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[Official] Texans Offseason 2011

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

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rikesh316 Member

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If Chris Ogbonnaya goes on to have a good preseason and makes the team, interesting to see what happens roster wise to the rest of the backs. Teams usually keep 3 running backs on the roster. I think the Texans might be forced to keep 4 if they won't to cut Ben Tate. Teams have cut bait on 2nd round picks after one year. Dolphins cut Pat White after one year. Cardinals cut Cody Brown last year after one year. I think Slaton is most likely to be dealt. But maybe Derrick Ward gets cut if Slaton kills it in the preason. Should be interesting to follow.

#4801 rikesh316, Aug 13, 2011

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I don't think 6 WR's will be active week 1 but I think they will keep 6 with 5 being active. One interesting article about Jean probably already posted by the machine rc15. http://www.examiner.com/houston-texans-in-houston/jean-making-impact-texans-camp

#4802 RedRaiderRocket, Aug 13, 2011
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rikesh316 said: ↑

If Chris Ogbonnaya goes on to have a good preseason and makes the team, interesting to see what happens roster wise to the rest of the backs. Teams usually keep 3 running backs on the roster. I think the Texans might be forced to keep 4 if they won't to cut Ben Tate. Teams have cut bait on 2nd round picks after one year. Dolphins cut Pat White after one year. Cardinals cut Cody Brown last year after one year. I think Slaton is most likely to be dealt. But maybe Derrick Ward gets cut if Slaton kills it in the preason. Should be interesting to follow.
Click to expand...

Slaton is likely gone, Ward will be Foster's back up. If Tate does get cut the Texans had the worst first two round picks ever with Tate and Kareem Jackson. I believe at worse he will be placed on the pup list. I am not sure if that counts against the 50 something finalized roster for week 1. Hopefully Tate can play Monday.

#4803 RedRaiderRocket, Aug 13, 2011
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Link:
http://texans.studiotigaapps.net/transcripts/august-13,-2011-pm-practice.aspx

Houston Texans Transcripts
Training Camp Practice #23 (Afternoon)
Saturday, August 13, 2011

Head Coach Gary Kubiak:

(on if there's a specific area where he'll be watching the reserve players play more) "No, I wouldn't say there's one area. I really wouldn't. It's a little scary going into the game at the running back position, so that's a concern right now. I think the receiver position is something where we've got a lot of young players. I don't think we quite know who our (No.) four and five are going to be right now. We feel good about our first three, so I think that's a very competitive situation. I think our secondary is a very competitive situation. Those things play themselves out through preseason games, so that's what we're ready to go do."

(on his impressions on the defense) "I've been impressed. Damione Lewis has missed a couple days here. Obviously you're sitting there waiting on J.J. (Watt) to go in there and play like a starter that you drafted that early and he has. He's played that way. It's a different type of dynamic when you're talking about a 3-4. You're talking about three guys inside instead of four guys playing some little bit different positions than they played in the past. I feel good about our two noses right now. I think Shaun (Cody) and Earl (Mitchell) have had great camps. We'll see how it goes. Guys like Tim Bulman need to step up and help this team."

(on what he's looking for from the defense on Monday) "Defensively, I think (Defensive Coordinator) Wade is (Phillips) very basic in what we're fixing to go do Monday night. We just want to see guys play, make sure they're in the right spot. We've come a long way here in the first two weeks and we've got a grasp of the base stuff. That's what we're looking for."

(on if he's eager to see FB James Casey play) "Yeah, I am. I'm eager to see all three of them. I'm going to play all three of them. For James, it is different, but I think James has some great strengths as a football player that can make this team better, so it's time to start doing that Monday."

(on if FB James Casey will still play tight end) "Yeah, he's playing everywhere. You all see practice. He slides to tight end during practice. He plays the third wide receiver sometimes. James' strength is his versatility."

(on if he's excited about QB Matt Leinart) "Yeah, he's had a really good camp. He's going to have to play with a lot of young players, especially from the receiver position, but I'm anxious for Matt to get out there and get going. I think he's doing everything well. My biggest thing with him is trying to get him to do everything faster."

(on what other players he's excited to see play on Monday) "Easy answer to start with is (Chris) Ogbonnaya. When a young man has had the camp he's had for the last two weeks, I think we're all excited as a team and everybody to watch him go play this weekend because he's kind of been a big bright spot in camp. I think Sherrick McManis has been a bright spot in camp, so those two names jump at me right now. Hopefully there will be some more by the time we get through Monday."

(on if WR Andre Johnson will play Monday) "I don't know right now. We'll see. I'll probably make all those decisions tomorrow."
Click to expand...

WR Andre Johnson:

(on if he will get much playing time Monday night) "I'm not sure yet. I haven't heard anything. So I'll probably hear something maybe tonight or tomorrow and I'll figure it out from there."

(on how his finger feels) "The finger's good. I actually practiced today without my splint for the first time. Just trying to get back to catching the ball without having a splint on my hand and stuff like that. It's getting a lot better. The wound is closing up pretty good. I'm excited."

(on how much fun it is playing on Monday night) "It's a lot of fun. That's the biggest day for football when everybody's watching. To have our first preseason game on Monday night is pretty big. Everybody will be watching so you would like to go out and perform well."

(on the camp QB Matt Leinart has had so far) "I think that Matt (Leinart) has done a great job. I think that he's playing well. He's definitely a hard worker. I think he's having a great camp and I think he's feeling comfortable when he's out there playing. You can see that throughout practice. I'm anxious to get to see him play on Monday night."

(on if he thinks Matt Leinart is getting confidence back) "Yeah, I think he's very confident in what he's doing right now. Like I said, I think he's playing well right now and I get to see him in some game action on Monday."
Click to expand...

Here is a camp update via HoustonTexans.com and Nick Scurfield.

Source:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/RBs-Tate-Slaton-Foster-unlikely-to-play-against-Jets/e5612c62-7cb9-4469-8093-9d1c2f6a0f0a

RBs Tate, Slaton, Foster unlikely to play against Jets

By Nick Scurfield

The Texans entered training camp with a crowded backfield, but they’ll likely be down three key running backs in their preseason opener against the New York Jets on Monday night.

Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and Ben Tate are all expected to miss the game because of hamstring injuries. Texans coach Gary Kubiak said on Saturday morning that his team’s running back rotation will consist of Derrick Ward, Chris Ogbonnaya and newly-signed Javarris Williams.

“Tate just hasn’t come along,” Kubiak said. “Everybody thought he could – our trainers, our doctors – but he hasn’t. So, we’ll listen to him. Arian, we’ve been shooting for next week with Arian the whole time.”

Foster wouldn’t have played much anyway, since the Texans’ starters will take only 10-12 snaps against the Jets. But each preseason game could be invaluable to Slaton and Tate, who are fighting for playing time and perhaps a spot on the roster.

Secondary improves
Cornerback Johnathan Joseph sat out for the second consecutive morning with tightness in his groin. He received an injection on Friday and should return to action shortly.

After expressing disappointment with the secondary in Joseph’s absence on Friday, Kubiak noticed improvement on Saturday.

“We were just better detailed today,” Kubiak said. “We went 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. 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”

Kubiak continues to be impressed with second-year cornerback Sherrick McManis, a former fifth-round pick out of Northwestern.

“He has a really good camp going,” Kubiak said. “He, Ogbonnaya and a couple of young players have been doing well… (McManis) is 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.”

Fan support
Practice on Saturday morning was the Texans’ last of six camp practices that were open to the public. Several thousand fans showed up to watch the 8-10 a.m. session at the Methodist Training Center.

