Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

Training camp 2013

JungleBoi_Swagg
dfcb4cc0f7bb11e28c0122000aa802dd_7.jpg


Late morning reads...

Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock
When Brandon Brooks gets his anchor down there isn't a force alive that can move him.

Brandon Brooks has the talent to be a stud in this league. After facing JJ Watt in 1 on 1s each day, what else does he have to fear?

Daniel Muir has a slap move that appears could dislocate an O-lineman's shoulder. If he makes linemen fear another attribute, it'd be deadly

Willie Jefferson had beat Andrew Gardner twice & split w/ Harris but Quessenberry, who shutdown Mercilus & Vardo, threw Willie to the ground

After Duane Brown shutdown Mercilus on all 4 of their 1 on 1s, Whit went up against David Quessenberry & lost. Kollar pulled him for Willie

Antonio Smith had his way w/ Ben Jones on both reps, but Jones took out his frustrations on Keith Browner, throwing him to the ground 1 on 1

As I mentioned yesterday, Ryan Harris looks like a patient vet. After Willie Jefferson beat him, he settled in and anchored.

Earl has the ability to beat Myers when he uses power, but anytime I see him try to spin out vs Myers the play is over.

O line vs D line 1 on 1s were fun to watch as always. Really enjoy Earl Mitchell vs Chris Myers, not so much Duane Brown vs Whitney Mercilus

1) Matt Schaub 2) TJ Yates 3) Case Keenum 4) Stephen McGee. Once again, it's very early and camp is fluid. Live bullets will be key.

Stephen McGee is delayed in his throws and seems to not be as instinctual. It's early & fluid, but if QB depth chart was due today, I'd go..

When Keenum was doing footwork drills that teach QBs to keep their body square when evading pressure, he still looked very raw.

Case Keenum has great location on his ball thrown outside of the numbers. He ALWAYS drops it in on the outside shoulder. Hard to defend

Antonio Smith came out fired up. He destroyed Ben Jones on 1 rep, then follows it up by making quick work of Brandon Brooks.

Whitney Mercilus impressed more on a run play towards his side, than on most passing rushing opportunities. He set the edge & stuffed run

AJ Bouye got out of position on a sideline 1 on 1, but had quick recovery & explosive vertical. His vert would of closed a window of 3-4 yds

Trevardo did get a reaction out of me when Adam Schiltz pulled down the back of the line towards Trevardo & was sent quickly to his backside

Trevardo didn't look comfortable in 1 on 1s & is struggling to learn NFL adjustments & line shifts. Can't grade him until the light goes on

Despite his size, he has good balance when taking on hits & is tough for defenders to tackle. Jared Crick had clean shot, but whiffed high.

Dennis Johnson continues to look like the possible homerun threat that this team has been looking for. Squeezes thru tiny holes & explosive

Ryan Griffin has impressed in his routes and hands, but DJ stayed tight in coverage before their legs tangled up.

DJ repeatedly plowed thru players coming thru the hole when he was in the box. After 1 play, he told Manning "I lit his little #@$ up"

Swearinger kept on for what seemed like a full mintue, screaming & making noises that usually don't come from humans.

After a Mercilus / Tate scuffle, followed by Antonio Smith mixing it up, Swearinger ran screaming on the field, "now we're playing football"

DJ Swearinger now takes the same tenacity to the defensive back group. It doesn't talk or carry himself as a rookie on the field.

Apparently every level of the Texans' defense now has a fiery player that loves the nastiness of football. We knew about Cushing, then Watt
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Rey said:
No reports on Braman...

Your two speed rush guys that you expect to be on the roster in merci and Williams showing poorly so far.

Well it's early.
Click to expand...

I am personally reluctant to tweet too much about specific player performance. Unless it is off the charts good or bad.

Because people over read stuff.

Lots of stuff going on. People see things differently.

Fans want news. Media wants to give news. However, the problem is that most camp stuff is not news.

I don't think any of the OLB are "showing poorly."

I think it is worth emphasizing what Kubiak said yesterday. From day to day, and even with shells and then pads on, he really doesn't have a good feel for performance until he gets to about the 3rd preseason game.

“I reserve judgment until we get to about the third week of the preseason. We’ve got a long way to go and you never know what’s going to happen. Right now, it’s just about teaching, grinding, coaching everybody. Everybody’s involved in that process. Just stay with the process, keep working and we’ve got to be ready to win a game against San Diego on opening day, so we’ll stay with the process.”

In other words, just because you haven't heard a ton on certain guys, doesn't mean you should be freaking out.

I think it is legit to go, hmmm Connor Barwin lots of snaps to replace, very little proven stuff.

But on quality of OLB play, we really won't know until real games.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
I believe you are referring to Texans head athletic trainer Geoff Kaplan. He is not a physician. He's been with the Texans I think going on his 5th year.
Click to expand...

