Texans mandatory minicamp 2014: June 17-19

[Playoffs]

Texans mandatory minicamp 2014: June 17-19

Mandatory mini-camp will be virtually the same as OTAs, but they can stay on the field a little longer. The team will still be in just helmets and shorts and there will be "no contact". The teams can practice up to 3.5 hours per day with an hour of that being a walkthrough and can have two-a-days on two of the three days of practice.

The team can't have more than 10 hours of "work" for the day, they get an hour break for lunch and dinner, and can't start before 7 a.m. EDT or end later than 8:30 p.m. EDT.

Article 22, Section 22 CBA

No mandatory veteran camp may exceed three days in length, plus one day for physical examinations . The minicamp must be conducted during the week (Monday through Friday), with physicals taking place on Monday but no practice or workouts on that day, practices on Tuesday through Thurs*day and a day off on Friday.

The minicamp must be conducted during week three or week four of Phase Three of the Club's offseason workout program. The Phase Three rules set forth in Article 21 , Section 2 (b)(iii) of this Agreement shall apply to all mini*camp activities.

Two-a-day practices shall be permitted at two of the three practice days of the Club's one mandatory minicamp, subject to the following rules:

(i) players may be on the field for a total of no more than three and one-half hours per day;

(ii) players may participate in one practice for no more than two and one-half hours of on-field activities under Phase Three rules;

(iii) the second practice may only be for the remaining portion of the players' daily three and one-half hour on-field activities and shall be limite d to walk-through instruction only;

(iv) no organized team activities (including treatment and taping) may begin prior to 7 :00 am local time or end after 8:30 pm local time, and players shall be given at least one hour for lunch and dinner each;

(v) players may only be asked to participate in Club activities for a maximum of ten hours per day including taping and treatment but excluding meal time. The on-field time limits described above shall begin as soon as position coaches begin to coach players on the field.

***

Here are the phase three rules referenced above:

• During Phase Three, all coaches shall be allowed on the field.
• No live contact is permitted.
• No one-on-one offense vs . defense drills are permitted (i. e . , no offensive linemen vs. defensive linemen pass rush or pass protection drills, no wide receivers vs. defensive backs bump-and-run drills, and no one-on-one special teams drills involving both offense and defense are permitted).
• Special teams drills (e.g., kicking team vs. return team) are permitted, provided no live contact occurs.
• Team offense vs . team defense drills, including all drills listed in Appendix G to this Agreement, are permitted, provided no live contact occurs.
• Clubs may require players to wear helmets; no shells are permitted during Phase Three of the Club's offseason workout program or any minicamp.

Players can be fined during each day of m.m.c. absence, losing $11,575 for first day, $23,150 for second day and $34,730 for third day and a total of $69,455 if all are missed.

 

[Playoffs]

Coach O'Brien presser

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Dave Zangaro ‏@DZangaro

Bill O'Brien names Ryan Fitzpatrick the starting quarterback. #Texans

O'Brien says Ben Jones and Brandon Brooks have the upper hand over Su'a-Filo because of experience. #Texans

Su'a-Filo studied while he was away. Said he doesn't think he's too far behind. #Texans

Tania Ganguli @taniaganguli

i asked. O'Brien said, politely, "That's between Andre and myself.">>>>>>> does Andre have the playbook?

O'Brien said he's not concerned about Andre Johnson catching up on his offense when/if he returns. #Texans

O'Brien felt it was important going into mandatory minicamp for the team to know who the starting QB was. #Texans

"With all three of those guys, we need just a little bit more consistency," O'Brien said of Yates, Keenum and Savage. #Texans

"He earned it. He earned it with his preparation. He earned it with his accuracy." O'Brien says of Fitzpatrick. #Texans

O'Brien is here. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been declared starter. #Texans

Drew Dougherty ‏@DoughertyDrew

O'Brien: Keenum/Yates/Savage need a bit more consistency. Battling for backup spot. All have worked hard. #Texans

O'Brien: He's had a good offseason. He's earned it w/his prep/accuracy/command at line of scrimmage. #Texans

Bill O'Brien; Ryan Fitzpatrick is #Texans starter at QB.

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN

Bill O’Brien said he still has stayed in contact with Andre Johnson. talking and texting. #Texans

All of the #Texans draft picks were at practice today [and are signed].

