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Literally just saw this 30 seconds ago. Good lord. Braxton Miller you got the juice now.
~NEW. Houston. TEXANS. Preseason Thread 2017~ Pats @ NRG
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by Peep Game,
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Mostly a random post just cause I came across it. If the offense can somehow flow like it did here instead of a strugglefest, man....
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Texans sign WR Marcus Leak as injuries pile up
With Will Fuller and Deandrew White both sidelined for at least a few weeks, the Houston Texans have some depth issues at wide receiver. In advance of Wednesday night’s preseason opener with Carolina, the team signed free agent wideout Marcus Leak.
Leak spent the 2016 season with the Indianapolis Colts, primarily on the practice squad. He did not see any regular-season game action in his rookie campaign, and the Colts severed tied with Leak in June.
An undrafted free agent from Maryland, Leak brings some size at 5-11 and 212 pounds. He has limited experience, missing two seasons for “personal reasons” and catching just 55 passes in 26 games over three years with the Terrapins.
He will have to learn quickly and get acclimated to the Houston offense, as well as figure out a way to contribute on special teams. It is unknown if he will play in Wednesday night’s contest.
Texans claim offensive tackle Terry Poole off waivers
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - The Texans claimed offensive tackle Terry Poole on waivers from the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Poole, 25, was Seattle's fourth-round pick in 2015. He spent his rookie year on the practice squad and was waived/injured in early 2016.
He was on Miami's practice squad last year.
Poole (6-5, 309) will join the mix at tackle with Chris Clark, Kendall Lamm, Breno Giacomini, Julien Davenport and Laurence Gibson.
With Duane Brown not reporting because of a contract dispute, the Texans were looking for another tackle. They brought in veteran Austin Howard last week.
With Will Fuller and Deandrew White both sidelined for at least a few weeks, the Houston Texans have some depth issues at wide receiver. In advance of Wednesday night’s preseason opener with Carolina, the team signed free agent wideout Marcus Leak.
Leak spent the 2016 season with the Indianapolis Colts, primarily on the practice squad. He did not see any regular-season game action in his rookie campaign, and the Colts severed tied with Leak in June.
An undrafted free agent from Maryland, Leak brings some size at 5-11 and 212 pounds. He has limited experience, missing two seasons for “personal reasons” and catching just 55 passes in 26 games over three years with the Terrapins.
He will have to learn quickly and get acclimated to the Houston offense, as well as figure out a way to contribute on special teams. It is unknown if he will play in Wednesday night’s contest.
Texans claim offensive tackle Terry Poole off waivers
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - The Texans claimed offensive tackle Terry Poole on waivers from the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Poole, 25, was Seattle's fourth-round pick in 2015. He spent his rookie year on the practice squad and was waived/injured in early 2016.
He was on Miami's practice squad last year.
Poole (6-5, 309) will join the mix at tackle with Chris Clark, Kendall Lamm, Breno Giacomini, Julien Davenport and Laurence Gibson.
With Duane Brown not reporting because of a contract dispute, the Texans were looking for another tackle. They brought in veteran Austin Howard last week.
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Well this was fast
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - The Texans announced today they have waived offensive tackle Terry Poole.
Poole, who was claimed on waivers from Miami, failed his physical.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - The Texans announced today they have waived offensive tackle Terry Poole.
Poole, who was claimed on waivers from Miami, failed his physical.
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First preseason game
All I'm looking for is the offense to work out the kinks to flow smoothly, ST to be average at minimum, and guys to get out there healthy.
Speaking off offense flowing smoothly though, for the past 3 weeks I've been going back to watch various Texans games (shortcuts, highlights, and full games but FF through), and the contrast in offensive flow from previous years to the Brock-led Texans is massive. I watched Texans/Titans 2011, Texans Titans 2012, Texans/Lions 2012, Texans/Jags 2012 OT, Texans/Jets 2010 (Sanchez destroying us in the last 2 minutes
), playoffs vs Raiders last year where Brock was competent, Texans/Broncos 2012, two Yates-led Texans game, 2 Keenum games, 3 Hoyer-led Texans games, 2 Fitz-led games, and some others, and it's just amazing how balanced the offense was at various times with all of those QBs, but Brock for most of the times caused the offense to stall. Even when Brock was getting good enough protection, he'd manage to throw the game away. Hopefully whenever the line is officially set, they're able to help Savage/Watson and the running game. Ideally, the ball is able to get spread around to whoever catches it, and Foreman/Blue(??) can help out Lamar Miller so he won't get run into the ground like we started doing Foster. Miller/Foreman replicating the 2011 season from Foster/Tate would be amazing, as that would surely help Savage/Watson. To dream....