As he does at the last open practice of every camp, Kubiak had the entire team walk to the fence around the field and sign autographs for several minutes after practice.

“We haven’t been able to give them their (annual) 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,” Kubiak said. “It helps players get going. They wake up and know they have a long day ahead of them, so I appreciate it.”

Health check
Kubiak gave an update on inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who has been able to participate in practice throughout camp as he returns from an Achilles injury.

“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,” Kubiak said. “Remember, it happened early last year (Week 6), 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.”

Quotable
“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.”
- Kubiak on if OLB Connor Barwin could be a breakout player this year

“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 think it’s helped me coming into camp.”
- QB Matt Leinart, on his mechanics
Click to expand...

Here is a PFT.com article on Matt Leinart from Mike Florio.

Source:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/13/kubiak-says-leinart-has-the-it-factor/related/

Kubiak says Leinart has the “It” factor

Posted by Mike Florio
on August 13, 2011, 4:57 PM EDT

Texans backup quarterback Matt Leinart says he still wants to be a starter. Texans coach Gary Kubiak apparently thinks that it will happen.

“First off, I think he’s a leader,” Kubiak said Saturday, via comments distributed by the team. “He’s got that ‘It’ factor that people seem to gravitate to.”

(OK, please stop laughing. It makes it harder for you to spot our typos.)

“I know what he’s going through as a quarterback,” Kubiak said. “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.”

Kubiak said that Leinart will play a lot on Monday night against the Jets. There’s a chance Leinart will play a lot during the regular season, too. In 2007 and 2008, Schaub missed a total of 10 games due to injury. He’s currently riding a 64-game starting streak. So either he’s gotten unexpectedly durable, or lucky.

Then there’s the fact that owner Bob McNair has made it clear that it’s playoffs or else for the Texans. And so, if the Texans get off to a slow start and if, as part of that slow start, Schaub, struggles, Kubiak may need Leinart to help save the coach’s job.
Click to expand...

Here is a new podcast from 610am.

Description:

Do It Not Say It

New York Jets beat reporter Peter Schwartz for WFAN in New York joins Greg and Joe to talk bout the Texans/Jets game.
Click to expand...

Link:
http://houston.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fcbshouston.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fpeterschwartz-0813.mp3&podcast_name=Koch+%26amp%3B+O%27Donnell&podcast_artist=610+Radio&station_id=&audio_link=true&config_file=config.xml&dcid=CBS.HOUSTON

Here is another new podcast from HoustonTexans.com.

Description:

Focus still on Watt, and rookie is impressing 08/13/2011

After Saturday morning's practice, numerous coaches and players remarked on the progress of the team, as well as rookie J.J. Watt. Length: 7:15
Click to expand...

Link:
http://old.houstontexans.com/news/PodcastCentral2.asp?AUTO=Y&EID=1440

#4804 rcoleman15, Aug 13, 2011
Last edited: Aug 13, 2011
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RedRaiderRocket said: ↑

I don't think 6 WR's will be active week 1 but I think they will keep 6 with 5 being active.
Click to expand...

The new CBA did away with "inactive" players. 53 active players each week, with no emergency QB.

#4805 Behad, Aug 13, 2011
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Behad said: ↑

The new CBA did away with "inactive" players. 53 active players each week, with no emergency QB.
Click to expand...

No, they just bumped it up to 46 active and the emergency QB thing is no more (meaning teams do not have to designate who is the backup and who is 3rd string QB). That leaves 7 inactive players.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...arterback-rule-46-active-players-on-game-day/

#4806 DieHard Rocket, Aug 13, 2011
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DieHard Rocket said: ↑

No, they just bumped it up to 46 active and the emergency QB thing is no more (meaning teams do not have to designate who is the backup and who is 3rd string QB). That leaves 7 inactive players.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...arterback-rule-46-active-players-on-game-day/
Click to expand...

Why did I hear "53" at????

#4807 Behad, Aug 13, 2011

rcoleman15 Member

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Via ESPN.com..."Is It Monday Yet?"

Video Source:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6859682

<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTMyODQ*NDczMzEmcHQ9MTMxMzI4NDUzMzQ2MiZwPTIzNDQ3MSZkPSZnPTImbz*2MTQwYjVjYmI2N2Y*YmE1YmZi/YmQwYzJlZDJkYTgyNCZvZj*w.gif" /><embed width="440" height="420" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://v7.tinypic.com/player.swf?file=2po1vzn&s=7" FlashVars="gig_lt=1313284447331&gig_pt=1313284533462&gig_g=2"></embed><br><font size="1"><a href="http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2po1vzn&s=7">Original Video</a>- More videos at <a href="http://tinypic.com">TinyPic</a></font>

From 610am...

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NMOh9oFFq04" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here is "10 Questions with TJ Yates" from HoustonTexans.com.

Source:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/10-Questions-with-TJ-Yates/44006d00-bca9-49c7-a30b-fe8b1fbd4c5b

10 Questions with T.J Yates

By Blake Howell

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

Quarterback T.J. Yates (6-4, 220) was selected by the Texans in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft out of North Carolina.

A native of Marietta, Ga., Yates answered 10 questions for HoustonTexans.com after practice on Saturday morning.

1. How is training camp going so far?
“It’s going good. Learning fast, you know, kind of getting thrown into the fire. With all us rookies not having any OTAs or mini camps, stuff like that, we’re learning quick, but we’re having fun.”

2. What are you most excited about this season playing for the Texans?
“Just to get a chance for myself to play in the preseason games and kind of prove myself. I know all of the other rookies are getting chances to prove themselves in front of everybody and just try to make that 53-man roster.”

3. What has it been like going from being a four-year starter at North Carolina to being a third-string rookie?
“It’s definitely a lot different. You’re used to getting all of the reps in practice and getting all of the timing down with your receivers and everything, and when you’re number three, you don’t get many reps at all in practice and you gotta get a lot of mental reps just so you make sure you’re doing the right thing with your footwork and your throws when you get out there.”

4. Who have you been hanging out with the most during training camp?
“I’ve been hanging out with the quarterbacks. I’m with them so much for meetings and stuff. We like to hang out whenever we get a chance, and a lot of the other rookies – Lestar Jean, Jeff Maehl. We usually walk out to practice every day; we’ve got our lockers right next to each other. And a lot of my draft class, too; the guys that I came here with that were all drafted.”

5. What do you like most about Houston?
“These fans are great. Every single day they come out here, even if it’s a Tuesday or Monday during the afternoon, they’re out here in full force supporting us, so it’s really cool to see the fan support.”

6. What’s your favorite TV show?
“’Swamp People’, where they hunt the alligators. I don’t know, it’s just kind of funny. It’s entertaining.”

7. What was the first car you had growing up?
“A silver Pontiac Grand Prix.”

8. What are your hobbies off the field?
“I like to play a lot of golf. I try to stay active as much as I can when I’m not playing football. I play a lot of golf and do a lot of leisure things.”

9. What’s the main thing that quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp has been working on with you?
“Footwork. Progressions, all of our reads and the passing game are all tied into the footwork, and it’s a lot different from what I was coached in college. So that’s the main thing I’ve been trying to get down because it’s helping me out making my reads, and making my throws better. “

10. How helpful has it been that the offense here is similar to the one you ran at North Carolina?
“It’s helped the transition a lot with the verbage and stuff. Getting the formations down, a lot of those were the same, but it’s just helped with a quick transition because we got our playbooks a little less than two weeks ago.”
Click to expand...

Here is Sports Illustrated's "Postcard from Camp: Houston Texans".

Source:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andrew_lawrence/08/13/texans.postcard/index.html

Where is SI.com?

