[Official] Texans Offseason 2011

justtxyank · Aug 11, 2011

today said: ↑

Would like to know this too...
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The news is that Reed seems to "get it" all of a sudden and looks much better.

ROXRAN · Aug 11, 2011

tmacfor35 said: ↑

Both our safety's are experienced at corner. Can you say corner blitz? It's going to be a fun year.
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SACK !

RedRaiderRocket · Aug 11, 2011

Not sure if the machine RC15 posted it yet

Also, Trindon Holliday has a hamstring issue. Not good considering he needs to shine in preseason to get a spot.
4 minutes ago
Marc Vandermeer
Texansvoice Marc Vandermeer
Kubiak: Slaton is day to day with a hamstring injury. Ben Tate back Fri or Sat. LS Jon Weeks has a foot problem but should be ready for Jets

RunninRaven · Aug 11, 2011

Man, these hamstring issues are killing us.

RedRaiderRocket · Aug 11, 2011

Raven Lunatic said: ↑

Man, these hamstring issues are killing us.
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I had a feeling I saw this coming especially at the beginning of training camp, but you are right seems like everyday we are losing someone else to a hamstring injury. Hopefully as the weeks continue players start getting into better shape, and these hamstrings injuries will start to fade. Knock on wood there hasn't been any serious injuries like torn ACL's so far.

rcoleman15 · Aug 11, 2011

Link:
http://texans.studiotigaapps.net/transcripts/august-11,-2011-pm-practice.aspx

Houston Texans Transcripts
Training Camp Practice #19 (Afternoon)
Thursday, August 11, 2011

Head Coach Gary Kubiak:

(on the team injuries) "From this morning, (Steve) Slaton has a little hamstring, so he didn't do anything this afternoon. He's going to be day-to-day. Trindon (Holliday), the same thing, so those are the two from this morning. Other than that, I think we're okay. Ben (Tate) hasn't practiced in a few days, so our hope is that he's back out there tomorrow morning, but we'll see."

(on who's going to snap with LS Jon Weeks hurt) "I think he'll be okay. If not, Joel (Dreessen) will snap or James (Casey) will snap, but I think he'll be okay."

(on how he handles the running back situation on Monday) "It's a concern. Obviously there's two healthy guys right now and I know we worked out some guys today and could possibly sign a guy. We're also (Ben) Tate back any day now, so if he can get back on the field tomorrow or Saturday, he should still play in the game. He needs to play. Arian (Foster) did do the walkthrough stuff today, so he's moving around better. I watched him run with the trainers this morning. I think he's close. Hopefully as we start to work toward game day and freshen them back up, we get some guys back."

(on how concerned he is about the running backs' health) "It seems like in camp, you always get hit at one spot harder than others. I think we've been hit there because we lost Arian (Foster) the first day and (Ben) Tate practiced two or three days, so those guys have been carrying the load. It wears that one group down, so to speak. You got to keep going, you got to keep teaching and you got to keep the other 87 guys out there working. It's just something you have to work through and we'll find a way to work through it."

(on his plans for the first preseason game) "They're always pretty much the same, to let your starters get their feet wet, play your twos a great deal and your threes and find out about your young players. I don't think that's going to change, but I think there are some conversations we need to have that we normally don't have as far as guys being ready to play."

(on what he hopes to see in the first preseason game) "Most important, I want to see our twos work. You don't know. Obviously, you're behind practice time losing all your offseason practice time, so how sharp will you be? We're playing a team that presents a lot of problems from a standpoint of what they do offensively and defensively. Trying to get these young guys ready mentally and physically to go compete on Monday night is our number one goal."

(on if it's a good thing to go up against a tough team like the Jets) "I think it is. Any time you're challenged, that's what this League's about. You're challenged all the time, but this football team has been exceptional the last two years. We've got a lot of things to prepare these young guys for so that they can compete."

(on if DE J.J. Watt will play more even though he's a starter) "Stuff like that is what I'm talking about. There's going to be guys that are different. (Antoine) Caldwell, (Mike) Brisiel, do they play more? They're battling for a job, stuff like that. We'll see. You got guys like Joel Dreessen who's a backup to OD (Owen Daniels), but we know what Joel is too. We need to watch Garrett Graham play a lot of football, Anthony Hill play a lot of football. It'll be an individual basis from that standpoint."

(on OLB Mario Williams) "He's back today. I can't speak for him. I think his dad is doing better, but I know it's a tough situation for him and his family. We just keep our fingers crossed that things work out."

(on how OLB Connor Barwin has taken to his new responsibilities) "He really has. For a guy who played one year of college defense and then comes here and plays end, now he goes to linebacker, I think he's taken to what (Defensive Coordinator) Wade (Phillips) and (Linebackers Coach) Reggie (Herring) are trying to teach him very well. Connor's stronger this year coming off that injury. Putting all those things together to see how far he's come has been impressive."

(on if OLB Connor Barwin was born to play linebacker) "You're probably right. His length and size, the fact that he can run, he's got good ball skills. He played tight end before, so you watch him out there in drop coverage. I think he's excited to be doing what he's doing."

(on WR Trindon Holliday) "He's going to miss a few days. He tweaked a hamstring, so he and (Steve) Slaton both."
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RB Arian Foster:

(on whether he's moving better) "I probably had an icepack on when you saw me. I wasn't stiff. You can't warm up 100 percent; it's a warm-up, but I felt good."

(on whether he'll play Monday night against the New York Jets) "I'm not sure, but I'm not sure if I can go, so I don't see the rush and I'm pretty sure, 100 percent, I'll be back next week so we'll see how it goes."