All I'm looking for is the offense to work out the kinks to flow smoothly, ST to be average at minimum, and guys to get out there healthy.
Speaking off offense flowing smoothly though, for the past 3 weeks I've been going back to watch various Texans games (shortcuts, highlights, and full games but FF through), and the contrast in offensive flow from previous years to the Brock-led Texans is massive. I watched Texans/Titans 2011, Texans Titans 2012, Texans/Lions 2012, Texans/Jags 2012 OT, Texans/Jets 2010 (Sanchez destroying us in the last 2 minutes
), playoffs vs Raiders last year where Brock was competent, Texans/Broncos 2012, two Yates-led Texans game, 2 Keenum games, 3 Hoyer-led Texans games, 2 Fitz-led games, and some others, and it's just amazing how balanced the offense was at various times with all of those QBs, but Brock for most of the times caused the offense to stall. Even when Brock was getting good enough protection, he'd manage to throw the game away. Hopefully whenever the line is officially set, they're able to help Savage/Watson and the running game. Ideally, the ball is able to get spread around to whoever catches it, and Foreman/Blue(??) can help out Lamar Miller so he won't get run into the ground like we started doing Foster. Miller/Foreman replicating the 2011 season from Foster/Tate would be amazing, as that would surely help Savage/Watson. To dream....
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Excited for the game tonight! Looking forward to see who's gonna step up at the saftey positions and there should be some good battles at O-line and WR positions. I feel the offense is going to be a lot smoother with Watson/Savage at QB.
Peep 09-11 with Kubs calling the offense was beautiful to watch at times. 2011 was our year to make a run & Schaub goes down
Peep 09-11 with Kubs calling the offense was beautiful to watch at times. 2011 was our year to make a run & Schaub goes down
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Outside of those first two series from the offense, I really liked what I saw from them both Savage and Watson. Watson has more than likely made it tough for O'Brien to start him week 1 with how well he played. Watson didn't look bothered at all. He had some overthrows, but he was very decisive in his throws. No hesitation, and simply no awful throws. Savage got destroyed on his first two series', but recovered pretty well to lead them to a score. He was pretty decisive in his throws too, he just obviously doesn't have the athleticism that Watson has.
The line did Miller no favors, but Blue and Foreman looked very good. Blue ran like his job is on the line, and Foreman ran like he was still at UT. Hunt made plays too. I know the Texans tend give draft picks more leeway than undrafted guys, but with Miller/Foreman/Blue looking like that, Prosch at your FB spot, and how Hunt plays, Ervin might end up being the odd man out.
As far as the defense goes, hopefully Watt, Cushing, and Clowney stay healthy, along with Reader, McKinney, and Mercilus' continued improvement, cause the DBs were getting worked over by Derek Anderson and Joe Webb. JJoe looked like he was in week 2-5 mode. Pleasant had a penalty that was so stupid for a guy in his 5th year. Nelson was I-21, everybody was rolling over him, which stinks cause he made plays last year outside of big penalties vs the Packers and Colts. There's probably 5-6 guys all fighting to supplant the losses of Bouye and Demps. Really looking forward to see who steps all. A lot of encouraging stuff coming out of that game with couple of flaws.
The line did Miller no favors, but Blue and Foreman looked very good. Blue ran like his job is on the line, and Foreman ran like he was still at UT. Hunt made plays too. I know the Texans tend give draft picks more leeway than undrafted guys, but with Miller/Foreman/Blue looking like that, Prosch at your FB spot, and how Hunt plays, Ervin might end up being the odd man out.
As far as the defense goes, hopefully Watt, Cushing, and Clowney stay healthy, along with Reader, McKinney, and Mercilus' continued improvement, cause the DBs were getting worked over by Derek Anderson and Joe Webb. JJoe looked like he was in week 2-5 mode. Pleasant had a penalty that was so stupid for a guy in his 5th year. Nelson was I-21, everybody was rolling over him, which stinks cause he made plays last year outside of big penalties vs the Packers and Colts. There's probably 5-6 guys all fighting to supplant the losses of Bouye and Demps. Really looking forward to see who steps all. A lot of encouraging stuff coming out of that game with couple of flaws.
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Watson creeping on a comeup. Go ahead and name him starter, OB
Bouye loss is still super relevant. eerily reminiscent of the years JJ was dominating but our defense was still kinda suspect b/c of DB play alone.
Bouye loss is still super relevant. eerily reminiscent of the years JJ was dominating but our defense was still kinda suspect b/c of DB play alone.
