Random thoughts from reading the OTA quotes

[kiwitexansfan]

Just be reading through the OTA quotes over at HT.com and had some thoughts on them to share with the group.

(on what he’ll have to get from the cornerbacks to allow the defense to be more aggressive) “Well, I think we have to allow them to be aggressive – go ahead and let them take some chances, take some opportunities to jump some routes and those type of things. To coach that way and to get those things done, as a coach, you’ve got to let them know if the other happens, you’re going to take the credit for that; you’re not going to put it all on them. So we’re going to try to get them to be more aggressive. We’re really limited in what we’re doing coverage-wise, and hopefully technique-wise, we just make more plays.”

We better be prepared to give up some big plays this year. One thing with the aggressive defense its high risk, high reward, high cost. Hope I don't see people complaining about giving up big plays after everyone complained about being too conservative.

(on the flexibility C Antoine Caldwell offers up front) “We’re working him at center right now, but in drill work he’s doing both guards and the center position. It’s been a concern for us the last year, as I said all five of our guys played every game, every snap. That’s unheard of in this league. We’ve been lucky with our game day as far as suiting guys up. If we suit seven, we’ve got to have a versatile player. To me, he’s going to give us that opportunity. But I also think he’s going to push our guys to be on the field very quickly, so that’s going to make us better.”

I love this, when Caldwell first came in it was all "strictly depth, happy with our starters blah blah, now it is he is pushing very quickly, I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the TC process it will be "couldn't keep him out of the lineup".

(on QB Dan Orlovsky) “Well, he’s obviously got all the ability to do things with the size of the arm and those things. What Dan is doing is, in the last five practices, first off he’s learned what our expectations are for that position and they’re very high. I make a commitment to our team that our quarterback is going to play good. I want him to practice that way, and our expectations will be if something happens to (QB) Matt (Schaub) that he will go in there and play like a big time quarterback. We’ve got the ability to work with - now we go to work on all the other stuff, the intangibles, which gives him the chance to be a great player.”

I'm drinking the Orlovsky kool-aid. The one thing that intrigues me is that Kubiak says they are going to work on the intangibles... I always thought they were intangible because you couldn't teach them/coach them, I always thought they were innate. I find this fascinating.

(on how DT Travis Johnson’s being out affects him and the team) “It’s not going to hold the team back; we’ve got to go. We’ve got to get better and move on, so it’s opportunity for (DTs) DelJuan (Robinson) and Frank (Okam).

WooHoo! The first Okam mention of the off-season. I still really want to see Okam emerge this offseason.. hope this is only the first of many comments about him.

(on what LB Brian Cushing’s attacking style will bring to the defense) “I love it, because he’s going to make it that much more fun out there. All the competing, we’re going to come out and say, ‘I’m going to get there before you do!’ It’s going to be a lot of fun out there, and like I said, he’s going to add another dimension to our defense. They’re going to have to know where 56 (Cushing) is along with 59 (LB DeMeco Ryans) and 90 (DE Mario Williams), all them guys, they’re going to have to know where everybody’s at. It’s going to be fun moving around out there.”

How much do you believe this sort of thing? Do players get into a practice situation with a player e.g. Diles and say wow this guy is good, teams are going to have to account for him, or is Diles just repeating the hype that coaches and media have been saying? Surely they would know once they have played along someone if they are for real or not.......

 

[Old School]

We better be prepared to give up some big plays this year. One thing with the aggressive defense its high risk, high reward, high cost. Hope I don't see people complaining about giving up big plays after everyone complained about being too conservative.

I don't mind giving up some big plays as long as it isnt the same person giving up the same play all the time.

I love this, when Caldwell first came in it was all "strictly depth, happy with our starters blah blah, now it is he is pushing very quickly, I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the TC process it will be "couldn't keep him out of the lineup".

I really hope he can help out in the C position. I think it is by far the weakest point on the line

I'm drinking the Orlovsky kool-aid. The one thing that intrigues me is that Kubiak says they are going to work on the intangibles... I always thought they were intangible because you couldn't teach them/coach them, I always thought they were innate. I find this fascinating.

I am not ready for the O kool-aid yet. Although after seeing what he can do with their Johnson, I can't help but wonder what he could do with ours!!!

WooHoo! The first Okam mention of the off-season. I still really want to see Okam emerge this offseason.. hope this is only the first of many comments about him.

