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[Official] Texans Offseason 2011

Discussion in 'Houston Texans' started by Castor27, Jan 3, 2011.

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rcoleman15 Member

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Link:
http://texans.studiotigaapps.net/transcripts/august-12,-2011-pm-practice.aspx

Houston Texans Transcripts
Training Camp Practice (Afternoon)
Friday, August 12, 2011

Head Coach Gary Kubiak:

(on if there is anything new on CB Johnathan Joseph's health) "No, he actually got an injection so that takes some time to come back but everything looks fine. He's ok. I expect him to be out there tomorrow."

(on the team's injuries) "No, we've got a lot of guys nicked up, but whatever was taking yesterday is still the same. Nothing has really changed."

(on rookie QB T.J. Yates) "I thought he did some good things early. I think he's leveled off the last few days when all of the sudden (QB) Matt (Leinart) came back in and took all of the reps with the twos; so we'll see where he's at. He's a young player that's got ability, so we'll see where he's at."

(on whether RB Javarris Williams will make the roster) "(He's) been here one day so that's a tough go, but it's part of the NFL; and I would say because of our situation he's going to get an opportunity, so we'll what happens."
Click to expand...

TE Owen Daniels:

(on what the offense is looking to improve on this year) "We've got a lot to improve on. We have put up some good numbers in the past couple years and we've got a lot of pieces to the puzzle. We've got a lot of playmakers. Obviously, having a big run game last year helped us out a lot and hopefully that will continue this year. I think maybe starting faster, being able to score more points early in games and being able to close out games. You can always find things to improve on. I think those are the glaring spots from last year - starting faster and closing things out."

(on how they work on starting faster in training camp) "Coach Kubiak has been setting up practice a little differently in terms of coming out in an individual period and going straight to a team period, not easing into practice, and expecting us to be crisp right away. Obviously, you want that all the time. It's just something you can focus on during practice and hopefully that carries over."

(on playing someone besides his teammates on Monday night) "It's always good to have new faces in a different color jersey on the other side of the ball. These are the days of camp where guys get a little chippy and it gets a little frustrating. We're looking forward to Monday. I think we put in a lot of good work and it'll be a good test for us. The Jets are a good team."

(on what he hopes to get out of the game on Monday) "I think we just want, as an offense, to just be consistent. We want to be able to get off to a good start, put a good drive together, however long coach lets us stay out there. The Jets have a good defense and a lot of good players over there. It's going to be a really good test for us. Like I said earlier, starting fast, getting off to a faster start this season than last year in some games, I think that will be a focus this first preseason game."
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Next here is a piece by Paul Kuharsky on Arian Foster.

Source:
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/26434/foster-on-finances-karma-will-handle-it

Foster says karma will handle finances

August, 12, 2011
By Paul Kuharsky

HOUSTON -- Arian Foster doesn’t believe I need to worry about his finances.

Coming off of a fantastic 1,616 yard rushing season that led the league, he was an exclusive rights free agent who signed his $525,000 tender and reported to camp on time.

“The media always tries to stir up a controversy because they are used to people holding out and used to people doing things like that,” Foster said. “I grew up where sometimes the lights weren’t on or sometimes we didn’t eat dinner at night. You know, my daughter lives well, my wife lives well and I live well.

“I believe in karma. You take care of the universe, the universe takes care of you. You can’t run around thinking negative all the time. You neither.”

I appreciate the advice, I told him.

So it’ll take care of itself?

“It might, it might not,” he said. “At the end of the day I am going to be a happy human being.”

Elsewhere in the division, the holdout for another top running back, Chris Johnson, has grown more and more contentious in Tennessee.

Considering how Foster views his own situation, what does he think of Johnson’s?

“I think Chris Johnson is a grown man and he needs to do whatever he thinks is best for him and his family,” Foster said.

Does he hope every one in the running back fraternity does as well as possible?

“I’m a humanitarian,” he said.

If the humanitarian has another solid year, he's going to be a wealthier humanitarian in a year.

***

While we talk Foster, a hamstring update.

When I offered that the prevailing opinion is hamstring strains correlate to offseason conditioning and time away from the team, he talked of keyboard geniuses and urged calm. (Actually I’ve heard it from trainers too.)

“Track athletes run year round and pull hamstrings,” he said. “They are going to happen to most athletes who do sprinting. And they focus on that and they try to do preventative exercises to prevent (pulled) hamstrings but hamstrings just happen.

“I’m in great shape. I’m hydrated, I stretch, I do yoga. It just happens.”

Don't expect him to play Monday night against the Jets.

Better now than later.
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Here is a preseason preview for our Monday night game via the Miami Hearld.

Source:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/08/12/2356502/nfl-preseason-preview-ny-jets.html

Source:

NFL Preseason Preview - N.Y. Jets (0-0) at Houston (0-0)

By Scott Garbarini, Sports Network
The Sports Network

The New York Jets will take the field for the first time in the 2011 season in Monday's clash with the Houston Texans, though the team will wait to wait a little longer for the debut of its most notable new addition.

This preseason opener at Reliant Stadium was supposed to mark the NFL return of Plaxico Burress from a 2 1/2-year absence away from the game. However, the controversial wide receiver came down with a sprained ankle during the early portion of training camp and has since been ruled out by head coach Rex Ryan.

Burress last participated in a game in November of the 2008 season, while then a member of the crosstown foe New York Giants. He would miss the final five contests of that campaign as a result of an accidental gunshot wound in his leg while at a Manhattan night club, then spent the next two years out of football while imprisoned on charges stemming from that incident.

The Jets weren't overly concerned about the 34-year-old's absence, signing him to a one-year, $3 million contract in late July to become a part of a remade receiver corps that will be an area to watch for the 2010 AFC Championship Game participants this preseason.

Burress joins holdover Santonio Holmes, rookie Jeremy Kerley and 14-year pro Derrick Mason, a free-agent defection from Baltimore, in a new-look cast of targets for third-year quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jets also lost key contributors Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith through free agency and released veteran Jerricho Cotchery shortly after the start of camp.

The Jets may also be without a couple of starters on the offensive line for Monday's matchup. Right guard Brandon Moore is on the mend from offseason hip surgery and will not play, while All-Pro center Nick Mangold is questionable to suit up after sustaining a neck stinger in Thursday's practice.

One newcomer who will be in action for New York is defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson, the team's first-round selection in April's draft. The Temple product is taking over at the left end spot previously manned by longtime Jet Shaun Ellis, now on the roster of the rival New England Patriots.

For the Texans, Monday's contest will offer a first glimpse of how far a totally rebuilt defense has come since their last outing. Houston has made major changes on that side of the ball, beginning with the hiring of ex-Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips as coordinator, after fielding one of the league's worst stop units in last year's disappointing 6-10 season.

The Texans added two immediate starters, cornerback Johnathan Joseph and free safety Danieal Manning, on the free-agent market and used their first-round pick on Wisconsin end J.J. Watt, who's slated to start immediately in Phillips' 3-4 scheme. In addition, standout pass rusher Mario Williams will be converting from a down lineman to an outside linebacker in the new alignment, while former corner Glover Quin has shifted to strong safety.

2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing is also undergoing a position switch, moving from outside linebacker to the inside under the 3-4 arrangement. The talented former first-round choice likely won't play on Monday, however, as he's still making his way back from a January knee procedure.

Houston will also be short-handed in the offensive backfield for this game, with reigning rushing champion Arian Foster and reserves Steve Slaton and Ben Tate all dealing with hamstring injuries. Derrick Ward will start in Foster's place and will be backed up by former practice squad member Chris Ogbonnaya and newly-signed Javarris Williams.

This will be the first-ever preseason meeting between these teams. The Jets have won all five of their previous regular-season bouts with the Texans, including a thrilling 30-27 home victory last November in which Sanchez threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Holmes with 10 seconds left to play.
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Here is an article with two attached vids from PlaymakerOnline.com interviewing Matt Schaub.