Although he's not a physician, he's the guy in charge of that whole department, right? I'd assume the physicians are giving their reports and recommendations to Kap and then Kap is the interface to the coaching staff. I could be wrong about that but whenever there's a medically oriented question, Kubiak's all "Well, Kap said..."
 
Honoring Earl 34 said:
We are lucky .:goodluck:
Click to expand...
Damn straight. [IMGwidthsize=30]http://www.mdinspectplus.com/images/SmileyFace_doctor.jpg[/IMG]

Texans_Chick said:
Because people over read stuff...most camp stuff is not news.
Click to expand...
I agree, but we like to hear some chatter about football. I take note when Seth Payne makes a football observation, since he's been there and knows of what he speaks. But camp is for learning and improving, so player assessment is pretty fluid day-to-day. Still fun to hear what others see, though. :doot:
 
Playoffs said:
Damn straight. [IMGwidthsize=30]http://www.mdinspectplus.com/images/SmileyFace_doctor.jpg[/IMG]

I agree, but we like to hear some chatter about football. I take note when Seth Payne makes a football observation, since he's been there and knows of what he speaks. But camp is for learning and improving, so player assessment is pretty fluid day-to-day. Still fun to hear what others see, though. :doot:
Click to expand...

I like sharing observations. And do.

Hard to do on Twitter without each observation being over-read though.

Bouye did have a nice day. Two picks, could have had a 3rd.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
Although he's not a physician, he's the guy in charge of that whole department, right? I'd assume the physicians are giving their reports and recommendations to Kap and then Kap is the interface to the coaching staff. I could be wrong about that but whenever there's a medically oriented question, Kubiak's all "Well, Kap said..."
Click to expand...

Here is the entire list of 2013 Houston Texans medical staff:


Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer...Geoff Kaplan
Coordinator of Rehabilitation/Assistant Athletic Trainer...Roland Ramirez
Assistant Athletic Trainer...........................A.J. Van Valkenburgh
Team Medical Director & Head Team Orthopedist... Dr. Walter Lowe
Team Orthopedist............................................Dr. Steven Flores
Team Orthopedist.............................................Dr. Thomas Hunt
Team Orthopedist.............................................Dr. David Lintner
Team Orthopedist.............................................Dr. Mark Prasarn
Team Orthopedist..............................................Dr. Kevin Varner
Team Internist...................................................Dr. James Muntz
Team Radiologist.................................Dr. Manickam Kumaravel
Team Emergency Physician.......................... Dr. Michael Chang
Team Emergency Physician....................... Dr. William Spangler
Team Dentist...................................................... Dr. Tom O’Brien
Team Chiropractor.............................................Dr. Dana Harper
Team Active Release Techniques® & Graston Provider
...................................................................... Dr. Chris Sanders
Team Dietitian.....................................................Roberta Anding
Team Massage Therapist.................. Joni Honn/Genuine Touch
Team Ophthalmologist......................Baylor College of Medicine


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


Lots of fancy titles. Bottom line, the head trainer in a system such as this will have the typical day-to-day contact with both the players and the coaches. But when there are particular player injury or medical problems in question, a physician (after input by the head trainer) will make final diagnostic evaluations and course of treatment plans and return-to-play decisions. Because of the head trainer's natural daily feedback relationship with Kubiak, it would not be unusual, if the organization feels comfortable, for him to be designated as appropriate to take on somewhat of a PR role.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Here is the entire list of 2013 Houston Texans medical staff:


Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer...Geoff Kaplan
Coordinator of Rehabilitation/Assistant Athletic Trainer...Roland Ramirez
Assistant Athletic Trainer...........................A.J. Van Valkenburgh
Team Medical Director & Head Team Orthopedist... Dr. Walter Lowe
Team Orthopedist............................................Dr. Steven Flores
Team Orthopedist.............................................Dr. Thomas Hunt
Team Orthopedist.............................................Dr. David Lintner
Team Orthopedist.............................................Dr. Mark Prasarn
Team Orthopedist..............................................Dr. Kevin Varner
Team Internist...................................................Dr. James Muntz
Team Radiologist.................................Dr. Manickam Kumaravel
Team Emergency Physician.......................... Dr. Michael Chang
Team Emergency Physician....................... Dr. William Spangler
Team Dentist...................................................... Dr. Tom O’Brien
Team Chiropractor.............................................Dr. Dana Harper
Team Active Release Techniques® & Graston Provider
...................................................................... Dr. Chris Sanders
Team Dietitian.....................................................Roberta Anding
Team Massage Therapist.................. Joni Honn/Genuine Touch
Team Ophthalmologist......................Baylor College of Medicine


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


Lots of fancy titles. Bottom line, the head trainer in a system such as this will have the typical day-to-day contact with both the players and the coaches. But when there are particular player injury or medical problems in question, a physician (after input by the head trainer) will make final diagnostic evaluations and course of treatment plans and return-to-play decisions. Because of the head trainer's natural daily feedback relationship with Kubiak, it would not be unusual, if the organization feels comfortable, for him to be designated as appropriate to take on somewhat of a PR role.
Click to expand...

