Takeaways from the Texans’ Saturday practice at Houston Methodist Training Center:
Texans preparing for Chiefs opener
After the Thursday night scrimmage, the players were off Friday but returned to practice Saturday morning to continue preparing for the Sept. 10 opener at Kansas City. Coach Bill O’Brien was asked for his assessment of where the team stands 12 days before they play the Chiefs.
“We’ve got a very tough opener and a tough opening schedule, but that’s the NFL,” O’Brien said on a Zoom conference call. “We’re working hard. We feel good about where we’re at after the scrimmage, and we’re going to keep plugging away.
“I like this team. I enjoy coaching this team. We have guys that pay attention and care about the team. They show up on time, and if they make a mistake, they try to get better. They ask good questions. They practice hard. They do what we ask them to do.”
Roster reduction is Thursday
Because the Texans and Chiefs begin regular season on a Thursday night, they must reduce their rosters Thursday and other teams on Saturday. Because of the coronavirus pandemic and the adjustments its caused, this roster reduction should be less chaotic than normal years. There are 80 players compared to 90, 16-player practice squads instead of 10 and new rules for activating players from injured reserve.
“I think (when) you’re looking at the majority of the players on our practice field, that’s our team,” Bill O’Brien said. “I would say for all intents and purposes this is our team. You’ve got 80 guys. You’re going to have 53 plus 16, so you’re talking maybe 10 spots. There’s different avenues because the roster flexibility that’s in place this year.”
Texans could look at additions
Depending on how Bill O’Brien and his staff view each position, they may be in the market to add a couple of veterans at some point. They can always use another defensive lineman and linebacker, particularly on the inside. They may need to add another veteran safety.
Because of what his players have gone through with the virtual offseason program, working out on their own to stay in shape, going through COVID-19 testing and adjusting to the protocols at NRG Stadium and Houston Methodist Training Center, O’Brien feels a special affinity for each player.
“I really like the guys on our team,” he said. “I think from top to bottom, these guys have poured everything they have into a weird year. For me, there’s definitely an attachment to a lot of these guys because they’ve done everything I’ve asked them to do.”
A.J. Moore continues to stand out
Every day since the players put on pads, third-year safety A.J. Moore has made plays and earned praise from his teammates and coaches. He was outstanding in Thursday’s scrimmage, intercepting passes and stripping balls from receivers and tight ends.
Safety Michael Thomas, a seven-year veteran in his first season with the Texans, has been one of the NFL’s premier special teams players for years. He’s the most recent to pay tribute to Moore.
“His energy and his smile every day (are) like the heartbeat of this team,” Thomas said after practice. “He ended the scrimmage with an interception, and he’s doing that consistently. He makes huge plays every day. I joke with him and tell him, ‘Man, you are jumping off the tape.’ The sky’s the limit for that kid.”
Moore is one of the fastest players on the team. He ran a 4.40 at his combine and began his career as a cornerback before the Texans moved him to safety.
“I’m proud of him,” Thomas said. “When I got here, I heard his name a lot. Once I saw his speed, how he practices every single day and carries himself off the field, I see why so many teammates respect him.
“I can see him wearing a ‘C’ (captain) on his chest this year. That’s the type of guy A.J. Moore is. He’s well-respected in this locker room, and he’s having a hell of a camp.”
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Jordan Akins sees a difference in Jordan Thomas
As rookies in 2018, tight ends Jordan Akins (third round) and Jordan Thomas (sixth) showed a lot of promise. Thomas caught four touchdown passes from Deshaun Watson in the red zone.
In 2019, their careers went in opposite directions. Akins improved. Thomas took a step back. He wasn’t in shape, and then he was injured. He caught one pass. This season, Thomas has been one of the most impressive players in camp.
“Jordan came in camp in great shape,” Akins said. “J.T. looks like he’s been on top of his game this offseason. He’s dropped about 20-plus pounds. He’s a lot faster, and he knows a lot more mentally.”
After last season, not much was expected of Thomas. Now the coaches and players have high expectations for him.
“He’s been rolling with the ones and twos,” Akins said. “He looks good overall.”
With starter Darren Fells, Akins, Thomas, Kahale Warring and undrafted rookie Dylan Stapleton playing well, it’s no wonder Bill O’Brien says no position has been more impressive in camp than tight end.
The Link LonkAugust 30, 2020 at 01:42AM
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/john-mcclain/article/Texans-takeaways-work-hard-prepare-opener-Chiefs-15524481.php
Texans takeaways: Bill O'Brien's team 'working hard' preparing for opener vs. Chiefs - Houston Chronicle
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