The DT position worries me more than the DB position. A good push from up front can help cover for a bad secondary. I expected better things from Okam, maybe I overestimated his abilities thus far.

How much do you believe this sort of thing? Do players get into a practice situation with a player e.g. Diles and say wow this guy is good, teams are going to have to account for him, or is Diles just repeating the hype that coaches and media have been saying? Surely they would know once they have played along someone if they are for real or not

I believe it a great deal. Even back in high school you could always tell when someone was a "player" and had more skill or intensity than everyone else on the team.This level is no different but I am sure that it is not as easily detected as all the players at this level was the "player" at some point in their lives.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I'm drinking the Orlovsky kool-aid. The one thing that intrigues me is that Kubiak says they are going to work on the intangibles... I always thought they were intangible because you couldn't teach them/coach them, I always thought they were innate. I find this fascinating.

This article speaks for "intangibles" that coaches look for........and how you could see that they could be supported/developed. [The Importance of Intangibles in Recruiting]

I am not ready for the O kool-aid yet. Although after seeing what he can do with their Johnson, I can't help but wonder what he could do with ours!!!

Well, you can just keep on wondering...........'cause he ain't touchin' MY Johnson!!!!

 

[da Bull]

Well, you can just keep on wondering...........'cause he ain't touchin' MY Johnson!!!!

Another CLASSIC!

 

[TimeKiller]

Glover Quin highlighted another OTA video at HT.com/tv ....did we steal a playmaker in the 4th round? Again!? Hey, I'm not one to hold a young guy back just because of age...where is his play really at? Kubiak and Gibbs seem pretty stoked about him, the guy exudes confidence in the interviews...it's too early to call for him to be a starter but damn, he sure is making noise REALLY early.

Dunta/Reeves/Bennett/Molden/Quin sounds like a hell of a group. Certainly does compared to what we had 2 years ago with the likes of Von Hutchins, Faggins and Fletcher rounding out the depth.

 

[Texans_Chick]

Glover Quin highlighted another OTA video at HT.com/tv ....did we steal a playmaker in the 4th round? Again!? Hey, I'm not one to hold a young guy back just because of age...where is his play really at? Kubiak and Gibbs seem pretty stoked about him, the guy exudes confidence in the interviews...it's too early to call for him to be a starter but damn, he sure is making noise REALLY early.

Dunta/Reeves/Bennett/Molden/Quin sounds like a hell of a group. Certainly does compared to what we had 2 years ago with the likes of Von Hutchins, Faggins and Fletcher rounding out the depth.

I saw that as a poke to Dunta.

 

[HOU-TEX]

It is very nice seeing the guy's out on the field again, but it's still just OTA's. They're running around in shorts. I'm looking forward to Camp, when the pads start poppin.

A little over a month and a half to go.

 

[beerlover]

of course its early but at least it would seem, the game plan is coming together

Cushing will be that impact player Smith talked about before the draft-

Barwin remains under the radar, Caldwell will start sometime because of injury's then becomes entrenched as permanent starter-

Quin so far is the biggest surprise, lets hope he keeps it going when pads are included?

DL rotation is going to be one of the most interesting story lines of the year-

Free-Agent Dan Orlovsky is > than David Carr

 

[RipTraxx]

of course its early but at least it would seem, the game plan is coming together

Cushing will be that impact player Smith talked about before the draft-

Barwin remains under the radar, Caldwell will start sometime because of injury's then becomes entrenched as permanent starter-

Quin so far is the biggest surprise, lets hope he keeps it going when pads are included?

DL rotation is going to be one of the most interesting story lines of the year-

Free-Agent Dan Orlovsky is > than David Carr

Question being is Orlovsky better the Sage?

 

[beerlover]

Question being is Orlovsky better the Sage?

that question remains to be seen, hopefully the Texans don't need him except end of game mop up duties

also Sage was traded for a 4th rd. pick (#122) which they used to replace in-line blocking TE Mark Brunner with TE Anthony Hill who's body type reminds people of Mario Williams

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d80f2e3f9/2009-Combine-workout-Anthony-Hill

 

[eriadoc]

We better be prepared to give up some big plays this year. One thing with the aggressive defense its high risk, high reward, high cost. Hope I don't see people complaining about giving up big plays after everyone complained about being too conservative.

