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Information from OTAs

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gtexan02

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I was reading up on the Texans chat on the official site, and picked up a few tidbits about our OTAs. Post any more information you can find here if you'd like:

Brooke Bentley said:
The Texans just walked off the field after their first practice during organized team activities (OTAs). These non-mandatory workouts run on May 18-21, May 26-28, June 1-4 and June 9-11 and they give coaches a chance to evaluate the team, especially the rookies and new free agents, before training camp. I wrote about the five big questions that the Texans have going into OTAs. After Day 1, you already could see that two of the biggest storyline will be: Who will start at weakside LB and who will be the backup to RB Steve Slaton. Without further ado, let's dive into it.
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On linebacker competition:
Brooke Bentley said:
The competition at LB started the moment the Texans drafted Brian Cushing No. 15 overall. D-coordinator Frank Bush wants Cushing starting at the strongside. There's going to be a lot expected of him right away. Last year, Zac Diles moved from backup MIKE to SAM. Now, he is working out on the weakside and competing against Xavier Adibi, who won a starting spot there last season. Bush told me he felt like Diles was the most consistent player on defense until he was injured last November. I think Diles will find his way on the field. Cato June has played both the SAM and WILL positions and will provide depth. Also, look for Kevin Bentley to back up DeMeco Ryans at middle linebacker.
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On Dunta
Brooke Bentley said:
Dunta didn't come to OTAs, which are not mandatory workouts. But coach Gary Kubiak said that Dunta assured him that he will be at the first mandatory workout, which are mini-camps in the middle of June
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On the Rookies
Brooke Bentley said:
A lot of these rookies look that part of pros right away. Brian Cushing was the biggest linebacker on the field by far. The Texans aren't tackling right now, but Cushing looked like he wanted to lay some people out. He's going to have to work on his technique and learn the defensive schemes, but the learning curve should be steep for him. Third-round draft pick Antoine Caldwell was holding his own at center. He can play both guard or center, but assistant head coach Alex Gibbs worked him hard at center. Caldwell is sharp and he should pick up the zone scheme quickly. Tight end Anthony Hill has long arms and looks like he could develop into a good blocker. James Casey layed out to make a catch that was impressive. Defensive end Connor Barwin wasn't there because he is in school until June13.
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On Dan O
Brooke Bentley said:
QB Dan Orlovsky was taking reps behing Matt Schaub in OTAs today, and I think he's very impressive. Orlovsky is taller than Schaub and he gets great zip on the ball.
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On who was there
Brooke Bentley said:
As for no-shows, CB Dunta Robinson wasn't there because of his contract holdout and DE Connor Barwin, the second-round draft pick, is still in school. Everyone else, including DeMeco Ryans, was there.
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On the Running backs
Brooke Bentley said:
I was impressed with Arian Foster's size. He looks like someone who could excel in the Texans' one-cut scheme. I think the coaches are excited to see what they have in him. Moats also is very quick and has a great work ethic- he's the perfect backup guy. However, GM Rick Smith told me they will continue to look at who is available and see if they can upgrade their talent. So there could be some additions to this group.
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more here: http://www.houstontexans.com/news/LiveChat.asp

I bolded the parts I found interesting. Especially that she said Diles was the most consistent player on the entire defense. That speaks volumes about that guy.
 
i thought it was noteworthy to point out that Travis Johnson is not expected to be in the starting rotation. Bentley mentions that he's out with an injury but she made it seem as though even if he was healthy he's not in the starting rotation. It was more noteworthy that it seemed as a surprise to her. It's the first day of OTA's but hey, we're starving here. Glad Dan 'O is looking big and strong. I think he's going to be a great addition.

Also, noted that Ferguson is still starting at SS not Barber.
 
Thanks. From all the positive comments recently, I think linebacker should be a strong point this year. I'm interest in how Chaun Thompson does.

I hope Foster and Moats really step up.
 
Thompson will be hard pressed to get on the field. He's lights out on special teams though. But it may be a casualty due to too much depth. Bentley can play all three positions, so can Diles, DeMeco, Cushing and Adibi aren't going anywhere due to contracts and age. Chaun may miss the boat, or maybe June.
 
I like that we're already seeing Caldwell getting reps, and concentrating at center. I suspect if Caldwell continues to impress Myers might be in a camp battle for the starting spot. Either way looks like we've got some depth possibly at guard or center. I loved the Caldwell pick once they called his name.

