PapaL
Loose Screw
Wasn't Nuk all happy with Brock this time last year too?
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2017 Houston Texans Official OTA's, Minicamp, and Training Camp Thread
- Thread starter corytx8
- Start date
Wasn't Nuk all happy with Brock this time last year too?
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
We won't know what this offense will look like until week 1 of the regular season. We'll see signs during preseason, but I'm holding off until then.
usernameJJ
Waterboy
Yeah, Brock was a Training Camp Hall of Famer for sure
Speedy
Former Yeller Dweller
Not according to Sean Jones. I think he's the worst sports talk show host in the business so I'm not pro Sean, but he was dead on about how bad Brock was last camp.
I'd be willing to bet a lot of others on Kirby had the same take and were all going "Oh shit! What have we done?" Especially seeing what they did to get rid of him.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Criticisms came out of Brock's inaccuracies and footwork all the way from OTAs through TC.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
Pat Starr is such a Savageofile.
Number19
Hall of Fame
He sure wasn't happy by the end of the season. What the two have going into this camp and season is a 3 year history of working together.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
That's just it. I think he is bs'ing for his favorite Savage.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Day 1 TC: I remember that play from last year.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Quick Hitters: Houston Texans Training Camp Day One
A closer look at day one of Houston Texans training camp at the Greenbrier.
White Sulphur Springs, WV - The Houston Texans arrived to The Greenbrier facility, ready to begin their 2017 season and determine which players will be on the final 53-man roster will be heading into week one.
The team arrived to The Greenbrier on Tuesday and had meetings late that night at the Performance Center across the road from the resort. The Texans moved their entire weight room to the the Performance Center and their meal tent is just outside the facility, where the team will be fed by the onsite staff. The center also has plenty of meetings rooms available for the team, located within a quick walk outside to the two practice fields that run parallel to each other.
The temperature to open practice was 76 degrees with clouds in the sky and plenty of special guests to go along with a strong opening day for the Texans. Marshall Faulk, Charlie Casserly, and Ian Rapoport were on location with NFL Network, while Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni and West Virginia head football coach Dana Holgorsen also made a stop at Texans camp.
Quick Hitters from Day One of Houston Texans Training Camp
Tom Savage was the best quarterback in camp and he threw the ball with confidence. More importantly, he had control of the offense from the start and made quick decisions in getting the football out of his hands. There is plenty of work to be done but starting day one, it will be up to Deshaun Watson to close the gap so he can get on the field. Watson had his typical first rookie training camp, with a focus on simply getting the feel for the flow of camp. Watching Watson heading toward the first preseason game will be a clear indication on how well he progresses as a player and potentially how far he is away from starting.
Kevin Johnson has been absent from the field for some time after he went out last season with broken foot. Johnson was back and looking spry, breaking on footballs in the air and specifically, getting his hands on the ball to break up passes. He looks healthy and added some much needed weight to his frame. Johnson missed all of the off-season work due to his foot while the training staff worked hard to get him ready for camp and he was active on day one.
J.J. Watt was back and showed two positive steps since getting back on the field. He showed a burst which blew up a potential running play by beating an offensive lineman across his face and, in pass rushing drills, showed a good lean and dip around the cornerback on what would be potential sack. His feet looked solid although it took him a little time to knock off the rust and get back into the flow of the game.
The catch of the day came from Will Fuller when he went over one defensive back to catch a well-placed ball off of the arm of Savage. What was more impressive was how he was able to stay in stride and run past the defensive back in pursuit who was coming over the top in coverage.
A closer look at day one of Houston Texans training camp at the Greenbrier.
White Sulphur Springs, WV - The Houston Texans arrived to The Greenbrier facility, ready to begin their 2017 season and determine which players will be on the final 53-man roster will be heading into week one.
The team arrived to The Greenbrier on Tuesday and had meetings late that night at the Performance Center across the road from the resort. The Texans moved their entire weight room to the the Performance Center and their meal tent is just outside the facility, where the team will be fed by the onsite staff. The center also has plenty of meetings rooms available for the team, located within a quick walk outside to the two practice fields that run parallel to each other.
The temperature to open practice was 76 degrees with clouds in the sky and plenty of special guests to go along with a strong opening day for the Texans. Marshall Faulk, Charlie Casserly, and Ian Rapoport were on location with NFL Network, while Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni and West Virginia head football coach Dana Holgorsen also made a stop at Texans camp.