13 Md's? Don't like that number, maybe they should add another or get rid of one!
 
jaayteetx said:
13 Md's? Don't like that number, maybe they should add another or get rid of one!
Click to expand...

Let me allow you to not lose any sleep tonight. There are actually only 11 MDs listed.........trainers, dentists and chiropractors (Dr. Sanders also a chiropractor) are not MDs.:):)
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Let me allow you to not lose any sleep tonight. There are actually only 11 MDs listed.........trainers, dentists and chiropractors (Dr. Sanders also a chiropractor) are not MDs.:):)
Click to expand...

I was just pleased to see they had someone doing Active Release. My shoulder would probably still be non-functional if it hadn't been for ART.
 
Drew Dougherty ‏@DoughertyDrew
Live from #Texans training camp tomorrow is ESPN Sports Center. They've begun setting up
Click to expand...

BQSlG8KCIAAacQY.jpg


James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN
Smith said that Willie Jefferson really impressed him on 1st day of pads in o line / d line drills. #texans

Antonio Smith said Earl Mitchell has the quickest first step of anyone on the D line. Said he also brings a ton of power with it. #texans
Click to expand...

Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock b
...Chick said they'll monitor how successful each RB is w/ their touches. Said he's hoping all goes well w/ both & they can use them that way

I asked Chick if he wanted to get Ben Tate more involved coming off of Arian's heavy workload:...

On Dennis, he also said that a change of pace back is a matchup you like to have. A guy that can give you big plays in spot occasions.

Chick Harris says he likes Dennis Johnson as a halfback from the running & receiving standpoint. Good quickness, vision, instinctive player.

On Cierre Wood he said he can slash inside, press the holes, bounce, & has good speed to bounce outside.

Last bit of tweets from camp for today. I spoke with Texans' running back coach, Chick Harris after practice.
Click to expand...
Dave Zangaro ‏@DZangaro
Texans finally announced Earl Okine was taken off PUP. He practiced today. D-line did a Gator Chomp to welcome him back.

Antonio Smith, when asked to pick one guy who stood out in pass rush, picked UDFA OLB Willie Jefferson.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
The Sideline View's John Harris is "not buying" FS Ed Reed (hip surgery) will be ready for Week 1.
Harris noticed Reed "wince" doing backpedal-and-turn drills on a side field, and says he "didn't look comfortable doing anything other than running straight ahead." Harris no longer even believes the Texans' goal is to have Reed back for Opening Day. They may consider anything Reed offers in 2013 a bonus
Click to expand...

HOUSTON TEXANS' TRAINING CAMP THOUGHTS: DAY THREE
John Harris, TheSidelineView

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

Quotes: Texans Training Camp Day 3
Head Coach Gary Kubiak
CB Kareem Jackson
CB Johnathan Joseph
NT Earl Mitchell
RT Derek Newton
DE J.J. Watt
Head Coach Gary Kubiak

Afternoon Practice:
Head Coach Gary Kubiak
DE Antonio Smith

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

Emptied Notebook: Day 3 of Texans Training Camp

Drew Dougherty

*The following is a random assortment of quotes, oddities, scattershots and interesting tidbits from Sunday's training camp practices.

-The team wore ‘shells’ on Sunday for the first time during training camp. ‘Shells’ is short for ‘shoulder pads’ and ‘helmets’. Because the team was in shells, practice was a bit more physical than it had been the first two days of camp.

-At one point during the outside portion of the morning work, while the offense and defense were broken off into position groups, the specialists went through an interesting drill. Punters Shane Lechler and Andrew Shapiro, along with kicker Randy Bullock and long snapper Jon Weeks, fielded tennis balls from special teams assistant Bob Ligashesky. Taking turns, each player would start around mid-field and run toward the north end zone, and Ligashesky would fire a grounder for the specialist to field.

-For a few moments during the outside portion of the morning practice...
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
I was lucky enough to get to go to Saturday's morning practice. Sorry these are late.

Schaub was the only one to run on to the field. Everyone else walked.


Willie Jefferson is one tall man. Wonder what Coach Joe is telling him here?
2.JPG



Glad he's not pointing at me.
4.JPG



Pain is coming to town.
7.JPG



Jefferson interception drill.
10.JPG
 
Cush looks good in lateral drills.
12.JPG


Reed looks huge.
15.JPG


Maybe Yates looked good in 11 on 11. But in the 1 on 1 drills he didn't throw on catchable pass. Here's Hopkins trying his best.
17.JPG


Again Yates makes it impossible for the receiver. Good job by Harris. Jean made the tackle.
18.JPG
 
From John Harris' report linked above. It appears that Willie Jefferson is this year's Lestar Jean.