(on if he's concerned about the reps he's missing) "You always want to get the most reps you can get, but injuries are a part of the game and you just have to stay mentally sharp because the physical aspect is not going to change much. This is the NFL; you have to stay mentally sharp but stay in condition."

(on if he'll practice tomorrow) "No, I doubt that I'll practice tomorrow."
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FS Danieal Manning:

(on if he's looking forward to Monday night) "Oh, yeah. Like I said, I've got to get another few more days in before I'm actually ready to go out there and play. I've got a lot of stuff I've to get down. I feel like I'm in shape and I'm getting the defense, picking the defense up. It's just a little more of the small things, details in this game, or in this defense that I've got to pick up."

(on if the game against the New York Jets will be a good test for the defense) "Yeah, I mean just because everybody here, this is a totally different defense and we've been working at it. We haven't had any OTAs and that's no excuse, but at the same time guys are improving, guys are getting better, so you want to continue to get to that point before the first kickoff in the regular season."

(on if he's seeing potential in the defense) "I definitely do. I mean, guys are running around with the ball, guys are getting their hands on the ball, guys are excited. I haven't heard anything, not one person complain about missing time and OTAs. They're just happy to be back playing football and get this thing rolling."
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DE J.J. Watt:

(on how training camp has gone for him) "I feel like I've stayed up to speed pretty well. I've really studied my playbook hard, watched some good film, and just trying to stay up with the speed of the game. Now I'm getting my footwork down and everything and I feel pretty comfortable in this defense."

(on if the playbook is overwhelming) "I haven't been overwhelmed at all, really. I feel really comfortable with it and I think that just comes from studying it hard. I know that I'm penciled in as a starter right now, and that means I can't have any mental mistakes on the field, so I've tried to avoid those at all costs."

(on how he's adjusted to the speed of the game) "I think the practices I had at Wisconsin really helped prepare me for the NFL because we had some high-speed practices with some good offensive linemen. I haven't really felt overwhelmed at all. I've just got to come out here and get better every day."

(on if Houston's 3-4 defense is similar to what he played in at Wisconsin) "We didn't do a whole lot, no, so obviously the defense is new, but Coach Phillips has a great defense in place for us. All I need to do is go out there and do my job and we'll be just fine."

(on if he thinks the rookies are behind because of no OTA's this summer) "I mean, I feel comfortable. I don't feel like I'm that far behind. I think if the rookies are willing to get in their playbooks and they're willing to watch the film and put in the work on the field, we'll be fine. Obviously, Monday night is going to be my first true test, so I'm excited to get out there for that."
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Here is ESPN's Paul Kuharsky on Kevin Walter.

Source:
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/26375/walter-johnson-doubled-no-matter-what

Walter: Johnson doubled no matter what

By Paul Kuharsky

HOUSTON -- A year ago, Kevin Walter was set up to be a desirable free agent and the Texans did well to keep their own guy with a five-year, $21.5 million contract with $11 million guaranteed.

Now, many of the same fans who wanted him back look at the offensive depth chart and, seeing no major holes, figure No. 2 receiver is a spot where the Texans can upgrade.

The team did, after all, really use both Walter and Jacoby Jones ooposite Andre Johnson, to the point that coach Gary Kubiak combines their numbers when accounting for his No. 2 wideout production last season.

Walter’s share: 51 catches for 621 yards and five touchdowns.

And a lot of stuff that does not show up in statistics.

“Everybody would love to have Kevin Walter as a second if they really knew what he was,” receivers coach Larry Kirksey said.

Walter prides himself on taking care of every small element of the job. He’s not as big or fast or dynamic as Johnson, widely regarded as the best receiver in the game. And Walter doesn’t pretend to be stuff he’s not.

“Playing in this offense as a receiver, you need to block,” Walter said. “That’s No. 1. You need to know your role on this football team and you need to do a heck of a job of it… I’ve been hearing that (upgrade stuff) since I’ve been playing in the league. I take that as motivation."

It’s unreasonable to imagine a second receiver in Houston having a real impact on the way Johnson is covered.

“People say, ‘Oh, we need another receiver,’” Walter said. “They’ve been saying that since Andre’s been here. It doesn’t matter if you bring in a clone of Andre Johnson, a guy who’s better than Andre Johnson, they’re still going to double Andre Johnson on the other side.”

There may be misgivings outside the building or Walter may not be well known around the league. But Gary Kubiak said Walter is fully appreciated inside team headquarters.

“I guarantee he gets respect from his teammates,” Kubiak said the day before I caught up to the team. “He’s just a warrior. He goes all day long.

“…It’s just what he stands for all the time. You get your money’s worth out of Kevin Walter every day.”

Kirksey said the team will continue to use both Walter and Jones as the second receiver, leaning toward the hotter hand. A healthy Owen Daniels should really be the second option for Matt Schaub, with Walter and Jones coming next.

If it’s a long time between balls thrown Walter's way, you won’t hear him complain. He’ll be looking for another way to contribute.
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Here is a chron.com rundown from this mornings practice by John McClain and Jeffrey Martin.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7693189.html

Quick hits from Texans camp
Quin picks off Schaub, strips ball from Johnson

By JOHN McCLAIN and JEFFREY MARTIN
Aug. 11, 2011, 1:27PM

No chance

One of Gary Kubiak's favorites to call is the crossing route to the tight ends. Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen specialize in cutting across the middle, making the catch and cutting up the field. Linebackers have a difficult time trying to cover them.

