Chronic: Center, LB jobs up for grabs

[Texans34Life]

http://blogs.chron.com/sportsupdate/archives/2007/07/center_lb_jobs.html

Although the coaches won't admit it, two positions don't seem to be set in the second week of camp - center and outside linebacker.

Mike Flanagan and Steve McKinney rotate taking off a practice so each can work with the first team.

Charlie Anderson and Shantee Orr are neck-and-neck at outside linebacker opposite Morlon Greenwood. Anderson is running first team.

Going into camp, some other positions looked as if there'd be stiff competition, but it hasn't materialized.

Ephraim Salaam, who's enjoying an excellent camp, is ahead of free agent Jordan Black at left tackle.

Receiver Kevin Walter earned the starting job opposite Andre Johnson by how hard he worked last season and during the offseason.

On defense, the linemen will rotate, but when everyone's healthy, Mario Williams and Anthony Weaver will start at end. Anthony Maddox and Amobi Okoye will start at tackle. Johnson is putting heat on Maddox.

Glenn Earl and C.C. Brown are still starting together at safety.

There is a terrific battle at punter, where two veterans - Chad Stanley and Matt Turk - will compete for the job when preseason games begin.

— JOHN McCLAIN

[ObsiWan]

what...um...what...er....um....what...was the point of this article? john mccclain just felt it necessary to mention some people's names and where they play?

Its just a status report. Don't they do those were you work?

So far, no major surprises. Although, Charlie Anderson running the first team LBs, is a bit of a change from last year when Orr was the starter.

[Errant Hothy]

Its just a status report. Don't they do those were you work?

So far, no major surprises. Although, Charlie Anderson running the first team LBs, is a bit of a change from last year when Orr was the starter.

I don't know, TJ pushing for a starting spot is a bit of a surprise; and should be an even bigger surprise to this board.

[Texans_Chick]

Its just a status report. Don't they do those were you work?

So far, no major surprises. Although, Charlie Anderson running the first team LBs, is a bit of a change from last year when Orr was the starter.

Yeah, Charlie Anderson had a minor knee injury during camp that put him behind last year.

The NFL is such a game of hard work, doing what the coaches want, and be lucky enough not to get hurt at a bad time.

[FirstTexansFan]

A few things about the O-line that still concern me. I'm just not sure McKinney or Flanagan are the best selections for center on this team. Love both the guys, but McKinney is a LG, not a center, and Flanagan is in his twilight years as a player. Who are we grooming to be the backup to these guys? Can Kasey Studdard fill the center position? I like his disposition, he has a natural mean streak.

Other Notes:

*I prefer Charlie Anderson over Shantee Orr.

*Salaam seems to be a decent backup until Spencer returns.

*I trust Kubes opinion on Kevin Walter, and we seem to have a bevy of decent receivers vying for the 3rd slot.

*The article on TJ this morning in the Comical gives some hope that he's finally got his head screwed on right.

*Been very impressed with the secondary in camp thus far.

*And who cares on the Punter? Just find some cut from another team late in the preseason, and cross your fingers :)

[gtexan02]

I like Shantee Orr a lot more after listening to his interview. Man, he just seems so nice!