Quick Hitters from Day One of Houston Texans Training Camp
Tom Savage was the best quarterback in camp and he threw the ball with confidence. More importantly, he had control of the offense from the start and made quick decisions in getting the football out of his hands. There is plenty of work to be done but starting day one, it will be up to Deshaun Watson to close the gap so he can get on the field. Watson had his typical first rookie training camp, with a focus on simply getting the feel for the flow of camp. Watching Watson heading toward the first preseason game will be a clear indication on how well he progresses as a player and potentially how far he is away from starting.
Kevin Johnson has been absent from the field for some time after he went out last season with broken foot. Johnson was back and looking spry, breaking on footballs in the air and specifically, getting his hands on the ball to break up passes. He looks healthy and added some much needed weight to his frame. Johnson missed all of the off-season work due to his foot while the training staff worked hard to get him ready for camp and he was active on day one.
J.J. Watt was back and showed two positive steps since getting back on the field. He showed a burst which blew up a potential running play by beating an offensive lineman across his face and, in pass rushing drills, showed a good lean and dip around the cornerback on what would be potential sack. His feet looked solid although it took him a little time to knock off the rust and get back into the flow of the game.
The catch of the day came from Will Fuller when he went over one defensive back to catch a well-placed ball off of the arm of Savage. What was more impressive was how he was able to stay in stride and run past the defensive back in pursuit who was coming over the top in coverage.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Some news is better than no news, I guess.
I hope to hear what they're doing with Decoud.
You may not like it, but I think he has good potential at safety.
badboy
Hall of Fame
Passing on info I heard today from various people at TC. I was driving so don't have source names but was on 610 radio. I know John Lopez said some of them.
Watt was bent back and twisted on at least two plays and speaker said he sucked in breath as he thought team would try to avoid this happening to JJ. He continued saying Watt left laughing with no hint of injury.
Chris Johnson had a great first day and went to ground to break up a play which was unusual for day one TC. No evidence of residuals from broken foot. He did play the nickle while Joseph and Jackson were outside corners. Comment was made by someone that Decoud looked good.
Corey Moore looking very good at safety. I can see him starting opposite Hal. 5th rounder KJ Dillon will be pushing both IMO. I think we are better at this position than many have stated and that is without Kareem moving over from corner.
Hopkins said he caught every pass Savage threw to him. Every person said Savage looked confident and was definitely a leader but each also immediately said Watson had a great spiral pass, one going so far as to say "best pass in Texans' history". That is interesting. Both were inaccurate on deep balls. Braxton Miller and Wendell Williams had best day of WRs and Fuller "caught a long pass over a defender". I don't remember Strong being mentioned. Watt made LT Lamm look bad twice but "that's what he's supposed to do." I don't remember Su'a-filo or any other Oline being mentioned.
This evening on local Fox station Foreman interview said he was innocent of charges and tested clean. Stated he was leaving it up to his agent to handle. 610 reported running backs would be discussed tomorrow (Friday 27th) although Lamar Miller had interviewed today. I did not hear that one. Players and others raved about weather and the set up of camp in new environment.
Watt was bent back and twisted on at least two plays and speaker said he sucked in breath as he thought team would try to avoid this happening to JJ. He continued saying Watt left laughing with no hint of injury.
Chris Johnson had a great first day and went to ground to break up a play which was unusual for day one TC. No evidence of residuals from broken foot. He did play the nickle while Joseph and Jackson were outside corners. Comment was made by someone that Decoud looked good.
Corey Moore looking very good at safety. I can see him starting opposite Hal. 5th rounder KJ Dillon will be pushing both IMO. I think we are better at this position than many have stated and that is without Kareem moving over from corner.
Hopkins said he caught every pass Savage threw to him. Every person said Savage looked confident and was definitely a leader but each also immediately said Watson had a great spiral pass, one going so far as to say "best pass in Texans' history". That is interesting. Both were inaccurate on deep balls. Braxton Miller and Wendell Williams had best day of WRs and Fuller "caught a long pass over a defender". I don't remember Strong being mentioned. Watt made LT Lamm look bad twice but "that's what he's supposed to do." I don't remember Su'a-filo or any other Oline being mentioned.
This evening on local Fox station Foreman interview said he was innocent of charges and tested clean. Stated he was leaving it up to his agent to handle. 610 reported running backs would be discussed tomorrow (Friday 27th) although Lamar Miller had interviewed today. I did not hear that one. Players and others raved about weather and the set up of camp in new environment.
texanhead08
All Pro
I will believe this is a productive offense when I see it produce on a consistent basis in the regular season. I know better than to get excited if they score a few points against vanilla pre season defenses.
badboy
Hall of Fame
well..your no fun at all...
so yer sayin' they put that in last year for Osweiler?
Day 1 TC: I remember that play from last year.
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
So day 1 everyone had a all pro performance..It's stunning how we never get negative reports when you know not everyone had a positive day. The sports reporters in this town are the media equivalent of adult film fluffers during this time of year in this city.
I pray Deshaun Watson is the answer, I'm rooting like hell for the kid, because if he has great success so will our team, however..
It's absolutely ludicrous to say that the guy had "the best pass in Texans' history " after one day at training camp.. just as, if not dumber than comparing him to Warren Moon who won 5 titles in a pro leugue before he ever arrived in Houston.
Off the top of my head I can even think of a much more important pass.. T.J. Yates to Kevin Walter for one. Whoever had that quote and the reporter who published it need to seriously pump the brakes. God I miss the Houston Post. The Chronicle has been skating on absolute crap for 20 years + now.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
I think they meant it literally, it was a good looking pass.
Not it was the most significant, impactful, etc. Just it was a pretty ball.
Not it was the most significant, impactful, etc. Just it was a pretty ball.
PapaL
Loose Screw
31 observations from Day 1 of #TexansCamp
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/a...xansCamp/c99db135-ff58-41b2-944e-d3ca130e52bb
2. Johnson was matched up on Will Fuller a couple of times during 1-on-1s and ran right with the former Notre Dame speedster. He knocked away one pass down the field and might, MIGHT, have gotten a little pass interference on the second one he knocked away as well. As a former defensive back, I’ll always have the defenders back so no, it was not PI. Anyhow, after he knocked that pass away, Johnson got up and proclaimed, loud enough for me to hear all the way on the other side of the field, “JUST GETTING WARMED UP!”
3. Later in the practice, running back Alfred Blue bounced a run to the outside and then took a shoulder blow from Johnson to end the play. Johnson may have been skinny and lithe when he arrived in Houston, but he’s packed on some weight and, still, appears to be as fast as ever. His progress at cornerback will be a major factor for this Texans defense in 2017, but if today was any indication, he’ll be a welcome addition back to the lineup.
12. Wide receiver Braxton Miller looked really good, in my opinion. I saw a couple of his reps in 1-on-1s and he burned a defensive back on a deep ball that was underthrown, but later, he ran an inside route and left the cover guy yards behind him. If he can get separation and the ball finds his hands, whooo, that’s going to be fun to watch. The deep route is the one that stood out because we’ve all assumed that he’s going to be the slot receiving option on this team. However, if he can get down the field like that, it’s going to be a major plus.
16. There were no pads on, of course, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t at least a little contact. I tried to watch as many of the candidates for the offensive tackle position.
Kendall Lamm will face J.J. Watt every day and there’ll be no sterner test than that for the third-year player. Today, though, Lamm held his own and, no, not by holding his own teammate. Julien Davenport did not look like a rookie that last played games against VMI, Georgetown and Fordham. He moved, slid and punched as if he was a veteran just doing his daily work. When the pads go on, he’ll get tested by guys with more technique, power and finishing moves than he’s ever experienced, but he does not look like he’ll shy from the competition.
17. During pass rush 1-on-1s, Davenport finished a rep on the left side against Whitney Mercilus and then popped over to the right side to tangle with Eric Lee. Not many players can do it seamlessly, but Davenport did not look overwhelmed from either side.
23. Linebacker Zach Cunningham can fly, there’s no question about that. However, he’s got to learn HOW to fly as he matches tight ends and backs on routes. He had a great pass breakup on a flat route in 1-on-1s, but Coach Mike Vrabel “instructed” him that he couldn’t grab jersey or hold as he did. A little later, matched up with Stephen Anderson, Cunningham was in great position but Anderson was able to get a step once he went to the corner and make the touchdown catch. Cunningham’s going to be a much needed asset on this team but the transition will take a little while.
24. Rookie safety Malik Smith had a pass breakup as he covered tight end Rashaun Allen down the field during 1-on-1s. I said before camp that Smith was one of my intriguing rookies to watch. He’s not flashy. He’s not a 4.3 burner. Yet, he’s a consistent, always-in-the-right-position player at a key position.
25. Speaking of safeties, Corey Moore had two or three breakups during the practice. To think he was a tryout player just two years ago is unreal. He’s made a ton of progress. I heard the coaches get on him a little bit about getting the checks and calls to his fellow defensive backs a bit faster, but he’s really become a valuable asset in this secondary.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/a...xansCamp/c99db135-ff58-41b2-944e-d3ca130e52bb
2. Johnson was matched up on Will Fuller a couple of times during 1-on-1s and ran right with the former Notre Dame speedster. He knocked away one pass down the field and might, MIGHT, have gotten a little pass interference on the second one he knocked away as well. As a former defensive back, I’ll always have the defenders back so no, it was not PI. Anyhow, after he knocked that pass away, Johnson got up and proclaimed, loud enough for me to hear all the way on the other side of the field, “JUST GETTING WARMED UP!”
3. Later in the practice, running back Alfred Blue bounced a run to the outside and then took a shoulder blow from Johnson to end the play. Johnson may have been skinny and lithe when he arrived in Houston, but he’s packed on some weight and, still, appears to be as fast as ever. His progress at cornerback will be a major factor for this Texans defense in 2017, but if today was any indication, he’ll be a welcome addition back to the lineup.
12. Wide receiver Braxton Miller looked really good, in my opinion. I saw a couple of his reps in 1-on-1s and he burned a defensive back on a deep ball that was underthrown, but later, he ran an inside route and left the cover guy yards behind him. If he can get separation and the ball finds his hands, whooo, that’s going to be fun to watch. The deep route is the one that stood out because we’ve all assumed that he’s going to be the slot receiving option on this team. However, if he can get down the field like that, it’s going to be a major plus.
16. There were no pads on, of course, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t at least a little contact. I tried to watch as many of the candidates for the offensive tackle position.
Kendall Lamm will face J.J. Watt every day and there’ll be no sterner test than that for the third-year player. Today, though, Lamm held his own and, no, not by holding his own teammate. Julien Davenport did not look like a rookie that last played games against VMI, Georgetown and Fordham. He moved, slid and punched as if he was a veteran just doing his daily work. When the pads go on, he’ll get tested by guys with more technique, power and finishing moves than he’s ever experienced, but he does not look like he’ll shy from the competition.
17. During pass rush 1-on-1s, Davenport finished a rep on the left side against Whitney Mercilus and then popped over to the right side to tangle with Eric Lee. Not many players can do it seamlessly, but Davenport did not look overwhelmed from either side.
23. Linebacker Zach Cunningham can fly, there’s no question about that. However, he’s got to learn HOW to fly as he matches tight ends and backs on routes. He had a great pass breakup on a flat route in 1-on-1s, but Coach Mike Vrabel “instructed” him that he couldn’t grab jersey or hold as he did. A little later, matched up with Stephen Anderson, Cunningham was in great position but Anderson was able to get a step once he went to the corner and make the touchdown catch. Cunningham’s going to be a much needed asset on this team but the transition will take a little while.
24. Rookie safety Malik Smith had a pass breakup as he covered tight end Rashaun Allen down the field during 1-on-1s. I said before camp that Smith was one of my intriguing rookies to watch. He’s not flashy. He’s not a 4.3 burner. Yet, he’s a consistent, always-in-the-right-position player at a key position.
25. Speaking of safeties, Corey Moore had two or three breakups during the practice. To think he was a tryout player just two years ago is unreal. He’s made a ton of progress. I heard the coaches get on him a little bit about getting the checks and calls to his fellow defensive backs a bit faster, but he’s really become a valuable asset in this secondary.
texanhead08
All Pro
If you believe the Houston media you probably believe they have unicorns farting rainbows at every Texans practice.
Number19
Hall of Fame
I agree, to say any single pass is the greatest is ludicrous. But maybe it's your interpretation of the comment. The context was that "...Watson had a great spiral pass".
I took this comment, made by multiple observers, as a reflection on the tight spiral of his passes; and I agree that a beautifully thrown ball is a thing of beauty. For someone who has observed QB's over time and seen their passes, it is intirely possible for a QB's passes to stand out as "the best" he's seen.
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
I heard DQ had reps yesterday and still has PS eligibility. That's good news.
wait.... are you saying they don't??
frethack
Rookie
I believe I heard this on 610 ITL, so no link. They said that DQ was getting reps at LG with the one's and looked good (in shells). Im sure some of their bullish talk is radio bravado, but hopefully he looks as good in pads too.
Would be awesome for him to get at least a few snaps in an actual game before retiring. Anything more is gravy.
If he makes it to the 53 my guess is that they think he can withstand a full season. Not sure Id want the Texans to cut someone useful just so that DQ can see a regular season game.
frethack
Rookie
I believe I heard this on 610 ITL, so no link. They said that DQ was getting reps at LG with the one's and looked good (in shells). Im sure some of their bullish talk is radio bravado, but hopefully he looks as good in pads too.
Would be awesome for him to get at least a few snaps in an actual game before retiring. Anything more is gravy.
If he makes it to the 53 my guess is that they think he can withstand a full season. Not sure Id want the Texans to cut someone useful just so that DQ can see a regular season game.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Well, the NFL ball is bigger and takes some getting use to.
Day 1 TC: I remember that play from last year.
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
That's where i heard it and i think he would go to the PS before the active roster.
I can't listen to 790 right now. Morning crew is awful. Nails on a chalkboard.
frethack
Rookie
I see what you did there
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Texans safety Andre Hal: 'I wasn't playing how I was supposed to play'
July 20, 2017
How will the Texans replace A.J. Bouye?
The Texans are hopeful that former first-round cornerback Kevin Johnson will stay healthy for the first time in his NFL career and make a strong comeback from his second foot surgery to address a Jones fracture. Johnson didn't practice during the spring, but is expected to be ready for training camp. Johnson was applying tight coverage and was an aggressive tackler before he got hurt last October against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Texans are counting on Johnson after A.J. Bouye signed a five-year, $67.4 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bouye was a fast, physical presence in the secondary and was adept at shutting down big, athletic tight ends. Johnson is capable of doing that, but he has to remain in the lineup in his third NFL season. Secondary coach John Butler was upbeat about Johnson's health and is optimistic that the system the Texans have will allow them to develop younger corners like Robert Nelson and Denzel Rice.
Image 1 of 22
Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal (29) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) after Hal intercepted an Andrew Luck pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )
Texans free safety Andre Hal came to a tough realization last season during a frustrating time when he was missing tackles he normally makes routinely, taking poor angles in pass coverage.
After briefly losing his starting job to Corey Moore late in the season, Hal analyzed what was happening and realized he was overthinking things and wasn't playing with his usual confidence and instincts.
It all led to Hal questioning his style of play and not being as impactful as the previous season, when he broke through and intercepted a career-high and team-high four passes.
Hal ultimately climbed back atop the depth chart in time for the playoffs and enters training camp next week at The Greenbrier in West Virginia as a starter for the NFL's top-ranked defense.
"It's a learning experience," Hal said. "I learned a lot. I wasn't playing how I was supposed to play. I came back up. I got through that. It's adversity. The only way you get better is you got to get through something.
"I was trying too hard, not letting it come to me. Once I let it go and let things come to me, I started playing better."
A converted cornerback and former seventh-round draft pick from Vanderbilt, Hal finished the season with 48 tackles, one sack and two interceptions.
He started 11 of 15 games played, missing a loss at Green Bay with an illness.
The Texans finished second overall in pass defense as veteran safety Quintin Demps led all NFL safeties with six interceptions. Now with the Chicago Bears after signing a three-year, $13.5 million contract during free agency, Demps' advice was instrumental to Hal in engineering a turnaround to a season that was going in the wrong direction. The two friends have remained in touch with Demps offering him counsel on how to approach this upcoming season.
"Thank God for Q," Hal said. "He taught me a lot about how to be a pro. I talk to Q all the time. He tells me to just be me.
"When I was going through my little slump, he would tell me I'm a great player and to just play ball. He helped me learn from my mistakes."
Heading into his fourth NFL season, Hal is the Texans' most experienced safety. He's recorded 105 career tackles, six interceptions and 21 passes defended.
Hal has a simple plan for this season.
"What I'm going to do this year is do me," Hal said. "That's what I'm going to do this year. I'm not worrying about being a starter. I'm just making plays and being a playmaker.
"Just angles, really coming down and practicing it and going out there and really focusing on tackling. Just knowing plays like the back of my hand, I think I'll be better this year."
Listed on the roster at 5-10, 195 pounds, Hal is smaller than the prototypical safety. However, his athleticism and aggressiveness allows him to overcome that lack of size.
Hal has a big upper body and spend a lot of time lifting weights. He's put on roughly five pounds this offseason and says he's up to 197 pounds.
"We took a corner and made him a safety, and he had to go through growing pains," assistant head coach Romeo Crennel said. "He's adapting nicely and understanding where he needs to fit, how he needs to cover and be able to match up on receivers and tight ends. Then he'll come up and tackle as well. That bodes well for a safety."
The Texans didn't make any big moves at safety this offseason. They return Hal and Moore as starters and are hoping that former fifth-round draft pick K.J. Dillon makes a sound recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last season as a rookie. Injury-prone safety Lonnie Ballentine is also in the mix for playing time.
The Texans met with former Buffalo Bills safety Aaron Williams this spring and auditioned former New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles safety Jaiquawn Jarrett during a minicamp, but neither were signed to contracts.
The Texans are counting on Hal to provide leadership at a position bereft of many proven commodities.
"It happens naturally," Hal said. "It's not going to happen by itself. I'm not going to force it. if they follow me, they follow me. I'm going to lead by example."
July 20, 2017
How will the Texans replace A.J. Bouye?
The Texans are hopeful that former first-round cornerback Kevin Johnson will stay healthy for the first time in his NFL career and make a strong comeback from his second foot surgery to address a Jones fracture. Johnson didn't practice during the spring, but is expected to be ready for training camp. Johnson was applying tight coverage and was an aggressive tackler before he got hurt last October against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Texans are counting on Johnson after A.J. Bouye signed a five-year, $67.4 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bouye was a fast, physical presence in the secondary and was adept at shutting down big, athletic tight ends. Johnson is capable of doing that, but he has to remain in the lineup in his third NFL season. Secondary coach John Butler was upbeat about Johnson's health and is optimistic that the system the Texans have will allow them to develop younger corners like Robert Nelson and Denzel Rice.
Image 1 of 22
Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal (29) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) after Hal intercepted an Andrew Luck pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )
Texans free safety Andre Hal came to a tough realization last season during a frustrating time when he was missing tackles he normally makes routinely, taking poor angles in pass coverage.
After briefly losing his starting job to Corey Moore late in the season, Hal analyzed what was happening and realized he was overthinking things and wasn't playing with his usual confidence and instincts.
It all led to Hal questioning his style of play and not being as impactful as the previous season, when he broke through and intercepted a career-high and team-high four passes.
Hal ultimately climbed back atop the depth chart in time for the playoffs and enters training camp next week at The Greenbrier in West Virginia as a starter for the NFL's top-ranked defense.
"It's a learning experience," Hal said. "I learned a lot. I wasn't playing how I was supposed to play. I came back up. I got through that. It's adversity. The only way you get better is you got to get through something.
"I was trying too hard, not letting it come to me. Once I let it go and let things come to me, I started playing better."
A converted cornerback and former seventh-round draft pick from Vanderbilt, Hal finished the season with 48 tackles, one sack and two interceptions.
He started 11 of 15 games played, missing a loss at Green Bay with an illness.
The Texans finished second overall in pass defense as veteran safety Quintin Demps led all NFL safeties with six interceptions. Now with the Chicago Bears after signing a three-year, $13.5 million contract during free agency, Demps' advice was instrumental to Hal in engineering a turnaround to a season that was going in the wrong direction. The two friends have remained in touch with Demps offering him counsel on how to approach this upcoming season.
"Thank God for Q," Hal said. "He taught me a lot about how to be a pro. I talk to Q all the time. He tells me to just be me.
"When I was going through my little slump, he would tell me I'm a great player and to just play ball. He helped me learn from my mistakes."
Heading into his fourth NFL season, Hal is the Texans' most experienced safety. He's recorded 105 career tackles, six interceptions and 21 passes defended.
Hal has a simple plan for this season.
"What I'm going to do this year is do me," Hal said. "That's what I'm going to do this year. I'm not worrying about being a starter. I'm just making plays and being a playmaker.
"Just angles, really coming down and practicing it and going out there and really focusing on tackling. Just knowing plays like the back of my hand, I think I'll be better this year."
Listed on the roster at 5-10, 195 pounds, Hal is smaller than the prototypical safety. However, his athleticism and aggressiveness allows him to overcome that lack of size.
Hal has a big upper body and spend a lot of time lifting weights. He's put on roughly five pounds this offseason and says he's up to 197 pounds.
"We took a corner and made him a safety, and he had to go through growing pains," assistant head coach Romeo Crennel said. "He's adapting nicely and understanding where he needs to fit, how he needs to cover and be able to match up on receivers and tight ends. Then he'll come up and tackle as well. That bodes well for a safety."
The Texans didn't make any big moves at safety this offseason. They return Hal and Moore as starters and are hoping that former fifth-round draft pick K.J. Dillon makes a sound recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last season as a rookie. Injury-prone safety Lonnie Ballentine is also in the mix for playing time.
The Texans met with former Buffalo Bills safety Aaron Williams this spring and auditioned former New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles safety Jaiquawn Jarrett during a minicamp, but neither were signed to contracts.
The Texans are counting on Hal to provide leadership at a position bereft of many proven commodities.
"It happens naturally," Hal said. "It's not going to happen by itself. I'm not going to force it. if they follow me, they follow me. I'm going to lead by example."
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
So, he's going to do everything right now, because he wasn't focused on doing everything right before?
"I'm going to focus on tackling, taking good angles, and being a playmaker."
Was that not always the plan?
"I'm going to focus on tackling, taking good angles, and being a playmaker."
Was that not always the plan?
badboy
Hall of Fame
Come on CB it is TC and day one. Fans want positives ..well most. No one wants foo foo news but no reason to slam a player..yet. Plays and players in all sports have been compared long as I can remember. No one expects Foreman to be Tyler Rose if someone says he reminds of Campbell. I agree on papers.
It's stunning how we never get negative reports when you know not everyone had a positive day. The sports reporters in this town are the media equivalent of adult film fluffers during this time of year in this city.
I pray Deshaun Watson is the answer, I'm rooting like hell for the kid, because if he has great success so will our team, however..
It's absolutely ludicrous to say that the guy had "the best pass in Texans' history " after one day at training camp.. just as, if not dumber than comparing him to Warren Moon who won 5 titles in a pro leugue before he ever arrived in Houston.
Off the top of my head I can even think of a much more important pass.. T.J. Yates to Kevin Walter for one. Whoever had that quote and the reporter who published it need to seriously pump the brakes. God I miss the Houston Post. The Chronicle has been skating on absolute crap for 20 years + now.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Quick Hitters: Houston Texans Training Camp Day Two
The Houston Texans wrapped up day two at The Greenbrier, here are the quick hitters.
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV - The Houston Texans wrapped up day two at The Greenbrier as temperatures reached 79 degrees with cloud cover and light rain towards the end of practice. The Texans are settling into their new surroundings and practice picked up the pace when compared to day one.
Quick Hitters
We might have been off last year with the DeAndre Hopkins assessment because he looks much like the 2015 version on himself on the practice field. It might be that these quarterbacks, all three, understand how to get the ball to a certain area on Hopkins to let him go make the play. Hopkins went up and put on a show when the ball was in the air, making tough catches look easy and providing a big target for his quarterback. Two days in, Hopkins has been the early standout.
Tom Savage was the day's best quarterback, specifically how he accurately threw passes towards Hopkins, who was able to bring them in. The two controlled the red-zone work and team drills, plus Savage also was able to pick apart the defense when he was running the offense. The offense early looks much better with Savage running the show. He has also had a strong start to camp.
David Quessenberry is making waves on the offensive line and is making strides since returning to the field. His feet look good in both run blocking and pass protection and he is the most versatile offensive lineman of the group, with the ability to play four spots on the line. Quessenberry is setting himself up to be one of the 53 on the roster when camp breaks.
For the daily Deshaun Watson update, he looks solid for a stretch then does things that a rookie is supposed to do. Watson shows the ability to drive the ball and more importantly, has some touch on the ball. Then there are moments when he cannot get the ball out quickly enough and has to improvise to make something happen on the field. Usually, that is when things go awry and today, he had a couple of errant passes which found defenders' hands. Now, we have to take the good with the bad but the good that has been seen leaves a good enough feeling that things could be trending upward before too long.
