Houston Texans forever - all I want for Xmas is for Tank to be ok (1 Viewer)

[GregR]

I've been mulling stuff over. I'm not sure I agree with some of the criticism, Jayded.

I didn't think Kool-aid or DeJean would make it to our pick. Can fault them for not trading up a spot or two when they got close to us, but I can't say about that pick that anything about it was a panic. I said going into the draft I wanted them to pick their best corner available with the first second. They did that, I don't see a panic there.

Looking at the 59th pick taking the OT. Who is there that went after him that we'd say they should have taken instead. There is the safety who went right after the pick. He and Bullock have comparable speed but Bullock is more of a free safety and Bishop is more of a strong safety. And our big need is a free safety who won't get beat in coverage on deep plays. Which is Bullock.

Looking at who else was taken between 59 and our 3rd round pick, I don't see much else we should have gone after. Double up on corner and get Rakestraw or one of the other 3 or 4 CBs taken? Take one of the other 6 OTs that were taken that we liked less? There were two guards taken, ok maybe one of those. Edge isn't a need there. LB Junior Colson is about the only guy I could point to as going after us that I'd call a position of need but that might still be more backup than starter. That or double up on cornerback picks (which I might not argue against either). Fisher was viewed as a likely first round pick with another year under his belt, we might end up making use of him due to injuries this year, and in the future if tackle play drops off where we want out of a contract.

And then I like the TE pick. Last year of Brevin Jordan's contract, have someone else in the wings. And the guy rarely has drops which is the biggest complaint I have about Dalton Schultz.

I mean it's not a draft oozing with value that fell to them, and I think we pay on the high side sometimes where we moved up. But I don't really fault the picks themselves much, nor think there was panic there. Yes the DTs were gone by the time they got to us. But I don't see great value (outside of maybe Junior Colson but he lasted 10 more picks) that made it to us there to not just take their best player.

 

[GregR]

Colts got a B from ESPN. Jags a B-, Titans a C+.

 

[GregR]

UDFA signings so far:

South Dakota State WR Jadon Janke
South Dakota State WR Jaxon Janke
BYU linebacker Max Cooley,
Virginia Tech DT Pheldarius Payne
North Carolina RB British Brooks
Illinois linebacker Tarique Barnes

That was not a typo. They are twins.

Jaxon Janke (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) caught 51 passes for 818 yards and five touchdowns last season, finishing his career with 244 catches for 3,677 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Jadon Janke (6-2, 205 pounds) caught 57 passes for 946 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, finishing with 170 career receptions for 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns.

 

[GregR]

Texans WR Dell has minor wound from shooting

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell sustained a minor gunshot wound in a shooting in Sanford, Florida, on Saturday night, the team said in a statement Sunday.

www.espn.com

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was shot in Sanford, Florida, shortly after midnight Sunday morning, according to the Texans.

Dell was a bystander during a shooting at a private event in Sanford where authorities say a teenage gunman wounded 10 people after an altercation. A Texans spokesperson said Dell isn't seriously injured and was released from the hospital and is traveling back to Houston on Sunday.

In a statement, the team said Dell has a "minor wound."

"[Dell] has been released from the hospital and he is in good spirits," the Texans said. "We are in contact with him and his family and will provide more updates when appropriate but ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the incident."

None of the victims in the shooting at Cabana Live in Sanford suffered life-threatening injuries, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. It said the 10 people were treated at a local hospital for gunshot wounds, primarily below their waists.

Witnesses told law enforcement the shooting started after a fistfight broke out. Someone who wasn't involved in the melee drew a handgun and began firing toward a crowd of people, according to the arrest report. A security guard standing near the gunman wrestled him to the ground and disarmed him.

A 16-year-old suspect was arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center. He was charged with attempted homicide, firing a weapon in a public place, using a firearm during a felony and illegal possession of a firearm by a minor.

Dell finished his 2023 rookie season with 709 yards and seven touchdowns. But his year was cut short after he suffered a broken leg in an early December game against the Denver Broncos. Last month, coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell was on track with his rehab and was participating in offseason activities, and the coach added that he was excited to have him back.

 

[GregR]

ESPN revisiting the Deshaun Watson trade, and the players that the trade at least paid part of getting.

Houston received the Browns' 2022, 2023 and 2024 first-round picks, along with fourth-rounders in 2022 and 2024 and a third in 2023.

Below are the players that the Browns picks at least in some way were used in their acquisition. Which could be taking them directly, or trading a Browns pick for additional picks that were used directly, or included in other trades that brought the player.

LG Kenyon Green
WR John Metchie
LB Christian Harris
RB Dameon Pierce
DE Will Anderson
WR Tank Dell
WR Stefan Diggs
CB Kwame Lassiter
S Calen Bullock
TE Cade Stover
LB Jamal Hill

 

[Buckna]

ESPN revisiting the Deshaun Watson trade, and the players that the trade at least paid part of getting.