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Houston Texans sign wide receiver Germone Hopper
The Houston Texans continued a revolving door of wide receiver signings with the addition of Germone Hopper.
Houston announced the signing on Monday. The Texans waived/injured third-year wide receiver DeAndrew White in a corresponding move. Houston signed wide receiver Bruce Ellington on Friday and Marcus Leak on Aug. 5.
White joined the Texans on Aug. 1, along with safety Marcus Gilchrist. The Texans waived/injured wide receiver Deante Gray that same day.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien said told reporters at Monday's practice that he just wants his wide receivers to keep "getting better."
"I thought there were some guys who made some plays today," O'Brien said. "Every day, if we just keep getting better, that's what we ask of these guys. We'll see how the game goes, how the two practices go and then the game. But there's no level of concern. That's not the way I look at it. I think I look at it more like a teacher. We're teaching these guys, we're asking them to do a lot and we just want to see them come out here and try to get better every day."
No. 2 wide receiver Will Fuller is currently rehabbing after breaking his collarbone. The Texans are expecting the second-year wide receiver to play at some point during the 2017 season.
Hopper had 797 yards and six touchdowns on 71 receptions at Clemson from 2013 through 2015. He tried out for the Texans last week and participated in the San Francisco 49ers' rookie minicamp. - UPI Sports
Need that fixed pretty fast
The Houston Texans continued a revolving door of wide receiver signings with the addition of Germone Hopper.
Houston announced the signing on Monday. The Texans waived/injured third-year wide receiver DeAndrew White in a corresponding move. Houston signed wide receiver Bruce Ellington on Friday and Marcus Leak on Aug. 5.
White joined the Texans on Aug. 1, along with safety Marcus Gilchrist. The Texans waived/injured wide receiver Deante Gray that same day.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien said told reporters at Monday's practice that he just wants his wide receivers to keep "getting better."
"I thought there were some guys who made some plays today," O'Brien said. "Every day, if we just keep getting better, that's what we ask of these guys. We'll see how the game goes, how the two practices go and then the game. But there's no level of concern. That's not the way I look at it. I think I look at it more like a teacher. We're teaching these guys, we're asking them to do a lot and we just want to see them come out here and try to get better every day."
No. 2 wide receiver Will Fuller is currently rehabbing after breaking his collarbone. The Texans are expecting the second-year wide receiver to play at some point during the 2017 season.
Hopper had 797 yards and six touchdowns on 71 receptions at Clemson from 2013 through 2015. He tried out for the Texans last week and participated in the San Francisco 49ers' rookie minicamp. - UPI Sports
Need that fixed pretty fast
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A breakdown of the Houston Texans 2017 draft class and its progress after two weeks of training camp:
Deshaun Watson, QB, first round (No. 12 overall): Watson has impressed the Texans’ coaching staff since he stepped into the building in Houston, and that continued in the Texans' preseason opener, where he went 15-of-25 for 179 yards passing and had a 15-yard rushing touchdown. Head coach Bill O’Brien said Watson was right about the offensive scheme about half the time -- “to be expected with a rookie" -- but he also liked Watson’s “poise and demeanor and the way that he sees the game.” Tom Savage is still the Texans’ starting quarterback and will likely start Week 1, but Watson is pushing him during training camp for that starting job.
Zach Cunningham, ILB, second round (No. 57): Cunningham won’t be a starter right away for the Texans, but O’Brien said he was happy with what he did in his NFL debut on Wednesday against the Carolina Panthers. The rookie had a team-high seven tackles in the game, a few which came right on the spot after a completed pass. The Texans don’t have a lot of depth at linebacker, and Cunningham could be the eventual replacement for veteran Brian Cushing.
D'Onta Foreman, RB, third round (No. 89): The Texans have a lot of competition of running back, but Foreman could come out of training camp as Lamar Miller's backup. O’Brien said he hopes to manage Miller’s carries this season, so Foreman should see quite a bit of playing time. The rookie had a few good carries in Houston’s preseason opener, including a 41-yard run, and O’Brien said he liked what Foreman did on special teams as well.
Julien Davenport, OT, fourth round (No. 130): The Texans had a need at right tackle entering the draft but waited until the fourth round to address it. Houston drafted Davenport of Bucknell knowing he needed time to develop into an NFL tackle. The Texans like his athleticism and hope eventually he will be able to see time at tackle.
Carlos Watkins, DT, fourth round (No. 142): When the Texans drafted Watson, general manager Rick Smith pointed out Watkins’ production at Clemson, saying, “You talk about a guy who makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. He has double-digits in hurries and sacks and tackles for losses, he plays big in big games, and we like that about him." Watkins plays at a position with a lot of depth, so he likely won’t see a lot of time early in the season.