Sua-Filo signed his contract and is back at practice today, as is JJ Watt who made a nice play on a batted pass and celebrated like it was a real geame.

Yates showing good zip on the ball, Keenum good deep balls

AJ did not attend. Yeatman was here on the sidelines.

--Texans All Access​

Deepi Sidhu @DeepSlant

O'Brien says the last year's rookie class, Swearinger/Hopkins/etc, has shown improvement. #Texans

Guards Brandon Brooks and Ben Jones still have the upper hand over Su'a-Filo, having been here longer. #Texans

Rookie Xavier Su'a-Filo returned today for practice after finishing up his academic year at UCLA. #Texans

O'Brien has spoken with and kept in contact via text with Andre Johnson. Was not here for mandatory minicamp today. #Texans

O'Brien wanted the team to know who the starter was before heading into the pre-training camp break. #Texans

O'Brien: Case, T.J., and Savage will be battling for #2. They just need more consistency. #Texans

O'Brien told team in 8 am meeting today. Said all 4 QBs have put in the work, but Fitzpatrick is the starter after earning it this offseason

Bill O'Brien starts off presser saying Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starting QB. #Texans

Greg Bailey @GregBailey13

#Texans O'Brien: I have tremendous respect for Andre. He's a bright guy. He can pick up this system. O'Brien believes Johnson can catch up.

Ben Jones and Brandon Brooks have the upper hand in guard battle because they are veterans. Sua Filo has work to do after missing time.

O'Brien: I'm focused on players who are here. My team not working like they are distracted re: Andre Johnson absence. #Texans

Fitzpatrick timing with receivers still a work in progress. I don't know if I will keep two or three QBs. #Texans

Bill O'Brien: Fitzpatrick must continue to earn that starting job. #Texans Keenum and Yates will battle for number 2 job.

Ryan Fitzpatrick starting QB for #Texans. Per Bill O'Brien. Preparation, accuracy have been the reason.

PDS @PatDStat

Su'a-Filo feels he is in good shape but has to get used to the pace of the offense. #Texans

#Texans offensive lineman Xavier Su'a-Filo returns after a month absence finishing up school.

Su'a-Filo said if he had a problem understanding the playbook he would call Oline Coach Paul Dunn with questions. #Texans

Fitzpatrick pointing out that O'Brien sat him down prior to talking to the team. #Texans

Fitzpatrick mentions the relationship he has built with Posey, Thomas and Bonner. #Texans

"I think the guys have really bought in what we are trying to do." Fitzpatrick on what O'Brien is doing with the #Texans.

**********************
Ryan Fitzpatrick presser

Dave Zangaro ‏@DZangaro

"Personally for me, this is kind of where I wanted to be. I wanted another shot at it. I wanted another chance to be the guy." Fitzpatrick

"I think I'm excited about it. I don't think it changes much with the way I have to continue to attack the playbook and system." Ryan Fitzpatrick #Texans

Drew Dougherty ‏@DoughertyDrew

"I think this is going to be a really fun system to play in," Fitzpatrick on #Texans new offense.

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN

Fitzpatrick joked when asked about getting the ball to playmakers that his 4.95 40 doesn’t get the job done in NFL like it did at Harvard.

**********
Watt

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN

J.J. Watt was eating a piece of steak out of his hand before we talked to him. He told me to get my own at @HEB . Done and done.

Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli

J.J. Watt came in with a piece of steak in his hands and was taking a bite out of it. It looked like a cookie. #newsyouneed

Dave Zangaro ‏@DZangaro

When asked about Andre Johnson, Watt said he can just play with the guys that are on the field.

JJ Watt said his knee was fine today. Sat out of Friday's practice. #Texans

Drew Dougherty ‏@DoughertyDrew

"I felt great. Friday was just a precaution."- J.J. Watt on his knee, and missing that practice. #Texans

PDS @PatDStat

"It is easy to buy into something when everyone is involved." Watt on O'Brien's mentality with the #Texans.

On advice Watt has given Clowney. "I am always here. I'm an open book." #Texans

"I'm not good at evaluating quarterbacks. I go get them." Watt on being asked about Fitz being named the starter. #Texans

 

[Double Barrel]

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been declared starter.

*sigh*

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a garbage QB, and last year 99% of this board would have agreed with this statement.

Let the pumping begin.