Houston received the Browns' 2022, 2023 and 2024 first-round picks, along with fourth-rounders in 2022 and 2024 and a third in 2023.

Below are the players that the Browns picks at least in some way were used in their acquisition. Which could be taking them directly, or trading a Browns pick for additional picks that were used directly, or included in other trades that brought the player.

LG Kenyon Green
WR John Metchie
LB Christian Harris
RB Dameon Pierce
DE Will Anderson
WR Tank Dell
WR Stefan Diggs
CB Kwame Lassiter
S Calen Bullock
TE Cade Stover
LB Jamal Hill

Ugh, its a nice haul but those first two names sting. Really wish we had stayed put and taken Kyle Hamilton which was who I wanted. Highest graded safety in the league and an All-Pro in his 2nd season. Stingley a heck of a lot better this past year, but could have had Sauce and Hamilton in the same draft.

 

[GregR]

J.J. Watt is keeping the door slightly ajar on a possible NFL return if the Houston Texans need him, but this is the final year he'll say that.

Watt, who retired after the 2022 season, made his comments Saturday as he hosted his annual charity softball game in Houston.

"I'm a very fortunate, lucky man, I have a beautiful wife, I have a beautiful son. I've had 12 great years in this league and I'm very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great," he told reporters. "I told DeMeco [Ryans] last year: 'Don't call unless you absolutely need it, but, if you ever do call, I'll be there.' And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it. This is the last year I'll tell him that, because I'm not going to keep training [the way] I've been training."

Watt, 35, and Ryans played together for the Texans in 2011, which was Watt's first NFL season and Ryans' last with the Texans. Ryans was hired as the Texans' coach last year and led Houston (10-7) to the AFC South division title and a wild-card victory over the Cleveland Browns.

"He knows he ever truly does need it, I'll be there for him," Watt said. "But I don't anticipate that happening, because they have a very good crew. I hope that everybody stays extremely healthy and they dominate and they don't need any bodies, and I just get to watch and enjoy it from the couch."

 

[GregR]

Texans owner Cal McNair said Monday that receiver Tank Dell will make a "full recovery" after he was wounded in a shootout at a Florida restaurant last month.

 

[GregR]

The Texans have traded for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Ben Skowronek.

The Texans sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Rams in exchange for Skowronek and a 2026 seventh-round selection.

Skowronek was a seventh-round pick in the 2021 draft and is entering the last year of his contract. Through three years of his career, he has 575 receiving yards and one touchdown.

 

[GregR]

You know, while our schedule is a murderer's row with the division winner schedule... it could be even worse.

We get 2 of the 3 division winners at home (Ravens and Bills). We get last year's 2nd best AFC East team at home (Dolphins). We get the NFC North winner at home (Lions). Bears at home where I'd rather have the Packers, but that's literally the first one that went against us.

Jets on the road can be a tough one with Rodgers back. But I'd probably still rather have the Fins here than them. Going to Dallas, home would be preferred, but then we travel well into Dallas. Last time there the Cowboys used a silent count because of the pro-Texans noise.

 

[GregR]

Texans 2024 regular-season schedule
Week 1: Sept. 8 at Indianapolis
Week 2: Sept. 15 vs. Chicago (SNF)
Week 3: Sept. 22 at Minnesota
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. Jacksonville
Week 5: Oct. 6 vs. Buffalo
Week 6: Oct. 13 at New England
Week 7: Oct. 20 at Green Bay
Week 8: Oct. 27 vs. Indianapolis
Week 9: Oct. 31 at N.Y. Jets (TNF)
Week 10: Nov. 10 vs. Detroit (SNF)
Week 11: Nov. 18 at Dallas (MNF)
Week 12: Nov. 24 vs. Tennessee
Week 13: Dec. 1 at Jacksonville
Week 14: BYE
Week 15: Dec. 15 vs. Miami
Week 16: Dec. 21 at Kansas City (Saturday)
Week 17: Dec. 25 vs. Baltimore (Netflix)
Week 18: Jan. 4 or 5 at Tennessee*

*Date for Week 18 is to be determined

Strength of schedule: The Texans are tied for the fourth-hardest schedule in the league (opponents had a .526 winning percentage in 2023).
Over/Under: 9.5

 

[GregR]

So primetime / nationally televised games:

Week 2: Sept. 15 vs. Chicago (SNF)
Week 9: Oct. 31 at N.Y. Jets (TNF)
Week 10: Nov. 10 vs. Detroit (SNF)
Week 11: Nov. 18 at Dallas (MNF)
Week 16: Dec. 21 at Kansas City (Saturday)
Week 17: Dec. 25 vs. Baltimore (Netflix)

Worst part of the schedule is playing Saturday at Kansas City on Dec 21, and then playing Baltimore 4 days later. The one good part to that though is Baltimore also only has 4 days, and they are the ones going on the road while we're coming home from the road. But still, crappy situation to have to play both AFC championship teams from last year on short weeks.