Jefferson is a complete and total unknown, but the coaches love this guy. Well, when I say that coaches love a guy, it means he's getting coached up as much as, or more than, any other defensive player. The former receiver at Baylor transferred to Stephen F. Austin and turned into a pass rushing demon. During Saturday's morning practice, he got matched up on All-Pro Duane Brown. What happened next I thought was an aberration, but Jefferson started at Duane's outside shoulder then WHOOSH back underneath him without Brown getting a hand on him. The defensive players whooped and hollered while the OL all look at each other like "holy sh--, that's not supposed to happen". Kollar and Wade Phillips consistently preach to him about finishing and going hard every play, but if there's an UDFA to keep an eye on during preseason, it's Jefferson.
Click to expand...
 
infantrycak said:
Or it is over analysis. Get serious. There have been a few reports of one of the best LTs in the NFL stymying a 2nd year OLB so the OLB is doing poorly. Somebody has to win. People would be all chicken little if Merciless was beating Brown.
Click to expand...

You need to get real. When you have several people watching practice and all saying that a guy needs to get better and looks ineffective there's usually a reason for that.

You're not very good at this football stuff IMO.

One on ones tilt in favor towards the defense as far as pass pro goes. Willie Jefferson had no problem beating brown on a play. Did people freak out about that? No. Also, merciless Went against quessenberry and lost. Then the coach pulled him. Is quess an all pro? Maybe kollar needs to get real for pulling him.

As a pass rusher you should at least be flashing sometimes. You act like the damn team mom sometimes.
 
LOL Rey - back to your poor rhetoric tactics. If you have no real response you just accuse people of having no football knowledge. It's rather pathetically predictable.
 
steelbtexan said:
It's past time for the Texans to look for new team physicians. TheDr.'s ineptitude never ceases to amaze me. I've got a feeling if Brennan Williams situation had been handled properly, (Surgery before OTA's) he would've been ready for week1. Now it's likely he will spend the season on the IR. Or contribute very little at the least.

This is just another example of the Texans medical team screwing up.
Click to expand...

I'm not the Texans, I don't manage multi-million dollar assets. But if it were my kids, I'm opting for non-invasive treatment first.

I know the Texans is a business, but it's nice to know they're still people who care about people.
 
Texans_Chick said:
I am personally reluctant to tweet too much about specific player performance. Unless it is off the charts good or bad.

Because people over read stuff.

Lots of stuff going on. People see things differently.

Fans want news. Media wants to give news. However, the problem is that most camp stuff is not news.
Click to expand...

I agree. All this "one on one" stuff is interesting, but means very little in a game, especially on the OL where we combo block a lot, our guys normally set up the angles in their favor, or the offense has to "worry" about the unknown..... is that guy coming or not?

This should be about the about the basics. Can you see the athleticism, how are their feet, their balance? Is there any burst? Fast twitch or slow twitch? Does he get frustrated? Does he give up? Does he give you any lip?



Texans_Chick said:
I think it is legit to go, hmmm Connor Barwin lots of snaps to replace, very little proven stuff.

But on quality of OLB play, we really won't know until real games.
Click to expand...

Well, we had plenty of opportunity to see Mercilus on the field last season. Barwin was almost non-existent but they still thought he deserved more snaps than Whitney. Braman couldn't get on the field, even after Reed got hurt. (I know he got some snaps)
 
Re: John Harris report.

Technically, we are not supposed to be reporting on what we see specifically on the side rehab field.

As it relates to Ed Reed, I've heard everything from optimism to pessimism in the way he is currently moving. Harris' view (I talked to him) was as pessimistic as I heard from anyone. Personally from my observations, I think it is hard to say one way or another without knowing how long he has been doing the running activities. I did not expect him to be moving that well--don't know where his speed, ability to cover is.
 
Rey said:
You need to get real. When you have several people watching practice and all saying that a guy needs to get better and looks ineffective there's usually a reason for that.

You're not very good at this football stuff IMO.

One on ones tilt in favor towards the defense as far as pass pro goes. Willie Jefferson had no problem beating brown on a play. Did people freak out about that? No. Also, merciless Went against quessenberry and lost. Then the coach pulled him. Is quess an all pro? Maybe kollar needs to get real for pulling him.

As a pass rusher you should at least be flashing sometimes. You act like the damn team mom sometimes.
Click to expand...

Um.

There's a ton of reps that happen at practice over multiple days. I would not over emphasize any one report. Nobody covering practice is everywhere all at once. That is why they have video cameras everywhere for the staff.

It is also difficult to guard against group think among media members at camp because everybody talks together. I must confess a lot of times when I read that X media member is high or low on a particular player, I look to see what they are seeing and am not seeing it.

