Texans in better shape to end up in better shape

[CloakNNNdagger]

Over the years, there has been a load of discussion about strength and conditioning.......the coaches, the programs, the approaches, it's importance, its failures. But until now, I haven't seen an all out attitude of the players placing their priorities on not only working hard to "build up" by training camp, but to present to OTA's in already more than commendable shape. No doubt, they have this year. To me, this heralds good things to come during the upcoming season.

A little taste of attitude is related in http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5361


A notable out take......no matter what you think of Allen (after the Schaub incident), no one can argue with his "killer attitude" (something the Texans need to better emulate), his preparation and his personal physical "presentation."

One of Grigsby’s closest friends is Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. They live together during the offseason in Arizona, where Allen does Mixed Martial Arts training and has a yoga instructor. Grigsby will spend a few weekends working out with Allen, but will be in Houston weight training and running the rest of the time.

“I feel like physically I’m in good enough shape that I can train very hard,” he said. “I have one more go and I’ll regret it if I don’t give it every single thing that I’ve got.”

That attitude is symbolic of the entire team’s mindset heading into the season. After consecutive 8-8 campaigns, every player knows that there’s no time for relaxation. July 31 is quickly approaching.

 

[kozanack]

Over the years, there has been a load of discussion about strength and conditioning.......the coaches, the programs, the approaches, it's importance, its failures. But until now, I haven't seen an all out attitude of the players placing their priorities on not only working hard to "build up" by training camp, but to present to OTA's in already more than commendable shape. No doubt, they have this year. To me, this heralds good things to come during the upcoming season.

CND, how much of this do you attribute to the program and environment, and how much to filling the roster with players who have a professional approach to the game? My guess is, it's more the latter than the former.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

CND, how much of this do you attribute to the program and environment, and how much to filling the roster with players who have a professional approach to the game? My guess is, it's more the latter than the former.

I believe we have the caliber of players now that pride themselves on self-motivation and trying to make themselves the best they can be. The coaches' emphasis on their new approach to strength and conditioning only serve to allow the players to reach their full potential. As I see it, if the former is not present, the latter becomes an inconsequential factor.

 

[Carr Bombed]

I think alot of it is the fact that there's a new voice in the weight room......after years and years of listening to the same voice, things can get kinda stale.....not to mention you have a new NFL S&C coach who wants to prove himself. Plus I also think this team wants to get over the damn 8-8 hump and vowed to give it all they got this offseason to (in the words of Bum) kick that (playoff) door down.

I swear if this team reaches the playoffs and a big reason why is the acquisitions of Rick Smith and the new S&C coach totally rebuilding some of our players' bodies.........Dick Smith's head is going to explode.

 

[awtysst]

Another issue might be the older veteran players don't want to look bad in comparison to the younger workout warriors. Cush, Barwin, and Caldwell are all players that like to workout and show up in tip top shape. How does a player like TJ hold his head up high when he sees that the new rooks are already in tip top shape and he is not. He doesn't. He gets his butt in the gym and pushes away from the dinner table.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Another issue might be the older veteran players don't want to look bad in comparison to the younger workout warriors. Cush, Barwin, and Caldwell are all players that like to workout and show up in tip top shape. How does a player like TJ hold his head up high when he sees that the new rooks are already in tip top shape and he is not. He doesn't. He gets his butt in the gym and pushes away from the dinner table.

That would be a welcome contrast. The only calories TJ seemed to expend was while pulling tables loaded with food towards him.

 

[Carr Bombed]

Another issue might be the older veteran players don't want to look bad in comparison to the younger workout warriors. Cush, Barwin, and Caldwell are all players that like to workout and show up in tip top shape. How does a player like TJ hold his head up high when he sees that the new rooks are already in tip top shape and he is not. He doesn't. He gets his butt in the gym and pushes away from the dinner table.

I don't even consider TJ on the team anymore......that guy is a flat out bust. I was done with him after hearing him talk about how this is a big year for him, because it's "his contract year".

I'd rather see Deljuan Robinson take his spot.

 

[awtysst]

That would be a welcome contrast. The only calories TJ seemed to expend was while pulling tables loaded with food towards him.

Well, he also expended calories chewing his food

 

[awtysst]

I don't even consider TJ on the team anymore......that guy is a flat out bust. I was done with him after hearing him talk about how this is a big year for him, because it's "his contract year".

I'd rather see Deljuan Robinson take his spot.

I would love to see Frank Okam step it up and take his spot. If Frank can be a terror that occupies lineman, collapses the pocket, and puts pressure on the opposing QB, he would bolster our Dline 10 fold.

 

[painekiller]

I would love to see Frank Okam step it up and take his spot. If Frank can be a terror that occupies lineman, collapses the pocket, and puts pressure on the opposing QB, he would bolster our Dline 10 fold.

Okam would be a huge force. If he could develop he changes the entire look of our DL.

 

[dalemurphy]

Okam would be a huge force. If he could develop he changes the entire look of our DL.

A question regarding Okam for those of you who understand the nuances of line play:

Besides what appeared to be a lack of effort or energy, it seemed to me that his main problem last season was that his pad level was ridiculously high. First, is that true? Second, is it a result of being stood up after contact with the OLine or does he just come out of his stance very high? Third, what can remedy it?

 

[awtysst]

A question regarding Okam for those of you who understand the nuances of line play:

Besides what appeared to be a lack of effort or energy, it seemed to me that his main problem last season was that his pad level was ridiculously high. First, is that true? Second, is it a result of being stood up after contact with the OLine or does he just come out of his stance very high? Third, what can remedy it?

I did not get a chance to see his play, so I cannot comment how high he was. One of the issues with Okam is a perceived lack of interest in the game. If he was coming up high, or if if is getting stood up, that points to a lack of solid fundamentals. This is something he will need to work on. Learning to get low and powering through will be his key. If he is unable to learn this, he will be able to pursue law school a little sonner than he might have anticipated. .

Fortunately for him, he has the smarts to make a good living in law. Sadly, many football players do not have anything to fall back on.

 

[TimeKiller]

Maybe it sounds simplistic but...bigger, stronger and faster are good ways to get better in this league. Cushing, Caldwell, Hill add size and strength, Barwin, McCain, Casey have speed. If the team is around where the rookies are as a class I feel confident that the Texans have maxed out their preparations for the season. Right now isn't necessarily football time...the team seems to think that way too. These guys know how to play so learning the extent of the playbook is probably not tops on the list of priorities.

 

[Polo]

A question regarding Okam for those of you who understand the nuances of line play:

Besides what appeared to be a lack of effort or energy, it seemed to me that his main problem last season was that his pad level was ridiculously high. First, is that true? Second, is it a result of being stood up after contact with the OLine or does he just come out of his stance very high? Third, what can remedy it?

Normally when a player comes out of his stance too high it's due to lack of conditioning...