Texans Training Camp Day 1 observations
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It didn't take long. On the first play of team drills Andre Johnson broke open and hauled in the strike from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Johnson was active and looked every bit like the player the Texans desperately need to get Bill O'Brien's offense on track.
Andre entered to a rousing cheer from fans and went to work. Johnson said afterwards that he likes O'Brien's no nonsense approach and
Admitted that the Texans needed that kind of change.
No. 1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney also did some work as he returns from offseason surgery on a sports hernia.
Bill O'Brien told us Clowney's daily schedule will be determined by the training staff. There were doubts about Clowney's availability for day one of camp so this is a good start. The oversized outside linebacker seemed to move well in the limited work he did, shuffling well from side to side in position drills.
Jonathan Joseph did similar work, some but not all as he comes back from surgery on his toe. Joseph looked good in the work he did, as well.
O'Brien reminded us after the practice that it's a long season and players coming off injury/surgery have time to get ready.
Overall, a fairly intense day 1. O'Brien made it clear that he will test his team and push them in camp telling me "they have to learn how to grind through a training camp practice." O'Brien said "everything will be earned" by everyone in camp. That'll be the focus of my story tonight at 10.
This is intense and it's a different approach from past training camps.
A few other things stood out:
Assistant coach Mike Vrabel leading the turnover drill. Everyone who touches the ball took park, QBs included as two defensive players
tried to rip the ball free. The Texans ranked dead last in the NFL in turnover margin. It's a big emphasis for this staff. (No surprise the
Seahawks ranked #1 in that stat.)
DeVier Posey looked really good early, hauling in a deep TD strike in 1 on 1 drills before leaving late with an undisclosed injury. Didn't look too serious.
Texans owner Bob McNair took off his hat to show LB Brian Cushing his bald head. They shared a nice laugh. Good to see Mr. McNair on the field.
Speaking of Cushing, he watched in shorts and a t-shirt. He's done his share of upper body work in the offseason.
Rookie RB Alfred Blue made a nice lunging catch in passing drills.
O'Brien praised LB Brooks Reed and his ability to play both inside and outside linebacker.
Nice INT Shiloh Keo in team drills off the deflection.
And last but not least... every camp needs an undrafted free agent story. Keep an eye on Travis Labhart. Johnny Manziel's favorite target at A&M caught everything today and he has a way of getting open.