Going to the Jets for a Thursday night also not ideal if Rodgers is still standing. They also have the 4 day week at least.

First 3 weeks I like. We get Indy with Anthony Richards not getting more games of experience under his belt. Caleb Williams week 2 and possibly McCarthy week 3, getting rookies before they have time to adjust and learn is a plus.

Another potential plus is the beginning of the schedule is an easier stretch, so hopefully a chance for the team to get things rolling and work in the new pieces effectively before we start hitting all the tough teams later on.

 

[GregR]

There's a site that does an Adjusted Games Lost to significant players (starters and key situational players). The 2023 Texans set a new record and were a long ways ahead of the next closest team.

Let's hope for some better injury situations this year. Amazing they did as well as they did especially with the OL injuries last year.

 

[GregR]

The Texans have agreed to a three-year, $72.75 million contract extension with Nico Collins after a breakout season in 2023, a source with knowledge of the deal confirmed to the Houston Chronicle.

The deal includes $52 million in guaranteed money. The contract's maximum value is $75 million, another source with knowledge of the deal said.

The extension makes Collins the seventh-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL, just ahead of Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf and behind Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith, according to Over the Cap, a website that tracks contracts.

 

[Major]

The Texans have agreed to a three-year, $72.75 million contract extension with Nico Collins after a breakout season in 2023, a source with knowledge of the deal confirmed to the Houston Chronicle.

The deal includes $52 million in guaranteed money. The contract's maximum value is $75 million, another source with knowledge of the deal said.

The extension makes Collins the seventh-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL, just ahead of Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf and behind Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith, according to Over the Cap, a website that tracks contracts.

Wow, they really ante'd up for him. Seems a bit rich for me after only one good year. I'd rather have him prove it with another season of work.

 

[JoeJoe88]

The Texans have agreed to a three-year, $72.75 million contract extension with Nico Collins after a breakout season in 2023, a source with knowledge of the deal confirmed to the Houston Chronicle.

The deal includes $52 million in guaranteed money. The contract's maximum value is $75 million, another source with knowledge of the deal said.

The extension makes Collins the seventh-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL, just ahead of Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf and behind Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith, according to Over the Cap, a website that tracks contracts.

Wow, they really ante'd up for him. Seems a bit rich for me after only one good year. I'd rather have him prove it with another season of work.

And if he did what he just did again they wouldn’t be signing him for this amount of money. Look at what’s currently happening around the league with guys like Jefferson, Aiyuk and Higgins.

This was a smart move by Houston to get ahead of it now.

 

[Buckna]

The Texans have agreed to a three-year, $72.75 million contract extension with Nico Collins after a breakout season in 2023, a source with knowledge of the deal confirmed to the Houston Chronicle.

The deal includes $52 million in guaranteed money. The contract's maximum value is $75 million, another source with knowledge of the deal said.

The extension makes Collins the seventh-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL, just ahead of Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf and behind Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith, according to Over the Cap, a website that tracks contracts.

Wow, they really ante'd up for him. Seems a bit rich for me after only one good year. I'd rather have him prove it with another season of work.

And if he did what he just did again they wouldn’t be signing him for this amount of money. Look at what’s currently happening around the league with guys like Jefferson, Aiyuk and Higgins.

This was a smart move by Houston to get ahead of it now.

I am not saying it won’t work out but historically the Texans have done a **** job of always paying guys too early who are one year wonders or high potential that don’t live up to their contracts because of “getting ahead of it now.” Howard last year being the most recent example. Brandin Cooks two years ago who was then traded barely a year later. Giving Deshaun Watson a massive extension early (although who could have predicted that mess?) A long list of guys on defense in years past going all the way back to names like Brian Cushing. Us Texans fans are leery of paying guys early because historically its rarely worked out for us in the long-term.

It also makes the Diggs trade and contract modification even more questionable IMO. Could have had both these guys playing for a 2nd contract this year and rewarded the winner(s). Resigning Nico likely means Diggs is gone next year now so why give up a 2nd and voluntarily void his contract to a one-year rental that won’t qualify for a comp pick?

 

[GregR]

All draft picks have been signed.