[IMGwidthsize=300]http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.14725674.1211/fc,550x550,navy.u3.jpg[/IMG]

 

[Brandon420tx]

I'll still agree with that statement till I see something to tell me otherwise

 

[eriadoc]

*sigh*

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a garbage QB, and last year 99% of this board would have agreed with this statement.

Yeah, but he's the best we have right now, so rally time!

 

[santo]

*sigh*

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a garbage QB, and last year 99% of this board would have agreed with this statement.

Let the pumping begin.

[imgwidthsize=300]http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.14725674.1211/fc,550x550,navy.u3.jpg[/IMG]

I still agree that Ryan Fitzpatrick is garbage, but what can we do now.
Hopefully he's just keeping the seat warm for Savage to eventually take over mid-season.

Doesn't bode well for Keenum or Yates if they couldn't beat out Fitzpatrick.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

*sigh*

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a garbage QB, and last year 99% of this board would have agreed with this statement.

Let the pumping begin.

[IMGwidthsize=300]http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.14725674.1211/fc,550x550,navy.u3.jpg[/IMG]

Take that back .

 

[Playoffs]

*sigh*

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a garbage QB, and last year 99% of this board would have agreed with this statement.

So was Matt Cassel.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

*sigh*

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a garbage QB, and last year 99% of this board would have agreed with this statement.

Let the pumping begin.

[IMGwidthsize=300]http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.14725674.1211/fc,550x550,navy.u3.jpg[/IMG]

Again, I hear the word "ACCURACY." This is the last word I would assign to Fitzpatrick once the live bullets fly. There's a reason why his TD/INT ratio has remained consistent over 10 years............he's not a good decision maker........and he is far from accurate.

 

[markn]

Again, I hear the word "ACCURACY." This is the last word I would assign to Fitzpatrick once the live bullets fly.

I always just assume 'accuracy' is being used as a synonym for 'lack of arm strength'.

 

[michaelm]

*sigh*

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a garbage QB, and last year 99% of this board would have agreed with this statement.

Let the pumping begin.

[IMGwidthsize=300]http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.14725674.1211/fc,550x550,navy.u3.jpg[/IMG]

I'm not going to pump sunshine because I agree Fitz is not a good QB, but on the other hand, I think it's entirely possible for him to have the best year of his career as a Texan, FWIW.

 

[Playoffs]

I always just assume 'accuracy' is being used as a synonym for 'lack of arm strength'.

Accuracy is a specific and very important trait for a successful QB. It's about ball placement, typically within a 2' x 2' window or smaller in the NFL and typically in short & intermediate passing in this offense.

OB has stated Fitz's accuracy has been better than the other QBs in camp, which likely means we're lacking in that trait.

Logan Thomas, a beautiful physical specimen & athlete, has massive arm strength, but could not hit the broad side of a barn.

 

[Double Barrel]

Yeah, but he's the best we have right now, so rally time!

I'll feel that way by regular season kickoff in September.

Right now, though...I just can't help but...let it sink in....Ryan Fitzpatrick....Texans....starting....QB

I still agree that Ryan Fitzpatrick is garbage, but what can we do now.
Hopefully he's just keeping the seat warm for Savage to eventually take over mid-season.

Doesn't bode well for Keenum or Yates if they couldn't beat out Fitzpatrick.

I hope you're right about Savage. I'm not holding my breath, but at the same time, I'm not negative on the guy. He's completely unknown to me, and as a 4th round pick, you can't really expect greatness from him.

I'm not going to pump sunshine because I agree Fitz is not a good QB, but on the other hand, I think it's entirely possible for him to have the best year of his career as a Texan, FWIW.

I hope so. I'll just have to wait and see, though. When teams like the Bills, Titans, Bengals, or Rams don't want a player, I can only hope that O'Brien is able to pull from Fitzpatrick what four other coaching staffs were unable to pull.

Just curious, I keep hearing that O'Brien is a so-called "QB guru", but, what is this from? I do not see anything in his career that indicates the ability to take below average QBs and make them good.

 

[Seegara]

Again, I hear the word "ACCURACY." This is the last word I would assign to Fitzpatrick once the live bullets fly. There's a reason why his TD/INT ratio has remained consistent over 10 years............he's not a good decision maker........and he is far from accurate.

Don't sweat it. He'll be overtaken by Savage no later than the first few regular season games. Keenum's downfall is his decision making more than anything, and Fitz can't be any worse than that.

