Texans training camp Day 2 observations
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Bill O'Brien liked his team's willingness to work and take coaching but everything else in the coach's eyes needs works. O'Brien told us the tempo is not where it will be. (The Texans new coach doesn't talk much about "might" or "could be." Just definite statements of fact. It "will be better.")
I liked what we saw from the new addition at linebacker, Lawrence Sidbury. The six year veteran moves well and jumped right into drills. He has a physical presence that's tough to miss. O'Brien told us after practice that he's constantly looking to make his team better and he means it.
More of the same from #1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney. He moves really well in the drills that he's part of. It's still a limited amount for Clowney but not by much. O'Brien told us afterwards rookies are on a "need to know basis." That means O'Brien watches Clowney work as he comes off sports hernia surgery and then the head coach decides how much or how little Clowney will participate in the next drill.
Everybody looks forward to the first workout in full pads tomorrow. Cornerback A.J. Bouye told me with a smile the defensive backs can grab a lot more once the pads come on. Monday will be a fun day.
Speaking of those defensive backs, their one on one battles with the wide receivers served up the best of Day 2. That's my focus tonight at 10pm on ABC13.
Jonathan Joseph did a great job in his work today. In a one on one battle with Andre Johnson, Joseph leaped high for an interception. Afterwards he talked about the respect he has for Andre and the daily work they put in together. The old phrase "talent seeks out talent" applies here.
The apology of the day came from CB Brandon Harris. After taking down Andre Johnson to the turf with both hands (remember, still no pads) Harris immediately put his hands up and kept them up once he realized it was one of the best of all time.
DeAndre Hopkins made a great catch on a back shoulder throw from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Hopkins does a great job grabbing the ball with his hands. If he can grasp the offense, he can be a weapon in year two.
Nose tackle Louis Nix worked hard off to the side today. As tough as training camp is for everybody else, you do NOT want to be working with trainers on your own. And that's by design.
Fair warning to the media covering the Texans: don't bother asking Bill O'Brien about the Texas heat. He dismissed the question today with "It's Texas!" We'll worry about what we need to worry about.
O'Brien can smell an excuse coming a mile away and he wants no part of that. The Texans will work in the heat and like it.
