Vinny
shiny happy fan
More workouts moving indoors during camp
JOSEPH DUARTE
Houston Chronicle (click for entire story)
Copyright 2004
JOSEPH DUARTE
Houston Chronicle (click for entire story)
Copyright 2004
The third installment of Camp Capers will offer a noticeably different feel this summer. A nice, cool breeze. Hoping to escape the sweltering Houston heat, Texans coach Dom Capers will conduct at least one-third of the 27 training camp workouts inside the team's climate-controlled facility. "If we can mix where we aren't constantly out in the heat and humidity every day," Capers said, "it will be in our best interest."
The 24-day training camp which begins with two workouts today at Reliant Park calls for the Texans to alternate days they practice outdoors. On days that involve two practices, the team will remain outside for two-hour practices in the morning and evening. Days that involve one workout, which will begin at 3 p.m., will be moved inside the team's practice bubble.
During their previous two training camps, also held in Houston, the Texans worked out almost exclusively outside. Other than moving some of the practices indoors, Capers wasn't planning any other changes this year. "We spent a lot of money for that bubble," defensive end Gary Walker said with a grin. "We need to use it. I think Dom is just trying to take care of us. Practicing inside at 3 p.m. makes a lot of sense. Everybody knows how hot it is around here."
Capers said the main reason behind the decision to hold at least nine workouts inside was a weather-friendly schedule during the early portion of the season. The Texans play August exhibitions at Pittsburgh and Denver. After opening the regular season at home against San Diego at Reliant Stadium, which features a retractable roof, the next three road trips are to Detroit, Kansas City and Tennessee in late September and mid-October.
To prepare for last season's opener in steamy South Florida, Capers worked his squad outdoors for most of camp. The Texans responded with a 21-20 win over Miami. "Miami had won 11 straight openers, and I think a big part of that was because the teams weren't ready to go in there and play in the heat and humidity," Capers said. "This year we open at home (Sept. 12), so we have the option of having the roof closed or open. And even when it's open, with the air conditioner it's not that much of a factor."