 

[disaacks3]

Don't sweat it. He'll be overtaken by Savage no later than the first few regular season games. Keenum's downfall is his decision making more than anything, and Fitz can't be any worse than that.

Pickspatrick's TD/Int ratio doesn't bode well for his decision-making skills either. It's not like it's ever been very good. 23/15 24/16 are his HIGH water marks.

 

[IDEXAN]

Good move to let the team know, especially the receivers and OLine, who the leader of the offense is going to be but it could still change by 9/7.
But the big question remains is it going to be Keenum or Yates who remains with the team and when is the decision made to cut one ? Soon or well into TC ?

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Accuracy is a specific and very important trait for a successful QB. It's about ball placement, typically within a 2' x 2' window or smaller in the NFL and typically in short & intermediate passing in this offense.

OB has stated Fitz's accuracy has been better than the other QBs in camp, which likely means we're lacking in that trait.

Logan Thomas, a beautiful physical specimen & athlete, has massive arm strength, but could not hit the broad side of a barn.

Then, on the other hand, Fitzpatrick, despite the fact that he does not have the massive arm strength, can still hit the broad side of a barn.........as long as he is standing inside the barn.

 

[Playoffs]

Fitzpatrick's TD/Int ratio doesn't bode well for his decision-making skills either...

Agree, his decision making has been his downfall -- some real Fitzmagic head-scratchers.

 

[chenjy9]

Then, on the other hand, Fitzpatrick, despite the fact that he does not have the massive arm strength, can still hit the broad side of a barn.........as long as he is standing inside the barn.

Given Fritz's track record for decision making, I wouldn't be surprised if he was throwing the ball the other way.

 

[Porky]

This was a foregone conclusion the minute he signed. Is anyone even mildly surprised?

And BTW - accuracy and poor decision making are two different concepts. A QB might be incredibly accurate but it he makes poor decisions his TD/INT ratio may not be very good.

And he is easily the best QB on the roster at the moment. Doesn't make him a world beater, just the best of a bad lot and he gives this team the best chance to win this year and frankly it's not close.

I seriously doubt we see Savage start any games this year. I think some of you guys are in for some disappointment. At best, maybe some mop up duty to get his feet wet, but more than likely he never gets a single snap all year imho.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

This was a foregone conclusion the minute he signed. Is anyone even mildly surprised?

And BTW - accuracy and poor decision making are two different concepts. A QB might be incredibly accurate but it he makes poor decisions his TD/INT ratio may not be very good.

And he is easily the best QB on the roster at the moment. Doesn't make him a world beater, just the best of a bad lot and he gives this team the best chance to win this year and frankly it's not close.

I seriously doubt we see Savage start any games this year. I think some of you guys are in for some disappointment. At best, maybe some mop up duty to get his feet wet, but more than likely he never gets a single snap all year imho.

You are indeed correct. But a QB with poor accuracy will seldom show good decision making. This commonly will not be appreciated until the game speeds up when live bullets start flying.

 

[thunderkyss]

*sigh*

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a garbage QB, and last year 99% of this board would have agreed with this statement.

Let the pumping begin.

[IMGwidthsize=300]http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.14725674.1211/fc,550x550,navy.u3.jpg[/IMG]

I wouldn't call him garbage... that's just not my way, but I see where you're coming from.

My opinion, just like last year when Kubiak was saying there was a QB battle for the back up position & I kept saying it was just Jedi mind tricks. He knew Yates was going to be the back up & the chances of Keenum "winning" the job in camp was nil.

Same thing here. They're saying it's a competition, they named Fitz the starter, but come week 1, Keenum is going to start. This is just Jedi mind tricks, putting Keenum in this situation, again, to see how he handles it.

 

[thunderkyss]

I'll feel that way by regular season kickoff in September.

Right now, though...I just can't help but...let it sink in....Ryan Fitzpatrick....Texans....starting....QB

I know how I felt when he took over for Tennessee. As a comparison, I thought Jacksonville was in better shape with Henne starting.

 

[Playoffs]

Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock

Jonathan Grimes looks as if his burst may be improved this year. Tom Savage is still taking too long with his progressions.

Alec Lemon beat Elbert Mack on a deep corner route & Case Keenum placed the ball perfectly on the outstretched hands of Lemon.