In the morning practice, inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans saw how difficult it is trying to keep up with a faster tight end like Daniels. Ryans was able to stay with Daniels running across the middle, but just as Daniels got about 5 yards from the sideline, he broke away from Ryans, caught a perfect pass from Matt Schaub, turned up the field and took off.

Opponents can expect to see the crossing routes until they find a way to stop them.

Working overtime

One of the many reason the coaches and players respect tight end Owen Daniels so much is because he works so hard. While his teammates went through special teams drills or lounged on the sideline, Daniels headed for the end zone to catch passes from the JUGS gun.

Making plays

During his first two seasons, Jesse Nading playing defensive end in a 4-3. When Wade Phillips was hired, he switched to a 3-4 defense. Like Mario Williams, Nading became an outside linebacker.

At 6-5, 261, Nading has good size for the position. He's not 6-7 and 285 like Williams, but he's learning the new position. In the morning practice, Nading replaced Williams, who had an excused absence to be with his father, who's battling cancer in a Houston hospital.

Nading drew praise from his coaches. On one play, he raced into the backfield and stuffed running back Chris Ogbonnaya.

Taking advantage

Running back Chris Ogbonnaya is getting a lot of chances to carry the ball even though he went to camp fifth on the depth chart.

Arian Foster and Ben Tate have been out with hamstring injuries. Steve Slaton suffered a hamstring injury, too, during the morning practice. Ogbonnaya and Derrick Ward should get a lot of action in practice and in Sunday's preseason opener against the New York Jets.

Stripping the ball

Glover Quin was the team's best cornerback after his first two seasons, but he was moved to strong safety during the offseason. Quin has good size (6-0, 303), speed (4.55), instincts and hitting ability for safety.

In the morning practice, Matt Schaub threw a beautiful pass to the sideline for Andre Johnson. Right when Johnson was about to catch the ball and pull it to his chest, Quin showed a great closing burst, reached out and stripped the ball from Johnson, which doesn't happen very often.

Keep an eye on

A couple of defensive backs who continue to make plays and earn praise from their coaches are cornerback Sherrick McManis and safety Quintin Demps.

McManis (6-1, 193) and Demps (5-11, 206) made a lot of plays during the morning practice. McManis enters his second season. Demps is a four-year veteran who grew up in San Antonio and played at UTEP. The coaches will be watching them closely Monday night against the Jets.

Looking good

It’s not as if any extra evidence was necessary, but TE Owen Daniels and WR Andre Johnson are and have been exceptional… Rookie free agent WR Jeff Maehl continues to impress. Wide receivers coach Larry Kirksey was reserved Thursday in his praise of Maehl, mostly because the former Oregon star hasn’t shown what he can do yet in live action, but Kirksey said there were things the wide receiver possessed that can’t be taught. “He’s not a fast-twitch athlete, but at the same time, you find him making plays out here on the field,” Kirksey said. “He has a long ways to catch up with the speed of the game, but at the same time, he has playing speed… He’s someone who gets open and plays smart.”

Have had better days

Matt Leinart wasn’t as sharp as he was to open training camp, and the timing is curious because he’s slated to play plenty in Monday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets.
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Next we have Athlonsports.com's take on the Texans offseason.

Link:
http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/five-nfl-teams-will-be-better-year-and-five-will-be-worse-0

Houston Texans (6-10) – They have been underachieving for years, but this will finally be the year they make a breakthrough. Quarterback Matt Schaub has a huge array of weapons, including one of the best receivers (Andre Johnson) and running backs (Arian Foster) in the game. The defense needs help, but Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing is a good place to start, and signing Jonathan Joseph and Danieal Manning to play cornerback will help, too.
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Here is a new podcast from 610am.

Description:

Earl Mitchell Ready To Prove Critics Wrong

Earl Mitchell, the Texans’ DT, talks about transitioning to a new defense and what his expectations are for the 2011 season.
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Link:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fcbshouston.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fearl-mitchell-8-11-11.mp3&podcast_name=Earl+Mitchell&podcast_artist=Ben+Nance&station_id=&audio_link=true&config_file=config.xml&dcid=CBS.HOUSTON

Next is a podcast interview from Jayson Braddock with DB coach Vance Joseph.

Link:
http://www.mobypicture.com/user/jaysonbraddock/view/10406038

Phillyrocket · Aug 11, 2011

Aren't these rash of hamstring issues related to the heat? Could of sworn I have read that in past training camp notes.

emjohn · Aug 11, 2011

Phillyrocket said: ↑

Aren't these rash of hamstring issues related to the heat? Could of sworn I have read that in past training camp notes.
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That and the long layoff with no official camps.

DonnyMost · Aug 11, 2011

Raven Lunatic said: ↑

Man, these hamstring issues are killing us.
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They're killing everyone. Everywhere. League record of injuries this year no doubt.

rcoleman15 · Aug 11, 2011

Two new Texans Daily Videos.

Link:
1-on-1 with CB Brandon Harris (2:52)

Link:
Texans Daily: Kubiak on linebackers excelling (2:05)

rcoleman15 · Aug 11, 2011

Link:
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/nfl/110811-devard-darling-signs-with-texans

Devard Darling Signs With Texans
Texans also add free agent runningback

Updated: Thursday, 11 Aug 2011, 8:42 PM CDT

MARK BERMAN
Sports Director

HOUSTON - Free agent receiver Devard Darling, former star at Fort Bend Austin High School, signed Thursday with the Houston Texans.

Darling,who hasn't played in the NFL since 2008.