So, yeah, I could likely point out good and bad plays of just about every player of the team at each individual practice because no one, even J.J. Watt consistently wins every play.

For much of the pass rush stuff, I strongly believe that we won't get a better sense of things until real games with real lineups.
 
As it relates to players I am specifically encouraged about, here's the list:

Quessenberry--Getting asked to do a ton, and doing well at it. Texans appreciate that ability.

Hopkins, Martin, Bonner--With Hopkins and Martin you can see the future some. Andre looks like all man, per usual. Scary collision in camp around the ball yesterday, Andre still caught it. (nobody looked to be hurt).

Quarterbacks--Encouraging looking in practice. Ahead of last year. Would like to see workmanlike efficiency during preseason.

Tight Ends--Really like how Ryan Griffin has been doing work while Graham out. Good hands. Both AJ and OD have midseason type chemistry with Schaub.

Running back competition--Tate looks good. I'm not worried about Foster. He looks good training on side field, I want them to hold him out as long as they want. For the other running backs, it is all about pass pro.

With much of the defense, too early to say. They can't tackle.

Specifically, just because Swearinger talks, doesn't mean he can play. Too early to say. He's on my wait and see list.

Manning, JJo, KJ look like they should be playing right now.

Brennan Williams has a nice Oline shape, but is very behind on basic footwork stuff bc he missed time. Coach is in his ear the whole time.

I got to run off to camp now, but I will keep checking in this thread to answer specific stuff.
 
Texans_Chick said:
Um.
There's a ton of reps that happen at practice over multiple days. I would not over emphasize any one report.
Click to expand...

In my initial post I noted that it was early.

I'm not over emphasizing anything. I simply stated what the reports stated in my on terms.

That said, the pass rush isn't a camp concern. They struggled getting pressure off the edges last year. The final determination of this years pass rush won't be until the season is over. But as a fan, I want to see some encouraging signs from our primary edge rushers. Note, I never said our pass rush is doomed this year because of some not so shiny early reports. Again, I noted specifically, "it's early".

But just my football take on things, pass rushing is one of the easiest things to look at in practice and see if a guy's got something there. Not the be all end all, but you can tell if a guy has got something. Those situations are much harder for the OL whereas the passing stuff with just WR and DB's is harder on the DB's.
 
Texans_Chick said:
As it relates to players I am specifically encouraged about, here's the list:

Quessenberry--Getting asked to do a ton, and doing well at it. Texans appreciate that ability.

Tight Ends--Really like how Ryan Griffin has been doing work while Graham out. Good hands.
Click to expand...
Where is Quess getting reps?

I have a huge concern if we lose OD or GG to injury, so good to hear about Griffin.
 
On Sam Montgomery, as I feared, the word I'm getting is that his boot is "hiding" a high ankle sprain. If so, he is unlikely to be able to return to the field in any capacity before 6-8 weeks..........and at that time will be high risk thereafter for recurrent problems.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
On Sam Montgomery, as I feared, the word I'm getting is that his boot is "hiding" a high ankle sprain. If so, he is unlikely to be able to return to the field in any capacity before 6-8 weeks..........and at that time will be high risk thereafter for recurrent problems.
Click to expand...

Disappointing. How do players generally prepare or get conditioned to avoid that kind of injury?
 
Day 4 First Look video: http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/First-Look-Day-4/2c273138-eacb-4532-afe6-f2b35ce5243e

Sportscenter is at camp today

[IMGwidthsize=600]http://prod.images.texans.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/TEXANS/assets/images/imported/HOU/photos/clubimages/2013/07-July/temp_BB26527--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG[/IMG]
[IMGwidthsize=600]http://prod.images.texans.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/TEXANS/assets/images/imported/HOU/photos/clubimages/2013/07-July/temp_BB26552--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG[/IMG]
[IMGwidthsize=600]http://prod.images.texans.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/TEXANS/assets/images/imported/HOU/photos/clubimages/2013/07-July/temp_BB26572--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.JPG[/IMG]
 
Last edited:
CloakNNNdagger said:
On Sam Montgomery, as I feared, the word I'm getting is that his boot is "hiding" a high ankle sprain. If so, he is unlikely to be able to return to the field in any capacity before 6-8 weeks..........and at that time will be high risk thereafter for recurrent problems.
Click to expand...

If that's the case, that is disappointing to hear.
 
Texans_Chick said:
Re: John Harris report.

Technically, we are not supposed to be reporting on what we see specifically on the side rehab field.

As it relates to Ed Reed, I've heard everything from optimism to pessimism in the way he is currently moving. Harris' view (I talked to him) was as pessimistic as I heard from anyone. Personally from my observations, I think it is hard to say one way or another without knowing how long he has been doing the running activities. I did not expect him to be moving that well--don't know where his speed, ability to cover is.
Click to expand...

Anyone who listens to his show know where he stood on the Reed FA signing?