 

[MTskibum]

Texans 2024 regular-season schedule
Week 1: Sept. 8 at Indianapolis
Week 2: Sept. 15 vs. Chicago (SNF)
Week 3: Sept. 22 at Minnesota
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. Jacksonville
Week 5: Oct. 6 vs. Buffalo
Week 6: Oct. 13 at New England
Week 7: Oct. 20 at Green Bay
Week 8: Oct. 27 vs. Indianapolis
Week 9: Oct. 31 at N.Y. Jets (TNF)
Week 10: Nov. 10 vs. Detroit (SNF)
Week 11: Nov. 18 at Dallas (MNF)
Week 12: Nov. 24 vs. Tennessee
Week 13: Dec. 1 at Jacksonville
Week 14: BYE
Week 15: Dec. 15 vs. Miami
Week 16: Dec. 21 at Kansas City (Saturday)
Week 17: Dec. 25 vs. Baltimore (Netflix)
Week 18: Jan. 4 or 5 at Tennessee*

*Date for Week 18 is to be determined

Strength of schedule: The Texans are tied for the fourth-hardest schedule in the league (opponents had a .526 winning percentage in 2023).
Over/Under: 9.5

Going to any games this year?


I am going to try to attend 1 home game and Detroit/Buffalo look the most fun, however I bet the jags game should be less crowded, cheaper, and just as important.

 

[GregR]

Texans 2024 regular-season schedule
Week 1: Sept. 8 at Indianapolis
Week 2: Sept. 15 vs. Chicago (SNF)
Week 3: Sept. 22 at Minnesota
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. Jacksonville
Week 5: Oct. 6 vs. Buffalo
Week 6: Oct. 13 at New England
Week 7: Oct. 20 at Green Bay
Week 8: Oct. 27 vs. Indianapolis
Week 9: Oct. 31 at N.Y. Jets (TNF)
Week 10: Nov. 10 vs. Detroit (SNF)
Week 11: Nov. 18 at Dallas (MNF)
Week 12: Nov. 24 vs. Tennessee
Week 13: Dec. 1 at Jacksonville
Week 14: BYE
Week 15: Dec. 15 vs. Miami
Week 16: Dec. 21 at Kansas City (Saturday)
Week 17: Dec. 25 vs. Baltimore (Netflix)
Week 18: Jan. 4 or 5 at Tennessee*

*Date for Week 18 is to be determined

Strength of schedule: The Texans are tied for the fourth-hardest schedule in the league (opponents had a .526 winning percentage in 2023).
Over/Under: 9.5

Going to any games this year?


I am going to try to attend 1 home game and Detroit/Buffalo look the most fun, however I bet the jags game should be less crowded, cheaper, and just as important.

Yep, still have season tickets. Though I was so close to dropping them before last year.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Texans 2024 regular-season schedule
Week 1: Sept. 8 at Indianapolis
Week 2: Sept. 15 vs. Chicago (SNF)
Week 3: Sept. 22 at Minnesota
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. Jacksonville
Week 5: Oct. 6 vs. Buffalo
Week 6: Oct. 13 at New England
Week 7: Oct. 20 at Green Bay
Week 8: Oct. 27 vs. Indianapolis
Week 9: Oct. 31 at N.Y. Jets (TNF)
Week 10: Nov. 10 vs. Detroit (SNF)
Week 11: Nov. 18 at Dallas (MNF)
Week 12: Nov. 24 vs. Tennessee
Week 13: Dec. 1 at Jacksonville
Week 14: BYE
Week 15: Dec. 15 vs. Miami
Week 16: Dec. 21 at Kansas City (Saturday)
Week 17: Dec. 25 vs. Baltimore (Netflix)
Week 18: Jan. 4 or 5 at Tennessee*

*Date for Week 18 is to be determined

Strength of schedule: The Texans are tied for the fourth-hardest schedule in the league (opponents had a .526 winning percentage in 2023).
Over/Under: 9.5

Going to any games this year?


I am going to try to attend 1 home game and Detroit/Buffalo look the most fun, however I bet the jags game should be less crowded, cheaper, and just as important.

Yep, still have season tickets. Though I was so close to dropping them before last year.

I’m going to be there when y’all come to Lambeau. Asked my son “which team do you most want to see” and he immediately said “I want to be there when CJ Stroud comes to town!!”

 

[GregR]

The NFL announced television networks and kickoff times for its 2024 slate of preseason games Friday.

Five preseason games will be televised nationally, beginning with quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears playing the Houston Texans on Aug. 1 in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC).

 

[GregR]

CB Steven Nelson is retiring from the league, at 31 yo.

 

[GregR]

I don't like to put too much stock into comments about OTAs. But for what it's worth.

Scruggs back at center and said to be looking better there than he did at guard.

Dameon Pierce said to be looking better. They commented he looks good in these activities as a rookie but didn't really stand out last year. This year he's back to standing out

Stroud and Demeco saying Metchie looks improved from last year. Stroud mentioned his improved route running.

 

[Major]

I don't like to put too much stock into comments about OTAs. But for what it's worth.

Scruggs back at center and said to be looking better there than he did at guard.

Dameon Pierce said to be looking better. They commented he looks good in these activities as a rookie but didn't really stand out last year. This year he's back to standing out

Stroud and Demeco saying Metchie looks improved from last year. Stroud mentioned his improved route running.