He suffered a torn ACL while with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2009 preseason.

Darling played in the UFL last year.

He began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens when they took him in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft.

Darling played four years with the Ravens and two years with the Chiefs.

He has played in 46 games in the NFL and has 37 catches for 578 yards and four touchdowns.

Devard lost his twin brother, Devaughn, after he collapsed while working out at Florida State and died in 2001.

Devaughn Darling was also a former star at Fort Bend Austin.

The Texans also signed rookie runningback Javarris Williams who is from Richmond.

He played college football at Tennessee State.
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solid · Aug 11, 2011

Quinn REALLY has good size at cornerback at 303!!!!! Surprised his forty is below five minutes!

vinsensual · Aug 11, 2011

rcoleman15 said: ↑

Next is a podcast interview from Jayson Braddock with DB coach Vance Joseph.

Link:
http://www.mobypicture.com/user/jaysonbraddock/view/10406038
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He thinks Quin will be a very special safety. Hurry up MNF, can't wait!

hoopstar · Aug 11, 2011

Everything I've read has been nothing but positives about the receivers we have in camp (talking about maehl, jean, townsel, and dickerson in particular). However we just signed d. darling as well. Who do you all think is going to make this team? We usually carry about 5 receivers, right?

rcoleman15 · Aug 12, 2011

Here are Friday's news items.

First up the Texans Notes by John McClain

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7694089.html

Texans notes: Home sweet home for new signings

By JOHN MCCLAIN
Aug. 11, 2011, 9:48PM

The Texans signed receiver Devard Darling and running back Javarris Williams on Thursday.

Receivers Andre Johnson (finger), Jacoby Jones (ankle) and Trindon Holliday (hamstring) might not play against the New York Jets on Monday night. Running backs Arian Foster, Ben Tate and Steve Slaton have hamstring injuries.

"It seems like in camp, you always get hit at one spot harder than others," said coach Gary Kubiak. "It wears (those) groups down. It's just something you have to work through."

Darling, 29, ran a 4.4 40-yard dash after the Thursday morning practice. Darling (6-1, 213) hasn't played in the NFL since the 2009 preseason when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament. In 2010, he played for Omaha of the United Football League.

Darling grew up in Houston and starred with his twin brother, Devaughn, at Stephen F. Austin High School. The Darlings went to Florida State. Devaughn died in 2001 while the brothers were working out at Florida State.

Devard transferred to Washington State and was drafted in the third round by Baltimore in 2004. He played four seasons with the Ravens and one with the Chiefs before suffering the injury.

Williams grew up in Richmond and played at Foster High School. He went to Tennessee State. He was with Kansas City in 2009 and was on Seattle's practice squad in 2010.

Missing Mario

Outside linebacker Mario Williams had an excused absence from the morning practice to be with his father, who is battling cancer at a local hospital.

"I can't speak for him (but) I think his dad is doing better," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I know it's a tough situation for him and his family. We just keep our fingers crossed that things work out."

Watt lighting it up

Defensive end J.J. Watt, the first-round pick, has been outstanding in camp.

"I feel like I've stayed up to speed pretty well," he said. "I've really studied my playbook hard, watched some good film and (tried) to stay up with the speed of the game. Now I'm getting my footwork down. I feel pretty comfortable in this defense.

"I haven't been overwhelmed at all, really. I know I'm penciled in as a starter right now, and that means I can't have any mental mistakes on the field, so I've tried to avoid those at all costs."

'Just a battle'

James Casey, Lawrence Vickers and Zac Pauga, an undrafted free agent, should be an intense battle for fullback.

"It's just a battle," coach Gary Kubiak said. "They're a little different players. James (does) a bunch of things. You see what he can do at practice.

"Lawrence is very athletic and a good special teams player. The Pauga kid is really a rock head, and I mean that positive. He loves to thump, loves to go downhill, loves to hit people and he's done a good job, so we'll see. It'll work itself out."

Ready, willing, eager

New free safety Danieal Manning is eager to play his first game for the Texans even if it's an exhibition against the New York Jets. The fans will get their first look at Wade Phillips' 3-4.

"This is a totally different defense and we've been working at it," Manning said. "We haven't had any OTAs, but that's no excuse. At the same time, guys are improving. They're getting their hands on the ball. They're excited and happy to be back playing football and getting this thing rolling."

QB rotation

Matt Schaub will start at quarterback and may play one drive or one quarter. Matt Leinart is expected to play at least two quarters. Rookie T.J. Yates should get mop-up duty.

"Matt's (Leinart) confident, and he knows our offense," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He believes this offense suits him, so you see that confidence and it's exuded every day in practice.

"We've got so much confidence in our starter, but I think right now the team says hey, if something happened, we know we can keep moving forward because of the way he's (Leinart) practicing and the way he leads this group.

"T.J.'s handling himself well, and he's going to get a chance to play some important football, so we'll see how he does."

HE SAID IT

"It's perfect with my size and the things I can do. It's perfect for me because I can drop, and I can rush and kind of keep that (offensive) tackle on his toes. We're (linebackers) in position to make a lot of plays in this defense. We're nicked up a little, but I think everybody's coming into their form at the right time. I think it's all lining up right." – OLB Connor Barwin on playing his new position in the 3-4.

SCOUTING REPORT

Name: Torri Williams.

Position: Free safety.

Height: 6-2.

Weight: 210.

College: Purdue.

Experience: UFA/2010.

Strength: He has outstanding size, hits hard and has a knack for making plays. At worst, he should excel on special teams.