Harris isn't the most objective guy in the world. So, it wouldn't surprise me if he's trying to justify his take on the issue more than reporting anything substantial.
 
[IMGwidthsize=600]http://prod.images.texans.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/TEXANS/assets/images/imported/HOU/photos/clubimages/2013/07-July/temp07272013_Wyckoff_DSC_2491--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg[/IMG]

Stephanie Stradley ‏@StephStradley
Kubiak said that #Texans defense will be working some on read option stuff soon as part of process of installing the defense

Ed Reed busted me watching his rehab. "You want to work out too!" "No sir, I'm good." /IMO his rehab says nothing now about his return date.

Asked Schaub if fans should be concerned with Fosters return. He didn't seem concerned at all. Said no games now.

Schaub: Expectations for Hopkins "through the roof." Will get many opportunities, very skilled. #Texans
Click to expand...
Seth Payne ‏@PayneNFL
@PayneNFL: Undrafted rookie OLB Willie Jefferson continues to flash on pass rush. Very athletic, but laaaaanky. 6'5" 233.

Quessenberry had some rough run downs at guard, with Terrell McClain driving him deep into backfield.

Mercilus pulled up with some kind of strain pursuing downfield on a pass play. Stayed in pads but was held out.

Trevardo Williams' size is hurting him at this point. Gets swallowed up. Gonna have to be much more violent.
Click to expand...
Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli
Rookie safety DJ Swearinger was apparently goaded into freestyling on command for tv cameras. Heard it was pretty good. #Texans

Schaub says he has no hard feelings toward LB Joe Mays who bloodied his ear w/an illegal hit last year. #Texans brought Mays in for a visit.

"Willie's went from 5th team to 1st team in about a month," Gary Kubiak, with a smile about Willie Jefferson. #Texans

Whitney Mercilus suffered a hamstring injury today. Kubiak isn't too concerned about its seriousness. #Texans

Darryl Sharpton got an injection this morning and they'll evaluate him further on Wednesday. #Texans
Click to expand...
Dave Zangaro ‏@DZangaro
"He talks to me every day about regular life and on-the-field stuff and I take it in every day and I appreciate it." - Swearinger on Reed

I started to notice Jared Crick yesterday but he started to turn some more heads today. #TexansTalk

Ben Jones has looked much better than I expected him to. Trevardo Williams is really struggling out there. #TexansTalk

J.J. Watt is obviously really strong. Brandon Brooks looks like the only guy with a chance against him in pass rush drills. #TexansTalk

Here are some observations from today's practice: Willie Jefferson continues to look good. He's really quick. #TexansTalk

"Obviously, y’all know we’re talking to him. He’s out there, he’s free." -- Kubiak on Joe Mays, who the Texans brought in for a visit

Darryl Sharpton told reporters he injured his groin training but expects to be back in two or three days. #TexansTalk

"Whitney’s got a little hamstring strain we don’t think it’s very serious so we have to evaluate him." -- Kubiak on Mercilus #TexansTalk

"Yeah, we actually gave Darryl and injection yesterday. He’s feeling much better." Kubiak on Sharpton #TexansTalk

Sharpton got an injection yesterday. Came in with a groin injury.

Graham might be back by mid week.

Mercilus has a hammy strain
Click to expand...
James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN
#Texans morning session: Mercilus slight pull of a hammy, Quessenberry looking good, Watt is too good for any1 now that there's contact

Q: thigh pads different? "I don't know. I didn't measure them." Q: Thinner? "I'll compare them when I get in the locker room." - Schaub

"We're going to get him plenty of 1-on-1 coverage and chances to get the football and we're going to get him the football." Schaub on Hopkins

Kubiak down played Mercilus' hamstring injury. He stayed at practice icing and getting stretched out. Came up lame chasing a receiver.

Schaub said the #texans do have the pieces to get to the Super Bowl.

Schaub said Andre Johnson doesn't get looks in redzone is bc of coverage. said "it's not like we're not trying to get the ball to him"

Whitney Mercilus pulled up with a sore hamstring in practice
Click to expand...
Greg Bailey ‏@GregBailey13
Watching fullback clinic. Greg Jones and Tyler Clutts staying late for extra work on the sled. Empty field, hard work. #Texans

Rookie David Quessenberry strong on offensive line in pads today. Good looking athlete working at guard and tackle. Veterans impressed.
Click to expand...
PDS ‏@PatDStat
Andre, JJo, Owen and Antonio Smith were all healthy onlookers of practice today. #Texans

Talked to Garrett Graham today was feeling "much better" after being out with a virus. Was his first appearance at camp today.

Ben Jones is being asked to play two positions. When he gets a chance to play one spot he will get even better. #Texans

Still feels like the #Texans are trying to figure out Quessenberry's best position.