Benardrick McKinney is settling into his third year in the middle of the defense and there might not be a more cerebral linebacker on the team, especially when it comes to calling out formations and lining up his own defense. McKinney directs traffic and is constantly getting on his teammates, in a good way, between snaps, always discussing football. One job as a middle linebacker is too make sure that the defense is set and it looks like the future leader of the defense is taking his place.
The Houston Texans wrapped up day two at The Greenbrier, here are the quick hitters.
- 92 minutes ago
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV - The Houston Texans wrapped up day two at The Greenbrier as temperatures reached 79 degrees with cloud cover and light rain towards the end of practice. The Texans are settling into their new surroundings and practice picked up the pace when compared to day one.
Quick Hitters
We might have been off last year with the DeAndre Hopkins assessment because he looks much like the 2015 version on himself on the practice field. It might be that these quarterbacks, all three, understand how to get the ball to a certain area on Hopkins to let him go make the play. Hopkins went up and put on a show when the ball was in the air, making tough catches look easy and providing a big target for his quarterback. Two days in, Hopkins has been the early standout.
Tom Savage was the day's best quarterback, specifically how he accurately threw passes towards Hopkins, who was able to bring them in. The two controlled the red-zone work and team drills, plus Savage also was able to pick apart the defense when he was running the offense. The offense early looks much better with Savage running the show. He has also had a strong start to camp.
David Quessenberry is making waves on the offensive line and is making strides since returning to the field. His feet look good in both run blocking and pass protection and he is the most versatile offensive lineman of the group, with the ability to play four spots on the line. Quessenberry is setting himself up to be one of the 53 on the roster when camp breaks.
For the daily Deshaun Watson update, he looks solid for a stretch then does things that a rookie is supposed to do. Watson shows the ability to drive the ball and more importantly, has some touch on the ball. Then there are moments when he cannot get the ball out quickly enough and has to improvise to make something happen on the field. Usually, that is when things go awry and today, he had a couple of errant passes which found defenders' hands. Now, we have to take the good with the bad but the good that has been seen leaves a good enough feeling that things could be trending upward before too long.
Benardrick McKinney is settling into his third year in the middle of the defense and there might not be a more cerebral linebacker on the team, especially when it comes to calling out formations and lining up his own defense. McKinney directs traffic and is constantly getting on his teammates, in a good way, between snaps, always discussing football. One job as a middle linebacker is too make sure that the defense is set and it looks like the future leader of the defense is taking his place.
xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
Sometimes when other things get in your head your fundamentals slip.
I think that's all he was saying.
xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
All good news.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
610 Radio through their reps in Virginia reported that Watson was making a a great number of rookie mistakes. In illustration of a few examples, they mentioned him turning to the wrong side to hand off the ball to his RB, play action to the wrong side, and throwing the ball away too soon. But they said that the coaching staff was most unhappy with Watson's repeated tendency to tuck the ball and run.
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
Somebody has to be doing bad if all these other guys are doing good!
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
They mentioned that as well.
frethack
Rookie
As another poster has noted, Patrick Starr might be a bit of a Savage homer, but its very encouraging to hear that the offense is looking sharp and that his passes are accurate. From what I remember last year, there was a some talk of errant passes throughout training camp. The consensus seems to be that Savage is accurate and can run the offense...so far...without pads.
Everyone has a plan til they get hit.
Nothing surprising there.
It's way too early.
But the penchant to take of and run needs to be reigned in before it becomes a bad habit.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Don't know if it is an easy fix or a fix but FOR NOW, coaches should tell Watson he cannot run with the ball until instructed differently.
Number19
Hall of Fame
For me, the most encouraging news is David Quessenberry. I have him projected to the PS. If he can come in and win a spot on the 53, then that means he's better than one of the players I'm currently projecting to the 53; and our OL is that much better than anticipated. Still a long shot - if his mechanics are there I'm concerned about strength - but a great comeback if he can pull it off.
He just needs to balance it. I just hope they groom Watson to be the best Deshaun Watson he can be and not Tom Brady. We aren't the Patriots we need to develop a stronger identity within our own culture.