Weakness: Missed two seasons at Purdue because of injuries. Lacks ideal speed. Some coaches think he just needs a chance.

Outlook: There's a crowded field at his position, but he's got impressive size and has shown ball skills in practice. If he plays well, he could be the fourth safety.

BY THE NUMBERS

6.01 – Yards per play last season, ranking second in the NFL.

33 – Most points Texans have scored in a preseason game, a 33-20 victory at Arizona in 2007.

3 – Times the Texans rushed for at 200 yards in a game last season. They did it once in their first eight seasons.

18 – Turnovers by the Texans, tying Pittsburgh for fourth-fewest in the league.

227.6 – Average yards in the second half of games last season, ranking first in the NFL.

295.2 – Matt Schaub's league-high average yards passing on the road over the last three seasons.

McCLAIN'S TAKE

Training camp is in its second week, and the story is becoming the nagging injuries suffered by players. Are they because of the lockout or just routine for this juncture of camp?

At Thursday morning's practice, running back Arian Foster, running back Ben Tate and receiver Jacoby Jones — among others - were riding the stationary bicycles on the sideline. Later, a third running back, Steve Slaton, would join them because of a hamstring injury.

Injuries are common in any training camp, but no one knows for sure if this season they're caused because players didn't work out properly during the lockout.

The Texans worked out regularly on their own. When it comes to physical conditioning, the coaches were surprised at how fit the players were when they reported two weeks ago. But there's the injury issue, and the preseason opener against the New York Jets is Monday.

It got so bad Thursday it was strange. Take deep snapper Jon Weeks, for instance.

Last season, his first with the Texans, Weeks did an outstanding job for kicker Neil Rackers. He didn't have one poor snap. During practice Thursday, Weeks, who played at Baylor, suffered an ankle injury when nobody touched him. He just rolled his ankle, went down, got it wrapped with ice and limped off the field. Tight end Joel Dreessen replaced him as the snapper.

Despite the injuries, coach Gary Kubiak showed he hadn't lost his sense of humor. Talking about Weeks' injury, he said with a laugh, "They don't make Baylor guys like they used to. But I expect he'll be okay for the game."

Which shows they still make Baylor players tough.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Receiver Andre Johnson has averaged 79.7 yards receiving a game during his illustrious eight-year career. That's more than any player in history who has played a minimum 100 games. He has 37 100-yard games in his career, 28 since Gary Kubiak became his coach.

- Receiver Andre Johnson has averaged 79.7 yards receiving a game during his illustrious eight-year career. That's more than any player in history who has played a minimum 100 games. He has 37 100-yard games in his career, 28 since Gary Kubiak became his coach.

-Matt Schaub, who was drafted by Atlanta in 2004, averages 266.3 yards a start during his career. That's better than the four quarterbacks drafted in the first round that year: Philip Rivers (243.9), Ben Roethlisberger (227.8), Eli Manning (219.2) and J.P. Losman (144.4).

-In 2010, Owen Daniels, Joel Dreessen and James Casey combined for 1,087 yards). Only three other teams - San Diego, New England and Cleveland - had tight ends who combined for more yards.
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Second is an article by Jeffrey Martin on Kevin Walter.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7693989.html

WR Kevin Walter draws high praise from Texans' peers

By JEFFREY MARTIN
Aug. 11, 2011, 9:02PM

Imagine what Andre Johnson would accomplish if he were shadowed by a single defender. Better yet, imagine what might happen if there were another target lined up on the opposite side so potent that he, too, required double attention.

This is the common refrain for some Texans fans, and the cry has reached a critical set of ears.

"They've been saying that for years," Kevin Walter said. "But if Andre Johnson was cloned, and they put him on the other side of Andre Johnson as the No. 2 receiver, you'd still have to double-cover the original Andre.

"It doesn't matter. We all have our roles."

Fortunately, Walter is neither a biologist nor a geneticist. What he is, however, is the best wide receiver on the Texans' roster who doesn't wear No. 80, and there's no shame in that. To some, though, an upgrade for Johnson's sidekick is long overdue.

Larry Kirksey, Texans wide receivers coach, isn't one of those people.

"People are always going to say he's not a No. 2, but he's an outstanding No. 2 for us," Kirksey said. "He's going to do all of the dirty work. He's going to make all of the tough catches. He's going to block on the perimeter, and he's going to make plays.

"When we need a play to be made, Kevin makes the play. … We can't go into this season without Kevin Walter."

His value isn't reflected in statistics, although his numbers since joining the Texans — averaging 49 receptions for 618 yards and four touchdowns per season - have been solid. Maybe not on the level of Johnson or tight end Owen Daniels, but what Walter (6-3, 218) has produced has been respectable.

"In this league, you can't control much," Walter said. "You can control your work ethic, and that's about it. I take a lot of pride in the way I go about things, the way I work out in the offseason, how I run routes, block in the running game - that's what you have to do."

Earns his keep

Also, add in regular chiropractic sessions, massages and hours upon hours logged in a hyperbaric chamber at home. The rationale?

"Your body is your work," said Walter, who just turned 30 but says he feels younger, convinced this could be his best season - even though he can't be certain of how many footballs might be flung his way.

That's fine, he said. He'll just take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, which is an example of why he is treasured by his teammates and coaches alike.

"I guarantee he gets respect from his teammates," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's just a warrior. He goes all day long. … Our defensive backs coach, I stood back there by Vance (Joseph) during practice. It was interesting. He said to me a couple of times, 'Boy, that guy's an impressive football player.'

"It's just what he stands for all of the time. You get your money's worth out of Kevin Walter every day."