Fitzpatrick showed some of his veteran ability today. Rolled right, S Clemons blanketed TE Griffin. Fitz placed ball back inside for comp

Case Keenum rolled right & threw a perfect touch pass into the deep corner of the EZ & Grimes went up & pulled in a two-foot tap Touchdown.

The #Texans defense showed a new wrinkle today that I haven't seen all offseason. Smart staff.

Max Bullough played tight coverage on TE Ryan Griffin & before Griffin could complete the catch, Bullough ripped the ball out.

Mandatory #Texans notes: Dennis Johnson is impossible to cover in the flat when he darts out of the backfield in the passing game.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

Keenum flashes in preseason because people get to see his very good deep ball and people get to OOOOOOHHH and AAAAAHHHH.

Training camp deep balls don't happen as often IRL.

 

[Vance87]

I want to hear more about Keenum's deep balls.

 

[drs23]

Keenum flashes in preseason because people get to see his very good deep ball and people get to OOOOOOHHH and AAAAAHHHH.

Training camp deep balls don't happen as often IRL.

I watched several IRL last season. Granted, we all know the ending note. This is a different year, the guy has had his mistakes drilled through his skull, has gotten to the facility early and left late, studied mucho film (from reports, I wasn't there) He's on the roster and TJ is hitchhiking . But I'm more than sure he left with "an apple and a roadmap" I'm gonna give the guy that makes the call a fair berth at this point...

We'll all watch together. As DB always says "It's just entertainment." That move was entertaining to me.

 

[drs23]

I want to hear more about Keenum's deep balls.

You'd maybe need to PM Trap Star?

 

[bayoudreamn]

You'd maybe need to PM Trap Star?

Little bit of everything in this thread

 

[kiwitexansfan]

He did hit some deep balls, defences got smart and realised that if you take the time away for him to hit it, he couldn't do much else. Best Case scenario he improves enough to force OB to keep 3 QBs.

 

[jdjd]

I want to hear more about Keenum's deep balls.

I think that is between Keenum and his wife.

 

[Marshall]

This was a foregone conclusion the minute he signed. Is anyone even mildly surprised?

And BTW - accuracy and poor decision making are two different concepts. A QB might be incredibly accurate but it he makes poor decisions his TD/INT ratio may not be very good.

And he is easily the best QB on the roster at the moment. Doesn't make him a world beater, just the best of a bad lot and he gives this team the best chance to win this year and frankly it's not close.

I seriously doubt we see Savage start any games this year. I think some of you guys are in for some disappointment. At best, maybe some mop up duty to get his feet wet, but more than likely he never gets a single snap all year imho.

If Savage is on the roster, he will get snaps. Very few team in the NFL can keep the starter in on every play. It's probably 100%, but I haven't got a clue where to verify that or find out the last time only the starter played every play all season.

 

[Thorn]

Fitzbeard is the starter for game one, which we all knew would happen, it's why they signed him. He's a stop gap filler QB until BoB get's the QB he wants ready to go. If we're lucky, Fitz will have enough left in him to win some games, which he can do. But he's not The Man. And we still don't know who that is yet.

Maybe Keenum or Doc Savage steps up. In the meantime, we'll have a good enough defense to beat up the bad to mediocre teams. Did we really expect anything else?

 

[powda]

With fitz and whomever else our defense better be lights out. Foster needs to have a career year otherwise were looking at another really bad season. Not that long ago I felt ok about our off-season but really it looks like:

We replaced 1 bad QB with another bad QB.

We did not shore up the right tackle position.

We lost our best Wr (of course this remains to be seen.)

 

[76Texan]

With fitz and whomever else our defense better be lights out. Foster needs to have a career year otherwise were looking at another really bad season. Not that long ago I felt ok about our off-season but really it looks like:

We replaced 1 bad QB with another bad QB.

We did not shore up the right tackle position.

We lost our best Wr (of course this remains to be seen.)

Let's assume that the Texans had gone out and get the best available FA out there (name your preference) or drafted a QB in the first round (name your preference) and throw him into the fire instead of drafting Clowney, what kind of record do you expect the Texans to achieve this year.
This is pure conjecture, but nobody stops us from doing it for fun.