Link:
http://www.playmakeronline.com/2011/08/12/texans-training-camp-report-august-12-2011/

Texans Training Camp Report August 12, 2011

By Javi Perez,
August 12, 2011

It’s the final weekend of Houston Texans training camp and the Texans open up their preseason on Monday night against the New York Jets at Reliant Stadium. There are a lot of players that don’t like to talk to the media, but it has nothing to do with their dislike for the press corps. It has more to do with the fact that they’re outside in Houston, Texas in the middle of the summer and practice wraps up around 11:00 when it’s really starting to get hot outside. So when a guy like Matt Schaub stops to talk, everyone wants a piece of him. In my last day at training camp, I got to talk to Schaub about some surprising developments I’d seen in practice.

Last season, the Texans appeared to take a hit in their offense when Owen Daniels went down with an injury, but Joel Dreessen, their backup tight end actually played pretty well in his absence. Daniels had trouble returning to the lineup and played hurt at the end of the season. When I saw Daniels and Schaub in rhythm and connecting on a consistent basis in practice, I got excited not just because Daniels is a great player but because of the fantasy football implications. There’s been speculation in fantasy football circles that Daniels isn’t really worth drafting, even late, because of his injury history and the fact that Dreessen played well in his absence.

But it’s not just him, Schaub appears to be connecting well with whoever he’s targeting, including his young receivers.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lnpL-kMTXss" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And of course there’s Daniels, who is looking like his old self and should be one of the best tight ends in the league if he can stay healthy the way he did in his first two years. Of course, the passing game is going to benefit not just from Arian Foster racking up yards in the backfield, but from all the experience they have back there as well like Derrick Ward, James Casey and Lawrence Vickers.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D9Lpu4dRx0A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Here are two new podcasts from 610am.

Description:

Devard Darling Eager To Prove His Worth

Devard Darling, the Texans’ WR, talks about how he landed in Houston and what his goals are for the 2011 season.
Click to expand...

Link:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fcbshouston.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fdevard-darling-8-12-11.mp3&podcast_name=Devard+Darling&podcast_artist=Ben+Nance&station_id=&audio_link=true&config_file=config.xml&dcid=CBS.HOUSTON

Description:

How Impactful Is NFL’s New Kickoff Rule?

The General stops by for his weekly visit to talk about the NFL’s new kickoff rule and to preview the Texans’ pre-season game against the Jets.
Click to expand...

Link:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fcbshouston.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fjohn-mcclain-8-12-11.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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#4781 rcoleman15, Aug 12, 2011
Last edited: Aug 12, 2011

3 people like this.

tmacfor35 Member

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The only question I have is how the hell does rcoleman15 get all the information he does so fast? You are a blessing sir.

#4782 tmacfor35, Aug 12, 2011
rcoleman15 Member

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tmacfor35 said: ↑

The only question I have is how the hell does rcoleman15 get all the information he does so fast? You are a blessing sir.
Click to expand...

Thanks and not much to it really...just some good bookmarks, tabbed browsing, and knowing when these articles and vids tend to crop up.

#4783 rcoleman15, Aug 12, 2011
ab0_bleedred Member

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out of curiosity how serious are all these hamstring injuries.
All ive been hearing is that they are all day to day but Foster hasn't practiced all week and is missing the game on monday. Is this just precautionary of something that is going to be a lingering problem?

With this problem at hand do you guys see us keep all 4 RB going into week 1?

#4784 ab0_bleedred, Aug 12, 2011
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We might alternate backs on the IR. Keep 4 with one on the list each week.

#4785 Dubious, Aug 12, 2011
aristophanes34 Member

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Dubious said: ↑

We might alternate backs on the IR. Keep 4 with one on the list each week.
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Not in the NFL. Unless this has changed under the new CBA, and I don't think it has, once a player is placed on IR he remains there until the end of the season.

#4786 aristophanes34, Aug 12, 2011
emjohn Member

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ab0_bleedred said: ↑

out of curiosity how serious are all these hamstring injuries.
Click to expand...

No way of knowing, and they're all going to depend on the individual. Hopefully these are all examples of tight hammies from the long layoff and abrupt re-entry and the coaches are playing it safe.

It's all about the extent of tearing: "good sore" (slight), "sore", ...."giving me trouble" (mild tearing).....etc. What we don't want is "nagging" - bad enough that it needs 4-6 weeks of rest or else you undo all of the healing every game you play and it follows you all season.

This season, more than any other, they've got to ease the guys in and not tempt fate with overuse injuries.

#4787 emjohn, Aug 12, 2011

rcoleman15 Member

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Here are Saturday's Texans news items from around the web.

First up from Jerome Solomon an article on Ben Tate.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/solomon/7695614.html

Tate's fate unknown
A broken leg kept running back Ben Tate out for the entire 2010 season. Hamstring issues and a loaded backfield are keeping his future in flux

By JEROME SOLOMON
Aug. 12, 2011, 11:11PM

Ben Tate is fidgety; itching to run, but he can't. A tight hamstring has sidelined the second-year running back and might keep him from playing Monday night, when the Texans host the New York Jets.

The injury is a tough break for Tate, who had a much tougher break a year ago, when on the second carry of his first preseason game he broke his leg and suffered ligament damage in his right ankle.

Tate technically is a second-year running back, but in most ways he's a rookie. He hasn't played in an NFL game. He hasn't proved to Texans coaches he is a quality NFL running back. And the former Auburn star hasn't shown he is a durable running back who can take the pounding that all ball carriers in the league take.

It is disappointing that Tate, 22, who had few injuries in high school and college, hasn't been able to get his professional career going. His confidence isn't shaken, but he is aching.

You can feel the frustration when Tate talks about how ready he is to show how well he can play. You can almost feel his pain when he describes how his body has gotten in the way of his showing how good a running back he can be.

It isn't unlike how he sounded a year ago, when after his injury he was a tortured soul.

"I just want to get out there and play," Tate said.

To the point of pushing it.

Tate (5-11, 219) said he felt the hamstring tightening up in a practice but returned for the next workout because he wanted to seize the moment.

With Arian Foster running wild last season, racking up 1,616 rushing yards, and backups Derrick Ward and Steve Slaton running well in limited action, Tate is a virtually forgotten man.

It has been a while since the Texans drafted Tate. So much football has been played without him on the field that many have forgotten what he was supposed to bring to the table.

Tough crowd

Tate is a power back who is dangerous in the open field. But the Texans have three backs ahead of him on the depth chart.

Still, that doesn't mean Tate can't contribute to the team. He has been 100 percent for months and entered camp hoping, actually expecting, to earn the No. 2 spot behind Foster.

"I am confident in my ability," Tate said. "I think I was off to a good start to camp, and I'll be back to full speed soon. I have no doubts about what I can do."

Remember when the Texans were desperate at running back? Oh, the bad old days. Now their fourth-best back has star potential.

At the moment, there might be a lot of hamstring injuries among Texans running backs, but the team isn't hamstrung at the position.

Foster has been out with a hamstring problem, and Slaton went down with a pulled hamstring during Thursday's practice.

Tate, who missed a third straight day of practice Friday, said he could be ready to go in a couple of days, but there is no point in playing any of the injured players in Monday's preseason game against the Jets.

Man of mystery

The league knows what Foster can do. Slaton has looked as good as he did in 2008 when he put up more than 1,600 yards of total offense as a rookie.

The only unknown is Tate. Unknown to most of us, that is.

"It's frustrating, but I know what I can do," Tate said. "I have to be patient. But as soon as the doctors turn me loose, I'm going to get after it."
Click to expand...

Second is the "Texans Notes" by John McClain.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7695545.html

Texans notes: Casey determined to start at fullback

By JOHN McCLAIN
Aug. 12, 2011, 11:29PM

Can't keep him down

Near the end of Friday morning's practice, fullback James Casey caught a short pass over the middle, turned to run, was hit by safety Maurice Rolle, went down and came up limping.