More than 4,000 ventured to Methodist Training Center on Friday morning to romp inside the inflatable playground, make stilted small talk with cheerleaders, bob along to blaring top-40 radio and -- oh, right -- watch the Texans helmets-only practice in near 100-degree heat. Seeking a different kind of cool relief afterward, I ventured across the street to Reliant Stadium to watch workers install the Bermuda grass turf ahead of Monday's night homestand against the Jets. They bring it in from a nearby lot on flatbed trucks in 8-by-8-foot tiles and assemble it along the stadium floor with forklifts and steamrollers like a jigsaw puzzle. The whole process takes about nine hours, or -- as groundskeeper Daniel Ryan noted -- about three times as long as the average Texans game. Here's a short (raw) video of the before, and a snapshot of the after.

Three Observations

1. Arian Foster's body is not yet as willing as his mind. In the offseason the third-year back bid to strengthen his qi -- the mind-body energy flow at the foundation of much of Chinese medicine and philosophy -- in weekly yoga sessions (looking most to perfect his breathing) and through a summer reading list that includes Sun Tzu's The Art of War. While a hamstring injury has kept Foster from showcasing his physical dividends, he left no doubt about his stoutness of mind in conversation. Hint that he might be foolish for not holding out for a deal that more closely matches his league-leading rushing production in '10, and he'll scoff, "Who is your demographic?" and then quote you an income figure for the average American family. Solicit his take on the parallel predicament of the Titans' Chris Johnson (who has taken a more hard-lined negotiation tack), and Foster will tell you, "I think Chris Johnson is a grown man and he needs to do whatever is best for him and his family." Ask why it's more important for him to go into a game relaxed (specifically, with Janelle Monae's The Archandroid bumping on his iPod) as opposed to fired up, and he'll paraphrase, "an old proverb that says if you can control your breathing you can have the strength of 10 tigers." Count me among the eager pre-order customers for Foster's post-retirement book: Zen and the Art of Media Cycle Maintenance.

2. The defense is getting after it. Granted, defense usually has the early leg-up on offense in camp. But this group had an unmistakable hop in its step. It was more than just players flying around the ball; it was the types: You had DBs shooting running gaps, defensive ends jumping passing lane and linebackers marauding inside the hashes. There was even one genuinely scary moment when safety Maurice Rolle collided with fellow rookie Terrence Toliver over the middle, but both walked off unhurt. There's no question switching to a 3-4 scheme and importing intense leaders to the secondary such as corner Johnathan Joseph, safety Danieal Manning and coach Vance Joseph has brought much-needed swagger to this group. "The pass breakups, the interceptions, the hands on balls -- I've never seen as many as this year, and Coach Kubiak has pointed that out as well," said third-year linebacker Brian Cushing. "We felt very liable for a lot of the game's last year. Now, we're starting with a clean slate, a whole new outlook." Yeah, a scary one.

3. Matt Leinart may turn out to be a great player yet. The fifth-year vet had considered reuniting with former USC coach Pete Carroll in Seattle, where he'd have a good chance of becoming a starter again. But in the end he decided to re-sign with Houston as a backup because the offense here fits him so well. That much was obvious in his practices with the second string, which have been starter-level crisp -- a veritable clinic in sound mechanics, sure decision-making and accurate passing. The display is a testament to the work Leinart put in back in his native California and to a system that plays to his strengths as mover in the pocket. At Arizona, Leinart said, "we were more spread out -- four wides, three wides, get the ball out quick. Here, there's more play-action under center. It's a lot more stuff that fits my style." Leinart isn't threatening Matt Schaub's job, but he gives the Texans one heck of an insurance policy.

Step on Up

Mario Williams, outside linebacker. After years of terrorizing passers as a defensive end, the top pick in the 2006 draft moves up a level in Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme. For Williams, the transition brings technique changes like standing up instead of starting from a three-point stance. (The sight alone of the 6'6," 290-pounder bearing down on the line of scrimmage isn't for the feint of heart or fair of pants.) But otherwise, the overall mission remains the same: sack up. And Phillips' defense has a knack for manufacturing league leaders of that sort like DeMarcus Ware, whom Williams spent time studying during the offseason. Which of Ware's skills would Williams most like for himself? "How he gets off [the line] and how his two-point stance allows him to be fluid off the ball for such a tall guy," Williams said. "I was really looking at stuff like whether he leans in a little more, or how he turns his feet before he takes off. Looking at those fundamentals helped out."

New Face, New Place

Wade Phillips, defensive coordinator. What does it say about the NFL's biggest intrastate rivalry (because, you know, everything's bigger in Texas) that the Texans would stoop to bringing in a former Cowboy to them help get into the playoffs? That question got a chuckle out of Phillips. "They brought in a former Cowboy," he said. "But they also brought in a former Charger, a former Eagle, a former Falcon and a former Oiler. I've been a few formers." Part of the reason Phillips keeps having to find new employment is the fact that he's never won a playoff game in four attempts as a head coach. What makes him such an attractive job candidate is that he knows how to get there -- and fast. Of Phillips' 11 career playoff appearances, seven have come in his first season with teams. For the Texans, who have yet to crash the postseason party, merely showing up could be enough to guarantee Phillips gold-watch job security.

Looking at the Schedule

Early games against pass-happy teams like Indianapolis and at New Orleans don't bode well for a secondary that's still congealing, and North division clashes against Pittsburgh and at Baltimore will take a toll on the offense. But if the Texans hover above .500 through their Week 11 bye, the South will be there for the taking.
Click to expand...

And finally here is the latest podcast from HoustonTexans.com.

Description:

Johnson and Kubiak ready for MNF 08/13/2011

Following Saturday afternoon's practice, Texans receiver Andre Johnson and head coach Gary Kubiak talked about being ready for Monday Night Football. Length: 5:20
Click to expand...

Link:
http://old.houstontexans.com/news/PodcastCentral2.asp?AUTO=Y&EID=1441

#4808 rcoleman15, Aug 13, 2011
Last edited: Aug 14, 2011
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http://www.houstontexans.com/
front page -2010 texans recap by nfl films
go watch

#4809 th3tak3ov3r, Aug 13, 2011
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Here are Sunday's Texans articles from around the web.

First up is "Texans Camp at a Glance" by John McClain.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7696640.html

Texans training camp at a glance

JOHN McCLAIN
Aug. 13, 2011, 11:32PM

McCLAIN’S TAKE

Fans can take heat, too

Practice at training camp won’t be the same without the fans.

Fans have been allowed to attend the morning practice of two-a-day drills four of the last five days. The Texans have only a pair of two-a-days remaining (Wednesday and Thursday) before the second preseason game against New Orleans.

If not for the lockout, the Texans and Saints also would be going against each other in three practices. Usually, that’s the kind of work coaches relish — watching their players hit players in different jerseys.

But coaches Gary Kubiak and Sean Payton elected to cancel everything but the game because of the uncertainty of when the lockout would end. Those practices would have been better than anything the fans have seen watching the Texans bang on each other.

“It’s been good,” Kubiak said of the fan support. “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.”

Fans who come to practice and endure the heat are among the most devoted the Texans have. After talking with them Saturday, it’s clear they’re expecting the team to have its best season. They’re optimistic but skeptical, however, because no one knows the Texans’ disappointing and frustrating history better than they do.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Since Gary Kubiak became the Texans’ coach in 2006, they are 3-2 in preseason openers, including 2-1 at Reliant Stadium.

• The Texans have two players, RB Derrick Ward and TE Joel Dreessen, who used to play for the Jets.