Got killer depth at LB and looking forward to camp battle for the WLB spot. If Adibi can stay healthy I like his chances and his speed. I'd really love to see 3 LBers on the the roster for once who can run sideline to sideline.

If Hill can catch the ball well enough I wonder what our chances are this year of running a few plays out of a 2 TE set.
 
I have to wonder how much BB actually knows about football. She probably was hired for her looks more than her ability to break down the cover 2 defense.
 
mexican_texan said:
I have to wonder how much BB actually knows about football. She probably was hired for her looks more than her ability to break down the cover 2 defense.
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Why would you even say anything like that? Pretty women can't like football?

I actually used to think the same way, but Suzy Kolberg(sp) changed my mind. It's possible that a good looking woman can be "involved" with the sport.
 
BattleRedToro said:
I'd say the chances are very high, because if my memory serves me correctly, we used a 2 TE set a few times last year.
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With the type of TEs we've brought in, i.e., TEs that can block, catch, play FB/H-back, and even throw, it wouldn't surprise me to occasionally see 3 of those placed amongst Schaub, Leach and Slaton(or his compliment)...............without telegraphing "pass" or "run." Talk about wreaking strategic havoc.:texflag:
 
mexican_texan said:
I have to wonder how much BB actually knows about football. She probably was hired for her looks more than her ability to break down the cover 2 defense.
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I was liking her in those workout shorts in the video with Dan O! :drool: Giggidy.

I think she has some good knowledge and is willing to listen to the fans questions.
 
I hear her on the podcasts and on all those videos on the main site and never really heard much of an opinion from her or an analysis of some sort. Mostly fluff pieces.
 
mexican_texan said:
I hear her on the podcasts and on all those videos on the main site and never really heard much of an opinion from her or an analysis of some sort. Mostly fluff pieces.
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Reporters state the facts. Columnists and commentators provide opinions. I doubt that the Texans would ever have a columnist or commentator on staff because they would come across as a propagandist.
 
Someone please tell me Chris Brown was on the field today. Dude owes us whatever he has left. I'm hoping he can contribute this year. I like his size.
 
mexican_texan said:
I have to wonder how much BB actually knows about football. She probably was hired for her looks more than her ability to break down the cover 2 defense.
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I'll tell you that she probably knows more about football and the Texans than most of the people on this message board.

I've been impressed with her interviews of players. If she doesn't KNOW the material she's presenting... she has an uncanny ability to memorize facts, figures, ideas, etc. and convey them in a convincing manner. I'd rather read the transcripts of what she says during interviews than read what 90% of the people on these boards have to offer concerning the Texans.

FACT. :)
 
Brooke Bentley said:
I talked to GM Rick Smith about Amobi Okoye before OTAs. Smith told he that Amobi has to step up for the defense to execute and that Amobi knows this. Today, new defensive line coach Bill Kollar was all over his unit and he had Amobi running at a high gear. I think Kollar will be riding Amobi hard and it will be interesting to see the results.
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But she does need to be careful about keeping that site G rated, we don't want any rumors being spread around the NFL about our players/coaches! :splits:
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I'll tell you that she probably knows more about football and the Texans than most of the people on this message board.

I've been impressed with her interviews of players. If she doesn't KNOW the material she's presenting... she has an uncanny ability to memorize facts, figures, ideas, etc. and convey them in a convincing manner. I'd rather read the transcripts of what she says during interviews than read what 90% of the people on these boards have to offer concerning the Texans.

FACT. :)
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Interviews aren't spontaneous at all. For a simple piece for the school paper, I had to read the press release over and over and do a lot of research. For someone getting paid to do interviews, she either does a lot of research or has someone write up questions depending on how strict the editor is.
 
mexican_texan said:
I have to wonder how much BB actually knows about football. She probably was hired for her looks more than her ability to break down the cover 2 defense.
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They hired the coaching staff to break down the cover 2 defense.

They hired Bentley and Brandimere to pass along team-related information to the fans.

mexican_texan said:
Interviews aren't spontaneous at all. For a simple piece for the school paper, I had to read the press release over and over and do a lot of research. For someone getting paid to do interviews, she either does a lot of research or has someone write up questions depending on how strict the editor is.
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I imagine its some of both.
 