Treston Decoud, CB, fifth round (No. 169): Decoud missed most of the team’s offseason work due to the NFL academic rule and also missed some time during training camp due to injury. The Texans like his versatility -- Smith mentioned during the draft that Decoud might be able to play safety too -- and his skillset as an "aggressive tackler."
Kyle Fuller, C, seventh round (No. 243): The Texans have a lot of depth at center. They got 2016 second-round pick Nick Martin back after he missed last season with an ankle injury and have Greg Mancz, who filled in well at the position last season. Fuller will likely have a hard time seeing playing time this season. The Texans do like Fuller’s versatility because he can play guard, as well, so he is competing to be a backup at both spots. - ESPN
Deshaun Watson, QB, first round (No. 12 overall): Watson has impressed the Texans’ coaching staff since he stepped into the building in Houston, and that continued in the Texans' preseason opener, where he went 15-of-25 for 179 yards passing and had a 15-yard rushing touchdown. Head coach Bill O’Brien said Watson was right about the offensive scheme about half the time -- “to be expected with a rookie" -- but he also liked Watson’s “poise and demeanor and the way that he sees the game.” Tom Savage is still the Texans’ starting quarterback and will likely start Week 1, but Watson is pushing him during training camp for that starting job.
Zach Cunningham, ILB, second round (No. 57): Cunningham won’t be a starter right away for the Texans, but O’Brien said he was happy with what he did in his NFL debut on Wednesday against the Carolina Panthers. The rookie had a team-high seven tackles in the game, a few which came right on the spot after a completed pass. The Texans don’t have a lot of depth at linebacker, and Cunningham could be the eventual replacement for veteran Brian Cushing.
D'Onta Foreman, RB, third round (No. 89): The Texans have a lot of competition of running back, but Foreman could come out of training camp as Lamar Miller's backup. O’Brien said he hopes to manage Miller’s carries this season, so Foreman should see quite a bit of playing time. The rookie had a few good carries in Houston’s preseason opener, including a 41-yard run, and O’Brien said he liked what Foreman did on special teams as well.
Julien Davenport, OT, fourth round (No. 130): The Texans had a need at right tackle entering the draft but waited until the fourth round to address it. Houston drafted Davenport of Bucknell knowing he needed time to develop into an NFL tackle. The Texans like his athleticism and hope eventually he will be able to see time at tackle.
Carlos Watkins, DT, fourth round (No. 142): When the Texans drafted Watson, general manager Rick Smith pointed out Watkins’ production at Clemson, saying, “You talk about a guy who makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. He has double-digits in hurries and sacks and tackles for losses, he plays big in big games, and we like that about him." Watkins plays at a position with a lot of depth, so he likely won’t see a lot of time early in the season.
Treston Decoud, CB, fifth round (No. 169): Decoud missed most of the team’s offseason work due to the NFL academic rule and also missed some time during training camp due to injury. The Texans like his versatility -- Smith mentioned during the draft that Decoud might be able to play safety too -- and his skillset as an "aggressive tackler."
Kyle Fuller, C, seventh round (No. 243): The Texans have a lot of depth at center. They got 2016 second-round pick Nick Martin back after he missed last season with an ankle injury and have Greg Mancz, who filled in well at the position last season. Fuller will likely have a hard time seeing playing time this season. The Texans do like Fuller’s versatility because he can play guard, as well, so he is competing to be a backup at both spots. - ESPN
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NFL Preseason Week 2: Patriots-Texans — Four Things To Watch For
If there is one team in the NFL with whom the Houston Texans are familiar, outside of their annual AFC South foes, it's the New England Patriots. Over the past five seasons, the Texans and the Pats have met in all but one (Bill O'Brien's first season as head coach in 2014), and in two of those seasons, 2012 and 2016, they met twice, once in the regular season and once in the postseason.
Considering where the Patriots stand in the NFL's pecking order, staring down at everyone else, that's pure scheduling torture, and I don't need to reeducate all of you on how it's gone. For Texan fans, it's been ugly. The Texans are 0-6 in those six games, with the only single-digit loss, ironically, coming in 2013, when the Texans finished the season 2-14.
Perhaps the Texans have a sadomasochistic gene, because not only do they meet the Patriots in New England in Week 3 of the upcoming season, but they chose to practice with them in West Virginia this past week. This all culminates with a preseason game at NRG Stadium this Saturday night.
The practices this week were spirited and set up a handful of story lines for Saturday night's exhibition. Let's pick off the top four story lines, in one man's opinion...