• The Texans averaged only 6.7 yards on punt returns last season, ranking 29th, and 19.8 yards on kickoff returns, averaging 27th.

WEATHER FORECAST

High: 100°

Low: 77°

Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain.

SCOUTING REPORT

Rashad Butler

Position: Offensive tackle.

Height: 6-4.

Weight: 309.

College: Miami.

Experience: Seventh year.

Strength: Experienced, versatile tackle who backs up on both sides; the “swing” tackle, as coach Gary Kubiak calls him.

Weakness: Quick and smart but not overpowering or engulfing. Relies on finesse more than strength.

Outlook: After starting four games at left tackle last season while Duane Brown was suspended, Butler signed a new two-year contract. He backs up Brown and Eric Winston. The coaches are confident Butler can start and play well on either side.

BY THE NUMBERS

6.3

Yards per rush last season by Derrick Ward, who’ll start against the Jets on Monday.

40

NFL-worst touchdowns allowed inside the red zone last season.

360

First downs by the Texans last season, ranking second in the league to Indianapolis.

23.7

Average starting yard line for the offense last season, ranking 31st.

KEY DATES

Aug. 30: Roster cut to 75.

Sept. 3: Roster cut to 53. • Sept. 4: Practice squad announced.

Sept. 11: Regular-season opener vs. Indianapolis at Reliant Stadium.

HE SAID IT

“I can see everybody. I can see everything that’s going on on the offensive side of the ball. I like being back there with the defensive backs and DB coaches because I like explaining to them what we’re (offense) trying to do to them.”

— GARY KUBIAK, on why he watches practice from behind the defensive backs instead of the offensive backfield
Click to expand...

Second is the "Texan Notes" by John McClain.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7696596.html

Texans notes: Monday a big opportunity for Ogbonnaya

By JOHN McCLAIN
Aug. 13, 2011, 11:15PM

Eyes on Ogbonnaya

Monday night's game against the New York Jets is important for a lot of players trying to impress their coaches and general managers, but it's a golden opportunity for running back Chris Ogbonnaya.

With hamstring injuries hampering Arian Foster, Ben Tate and Steve Slaton, Ogbonnaya will come off the bench behind Derrick Ward. After beginning camp fifth on the depth chart, Ogbonnaya could get double-digit carries.

"The easy answer to start with is Ogbonnaya," coach Gary Kubiak said after practice Saturday when he was asked what players he's excited to see in action against the Jets. "When a young man has had the camp he's had for the last two weeks, I think we're all excited to watch him play.

"He's kind of been a big bright spot in camp."

Johnson may sit

Receiver Andre Johnson wasn't sure Saturday if he's going to play against the Jets. Johnson has recovered from a dislocated index finger, but the coaches have some young receivers they want to see, and Gary Kubiak could decide not to risk it.

"I haven't heard anything," Johnson said. "The finger's good. I actually practiced today without my splint for the first time. I'm just trying to get back to catching the ball without having a splint on my hand.

"It's getting a lot better. The wound is closing up pretty good. I'm excited."

After Monday, the Texans have only one more nationally televised game, which isn't until their last road game Dec. 22 at Indianapolis.

"It's a lot of fun," Johnson said about playing on Monday night. "That's the biggest day for football, when everybody's watching. To have our first preseason game on Monday night is pretty big. Everybody will be watching, so you'd like to perform well."

Give Jean a chance

During Monday's game, pay attention to receiver Lestar Jean, an undrafted free agent from Florida Atlantic.

Jean (6-3, 215 pounds) has been impressive since camp began. He works hard and catches just about everything thrown in his direction. He's made some acrobatic receptions while being covered by experienced defensive backs.

"He's continuing to do that," coach Gary Kubiak said of Jean making catches in practices. "He's a big-body kid, and I've had some of the defensive backs come to me and say, 'Hey coach, that guy is tough to handle.'

"So he's got a lot of ability and that big body, and there's going to be two young receivers on this team. It'll be interesting to see who they are."

Cushing improving

Inside linebacker Brian Cushing has been practicing more as camp goes on. He's still not 100 percent recovered from January surgery to repair a patella tendon in his right knee.

The coaches believe Cushing will make an ideal inside linebacker in Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme, but he's behind because he wasn't able to go full speed in practice for so long.

Asked about the 3-4 being a big adjustment for him, Cushing said, "It is, but at the same time it's football, and there's a lot of similarities between a 3-4 and a 4-3. We have to learn as much as we can and be as sharp and as crisp as possible."

The coaches watched film and determined Cushing made most of his big plays as a rookie while playing inside the tight end, which is where he'd be as a 3-4 inside linebacker.

"There's been a lot of similarities, actually, with the new defense, and a lot of the guys are familiar with it," Cushing said. "(We're) 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. I'm just looking forward to growing on that."

Intense competition

The Texans will have a new punter for the first time in five seasons. Matt Turk had held the position the last four years, but he left as a free agent and signed with Jacksonville.

Fifteen-year veteran Brad Maynard, 37, was signed after he was let go by Chicago. Brett Hartmann, an undrafted rookie from Central Michigan who also can kick off, is competing with Maynard.

"They'll rotate," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I'll tell you one of the things I'm concerned about: (Kicker) Neil (Rackers) is going through a new holder this year."

The punters will take turns holding for Rackers.

"That's going to be a factor with those two punters," Kubiak said. "I want them to rotate to see what happens."
Click to expand...

Third we have a piece by Craig Malveaux on CB Sherrick McManis.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7696606.html

Proving ground
After learning the ropes as a rookie, CB Sherrick McManis, a fifth-round pick, is confident he can make an impact now

By CRAIG MALVEAUX
Aug. 13, 2011, 11:08PM

As a fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft, it was fairly easy for Sherrick McManis to blend in to a crowded secondary last season.

And why wouldn't he? There was plenty of finger-pointing in the locker room and plenty of blame to go around among the group of defensive backs each week en route to claiming the title of the league's worst passing defense.

Despite all that, the rookie cornerback tried his hardest to make a name for himself on the field. McManis played aggressively against opposing receivers, a move that paid off in some situations and proved costly in others.

The results were no different than those of any other Texans cornerback who took the field. But what McManis clearly lacked in experience, leading to defensive miscues, he made up for in effort.

That caught the eye of defensive backs coach Vance Joseph and resulted in 14 appearances in 2010.

"In my first year, I tried to absorb as much information as I could," McManis said.

This season provides McManis a bit of déjà vu. He's facing the same odds with the additions of Johnathan Joseph, Jason Allen, Brandon Harris and Roc Carmichael.

Still, the goal remains the same in season two — make an impact on the field. With a year of experience under his belt, McManis has the knowledge to do that. He said he is learning from the mistakes he made as a rookie while refining the areas he excels in.

"Coming into my second year, I'm definitely a smarter player," McManis said. "I've grown a lot and am continuing to improve my techniques."

Coach Gary Kubiak said he has noticed the progress McManis has made throughout training camp.

"He has a really good camp going," Kubiak said. "Sherrick is making plays on that side of the ball."

McManis said he is learning to trust his instincts more because he has a better grasp of what to expect after a year of playing cornerback at the professional level. It has helped him become more confident.

"He's gotten his hands on a few interceptions and he loves to hit, so his big positives come out once we start playing," Kubiak said. "He's a guy that loves contact and loves to stick his nose in there."

According to McManis, the Texans' switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme isn't going to change anything for him. He said no matter what, the cornerbacks are going to play a mix of man-to-man and zone.

McManis is looking at the Texans' first preseason game Monday night as an opportunity to show the coaches how much he has improved and to experience the rush of covering someone other than his teammates.