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Saw this at the end of the OTA report....
New blood: On Monday, the Texans signed strong safety John Busing, who spent four years with the Cincinnati Bengals, and guard Adrian Jones, a sixth-year pro.
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anyone know anything about these latest acquisitions?
Camp fodder?
 
mexican_texan said:
I have to wonder how much BB actually knows about football. She probably was hired for her looks more than her ability to break down the cover 2 defense.
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That's not really fair. In watching her interviews with players and reading her chats and articles, it's clear that she has a relatively advanced understanding of the game. If she weren't female, I doubt anyone would be raising these issues.
 
Love this pic:
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Cushing:
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Then there is this dork, the sign isn't really going to help his cause:
600xPopupGallery-3.jpg
 
Texsker said:
That's not really fair. In watching her interviews with players and reading her chats and articles, it's clear that she has a relatively advanced understanding of the game. If she weren't female, I doubt anyone would be raising these issues.
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You can't pull the sexist card around here with Texans_Chick around.
 
Texsker said:
That's not really fair. In watching her interviews with players and reading her chats and articles, it's clear that she has a relatively advanced understanding of the game. If she weren't female, I doubt anyone would be raising these issues.
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Yea, I don't buy that.

To be honest, she isn't very good at the reports or the analysis IMO. She makes all of the videos awkward from the outset with her "Hi Texans Fanssss" bit in the beginning of every video. Her analysis is pretty "well duh" IMO.

I mean I like her because she is a Texans fan, but other than that I don't really see how she got that job.
 
TexansSeminole said:
Yea, I don't buy that.

To be honest, she isn't very good at the reports or the analysis IMO. She makes all of the videos awkward from the outset with her "Hi Texans Fanssss" bit in the beginning of every video. Her analysis is pretty "well duh" IMO.

I mean I like her because she is a Texans fan, but other than that I don't really see how she got that job.
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I think there is some truth to women having generally less understanding of football than some men. It actually has nothing to do with sexism. I just think that people that played organized football have the potential to understand it better. And, not many girls play organized football- certainly not into high school (Helen Hunt not withstanding).
 
dalemurphy said:
I think there is some truth to women having generally less understanding of football than some men. It actually has nothing to do with sexism. I just think that people that played organized football have the potential to understand it better. And, not many girls play organized football- certainly not into high school (Helen Hunt not withstanding).
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I don't think she doesn't understand it, she just doesn't bring anything new. It's repetition. I've never learned anything from a report of hers.

I dunno, not saying she is terrible at what she does, but she surely isn't good at it IMO.
 
TexansSeminole said:
I don't think she doesn't understand it, she just doesn't bring anything new. It's repetition. I've never learned anything from a report of hers.

I dunno, not saying she is terrible at what she does, but she surely isn't good at it IMO.
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I think that's probably the best description of Megan and probably symtomatic of most of the media coverage of the Texans locally. You have a few bright spots but for the most part they don't bring anything you don't know or couldn't have guessed by yourself.
 
Goldensilence said:
I think that's probably the best description of Megan and probably symtomatic of most of the media coverage of the Texans locally. You have a few bright spots but for the most part they don't bring anything you don't know or couldn't have guessed by yourself.
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That's because this message board is too damn smart :)
 
dalemurphy said:
I think there is some truth to women having generally less understanding of football than some men. It actually has nothing to do with sexism. I just think that people that played organized football have the potential to understand it better. And, not many girls play organized football- certainly not into high school (Helen Hunt not withstanding).
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What I'm saying is that she displays what I would consider to be an intermediate understanding of football. She's not a true analyst, but is a reporter with enough knowledge of the game to be competent in her reporting.

I'm not touting her as an example of greatness, but it's clear by the Texans' choice to hire her that they weren't targeting a high-level analyst who could really break down Xs & Os or get highly technical. She's just a reporter who happens to have sufficient knowledge of the game to do her job reasonably well. That's all.
 
Rings of things I would not want to be hearing at this point from what Kubes is saying:

-TJ being "out" with "issues." He needs to be out there with or without "issues" or he may just very well find himself off the team by the beginning of the season..............with more "issues."

-Antonio Smith with a hamstring.......potential high risk recurrent, chronic condition.

-Okoye with a quad with knee pains........one of the more rehab friendly injuries if isolated (and not a primary knee joint problem), but another loss of time in a "new system."

Lots of time to heal before TC, but why all these "issues" following a long rest period........certainly not from yesterday's OTA.

They all need this valuable time with their new coaches.
 