4. Wide receiver triage
Many Texan fans didn't notice before the season just how precariously thin the wide receiver depth chart was for this team. Thin in numbers and thin in experience. It took Will Fuller going down with a broken collarbone to alert them, and now Braxton Miller is nursing an ankle and DeAndre Hopkins is healing up a hand. Bottom line, there are jobs available to be won this Saturday with decent games. Jaelen Strong will be the team's No. 1 receiver, for the love of all that's holy! JAELEN STRONG!! Riley McCarron, Wendell Williams, Bruce Ellington, go get a paycheck, kid! Make yourself famous!
3. Safety dance
As great as this defense is, there is an Achilles heel, and it's the safety position. No team is going to consistently march down the field with 10- or 12-play drives against this defense, so they have to guard against big plays. That's where the safety spot comes in. Right now, it's a scary list of players vying for the starting spot next to Andre Hal, who himself was no great shakes last season. The good news might be coming from street free agent pickup Marcus Gilchrist (another Clemson guy!), who reportedly had a nice week in camp this past week. It'd be nice if he (or anyone) grabbed the reins this weekend.
2. Front seven heat
That said regarding the safety position, for whomever they put out there, life will be easier on the Texans than virtually any NFL team because of the other worldly front seven. This past week in practice, the Texans front carried over their performance from the playoff game against the Patriots last season, getting after Tom Brady enough for him to let loose with a curse barrage on his offensive line during practice. Continued affirmation of this unit's dominance would be a nice sendoff to go drinking in Midtown after the game tomorrow night.
1. Watson closing in
Ostensibly, Deshaun Watson is still in the same spot on the depth chart as he was after OTAs and has been throughout training camp — second string behind Tom Savage. But the seeming black and white of the depth chart doesn't embody the shades of gray enveloping this QB competition. The Bill O'Brien praise for Watson, the plays Watson continues to make that Savage simply cannot, Watson's reps in practice with the first team offensive line — these are all elements of what's shaping up to be an eventual takeover of the position by the rookie Watson. Saturday night could provide a very logical turning point in this saga. - Houston Press
If there is one team in the NFL with whom the Houston Texans are familiar, outside of their annual AFC South foes, it's the New England Patriots. Over the past five seasons, the Texans and the Pats have met in all but one (Bill O'Brien's first season as head coach in 2014), and in two of those seasons, 2012 and 2016, they met twice, once in the regular season and once in the postseason.
Considering where the Patriots stand in the NFL's pecking order, staring down at everyone else, that's pure scheduling torture, and I don't need to reeducate all of you on how it's gone. For Texan fans, it's been ugly. The Texans are 0-6 in those six games, with the only single-digit loss, ironically, coming in 2013, when the Texans finished the season 2-14.
Perhaps the Texans have a sadomasochistic gene, because not only do they meet the Patriots in New England in Week 3 of the upcoming season, but they chose to practice with them in West Virginia this past week. This all culminates with a preseason game at NRG Stadium this Saturday night.
The practices this week were spirited and set up a handful of story lines for Saturday night's exhibition. Let's pick off the top four story lines, in one man's opinion...
4. Wide receiver triage
Many Texan fans didn't notice before the season just how precariously thin the wide receiver depth chart was for this team. Thin in numbers and thin in experience. It took Will Fuller going down with a broken collarbone to alert them, and now Braxton Miller is nursing an ankle and DeAndre Hopkins is healing up a hand. Bottom line, there are jobs available to be won this Saturday with decent games. Jaelen Strong will be the team's No. 1 receiver, for the love of all that's holy! JAELEN STRONG!! Riley McCarron, Wendell Williams, Bruce Ellington, go get a paycheck, kid! Make yourself famous!
3. Safety dance
As great as this defense is, there is an Achilles heel, and it's the safety position. No team is going to consistently march down the field with 10- or 12-play drives against this defense, so they have to guard against big plays. That's where the safety spot comes in. Right now, it's a scary list of players vying for the starting spot next to Andre Hal, who himself was no great shakes last season. The good news might be coming from street free agent pickup Marcus Gilchrist (another Clemson guy!), who reportedly had a nice week in camp this past week. It'd be nice if he (or anyone) grabbed the reins this weekend.
2. Front seven heat
That said regarding the safety position, for whomever they put out there, life will be easier on the Texans than virtually any NFL team because of the other worldly front seven. This past week in practice, the Texans front carried over their performance from the playoff game against the Patriots last season, getting after Tom Brady enough for him to let loose with a curse barrage on his offensive line during practice. Continued affirmation of this unit's dominance would be a nice sendoff to go drinking in Midtown after the game tomorrow night.
1. Watson closing in
Ostensibly, Deshaun Watson is still in the same spot on the depth chart as he was after OTAs and has been throughout training camp — second string behind Tom Savage. But the seeming black and white of the depth chart doesn't embody the shades of gray enveloping this QB competition. The Bill O'Brien praise for Watson, the plays Watson continues to make that Savage simply cannot, Watson's reps in practice with the first team offensive line — these are all elements of what's shaping up to be an eventual takeover of the position by the rookie Watson. Saturday night could provide a very logical turning point in this saga. - Houston Press
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With Will Fuller out, it’s Wendall Williams’ time to shine
Houston Texans wide receiver Wendall Williams has the opportunity to fill the role Will Fuller played last season with his world class speed, if he can prove it in the preseason.
Wendall Williams came onto the scene last offseason when he ran a blazing sub 4.3 40 yard dash at the NFL scouting combine. At the same time, the Houston Texans were just introducing their new prize possession: rookie first round selection Will Fuller. This overshadowed the story of a 26 year-old track star finally earning a spot on an NFL roster.
The coaching staff in Houston accomplished their goal: acquire more speed for their offense. That was then. Fast-forward to a year later and both Williams and Fuller are still on the team but some things have changed.
When the Texans lost the 22nd overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, many overlooked it. Sure, Fuller has drop issues and didn’t live up to expectations last season as a first rounder.
Fuller did however serve a specific role that every elite offense needs: a guy to take the top off of opposing defenses.
With Fuller out for the next 2-3 months after suffering a broken collarbone, the Texans need someone to step up. Many–myself included–looked at former third round selections Braxton Miller and Jaelen Strong.
However, neither Strong or Miller has the same skill set as Fuller. They will be used in differentiating ways as well.
Strong is more of an intermediate threat while Miller is the future at the slot position.
Both will take some of the snaps originally devoted to Fuller, the Texans’ number two receiver coming into the season.
Neither of them will have the impact Fuller had before and after the snap.
Williams can match Fuller’s speed.
With Miller and Strong taking some big snap counts off of Williams’ shoulder, the Texans can use him in a unique way.
The Texans should give Williams a specific route tree, if they have not already, and treat him as they did Fuller last season.
That means a heavy dose of screens, go routes and slants. All of which Williams can handle–hopefully. This is still a guy who has very little NFL experience, making this preseason vital to his future in the NFL.
Fuller’s best asset was his speed. He could take the top off a defense unlike the other wide receivers last season.
Williams has that same speed. What he still needs to show is if he can hold onto the ball and be a reliable threat on offense.
Williams will likely be used sparingly and will hopefully excel in the role Fuller was in last season.
Williams is in a position to shock the world at best, or be a pivotal piece on a growing roster this upcoming season if he can show progress and ball out during the preseason. - Fansided
Houston Texans wide receiver Wendall Williams has the opportunity to fill the role Will Fuller played last season with his world class speed, if he can prove it in the preseason.
Wendall Williams came onto the scene last offseason when he ran a blazing sub 4.3 40 yard dash at the NFL scouting combine. At the same time, the Houston Texans were just introducing their new prize possession: rookie first round selection Will Fuller. This overshadowed the story of a 26 year-old track star finally earning a spot on an NFL roster.
The coaching staff in Houston accomplished their goal: acquire more speed for their offense. That was then. Fast-forward to a year later and both Williams and Fuller are still on the team but some things have changed.
When the Texans lost the 22nd overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, many overlooked it. Sure, Fuller has drop issues and didn’t live up to expectations last season as a first rounder.
Fuller did however serve a specific role that every elite offense needs: a guy to take the top off of opposing defenses.
With Fuller out for the next 2-3 months after suffering a broken collarbone, the Texans need someone to step up. Many–myself included–looked at former third round selections Braxton Miller and Jaelen Strong.
However, neither Strong or Miller has the same skill set as Fuller. They will be used in differentiating ways as well.
Strong is more of an intermediate threat while Miller is the future at the slot position.
Both will take some of the snaps originally devoted to Fuller, the Texans’ number two receiver coming into the season.
Neither of them will have the impact Fuller had before and after the snap.
Williams can match Fuller’s speed.
With Miller and Strong taking some big snap counts off of Williams’ shoulder, the Texans can use him in a unique way.
The Texans should give Williams a specific route tree, if they have not already, and treat him as they did Fuller last season.
That means a heavy dose of screens, go routes and slants. All of which Williams can handle–hopefully. This is still a guy who has very little NFL experience, making this preseason vital to his future in the NFL.
Fuller’s best asset was his speed. He could take the top off a defense unlike the other wide receivers last season.