I'm so geeked on this offense for the first time in years/decades. Trying to manage my expectations with the tough schedule but there's no reason why they can't be great

 

[GregR]

Clip of CJ breaking down his 2 plays of his own game film.

 

[GregR]

ESPN article ranking NFL teams by young talent (players under 25).

1. Houston Texans

2023 ranking: 1

Blue-chip players: QB C.J. Stroud, Edge Will Anderson Jr., CB Derek Stingley Jr.

Notable graduated players: S Jalen Pitre, WR Nico Collins

The Texans are easily No. 1 on this list. In the initial player values that I used to put together our list, the Texans have the top two players in under-25 value. Stroud is by far the No. 1 young asset in the NFL after he threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns and had the second-highest passing DYAR ever for a rookie (after Dak Prescott in 2016). Anderson is second after ranking third with a 25.8% pass rush win rate and collecting seven sacks and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award to match the Offensive Rookie of the Year award won by Stroud. Both players will turn 23 in the early part of the upcoming season.

But wait, there's more! Stingley is still only 23 and is becoming one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He ranked 14th in coverage DVOA last season and snagged five interceptions. Second-round rookie Kamari Lassiter will likely start at cornerback opposite Stingley and is just 21. Wide receiver Tank Dell -- who is 24 -- had a surprisingly strong rookie season, totaling 709 yards and seven touchdowns before breaking his fibula. Dell ranked ninth among wideouts in the ESPN receiver tracking metrics.

Two of the starting offensive linemen, left guard Kenyon Green and center Juice Scruggs, are 23 and 24, respectively. Linebacker Christian Harris, who started 12 games a year ago, is just 23. And we haven't even touched some of the depth players here, such as 23-year-old linebacker Henry To'oTo'o, 21-year-old rookie tackle Blake Fisher and wide receiver John Metchie III, a second-round pick from 2022 who will soon turn 24 after sitting out his rookie year due to a leukemia diagnosis and then playing sparingly in his second season.

The Texans would have been No. 1 on this list a year ago -- even before we knew what Stroud, Anderson and Dell could be as pros. Now they lap the field.

 

[GregR]

DE Jerry Hughes returns to Texans for 15th NFL season

Defensive end Jerry Hughes has re-signed with the Houston Texans for his 15th NFL season, according to the league's transactions wire.

This will be Hughes' third with the Texans. He appeared in all 17 games each of the past two seasons, with 18 starts (16 in 2022). He had three sacks last season after finishing with nine in 2022.

Hughes, who will turn 36 next month, has 70 sacks in his career, which includes nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills and two with the Indianapolis Colts.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Reportedly a the hurricane tore a hole in the roof of the stadium.

Hurricane Beryl Put a Hole in the NRG Stadium Roof

Beryl hit Texas as a category 1 hurricane on Monday and caused a devastating amount of damage. Whilel the storm has been downgraded to a tropical depression and

www.si.com

 

[Jppaul]

my dynasty league has deep rosters, i only have Joe Mixon, no RBs of any value are currently available except the HOU RB group.

Which three RBs would you own from HOU?

• Dameon Pierce
• Dare Ogunbowale
• Jawhar Jordan (R)
• Troy Hairston
• Andrew Beck
• British Brooks (R)
• J.J. Taylor
• someone else?

I'll just take a zero on the bye week

 

[GregR]

my dynasty league has deep rosters, i only have Joe Mixon, no RBs of any value are currently available except the HOU RB group.

Which three RBs would you own from HOU?

• Dameon Pierce
• Dare Ogunbowale
• Jawhar Jordan (R)
• Troy Hairston
• Andrew Beck
• British Brooks (R)
• J.J. Taylor
• someone else?

I'll just take a zero on the bye week

Dameon Pierce and then it's a gamble. Probably Ogunbowale vs the field but I wouldn't be surprised if someone else plays their way into some touches over him.

 

[Jayded]

my dynasty league has deep rosters, i only have Joe Mixon, no RBs of any value are currently available except the HOU RB group.

Which three RBs would you own from HOU?

• Dameon Pierce
• Dare Ogunbowale
• Jawhar Jordan (R)
• Troy Hairston
• Andrew Beck
• British Brooks (R)
• J.J. Taylor
• someone else?

I'll just take a zero on the bye week

Pierce if he can regain any sense of form. I also am targeting Jordan as the surprise guy I expect to separate from the others. If Pierce cannot figure it out, he'll get traded/cut and I think Jordan is the guy to benefit next. I'm grabbing him at the end of drafts as a taxi stash.

 

[Jppaul]

Dameon Pierce and then it's a gamble. Probably Ogunbowale vs the field but I wouldn't be surprised if someone else plays their way into some touches over him.