That's important to Walter, who admits it's a point of emphasis to prove to his peers he belongs. Kirksey says Walter works as hard as Johnson, the standard for such comparisons, on and off the field, labeling the Eastern Michigan product a perfectionist.

Seeing is believing

Some of those same traits were exhibited earlier in his career. Despite totaling 30 catches for 296 yards and one touchdown in three seasons with Cincinnati, there was a sense within the Bengals' organization of how special and unique Walter is.

Cornerback Johnathan Joseph, the Texans' key free-agent acquisition, arrived in Cincinnati just as Walter was departing for the Texans, but he heard plenty about him.

"The coaches in Cincinnati raved about Kevin, my position coach (Kevin Coyle) specifically," Johnathan Joseph said. "He talked about how he wanted to keep a guy like Kevin around in Cincinnati because he came to work every day. And when I put on film before we played the Texans, I saw a guy that runs hard every play, blocks, catches the ball when it's thrown to him - and now I'm seeing the same thing with the Texans, day in and day out, in practice.

"You want a guy like Kevin around at all times."

Except that the Bengals failed to retain Walter while the Texans don't know what they'd do without him.

Breakout year ahead?

In the ongoing No. 2 discussion, Kirksey has an interesting perspective. Last year, Walter split time in that role with Jacoby Jones, and both receivers ended up with 51 receptions.

Now, with the excellent camp Walter has enjoyed and partially because Jones has been hobbled recently and started training camp late because of league rules, Walter, in his ninth season, is poised for a breakout season.

Walter believes it might happen.

The Texans do, too.

"I really do," Kirksey said. "He knows what he can do. … He will make plays for us."
Click to expand...

Third is a piece by chron.com's Craig Malveaux on Brandon Harris.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7694103.html

Texans' Brandon Harris is doubly committed

By CRAIG MALVEAUX
Aug. 11, 2011, 10:01PM

Before Brandon Harris signed his four-year contract with the Texans, he autographed a separate piece of paper for his mother.

This paper had terms and conditions, too. Some Harris understood to be non-negotiable.

"My mom was a little nervous when I told her I was thinking about coming out (of college) early (for the NFL draft)," Harris said. "It sunk in finally, but she told me I had to promise her a few things."

The terms he agreed to are simple: Harris must complete his college education at the University of Miami and earn a degree. The conditions in which Harris must fulfill his contractual obligations, though, are more complex.

The second-round pick, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, has to complete his coursework during the offseason following his rookie year in the NFL. And if he doesn't, Harris said he can expect to be in a ton of trouble.

"I don't even want to find out what happens if I don't," Harris said, laughing. "I'm not planning to."

Class in session

For now, class is still in session for the young cornerback.

"There's a lot of studying involved," Harris said. "Coach Wade (Phillips) has been putting a lot of different things in every night. There's so many different plays and different calls. Sometimes it can get overwhelming but you have to keep working and learn how to break everything down."

Because of the amount of information he has to process, Harris spends a good portion of his time after practice studying the playbook, film and defensive concepts.

He's not alone. Johnathan Joseph, Roc Carmichael and other younger cornerbacks work with each other sharing tips that further expedite the learning process.

"We communicate with each other all the time," Joseph said. "It's not like we are pulling one way or the other. This is a tight unit and everyone helps each other any way that they can."

The suggestions have worked. Harris is defending much better and breaking up passes on a consistent basis after a rocky first week of camp.

"Some days have been better than others," Harris said. "Some days you make a mistake and get frustrated because you want to play well. You just have to sit back and watch some of those veterans and then go back out there the next day and show that you belong here."

High football I.Q.

He's performed in practice like he belongs — garnering attention and the praise of cornerbacks coach Vance Joseph - and put himself in position to get playing time this season.

"He's showed that he has a high football I.Q. and good instincts on the field lately," Vance Joseph said. "He's above his time and plays like a veteran so that inside nickel spot is going to be his."

Vance Joseph and the Texans staff aren't the only people that see the potential in Harris. A former NFL player voiced his opinion not too long ago as well. During the NFL combine, Hall of Fame Cornerback Deion Sanders publicly stated that Harris was the best cornerback he had seen there.

Harris said the endorsement gave him a huge boost of confidence and serves as motivation for him to become a great player in the NFL.

"It was a huge compliment," he said. "It makes me want to go out and continue to work hard to live up to those standards."
Click to expand...

Next via HoustonTexans.com we have "10 Questions with Shiloh Keo".

Link:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/10-Questions-with-Shiloh-Keo/d1d84368-330e-4933-ba09-734201332ede

10 Questions with Shiloh Keo

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

Safety Shiloh Keo (5-11, 219) was selected by the Texans in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Idaho.

A native of Everett, Wash., Keo answered 10 questions for HoustonTexans.com after practice on Thursday afternoon.

1. How do you feel like training camp is going so far?
“I feel like everything has been going great. I’ve been working hard, we’ve been installing more and more all the time, and I’ve been doing good picking it up. I’ve been making mistakes here and there, but everything’s been pretty good.”

2. How does it feel coming from such a small school in Idaho to the NFL?
“You know, at the end of the day, it’s football. No matter where you are, wherever you come from, it’s the same game. It’s just faster. There’s some bigger guys. There’s some more athletic guys. You just gotta get used to the tempo and, you know, it goes back to playing football in the back yard.”

3. What excites you most about playing with the Texans this year?
“Just getting on the field, being part of this team and being able to contribute for the Texans.”