Williams has that same speed. What he still needs to show is if he can hold onto the ball and be a reliable threat on offense.
Williams will likely be used sparingly and will hopefully excel in the role Fuller was in last season.
Williams is in a position to shock the world at best, or be a pivotal piece on a growing roster this upcoming season if he can show progress and ball out during the preseason. - Fansided
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I'm wondering when exactly will our special teams be good again. Feels like it's been forever
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Can't really judge the defense much cause there were a couple not playing, or not playing many snaps, but I can most def say that the special teams is still a problem. Joe Marciano was fired long ago and we're still having the same problem of guys taking poor angles and missing tackles. That's a surefire way to get scored on and give up momentum that we shouldn't.
Still need some safeties to step up and decide who wants a spot.
Watson looked like a rookie last night, but still didn't make mistakes that would actually cost the team. He missed some WRs, but some of his WRs also didn't help him out, as the ball was just bouncing off their hands, including one that was luckily ruled as an incomplete pass instead of a fumble. Foreman's catch and run helped out Watson's stats though Savage looked like a vet QB, putting th ball exactly where it needed to be, and as long as the line (for the most part) provides the proper protection, both him and Savage should be good to go.
Can't tell if the line wasn't providing the protection for Miller as they were for Foreman, or if Foreman was simply making better more decisive decisions. That's something to watch. As the season progresses. Also, Bruce Ellington was playing like this is his last shot in the NFL. He looked really good, both in catching and YAC. Strong made a case to step up too, which was good to see. Not sure who will be in that #2 spot opposite Hopkins with Fuller out, but it's nice to know we won't be in dire straits trying to figure that out.
Still need some safeties to step up and decide who wants a spot.
Watson looked like a rookie last night, but still didn't make mistakes that would actually cost the team. He missed some WRs, but some of his WRs also didn't help him out, as the ball was just bouncing off their hands, including one that was luckily ruled as an incomplete pass instead of a fumble. Foreman's catch and run helped out Watson's stats though
Savage looked like a vet QB, putting th ball exactly where it needed to be, and as long as the line (for the most part) provides the proper protection, both him and Savage should be good to go. Can't tell if the line wasn't providing the protection for Miller as they were for Foreman, or if Foreman was simply making better more decisive decisions. That's something to watch. As the season progresses. Also, Bruce Ellington was playing like this is his last shot in the NFL. He looked really good, both in catching and YAC. Strong made a case to step up too, which was good to see. Not sure who will be in that #2 spot opposite Hopkins with Fuller out, but it's nice to know we won't be in dire straits trying to figure that out.
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HOUSTON -- Almost a month into training camp, the Houston Texans' wide receiver group is thin due to injuries.
During practice on Monday, the Texans were without six receivers: DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller V, Braxton Miller, Bruce Ellington, Devin Street and Riley McCarron. Of that group, only Ellington (four catches for 93 yards) and McCarron (three catches for six yards) played in Saturday's preseason victory over the New England Patriots.
Fuller is expected to miss around half of the season with a broken collarbone. Hopkins likely won't play in the next two preseason games, but should be ready for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Bill O'Brien has said Hopkins is on a pitch count until the season-opener and his goal is making sure Hopkins "feels 100 percent when he practices" and "making sure that when the season starts he's ready to go."
O'Brien did not hesitate when he was asked if he was concerned about having so many of the team's wide receivers missing practice.
"Nope," the head coach said.
On Saturday, quarterback Tom Savage was 8-of-9 for 98 yards and a touchdown, with a perfect passer rating of 149.1. And he did that without three of the Texans' top four receivers on the field.
"We have a really talented group in that room and all the guys really stepped up and they made some plays and they did a good job," Savage said.
Last season, the Texans struggled with injuries at the position; Hopkins was the only receiver to play in all 16 regular season games. Fuller played in 14 games, and Jaelen Strong and Miller suffered season-ending injuries.
Strong will certainly be on the Texans' 53-man roster after training camp and Houston is counting on his production while Fuller is out. Strong had two catches for 11 yards and a touchdown on Saturday.
"I thought it was good to see [Strong] get that touchdown catch," O'Brien said. "He's working hard. It's a competitive position and I think he's doing a good job. So it was good to see him do that tonight."
The Texans other options at receiver include 2016 undrafted free agent Wendall Williams, undrafted free agents Chris Thompson and Justin Hardeeand training camp free-agent additions Dres Anderson, Marcus Leak and Germone Hopper. Versatile running back Tyler Ervin could see some time at receiver as well.