 

[disaacks3]

Let's assume that the Texans had gone out and get the best available FA out there (name your preference) or drafted a QB in the first round (name your preference) and throw him into the fire instead of drafting Clowney, what kind of record do you expect the Texans to achieve this year.
This is pure conjecture, but nobody stops us from doing it for fun.

Or, let's assume that the Texans pick Clowney #1 and tehn trade back into the bottom of the 1st and pick up Bridgewater. They allow him to learn from the bench before throwing him to the wolves around game 8-10.

What record do you expect now? More to the point, how much more ready are they for next season in that scenario?

Sure, it's all conjecture...so is the Texans current "plan".

 

[steelbtexan]

Or, let's assume that the Texans pick Clowney #1 and tehn trade back into the bottom of the 1st and pick up Bridgewater. They allow him to learn from the bench before throwing him to the wolves around game 8-10.

What record do you expect now? More to the point, how much more ready are they for next season in that scenario?

Sure, it's all conjecture...so is the Texans current "plan".

Savage is BOB's Bridgewater.

It remains to be seen if BOB's plan with Savage works out. Or for that matter if TB will live up to his hype.

 

[powda]

Let's assume that the Texans had gone out and get the best available FA out there (name your preference) or drafted a QB in the first round (name your preference) and throw him into the fire instead of drafting Clowney, what kind of record do you expect the Texans to achieve this year.
This is pure conjecture, but nobody stops us from doing it for fun.

I don't fault the Texans for signing fitz. Schaub had to go no question , and fitz was the best FA qb available. We had some options in the draft but nobody there was going to help us early on imo. We picked a bad year to need a starting qb.

As I said rt wasn't addressed and the loss of Q gives even fewer options. Nobody here liked what they saw last year from Newton. Here we are next season trotting out the same guy without any back up plan if he crashes and burns.

Andre Johnson may come back and have a solid season , but this fiasco isn't helping the team. How often do wr's hold out and then have a great year? If we lose him I have to label our offseason a step back (at least offensively. )

Couple these factors with Arian apparently on the downside of his career and we may be in for another disappointment.

------- And I hate to say it but everybody's talking up Obrien.We heard all the same stories about capers and Kubiak. "Fresh new innovative approach. Guys are really buying in and excited about the new schemes. Practices are intense." It's all Window dressing because people are going to say that with any new regime. It may all be true but I want to see it on the field before I buy in. As you said it's all conjecture.

I'll be happy with 7-9.

 

[sandman]

------- And I hate to say it but everybody's talking up Obrien.We heard all the same stories about capers and Kubiak. "Fresh new innovative approach. Guys are really buying in and excited about the new schemes. Practices are intense." It's all Window dressing because people are going to say that with any new regime. It may all be true but I want to see it on the field before I buy in. As you said it's all conjecture.

I'll be happy with 7-9.

In all honesty, did anyone consider Kubiak installing the Denver offense here in Houston as a fresh new innovative approach? It was a proven system in which he spent his entire coaching career. We knew exactly what we were getting. I personally am still not sure WHAT an OB team will end up looking like, because he has had multiple influences on his coaching style. I am sure that we will see many things from NE, but I just don't think he is trying to be Patriots South. IMHO, of course.

 

[dalemurphy]

With fitz and whomever else our defense better be lights out. Foster needs to have a career year otherwise were looking at another really bad season. Not that long ago I felt ok about our off-season but really it looks like:

We replaced 1 bad QB with another bad QB.

We did not shore up the right tackle position.

We lost our best Wr (of course this remains to be seen.)

Two questions:

1. What would you have done, specifically, to solve those problems ?

2. Which resources (FA money, draft picks) did the Texans waste? In other words, what areas of the roster did they address that didn't need addressing?

 

[powda]

In all honesty, did anyone consider Kubiak installing the Denver offense here in Houston as a fresh new innovative approach? It was a proven system in which he spent his entire coaching career. We knew exactly what we were getting. I personally am still not sure WHAT an OB team will end up looking like, because he has had multiple influences on his coaching style. I am sure that we will see many things from NE, but I just don't think he is trying to be Patriots South. IMHO, of course.

Maybe it's subjective? When something is successful people label it innovative. Sure we knew a style of offense we were getting , but we didn't quite know how it would be implemented. Funny how during a 12-4 season you can watch talking heads call it innovative. 2-14 and suddenly the coaches are no longer genius. My description of innovative here is a reiteration of all the b.s. we heard about kubiak in Denver and upon first arriving here. I know it's been a few years back and ZBS is now so common no one thinks twice about it - but that wasn't always the case.

Before kubiak and the ZBS, we had Capers and "innovative zone dog." Funny how Vic fangio was a chump for us but is brilliant for san Francisco. Now it's "multiples" and flexible schemes catered to specific game plans. Forgive me if I want to wait and see before I shoot my load worshiping O'Brien. He may be the next Lombardi , but I'm not going to crown him based off player quotes and media reports that are not only limited but restricted.

 

[Brandon420tx]

I'll be happy with 7-9.

I'd be pleasantly shocked if we won 8 or more games this year as well.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

The Texans issues weren't going to be solved in one offseason . Clowney was the best player from a potential standpoint and they took him . If they draft Jimmy G they wouldn't have the best guard blocking for him . If they traded for Teddy B then they might not have Feido or Nix who both give the Texans much needed size and strength . No they took Savage who has as much arm talent as anyone in the draft and got him in the 4th . If it doesn't workout they'll be more QBs next year and he'll have a better OL and defense to help him .

 

[Mr teX]

Maybe it's subjective? When something is successful people label it innovative. Sure we knew a style of offense we were getting , but we didn't quite know how it would be implemented. Funny how during a 12-4 season you can watch talking heads call it innovative. 2-14 and suddenly the coaches are no longer genius. My description of innovative here is a reiteration of all the b.s. we heard about kubiak in Denver and upon first arriving here. I know it's been a few years back and ZBS is now so common no one thinks twice about it - but that wasn't always the case.

Before kubiak and the ZBS, we had Capers and "innovative zone dog." Funny how Vic fangio was a chump for us but is brilliant for san Francisco. Now it's "multiples" and flexible schemes catered to specific game plans. Forgive me if I want to wait and see before I shoot my load worshiping O'Brien. He may be the next Lombardi , but I'm not going to crown him based off player quotes and media reports that are not only limited but restricted.

I completely agree. We'll be innovative in the fact that we won't being seeing the same ol' tired offense based off of play-action - & everyone will be happy to see something different is all.

But talent makes everything better. I suspect that we've got great burgeoning talent on the defensive side of the ball to realize what everyone thinks can happen with the defense & Crennel. On the offensive side, i think we'll have the ability to be much more creative with BO'B's offense, but we won't get to see it on full tilt b/c of our limits in talent until late in the season when i believe Savage will begin starting games for us.

i also think AJ won't be here to see it either...he's gone after this year.

 

[disaacks3]

The Texans issues weren't going to be solved in one offseason . Clowney was the best player from a potential standpoint and they took him . If they draft Jimmy G they wouldn't have the best guard blocking for him . If they traded for Teddy B then they might not have Feido or Nix who both give the Texans much needed size and strength . No they took Savage who has as much arm talent as anyone in the draft and got him in the 4th . If it doesn't workout they'll be more QBs next year and he'll have a better OL and defense to help him .

Arm talent is all well and good, but he's a longshot that may/may not pay off. It's a near certainty he won't pay any dividends this year.

The "there will be more xxx next year" is a story that the Texans didn't need to fall back on with the number of picks they had to play with. The Texans aren't "rebuilding" remember?

 

[Playoffs]

John McClain ‏@McClain_on_NFL

Keenum on Yates "He helped me so much last year. There’s not many people like that. T.J. is a good friend of mine."

Keenum on Yates "I learned a lot from him. I’ve got the utmost respect for him, not just as a player because he’s also a great person."

Keenum on Yates "He busted his tail since before I got here. We made each other better. We competed since the day I got here."

Case Keenum on Art Briles, who recruited him to UH "He’s always been my guy. I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a person and as a coach."

[IMGwidthsize=450]http://prod.images.texans.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/TEXANS/assets/images/imported/HOU/photos/clubimages/2014/06-June/tempBB1_0664--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG?width=960&height=720[/IMG]

Tania Ganguli @taniaganguli

O'Brien did not rule out bringing in a veteran QB is one he thinks could help the Texans were available. #Texans

O'Brien says he still has to make a decision on who the backup QB will be. #Texans

"I have nothing but good things to say about him," O'Brien on Yates. He came in here and worked hard. He's a good pro." #Texans

Dave Zangaro @DZangaro

Keenum asked if his mobility gives him an advantage. He said he feels last yr when he ran that’s when he got into trouble. avoiding it now.