Pierce if he can regain any sense of form. I also am targeting Jordan as the surprise guy I expect to separate from the others. If Pierce cannot figure it out, he'll get traded/cut and I think Jordan is the guy to benefit next. I'm grabbing him at the end of drafts as a taxi stash.

my concern is that I've read, probably in this thread somewhere, that Pierce is not a proper fit for the scheme?

I picked up Jordan in my rookie draft.

Is it possible that the #2 isn't even on the team yet? I'm not sure who that could be?

EDIT: If mixon can stay healthy, he'll probably have a career year?

 

[Jayded]

Dameon Pierce and then it's a gamble. Probably Ogunbowale vs the field but I wouldn't be surprised if someone else plays their way into some touches over him.

Pierce if he can regain any sense of form. I also am targeting Jordan as the surprise guy I expect to separate from the others. If Pierce cannot figure it out, he'll get traded/cut and I think Jordan is the guy to benefit next. I'm grabbing him at the end of drafts as a taxi stash.

my concern is that I've read, probably in this thread somewhere, that Pierce is not a proper fit for the scheme?

I picked up Jordan in my rookie draft.

Is it possible that the #2 isn't even on the team yet? I'm not sure who that could be?

EDIT: If mixon can stay healthy, he'll probably have a career year?

Pierce was "not a fit" last year but less because of his abilities and more his inability to pick up the scheme as fast as they wanted him to. Couple that with Singletary being a nice, cheap surprise and it allowed them to have less concerns about Pierce and whether he'd eventually "get it." Word out of camp is now he's back playing faster and apparently "now gets it" but makes you wonder how much of that is camp speak vs. true. If it is true, he's a good counterbalance to Mixon and could vulture TDs. If he's still behind schedule, they might as well trade him (Dallas?) and build to a future with guys like Jordan or future draft picks.

Jordan is a hunch, but I liked what I saw from him at Louisville. His draft capital won't automatically force him onto the field, but I feel like he's a different enough kind of back to Mixon to fit as a separate kind of backup to Pierce.

 

[Jppaul]

Word out of camp is now he's back playing faster and apparently "now gets it" but makes you wonder how much of that is camp speak vs. true.

that sure would be nice to know because he'd be a great buy-low for dynasty

 

[Major]

I'm late but definitely saddened to hear the news of Jacoby Jones' passing. Way too young. I always thought he got a raw deal in Houston and was never given the opportunity to properly shine. As much as I hate the Ravens, I was happy he found a home in Baltimore, proved his worth and won himself a championship with some memorable plays during his time there. RIP

 

[GregR]

Word out of camp is now he's back playing faster and apparently "now gets it" but makes you wonder how much of that is camp speak vs. true.

that sure would be nice to know because he'd be a great buy-low for dynasty

Former DT turned radio host Seth Payne was talking this morning about what he'd seen from Pierce in camp. He laid on heavy doses of "RB are one of the toughest positions to draw conclusions about in non-contact (and even no pad) drills". But said what he was looking for mainly was whether Pierce was decisive in spotting the holes and putting a foot in the ground and cutting to hit it. And Payne said he saw some good examples of it already in camp, better than where he was failing to make those quick decisions last season adjusting to the new system.

So, still it's camp. Take it for what that's worth.

 

[GregR]

Some Camp bites from the last few days:

Will Anderson Jr bulked up

Will Anderson Jr, Houston’s No. 3 overall pick in 2023, is heavier, physically. He played at around 248 pounds last season, but after feeling like he was “getting tossed around,” he’s bulked up to 263 while maintaining his speed.

Will and CJ are getting a run of HEB commercials similar to what the Astros have.

Skill players on kickoffs

The NFL adopted new kickoff rules this offseason to mimic what was previously used in the XFL, in an effort to address the lowest kick return rate in NFL history while also mitigating injuries.

The kicking team and receiving team are now lined up differently, with the kicking team's players lined up at the receiving team's 40-yard line. However, the 10 players on the kicking team cannot move until the ball reaches the new landing zone, which is between the 20-yard line and the end zone. As for the receiving team, there are two zones where they can line up — a setup zone for the blockers and a landing zone for the returners.

Running back Dameon Pierce, cornerback Desmond King II and receivers Tank Dell, Robert Woods and Steven Sims were among a group of players working on fielding bouncing balls off the turf during Friday’s practice.

"With the new kickoff rule, you'll see a lot of teams using many more skill players at the return position, because you're going to be able to return a ball and it's going to hit pretty quick," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "I think as many guys as you can get who can catch the ball, whether it's receivers or running backs, we're going to try to use all of our guys to see who is best at creating explosive plays because that's what I think will happen on that play."

Yes, that means Dell or another playmaker could be returning kickoffs this season.

Tunsil mending but on track

Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil is still on the mend, working off to the side with trainers during practice. It seems he's been ramping it up some, running sprints.

