting job and fails to compete well, Harris and Carmichael are right there vying for the backup positions.

On the heels of the cockfighting twitpics and becoming roundly ridiculed from all corners, I can't believe he's that safe.

I heard his contract is fairly heavily guaranteed (5/$13M) and an accelerated cap hit may be a bit of saving grace.

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