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Texans random thought of the day

JB said:
Damn, this is scary

Best QB in history

No wonder McNair is panic-shocked
Click to expand...
What's the scary part? Matt Schaub was a damn good qb, while it lasted. Had he not suffered that injury he might have still been here. Oh well, coulda shoulda. People like to pretend that Matt Schaub gave us 7 years of 2013 production, and quickly forget that he played a major role in us ever even getting a taste of the playoffs, and the qb position being legit. It has been the laughing stock of the NFL once he fell apart.
 
Mangler said:
What's the scary part? Matt Schaub was a damn good qb, while it lasted. Had he not suffered that injury he might have still been here. Oh well, coulda shoulda. People like to pretend that Matt Schaub gave us 7 years of 2013 production, and quickly forget that he played a major role in us ever even getting a taste of the playoffs, and the qb position being legit. It has been the laughing stock of the NFL once he fell apart.
Click to expand...


Really? An average to above average is the Texans shining light followed by the nightmares of

2. HWSNBN
3. Brian freakin' Hoyer
4. I can't believe we reminisced about Fitzmagic

And that's the best we got
 
Andre Hal Fitting Into His Leadership Role for the Houston Texans
10:21 AM


Now the most experienced safety of the group, Andre Hal is now ready to step into a leadership role for the Houston Texans.

Entering his fourth season with the Houston Texans, safety Andre Hal is now shaping up to be the bonafide leader of the safety group. Now in his third season as a starter, Hal is embracing this role. Hal knows that as the most experienced safety of the group, expectations are rising for him personally, especially with the exit of Quintin Demps.

“QD (Demps) was a great leader. He is gone now,” Hal explained.“The coaches kinda look at me to be the leader back there and I take on that role. I love it, I accept it and I want to be that guy they (younger players) look up to and ask for advice.”

Besides Hal, the safety group is young and inexperienced, with limited playing time, leaving him as one of the more important players for the defense this upcoming season.

Hal evaluated his game and knows what he had to improve on over the off-season, starting with him in the run game, filling his run fits better than he has in the past. Hal described what he continues to work on this off-season.

“Just being consistent in the run game and just being more aggressive,” Hal said of improving his game. “Playing fast and aggressive, that is what I really focused on this off-season, getting stronger. Gained a little more weight and just being able to fill in the run game and tackle when I need to.”

If there are some positives, Hal is getting comfortable with his role, not only due to familiarity but from the group he has been playing with. The likes of Jonathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson make each year easier to for the defensive back to grow with the defense. Hal sees the communication levels among his teammates getting better season to season.

“Just our communication, going on my third year at safety, fourth year in the system,” Hal explained. “We are rolling right now, been the same guys all my years here. Joe, Jack and we have Kevin (Johnson) coming back, those guys we have been together for a while.”

The Texans will depend on Hal to become a better tackle but more importantly, be the guy whom the younger safeties look to for guidance on how to play the position. Hal has turned into a solid starter of the Texans, tied with Jackson for the team lead in interceptions over the past three seasons, showing he has play-making ability.

Hal’s importance to the Texans defense should not be overlooked, especially with him being the most experienced of the group.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

As posted previously somewhere, the Texans secondary per PFF dropped from #3 in 2015 to #8 last year (see below), and the only claim to fame for Hal was that he had a large number of snaps. Playing the run was a big liability on his part. With the loss of Bouye and Demps, the safety position is likely to be stressed more than last year. I've had high hopes for Hall. Experience can take you only so far as your talent allows. Hal has shown limited bursts followed by ghost-like disappearance. He needs to show much more before he can be considered a "leader." I hope it happens.:

8. Houston Texans (3)
Top overall grade: CB A.J. Bouye, 92.5 (No. 2)

Top coverage grade: CB A.J. Bouye, 92.7 (tied for No. 1)

Top run-defense grade: S Quintin Demps, 83.0 (No. 17)

Most snaps: S Andre Hal, 881
 
Unlike the OL, we have depth in our defensive backfield. We lose some, but we have the players to be the next men up. We'll just have to wait and see how well they play, but expectations are positive.
 
Number19 said:
Unlike the OL, we have depth in our defensive backfield. We lose some, but we have the players to be the next men up. We'll just have to wait and see how well they play, but expectations are positive.
Click to expand...
agree and focus of depth for offense going forward. We added Foreman and Davenport 2017. 2016 Fuller, Martin, Brax Miller, Tyler Erving and FA Miller. 2015 Strong and Mumphries. We should have some depth out of this and we missed on one so far.
 
Interesting TE to watch during TC. Looks scary huge. Listed as 6'4" 240lbs. Guarantee he weighs much more than 240lbs. During a practice with the Saints, he caught the Texans eye. He has an uncanny extensive practice squad history.

RaShaun Allen


TRANSACTIONS: Signed by the Seattle Seahawks as a college free agent on May 19, 2014...Waived by the Seahawks on Aug. 30, 2014...Signed to the Seahawks practice squad on Sept. 1, 2014...Signed to the Seahawks active roster on Oct. 18, 2014...Waived by the Seahawks on Oct. 21, 2014...Signed to the Seahawks practice squad on Oct. 23, 2014...Released from the Seahawks practice squad on Oct. 30, 2014...Signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad on Nov. 3, 2014...Signed to the Seahawks active roster on Nov. 11, 2014...Waived by the Seahawks on Dec. 20, 2014...Signed to the Seahawks practice squad on Dec. 23, 2014...Signed by the Seahawks on Feb. 4, 2015...Waived by the Seahawks on Sept. 5, 2015...Signed to the Seahawks practice squad on Sept. 8, 2015...Released from the Seahawks practice squad on Nov. 3, 2015...Signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad on Nov. 10, 2015...Signed to the Saints active roster on Dec. 30, 2015...Waived by the Saints on Aug. 30, 2016...Signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on Sept. 4, 2016...Released from the Steelers practice squad on Oct. 25, 2016...Signed to the Houston Texans practice squad on Nov. 7, 2016.

2016 (Pittsburgh 0/0; Houston 0/0, 0/0):
Spent training camp with the Saints before being waived on Aug. 30
Signed to the Steelers practice squad on Sept. 5, where he spent Weeks 1-7 before being released from the practice squad on Oct. 25
Signed to the Texans practice squad on Nov. 7
Spent Weeks 10-17 and the postseason on the Texans practice squad

2015 (Seattle 0/0, New Orleans 0/0):
Spent training camp with the Seahawks before being waived on Sept. 5
Signed to the Seahawks practice squad on Sept. 8, where he spent Weeks 1-8 before being released from the practice squad on Nov. 3
Joined the Saints practice squad on Nov. 10 and was elevated to the active roster on Dec. 30
Inactive at Atlanta (1/3/16) in Week 17

2014 (Seattle 1/0, 0/0; Minnesota 0/0):
Signed by the Seahawks as a college free agent on May 19
Waived by the Seahawks at the end of training camp and signed to the practice squad on Sept. 1, where he spent Weeks 1-6
Elevated to the Seahawks active roster on Oct. 18
Made his NFL debut and played 14 snaps as a reserve tight end at St. Louis (10/19) in Week 7
Waived on Oct. 21, signed to the Seahawks practice squad on Oct. 23 and released from the practice squad on Oct. 30
Signed to the Vikings practice squad on Nov. 3
Signed off the Vikings practice squad to the Seahawks active roster on Nov. 11
Inactive for Weeks 11-15
Waived on Dec. 20 and signed to the Seahawks practice squad on Dec. 23, where he spent Week 17 and the entire postseason
 
JB said:
We lost Bouye and Demps... we get back Johnson, Dillon and Ballentine.

Here's to it working out
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I have very little faith that Ballentine is able to get and/or stay healthy (and I think doc shot down remaining hope a while back), but the few times he's been on the field he looked 'natural'. A ways to go before comparing him to Cam, but flashed that kind of short-mid range ability. One of those players that it's a shame that injuries dictate their career.
 
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I guess the thread title is apropos if anyone has the nerve to bring up Schaub again and even better then decides to classify said qb as anything other than average. (At best)
TBE ONLY REASON that noodle arm had any success is/was he was surrounded by an above average line (yes, I said it), receivers and an elite running back.
Had you placed damn near any other starting qb that existed in the league during those years......

HOUSTON HAS A TITLE


Just my opinion but.. let's not mention that man again.
 
I guess the thread title is apropos if anyone has the nerve to bring up Schaub again and even better then decides to classify said qb as anything other than average. (At best)
THE ONLY REASON that noodle arm had any success is/was he was surrounded by an above average line (yes, I said it), receivers and an elite running back.
Had you placed damn near any other starting qb that existed in the league during those years......

HOUSTON HAS A TITLE


Just my opinion but.. let's not mention that man again.
 
Sonny said:
I guess the thread title is apropos if anyone has the nerve to bring up Schaub again and even better then decides to classify said qb as anything other than average. (At best)
TBE ONLY REASON that noodle arm had any success is/was he was surrounded by an above average line (yes, I said it), receivers and an elite running back.
Had you placed damn near any other starting qb that existed in the league during those years......

HOUSTON HAS A TITLE


Just my opinion but.. let's not mention that man again.
Click to expand...
I suppose you have a better QB that has worn a Texans uni....??
 
Ranking all 32 NFL teams' secondaries heading into the 2017 season
https://profootballfocus.com/news/p...eams-secondaries-heading-into-the-2017-season

Cov-Ranks-Texans-Elite-BW-768x432.png

The Texans lost their top-graded defensive player in A.J. Bouye to free agency, but have some options they hope can replace his production. Talented former first round pick Kevin Johnson is entering his third year, and earned the fifth-highest overall grade at the cornerback position through six weeks last season before he got injured. Both Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson were average last season, but have graded above average in previous seasons and will be heavily involved. The safety position is a huge question mark, as their top safety from a year ago Quintin Demps has also left via free agency.
Click to expand...

Yup lost or 4th CB. We're gonna suck.
:bravo:
 
Ranking all 32 team's front seven units headed into the 2017 season
https://profootballfocus.com/news/p...front-seven-units-headed-into-the-2017-season

Texans.PNG-768x432.png


The Texans Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus make this a formidable unit, but add in arguably the best defensive player the world has seen this decade in J.J. Watt, and they become downright terrifying for opposing quarterbacks. Brian Cushing, Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham provide a combination of experience, talent and potential at the linebacker position. D.J. Reader will be looking to improve upon his promising rookie season while taking on a larger role filling the void left by Vince Wilfork’s departure. Reader’s 7.3 pass-rush productivity topped all rookie interior defenders in 2016.
Click to expand...

14. Jags
19. Titans
31. Colts
 
PapaL said:
Ranking all 32 team's front seven units headed into the 2017 season
https://profootballfocus.com/news/p...front-seven-units-headed-into-the-2017-season

Texans.PNG-768x432.png




14. Jags
19. Titans
31. Colts
Click to expand...
In another thread I commented we had the front seven who could take us to to SB. It all rides on their remaining healthy and on the field. Of course we all know what we have on defense. Still I like seeing it validated. If everyone can stay mostly healthy, we are going to see something special this season.
 
McKinney with 125 tackles 5 sacks and a forced fumble was only #25? Cunningham as eventual Cushing replacement will be interesting. Also I am interested on how Scarlett will do.
 
badboy said:
McKinney with 125 tackles 5 sacks and a forced fumble was only #25? Cunningham as eventual Cushing replacement will be interesting. Also I am interested on how Scarlett will do.
Click to expand...
From what I've read, Scarlett showed some ability to get to the QB in his limited action last season. The way I figure it, if offenses tie themselves in knots over Watt, Clowney and Mercilus; then Scarlett and McKinney will have an opportunity to shine.
 
ObsiWan said:
Program Alert:

At 11:00 pm CDT the NFL network will spotlight the Texans.

"On a Mission: 2016 Houston Texans"

It's a 30-minute program. The rest of the division teams will follow.
Click to expand...

I finally watched this a few minutes ago. Thanks for the heads up, allowed me to set my DVR.

An interesting stat hit me as I watched it. The 2016 season marks the first time the Texans finished with a winning season three seasons in a row.

First thought in my mind, 15 seasons & this was the first time we finished with three seasons in a row. Didn't sound too good.

Then I remembered the Falcons first back to back winning season was 2009. They were formed in 1966. 33 years.

Now just because we did it in half the time doesn't mean we do not suck. Just that we don't suck as bad as the 1966-1997 Falcons. They won the Superbowl in 1998.

But after that first back to back they went on to win three more seasons, for 5 consecutive winning seasons.

That's the window I think we have right now. We've got three winning seasons behind us. Two more left. We took the Patriots to the fourth qtr of the divisional rounds with Trent Dilfer (basically).

If Tom Savage, or DeShaun Watson can be our Flacco... We may be on to something.
 
thunderkyss said:
I finally watched this a few minutes ago. Thanks for the heads up, allowed me to set my DVR.

An interesting stat hit me as I watched it. The 2016 season marks the first time the Texans finished with a winning season three seasons in a row.

First thought in my mind, 15 seasons & this was the first time we finished with three seasons in a row. Didn't sound too good.

Then I remembered the Falcons first back to back winning season was 2009. They were formed in 1966. 33 years.

Now just because we did it in half the time doesn't mean we do not suck. Just that we don't suck as bad as the 1966-1997 Falcons. They won the Superbowl in 1998.

But after that first back to back they went on to win three more seasons, for 5 consecutive winning seasons.

That's the window I think we have right now. We've got three winning seasons behind us. Two more left. We took the Patriots to the fourth qtr of the divisional rounds with Trent Dilfer (basically).

If Tom Savage, or DeShaun Watson can be our Flacco... We may be on to something.
Click to expand...

If Deshaun Watson becomes a good QB we have a lot more winning seasons than just two and the window remains open. We've had three straight winning seasons with no QB the last two and a journeyman QB before that.
 
thunderkyss said:
I finally watched this a few minutes ago. Thanks for the heads up, allowed me to set my DVR.

An interesting stat hit me as I watched it. The 2016 season marks the first time the Texans finished with a winning season three seasons in a row.

First thought in my mind, 15 seasons & this was the first time we finished with three seasons in a row. Didn't sound too good.

Then I remembered the Falcons first back to back winning season was 2009. They were formed in 1966. 33 years.

Now just because we did it in half the time doesn't mean we do not suck. Just that we don't suck as bad as the 1966-1997 Falcons. They won the Superbowl in 1998.

But after that first back to back they went on to win three more seasons, for 5 consecutive winning seasons.

That's the window I think we have right now. We've got three winning seasons behind us. Two more left. We took the Patriots to the fourth qtr of the divisional rounds with Trent Dilfer (basically).

If Tom Savage, or DeShaun Watson can be our Flacco... We may be on to something.
Click to expand...
small correction:
The Falcons have yet to win a Super Bowl. They've been twice and lost both times.

carry on
:)
 
Number19 said:
From what I've read, Scarlett showed some ability to get to the QB in his limited action last season. The way I figure it, if offenses tie themselves in knots over Watt, Clowney and Mercilus; then Scarlett and McKinney will have an opportunity to shine.
Click to expand...
Yes, I kept saying "this Scarlett dude is impressive." He took advantage of his limited playing time, now he just needs to remain healthy.
 
thunderkyss said:
I finally watched this a few minutes ago. Thanks for the heads up, allowed me to set my DVR.

An interesting stat hit me as I watched it. The 2016 season marks the first time the Texans finished with a winning season three seasons in a row.

First thought in my mind, 15 seasons & this was the first time we finished with three seasons in a row. Didn't sound too good.

Then I remembered the Falcons first back to back winning season was 2009. They were formed in 1966. 33 years.

Now just because we did it in half the time doesn't mean we do not suck. Just that we don't suck as bad as the 1966-1997 Falcons. They won the Superbowl in 1998.

But after that first back to back they went on to win three more seasons, for 5 consecutive winning seasons.

That's the window I think we have right now. We've got three winning seasons behind us. Two more left. We took the Patriots to the fourth qtr of the divisional rounds with Trent Dilfer (basically).

If Tom Savage, or DeShaun Watson can be our Flacco... We may be on to something.
Click to expand...

Or the Saints going 20 years before having ONE winning season. Or the Steelers in the post-season once in 37 years. Or the Lions not even winning a playoff game since 1957. Or the Bills 17 year absence from the playoffs with just 2 winning seasons in that stretch. Or the Browns with just 2 winning seasons in their 18 year existence.

Miami, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland, Chicago, Detroit, and Rams all have fewer playoff appearances than the Texans since 2002.

Not making excuses for the Texans or saying it's OK, but it could be worse, a lot worse.
 
Speedy said:
Miami, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland, Chicago, Detroit, and Rams all have fewer playoff appearances than the Texans since 2002.

Not making excuses for the Texans or saying it's OK, but it could be worse, a lot worse.
Click to expand...

I think you forgot Dallas in that list
 
Speedy said:
Or the Saints going 20 years before having ONE winning season. Or the Steelers in the post-season once in 37 years. Or the Lions not even winning a playoff game since 1957. Or the Bills 17 year absence from the playoffs with just 2 winning seasons in that stretch. Or the Browns with just 2 winning seasons in their 18 year existence.

Miami, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland, Chicago, Detroit, and Rams all have fewer playoff appearances than the Texans since 2002.

Not making excuses for the Texans or saying it's OK, but it could be worse, a lot worse.
Click to expand...


But hey we're the worst franchise in NFL history who can't find a QB to save their lives.

(((((Shrugs shoulders)))))

Sarcasm alert lol
 
Carr Bombed said:
If Deshaun Watson becomes a good QB we have a lot more winning seasons than just two and the window remains open. We've had three straight winning seasons with no QB the last two and a journeyman QB before that.
Click to expand...

I hope so, but Matt Stafford & Phillip Rivers are good QBs.
 
thunderkyss said:
I finally watched this a few minutes ago. Thanks for the heads up, allowed me to set my DVR.

An interesting stat hit me as I watched it. The 2016 season marks the first time the Texans finished with a winning season three seasons in a row.

First thought in my mind, 15 seasons & this was the first time we finished with three seasons in a row. Didn't sound too good.

Then I remembered the Falcons first back to back winning season was 2009. They were formed in 1966. 33 years.

Now just because we did it in half the time doesn't mean we do not suck. Just that we don't suck as bad as the 1966-1997 Falcons. They won the Superbowl in 1998.

But after that first back to back they went on to win three more seasons, for 5 consecutive winning seasons.

That's the window I think we have right now. We've got three winning seasons behind us. Two more left. We took the Patriots to the fourth qtr of the divisional rounds with Trent Dilfer (basically).

If Tom Savage, or DeShaun Watson can be our Flacco... We may be on to something.
Click to expand...


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_XXXII
January 25, 1998
Green Bay Packers(NFC) 24
Denver Broncos (AFC) 31

Falcons also didn't play in a SB in 1998.
 
PapaL said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_XXXII
January 25, 1998
Green Bay Packers(NFC) 24
Denver Broncos (AFC) 31

Falcons also didn't play in a SB in 1998.
Click to expand...

Well technically not - no team ever plays the SB in year the season is "called" e.g. IF we went to the SB in the 2017 season we wouldn't play it until 2018. But the Falcons were in the 1998 season SB, played in 1999.

"The Broncos defeated the Falcons by the score of 34–19, winning their second consecutive Super Bowl. The game was played on January 31, 1999"
 
Zach Orr visiting Texans today:

Free agent LB Zachary Orr (neck) is visiting the Texans on Monday.

After retiring because of a neck condition in January, Orr reversed course and decided to continue his career. He has already met with the Colts, Jets, and Lions, but all three decided to pass. Orr could have trouble gaining clearance from team medical staffs.
Related: Texans

Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
Jul 24 - 1:20 PM
 
Obvious medical issues but... If it works out it'd be like when the Bears signed Josh Sitton from the Packers before the season started. All pro players don't grow on trees!



And Orr would be a total luxury piece added to the best defense in the league :)
 
TheRealJoker said:
Zach Orr visiting Texans today:

Free agent LB Zachary Orr (neck) is visiting the Texans on Monday.

After retiring because of a neck condition in January, Orr reversed course and decided to continue his career. He has already met with the Colts, Jets, and Lions, but all three decided to pass. Orr could have trouble gaining clearance from team medical staffs.
Related: Texans

Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
Jul 24 - 1:20 PM
Click to expand...

Orr had 2 cervical bulging discs diagnosed initially as his "neck injury." Upon MRI, it was discovered that one of his upper cervical vertebra had incompletely formed, leaving a defect in the roof of the spinal canal. This type of congenital defect potentially leaves the spinal cord exposed to trauma. Many lesser cervical bulging discs can successfully be treated conservatively with rehab. The medical literature is not definitively in agreement as far as the return to contact sports with the vetebral defect described. A couple of papers purport that this defect should not preclude return to play. However, because the defect is so rare, those papers are based on entirely inadequate sample size...........and the medical community is potentially left with making a crucial decision with limited data. Most surgeons I know (both orthopedic and neurosurgical) would advise an NFL, LB who is essentially a human battering ram, against return............especially for a LB like Orr who is known to lead with his head. It's a lot easier for physicians to advise return than for a player to deal with the consequences (at the upper cervical level......potential quadriplegia) if the advice fails to end well. Strangely enough, one concept that seems to be accepted even by the more "liberal" surgeons is that if the player sustains a second neck injury, return to play is taken off the table.
 
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Less than 3 weeks before the first preseason game, and honestly I don't have a clue as to what to expect.

What un-thought of miracles await us? My guess, none.

What disasters will unfold before our horrified eyes? At least two, probably less than five, the most likely just being the offense steps out onto the field.

But at least we'll finally have something real to talk about.
 
Not sure where to put this, but the MMQB 400 has 11 Texans.

Of those 11, one is Andre Hal and one is not Benardrick McKinney. Lists are just opinion, but man...
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Orr had 2 cervical bulging discs diagnosed initially as his "neck injury." Upon MRI, it was discovered that one of his upper cervical vertebra had incompletely formed, leaving a defect in the roof of the spinal canal. This type of congenital defect potentially leaves the spinal cord exposed to trauma. Many lesser cervical bulging discs can successfully be treated conservatively with rehab. The medical literature is not definitively in agreement as far as the return to contact sports with the vetebral defect described. A couple of papers purport that this defect should not preclude return to play. However, because the defect is so rare, those papers are based on entirely inadequate sample size...........and the medical community is potentially left with making a crucial decision with limited data. Most surgeons I know (both orthopedic and neurosurgical) would advise an NFL, LB who is essentially a human battering ram, against return............especially for a LB like Orr who is known to lead with his head. It's a lot easier for physicians to advise return than for a player to deal with the consequences (at the upper cervical level......potential quadriplegia) if the advice fails to end well. Strangely enough, one concept that seems to be accepted even by the more "liberal" surgeons is that if the player sustains a second neck injury, return to play is taken off the table.
Click to expand...
The Chronicle this morning, I didn't keep my copy so can't quote, reported that he has had multiple evaluations by specialists and has been told he can return to play. So the medical field does seem divided in their opinion. It's his decision; and if signed, could prove to be a productive acquisition.
 
Number19 said:
The Chronicle this morning, I didn't keep my copy so can't quote, reported that he has had multiple evaluations by specialists and has been told he can return to play. So the medical field does seem divided in their opinion. It's his decision; and if signed, could prove to be a productive acquisition.
Click to expand...
Those 2 cervical bulging discs are not a benign finding in an NFL LB either. Outcomes following nonoperative and operative treatment for cervical disc herniations in National Football League athletes published in the journal Spine demonstrated significantly better outcomes when this condition is addressed surgically. Once having already developed a herniated disc, he is a definite risk to disc re-injury. Two upper level cervical discs make his condition that much more concerning. As I mentioned before, if he suffers another neck injury, he will be hard bent to find a legitimate physician to allow him to return to play.
 