"There is nothing more exciting than locking (down) your guy, whether it's man or zone," he said. "It feels good to do it right."
Click to expand...

Fourth is an article by Jeffrey Martin on what we can expect to see on Monday night.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7696549.html

Texans offense has no time for complacency
Starters' appearance versus Jets to be brief

By JEFFREY MARTIN
Aug. 13, 2011, 11:04PM

Monday's kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and odds are Texans quarterback Matt Schaub will have traded his helmet for a baseball cap or visor by, say, 7:25 p.m. or so.

And it's not just Schaub. Coach Gary Kubiak reiterated Saturday that his starters likely will line up for only 10-12 plays in the preseason opener against the New York Jets. Given all the injuries last season on the defensive side of the ball, limiting snaps there — even amid a transition to a new scheme - is logical.

Doing the same for an offense that ranked third in the NFL in total offense (386.6 yards per game), fourth in passing (259), seventh in rushing (127.6) and ninth in scoring (24.4 points per game) last season makes sense, too, especially since virtually all of the key components from that arsenal are returning.

Familiarity obviously matters, but how much?

"We've been working hard, but it's just different with live bullets, in live game action," Schaub said. "We want to see where we're at. No matter where you are as a team - whether you've been together two years or 10 years - you still have to develop that rhythm, that timing and your identity as a group."

Last year, Schaub completed five of six passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in a brief appearance against Arizona in his preseason debut, so scratch the notion he might need more meaningful exhibition snaps.

But then again, sloppiness must be avoided.

"We have so many players and only so many reps to go around," Schaub said. "We're an offense that's been around each other for numerous years. We want to make sure we're in a good place, sharp in what we're doing."

Starting strong

According to right tackle Eric Winston, the task beginning Monday is dominance. Now is not the time for complacency, even if it's just a handful of plays. After all, it's the Jets, owners of a blitz-happy defense that should provide a stout test.

"As soon as you start thinking you're OK, you're not," he said. "You never stay the same in this league; you're either going to get better or worse.

"We were fourth or fifth in a lot of categories last year, but until we're first in points scored and all of those similar categories, it's not good enough."

Winston takes this approach to an unusual level. A six-year veteran, Winston said with a straight face that he is focused solely on making the team.

"There are 90 guys out there looking for a spot (on the 53-man roster)," he said. "I have to prove I can be one of those 53 guys. Nothing has changed. I have to go at it the same way. I'm going to be grinding.

"If I get 10 (snaps), I get 10. If I get 30, I get 30. If I play the whole game, it doesn't matter. You have to go out there and perform."

Tight end Owen Daniels, a fellow starter, believes an emphasis on starting quicker should be a priority. In 2010, the Texans rolled up just 159.1 of those 386.6 yards per game in the first half of games. They were great late, scoring the fourth-most points (8.0 points per game) and a league-high 112.2 yards from scrimmage in the fourth quarter.

"I think we just want, as an offense, to just be consistent," Daniels said. "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.

"I think those are the glaring spots from last year - starting faster and closing things out."

Injuries a concern

Of course, there are no guarantees the prolific offense will resume where it left off. Arian Foster, the reigning rushing champion, has been sidelined with a hamstring issue. He won't go against the Jets, leaving the carries to Derrick Ward, Chris Ogbonnaya and Javarris Williams, who on Friday was signed off the street. Ben Tate and Steve Slaton also are nursing hamstring injuries.

Plus, the man who opened holes for Foster, Ward and Slaton a year ago, Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach, is now with Baltimore. Whether it's James Casey, Lawrence Vickers or rookie Zac Pauga, a replacement must be found.

For an offense so dependent on the run, those are somewhat significant concerns to bring into a game considered by some as meaningless.

Not everyone feels that way, though.

"You never know how many snaps you're going to get, but you have to make them count, especially in preseason games," Winston said. "What you put on film is going to be seen around the league, and that's important."
Click to expand...

Fifth is "Camp Observations" from NFL.com's Pat Kirwan.

Source:
http://www.nfl.com/trainingcamp/story/09000d5d82170eac/article/williams-quickly-eliminating-doubts-about-switch-to-linebacker

Williams quickly eliminating doubts about switch to linebacker

By Pat Kirwan NFL.com
Senior Analyst
Updated: Aug. 13, 2011 at 07:01 p.m.

Observation deck

1. Mario Williams looks natural at outside linebacker. I had some doubts about the Texans' decision to move Williams to linebacker, especially at his size, but coach Gary Kubiak gave an honest assessment of the situation.

"We're not trying to fool anyone that Mario is going to be in coverage a lot," Kubiak said. "He's rushing the passer."

After watching a 2 1/2-hour practice and talking with the people that have to block Williams, any doubts about his transition are gone.

"Now he gets a running start at you, explodes into you and then makes his move," offensive tackle Eric Winston said of Williams. "He's harder to block now than ever before."

Defensive end Antonio Smith added, "Mario now realizes that he can bull rush anybody, and he's playing like a guy that can dominate every play."

2. Owen Daniels is having a great camp. Andre Johnson said Daniels is having his best camp with the Texans. Matt Schaub explained that a healthy Daniels really takes some pressure off Johnson by splitting the safeties in the passing attack. Daniels said that he's more than a year removed from his injuries and feels quicker than ever. This looks like it could be a Pro Bowl season for the veteran tight end.

3. The offense is ready to play a real game. The Texans were able to send three different offensive groups on the field for a live two-minute drill. Even the third unit, led by rookie QB T.J. Yates, looked in control of the package. Schaub was quick to point out that everyone is back on offense except fullback Vonta Leach. Leach's replacement, Lawrence Vickers, has picked things up quickly.

4. More to come from Arian Foster. In talking with the running back, Foster said the sky is the limit for the offense. Don't forget, along with leading the league in rushing last year, he also caught 66 passes and it looks like the Texans are expanding his role in the passing game.

New guys to watch

» J.J. Watt. Immediately put on the first-team defense, Watt told me he needed to prove to his teammates through hard work and production that he belonged. According to Smith, who plays the opposite defensive end, "J.J. can do it, he's doing it every practice and he makes us better."

» Brooks Reed. Has not established the reputation that Watt has, but Reed is viewed as a high-energy guy who is learning a new defense. The 3-4 scheme being installed by coordinator Wade Phillips is going to need outside linebackers who can rush the passer. At this point, Reed is one injury away from having to deliver. Keep a close eye on Reed this preseason. There's cautious optimism that he'll contribute this season.

» Johnathan Joseph. Not new to the NFL, of course, but Joseph is a welcomed addition. Kubiak said Joseph came right in and became the leader of a secondary that lacked an identity last year. Johnson said that Joseph pushes him in every practice. Another player told me, "Andre isn't used to having a teammate challenge him that much in practice and it's good for him."

Overheard

1. I talked with owner Bob McNair, who has expectations the franchise will have its best year yet. As McNair said, "We have the talent and now is the time."

2. Kubiak on leadership, "I'm looking for guys to take over when the leaders are down. We had an example of that today when Johnathan Joseph didn't practice and someone from the secondary had to step up and they didn't do a good job of it."

Prediction

For the past three seasons, the prediction was it's the year Houston goes to the playoffs. Of course, it never happened. This year, there is a lot less talking and a lot less media attention, both good things. The Texans are more concerned about getting the job done than talking about it. They have the talent to win 10 games, but depth could be an issue if injuries occur. The offense will score and the defense will be better, but how much? There's a realistic chance the Texans will be a wild-card team this year.
Click to expand...

