**Official** 2008 Houston Texans Season Thread

[midgetonadonkey]

It's from a Texans blog but a good read otherwise.

The dude seems promising. Even though he is a got Longhorn.

[midgetonadonkey]

Day 9 Camp Report

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/St...?story_id=4458

The Texans suffered a huge scare when Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson dove for a catch and came up limping. The injury appears to be a groin strain and the wideout will undergo more tests this weekend. To read more about Johnson’s injury, click here.

Bell needs conditioning: Running back Mike Bell had trouble handling his first full practice in the Houston heat. He cramped up several times and tweaked his hamstring.

Bell was released by the Broncos in July because they wanted him to move to fullback and he struggled with the transition. Bell had not been conditioning with a team before he signed with Houston on Thursday.

“To be honest with you, he’s not in the shape the rest of our football team is and we found that out real fast,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “He got gassed the first night he was out here. He got gassed earlier today, and he’s not up with our team.

“Unfortunately, that’s what happens when you bring guys in the middle of camp or stuff. If they’re not in excellent shape, they get exposed in a way very, very quick. I just don’t think he was in very good condition.”

“To be honest with you, he’s not in the shape the rest of our football team is and we found that out real fast." - Gary Kubiak on Mike Bell
Kubiak has placed a huge emphasis on the conditioning of his players this season. Guard Chester Pitts (6-4, 310) came into camp 10 pounds lighter so that he could be more agile in the team’s zone blocking scheme. The coach would like to see left tackle Duane Brown (6-4, 318) lose 10-15 pounds before the season begins.

Bell will be asked to get fitter right away so that he can help out a running back unit that has been down a player with Chris Brown sidelined with a back injury.

Gibbs improves defensive line: Everyone is talking about how zone blocking guru Alex Gibbs is making the offensive line better. Well, he’s doing the same thing with the D-line. When Gibbs pushes the offensive line during one-on-one drills against the defense, he increases the level of compe ion and fires up the d-linemen.

Gibbs gets fired up when an offensive lineman shuts down a defender, and the defense can’t stand seeing the assistant head coach get that excited.

The defensive line also has also improved its play against a zone scheme, which should help their run defense this season.

“If you can play great in that scheme, I think everything else can be a little simplified to you,” defensive tackle Amobi Okoye said. “If you can go against him and his scheme and what he’s telling his offensive line to do, and you can beat that, you should be good.”

Okam to increase motor: The Texans drafted defensive tackle Frank Okam in the fifth round this year to help stuff the run. The former Longhorn is massive, but he will have to get his motor going if he is going to help the team in the trenches.

“I saw a good motor in OTAs; I saw a little bit of a lack of it sometimes here at camp,” Kubiak said. “But I’ve seen him bounce back the last few days. That’s what we drafted; we drafted a talented, big kid that didn’t play with a motor all the time. It’s our job to find his motor on a consistent basis. If he does that, he’ll be a very productive player in this league.”

Defensive line coaches Frank Bush and Jethro Franklin have made Okam into their special project. With Okoye being more of a pass rushing tackle, the coaches would like to make Okam into a player who can clog the middle. But the coaches know Okam will need a lot work before he gets there.

“I think he’s just always played ‘Hey, I’m the biggest guy on this damn field. If I go here they can’t block me.’ Kubiak said. “In this league, if you go there they can block you. There are good players in this league, so now he’s having to be more of a technician and those types of things.”

Demps to wear second transmitter: Linebacker DeMeco Ryans will wear the defensive helmet fitted with a transmitter so he can relay calls. Safety Will Demps will wear the helmet when Ryans is not on the field.

Only one player can wear the helmet on the field, and each team can designate two players to have such helmets.

[midgetonadonkey]

I hope AJ's injury isn't too bad. Groin pulls can be real ty if they don't heal completely. If it's going to be a problem I wouldn't mind seeing them keep him out of all the preseason games to make sure he is 100% for the season.

I'm not surprised by hearing that Bell is out of shape. Hopefully he gets in shape and they cut Brown for not doing the entire TC. And I'm also happy to hear about the Gibbs getting excited about the OLine. He knows his and if he is getting excited about the compe ion in the trenches than that can only be a good sign.

Also, I watched the highlights and they showed Davis and Slaton taking reps as punt returner. I think Slaton can be a good returner. He's got re ed good speed.

