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Texans Training Camp Preview 2023

CJ’s ball comes out different, compared to Mills or Keenum. It has a little wobble to it more times than not and doesn’t have that tilt on intermediate to deep throws.
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I've noticed this, also. At first, I thought Stroud might be having difficulty adjusting to the larger NFL ball. However, he threw good spirals at the combine. Then I thought it might be the ball wet from sweat. But Stroud does wear sweatbands. So, not real sure what's going on. Something to keep an eye on.
 
Porky said:
Most? I doubt that, but I could see up to the first half. The second half would be mostly Davis and maybe last couple of series for Case.
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My mistake... I could have worded it better, but I hope to see him play more than Case & Davis through three preseason games.
 
zshawn10 said:
www.houfootball.com

11 Observations from Day Ten of Texans Training Camp

The Texans named a starter at QB for Thursday's preseason opener.
www.houfootball.com www.houfootball.com
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Had to go out of town today, so had the opportunity to listen to 610. I haven't seen it mentioned here on TT, but heard on the radio that Mills had a "solid" Saturday evening practice. No details, just that he had a good practice. The other thing of note, and to disagree with Soot, is that Stroud has not really separated himself from Mills. This was mentioned after it was announced that Stroud would be starting Thursday against NE. The comment was that, although Stroud had not won the #1 position, the indication was that it was time to make the move; and it would be very difficult to backtrack, with Stroud running with the ones the past few practices and after announcing he would start Thursday.
 
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Dejaview said:
What if he looks good in the preseason Games. Would you still sit him for the first game?
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If it were me, the only way I would play him is that there would be a minimum, like practically none, of mistakes on the first team. The OL has to know who they're blocking, WRs need to know where they need to be & when, RBs have to pick up free rushers, even when it's not their "job."

Stroud's going to have a lot of mistakes of his own that he'll need to overcome. I don't want him trying to overcome "everybody" elses. (< I don't think that's a word)
 
The Texans worked some seven-on-seven at a time when they weren't doing DL/OL drills, so I could FINALLY watch in full. YAY!! The overall aspect I took out of the whole drill was how quick the QBs decision making was in the red zone. I don't know that the coaches told them to do whatever they're going to do QUICKLY and DECISIVELY, but that seemed to be the message. The QBs did NOT hold the ball long down in the low red zone, in particular, at all.

On the first rep, QB C.J. Stroud got heated up early. He hit former Buckeye Noah Brown between the eight and five for a catch down to the two yard line. Again, quick, decisive throws are NECESSARY in that area and C.J. was on it.

The next play was the same - a rope to TE Dalton Schultz for a similar gain. Quick. Effective.



Then, Stroud threw a fade route to Schultz who was covered by DB Shaquill Griffin. Shaq stayed in phase throughout the route and made that a tough throw. C.J. threw it high to avoid Griffin's potential pass breakup and overshot Schultz just a bit but in a spot where if Schultz didn't catch it, no one would. Still, quick and decisive, just a bit off the mark.

One asterisk play alert - on the next series of downs with Davis Mills under center, rookie LB Henry To'oTo'o had an outstanding breakup on a well thrown (again, quick and decisive) ball to TE Nick Vannett. I saw it happen right in front of me and then on the video board and I'm still not even sure how To'o To'o prevented the catch, but he did. PBU!

Mills threw a rocket laser shot to rookie WR Xavier Hutchinson on the glance route but it appeared as if DB Darius Phillips got a hand on it for a PBU…I think.

One of Stroud's best throws of the day was one that didn't result in a touchdown. He threw to the back corner of the end zone where only rookie WR Jared Wayne could make the grab. He did, but he was just out of bounds…allegedly. Both officials looked at one another and weren't quite sure. It would've been reviewed, I have a feeling. Regardless, it was one heck of a throw and catch by the two rookies.

On the next play, Davis Mills went to Wayne in the middle of the end zone wide open for a touchdown. Again, as I mentioned above, the focus seemed to be on QUICK and DECISIVE in the low red zone. That was a DART from Davis for the TD.



After that play, I heard someone on the defensive side of the ball, could've been players, could've been coaches, reminding the defense that they needed to COMMUNICATE! "Where's the communication, guys?" That's been a word that a lot of the defensive guys have discussed during this training camp. It's been paying off too, but in this seven-on-seven, the offense was having success against the defensive unit.