Giving up big plays is OK when you're getting big plays on defense to compensate. If we're to have a good defense, then those risks have to translate to greater reward than what is given up. If not, that's when you'll see complaints.

I love this, when Caldwell first came in it was all "strictly depth, happy with our starters blah blah, now it is he is pushing very quickly, I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the TC process it will be "couldn't keep him out of the lineup".

My prediction at the time of the draft, today,and tomorrow is that Caldwell will be our starting Center no later than Game Three. And I'll be surprised if Myers can hold him off that long. Caldwell is going to be a big upgrade.

I'm drinking the Orlovsky kool-aid. The one thing that intrigues me is that Kubiak says they are going to work on the intangibles... I always thought they were intangible because you couldn't teach them/coach them, I always thought they were innate. I find this fascinating.

Nothing against Orlovsky, but I sincerely hope I see him take zero snaps this year. That can only lead to good things.

WooHoo! The first Okam mention of the off-season. I still really want to see Okam emerge this offseason.. hope this is only the first of many comments about him.

Okam's chances are running dry, IMO. He has to show something this year, especially when this team has always had guys off the street show more than what he has. Think about guys like Maddox, Cochran, Deljuan Robinson, Bulman, and even Thomas Johnson a few years ago. Those guys haven't been starter quality, but they've shown better than Okam. Okam better show something.

 

[Vinny]

Okam's chances are running dry, IMO. He has to show something this year, especially when this team has always had guys off the street show more than what he has. Think about guys like Maddox, Cochran, Deljuan Robinson, Bulman, and even Thomas Johnson a few years ago. Those guys haven't been starter quality, but they've shown better than Okam. Okam better show something.

running dry? He is in his second year and is in much better shape. Wright was glowing about him in the weight room and mentioned that he was probably the strongest player on the team and is in much superior shape than he was last year. I think we have only seen the beginning of a career of a run stuffing DT. It usually takes a good 3 seasons to get them up to speed and he has only been through one camp...going on two this season.

 

[Texans_Chick]

running dry? He is in his second year and is in much better shape. Wright was glowing about him in the weight room and mentioned that he was probably the strongest player on the team and is in much superior shape than he was last year. I think we have only seen the beginning of a career of a run stuffing DT. It usually takes a good 3 seasons to get them up to speed and he has only been through one camp...going on two this season.

Yeah, a lot of rookies come into camp at the wrong size for that particular team because they didn't know who was going to draft them. Some teams like their bodies wider than others.

Duane Brown had some of the same issues.

 

[dalemurphy]

running dry? He is in his second year and is in much better shape. Wright was glowing about him in the weight room and mentioned that he was probably the strongest player on the team and is in much superior shape than he was last year. I think we have only seen the beginning of a career of a run stuffing DT. It usually takes a good 3 seasons to get them up to speed and he has only been through one camp...going on two this season.

From your lips to God's ears!

 

[eriadoc]

running dry? He is in his second year and is in much better shape. Wright was glowing about him in the weight room and mentioned that he was probably the strongest player on the team and is in much superior shape than he was last year. I think we have only seen the beginning of a career of a run stuffing DT. It usually takes a good 3 seasons to get them up to speed and he has only been through one camp...going on two this season.

Whoops! I'm sorry. For some reason, I thought this was his 3rd season. My bad.

 

[Spike]

All in all, you have to feel as good about this team as we have ever felt in the history of the organization. The offense returns completely intact, with another year under their belts. The OTAs seem to support the moves made to fill the defensive holes in the off-season.

I think there are interesting story lines coming out of camp:

(1) Contract negotiations - What is going to happen with Dunta, Dameco and Daniels? It would be huge for the franchise to get some of these guys lined up before the start of the season. I hope we can get all three tied up, but will be satisfied if we take care of Dameco and Daniels.

(2) Competition - Depending on who you ask, you might get a response that DT and DB are the weakest positions. Although I don't think there are any clear-cut answers at this time, I am encouraged by the competition:

DT - Amobi ties up one spot and should improve in his third season. Remember - with two seasons under his belt, he is the same age as most rookies coming into the league. TJ, Robinson and Okam should push each other.

DB - Dunta will make it back, but I think a lot of us are already thinking about who will replace him next season. Reeves should be more comfortable in his second season and is a head swivel away from being elite. Bennet, Molden and now Glover are close behind.