Goldensilence said:
If Hill can catch the ball well enough I wonder what our chances are this year of running a few plays out of a 2 TE set.
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I could easily see us carrying 4 TE's this year and using 2-3 TE sets. Kubiak has always used 2 TE sets. And he likes 3 TE sets, too, but couldn't do that much (if at all) last year because Bruener was out almost all year.
 
I hope Travis Johnson gets healthy quick and is able to participate.

Cushing looks jacked. I hope he is learning and picking up pointers from Ryans.
 
Big Poundcake said:
I hope Travis Johnson gets healthy quick and is able to participate.

Cushing looks jacked. I hope he is learning and picking up pointers from Ryans.
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Absolutely...
(on LB Demeco Ryans saying he would help him and if he will try to lean on Ryans) “Oh, of course. He’s been generous enough to do that. It’s been a privilege already to play next to him. All-Pro linebacker, just an unbelievable talent, so I’m going to try to get everything I can from him. He was in the same situation and he’s just been doing a great job since day one.”

(on if it will help that Ryans was in the same situation of having to start right away) “Absolutely. He came in, he was a highly touted linebacker, and he’s just lived up to the expectations and more since being in this organization.”

(on if he talked to any of the other veterans today) “Oh, all of them. Especially the linebackers, just helping me out with every little thing, wanting me to get better. You could tell it’s a tight unit and everyone wants the best for each other.”
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I found this KubeKuote somewhat interesting...

(on CB Fred Bennett’s role on the team) “Fred’s a starter right now. This league is about opportunity, and through Dunta’s situation, Fred’s a starting corner on this team right now. We’ll see how he does with it. He’s really taken to (defensive backs coach) David’s (Gibbs) attention and he’s worked very, very hard. So he’s had two good days to start off with here, so we’ll see.”
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Does this mean that Fred is #2 until Robinson comes back (when he drops to #3) or does that mean he and Reeves are battling for the #2 spot?
 
ObsiWan said:
I found this KubeKuote somewhat interesting...



Does this mean that Fred is #2 until Robinson comes back (when he drops to #3) or does that mean he and Reeves are battling for the #2 spot?
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I was thinking it meant Dunta was #3 right now. :thinking:
 
JCTexan said:
I was thinking it meant Dunta was #3 right now. :thinking:
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actually, that was my first thought until I considered the franchise tag and the committed money that goes with it.

I figure you don't franchise a guy to the tune of nearly $10Mil/yr and then sit him.
 
Runner said:
Dunta isn't on the team right now.
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that's riiiight...
Good point.
the franchise "offer" is just an offer until he decides to sign...


So, whaddaya think, is Fred Bennett the #2 or #1 CB on the team right now?
and is Kubes sending a not-so-subtle msg to D-Rob?
 
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ObsiWan said:
actually, that was my first thought until I considered the franchise tag and the committed money that goes with it.

I figure you don't franchise a guy to the tune of nearly $10Mil/yr and then sit him.
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You do, if you are given no choice and he doesn't show for the first few games.
 
I think thats Kubiak talk for Dunta isn't at this practice, he's not under contract etc. so, "officially" everybody bumps up one spot and that makes Reeves 1 and Bennett 2. I don't think he was calling out Dunta as was suggested in a recent BRB post and I don't think it means anything but extra reps for Bennett at this extremely early stage. I do think he was calling out Travis Johnson however. Most of what he said I felt was fairly watered down nothing.
 
ObsiWan said:
I found this KubeKuote somewhat interesting...



Does this mean that Fred is #2 until Robinson comes back (when he drops to #3) or does that mean he and Reeves are battling for the #2 spot?
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This is very interesting to me. I hope Fred battles it out for number 2 when Dunta comes back.
 
AnthonyE said:
This is very interesting to me. I hope Fred battles it out for number 2 when Dunta comes back.[/QUOTE

I can't help but wonder about the #2 slot at Cb this year. If Reeves, who will be with the team, through OTAs and TC unquestionably, works his way into the #1 slot. I think it's very possible given what I have heard about his dedication to getting better this offseason and new DB coach Gibbs. I can't help but wonder that Bennett will have the same situation to get better. Depending on the status of Dunta I can't help but wonder if he might be battling for the #2 slot as opposed to #1.

I guess I am wondering out loud what happens if our franchise tagged Cb is getting outplayed by two other guys?
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