LB Neville Hewitt saved a touchdown with a pass breakup in the middle of the end zone. He wouldn't let TE Mason Schreck box him out and reached over to swat the ball away.

Then, QB Case Keenum hit me with a pass. Darn bully. Just kidding, but he couldn't connect with TE/FB Andrew Beck and the ball skimmed off the turf right into my leg. Appreciate it, Case!

The next couple of team periods featured a ton of runs until we got to situations. But, Stroud connected with Tank Dell on a two asterisk play just before that occurred. Stroud ripped one to Tank on the sideline on a deep out route. Just as Tank made the catch and turned up the field…THWACK! DB Jimmie Ward decided he'd seen enough and put the rookie on his wallet. I'm chuckling at the remembrance of seeing Tank hitting the deck after Ward, with no pads on, made his presence known.

Today's game situation drill - there was 2:30 on the clock, one time out and the game tied at ten. Stroud's first throw was nearly picked by LB Christian Harris. It was sort of a sign, in some sense, as the offense bogged down over that series of downs.



Davis Mills came in and took the team down the field, scoring a TD at the end of the drive with nearly no time on the clock. He hit Steven Sims to start the drill who stepped out of bounds in the process, giving the offense one more play before the two minute warning. That allowed the Texans to toss to Mike Boone for a first down on the next play before the two minute warning.

So, from a situational aspect, the Texans were able to run two plays, pick up 12-14 yards before hitting the two minute warning. That's a solid drive start for Mills and company.

Just after the two minute warning, as the defense jumped offsides, Mills threw to Steven Sims down the field who couldn't quite hang on for a big play. Then, Mills hit Tank on the deep out route right near me for a first down and Dell got out of bounds. With 1:48, the Texans smartly slowed the clock by running the ball to see if they could pop one.

As the clock eventually went under 20 seconds, Mills threw a direct shot at the pylon. It didn't look like it had much chance as it was right near me again. But, Jalen Camp burst in to make the catch…or did he? He held on but the official on the spot said he didn't have his feet in bounds. That would've gone to the booth upstairs for sure. No review? No TD, no worries.

Two plays later with 11 seconds in the half, Mills found Camp for real this time and a touchdown. That was a tremendous Mills drive all the way down the field for seven, leaving just seven seconds on the clock before the end of the half.



On the final team session, DB Derek Stingley Jr. made one heck of a PBU on an out route on the opposite side of the field.

One of the best plays of that period was a D'Angelo Ross pass breakup on Tank Dell. It was a great throw by QB Case Keenum and it looked like Tank had the catch. But, at the last second, Ross reached in and popped it out for an incompletion. That had great all-around written all over it.

Later in that drill, Stroud came back in and threw to WR Robert Woods on the sideline for a pretty completion. But, my heart was in my shoes before C.J. threw that pass. I was watching Will Anderson Jr. lined up over Laremy Tunsil. Will went with about the low-ridingest-low-rider rip move under Laremy I've seen. But, he was so low that he lost his balance and all I could see was Will's momentum carrying into Stroud's legs as he completed the pass. Somehow, Anderson landed and rolled out of harm's way and I breathed a sigh of relief. I found myself getting tense as I wrote that observation. My goodness.

The last play of the day was one of the most physically impressive plays I've seen from Stroud and WR Nico Collins. Stroud was forced to scramble to his right but he kept his eyes downfield. Sprinting to his right, he saw Collins and threw back across his body to the middle of the field. Immediately, I was like "NO!" but he had that throw on a ROPE! Nico reached out with one hand and slowed it with his big right paw and then corralled it into his body for a tremendous catch. I mean, WHAT? That was impressive all the way around.
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Lucky said:
I've noticed this, also. At first, I thought Stroud might be having difficulty adjusting to the larger NFL ball. However, he threw good spirals at the combine. Then I thought it might be the ball wet from sweat. But Stroud does wear sweatbands. So, not real sure what's going on. Something to keep an eye on.
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Do sweatbands in humidity really work? I don’t see a problem on his short to intermediate passes. Watching Mills on sideline routes he doesn’t seem to be able to drop it into the receivers hands so many throws sail out of bounds on a line. Maybe CJ’s throws to certain areas of the field are thrown to drop in like a bird landing on a limb where the receiver can make an adjustment? I know Schultz has stated he has a good soft touch on his throws.
 