No secret why the #Texans signed Greg Jones. Some ILBs today found out why. #Texans

Trevardo Williams has some work to do as a pass rusher. Two days in a row where he struggles with moves. #Texans

Ben Tate looks like a new person out there. He has a great ability to make the first defender miss. #Texans

TE Adam Schiltz gave the safeties some issues today in coverage. He was able to work and catch some nice passes for big yards

Some serious competition at the defensive line behind the first five. Muir, Jones and McClain have all had good starts at camp. #Texans

Rookie NT Chris Jones has good ability to Russ the passer. He showed it again today. Pads have helped Jones. #Texans

Jared Crick looks good and has taken one of the bigger steps in play from year one to two. He looks much more fluid and can move.

Matt Schaub and DeAndre Hopkins are getting more in tune in the passing game. He threw a nice post route to Hopkins in stride.

Brice McCain had a solid day. Looked good in coverage and no signs of his foot injury slowing him down. #Texans

Derek Newton is moving well and moved the pile in 9 on 7 run drill. Him and Brooks can move the line of scrimmage. #Texans

Brooks constantly works against Watt in pass protection. Watt gets the best of him but Brooks has shown some promise of slowing him down.

Danieal Manning caused Cierre Wood to fumble. Wood tried to jump a pile and Manning stripped the ball with Jamison recovering it.

2 things for Willie Jefferson will decide his fate. How he will hold up against the run and if he can do it against real NFL OTs. #Texans

Willie Jefferson keeps making a positive impression. His pass rush skills are natural, even tests Duane Brown to give him good work. #Texans

T.J. Yates has continually improved his mechanics. He has tighten up his delivery and velocity has gotten better #Texans

NT Terrell McClain stole the show today. Constant disruption for the offensive line. #Texans
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Rey said:
If that's the case, that is disappointing to hear.
Click to expand...

Indeed, but also maddening. I mean this was the knock on the guy. Yes, I realize that anyone can roll an ankle, but if he wasn't in prime condition, couldn't that make it more likely to incur an injury?

Just looking at some of the reports from guys like J Harris, T Chick, Marc V and others - I'm really encouraged with the secondary. Harris says it's the best he's ever seen it as a group, and he specifically called out Kareem Jackson.

As a major detractor of Kareem's I'm more than happy to eat that big ole plate of crow. He doesn't have elite speed, and I still think he is average at best on the deep routes, but CB is also about anticipation, instincts, and ball skills. And he has really developed in all those areas and he mirrors guys very well on the short and intermediate routes. The mental side of his game has gone from bad to terrific in a short span. And if these reports are true, he may take another step this year from good #2 to great #2, and that could possibly put the Texans top 2 duo in the running for best 1 and 2 combo at CB this year.

I was kind of excited when we signed AJ Bouye as a UDFA, and I've also heard very good things from him early in camp. If Carmichael and Harris don't get it together in a hurry, one of them might be shocked that AJ beat them out. Probably a bit of a longshot but he's the guy I'm keeping an eye on in preseason, although over TV CB is hard to evaluate other than on balls thrown his way. We'll see.

On the bad side, I'm more worried than ever about the pass rush. We need someone at OLB that can be a demon and one or two others that can give the QB fits at times as well, and early reports are troubling. I mean are we really going to place all our chips on Willie Jefferson? I think he has some clear upside if camp reports are true, but he is very raw and he is thin. Teams will be able to shove him around imo. Montgomery is a zero who may end up on IR, T Williams has no moves and is slow off the ball (per J Harris), one guy is in Philly, Merciless hasn't been great either, and Reed is more suited for ILB to me and isn't a great rusher. Not terrible, but not a demon. Who is going to step up for this team?
 
Brisco_County said:
Disappointing. How do players generally prepare or get conditioned to avoid that kind of injury?
Click to expand...

Rey said:
If that's the case, that is disappointing to hear.
Click to expand...

Predisposing factors for ankle sprains in general include poor core and lower limb (hip to ankle joint) muscle tone/strength, poor athletic conditioning that is commonly associated with being overweight and having poor balance or coordination. All of these factors contribute to ankle instability and must be the focus of the rehab. In addition, a high-arched foot can also increase the risk of ankle sprains and must be taken into consideration as far as adjusting footwear.

FYI:
~5-10 % of all ankle sprains are high ankle sprains
~50 % of athletes have a recurring ankle sprain
~40 % of athletes have long-term ankle instability after a severe sprain

Keep in mind that although I gave Montgomery a potential 6-8 week "return," he would obviously not be considered "football ready" at that time. This type of injury can be quite unpredictable. I have seen a good share of severe high ankle sprains that were not ready to return for several months(I'm sure that you Rey have seen this same scenario). Furthermore, if it is severe and conservative treatment fails, surgical screws would need to be placed....with at least an additional 12 week rehab before considering back to "field activities".....like weight-bearing (walking).
 
