I have my season tickets in hand, and I am ready to rock. This really has been one of the longest off-seasons ever. A few years ago, it seemed bad, but since the Astros were playing well, the time kind of flew. Now, with the Texans being poised for a HUGE year, and the Astros being the Lastros, time has just come to a standstill. July 25, and then August 9 (I think that's the first pre-season game?) cannot get here soon enough.
Back to fundamentals for Texans in training camp 2007 season recap Almost there: Houston's 8-8 record last season was the best in its six-year history, but wasn't enough to earn its first playoff berth. With significant injuries to the team's starting quarterback, top wide receiver, starting running back and best cornerback, a .500 record in what may be the most competitive division in the league is something they can build on heading into 2008. Key camp questions Can they stay healthy? The Texans have been one of the most injured teams over the last two seasons, and last year paid the price for not developing adequate backups for the likes of RB Ahman Green and WR Andre Johnson, both of whom missed significant time with injuries. QB Matt Schaub also missed five games last season and was unable to finish another four due to injuries, allowing backup Sage Rosenfels to step in. Already, CB Dunta Robinson is slated to miss the start of the season with lingering knee and hamstring injuries, opening the door for Jaques Reeves and Glenn Earl to win a starting spot during training camp. The team added LB Rosevelt Colvin in the offseason, but injuries may prevent the nine-year veteran from participating in camp. Can they improve the pass rush? The 31 sacks the team totaled last season is not going to cut it for a team trying to make the playoffs, especially when 14 of those sacks come from one player in DE Mario Williams. In addition to the standout Williams, the Texans have an outstanding young defensive nucleus that includes MLB DeMeco Ryans, LB Morlon Greenwood and DT Amobi Okoye. The opted not to take a pass rusher in the draft, but the addition of Colvin (if healthy) should help. Can they reduce the turnovers? The Texans recorded a minus-13 turnover ratio last season, good for second worst in the league behind the Ravens. Head coach Gary Kubiak will want to run more in order to reduce the 21 interceptions thrown by Schaub and backup QB Sage Rosenfels. But with the 31-year old Green coming off a season in which he played just six games, and Chris Brown as the only reliable backup, the pressure will be on Schaub to better his numbers from last season (9 TD, 9 INT, 2,241 yards in 11 games). Rosenfels proved to be a more than adequate backup in nine appearances (five starts) last season and will push Schaub to perform well in his second Texans training camp. Key position battle Ephraim Salaam vs. Duane Brown: Salaam just wasn't getting it done in the most important position on the Texans' offensive line. Enter Brown, the Texans first overall pick (26th overall) and the seventh tackle taken in the first round. The Texans are hoping he proves to be as fast of a learner at the pro level as he was at Virginia Tech, where he played both tackle positions after he was converted from tight end. The Texans worked Brown in with the first team in minicamp and are hoping he will provide some solid competition for Salaam once camp starts. Rookie spotlight RB Steve Slaton: Slaton's critics will argue that he's a one dimensional player, not capable of running effectively between the tackles. The good news for the Texans is, given the unknowns at running back, Slaton could provide some critical third downs reps. Player on the spot DT Amobi Okoye: The second-year defensive tackle was just 19 years old when the Texans chose him at 10th overall in last year's draft, making him the youngest player drafted in the NFL since 1967. Okoye, now 21, is receiving a lot of praise from Kubiak following the Texans' minicamp in June. "In this camp, I think he's the most improved player," Kubiak said. "He was a pretty darn good player to begin with, but what started taking place here over the last three weeks, you saw a guy go from still having some of his rookie habits, but those went away in one week and I haven't noticed them in the last two." Okoye registered 32 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 14 starts last season. The Texans are hoping to see the same kind of improvement from Okoye in his second training camp that they got from Williams (4.5 sacks in 2006 vs. 14.0 in 2007). Fantasy focus RB Chris Taylor: The Texans have a crowded backfield that includes Green, Brown, Slaton and Darius Walker, but owners should remember the name Chris Taylor. The coaching staff loves his upside, and Taylor has some legitimate value as a deep fantasy sleeper. http://www.nfl.com/trainingcamp/story?id=09000d5d80937430&template=with-video&confirm=true
Yep, the 9th is when we play the Broncos IIRC. I can't wait either, I'm so pumped. After their first .500 season, and higher expectations this year. The Astros being in last place, and Football just around the corner. It can't come soon enough.
Reading these previews really gets me hyped. I was looking at the Madden '09 player ratings and they gave Mario a rating of 97! Cant wait.
What's the overall rating of the Texans? And how do they have Schaub rated? After the injuries and everything last year, did his rating take a hit? I bet the Texans defense is going to be FUN to play with.
I too am curious about the Texans overall rating in the game. Can't wait to get it. Nothing new, just info if you want to go to training camp: 2008 Training Camp Guide: AFC SOUTH Houston Texans • Location: Team practice facility, Houston • Camp dates: July 26-Aug. 2 (seven open practices; tickets are free) • What Jeffri Chadiha says: The best part about the Texans camp is the convenience of it. If the sultry August heat rises to unbearable levels, the team simply moves inside the spacious indoor practice facility across from the Texans' headquarters at Reliant Stadium. If the weather cooperates, they'll remain outside where fans can monitor their progress on nearby outdoor fields. Either way, it's never a chore to take in a Texans practice at this time of year. • What to do besides training camp: With the team's practice facility located downtown, visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the city, beginning with the Reliant Center. The building hosts some of the largest conventions and trade shows in Houston. The Theater District is a 17-block area in the center of downtown Houston that is home to the Bayou Place entertainment complex and is replete with restaurants, movies, plazas and parks. Meanwhile, Space Center Houston offers insight into the history of NASA's space-flight program. Other tourist attractions include the Galleria (Texas' largest shopping mall, located in the Uptown District), Old Market Square, Tranquility Park and the Downtown Aquarium. http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/news/story?id=3483726
The Texans are rated 78, which is tied for 23rd in the league along with the Cardinals and the Lions. It puts us 12th in the AFC. Texans notable players: Schaub 85 Green 82 AJ 96 Daniels 88 Greenwood 89 Mario 97 Ryans 95 Okoye 92 Dunta 87
Slaton's 93 speed with 95 acceleration is nice, especially considering Green/Brown don't break 90 in either category. Mario with 94 acceleration is sick!
Im thinking the dunta injury has something to do with his lower rating. Okoye is a little high, but I'll take it. Hopefully he can justify it with his play on the field.
I read this last week in NFL.com, and thought it was just complete bull***** and moronic nonsense : So if we already have Schaub and Rosenfels, why would we want Farvar...ah? http://www.nfl.com/news/story;jsessionid=C7C69E15FDD7CB8A5864DB759A93482D?id=09000d5d80956457
Hey guys, I live just outside the area to where I can get Texans game local all the time. I know during the rockets eseason I was able to get some links to games on the web, and I was wondering if I could do the same for Texans games so I dont have to buy NFL Sunday Ticket. Anyone know?