Tunsil, who made his second consecutive Pro Bowl, and fourth overall last season, likely won't play much in the preseason, if at all. But Ryans maintained, he's on track to return by the season.

Tunsil underwent an arthroscopic knee procedure on a nagging knee injury that held him out for a few games last year. He played through the pain during the latter part of the season.

Rookie Blake Fisher, the Texans' second-round pick out of Notre Dame, has started at left tackle in practice. Fisher's ability to play both left and right tackle, and do it at a high level, gives him an edge on the competition for primary backup.

Number 55

For the first time in more than a decade, defensive end Jerry Hughes has a new jersey number. The 15-year NFL veteran has worn No. 55 since he joined the Bills in 2013. He also donned the number the past two seasons for Houston. But with those digits now occupied by Hunter — who moved off 99 in honor of Texans legend J.J. Watt — Hughes has switched to 52.

Stroud to Diggs

C.J. Stroud already had established connections with Collins and Dell. Where did Diggs fit in?

Through the first three days of camp, it doesn’t appear to be an issue. Diggs was Stroud’s favorite target in Saturday morning’s practice. He threw to him three times, and all three resulted in catches.

One went for a big first down gain of nearly 30 yards after Diggs made a move on a defender in the middle of the field.

Stroud and Diggs have been working on their connection all offseason. They worked out in Los Angeles together shortly after Diggs was traded. They also worked out in France together and again as a team at Ohio State’s campus.

Christian Harris out

Linebacker Christian Harris missed his second consecutive practice Saturday with an undisclosed injury. Though Harris has missed time, he's not expected to be out for a long, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Metchie competing for spot

Second-year receiver John Metchie, who is competing for a spot on the roster, had a big day Saturday. He caught two balls from backup quarterback Davis Mills, including a long touchdown pass.

The touchdown pass was on a go route where he beat defensive back Mike Ford and caught the pass in stride. The offense celebrated.

There are essentially two open spots at receiver open for grabs, and multiple receivers competing for it. Metchie is one of them. But he’s had a good camp so far, and looks to be in good standing.

Defensive Tackle competition

Defensive tackle was one of the positions with the most questions entering training camp.

That holds true after three practices with several players still competing for the starting spots. Foley Fatukasi, Mario Edwards and Tim Settle Jr. signed with the team as free agents, while players like Khalil Davis and Kurt Hinish returned after playing significant snaps last season.

So, who’s going to replace last year's starters?

“It’s way too early to even make those determinations,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “We feel pretty good about our depth there. A lot of guys with some different skill sets, and we’re just going to — we are literally rolling through on that basis and seeing how that kind of shakes out.

Former All Pro at punter

While guys like Diggs, Danielle Hunter and Joe Mixon garnered most of the attention as key offseason additions for the Texans, the team also added an All-Pro player on special teams.

Houston landed former Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend on a two-year, $6 million deal during free agency. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2022 when he was the No. 1 punter in the league, according to the grading from Pro Football Focus.

Townsend averaged 47.1 yards per punt last season and landed 21 (35%) of his attempts inside the 20-yard line. His average hang time was 4.45 seconds, ranking ninth in the NFL.

With Mixon resting, Pierce got 1st team snaps

Running back Joe Mixon did not practice Saturday. He spoke to the media after Friday’s practice, so it could have been a rest day for him. Third-year back Dameon Pierce garnered the first-team reps in his place.

 

[GregR]

Cam Akers to be signed, Joe Mixon still out

Veteran running back Joe Mixon missed his second consecutive practice Monday. No particular reason was given for Mixon's absence.
Ryans didn’t seem overly concerned about it when asked. He also indicated that Mixon may miss a few more days.

“Joe will be fine,” Ryans said. “He may miss a little time, but he’ll be fine. Joe is one of the toughest competitors we have. I’m not worried about Joe. He’ll be fine. No issues there.”

The Texans are signing free agent running back Cam Akers, a source with knowledge of the deal confirmed Sunday.

Akers last played in 2023 for the Vikings, for whom he had 138 rushing yards and a touchdown on 38 carries in six games. He also had 11 catches for 70 yards. He was traded from the Rams earlier that season.

CB Kwami Lassiter

As the Texans wrapped up their fourth training camp practice in the sweltering Houston heat, it’s clear that Lassiter has picked up where he left off. He’s continued to run with the first-team defense and has performed well.

On Monday, he made yet another play against Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, who is considered among the best receivers in the NFL.

“He’s locked in focused, intense, and you don’t notice it much because he’s always doing his job,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s always where he should be. He’s always in position. As a rookie, that says a lot.

“He’s exactly the guy we saw from the Georgia film. Dialed in. A lot of people call him a dawg; he’s a dawg.”

 

[Major]

Love what I"m hearing about Lassiter in camp....and Will Anderson adding 20 pounds of muscle in the off season

 

[GregR]

The Texans have sold out of season tickets for the 2024 season, the team announced Tuesday morning. This is the first time season tickets have been sold out before the season since 2019.

 

[GregR]

Jalen Pitre feels comfortable playing nickel corner.

The Texans’ second-year safety played nearly 500 snaps in the slot during his final season at Baylor in 2021.

So when coach DeMeco Ryans and his staff made the decision to try the former second-round pick in that position during OTAs, he was accepting of the challenge. His usage there has continued during training camp.

Ryans said he likes the versatility Pitre brings to the defense.

“I love it,” Pitre said Tuesday. “It’s been fun to play some nickel here in training camp, in OTAs, and I’m all in on the process. Whatever coach DeMeco and his staff want me to do, I’m ready to try to go out there and execute and make plays for this team.”

Stadium Roof Repairs

“There are several panels that were damaged. These things aren’t on your local shelf at the do-it-yourself Home Depot wonderful stores that are around. They’re special-ordered, specially-made, so it’ll take a while. We’re hopeful that we’ll get them about a month into the season.”

 

[Jppaul]

The Texans have sold out of season tickets for the 2024 season, the team announced Tuesday morning. This is the first time season tickets have been sold out before the season since 2019.

I'd rather see the team I root for in the Superbowl, but that ain't going to happen, so I'd like to see Houston and Detroit. I think that'd be fun, as a fan. Houston fans should be pumped.

 

[Major]

The Texans have sold out of season tickets for the 2024 season, the team announced Tuesday morning. This is the first time season tickets have been sold out before the season since 2019.

That's great to hear. I haven't been this pumped up for a season since the Turn Down For Watt days. And yes, a Texans v. Lions Super Bowl would be epic

 

[GregR]

Hall of Fame game against the Bears is Thursday night. Andre Johnson's Hall of Fame induction is Saturday starting at 11am central.

 

[GregR]

Big camp day for Stingley, who had a scuffle with Dalton Schutlz, outfought Tank Dell for a ball to make a pick, and forced a fumble from Robert Woods.

 

[GregR]

Snippet from ESPN article: On paper it looks tantalizing as Stroud called that group a "five-headed monster." But through a week of camp, Stroud has targeted Diggs the most.

 

[GregR]

From the Chronicle:

Quick hits​

• The first-team defense has looked good throughout training, especially ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Both players have pretty much made life difficult for tackles Tytus Howard and rookie Blake Fisher. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil is still working off to the side and it's clear they need him back.
• Kenyon Green was called for a false start penalty in team drills. He was forced to come out and had to run a lap around the field. He was not happy about the penalty, yelling out when the flag was thrown.
• The first-team offense did see some success in the team's two-minute drill. Stroud first hit Tank Dell on an out route, then found Nico Collins. Stroud spiked the ball, then set up for a field goal.
• Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn showed why the Texans spent so much to keep him. He was 3-of-3 on field goals in Friday's practice including a 62-yard field goal in wet conditions.
• Running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Christian Harris again weren't practicing Friday and remain out.
• Coach DeMeco Ryans said he was unsure whether any starters would play in next Thursday's Hall of Fame game, but he added that a lot of young players will play. That may mean the first action for rookies like cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Calen Bullock, tight end Cade Stover and left tackle Blake Fisher.

 

[GregR]

Heard radio show broadcasting from camp while I was on the road for awhile.

CJ reportedly playing fine today after having his foot stepped on Friday.

Tytus Howard was in the injury tent for a bit, with Booker filling in for him at RT. He returned after awhile and was back in the game.

Heard Fisher has looked decent playing left tackle with Tunsil sitting out.

Continuing praise for rookie CB Kwami Lassiter. CJ made a perfect pass and Lassiter made a play to knock it away from Noah Brown's reach.

Still no Tunsil or Mixon.

Dameon Pierce getting the 1st team reps. And saying the right stuff about last year and how he takes from it that he has shortcomings to address and stuff to work on. Struck me how the tone was completely different than some Deshaun Watson quotes I was reading the other day.

 

[GregR]

Texans defensive end Denico Autry has been suspended for six games for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing substances, the league announced Monday.

Autry, 34, said in a statement the violation was because his doctors submitted a prescription for a different medication that contained a banned substance. He said he did not intentionally violate the league's policy but accepts the punishment.

"Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never engaged in the use of performance enhancing drugs," Autry said in the statement. "Over that period, I have been subject to countless tests, none of which have ever returned a positive result. I was, therefore, stunned this offseason when I learned that one of my tests returned a positive result."

In March, the Texans signed Autry to a two-year, $20 million deal with $10 million guaranteed after posting a career-best 11.5 sacks last season for the Tennessee Titans. He has 59 sacks in his career. Throughout training camp, he has been working with the starting defense at defensive tackle and defensive end.