4. Who are you hanging out with the most on the team?
“Right now, I would probably say some of the rookies, and the drafted guys like Brooks Reed and T.J. Yates. I’m rooming with Derek Newton right now, so we’ve gotten pretty close to each other, but the whole team is very friendly. It’s a very tight-knit group.”

5. What do you like most about Houston so far?
(Laughs) “Football. It’s hard to say you like something when it’s so hot out here.”

6. What’s your favorite TV show?
“As of late, I’d say ‘Game of Thrones.’ That’s a pretty good show.”

7. What was your first car?
“A Ford Taurus. It was a grayish/greeninsh color.”

8. What are your hobbies?
“Well, the last couple years I really got into this sport called Air Soft, which is like a military simulation type-stuff. So that’s pretty fun.”

9. What is currently on your iPod?
“Hawaiian music, like anyone from Fiji to Ocean. I really like the Reggae style music, too.”

10. What’s it like playing for Wade Phillips with the Texans after playing for him in the East-West Shrine Game?
“It’s just been like a transition from the all-star game to this. I kind of already had a feel for him, the way he coaches, and nothing has changed. He’s all about business, but you know, he’s a low-key guy, but if you make a mistake, he’s going to get on you. So I love him. He’s a great coach, I love his system. I think it fits my style of play very, very good, so I’m excited.”
Click to expand...

Here is an article from Jon Saraceno and USA Today on Andre Johnson.

Source:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/texans/2011-08-11-andre-johnson-under-the-radar_n.htm

Texans' Andre Johnson talented, but often overlooked

By Jon Saraceno, USA TODAY

HOUSTON — Andre Johnson awoke in Dallas on Super Bowl Sunday after spending a festive weekend with friends in February. By kickoff, he was nearly 250 miles away, not a party bowl of guacamole within reach, lollygagging alone at home in his annual playoff funk.

Voted by peers as pro football's consummate pass catcher, not even Johnson's phenomenal exploits have been able to steer the Houston Texans to the playoffs. After slumping to a 6-10 record in 2010, Houston remains the only NFL franchise not to have advanced to the postseason since beginning play in 2002.

"This is what eats at me every day,'' says the soft-spoken wide receiver in a baritone voice. "I knew when I was drafted (in 2003) I was coming to an (expansion) organization. I knew it would not happen overnight. But I did not think it would take this long. I think about it every day. When I say every day, I mean … every … single … day."

That makes eight interminably long years for one of the NFL's most highly accomplished — yet underappreciated and understated — assets. Johnson is no diva, tweeter or brand builder, just "hands-down the best receiver in the league,'' says cornerback Melvin Bullitt of the rival Indianapolis Colts.

The highest-paid receiver in history "has done everything for the (Texans) franchise; no one knows his name,'' says Baltimore Ravens fullback Vonta Leach, a former teammate.
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Defenses do. Johnson, 30, is a fearless playmaker with freakish athletic ability, including a high tolerance for pain. Johnson is not the least bit queasy regarding the real possibility of violent, rush-hour-like collisions in the secondary. As he reasons, "You are going to get hit anyway. So you might as well catch it."

Johnson played with a high-ankle sprain most of last season and was voted to his fifth Pro Bowl and fourth all-pro honor. Injured in Week 2, he finished with 86 catches for 1,216 yards and eight touchdowns despite missing three games — including the last two when doctors advised him to shut it down.

"Putting up those numbers, on one foot, tells (you) what he is all about; he is a phenomenal player," Texans coach Gary Kubiak says.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub says there were many occasions when Johnson's ankle "was tweaked, and he would get a (pain-numbing) shot and go back out. Andre is a tough guy who sells out for his team."

The reason: His determination to be the greatest. Ever.

Maybe that's one reason, as a prep player at Miami Senior High, his first tattoo was of a lion with a football in his mouth underscored by "Hungry."

"(Hall of Fame receiver) Jerry Rice has set a plateau that probably never, ever will be duplicated," Johnson says. "But when I walk away from this game, I want people to say that Andre Johnson was the best receiver to ever have played."

Big numbers, low profile

Only Rice and Johnson have led the league in receiving yards in back-to-back seasons since 1960. This summer, NFL players voted the big Texan the league's seventh-best player overall.

Respected? Unquestionably. Chad Ochocinco-like, over-the-top personality? Sorry, wrong dude.

In 2010, sales for Johnson's No. 80 jersey ranked 44th among NFL players and, incredibly, No. 8 among receivers. The Texans' playoff drought is one reason. So is Johnson's indifference to personal outlandishness and a lack of self-promotion. He'd rather attend a high school football game or spend time with daughter, Kylie, 2.

"I don't think the guy even has a touchdown dance," marvels Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton of CBS Radio.

He sometimes spikes the ball, but mostly hugs his teammates and beelines for the sideline. Not that he is anti-flamboyant.

"Sometimes," he says, "I look forward to going home and watching ESPN to see what someone does (outrageously), so I can laugh. But it isn't me."

It was his shocking slugfest with Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan in 2010 that earned him unwanted notoriety. The players were kicked out of the game and each fined $25,000. Johnson apologized.

"More people know him more for the Finnegan fight than the play of Andre Johnson," Leach says. "He doesn't say much. He just goes about his business, a true professional. He chooses to make noise with his play."

Johnson is a rare, defense-sapping combination of a powerful, 6-2, 228-pound receiver who, Bullitt says, "has the size of a (pass-rushing) defensive end, the speed of a cornerback and the hands of a wide receiver."