O'Brien said it was in the best interest of the team to go with three quarterbacks. #Texans

Jayson Braddock @JaysonBraddock

Ricky Sapp said he took up boxing and hot yoga during the offseason. Said the yoga has improved his agility. #Texans

Sapp said he's up to 262. More physical OLBs

@PatDStat Whitney Mercilus said he was at 252 lbs last season. Now he is at 260 lbs. #Texans

O'Brien says the next 4 weeks are a huge time for these players. Said they need to stay in their books & come back in great shape

O'Brien views Alfred Blue as a 1st & 2nd back currently, but long term he could develop into a 3 down back. Will contribute on STs.

"TJ Yates, nothing but good things to say about him." - O'Brien

Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26

DeVier Posey on Ryan Fitzpatrick: "Cowboy mentality. You feed off of that toughness. Sort of creates your identity when that's your leader"

Briles on O'Brien: "We visited a little.I think he'll do an outstanding job.He's a great football coach.I think he's doing a great job here"

Briles on OBrien "He did a phenomenal job at Penn State. They overcame so many obstacles. It as an amazing job."

Bill O'Brien was asked if he could still bring in a veteran QB & he said the Texans will always do what is in the best interest of the team

Bill O'Brien says he still has a decision to make on who his backup quarterback will be.

"Mainly because I saw where Case (Keenum) made the team. We got a couple of other guys from Baylor here. Came to say hello"

Art Briles @Texans practice to congratulate @casekeenum7 "I'm just tickled to death for him. Happy he has a chance to perform. He's a great player"

Deepi Sidhu @DeepSlant

O'Brien on RB Alfred Blue: We initially saw him as a 1st & 2nd down back, special teams. "He's performed admirably." #Texans

O'Brien likes to point out to players how much they've improved during morning meetings, especially veterans. #Texans

Stephanie Stradley @StephStradley

Sure O'Brien can run his offense with the physical skills of his QBs. Run it well? Lots of people will pay money to find that out.

Um MT @PatDStat Is there any physical limitations of his QBs that don't allow him to run his offense? O'Brien: "Nope" pic.twitter.com/B8nYMSo0TQ

Bill O'Brien is fortunate that he is a human being and not a puppet whose nose grows when he is less than truthful. /Like all coaches.

ReplyAll ‏@ReplyAlldotme

#Texans Q&A with @ChronSport's @StephStradley keeps getting more Q's and giving more A's...

http://www.replyall.me/stephanie-stradleys-cast/ask-me-anything-about-texans-otas/

PDS @PatDStat

Posey said Andre Johnson is one of his good friends and says they talk all the time. #Texans

Alfred Blue on if #LSU did what it needed to get him ready for the NFL? Blue Answered "No Doubt." #Texans

"We have bought in to O'Brien because he wants to win." Mercilus on Bill O'Brien.

Romeo Crennel wants smart players out there. #Texans

Mercilus the #Texans defense had issues with communication last season. Says Crennel will not accept that this season.

Baylor Coach Art Briles caught up with former players Case Keenum, Terrance Lloyd and Chris McAllister prior to #Texans practice.

"I have seen a lot of good things." O'Brien on DeVier Posey. #Texans

 

[Nitrofish]

Tania Ganguli @taniaganguli

Quote:
O'Brien did not rule out bringing in a veteran QB is one he thinks could help the Texans were available. #Texans

Quote:
O'Brien says he still has to make a decision on who the backup QB will be. #Texans

Interesting. So the way I am reading this is, the battle is now between Keenum and Savage to make the team? Which seems kind of silly because we all know they are not going to cut Savage after just drafting him.

Will O'Brien carry 3 QB's into the regular season, or is it possible Keenum gets cut after training camp?

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I hesitate to put very much into what OB is saying about players...........has anyone heard him say ANYTHING significantly critical of ANY player to this point????

 

[DX-TEX]

I hesitate to put very much into what OB is saying about players...........has anyone heard him say ANYTHING significantly critical of ANY player to this point????

Because every player has bought in and he knows deep down in his heart this is our year finally!

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

There is eerily no mention of anything on our kicking game. I'm afraid to ask. Both of the kickers apparently going into camp have me very nervous.