[ATRAIN]

AJ will be ok and im sure everyone is making this more than it seems. I wanna see Slaton!!!! So does that mean Jacoby wont return punts and actually stay healthy?

[midgetonadonkey]

AJ will be ok and im sure everyone is making this more than it seems. I wanna see Slaton!!!! So does that mean Jacoby wont return punts and actually stay healthy?

I think they were just trying different guys out. I like Jacoby bring back punts.

[ATRAIN]

I think they were just trying different guys out. I like Jacoby bring back punts.

Yeah until he got hurt. Do you know what the WR pecking order right now is?

I think its AJ, Walters, Davis, Jones.

[LocosPorJuana]

Yeah until he got hurt. Do you know what the WR pecking order right now is?

I think its AJ, Walters, Davis, Jones.

that's correct, and add anderson as the last receiver to make it. The line backing core is pretty solid too.
Yeay, first preseason game just five days away.

[ATRAIN]

that's correct, and add anderson as the last receiver to make it. The line backing core is pretty solid too.
Yeay, first preseason game just five days away.

I like what Walters brings to the Table. He is a nice possession receiver that helps move the chains. Jones, AJ and AD all have that home run threat to them. Our 4 WR packages will be tough to guard for sure!! I hope they air the pre season game. Which Anderson do you speak of?

[LocosPorJuana]

david anderson, the players compare him to welker. He had some nice games, like the attempted comeback against the ans.

[ATRAIN]

david anderson, the players compare him to welker. He had some nice games, like the attempted comeback against the ans.

Oh yeah forgot about that guy. Yeah im liking our WR depth.

[Evan]

Whats up with the Texans site?

http://www.houstontexans.com


Looks like a free template you get with microsoft front page. I don't mean to start an argument here but this is an nfl team and this looks like a basic law firm page or something.

[Evan]

what law firm webpages do you go to?

ones that look like that

[O-Factor]

Question since as fans you all read more Texan news than me, but does anyone know how Frank Okam and Domonique Barber are doing in camp??? Also who has the leg up at RB?

[midgetonadonkey]

A healthy Green eager to carry rushing load for Texans
Associated Press
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Ahman Green, an 11-year veteran, has rushed for more than 1,000 yards six times in his career.


HOUSTON -- Ahman Green caught a screen pass and sprinted down the sideline. On the next play, he took a handoff, cut back and burst through a hole into the open field.

The Houston Texans running back missed most of last season with a knee injury, and his eagerness has been on display at training camp this week. The four-time Pro Bowler often catches himself going a little too hard in workouts.

"That's just the way I'm built. That's just the way I play football," Green said. "Early in camp, I've got to tone down the speed a little bit. Sometimes, I get ahead of my blockers, get to a hole before it's there. I've got to gear it down every now and then -- but that's a good thing."

Green bruised his left knee in the third game of 2007, and the pain and swelling lingered for months. He ended up missing all or part of 10 games.

At minicamp in May, the knee was healed but Green was still preoccupied with it, a dangerous mind-set for a running back.

"That was the hard part, not worrying about that," said Green, who has topped 1,000 rushing yards six times in his career. "When I come running through a hole, I don't want to be thinking about that. I want to be thinking about that play."

The more repe ions he took, the more he put the injury out of his mind. Three months later, Green said he's focused now on rebuilding his stamina, working with his offensive line and perfecting his technique.

Houston coach Gary Kubiak said Green had soreness in his knee on one of the first days of training camp. Kubiak asked Green if he needed a break, and Green said he was fine.

"He said, 'No, I need to work through this,'" Kubiak said. "So that was a good sign and he had a great practice."

Running backs coach Chick Harris said Green frequently asks for feedback during practice, another indicator that he has moved past the injury and is mentally ready for this season.

"He's been very conscientious about how he's looked and what he's doing," Harris said. "For a guy who's been in this league for 11 years, that's a quality that you always want. He's always asking, 'Did I make the right cut? What did I do here? What could I have done better there?' You like having guys like that."

The 31-year-old Green had his best season in 2003, when he rushed for 1,883 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Packers. Green said he feels as healthy and strong as he did before the 2006 season, when he rushed for 1,059 yards.

"Physically, I feel ready to do that again," he said. "I'm not worried so much about what I do individually. As long as I do positive things for this team, all the little things, the big stuff will come."

The Texans signed free agent Chris Brown to back up Green, and Chris Taylor, Darius Walker and rookie Steve Slaton are competing for playing time.