The Atlanta Falcons' Roddy White, the NFL's leader in catches in 2010, jokingly says Johnson is "so big, so strong and runs so fast, that it's kind of unfair."

Johnson's 79.7-yard per-game career average is best in NFL history among players with at least 100 games. The only player in league history with 60 or more catches in each of his first eight seasons, Johnson often confronts sticky double coverage and brutal hits. His toughness and explosiveness enable him to turn routine catches into wide swaths of real estate.

Texans receivers coach Larry Kirksey, who coached Rice and Terrell Owens in San Francisco, calls Johnson a mixture of them.

"He is smart, and he understands the game. And he plays the game the way it is meant to be played," by playing all-out.

A prime example came in Week 13 at the Philadelphia Eagles. Four days after the Finnegan fiasco, Johnson displayed the right kind of playoff fight for a desperate team. With Houston trailing before halftime, he reinjured his ankle, telling trainers, "I think I'm done for the season." Johnson got a painkilling injection at halftime.

"He came out (because he) knew we needed him; it was do-or-die for us," Schaub says.

With the Texans trailing 20-10, Johnson returned in the second half and finished the game with six catches for 149 yards. The Texans rallied to take a 24-20 lead but lost 34-24.

"Yeah, I hate to say it, but there are some guys who (play just for money)," Johnson says. "They really don't care if they win or they lose. They just want to collect a check. If I ever got to that point, I would retire."

Keeping his head high

While he appears years from that eventuality, the injury bug stung Johnson in training camp. Leaping for a pass, the ball deflected off his left hand and dislocated the index finger.

"When I looked at it, it was kind of ugly, so I popped it back into place," he said. "But when I took my glove off, the blood started running out," because the bone broke the skin. "If I were able to play on a bum ankle, there is no way a finger is going to keep me down."

A day after the injury, Johnson found humor in his plight. As he strolled down a hallway, his tender, heavily bandaged finger was caught up in a pair of sandals carried by third-year running back Chris Ogbonnaya.

"He started pulling me along, and I was like, 'Whoa, whoa!' " Johnson says. "He said, 'Sorry, man, my bad.' We just laughed."

Johnson has had too few days to smile about since the Texans drafted the ex-Miami (Fla.) star with the third overall pick. At Miami, Johnson was accustomed to playing after the regular season. He was a Rose Bowl MVP. But it would take until 2009 before Johnson played on another winner: the 9-7 Texans.

Last summer, the Texans rewarded Johnson with a two-year, $23.5 million contract extension, including a guaranteed $13 million that keeps him in Houston until 2016. But at what price to a very determined man?

"I hate watching the postseason," he says. "I think, 'Man, when is our time coming?' "
Click to expand...

Here is another new podcast from 610am.

Description:

Former Texans TE Live In-Studio With The Odd Couple

Matt Murphy is now working as a financial planner and gives advice on some of the latest NFL player money woes that are going on. He also reflects back on his days with the Texans, David Carr, and what he thinks the future holds for the team.
Click to expand...

Link:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podtrac.com%2Fpts%2Fredirect.mp3%2Fnyc.podcast.play.it%2Fmedia%2Fd0%2Fd0%2Fd0%2FdY%2FdF%2Fd6%2FdQ%2FYF6Q_3.MP3&podcast_name=Matt+Murphy+interview&podcast_artist=Shaun+and+Barry&station_id=63&audio_link=true&config_file=config.xml&dcid=CBS.HOUSTON

Next is a podcast interview with Matt Leinart from Yahoo Sports Radio.

Description:

Matt Leinart - Heisman to Houston
Click to expand...

Link:
http://www.yahoosportsradio.com/audioplayer/?id=http://www.yahoosportsradio.com/?p=5289

and finally...

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Uprising · Aug 12, 2011

You are a machine!

Ricksmith · Aug 12, 2011

Rcoleman15 is my new hero.

Two Sandwiches · Aug 12, 2011

I don't understand why everyone is so down on Jason Allen? The guy came in here last year, played arguably the best football at corner for our team (real tough to do, I know), and led the team in interceptions...in seven games. All of this while he was trying to learn our system. He was a former first round pick, who has good size and numbers, and seems to be having a good camp. Now, the guy is on track with everyone else, as far as this new system goes, and frankly, I'm expecting to see good things out of him this year. There is no reason to be so down on the guy. He will be a good number two corner for our team this year, assuming Kubiak and Wade can get by their bias of thinking they have to play a former number just because of draft position.

Probably the only answer I will get back will be, "Well, he was released by the Dolphins, so the guy must not be that good..."

DonnyMost · Aug 12, 2011

Does anybody know Jason Allen's contract status?

I think he's making like 900K and in the final year of his rookie deal, no?

If so, we may get a really good effort out of him this year.

conquistador#11 · Aug 12, 2011

EddieWasSnubbed said: ↑

I don't understand why everyone is so down on Jason Allen? The guy came in here last year, played arguably the best football at corner for our team (real tough to do, I know), and led the team in interceptions...in seven games. All of this while he was trying to learn our system. He was a former first round pick, who has good size and numbers, and seems to be having a good camp. Now, the guy is on track with everyone else, as far as this new system goes, and frankly, I'm expecting to see good things out of him this year. There is no reason to be so down on the guy. He will be a good number two corner for our team this year, assuming Kubiak and Wade can get by their bias of thinking they have to play a former number just because of draft position.

Probably the only answer I will get back will be, "Well, he was released by the Dolphins, so the guy must not be that good..."
Click to expand...

I don't see any one that is down on him. I think all of us want him to start over Kareem. :grin:

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