Texans Down 'N Dirty: No Rest Edition

by DreKeem on Jun 29, 2009 8:16 AM CDT Comment 9 comments

The Texans were extremely fortunate to have all five of their offensive lineman start every game last season, a rarity in the NFL. Even more of a rarity is the man known as Chester Pitts, who has started every single game in the Texans seven year history. Unfortunately, Pitts underwent arthroscopic surgery on both elbows this past summer. The good news is that Pitts is progressing fine and should be good to go when training camp comes around. The injury concern could always rear it's ugly head for the Texans, as they could any other team, but there is decent depth along the line. Third round pick Antoine Caldwell can play both guard and center and recently re-signed Chris White is versatile as well. The team shouldn't be worrying about injuries any more than other similar teams.

In the endless wait between mini-camp and training camp, few Texans players are sitting around aimlessly. In fact, many are still frequently visiting Reliant Stadium and conditioning coach Ray Wright as they prepare for the upcoming camp. Duane Brown is working hard to reach an optimum playing weight, while others such as Connor Barwin are still getting acclimated to the new scheme they'll be playing in.

Darnell Jenkins has reportedly impressed the coaches with his work ethic and in the process has become a much better player than last year, when he was cut before the season started. This could be even more bad news for Jacoby Jones. If Brice McClain shows any burst and creativity at all in the return game, Jenkin's improvement could be the final blow to Jones' chances of sticking with the team. Even if he has dedicated himself to working hard, it won't get him anywhere unless he improves as a receiver, which we've heard little of (granted, it's still early). It will be hard for Jones to make the opening roster.

Antonio Smith is as anxious as ever for the upcoming season. In the interview, Smith describes himself as "disruptive" and "dominant". Some may consider this arrogance, but it's a far cry from the words of Chris Johnson. Smith isn't declaring he's going to be the MVP of the league or a coaches dream like Johnson. Instead, he's confident of the opportunities he'll receive playing alongside a guy like Mario Williams, who he believes is a rare athlete. It's also nice to hear Smith using words to describe himself that are the exact opposite of what Anthony Weaver was for the Texans.

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I wanted to reply to this post but

I don’t really have anything to say about it…except thanks for the good posting Keem, interesting read in a rather dull time.

Yup Weaver was a deadbeat, and Jones is rapidly earning that title as well. Shame because both of them caused a lot of excitement when they first came to town, here’s to their replacements succeeding where they failed. I guess Weaver, who had proven himself to be a promising young end in Baltimore was just a product of the system, and Jones was just a big load of wasted talent and upside. Other than that things seem to be going as smooth as possible (excluding the fiscal side of the game) and we have all the reasons to hope for a breakout Texans season.

Currently Listening to: Leroy - Good Time

"I feel like I'm the best, but you're not going to get me to say that." - Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice

by last texans fan on Jun 29, 2009 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You're being way to hard on Jacoby.

I too, temple every time he attempts to field a kick. But seriously, there is absolutely nothing to suggest he’s on his way out.

by WhiskeyR on Jun 29, 2009 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Attribute the spelling errors to scotch.

But still, Jacoby makes the team. Not even close to not making it, despite his difficulties.

by WhiskeyR on Jun 30, 2009 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Making the team

Is minor compared to what we used to think he could do. The fans and coaches alike had high hopes for him a few years back. I think we can agree those hopes are tempered to a bench role now. He’s a hell of an athlete, its a shame he just couldn’t (maybe wouldn’t) pan out.

Currently Listening to: Leroy - Good Time

"I feel like I'm the best, but you're not going to get me to say that." - Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice

by last texans fan on Jul 1, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are these guys practicing outside right now?

If so then severe props. It is effing hot outside. Good god.

Without actually looking it up (I’m lazy) has Jacoby actually LOST any games for us? As in, has any one of his fumbles screwed us over in a game? I can’t think of any off the top of my head.

by D.T. on Jun 29, 2009 7:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just weighing in

I have high hopes for the O-Line. Last year was a breakout year for them. They deserve a lot of credit for the success of the entire offense. They lowered the season sack total. They showed that they can dominate the 3rd quarter, control the clock and shut the door on the opposing team; so let’s hope we see a lot more of that in the upcoming season. And, the coaches have a plan for those guys to follow through with in the off-season. YES, barring injuries, we should expect to see improvement and we all know, it starts in the trenches. The O-line chemistry is there for the Texans’ breakout season.

Seems like when Jerome Mathis handed off to Jacoby Jones, he gave him his hands of stone to go with it. We need electrifying, but HOLD ONTO the damn ball!!! That has to be a priority for the coaches this pre-season; getting a returner that can catch the ball and hold onto the ball…please! There is no excuse for the drops at this level!

Just under 7 weeks until the first pre-season game and we will see these guys! Darnell Jenkins; maybe he will thrill us, but most of all, demonstrate that you have hands! Duane Brown; tap dance a hole right over Tyson Jackson while Stevie Wonder rambles thru it! Chester Pitts: crack Mike Vrabel and Tank Tyler’s noggins together with your surgically repaired elbows! Antonio Smith; throw down some smack on Larry Johnson! Mario; do the MVP-shuffle all over Matt Cassel! And last but not least, Connor Barwin; make Branden Albert your personal punching BAAAAAGGGGGGG!!!!

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Jun 29, 2009 8:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

re: Excuses for drops...

Lane College. That is all.

So you're saying that now I have to think of some witty Sig that will be applicable across all the SBN sites? Go Texan Horn Stro Kets!

by Shake on Jun 29, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good read

but did i miss some sort of cryptic warning that all 90% of all the posts will now start with “Texans Down ’N Dirty:”? just curious. otherwise good post! now that there is nothing to look forward to for a good while in the football world other than certain retarded titans players making assclowns out of themselves.

Looking forward to not having an 8-8 year!

by BattleRedHusker on Jun 29, 2009 10:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs