Brian T. Smith @ChronBrianSmith
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Fiedorowicz said he hit a wall in rookie year. More confident and calmer this season. Also understands offense better. #Texans
Very clear Tom Savage in Year Two is a much different, more confident Savage. Taking his game, approach to next level. #Texans
C.J. Fiedorowicz put on a towel before speaking, in a joking tribute to O'Brien's practice attire. #Texans
O'Brien: "It's been a very competitive OTA period. The offense has made some plays." Said offense vs. defense has been 50-50 thus far.
O'Brien traveled more this offseason, visiting colleges and talking with pro coaches in attempt to adapt #Texans to new #NFL trends.
O'Brien joked he's being asked a lot of "evolution and psychology" questions today. #Texans
O'Brien believes that Fiedorowicz can help #Texans in passing game this year.
Overall TE position is showing improvement, better competition
#Texans have a good first impression of Vince Wilfork, O'Brien said.
C.J. Fiedorowicz has had a good offseason, O'Brien said. #Texans
Jaelen Strong has a "minor issue," O'Brien said. Didn't practice today. #Texans
Louis Nix "has come back in good shape," O'Brien said. Taking all reps. #Texans
#Texans have almost had 100-percent participation during voluntary offseason workouts, O'Brien said.
#Texans are "working on another team" to practice with during preseason, O'Brien said. Referring to #Saints backing out of week of practice.
Has O'Brien watched "Hard Knocks" in the past? One-word answer: "No."
O'Brien on "Hard Knocks" - "This is an opportunity for people to see that this is a team." #Texans
O'Brien said he doesn't have a timetable to name a starting QB. #Texans
#Texans' O'Brien said Tom Savage has "made a lot of progress" since rookie year. Getting into building early. Coaching staff is encouraged
#Texans' O'Brien: "All three quarterbacks are getting a lot of reps." Alternating first teams with Hoyer, Mallett. Savage also getting reps.
Texans switching first teams with Hoyer, Mallett thus far. Hoyer had first OTA. Mallett today.
JJ Watt and Vince Wilfork having fun with the football before #Texans' OTA, via @coomerchron.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGbozfJVAAAOFer.jpg
Savage, Hoyer had strong moments but also several misfires. #Texans[/LIST]
No Strong. Hopkins on side.
Mallett led first team today. Better accuracy but had a couple picks.
Tania Ganguli @taniaganguli
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"If I’m going to stand in front of the team and demand that they get better, then I better be living that." O'Brien says.
"He's a very good blocker when he really puts his mind to it. ...I think he can help us in the passing game," OB on Fiedorowicz
"It makes us all feel good to see No. 75 in the middle of that defense," O'Brien says of Wilfork.
What rookie's in the best shape? "I would say none of them," O'Brien says.
"I think Louis Nix has come back in good shape. He's running around. He's able to take all the reps," O'Brien. #Texans
Wilfork and Watt played catch throughout the early stretching period, with Watt practicing his one-handed catches throughout. #Texans
Greatest moment of #Texans practice ever: When Mo Money, Mo Problems came on, Wilfork started singing and doing some subtle dance moves.
Each quarterback threw an interception. Eddie Pleasant, Kareem Jackson and Andre Hal caught them. #Texans
Ryan Mallett had a really nice day. Looked especially good in 7-on-7s, which suits his skill set. #Texans
Jayson Braddock @JaysonBraddock
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S Terrance Parks is a guy that the Texans seem to like.
CJ Fiedorowicz personality, confidence is coming out so much more now. Looks comfortable on and off the field.
"I think it's been a very competitive OTA period. Think it's been 50/50 right now. Very competitive roster." OB on if DEF is ahead of OFF
"I traveled a lot this offseason and went to some colleges and spoke to their coaches."
"I like completions. Please don't put that quote out there. I don't need all of Houston saying Bill O'Brien doesn't like completions."