Brown has been hampered by a sore back and the others are short on experience, making a healthy Green imperative to the Texans' success this season.
Houston Texans
» Video | Schedule | Stats
» Roster | Depth chart | Transactions
» Official team site: HoustonTexans.com

"We need him, his experience and his understanding of the game," said quarterback Matt Schaub. "I don't know if he's going to run away from a lot of people, but he's going to get you the yards that he needs to get. Whatever yards are there, he's going to get them."

Harris said Green is taking about 20 snaps during morning workouts, and Kubiak said he's limiting Green in the afternoons to keep his legs fresh. Kubiak is quietly confident that Green is primed for one more 1,000-yard season.

"He's been exceptional, working," Kubiak said. "Looks like he's getting ready for a big one, and I think all of us know we need a big one out of him."

Notes: Kubiak said he would probably keep WR Andre Johnson out of Saturday's preseason opener against Denver. Johnson injured his groin Saturday and hasn't practiced since, but Kubiak said he was being "extra cautious" and that Johnson's injury was minor.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

[midgetonadonkey]

Question since as fans you all read more Texan news than me, but does anyone know how Frank Okam and Domonique Barber are doing in camp??? Also who has the leg up at RB?

I haven't heard much about Domonique Barber. But I don't think he will make the cut. I think they will carry 4 safeties and they will be CC Brown, Glen Earl, Will Demps and Brandon Harrison.

Also, Frank Okam has been solid in TC and will definitely make the squad and be a part of their DT rotation. I don't see him starting at the beginning of the season but from what I've read, they are high on him but just need to work on his motivation.

And I know you are a ridiculous Texas homer since you are asking about a Longhorn and the younger brother of a Cowboy.

[midgetonadonkey]

Okam will have to work hard to get playing time from ND Kalu, Travis Johnson, and Amobi Okoye, but I think he will be able to do so. He seems like a highly talented lazy , just like TJ. But the Texans are motivating TJ to work hard on every down and I think they can do the same for Okam. I predict he will be one of the top DT's taken in this draft.

[O-Factor]

And I know you are a ridiculous Texas homer since you are asking about a Longhorn and the younger brother of a Cowboy.

Nothing new there.

I root for all former longhorns to do well in the NFL. I really like Okam.

[ATRAIN]

Question since as fans you all read more Texan news than me, but does anyone know how Frank Okam and Domonique Barber are doing in camp??? Also who has the leg up at RB?

Haven't heard much on Okam but the coaching staff is impressed with him and I like our depth on DT. Here is an article on Travis Johnson

Travis Johnson can quote long passages of dialogue from dozens of movies, is a student of sports history, and can offer an opinion on a few dozen topics.

“Why are you so hard on Barry?”

Barry?

“Barry Bonds. You know who I’m talking about.”

That exchange is how one interview began last season. He was ready to debate the topic, but I quickly disarmed him with my charm.

He did some disarming of his own on the opening day of training camp when he showed up with Travis Johnson III in a stroller.

It’s pretty hard to ask the old man if he’s going to work hard when there’s this incredibly cute baby looking up at you. If Big Puma doesn’t start hitting, he might want to try it.

The truth is, the Texans finally seem to know what they have in Johnson. They’re still pushing him, still hoping for more, but there’s no longer any doubt he belongs in the NFL.

He’s one of just seven players left from the 39 Charley Casserly drafted in four years. He might never be the difference-maker he was projected to be, but in his third NFL season, Johnson emerged as a solid run-stopper in the defensive line. His work ethic passed almost every test as well.
A coach’s ultimatum

That wasn’t the case a few weeks before the starting of training camp in 2007, when Texans coach Gary Kubiak told Johnson to either get himself in better shape or prepare to find work in the private sector.

Something seemed to click.

“I don’t know whether I’d go that far,” Johnson said. “There’s an adjustment period for someone coming from college to the NFL. I wouldn’t say last season was night and day or anything like that, but . . .”

Funny how playing for a roster spot will motivate a guy. Whatever the reason, Johnson had his best season, starting a career-high 13 games and finishing with 41 tackles, six pass deflections and an interception.

He gained the wrong kind of fame for taunting Dolphins quarterback Trent Green and then popping off after the game. His mistake was more what he said after the game than what he did on the field, but still.

Johnson believed Green had gone for his knees, and he reacted badly. Never mind that a dozen other players might have reacted the same way.