Number19 said:
Everyone going ga-ga over Stroud, but is a 50% completion rate acceptable?
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Et tu Brutus? FYI - he was 15-21 overall. That's over 71%. That's elite level. Joe Burrow was 68%.

I know you're still a Mills hugger, but let it go man lol. You're trying to find a nit to pick.

Mills isn't going to ever be the dude anywhere in this or any other lifetime. He's an ok backup. Nothing more. Nothing less.
 
Porky said:
Et tu Brutus? FYI - he was 15-21 overall. That's over 71%. That's elite level. Joe Burrow was 68%.

I know you're still a Mills hugger, but let it go man lol. You're trying to find a nit to pick.

Mills isn't going to ever be the dude anywhere in this or any other lifetime. He's an ok backup. Nothing more. Nothing less.
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At the time I posted, he was not 15 for 21. When this was posted I acknowledged it. Stroud will be our starter. Why are you so defensive?
 
Number19 said:
Everyone going ga-ga over Stroud, but is a 50% completion rate acceptable?
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Number19 said:
At the time I posted, he was not 15 for 21. When this was posted I acknowledged it. Stroud will be our starter. Why are you so defensive?
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At this point the media (and posters as we can see) are way too much in Stroud’s corner and can’t see things objectively. You can’t even ask a good objective question apparently.

All we can do is wait to watch him for ourselves in preseason.
 
https://twitter.com/x/status/1688961480341827593

- Run game is physical on both sides. RBs love lowering their shoulders & I heard some legit pops. - Defensive line was the weakest part of the team today - Really saw a lot of schematic similarities to the 49ers being instilled. Expect lots of outside runs & play action offensively. Defense looks zone heavy. Overall, looks like WAY deeper team than last year. Still looking for much more top end talent before this team can compete deep into the year, but Texans fans should be excited about all these young prospects. I believe in the men in charge.
 
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Not every practice day should be considered an indicator of progress. Sometimes a "bad day" is just a day of experimenting, processing, and learning. We want to see that in practice so we don't see it during a game.

I compare it to working in my art studio. I couldn't imagine someone looking over my shoulder and critiquing me as I think through a sketch or a painting.
 
  1. DeMeco Ryans wasn’t pleased with his defense on Tuesday. The head coach was critical of his defense’s energy. The offense, all teams, had success against the defense. The intensity did seem down, but the defense made some good plays. It wasn’t however their typical advantage over the offense.

  2. C.J. Stroud might have sapped some of the energy with his impressive performance. Stroud was in control and hitting most of his throws. It was an impressive day from start to finish for Stroud as he displayed his crispness in his operation. After a shaky day Monday, the rookie bounced way back for an overall awesome day.

  3. One throw on Tuesday exemplified the growth and talent of C.J. Stroud. Stroud took the snap, waited for the play to develop, and sent the ball toward the sideline. John Metchie was on the other end and caught the perfect pass that was placed expertly over the defender. It was one of the best throws of training camp from Stroud. The video below doesn’t even do it justice.

  4. The command of the offense and the improvement in operation is clear for C.J. Stroud. He doesn’t throw into a lot of bad coverage. He did try to slip a few into tight coverage which led to some pass breakups. Stroud also whipped some passes into some tight windows. It’s fun to watch him get into a rhythm.

  5. The rhythm for C.J. Stroud was present in the situational team period on Tuesday. The offense worked on third down from four yards, eight yards, and 12 yards to a first down. Stroud’s first pass was a pass to Dameon Pierce who couldn’t hold on through contact. Robert Woods hauled in a pass for a first down from Stroud on the next rep. Third and long saw success again. Nico Collins over the middle was the target this time. Stroud moved the chains on the money down.

  6. I know the head coach wasn’t happy with the defense but there were some moments for the defenders. Safety Jalen Pitre is a menace and it feels like if the ball is coming into a territory he is near he will make a play on it. Safety Jimmie Ward dropped an interception on a pass C.J. Stroud threw behind Robert Woods. Christian Harris had a pass breakup when the offense tried to get the ball to Dalton Schultz.

  7. Kenyon Green had a few rough moments in practice. Maliek Collins obliterated Green on one play just pushing him back into the backfield. There were some other questionable pass blocking moments. Green looked like he allowed a defender to dart in and interrupt a rushing play. There were a few solid moments when he was blocking on passing plays though. There’s still work to do here.