"All of those TEs have become more comfortable. CJ has truly had a good offseason. He's improved his routes, hands. -OB on Fiedorowicz
On which rookie is in the best shape "None of them" - O'Brien
"I think Louis Nix has come back in good shape"
OB talks about Dre Hal and other guys getting looks at safety. Played well there today.
"We're working on another team" OB's response to his disappointment in Saints backing out of joint practice
"With Mumphery he played multiple roles at Michigan State." "Now they're playing with growm men, has to become consistent" OB
PDS @PatDStat
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Fiedorowicz says Watt studies offensive film of the #Texans to understand the
Fiedorowicz says Watt’s instincts are off the charts. Says he knows offensive calls. #Texans
Fiedorowicz mentions he had he knee scoped in January. Said he feels great. #Texans
Hal said the Eagles game at NRG made him wake up and understand he has to get better as a NFL player. #Texans
Hal said he prepared himself to get ready to help at safety. Learned every spot in the secondary over the offseason. #Texans
“This is a competitive roster across the board.” -Bill O’Brien #Texans
OB mentions they study other teams that do similar things to them on offense, defense and special teams. Adds always looking for ideas.
OB says he wakes up in the middle of the night to make notes of things he is thinking for the team. #Texans
What does OB like during OTAs? “Completed passed”. #Texans
OB makes sure the health of his team is the top priority. #Texans
OB doesn’t feel the safeties need to be interchangeable on the field. #Texans
"Makes us all feel real good to see #75 in the middle of the defense.” Bill O’Brien.
#Texans reports back on July 25th for training camp.
OB says Louis Nix has come back in great shape. Giving him praise. Also mentions Lonnie Ballentine coming on strong. #Texans
“Getting in shape.” on what OB wants from OTAs. #Texans
OB mention that Dre Hal will be working at safety. #Texans
OB says the #Texans are working on getting another team to practice against during camp.
OB feels Tom Savage has made some good progress over the summer. Also mentions “It’s early.” #Texans
Two-spot drill: running two offensive huddles to opposite ends of the field vs a defense. #Texans
OB says the #Texans are using the two-spot drill to get Mallett and Hoyer plenty of reps.
Deepi Sidhu @DeepSlant
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Tom Savage says he's developed more of a routine and learned how to prepare this offseason. #Texans
Andre Hal has been working out this offseason. Has impressed O'Brien. #Texans
Lonnie Ballentine back on the field in OTAs. #Texans
Bill O'Brien on what he's looking for from QBS in OTAs: Operating the team at a high tempo and completing the pass. #Texans
O'Brien says @wilfork75 addition good for team, locker room: It makes us all feel good to see #75 out there on defense. #Texans
O'Brien says Nix III is in better shape and can take all reps this year. "He's worked hard in the offseason." #Texans
O'Brien says last year's rookies who have come back in better shape: Louis Nix III, Lonnie Ballentine, Andre Hal. #Texans
#Saints cancelled joint practices with #Texans but O'Brien says he's working on getting another team to work against in camp.
O'Brien has been in contact with other coaches who have had experience with 'Hard Knocks.' Says he's never seen it. #Texans
Bill O'Brien says Tom Savage is one of first guys to arrive every day and can see the progress he's made from Year 1 to Year 2. #Texans
Howard Chen @TheHoChen
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Tom Savage DEFINITELY wants to improve, sounds determined: "I don't want to do what I did last year." #Texans
O'Brien: Player safety really important; coaches make sure to emphasize when it's a non-contact drill. #Texans
O'Brien: "These quarterbacks really like throwing to tight ends." #Texans
O'Brien on Nix: "This year he's healthy and he's able to be out there." #Texans
O'Brien: "I think Louis Nix has come back in good shape." Nix was 1st guy singled out for night-and-day progress. #Texans
O'Brien: With Saints cancellation, #Texans working to bring in another team for a joint practice.
O'Brien: Not making any adjustments for the Hard Knocks cameras, just business as usual. Hoping the show shows a disciplined, smart team.
O'Brien: It's early, but Tom Savage has made a lot of progress. Coaching staff encouraged. #Texans