Sixth is an article on LeStar Jean by HoustonTexans.com

Source:
http://blog.houstontexans.com/2011/08/13/rookie-watch-lestar-jean/

Rookie Watch: Lestar Jean by Nick Scurfield

Posted by Nick Scurfield
on August 13, 2011 – 4:28 pm

Undrafted rookie wide receiver Lestar Jean has been making plays throughout training camp. Saturday morning was no different.

During a red zone period of practice at the Methodist Training Center, Jean caught a pass in traffic on a back-shoulder fade in the middle of the end zone. He was draped tightly in coverage by a defensive back but found a way to go up and make the play.

“He’s continuing to do that,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “He’s a big bodied-kid, and I’ve had some of the DBs come over to me and say, ‘Hey, Coach, that guy is tough to handle.’ He’s got a lot of ability. He’s got that big body. Y’all saw that catch he made this morning. There’s going to be two young receivers on this team, so it’ll be interesting to see who they are.”

Jean (6-3, 215) was a two-year starter at Florida Atlantic in the Sun Belt Conference. He was second-team All-Sun Belt as a senior, when he had a career-high 64 catches, 988 yards and eight touchdowns.

“It started off rough today,” Jean said. “I had some dropped balls, and I can’t be dropping the ball trying to make the team. But it’s been going good so far. I feel like my confidence has been growing as I’ve been learning the playbook, because once you learn the plays, you can just go out there and play football and just have fun.”

A native of Miami, Fla., the 23-year-old Jean is part of a wide-open wide receiver competition. After Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones, the Texans have eight receivers – including six first- or second-year players – vying for two, possibly three spots on the 53-man roster.

“It’s great because it makes you elevate your game,” Jean said. “In my school, I was one of the best receivers on the team, and I come here and everybody is just as good. So it just makes you want to rise to that level.”
Click to expand...

And finally...

 <style type='text/css'>.bbpBox102503941983576064 {background:url(http://a3.twimg.com/profile_background_images/211704561/twitterback.jpg) #111F36;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}</style> <div class='bbpBox102503941983576064'><p class='bbpTweet'>Cool panoramic shot from open training camp practice (view is walking across Kirby toward fields): <a href="http://t.co/KShX00D" rel="nofollow">http://t.co/KShX00D</a><span class='timestamp'><a title='Sat Aug 13 22:16:58 +0000 2011' href='https://twitter.com/#!/HoustonTexans/status/102503941983576064'>less than a minute ago</a> via web <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=102503941983576064'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/favorite.png' /> Favorite</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=102503941983576064'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/retweet.png' /> Retweet</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=102503941983576064'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/reply.png' /> Reply</a></span><span class='metadata'><span class='author'><a href='http://twitter.com/HoustonTexans'><img src='http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/557477325/Bullhead_normal.png' /></a><strong><a href='http://twitter.com/HoustonTexans'>Houston Texans</a></strong><br/>HoustonTexans</span></span></p></div> 

 <style type='text/css'>.bbpBox102499832379346945 {background:url(http://a3.twimg.com/profile_background_images/211704561/twitterback.jpg) #111F36;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}</style> <div class='bbpBox102499832379346945'><p class='bbpTweet'>If Texans score on MNF in 1st drive of 2nd half, you get a FREE 20oz. slush at <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sonic" title="#Sonic" class="tweet-url hashtag" rel="nofollow">#Sonic</a> on Tues. Mention the Texans' Drive to Sonic promotion.<span class='timestamp'><a title='Sat Aug 13 22:00:39 +0000 2011' href='https://twitter.com/#!/HoustonTexans/status/102499832379346945'>less than a minute ago</a> via web <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=102499832379346945'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/favorite.png' /> Favorite</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=102499832379346945'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/retweet.png' /> Retweet</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=102499832379346945'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/reply.png' /> Reply</a></span><span class='metadata'><span class='author'><a href='http://twitter.com/HoustonTexans'><img src='http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/557477325/Bullhead_normal.png' /></a><strong><a href='http://twitter.com/HoustonTexans'>Houston Texans</a></strong><br/>HoustonTexans</span></span></p></div> 

#4810 rcoleman15, Aug 14, 2011
robroy77 Member

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Bears had 2 sacks last night, and you will never guess who got them! Thats right, Amobi Okoye had both of them.

#4811 robroy77, Aug 14, 2011
Air Langhi Contributing Member

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robroy77 said: ↑

Bears had 2 sacks last night, and you will never guess who got them! Thats right, Amobi Okoye had both of them.
Click to expand...

The next jason bavins?

#4812 Air Langhi, Aug 14, 2011
Scarface281 Member

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Air Langhi said: ↑

The next jason bavins?
Click to expand...

No, he went to four teams in five years, IIRC. This is only Okoye's second team. I expect him to play well in Chicago actually.

#4813 Scarface281, Aug 14, 2011

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Some mid-day updates for Sunday.

Here is an AP article on tomorrow nights game.

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=txjetstexans

Jets, Texans can gauge offseason moves in opener

By CHRIS DUNCAN AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP)—The return of Plaxico Burress(notes) will have to wait. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez(notes) has work to do with his other receivers anyway when New York opens the preseason against Houston on Monday night.

The Texans, meanwhile, are eager to see how well they’ve learned Wade Phillips’ new 3-4 defensive scheme. Houston’s defense can only improve after ranking last against the pass last season (267.5 yards per game), the main culprit in a 6-10 record.

Monday’s game would’ve been notable for the resurfacing of Burress, who signed with the Jets on July 31 after serving a 20-month prison sentence on a gun charge. But Burress won’t even make the trip to Texas after spraining his left ankle in practice last week.

The other stars on both teams aren’t expected to see much action, either.

Jets Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold(notes) will sit out after injuring his neck Thursday, and Arian Foster(notes), the NFL’s leading rusher in 2010, is also not expected to see action because of a hamstring strain.

In his limited time Monday, Sanchez can focus on building chemistry with free-agent pickup Derrick Mason(notes), who was brought in to essentially replace Jerricho Cotchery(notes), who was cut.

New York also lost Braylon Edwards(notes) and Brad Smith(notes) in free agency, but re-signed go-to receiver Santonio Holmes(notes).

“I’m well prepared. I think this team has the potential to surpass what we did last year,” Sanchez said, “but it starts with this first game.”

Mason, entering his 15th season, has been hastily learning the playbook after spending his last six years in Baltimore.

“It’s going to take a lot of work,” the 37-year-old Mason said. “It’s going to take countless hours in the classroom. And then once we get into the classroom, we got to make sure that we take what we learn in the classroom onto the field.”

The Jets ranked 22nd in passing offense last season (202.6 yards per game), and Sanchez ranked 27th in passer rating among starters (75.3). Mason is projecting major improvement in the passing game, though he acknowledges that it may take some time to click.

“It’s not going to happen overnight. I wish it did,” he said. “It’s going to take a minute, but I think me knowing the system the way I do, I think it’s going to be quicker than what a lot of people anticipated.

“And then Plax, he’s only been here a week or two, and he’s picked up on the offense very well,” Mason said. “Once I get the nooks and crannies of the offense, I think we’re going to be very good.”

The Texans are hoping for a dramatic turnaround, too.

Houston overhauled its defensive personnel, acquiring cornerback Johnathan Joseph(notes) and safety Danieal Manning(notes) in free agency, and using six of eight draft picks on defensive players, including end J.J. Watt(notes) in the first round.

And with no offseason to spend with his players because of the lockout, Phillips has been working overtime to teach his new scheme.

“Defensively, I think Wade is very basic in what we’re fixing to go do Monday night,” Houston coach Gary Kubiak said. “We just want to see guys play, make sure they’re in the right spot. We’ve come a long way here in the first two weeks and we’ve got a grasp of the base stuff. That’s what we’re looking for.”

At the moment, Kubiak has more concerns on the offensive side, specifically at running back. Along with Foster, backups Steve Slaton(notes) and Ben Tate(notes) are also nursing hamstring injuries. That will leave most of the carries Monday night to Derrick Ward(notes) and former Texas star Chris Ogbonnaya(notes), who’s impressed coaches in camp.

Kubiak says Matt Leinart(notes) will take the bulk of the snaps for the Texans. Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, was a free agent and chose to return for a second season in Houston because he was comfortable with Kubiak and familiar with the system.

Leinart is expected to back up Matt Schaub(notes) this season, but openly says he wants to work his way into a starting role in the near future.

“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,” said Leinart, who didn’t throw a pass in 2010. “I want to get the guys in the right situations.”
Click to expand...

Next is a Paul Kuharsky blurb on how the Texans handled the FB situation in free agency.

Source:
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/26420/mailbag-i-take-on-your-best

Ryan from Arlington, Texas, writes: Aren't people over reacting a bit to the loss of Vonta Leach? Houston had Leach from 2006-2010. In those years, the Texans' running game was good in 2010, but was putrid in 2009 and mediocre the rest. Also, Arian Foster averaged 5.5 yards/carry without Vonta in the game, and 4.7 with him. I'm not disputing that Vonta is a very good fullback, but I think his impact is being overplayed.

PK: I’m with you. A fullback is only so influential. I understand people love him. Great guy, great story. But at some point you have to separate the emotional part and be rational and fiscally responsible. The Texans were, even if a percentage of their fans were not. It’s a situational role. Lawrence Vickers and James Casey can more than handle it.
Click to expand...

Here is a new "Brandon Harris: Rookie Diary" from HoustonTexans.com.

Source:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-3/Brandon-Harris-rookie-diary-Excited-for-Monday-night/a4ed5a8b-5b27-4b30-93b6-1fa840edeca1

Brandon Harris rookie diary: Excited for Monday night

By Brandon Harris, Special to HoustonTexans.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: Texans cornerback Brandon Harris, drafted in the second round (60th overall) out of Miami (Fla.), will chronicle his rookie season with periodic diary entries for HoustonTexans.com.

The days are starting to get longer. You come in with excitement on the first couple days you report; everything is so new and so fresh you’ve been wanting it for a while. It’s still exciting, but the days get long. You’re waking up at 5:45 in the morning, you’re checking back in and checking out at 9:30 at night, so it gets to the point where you really have to keep pushing yourself. You really have to stay focused, and the time you get off, you’ve got to cherish it. I noticed that since I’ve been here.

When Coach Kub gives us a little time off to relax, stay off your feet. Watch some TV, eat, kick back, because I see a lot guys, they overstress it. You don’t want to get overwhelmed with the information or where you’re pressing a lot. You don’t perform at your best when you go through those moments, so I just learned to cherish every break I get.

The heat is something I’ve been dealing with. I’ve tried to get myself into a routine every night as far as drinking water, taking down Gatorades in the meetings, using those electrolyte packets and stuff like that. I try to make myself drink as much as possible. But the last two days, the heat’s probably been at its best. I felt like I wanted to get my first IV yesterday. Man, it was so hot, I almost went in and got it, but I said, ‘Nah, I’m gonna hold off on it until it’s for emergency purposes.’ So I’m just learning how to deal with it, asking other guys what they do to deal with it; trying to do what they do.

Each day, I’m feeling more comfortable with the defense. Some days are better than others. Every day is not a good day. Some days, you go out there and you’re lights out. You’re on everything. You’re making calls, you’re playing the right stuff, you’re making plays. Then I had one day where I was a little off. I was making little mental mistakes. I wasn’t in the right position. I wasn’t in the right spots where I was supposed to be. And I kind of felt a little down that day. That was one of those days you feel a little down on yourself, so you’ve just gotta go back to what you know best. Continue to study, and continue to work and get better. This is the NFL; everybody out there has talent. You can’t let one day like that ruin the rest of your camp, and I was able to bounce back from that and string together a couple of good days.

I’ve been getting some good feedback from the coaches. The coaching staff is really hard on me, though, being a rookie. Coach (Vance) Joseph, he wants to make sure that I cherish everything, that I really am studying and doing the right things that I’m supposed to do. So I’m getting no slack at all in the meeting rooms, but they do a good job of encouraging you, too.

I had a great time the past couple days with the fans coming out to practice. They’ve been very encouraging. They know a lot of information about you. I had a couple fans come and talk to me about my high school ball. They remember watching me in high school. My high school played on ESPN one game when I was a senior. They remember me going out there and handling business in high school, and they’ve been following me ever since. That’s been exciting.

Our team had a cookout on Friday. We enjoyed that; it was just a chance for us to get to bond with each other. We had some burgers on the grill and just guys playing cards and playing dominoes, just kicking it, just getting to know each other a little bit better. Those have been some of the moments I’ve enjoyed the most -- meeting different guys from different parts of the country, talking to those guys. I had a conversation with Shiloh Keo, the safety we drafted, just comparing where I’m from in Miami to comparing where he was in school in Idaho. Obviously two different places, two atmospheres totally different, and we got a chance to just talk and just share some of our experiences. I got a chance to really create a bond with not just him, but everybody else I’ve come in contact with over here.

Monday Night Football coming up, this is exciting. This is my first professional game. It’s preseason, but I’m a rookie, so this counts for me. I get a lot of reps and get a chance to see how I measure up, so I don’t even view it as a preseason game. It’s just the first game, my first NFL game. This is what young guys like me look forward to. Some of the vets, they know it’s their time to sit back and just cheer us on and see what they’ve been teaching us over the past two weeks. But for us, this is it. This is our go.

I started to visualize it yesterday morning, actually. When I came in to work, I saw all the ESPN trucks outside. They were setting up the satellites, setting up different things, and I was like, “OK, this is for real.” Then I come inside and I go in Reliant and I see now they have the grass down. The field, the stadium is set up like it’s going to be on gameday. The past couple weeks, the stadium has been set up for different events they’ve been having. They had the Governor come in with the prayer circle, and I think they had the circus before that. Yesterday was my first day actually getting to see it as the football stadium, so that was excxiting to come in and walk out on the field and just look around in amazement and be like, “Man, this is an incredible building.
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Here is a video from Paul Kuharsky on his preseason expectations for the Texans.

Video Source:
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/26480/video-camping-with-the-texans

Camping with the Texans:
<embed width="440" height="420" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://v7.tinypic.com/player.swf?file=2sab1iq&s=7"><br><font size="1"><a href="http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2sab1iq&s=7">Original Video</a> - More videos at <a href="http://tinypic.com">TinyPic</a></font>

And finally here is a new Texans Daily Video.

1. Football analyst Tillman on Texans in 2011 (5:04)

#4814 rcoleman15, Aug 14, 2011
Last edited: Aug 14, 2011

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vinsensual Member

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robroy77 said: ↑

Bears had 2 sacks last night, and you will never guess who got them! Thats right, Amobi Okoye had both of them.
Click to expand...

Cutting him was necessary to afford Joseph and Manning. No regrets.