Thank goodness training camp is here. It has been as painful an offseason on here as I can remember.
I'm hoping to be at the joint practice with the Patriots this year. It will be my 1st training camp visit.
 
I've previously stated that the Texans seem to have been picking up many players with a background of hardships which they have been able to successfully navigate through and out of. I find this article interesting in that it demonstrates a correlation between athlete "performance" and background of having been exposed to severe life stresses. This would tend to reinforce not only what the Texans look for in some of their players, but also the validity of a tough coaching approach in the style of Bill O'Brien.

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Setbacks really DO make you stronger: Athletes who have experienced some adversity in their lives perform much better under pressure
  • A group of 100 athletes took part in a high pressure dart-throwing competition
  • Cardiovascular measurements revealed how prepared they were for the task
  • Athletes who reported a moderate number of adverse life events performed best
  • A psychological 'challenge’ state was found to lead to greater blood flow to the brain and muscles
By Tim Collins For Mailonline

Published: 09:37 EDT, 25 July 2017 | Updated: 12:19 EDT, 25 July 2017



The old adage that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger may have a ring of truth to it when it comes to the world of sport.

Challenging experiences, like parental divorce, financial problems or a serious injury, can actually have a 'silver lining' according to experts.

Athletes who have faced some adversity in their personal lives perform much better under pressure, new research suggests.

There is a limit to how much hardship is beneficial however, and competitors who have been pushed over the edge may be at a disadvantage.

The old adage that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger may have a ring of truth to it when it comes to the world of sport. Footballing legend Pele (pictured) overcame poverty in the favela’s of Sao Paulo to reach stardom

WHAT THEY FOUND
The old adage that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger may have a ring of truth to it when it comes to the world of sport.

Challenging experiences, like parental divorce, financial problems or a serious injury, can actually have a 'silver lining' according to experts.

A research study involving a number of UK universities, including Nottingham Trent University, found that exposure to a moderate number of negative life events can lead to physical benefits.

People who had been through between three and 13 adverse life events significantly outperformed those who had encountered a lower or higher number.

Exposure to a moderate number of negative life events, between four and seven, appeared to positively influence participants’ heart rate and breathing.

Others who had encountered a lower or higher number of adverse life events entered into more of a ‘threat’ state.

This constricted blood flow and reduced the heart's activity and blood flow, hindering performance.

The researchers say that coaches and practitioners should consider prior brushes with adversity when identifying athletes who are likely to excel in high-pressure situations.

The study, involving a sport psychologist at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), found that those who had encountered a moderate to high number of adverse life events were far better adapted to dealing with a competitive sport situation.

As part of the research the team, which also included the universities of Gloucestershire, South Wales and Essex, asked 100 athletes to take part in a high pressure dart-throwing challenge.

People who had been through between three and 13 adverse life events significantly outperformed those who had encountered a lower or higher number.

The study suggests that difficult psychological experiences can result in physical benefits.

The researchers believe that previous adverse life experiences may help these participants view the task ahead as less demanding, or that they possess a greater ability to cope.

This helps to foster a psychological 'challenge’ state which leads to greater blood flow to the brain and muscles, experts believe.

Dr Mustafa Sarkar, a sport psychologist at NTU's school of science and technology, said: 'Contrary to the view that adverse life events increase the risk of psychological problems, this work suggests that exposure to some negative personal events may have a '"silver lining".

'These individuals may reap the rewards in future pressurised situations, perhaps viewing such situations as less demanding, or believing more in their ability to cope given their prior brushes with adversity.

'While not encouraging the experience of adverse events, coaches and practitioners should avoid sheltering athletes and instead appropriately and progressively optimise the challenges they encounter.
 
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