Last edited:
CloakNNNdagger said:
(I'm sure that you Rey have seen this same scenario).
Click to expand...

Actually I have...I had a bad ankle sprain in high school that still bothers me at times.

I was out for a couple of months at the time...was on crutches for a while...Luckily I had my injury in march or april...Lots and lots of rehab...

But has there been any word on how severe his sprain was?
 
Surprisingly good coverage from ESPN on Live at Texans camp on Sportscenter. Interviews (so far) w Kubiak, 80, Cush, Schaub, and JJ.
 
Rey said:
Actually I have...I had a bad ankle sprain in high school that still bothers me at times.

I was out for a couple of months at the time...was on crutches for a while...Luckily I had my injury in march or april...Lots and lots of rehab...

But has there been any word on how severe his sprain was?
Click to expand...

Sorry, no. But a high ankle sprain is a severe ankle sprain by definition. He didn't go for immediate surgery, so we can pretty much rule out that there was a displaced fracture associated with it. Being in a boot at this time would not distinguish the remaining two possibilities of stable vs. unstable ankle (+ or - undisplaced fracture). Unless actual detailed truthful reporting is available or x-rays, at this point no way to tell the difference, since both may be treated conservatively initially.

EDIT: I should specify that the terms "stable vs. unstable" above refers to the extent of separation of the tibia from the fibula due to tear of the connecting ligaments. Any ankle sprain in the loose sense lends itself to some "instability."
 
Porky said:
On the bad side, I'm more worried than ever about the pass rush. We need someone at OLB that can be a demon and one or two others that can give the QB fits at times as well, and early reports are troubling. I mean are we really going to place all our chips on Willie Jefferson?
Click to expand...

I agree. With all the mobile QBs we're going to be facing, we're going to have hell. We need these smaller athletic guys to put pressure on the QB as he escapes the pocket, so he's not just lobbing it to open defenders. We need him to be "worried" someone is going to catch him & put a hurt on him.

That was one of our problems in 2010, we could chase the QB out of the pocket, but our DLmen couldn't keep up with the QBs. They could juke & lose them in the backfield..... & we had to rush Cushing to stop it.

I'm not against using Cush that way again, but he can't do everything.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Sorry, no. But a high ankle sprain is a severe ankle sprain by definition. He didn't go for immediate surgery, so we can pretty much rule out that there was a displaced fracture associated with it. Being in a boot at this time would not distinguish the remaining two possibilities of stable vs. unstable ankle (+ or - undisplaced fracture). Unless actual detailed truthful reporting is available or x-rays, at this point no way to tell the difference, since both may be treated conservatively initially.

EDIT: I should specify that the terms "stable vs. unstable" above refers to the extent of separation of the tibia from the fibula due to tear of the connecting ligaments. Any ankle sprain in the loose sense lends itself to some "instability."
Click to expand...

If the typical timeframe indicates that he'll be on the PUP after 7/31, then there's a good chance he'll be IR bound.
 
Brisco_County said:
The typical timeframe indicates that he'll be on the PUP after 7/31, so there's a good chance he'll be IR bound.
Click to expand...

IIRC, he can't go on to the PUP if he didn't start TC on the PUP and stay on the PUP. The fact that he practiced for a few snaps before getting hurt means that he's not PUP-able for the season.

So.

IR stash.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Sorry, no. But a high ankle sprain is a severe ankle sprain by definition. He didn't go for immediate surgery, so we can pretty much rule out that there was a displaced fracture associated with it. Being in a boot at this time would not distinguish the remaining two possibilities of stable vs. unstable ankle (+ or - undisplaced fracture). Unless actual detailed truthful reporting is available or x-rays, at this point no way to tell the difference, since both may be treated conservatively initially.

EDIT: I should specify that the terms "stable vs. unstable" above refers to the extent of separation of the tibia from the fibula due to tear of the connecting ligaments. Any ankle sprain in the loose sense lends itself to some "instability."
Click to expand...

Doc, is the fact that he finished that afternoon's walkthrough any indication as to the severity of his injury? Assuming that letting him do that was the right medical decision at the time.
 
paycheck71 said:
Doc, is the fact that he finished that afternoon's walkthrough any indication as to the severity of his injury? Assuming that letting him do that was the right medical decision at the time.
Click to expand...

Truthfully, I don't know what can be made of that..............there's a reason it's called a "walking boot."
 
Not doubting Doc at all, but I'm not seeing any report of a high ankle sprain. I mean is this official, or thru the grapevine or what? If it is a HAS, then I'm not so sure we shouldn't just IR Montgomery. Our 3rd picks are turning out to be crap - at least this year. You at least figure 3rd rounders will be good depth in their first yr and/or maybe good ST guys. Looks like they are zero's at this point.

The plus side is I'm really liking all of the others top to bottom, and I think we may have multiple gems in the 6th rd.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top