#4815 vinsensual, Aug 14, 2011
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Air Langhi said: ↑

The next jason bavins?
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it would hit hard if amobi has a great year... but it wouldnt surprise me... players are people too and perform their jobs better in different envoirnments, it would kill me to see andre leave and i hope it never happens.. but i cant imagine what his seasons would be like for teams like the packers, steelers, or patriots.

if amobi were to stay here this season he wouldnt've turned it around, im happy hes goin somewhere where he is more likely to succeed on an individual level

#4816 pacman0590, Aug 14, 2011
rcoleman15 Member

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 <style type='text/css'>.bbpBox102852011594223616 {background:url(http://a0.twimg.com/images/themes/theme1/bg.png) #C0DEED;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}</style> <div class='bbpBox102852011594223616'><p class='bbpTweet'>The Texans have signed LS Scott Albritton, a rookie from Colorado State. Snapper Jon Weeks hurt his ankle in practice this week<span class='timestamp'><a title='Sun Aug 14 21:20:05 +0000 2011' href='https://twitter.com/#!/NickScurfield/status/102852011594223616'>less than a minute ago</a> via <a href="http://bit.ly" rel="nofollow">bitly</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=102852011594223616'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/favorite.png' /> Favorite</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=102852011594223616'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/retweet.png' /> Retweet</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=102852011594223616'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/reply.png' /> Reply</a></span><span class='metadata'><span class='author'><a href='http://twitter.com/NickScurfield'><img src='http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1239696836/Scurfield_nick_normal.jpg' /></a><strong><a href='http://twitter.com/NickScurfield'>Nick Scurfield</a></strong><br/>NickScurfield</span></span></p></div> 
 <style type='text/css'>.bbpBox102852812622397440 {background:url(http://a0.twimg.com/images/themes/theme1/bg.png) #C0DEED;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}</style> <div class='bbpBox102852812622397440'><p class='bbpTweet'>Albritton was a perfect 232-of-232 on deep snaps in his CSU career. Tore his ACL 5 games into last season<span class='timestamp'><a title='Sun Aug 14 21:23:16 +0000 2011' href='https://twitter.com/#!/NickScurfield/status/102852812622397440'>less than a minute ago</a> via <a href="http://bit.ly" rel="nofollow">bitly</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=102852812622397440'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/favorite.png' /> Favorite</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=102852812622397440'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/retweet.png' /> Retweet</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=102852812622397440'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/reply.png' /> Reply</a></span><span class='metadata'><span class='author'><a href='http://twitter.com/NickScurfield'><img src='http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1239696836/Scurfield_nick_normal.jpg' /></a><strong><a href='http://twitter.com/NickScurfield'>Nick Scurfield</a></strong><br/>NickScurfield</span></span></p></div> 

And here is an article from Alan Burge on the Texans NT situation.

Source:
http://www.examiner.com/houston-texans-in-houston/texans-defense-may-work-without-a-mountain-the-middle

Texans defense may work without a mountain in the middle

Alan Burge
Houston Texans Examiner

A day doesn't go by, it seems, without yet another debate about whether Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell are 'big enough' to handle nose tackle duty in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense.

Just this morning, I ran into this AP article where Cody (6-4, 304) said he was reassured by Phillips before training camp that he was good enough, and big enough to handle the position.

"We’ve had small guys play this position, big guys play this position, and we’ve been successful both ways," Phillips told Cody.

But Texans fans are a fickle lot, and while there's evidence to support Phillips' claims [Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff (6-4, 285) has gone to the Pro Bowl twice playing in this scheme] many fans remain in the 'I'll believe it when I see it' mode.

'Nose tackle envy' discussions among Texans fans usually revolve around desires for a 330+ lb. space eater, clogging the middle.

That's the damage that one Kris Jenkins YouTube highlight can do to a fan's perception of what their team needs and doesn't need. Although I would kill to have a guy like B.J. Raji on the nose for the Texans.

While most NFL nose tackles today run in the 320-325 lb range, I think the reality is that there's no 'absolute' when it comes to 'prototypical size' for a 3-4 nose tackle. It really comes down to what your scheme requires the player to do.

What I'm saying is that just because you don't have a humongous 2-gap space eater in the middle, it doesn't mean you're defense is going to fail. Again, the Cowboys were top-five against the run in 2009 with Ratliff playing nose.

But the obvious counter to that argument is "Messrs. Cody and Mitchell, I know Jay Ratliff, and y'all are no Jay Ratliff."

While I hesitate to do this comparison, let's take a look at some of the other 3-4 nose tackles around the league and see how Cody and Mitchell stack up size-wise.

Buffalo, Kyle Williams, 6-1, 306
Arizona, Dan Williams, 6-2, 327
Baltimore, Terrence Cody, 6-3, 360
Dallas, Jay Ratliff, 6-4, 285; Josh Brent 6-1, 318
Green Bay, B.J. Raji, 6-1, 337
Houston, Shaun Cody, 6-4, 304; Earl Mitchell 6-2, 296
Kansas City, Kelly Gregg, 6-0, 320
Miami, Paul Soliai, 6-4, 355
New York Jets, Sione Pouha, 6-3, 325
Pittsburgh, Casey Hampton, 6-1, 325
San Diego, Antonio Garay, 6-3, 320
San Francisco, Isaac Sopoaga, 6-2, 330; Ricky Jean-Francois 6-2, 295
Washington, Barry Cofield, 6-4, 306

The reason I hesitated to do this comparison is because Wade Phillips' scheme requires the nose tackle to penetrate and not just clog gaps. Other teams' schemes often require different things from their nose tackles.

“We’re not looking for guys who just eat up a gap," said Texans defensive line coach Bill Kollar. "We want guys who come off blocks and make plays." (washingtonpost.com)

Texans linebackers coach Reggie Herring did a series of videos on Texans TV back in June when everyone was freaking out about Mario moving to linebacker. In the video series, Herring diagrams the Texans 3-4 base set and responsibilities of the front seven.

The videos are worth a look if you haven't already seen them, and for those of us who have been out watching practice they help reinforce what we've been seeing in drills and full team scrimmage. It also helps explain how the Wade Phillips 3-4 is more like a 5-2 in base set and more like a 4-3 against three-wides.

In the videos you'll learn that Cody/Mitchell lines up on the nose but with a slight shade to the tight end side. At the snap, he'll typically shoot one or the other A-gap depending on the call.

To get to the videos, just go to the Texans TV link provided above, search on 'Herring,' then click off every search result except for videos.

Last but not least, you may have noticed that I didn't include the Patriots in the list above. That's because Bill Belichick is tinkering with more 4-3 looks during pre-season. Vince Wilfork (6-1, 325) has played nose for the Pats in the past and will still be used inside in 4-3 looks.

When asked about moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3 earlier this year, Belichick downplayed the notion of tagging teams with 3-4 or 4-3 labels, especially since many teams run variations of both.

"Whatever you want to call it, (teams) will continue to play the same fundamental (defensive line) techniques that they've (always) been teaching," said Belichick. "Wherever you put (one player), you have to put other (players) in complementary places however you decide to do that." (Rich Garven, Telegram and Gazette)

In other words, don't get all hung up on this 3-4 thing, Texans fans. (or this 4-3 thing, Patriots fans)

So where does this leave us?

Well there's not much we can do but sit back and watch it unfold. If Wade Phillips thinks he can do without a Mount Cody in the middle and get by with our Hill Country variety, then so be it.

But this is definitely a subject that will be re-visited many times as the season progresses.
Click to expand...

#4817 rcoleman15, Aug 14, 2011
Last edited: Aug 14, 2011
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Colorado St. Hmmm

#4818 Ricksmith, Aug 14, 2011

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Who knew Colorado State had so many pro prospects.......

#4819 Fulgore, Aug 14, 2011
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How does a long snapper tear his ACL? They aren't even allowed to be hit at the line.

#4820 DieHard Rocket, Aug 14, 2011

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