Chron: Heat is on Texans to have break-through year

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3226001

By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

The laid-back approach quarterback David Carr used to see in Texans practices has disappeared. Practices weren't relaxing, but once in a while the intensity would let up.

That's not the case this year. After an offseason of changes, the players have an urgency that was lacking in the franchise's previous three seasons. The Texans understand the free pass is up. The league's youngest franchise no longer will play simply for respect.

"I see us taking more of a businesslike approach," Carr said. "Sometimes we've been a little more relaxed, and maybe that's just maturity. Maybe that's just the understanding that we have some guys and that we can compete.

"We can compete for something more than just respect and pride. We realize there are some obtainable goals, and we want to go out and get them."

The Texans have improved, winning four games in their inaugural 2002 season, five games in 2003 and seven last year.

Despite the increased totals each year, expectations never have been as high as they are this year.

Changes on defense

Early in the offseason, the Texans released defensive starters Jamie Sharper, Aaron Glenn, Eric Brown and Jay Foreman. The first major changes in the franchise did more than make the defense younger and faster.

They shook the club.

"It's definitely a wake-up call," Carr said. "It's also a sign that the team wants to do whatever it can to get better."

The defense has spent the past two months integrating new players. Kailee Wong, an outside linebacker last year, has received more repetitions at his new position, inside linebacker. And offseason additions Phillip Buchanon and Morlon Greenwood are becoming comfortable with their roles.

"(The moves) were enough of a shock that it took a month or so for everything to settle in and for us to reset ourselves mentally and get ready to go," nose tackle Seth Payne said. "Any time you have major changes like that there's going to be a period of adjustment. That's what these coaching sessions have been good for. We view ourselves as our own unit now."

The offense did not undergo a personnel shuffle, but the schemes got a makeover. Thanks to a large turnout during the voluntary practices the past two months, the Texans have implemented the entire offensive plan. Now, they are just trying to work on their execution as they adjust to the various changes, which include shorter pass routes.

"This is the best work we've had," coach Dom Capers said, comparing this offseason to the previous three. "We're more mature as a team. We have more guys who understand because we've been through it. They've seen us win four games, and then win five games and then win seven games.

"So now the next step for us is the biggest and most difficult step to take. And the only way to do it is if you have guys who understand what it does take and I think we have more players on this team right now with more experience and they understand what it does take."

Shaky finish

No matter how confident the Texans become on the practice field, though, they understand it must translate into victories. Finding consistency will be a key. Last season, they won four of their first seven games but only three of their last nine.

Arguably their best game was the penultimate of the season at Jacksonville, when the Texans dominated the Jaguars 21-0. A week later, they looked like a different team against lowly Cleveland, losing 22-14 to inspire a shower of boos from their fans at Reliant Stadium.

"We start off pretty strong and we do pretty well, and then we slip off and fade away," Carr said. "We were in the top 10 in offense, the first part of the year. And then the second part, we were in the teens and I think even 19th was where we were at the end.

"Consistency is what you have to show and you have to show that you're not going to slack at any time — even when you go through workouts. When you come out you have to be better than you were the day before."

megan.manfull@chron.com

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Texans Summary

Smith goes down

The Texans received a scare late in Tuesday's second practice when defensive end Robaire Smith sprained his neck while the first-team offense was going against the first-team defense.

Smith was knocked to the ground in a head-on collision and lay on the field for about five minutes before trainers helped him sit up.

Smith walked off the field but left practice to have his neck checked by doctors. General manager Charley Casserly said Smith received good reports and is expected to be healthy for the start of camp.

Smith will be held out of the last minicamp practice today.

Injury update

Defensive lineman Gary Walker rejoined the team Tuesday but did not participate in practice because of a pulled hamstring. Monday's MRI revealed the injury was nothing more significant.

Strong safety Ramon Walker was held out of practice because of swelling in his knee. Linebacker Frank Chamberlain worked on a limited basis because of a groin injury.

European royalty

When Dave Ragone entered the locker room Tuesday, the jokes started. They are sure to continue today when quarterback David Carr presents a handmade trophy to Ragone, NFL Europe's Most Valuable Offensive Player.

Ragone, a third-year quarterback out of Louisville, returned from Europe on Monday and participated in his first workouts Tuesday.

"He did have an MVP trophy in his hands and a T-shirt on when he walked in, so he's definitely going to get some grief," Carr said.

-- MEGAN MANFULL