(3) LB - I think one of the weakest positions on the team has become one of the strongest. I think Cushing and Dameco are sure fire starters, with good competition at the other spot. Not sure what the starting line-up will be - but it should be stout. No matter who wins out, should have real quality depth - all of whom can make an impact on special teams.


(4) Can the offense stay out of its own way? What will the offense do different this year to avoid the killer TOs and to get more points in the red zone?

 

[RipTraxx]

Whoops! I'm sorry. For some reason, I thought this was his 3rd season. My bad.

This kid i dont get. Had he come out junior year he'dve been a 1st rounder, maybe even top 10. He stays, then he becomes a 5th rd pick that barely plays.

What the hell happened to him?

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

This kid i dont get. Had he come out junior year he'dve been a 1st rounder, maybe even top 10. He stays, then he becomes a 5th rd pick that barely plays.

What the hell happened to him?

When we drafted him, there was a great deal of thought by all teams evidently that pursuing a medical degree was more important to him than becoming totally focused on football.

Okam seriously considered entering the 2007 NFL Draft and bypassing his senior season, but decided that it was best that he return to school. "Looking at all of the things I've done in college, there are some of the goals I still haven't reached," Okam said. "One of the main goals is to get my degree, and I'm on schedule to do that in December. You also take into account your fans and being a good role model to other young student-athletes to let them know education is important by staying in school that extra year and graduating. I'm still enjoying the college life, the University of Texas has been good to me, and I want to finish my football career with a good senior year and have my degree, as well."

[LINK]

Or law school:

ESPN guru Mel Kiper projects him as the eighth overall pick in the NFL's 2008 draft and the second defensive player off the board after LSU tackle Glenn Dorsey.
But there's more to him than that. A sports management major, Okam posted a perfect 4.0 grade-point
average in the spring and is on track to graduate in 3½ years in December. Once, he targeted medical
school. Now, he's eyeing law.

"I'm a natural debater," he says, smiling. "I ask a lot of questions. I'm very inquisitive."

[LINK]http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/tex/graphics/newsstand/082307_usa_okam.pdf

 

[nero THE zero]

When we drafted him, there was a great deal of thought by all teams evidently that pursuing a medical degree was more important to him than becoming totally focused on football.



[LINK]

Or law school:

That seems to still be a concern. LZ has said that people inside the Texans' organization feel that Okam might be "too smart for football" and realize that he has a better future outside of it.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

That seems to still be a concern. LZ has said that people inside the Texans' organization feel that Okam might be "too smart for football" and realize that he has a better future outside of it.

The Second Link has the most in depth story about Okam's past, upbringing and insights to who he is I've ever read.

I will say that the fact that he has come to camp so much more in shape may say something for his plans.................at least for the next few years.

 

[TimeKiller]

It is very nice seeing the guy's out on the field again, but it's still just OTA's. They're running around in shorts. I'm looking forward to Camp, when the pads start poppin.

A little over a month and a half to go.

Hey, I said it was too early but if the good news keeps coming 'when the pads start poppin' I'll be happy to discuss who starts at CB

I saw that as a poke to Dunta.

I don't think so. Kubiak is pretty straightforward most of the time, if he wanted to poke at Dunta by complimenting a young player then that's about as backwards as it gets. I mean not to long ago he was saying something to the extent of Dunta returning and giving his word and that was good enough for Kubiak.

 

[barrett]

I'm glad to see Glover continues to impress. I expect him to be the one that really impresses in TC barring injury. Kind of the molden of '08

 

[Spike]

That seems to still be a concern. LZ has said that people inside the Texans' organization feel that Okam might be "too smart for football" and realize that he has a better future outside of it.

If Okam has all the physical tools and elects to go to law school for three years and then spend the rest of his life being a lawyer - instead of playing in the league for a couple of years and making real money - he may be too smart for his own good.

If motivation is the issue - the Texans organization can arrange to have him spend a day at the office with me.

 

[barrett]

heehee!

 

[nero THE zero]

If Okam has all the physical tools and elects to go to law school for three years and then spend the rest of his life being a lawyer - instead of playing in the league for a couple of years and making real money - he may be too smart for his own good.

If motivation is the issue - the Texans organization can arrange to have him spend a day at the office with me.

You're a lawyer?