The time without the starting wide receivers has given those wideouts competing for roster spots the chance to get more playing time, and Savage said he has seen the young receivers taking advantage of it.
"Those guys, they really had their nose in the books that week and they were getting ready," Savage said. "Obviously there's the timing issue and stuff without guys being there, but we worked after practice and we got some stuff done." - ESPN
During practice on Monday, the Texans were without six receivers: DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller V, Braxton Miller, Bruce Ellington, Devin Street and Riley McCarron. Of that group, only Ellington (four catches for 93 yards) and McCarron (three catches for six yards) played in Saturday's preseason victory over the New England Patriots.
Fuller is expected to miss around half of the season with a broken collarbone. Hopkins likely won't play in the next two preseason games, but should be ready for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Bill O'Brien has said Hopkins is on a pitch count until the season-opener and his goal is making sure Hopkins "feels 100 percent when he practices" and "making sure that when the season starts he's ready to go."
O'Brien did not hesitate when he was asked if he was concerned about having so many of the team's wide receivers missing practice.
"Nope," the head coach said.
On Saturday, quarterback Tom Savage was 8-of-9 for 98 yards and a touchdown, with a perfect passer rating of 149.1. And he did that without three of the Texans' top four receivers on the field.
"We have a really talented group in that room and all the guys really stepped up and they made some plays and they did a good job," Savage said.
Last season, the Texans struggled with injuries at the position; Hopkins was the only receiver to play in all 16 regular season games. Fuller played in 14 games, and Jaelen Strong and Miller suffered season-ending injuries.
Strong will certainly be on the Texans' 53-man roster after training camp and Houston is counting on his production while Fuller is out. Strong had two catches for 11 yards and a touchdown on Saturday.
"I thought it was good to see [Strong] get that touchdown catch," O'Brien said. "He's working hard. It's a competitive position and I think he's doing a good job. So it was good to see him do that tonight."
The Texans other options at receiver include 2016 undrafted free agent Wendall Williams, undrafted free agents Chris Thompson and Justin Hardeeand training camp free-agent additions Dres Anderson, Marcus Leak and Germone Hopper. Versatile running back Tyler Ervin could see some time at receiver as well.
The time without the starting wide receivers has given those wideouts competing for roster spots the chance to get more playing time, and Savage said he has seen the young receivers taking advantage of it.
"Those guys, they really had their nose in the books that week and they were getting ready," Savage said. "Obviously there's the timing issue and stuff without guys being there, but we worked after practice and we got some stuff done." - ESPN
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Ian RapoportVerified account @RapSheet
#Texan WR Jaelen Strong is suspended for the first game of 2017 for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
3:01 PM - 24 Aug 2017
#Texan WR Jaelen Strong is suspended for the first game of 2017 for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
3:01 PM - 24 Aug 2017
DeadsetAce
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In for Pats South 
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Looking forward to this game. I'm cool with BOB getting it out the way and announcing Savage as the starter for the regular season, and just leaving the BS and speculation behind. Will be paying attention to the safeties and o line more than anything.
Also, will make the new thread once they have the roster cutdown for the final 53 like I do every year.
Lastly, stay safe if y'all are still here. I know everybody lives in different widespread spots, so there's no telling what is or isn't in your area.
Also, will make the new thread once they have the roster cutdown for the final 53 like I do every year.
Lastly, stay safe if y'all are still here. I know everybody lives in different widespread spots, so there's no telling what is or isn't in your area.
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This o line is piss poor, and it doesn't matter if it's Savage or Watson back there.
Too many drops from WRs as well
Too many drops from WRs as well
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1st, 2nd, and 3rd team o line have all been trash, as well as the WRs
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Need Watson's mobility if this is indeed the case into the season.
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Hope everybody has been safe wherever they're at. Sure y'all heard the Thursday game is cancelled which I'm 100% fine with. Texans players haven't been back here long but I think Sunday they'll be in various parts of the city helping with donations, shelters, etc, if not sooner. Im sure they're still planning to have opening day at NRG, but the cleanup process in so many places will be a mess. I was near the Pearland/288 area and based on how high the mud was on the grass next to the freeway, the water had to have been only a couple feet from touching the bridge just two days ago. Some scary ****. Also got word that one of my aunt's had to be rescued near Telephone Road, kind of close to Pearland Parkway. Had maybe 3 feet of water in her house and further down in that neighborhood there were homes half covered in water. Haven't actually heard from her, but her and some others were saved. Rough stuff for a lot of people right now.
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The #Texans and star WR DeAndre Hopkins agreed to terms on a 5-year extension worth $81M, per @JamesPalmerTV and me. Nearly $50M guaranteed.