Fortunately for the Texans, Casey walked it off.

"My knee buckled, but it's OK now," he said.

As Casey left the field, reporters kept asking him about his knee.

"I'm fine," he said. "It's no big deal."

Casey wants to be on the field for Monday night's preseason opener against the New York Jets, so as long as he can walk, he's going to say that.

Casey will start at fullback against the Jets. Lawrence Vickers will back him up.

"He got hit right (on) the next-to-last play of practice," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He can't get hurt, just can't do it; got to keep going."

Worthy cause

The Texans are donating the proceeds from Monday's game-day auction to a fund created to help the Berry children.

The auction will be on the concourse behind Section 140. It will open at 5:30 p.m. and close at the end of halftime and include autographed Texans memorabilia as well as unique Texans experiences.

Joshua and Robin Berry were killed July 2 in an automobile accident while returning from a family vacation in Colorado. Their three children survived, but Peter, 9, and Aaron, 8, suffered spinal cord injuries. Daughter Willa, 6, suffered multiple broken bones.

Fans also can help during the game by texting 85944 to make a $10 donation to the Berry Family Foundation for Orphans.

For more information, go to www.theberrychildren.org.

Bittersweet tidings

The Texans had good news and more bad news on the injury front.

Receiver Jacoby Jones returned to practice after suffering a sprained ankle and missing one workout. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph missed practice with a groin injury he suffered Thursday.

"We added one guy to the list (Friday)," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Johnathan Joseph didn't practice. His groin's a little tight, so we just held him out. I would expect him back (today).

"Other than that, the list you (media) left with (Wednesday) is the same. (Running back Ben) Tate did not come on the field this morning. Other than that, it's pretty much like we left (Thursday)."

Smooth transition

Rookie safety Shiloh Keo, who grew up in the Seattle area and played at Idaho, came to Houston early to try to adjust to the heat and humidity.

"It definitely made a difference ... but it's hard to get used to this weather," he said. "It's kicked my butt every day.

"You look at me right now, and I'm sweating from head to toe. It's definitely something you're not just going to get acclimated to. It's going to take time, but I definitely think it helped."

Building an identity

The Texans have been called a soft team by NFL Network's Michael Lombardi and are trying to develop a tougher identity.

Outside linebacker Connor Barwin was asked if the team needs to play angry.

"I don't know about playing angry," he said. "My personal feeling is emotions go up and down. I believe you just (need to) play passionately. I think if you just play hard and play passionately, that's the way to do it.

"I don't think playing angry makes you any better because if you get angry, then you start making mistakes."

That's a stretch

Coaches, players, fans and media are wondering if a recent rash of hamstring injuries is a direct result of the lockout. In other words, players didn't stretch properly when working out on their own and now are paying for it.

"It's interesting to me," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I keep a study every year of training camp and how many guys you had to practice with each day. The thing that's interesting to me is that all the things (injuries) that normally happen in the first week of camp since I've been a part of football are now happening in the second.

"I think guys came in fresh. ... They were excited to go, and then the 'new' wore off. Now we're in Week 2, and all those things that are normally part of the first week of camp seem to be happening a little later. ... Just a lot of little things that we've got to work through and (then) get back on the field."
Click to expand...

Third is a piece by chron.com's Craig Malveaux on Texans tight end Anthony Hill.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7695632.html

An uphill battle
Tight end Anthony Hill showed promise his rookie year, but swine flu and a torn ligament impeded his progress

By CRAIG MALVEAUX
Aug. 12, 2011, 11:22PM

Catching footballs is easy for Texans tight end Anthony Hill. Catching a break in the NFL has been the problem.

When general manager Rick Smith selected Hill in the fourth round of the 2009 draft, the move left Texans fans scratching their heads. Veterans Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen were more than qualified to fulfill the demands of the position, but Smith had his reasons.

Coming off an 8-8 season in which the Texans' red zone offense was acceptable at best, the team was looking for ways to improve its blocking up front, specifically at tight end. And Hill — regarded as a blocking specialist - fit the bill.

"When we got him out of North Carolina State, we wanted him to come in and block for us," tight ends coach Brian Pariani said. "He excels at it."

Unfortunately for Hill, it all went downhill after the third week of his rookie year. In early October, Hill contracted the H1N1 virus and was hospitalized for two nights for precautionary measures. Two months later, his season ended abruptly when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

"That first year was a learning experience for me just to get into the NFL," Hill, 26, said. "I was able to play a little and get my feet wet, so to speak, before tearing my ACL and getting the swine flu.

"But that's something I couldn't do anything about."

The injury sidelined Hill until the Texans activated him from the physically unable to perform list last November.

Picking up where he left off

Hill was unable to reprise his role as a situational tight end because of his recovery. But coming into training camp this year, he is back to pick up where he left off nearly two years ago.

"As a backup player, you definitely have to have a niche or role," Pariani said. "And his role is run blocking and pass protecting. That's why we brought him to the team.

"His job is exactly the same as it was his rookie year."

The ACL tear from which Hill recovered hasn't affected his approach on the field; he plays aggressively and at full speed. His mentality remains the same, and the fear of possible injury no longer lingers in his mind.

"I'm not cautious on the field at all," Hill (6-6, 278) said. "I knew that if I was going to be out here, I had to put all that stuff behind me.

"I'm blessed to get another chance to play."

One of the things Hill said he wants to accomplish during camp is erasing the doubts of those who might question his ability to perform following a major injury.

"I want to prove that I still can play this game," he said. "I've been out for a year and half now, so I'm trying to prove I can come out here day to day and stay healthy on the field."

So far, so good. During team drills, Hill has shown he is comfortable blocking players and running routes.

"I might have lost a step here or there, but I can feel it coming back each day," he said. "I feel good out there."

Give and take

Daniels said despite Hill's limited role, he is an important player on the offensive side of the ball and keeps the tight ends in top form.

"He is strong as an ox," Daniels said. "He challenges us to move guys as well as he does. He has always been a good blocker, and he wants us to be as good as him.

"And our challenge to him is helping him run better routes, so we learn from each other."
Click to expand...

Fourth is John McClain's "Training Camp At A Glance".

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7695367.html

Texans training camp at a glance

By JOHN McCLAIN
Aug. 12, 2011, 9:12PM

McCLAIN’S TAKE

Leadership issues arise

Teams can afford to miss some of their injured players, but the Texans proved Friday they can’t afford to lose cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

Joseph, the team’s prized free-agent acquisition, was having a good camp until suffering a groin injury Thursday. He sat out Friday morning’s practice and it showed, according to coach Gary Kubiak.

“We found out something interesting, in my opinion,” Kubiak said. “(The defense is) really counting on (free safety) Danieal (Manning) and Johnathan to be leaders, and they have been.

“All of a sudden, Johnathan misses practice and I thought we practiced very poorly on the back end. Nobody else took over. ... We’re looking for that leadership. We’re trying to find a new identity in 2011, and we’re going to find it through days like this.”

Leadership, like credibility, is earned. On difficult days like Friday, when the searing sun made practicing extra tough, players need to step up and set the tone.

“There are leaders on every team,” Kubiak said. “You don’t inherit that position. Right now, we’re working for leadership and for guys to take over the group and lead through tough times because the NFL is a tough grind.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Texans gained more yards (1,795) in the fourth quarter than any team in the NFL last season. Second to the Texans was Dallas (1,761). Both teams finished 6-10.

• Over the past three seasons, the Texans have averaged an NFL-high 389.5 yards per game on the road. Finishing second was New Orleans with 386.6. Dallas (360), Indianapolis (359.8) and Philadelphia (358.9) round out the top five.

• The Texans play their second game this season at Miami. The Texans are 5-0 against the Dolphins. All five games have been decided by seven or fewer points.

WEATHER FORECAST

High: 100°

Low: 78°

Mostly sunny with a 10 percent chance of rain.

SCOUTING REPORT

Brett Hartmann

Position: Punter/kickoffs.

Height: 6-2.

Weight: 226.

College: Central Michigan.

Experience: Rookie.

Strength: Has a strong leg for punting and kicking off. Gets good hang time on his punts and good distance on his kickoffs.

Weakness: Didn’t play at a big-time program; coaches don’t know how he’ll respond to big crowds and big games.

Outlook: There’s a job to be won since Matt Turk was allowed to leave as a free agent. Hartmann is competing with Brad Maynard, 37, a 14-year veteran.

BY THE NUMBERS

10-10

Gary Kubiak’s preseason record in five years as Texans coach.

2

Texans who have played for the Jets: tight end Joel Dreessen and running back Derrick Ward.

2,832

Combined yards rushing and receiving by Arian Foster and Andre Johnson last season, the best of any twosome.

159.1

Average yards in the first half of 2010 games, which ranked 22nd in the NFL.

96.2

Percent the Texans scored in the red zone last season, ranking second to New England.

KEY DATES

Aug. 30: Roster cut to 75.

Sept. 3: Roster cut to 53.

Sept. 4: Practice squad announced.

HE SAID IT

“You get 10 days in, and you’re kind of tired of looking at the other guys. Things get frisky. You end up getting in a couple fights. I think  all the veterans feel it’s about that time to go get after someone else. They’re (Jets) going to be a great test for us.”

— ERIC WINSTON, when asked if he’s tired of hitting teammates and ready to hit opponents
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Fifth is an article by Jeffrey Martin on Devard Darling.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7695668.html

Keeping a dream alive
Devard Darling's shot with hometown team helps further vision once shared with twin

By JEFFREY MARTIN
Aug. 12, 2011, 11:39PM

He couldn't stop smiling.

Devard Darling probably would have stuck around and signed autographs for hours Friday morning if not for the oppressive heat and the Texans public relations official leading him away.

Released by Kansas City in March 2010, Darling had just completed his first NFL practice in almost two years. His stint with the Chiefs ended on injured reserve after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. Darling, a graduate of Stephen F. Austin High, spent last year rehabbing his knee but also with the United Football League's Omaha Nighthawks. He was out of a job until working out for the Texans on Thursday.

After running a 4.4 40, the receiver was signed to a one-year deal. While there are no expectations on the Texans' end — "He's got a chance," coach Gary Kubiak said Friday - the incessant grin on Darling's face was revealing.

"Just to come out here and be a part of this team and to put this Texans helmet on, it means a lot to me," he said.

The dream - the vision of starring in the NFL shared by Darling and his twin brother Devaughn, who died in 2001 while working out at Florida State - continues. For how long? That will be up to Darling, who struggled to explain how grateful he was for this opportunity.

"Just knowing that I still have a lot to give," he said. "... That's what it was - that drive to continue on and keep pushing through."

Experience counts

Despite being limited in Friday's morning session by a lack of knowledge of the offense - he also participated on special teams, returning kicks - Darling will likely be forced into action Monday night against the New York Jets. The Texans are a little nicked at the position - Jacoby Jones returned Friday from a sprained ankle, but Kevin Walter left early from fatigue - not to mention young.

By definition, he's a veteran. Darling has five seasons on his résumé, but he has participated in only 46 games during that time, starting just 10. And his lifetime statistics of 37 receptions for 578 yards and four touchdowns are hardly staggering.

Still, it's experience.

"It's hard, but it's fair right now," Kubiak said. "He's going to play. I just told him a while ago, 'You grab 10 things you know you can do, and we'll make sure we run those 10 things.' There are a lot of guys missing. ... When you can bring a guy in and be fair to him, that's about all you can do."

And that's all Darling was asking for - that, and also a quarterback capable of helping him realize the potential that led Baltimore to select him in the third round of the 2004 draft, a first for anyone from the Bahamas.

The Schaub effect

The scouting report has always read lots of speed, especially at 6-1 and 213 pounds, but questionable hands. Then again, of the three teams for which Darling has played since leaving Washington State (where he ended up after Florida State refused to allow him to continue in football because he shared the same sickle-cell trait as his brother), the best quarterback was probably Jeff Garcia in Omaha - and Garcia was 40 at the time.

The others? First-round flop Kyle Boller in Baltimore and the two-headed monster of Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen in Kansas City.

Thigpen signed a three-year deal with Buffalo in late July as a backup. Boller is a backup in Oakland. Croyle is a free agent.

When Darling was healthy, none of those four quarterbacks was the caliber of Matt Schaub, who has topped the 4,000-yard plateau in each of the past two seasons. The two share some commonalities - they both entered the league the same year and are represented by Athletes First. They worked out together in preparation for the combine.

"We had a good time back then," Darling, 29, said. "Hopefully, we can get that connection again."

'I know he's proud of me'

Obviously, no connection could match or replace the one shared by Darling and his twin. Actually, the connection they continue to share - not of the physical form, but the spiritual.

He doesn't want to forget Devaughn - in Baltimore, Darling played with a laminated picture of his deceased brother under his jersey but close to his heart.

Then again, he also knows nothing will bring him back - certainly not the $2 million settlement awarded in 2004 in the wrongful death lawsuit the family filed against Florida State two years earlier.

But catching on with the hometown team and fulfilling their dream? That would be fitting and bring a smile.

"I always have conversations with him," Darling said. "That's all of the time. He's always with me, and I know he's proud of me right now."
Click to expand...

Sixth is a piece by PFT.com and Mike Florio updating us on Jonathan Joseph injury and the treatment he is receiving.

Source:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/12/johnathan-joseph-receives-injection-for-groin-tightness/related/

Johnathan Joseph receives injection for groin tightness

Posted by Mike Florio on
August 12, 2011, 10:32 PM EDT

The Texans are counting on cornerback Johnathan Joseph to prop up an anemic secondary in 2011. And so Texans fans will understandably be unnerved by any evidence suggesting that Joseph may not be able to do what he was hired to do.

Only days before the preseason opener, Joseph missed practice due to tightness in his groin.

“[H]e actually got an injection so that takes some time to come back but everything looks fine,” coach Gary Kubiak said Friday, via comments distributed by the team. “He’s OK. I expect him to be out there tomorrow.”

There’s no reason to be concerned, for now. But any time “groin” and “injection” are used in the same sentence, it makes sense to at least worry — and cringe — a little bit.
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Seventh is an article from rantsports.com on the O-Line.

Source:
http://www.rantsports.com/houston-texans/2011/08/12/houston-texans-training-camp-notes-812-offensive-line-ready-to-take-next-step/

Houston Texans Training Camp Notes 8/12: Offensive Line Ready To Take Next Step

The Houston Texans are preparing for a Monday Night Football affair with the New York Jets, and offensive tackle Eric Winston is looking forward to the challenge the Jets defensive front will present.

He also believes JJ Watt is going to be “a great addition to the defense.”

“He’s playing good. He’s going to be a good addition to the defense, he’s got a lot of upside. It’s impressive when you can step in and hold your own coming right out of college because there is a different pad level, a different motor and he has all that stuff. He’s got a lot of work ahead of him but I tell you what he impressed a lot of people so far.”

Winston also said he and some of the other veterans are itching to play another team.

“Yea you know you get 10 or 12 days in, you’re kind of tired of looking at the other guy. Things usually get frisky and you get in to a couple fights around here. It’s about that time [to play a game], especially all of the vets feel it. It’s time to go get after somebody else and we’re excited about that. The Jets show so many fronts and so many blitzes and that’s what we need; teams that beat pressure consistently win in this league.”

He also talked about the offensive line having to improve on their good season last year.

“I don’t know many [good] offenses that have bad offensive lines. It’s up to us now, we’ve set the standard around here and we have to raise the bar now. We’re excited about and we’re going to get a good opportunity Monday night.”

Coach Gary Kubiak commented on the fact that the young guys are already looking up to Johnathan Joseph and Daniel Manning to lead the secondary, despite only having been Texans for a couple weeks now.

“We found out something interesting today in my opinion,” Kubiak said. “They’re really counting on Daniel and Johnathan to be leaders and they have been. And also Johnathan misses practice and I thought we practiced very poorly on the back end. Nobody else took over, and that’s why we’re here, that’s part of being a team. When we were dragging this morning, somebody’s got to pick somebody up. We’re looking for that leadership, we’re trying to find a new identity for 2011 and we’re going to find it.”

Kubiak also commented on all the hamstring injuries and little nicks and bruises happening to all of his players.

“Well, it’s interesting to me. I keep a study every year of training camp and how many guys practice each day ever since I was a young coach. All the things that normally happen the first week of camp, since I’ve been a part of football, are now happening in the second week. I think guys came in fresh, they were gone all off season, they were excited to go. Then all the ‘new’ wore off and now we’re in week 2 and all of those nicks and all of those things seem to be happening a little later.”

The Texans and Jets meet Monday night on ESPN; hopefully the Texans can field a decent team amidst all of these injuries.
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Eighth is a team update from HoustonTexans.com

Source:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Joseph-sits-as-local-free-agents-join-team/eb191106-2f71-4ef6-ab82-11e781c42690

Joseph sits as local free agents join team

By Nick Scurfield

Newly-signed wide receiver Devard Darling and running back Javarris Williams both practiced with the Texans on Friday.

Darling, a sixth-year veteran, and Williams, a second-year pro, are both from the Houston area. Darling went to Stephen F. Austin High School in Fort Bend County, Williams to Foster High School in Richmond.

“It feels great to be here, back at home, having a great time on this football field,” Darling said. “Just to come out here and be a part of this team and to put this Texans helmet on, it means a lot to me.”

Darling was a third-round pick of the Ravens in 2004 and spent four seasons in Baltimore before stops in Kansas City and Omaha (UFL) last year.

Williams, a seventh-round pick of Kansas City in 2009, spent last season with the Seahawks. He got reps right away on Friday with Texans running backs Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and Ben Tate all sidelined by hamstring injuries. Williams was the third running back behind Derrick Ward and Chris Ogbonnaya.

“I would say because of our situation he’s going to get an opportunity, so we’ll what happens,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said.

Joseph out
Prized free agent cornerback Johnathan Joseph was held out of practice because of tightness in his groin. He got an injection but is expected to return to practice on Saturday.

Kubiak lamented the play of the secondary in Joseph’s absence.

“We found out something interesting today, in my opinion,” Kubiak said. “They’re really counting on Danieal (Manning) and Johnathan to be leaders, and they have been. All of a sudden, Johnathan misses practice today and I thought we practiced very poorly on the back end. Nobody else took over, and that’s why you’re here. That’s part of being a team. We’re dragging this morning. Somebody’s got to pick somebody up. We’re looking for that leadership.

“We’re trying to find a new identity in 2011, and we’re going to find it through days like this.”

Hamstring epidemic
From Foster to Tate to Slaton to Trindon Holliday, it’s been hard to keep track of how many Texans players have been sidelined by hamstring injuries through two weeks of camp. Kubiak has kept a tally of how many players practice since he was a young coach, and he said that this year is different than most.

“The thing that’s interesting to me is that all the things that normally happen in the first week of camp since I’ve been a part of football are now happening in the second,” he said. “I think guys came in fresh, they were gone all offseason, they were excited to go, and then the new wore off. Now, we’re in week two, and all those nicks and those things that are normally part of the first week of camp seem to be happening a little later.”

The hamstring strain has been especially tough on the running back position, but none of the injuries have been serious.

“All these guys are grade one, nick-type hamstrings, so they should be back here in a week or so,” Kubiak said. “It’s not like we’ve had anything horrible happen. We’ve been lucky, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed and keep going.”

Health check
Fullback James Casey’s knee buckled out from under him on a pass play over the middle at the end of practice, but he walked it off and was back on the field for special teams work in no time. He told reporters after practice that he was fine.

Wide receiver Kevin Walter appeared to leave practice early, but it wasn’t because of injury.

“He’s fine,” Kubiak said. “He just got gassed at the end of practice. We’re right now about as wore out as we can be, so it’s time to start reeling them back in and get ready for Monday night.”

Quotable
“It definitely made a difference, I’ll tell you that much, but it’s hard to get used to this weather. It’s kicked my butt every day. You look at me right now and I’m sweating from head to toe. It’s definitely something you’re not just going to get acclimated to. It’s going to take time, but I definitely think it helped.”
- Rookie S Shiloh Keo, on if coming to Houston early this offseason helped him acclimate to the weather
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Ninth is a season preview from NFLMocks.com

Source:
http://nflmocks.com/2011/08/12/2011-nfl-season-preview-houston-texans/

2011 NFL Season Preview: Houston Texans

AUTHOR: Reggie McColgan

Houston Texans

Front Office:

Owner: Robert McNair

GM: Rick Smith

B: This regime has built a very talented team, however, there are two things holding them back. First is coaching, and the other is the Indianapolis Colts. The hiring of Wade Phillips as DC should help as well as the continuous gradual aging of many of the important pieces of the Indianapolis Colts.

Coaching:

HC: Gary Kubiak

OC: Rick Dennison

DC: Wade Phillips

B: I think Kubiak was a great OC who is over his head as a HC. He is not horrible, but he has not been able to get his team into the playoffs in his tenure. OC Rick Dennison is a hot name and is becoming a HC candidate. Wade Phillips, while a failure at HC, knows how to create a dominate defense. Phillips is a huge pickup for this team and could have a Gregg Williams like effect.

QB: B+

Matt Schuab has posted some huge numbers but at some point he will be judged on what he hasn’t done: led his team into the playoffs. The Texans drafted TJ Yates to develop and Matt Leinheirt is a solid backup; depth is not a problem. Schuab has all the skills to be a very good QB will he prove it this year.

RB: A-

Arian Foster is fricken amazing. He is strong, quick, great vision, great hands, and always falls forward. He is perfect for Dennison’s Denver Broncos scheme. The Texans have solid backups in Derrick Ward and Ben Tate. Why did the Texans not resign Vonta Leach though? As a team that stresses a strong run game, it was imperative for him to resign. His price was prohibitive either, I don’t get the move to let him go.

WR/TE: B

Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels are explosive. Only problem with this unit is there is no one else to be scared of. Sure, Kevin Walter has good hands and is a solid 3rd down target. Sure Jacoby Jones has some speed, but neither does damage consistently. Johnson will not be dominant forever and I am a little surprised they haven’t given him more help. There are reports that Dorin Dickerson is having a great camp, but until he does it on the field he can’t be counted on yet.

OL: B

The Texans lack a dominate player….but as a group they are amazing. Obtaining players who fit the zone scheme is very important and this is what the Texans have done. Eric Winston and Duane Brown have been solid at OT. Wade Smith was a great acquisition at LG. Chris Myers is decent at center and at RG the Texans are hoping Antoine Caldwell can improve and claim this spot.

DL: C+

This group will need to improve if the Texans want a dominant 3-4. JJ Watt is off to a good start. At the other DE Antonio Smith is solid but not spectacular. NT will be a job that is given to either Earl Mitchell or Shaun Cody. Year two in this scheme will need to address this position.

LB: B+

Mario Williams is one of the elite players in the NFL…in a 4-3 scheme. It is unknown yet if Mario can play to that level in a 3-4. I love Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed. Both are capable of 10+ sacks in this scheme. Brian Cushing will be a Phillip’s favorite. He can do it all: run stuff, pass cover, and blitz…he just has to stay healthy. DeMeco Ryans is the team’s voice and will be welcomed back from injury. Depth could be a negative factor for the Texans if injuries occur.

DB: B-

Texans signed Daniel Manning Jr. and Jonathon Joseph which significantly improved the Texans pass defense. I like the potential of Brandon Harris and Shiloh Keo. I am unsure of Kareem Jackson, but the kid has talent. Jackson will have to battle Jason Allen to start. This unit is miles ahead of where they were last season.

Last Draft:

Though I thought Cameron Jordan should have been their choice, I cannot fault them taking JJ Watt. He is relentless. The Brandon Harris and Brooks Reed combo made for an amazing 2nd round. I also like the selections of Rashad Carmichael and Shiloh Keo, both of whom will add more talent to the secondary. A-

Sleepers on Offense/Defense

Derrick Ward will not get a lot of opportunities, but when called upon will make the most of them. In order to keep Foster fresh I would give Ward around 100 carries for around 450 yards and 3 TD’s. He is also a solid receiver.

Brooks Reed will be a terror this year. He is capable of being solid vs. the run and in pass coverage. However, when unleashed he will get around 8 or 9 sacks.

Prediction for the year: 10-6

This team will push for the division lead. The Texans, I believe for this year, are the favorites to win the AFC South. I don’t know how far they will go in the playoffs because they lack experience in the playoffs, but the Texans are on the right path. Don’t mess with Texas!!!
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Tenth we have Rotoworld.com's O-Line Rankings.

Source:
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/38453/179/2011-offensive-line-rankings

1. Houston Texans (5)

LT: Duane Brown
LG: Wade Smith
C: Chris Myers
RG: Mike Brisiel
RT: Eric Winston

Houston returns all five starters from a line that paved the way for NFL rushing leader Arian Foster and allowed just two sacks a game. Gary Kubiak is keeping competition alive by listing undrafted rookie Darius Morris at first-team right guard, a position that should be won back by Brisiel before the season. This unit has zero Pro Bowls to its credit, but executes zone blocking to perfection and holds its own in protection. Top reserves are athletic swing tackle Rashad Butler (four starts last season), G/C Antoine Caldwell (10 career starts), and G Kasey Studdard (14 starts in 2009).

Biggest beneficiary: Arian Foster. Zone blocks are his best friend.
Click to expand...

Here is a new Texans Tv Daily video.

Link:
1. 2011 Fantasy preview: Texans (1:28)

#4788 rcoleman15, Aug 13, 2011
Last edited: Aug 13, 2011

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Rcoleman, thanks for all the updates and links sir!

#4789 Genesis, Aug 13, 2011
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rcoleman15 said:

..continued coverage..
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You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to rcoleman15 again.

#4790 El Toro, Aug 13, 2011
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rcoleman15 is a robot from the future. thank God he was sent to use his powers for good.

#4791 Pete the Cheat, Aug 13, 2011
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Lol thanks all.

Link:
http://texans.studiotigaapps.net/transcripts/august-13,-2011-am-practice.aspx

Houston Texans Transcripts
Training Camp Practice #22 (Morning)
Saturday, August 13, 2011

Head Coach Gary Kubiak:

(on ILB DeMeco Ryans' health) Yeah, that really is one of the tougher injuries in all football but I think he's really done a good job of taking care of his business. Remember, it happened early last year so we've had our hands on him a great deal of time before the lockout. He has come back and come a long way, he's not where he needs to be yet but I don't have any doubt he'll get there by opening day."

(on why he watches practice behind the defensive backs) "Well I can see everybody. I can see everything that is going on, on the offensive side of the ball. I like being back there with DBs and DB coaches because I like explaining to them what we're trying to do to them. I try to give Vance (Joseph) 'Hey Vance, this is what we're working on you guys here' so he can watch his DB's. I just always like watching from that side of the ball, plus it gets me out of their hair and lets them (the coaches) coach so, coaches probably really like that."

(on the running back situation) "Looks like we're going to play with three guys, looks like we're going to play with (Derrick) Ward and (Chris) Ogbonnaya and (Javarris) Williams, the young man we just signed so, (Ben) Tate just hasn't come along like everybody thought he could, our trainers and our doctors, but he hasn't so, we'll listen to him. Arian (Foster), we've been shooting for next week with Arian the whole time."

(on the progress of DE J.J. Watt) "He's been exceptional. He's a very mature kid. He just handles his business very good, great conditioned young man; can practice all day. When your teammates call you a dog after about a week, that's a compliment so I'm looking forward to him. He's been very good in camp and we're excited, we feel good about him."

(on WR Lestar Jean making plays) "He's continuing to do that. He's a big body kid and I've had some of the DBs come over to me and say 'Hey coach, that guy is tough to handle.' So, he's got a lot of ability, he's got that big body, y'all saw that catch he made this morning so there's going to be two young receivers on this team so it'll be interesting to see who they are."

(on the effort of the secondary compared to August 12) "Our practice was just better today. We were just better-detailed today. We went like three good days in pads and banged on each other and then we took them off and we just didn't get the detail we needed to get yesterday but they came back today focused but that's training camp. Good teams put good days back-to-back-to-back and that's what we're trying to do now"

(on his expectations of QB Matt Leinart) "Just what I've been seeing in practice, he's handling practice really well. He needs to get the rush coming after him, speed things up so to speak. He's going to be running a very young group, normally he'd be out there with some guys that have played a lot of pro football but his group of receivers are going to be young so I just want to see him handle the group."

(on why QB Matt Leinart is special) "First off, I think he's a leader. He's got that 'It' factor that people seem to gravitate to. I know what he's going through as a quarterback. I've had some that have been through that process before. It's tough to be successful in this League but I watched his confidence come back last year and I watched how our team reacted when he would go in when Matt (Schaub) missed a little time or something, he would go and practice or do whatever; they never wavered and I see that going on in practice right now. It's fun, I hope he gets his career going again and plays 10 or 12 years and comes back as a starter. That's what we all want for him."

(on if CB Sherrick McManis is still practicing well) "Yeah, he has a really good camp going. He, (Chris) Ogbonnaya and a couple of young players have been doing well."

(on what CB Sherrick McManis is doing well) "He's making plays on that side of the ball. He's got his hands on a few interceptions and he loves to hit, so his big positives come out once we start playing. He's a guy that loves contact and loves to stick his nose in there."

(on if OLB Connor Barwin could break out this season) "Yeah, I thought he would've been last year, I really do. He's taking to what they are doing, very smart young man, strong and the leg is coming around better every day. Yeah, I think there could be many and hopefully he's one."

(on the fan support at camp) "It's been good. We haven't been able to give them their night practice because of some of the things we're doing schedule-wise and the new rules with the CBA so I appreciate them coming out here in the heat. It helps players get going, they wake up and know they have a long day ahead of them so I appreciate it."

(on the battle at right guard between Mike Brisiel and Antoine Caldwell) "They're going neck- and-neck. (Mike) Brisiel will start the game but they'll play equally."

(on whether both punters will play Monday against the New York Jets) "Yeah, yeah they'll rotate."

(on what he is looking for Monday night from the Texans) "Just watching young players play, to be honest with you. Our starters will probably play 10 or 12 plays but we're going to play a lot of young guys. Matt Leinart is going to play a lot of football, a lot of young defensive players. So just to see who's going to step to the plate and see who is going to be part of this team."

(on if P Brett Hartmann factors into the kickoff situation) "Yeah, no doubt. I'll tell you one of the things I'm concerned about, but you got to remember that Neil (Rackers) is going through a new holder this year so that's going to be a factor with those two punters too, so I want them to rotate that and we'll see what happens."
Click to expand...

ILB Brian Cushing:

(on how different it is now from his rookie year) "There's been a lot of similarities actually, with the new defense going in, and a lot of guys are familiar with the defense. I think just going in and learning and getting smarter and really adapting to what we can do. I have two years of experience in the NFL now and a lot more experience. I'm just looking forward to growing upon that."

(on if going to the 3-4 defense is a big adjustment for him personally) "It is. At the same time, it is football though and anytime there's football there's a lot of similarities between a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense. I think just going into this year we have to learn as much as we can and be as sharp and as crisp as possible."
Click to expand...

QB Matt Leinart:

(on why he came back to the Texans) "I got a taste of obviously the offense and what they expect of us at this position and the basic X's and O's, learning the offense, learning the concepts and what we like to do with it. So, coming in here this year it's been a really smooth transition for me. My goal is to just get better every day and keep growing in this offense so I just think I've been doing that and working hard. I like the offense. I think I fit well with it. It's an offense I really like to be a part of so I'm having a good time."

(on if there is any similarities between this offense and USC's or the Arizona Cardinals') "More so the USC (offense) but in Arizona we ran a lot of similar concepts. I mean there are only so many concepts you can run in the League, in football. Here it's just the way that we run them and the formations and the play-pass and the bootleg and stuff that we didn't do a whole lot of in Arizona. When Kurt (Warner) was there we were more spread out in four-wides or three-wides to get the ball out quick. Here it's more play-action, under center and a lot more stuff that fits my style like college. So for me, I just think that I like that, it's just my style more."

(on what he hopes to do in a game) "I hope to carry over what I've been doing in practice to the game, just move the ball and score some points and play confident. I want to get the guys in the right situations; I'll probably be with some young guys out there. (I) just want to have fun. I'm looking forward to getting out there and playing against another team. Last year my last action was preseason last year so I'm just excited to get out there and play."

(on his mechanics) "I was coached really hard last year on footwork, on footwork and progression. So this offseason, even though I wasn't really sure where I would be, I really focused on that and what Coach (Greg) Knapp taught me last year. Getting the ball out on time and trusting my throws and trusting that the receivers are going to be there. I threw a lot with a lot of guys out in California and I think it's helped me coming into camp, especially with the week that I wasn't allowed to practice so it's going to be a pretty easy transition."
Click to expand...

DE J.J. Watt:

(on getting into the game Monday to see what it's like) "I'm excited. I'm excited to get out there in front of the fans and get in Reliant Stadium for the first time and just kind of get that adrenaline going, get back in that game format. It should be fun."

(on what he feels like he's shown in camp) "I feel like I'm just trying to get better every day. If I can just get my technique here and there and get better every day, that's all I'm trying to do. Just improve every category in my game and be ready for the season."

(on what technique he's trying to master) "I'm just trying to hone in on my footwork skills and my hand placement, stuff like that. Footwork's the biggest part. If I get my footwork down I'll be just fine."

(on if he feels like he can hold his own) "I feel like I can. Obviously, I want to play in this league for a long time so I better be able to hold my own. I feel like I've been working very, very hard to get to this point and I'm going to continue working hard to make sure I stay at the top of my size and strength combination."
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From the Paradise Post an article on Jeff Maehl:

Source:
http://www.paradisepost.com/sports/ci_18673720

Kirksey offers high praise for Maehl

By Jeff Larson - Sports Editor
Posted: 08/13/2011 10:12:12 AM PDT

A day after head coach Gary Kubiak offered high praise for Paradise High School product Jeff Maehl, wide receivers coach Larry Kirksey dished out similar adulation to the former Bobcat.

Kubiak said via the Houston Texans website that Maehl, a 2007 Paradise graduate, demonstrated incredible hustle on Wednesday when he knocked the ball out of outside linebacker Brooks Reid's hands following a turnover. He went to say that those are the types of plays that show a coach that "a guy's a player."

Twenty-four hours later, Kirksey told the Houston Chronicle that while Maehl isn't nearly the fastest or the biggest athlete on the field, "he gets open and plays smart."

That may go a long way in determining if the record-setting wide receiver at the University Oregon makes the team or not.

He's currently in the running with fellow free agent wide outs Lestar Jean and Terrence Toliver out of Florida Atlantic and LSU, respectively, not to mention a new face in camp, Devard Darling, who was signed Thursday due to the rash of injuries the Texans have suffered the last two weeks.

Darling, 29, ran a 4.4 40-yard dash after the Thursday morning practice, yet hasn't played in the NFL in two years, according to the Chronicle. The 6-foot-1, 213-pound Florida State and Washington State product played for Omaha of the United Football League (UFL) last year. Kubiak said Darling will get a chance to make an impression.

"He's going to play. I just told him a while ago, 'You grab 10 things you know you can do and we'll make sure we run those 10 things,'" he said via the Texans website. "He's got a chance. There are a lot of guys missing. Kevin (Walter) wasn't feeling good later in practice (Friday). We pulled him. He's going to get a chance to play. When you can bring a guy in and be fair to him, that's about all you can do."

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. Kubiak addressed the injury bug that has been bouncing around the Methodist Training Center the last two weeks.

"It's interesting to me. I keep a study every year of training camp and how many guys you had to practice with each day. I've kept it ever since I was a young coach, don't have much else to do," he said via the Texans website. "The thing that's interesting to me is that all the things that normally happen in the first week of camp since I've been a part of football are now happening in the second. I think guys came in fresh, they were gone all offseason, they were excited to go and then the new wore off. Now we're in week two and all those nicks and those things that are normally part of the first week of camp seem to be happening a little later. That's just me, so we'll see what happens Just a lot of little things that we got to work through and get back on the field."

Houston begins preseason play on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets at 5 p.m. Monday night at Reliant Stadium in Houston.
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Next is a little Washington Post/AP blurb on Shaun Cody and JJ Watt.

Source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/texans-defensive-linemen-cody-watt-adjusting-to-wade-phillips-3-4-alignment/2011/08/13/gIQAVRmLDJ_story.html

Texans defensive linemen Cody, Watt adjusting to Wade Phillips’ 3-4 alignment

By Associated Press,
Updated: Saturday, August 13, 12:00 PM

HOUSTON — When the Houston Texans hired Wade Phillips as their new defensive coordinator in January, defensive tackle Shaun Cody wanted to know immediately what that meant for him.

The 6-foot-4, 304-pound Cody is expected to start at nose tackle this season, a pivotal position in Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. Cody had plenty of questions about his new role, and Phillips reassured him that he was good enough — and big enough — to handle it.

Phillips likes what he’s seen in training camp from Cody and backup Earl Mitchell. He’s also looking for big years from first-round pick J.J. Watt and veteran Antonio Smith, projected as the Texans’ starting defensive ends.

The first true test for the front, and Houston’s entire rebuilt defense, comes in Monday night’s preseason opener against the New York Jets.
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Next is an SBNation article on the upcoming Monday Night game.

Source:
http://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2011/8/13/2361441/houston-texans-position-battle-monday-night-football-texans-depth-chart

Houston Texans Position Battle: 5 Must-Watch Battles For Monday Night

By Daniel Charles - Staff Writer

With the preseason set to kick off on Monday, which position battles are the must-watch for Houston Texans fans?

During the regular season, I normally post an article about the intertwining storylines heading up the next game of the Houston Texans. For the preseason, I don’t plan on doing that. I don't feel right about treating preseason the same way as regular season. At the end of the day, the game simply does not matter – unless you’re fighting to start or be on the roster at all.

Compared to the previous nine seasons, this is your most competitive Texans roster. By my count, there are legitimate battles for eight starting positions while positions like wide receiver, cornerback, and both safety roles have far more bodies than actual roster spots. You have to tip your hat to general manager Rick Smith and his staff because they have really provided head coach Gary Kubiak a deep roster which should make for an intense August – which starts on Monday night against the New York Jets.

With the starters, the secure ones anyway, only expected to play 10-12 snaps, there will be plenty of opportunity for the talented depth to show what they have. Here are five battles that should keep you watching through the end.

5. Fullback – Lawrence Vickers vs. James Casey

With All-Pro Vonta Leach gone, there is a hole in the starting line-up. While Vickers has cleared the way for three 1,000+ yard running backs in the past four seasons, there is no guarantee he will start. He’s still got to learn the playbook and get himself acclimated to the Houston heat which is what Casey has on him along with incredible athleticism. What Casey doesn’t have? Fullback experience or as some have put it "Carrying an older Jamal Lewis to 1,000 yards on the resume." It’ll be an interesting battle to see who wins out. I think it will be Vickers, but Monday’s game will be an interesting one as both will get their chances to pave the road for backs not named Arian Foster.

4. Nose Tackle – Shaun Cody vs. Earl Mitchell
Cody is listed on the first team via the depth chart on HoustonTexans.com, but it has been Mitchell who has earned the praises of Wade Phillips and company. It’s one preseason game, but I hope Mitchell ends the competition on Monday night. He’s faster, stronger, and has more upside than Cody. Mitchell can do things Cody can’t and should get all the first team reps he can moving forward.

3. Safety – Troy Nolan vs. Shiloh Keo vs. Quentin Demps vs. Dominque Barber vs. Torri Williams
BREAKING NEWS: The Texans had a terrible secondary last year. MORE BREAKING NEWS: They’ve loaded up on bodies in the secondary in hopes that A) they find better players and B) competition will bring out the best in everyone.

I left off an undrafted safety or two, but these five men will battle for two back-up roles behind Glover Quin and Danieal Manning. They all bring something to the table whether it’s ball skills (Nolan), draft crush of the defensive coordinator (Keo), great special teamer (Demps), previous starter (Barber), or size and speed (Williams). With the secondary the butt of many jokes, every back-up spot should be up for grabs making this as wide open of a competition as there is.

2. Wide Receiver – Dorin Dickerson vs. Terrence Toliver vs. Jeff Maehl vs. Lestar Jean vs. Derrick Townsel vs. Paul Williams vs. Trindon Holliday

This battle royale is for the fourth and fifth receiver slots on the roster. One of these guys could find themselves in the returner role while both receivers will be on special teams duties, a few seasons ago fourth receiver David Anderson had 38 receptions so these battles are definitely for more than just depth. Dickerson's got the advantage of being on the 53-man roster last year. The word from camp is that he looks streets ahead of where he was last season and should be a lock for spot four barring horrendous performances in games.

As for the glut of young talent behind him, Maehl has earned a lot of praise. When he was signed, I said he was a prototypical slot receiver and he hasn't disappointed. Toliver hasn't shined as I thought he could, but Monday's a new chance for him. Townsel and Jean have made some nice catches as they try to enter the conversation for a spot on the 53-man roster or eight-man practice squad. Not much has been heard from Paul Williams while Trindon Holliday better hope the new kickoff rules don't prevent him from return chances as that's his only way on the roster.

1. Cornerback - Jason Allen vs. Kareem Jackson
When I look at the revamped defense, there is one glaring hole in my mind – starting cornerback opposite Johnathan Joseph. Jackson, in case you drank 2010 memories out of your mind, was toasted often last season. Rookie cornerbacks have their growing pains, but Jackson was often double-juked out of his cleats. Allen had his share of faults (New York game anyone?), but he also brings ball skills that Jackson hasn't shown yet.

Coming off a six interception season, Allen has played at a high level in camp. It is such a high level that Coach Kubiak has already planted seeds that he could start. According to noted camp tweets @BigRon281 and @PHABKM6, as well as Battle Red Blog's own UprootedTexan, Jackson has performed better since the comments. I still think, as I said in the earlier linked post, that Allen will start, but Jackson isn't just giving up and accepting that. It is the biggest position battle as we head to the regular season and will likely show up on a weekly basis until one breaks away from the other.
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Here is an article from Paul Kuharsky and ESPN on what Schaub and Johnson are seeing from the revamped D.

Source:
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/26457/schaub-johnson-see-more-contested-balls

Schaub, Johnson see more contested balls

August, 13, 2011
By Paul Kuharsky

HOUSTON -- Not all the beneficiaries of the Texans' revamped defense are defenders.

Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson both raved to me this morning about how much the defense is helping the offense.

“There are more guys around the football,” Schaub said. “Andre and I talk about this just about every day. There are not receivers running wide open throughout the secondary. Every ball is a contested ball. There is always a defender in the area. That’s a positive sign when you get that in practice.”

Johnson’s impressed with the buy-in defensive players have made into Wade Phillips’ defense.

“Practice is as competitive as it’s probably been in a long time, you see a lot more balls broken up,” he said. “I’m just very anxious to see it (against other teams).”

While the two big outside additions -- cornerback Johnathan Joseph and safety Danieal Manning -- certainly have a big bearing on that, they haven’t outright seized leadership in the secondary.

“I told Glover Quin, ‘This is your secondary, man, look I’m a new guy,’” Manning said. “'You run it how you want to, I’m going to follow and if I see something out of whack or whatever I’m going to support you (with information and help).

'You’ve been here the longest. Run it, run it how you see fit.’ He’s like the quarterback back there, he’s calling everything. He’s going to be a great player.”
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Here is a new podcast from HoustonTexans.com

Description:

SiriusXM's Adam Caplan impressed by Texans camp 08/13/2011

SiriusXM's Adam Caplan visited Texans camp this week, and came away impressed with the club's direction in 2011. Length: 14:18
Click to expand...

Link:
http://old.houstontexans.com/news/PodcastCentral2.asp?AUTO=Y&EID=1439

Here is a new video from Texans Tv Daily.

1. Texans Daily: Watt impressions (2:33)

#4792 rcoleman15, Aug 13, 2011
Last edited: Aug 13, 2011

6 people like this.
Behad Member

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You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to rcoleman15 again.

You make my 3 times a day Texans update so easy!

#4793 Behad, Aug 13, 2011

H-TOWNSFINEST Member

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Who will be the two young WR's who make the team? My money is on Jean and Tolliver.

#4794 H-TOWNSFINEST, Aug 13, 2011
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Maehl fills in the underneath void left by David Anderson.

#4795 vinsensual, Aug 13, 2011
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H-TOWNSFINEST said: ↑

Who will be the two young WR's who make the team? My money is on Jean and Tolliver.
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I think Kubiak was including Dorin Dickerson as one the younger receivers on the team. Usually teams keep 5 receivers on the active roster. I think it will be Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones, Dorin Dickerson, and Lestar Jean. And I think Jeff Maehl will make the practice squad. Danieal Manning should be the kickoff returner and Jacoby Jones should be the punt returner so no need for Trindon Holiday.

#4796 rikesh316, Aug 13, 2011
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Not that it is important but I am curious who will be the odd man out of the WR group I believe they will keep 6. At first it sounded like Toliver was going to take the 5th WR, then it was Maehl, and now lately I hear Jean has been playing well.

#4797 RedRaiderRocket, Aug 13, 2011
rikesh316 Member

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RedRaiderRocket said: ↑

Not that it is important but I am curious who will be the odd man out of the WR group I believe they will keep 6. At first it sounded like Toliver was going to take the 5th WR, then it was Maehl, and now lately I hear Jean has been playing well.
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I just don't see a reason to keep 6 receivers in the active roster. I think they will end up keeping 5 and stashing 1 on the practice squad. I don’t think any of the 3 undrafted receivers would be claimed off waivers unless they just go nuts in the preseason. Toliver seemed to shine early in camp but I think he got injured and hasn't been the same. Maehl seems like a DA clone. Jean is very intriguing because during his 4 years at FAU, he improved his catches, receiving yards, and TD catches every year. That is unheard of. Could be a late bloomer. Has the size at 6'3 and runs a solid 4.5.

#4798 rikesh316, Aug 13, 2011

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Kubiak never keeps 6 receivers, I would be very surprised if they kept more than 5. Usually its 5 receivers and 4 tight ends

#4799 rhino17, Aug 13, 2011
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rhino17 said: ↑

Kubiak never keeps 6 receivers, I would be very surprised if they kept more than 5. Usually its 5 receivers and 4 tight ends
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Yeah I think this year it will be 2 fullbacks and 3 tighends if you include Casey as a fullback.

#4800 rikesh316, Aug 13, 2011

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