Fast forward to Johnson’s fourth training camp. He’s in the final year of his original contract and has been limited by a hip injury.

After all the money and all the draft picks the Texans have spent on the defensive line, this might finally be the season when it fulfills all that promise.

Mario Williams seems on the verge of becoming a franchise player, especially if Rosevelt Colvin generates a pass rush from the opposite side. Amobi Okoye has had a terrific second camp, and Jeff Zgonina provides experience, depth and leadership.

“He’s getting in a little bit better condition, but he’s still got a ways to go,” Kubiak said of Johnson. “He played as good as he’s ever played for us last year.”

The Texans have limited his work in training camp in the hope of improving his conditioning as much as possible without further injuring the hip.

“We’ve been pushing him to get the most out of him, and he did play pretty darn well last year,” Kubiak said. “But if he becomes a great player, a Pro Bowl player, then our football team is going to benefit from that. So that’s our job as coaches: to keep pushing him and see if we can find that. I think he’s capable of it. I think he’s capable of being one of a player, but his conditioning level has got to be the best it’s been. And keeping him healthy (is important), and that is why we’re taking a different approach with him, so we’ll see.”
Passing it on

Johnson said he understands. He’s acting as a mentor to rookie Frank Okam even as Zgonina shows Johnson the tricks of the trade.

“We saw how we got to eight wins last year,” Johnson said. “We know better how to work and how to finish games.”

It’s funny how things work out. There was a time when Johnson seemed on his way to being another of Casserly’s busts. Kubiak seemed ready to cut him last summer. And then something happened.

Johnson worked harder in the weight room and at practice, made more plays on the field, and progressed as the franchise progressed.

“There is still another level for Travis to reach as a player if we’re going to go where we want to go,” Kubiak said. “He’s got to find another gear, and we’ve got to work him to get that done.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/5927059.html

[ATRAIN]

Battle begins between Texans Walter, Davis

http://blogs.chron.com/gamedaytexans...between_w.html

The Texans couldn't really find themselves in a better situation at receiver. They have good depth, a mix of veterans and youngsters. And they also have a friendly compe ion that is going on which will only heat up as the regular season nears.

Kevin Walter and Andre' Davis realize they are not the Texans' best receivers. There might be an argument about who should be the true No. 2 though.

The two friends have been taking their arguments onto the field each day in training camp, and they will continue to do so throughout the preseason.

Clearly, the starting job is still Walter's, but Davis is pushing him. Both players are coming off career seasons, and they are looking to prove they are not one-season wonders. Walter is improving his all-around game, and Davis has become more well-rounded in the offseason by improving on his intermediate routes and becoming more than just a deep ball threat.

Will both players be as reliable as they were last year? And are you excited about the team's top three receivers?

Texans WR Davis pushing for starting role

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/5929232.html

André Davis is ready to step back on the field. He doesn’t care if it’s the preseason or the regular season. He’s just ready to let loose.

No one can blame him. He ended last season as strong as anyone on the Texans, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in the season finale against Jacksonville. After putting together the best year of his career as a receiver as well, Davis earned himself a four-year, $16 million contract that will pay him $6.5 million this season.
Fearsome foursome

Davis enters the season as a key component on one of the team’s strongest units.

With Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones returning, expectations are high.

A year ago, the same four were part of a receiving corps that many worried would be a weakness of the team.

“I still don’t know what people think of us, and we couldn’t probably care less,” Davis said. “We know we have a good group. We know we have to continue to carry each other and try to take the load off André, because he is our horse — he’s the guy we’re going to ride.

“We have to make sure we’re going to go out there and do all we can to help this offense out.”

Davis, who caught 33 passes for 583 yards and three touchdowns in 2007, emerged as the team’s No. 3 receiver after spending the first two weeks of the season on the inactive list. A deep option for quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels, he finished the season tied for third in the NFL with 17.7 yards per catch.

“He’s coming in with a lot of confidence,” Schaub said. “He attacked this offseason to get better and improve his intermediate route game. He’s been a big deep threat for us, but he’s developed into a much better all-around receiver for us. He’s had a tremendous two weeks here for us so far, and I’m excited to get him out there and find him in the air.”
Thinking first string

Davis, 29, is ready for any role with the team this year, but he’s still pushing for the opportunity to start as much as possible.