  8. There were a few more impressive C.J. Stroud moments. Stroud had Roy Lopez in his face but was able to stand and deliver to Robert Woods. He perfectly timed out a throw to tight end Dalton Schultz on the sideline. Later it was a play action pass that led to Schultz getting a first down. Stroud, through a ton of traffic, hit Noah Brown who came down with the ball. Stroud hit a pass off-balance as the pocket was collapsing that I am pretty sure he threw from one foot.

  9. Will Anderson destroyed a few plays. He read a play perfectly and earned a tackle for a loss. He slipped through the offensive line for a run stop on another play. I have yet to see him win a rep going against Laremy Tunsil though. Those are fun to watch and it is one of the rare times we see Tunsil require effort.

  10. The running backs performed well. Specifically, the top two backs Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary. Pierce had a 15-yard scamper for a touchdown in one of the team periods. Singletary finds space, either running the ball or running routes. It should be a fun combo from this backfield. The running back spot has been a position of futility for far too long in Houston.
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www.houfootball.com

11 Observations from Day 11 of Texans Training Camp

The defense lacked energy and C.J. Stroud took advantage.
www.houfootball.com www.houfootball.com
 
TheRealJoker said:
Maybe i’m overanalyzing the reports but i’m concerned that the offense’s highlights each day come against Stingley. Maybe its the only big play he allows an entire practice? But I’ve seen reports of Collins day 1, Brown day 2 and now Hutchinson making big plays against him. And they aren’t exactly the Jefferson, Chase, Hill and Adams tier of WRs in the league.
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I'm going to grab a few thoughts and put more context to them.

I have little concerns about Stingley's play--have focused on him. Do hope he stays healthy because you can see why he is well regarded, can't always prevent health stuff. When guys catch on him, it isn't because he is beat beat. Sometimes just a good ball.

Some practices, they are just not throwing it his way. :)
 
TexansBull said:
At this point the media (and posters as we can see) are way too much in Stroud’s corner and can’t see things objectively. You can’t even ask a good objective question apparently.

All we can do is wait to watch him for ourselves in preseason.
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I am not in a corner personally. I don't think anyone else is tbh.

By my eye, Stroud has earned the chance to be 1. Particularly enjoy how much they have tested the players quickly, how much of their practices are spent doing detailed football things/situational football versus drills. Putting the players under stress during practice. After this heat, the games will probably feel easy.

I like how all the QBs are conducting themselves. C.J. and Mills have got a ton of reps. Keenum far less. Mills is putting himself in a position to make money given how many teams run Shan offense. I don't think we need to talk about the competition as a bad thing or pick sides. They don't think in those terms, long season to stay healthy.
 
Texans_Chick said:
I am not in a corner personally. I don't think anyone else is tbh.

By my eye, Stroud has earned the chance to be 1. Particularly enjoy how much they have tested the players quickly, how much of their practices are spent doing detailed football things/situational football versus drills. Putting the players under stress during practice. After this heat, the games will probably feel easy.

I like how all the QBs are conducting themselves. C.J. and Mills have got a ton of reps. Keenum far less. Mills is putting himself in a position to make money given how many teams run Shan offense. I don't think we need to talk about the competition as a bad thing or pick sides. They don't think in those terms, long season to stay healthy.
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I enjoy your classy replies and insight. Thank you.
 
TexansBull said:
At this point the media (and posters as we can see) are way too much in Stroud’s corner and can’t see things objectively. You can’t even ask a good objective question apparently.

All we can do is wait to watch him for ourselves in preseason.
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What is your good objective question that wasn't answered objectively?

Seriously.
 
zshawn10 said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1688961480341827593

- Run game is physical on both sides. RBs love lowering their shoulders & I heard some legit pops. - Defensive line was the weakest part of the team today - Really saw a lot of schematic similarities to the 49ers being instilled. Expect lots of outside runs & play action offensively. Defense looks zone heavy. Overall, looks like WAY deeper team than last year. Still looking for much more top end talent before this team can compete deep into the year, but Texans fans should be excited about all these young prospects. I believe in the men in charge.
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Who were those defensive linemen? That shouldn't be left to guess.
 
Brisco_County said:
Not every practice day should be considered an indicator of progress. Sometimes a "bad day" is just a day of experimenting, processing, and learning. We want to see that in practice so we don't see it during a game.

I compare it to working in my art studio. I couldn't imagine someone looking over my shoulder and critiquing me as I think through a sketch or a painting.
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Could you imagine it if you were making 3 to 20 million dollars a year?
 
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