The former second-round pick has started 32 games in the past seven seasons, including eight with the Texans last year. But with stops in four different cities, Davis has never been a full-time starter. He’s trying to change that by pushing Walter constantly.

The friendly compe ion is benefiting each of them.
Fighting to break through

“Kevin is starting right now, and I’m still fighting to try to break through,” Davis said. “We continue pushing each other, and I think the great thing is that we’re good friends as well. So we’re never going to let that compe ion get between us, but at the same time we’re going to continue pushing each other to make plays.”

Davis is expected to start alongside Walter in the first preseason game Saturday since Johnson continues to nurse a sore groin and is not expected to play.

“(Davis) has done really good,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “He’s a very consistent player. We’re playing him in a lot of different spots because of Andre being out, but he’s everything we thought he was last year, and I think he’s getting even better.”

[ATRAIN]

Yes I am excited about your WR's this year but the key is AJ. If he is healthy all year then that will benefit our offense. AJ and whomever steps up at RB are the keys to our offensive success and teams success. There is some good depth at both positions so I think we will be ok and on our way to a above .500 season and hopefully playoffs.

[ATRAIN]

TEXANS NOTES
gins playing well in return

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/5929247.html

Cornerback Demarcus gins, an original Texan, has returned from a hamstring injury with three good practices. After struggling last season and getting bombarded with criticism by fans and media, gins is competing for a job on the team.

“He seems to be OK health-wise,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “We’re going to have some tough calls (at cornerback), so those guys have to play a lot. It’s going to be a tough group to make, so they’ve got to step up and do it.”

Veteran Jamar Fletcher and rookie Antwaun Molden are reserve cornerbacks who have excelled in camp. Molden is nursing a nagging groin injury, but the coaches are hoping he can play Saturday against Denver.

“We held Molden out,” Kubiak said. “We want to do everything we can so he can play.”
Expensive cheerleader

Expect receiver Andre Johnson to be stuck on the sideline against the Broncos. Since suffering a groin injury last week, he has been running during practice.

The doctors don’t want to rush him back and take a chance on aggravating the injury.

“He’s better, but as of now, there’s a very slim chance that he’ll play,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “If we were playing a regular-season game, we’d be pushing him.”
Weary injured

Guard Fred Weary has been struggling since camp began. He was supposed to be 100 percent recovered from surgery to repair his tibia and fibula, an injury he suffered at Tennessee in early December.

“It’s a concern right now,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “We thought he was in position where we could work him into it slowly. Obviously, he had other setbacks because of the surgery. He has a hamstring issue right now.”
Linebackers praised

Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans enters his third season as one of the best players in the NFL at his position.

He’s flanked by Morlon Greenwood and Zac Diles, a first-year starter.

“He’s the leader of our defense, and he’s one of the big leaders on our team,” coach Gary Kubiak said of Ryans. “He and Morlon have been mainstays, and I think for the first time, they sense some good help around them.

“We’re more athletic at that position. They’re bringing Zac along.”
Green special guest

Former Redskins cornerback Darrell Green, a Houston native who played at Jones High and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, will be on the Roberta and Riley Show on 610 AM on Saturday morning at 7.

Dan Riley, the Texans’ strength and rehabilitation coach, had the same position with the Redskins for almost all of Green’s career. He and Roberta Anding, the Texans’ dietician, will talk to Green about the role fitness and diet played in his 20-year career.

[InRareForm]

First PreSeason Game, anyone gonna watch?

[T Park]

I would watch if it was on TV.

[ATRAIN]

First PreSeason Game, anyone gonna watch?

Pretty good from what I saw, however im still very concerened about our DB's and RB's. Duane Brown looked good, Mario is still a beast, Anderson will be a very good WR this year. Im worried about our RZ offense.

Finally

Shane Boyd >>>>>>>>>>>> Vince Young.

[InRareForm]

Pretty good from what I saw, however im still very concerened about our DB's and RB's. Duane Brown looked good, Mario is still a beast, Anderson will be a very good WR this year. Im worried about our RZ offense.

Finally

Shane Boyd >>>>>>>>>>>> Vince Young.

yea.. wth was jacoby doing on that punt return???

Anderson is not flashy but very dependable. Our wide reciever unit is real nice this year.

Slaton's speed looked real nice, just hope his game carries over to NFL. Our RB situation is a mess. AHman "glass man" green is a paycheck collector, put him in jail.

Our kicker is badass.

Demeco did well.


Game 1 Recap: