OTA Link and News Round-Up III: How Tate Got His Groove Back
Yup, I'm back again to catch everyone up on the week's Organized Team Activities. The guys in shorts only had three days this week so there's not too much to absorb this time.
Day 9: Report and Quotes
Day 10: Report and Quotes
Day 11: Report and Quotes
- Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole interviews Matt Schaub
- Jason Cole's a bit late on the Andre contract situation, but hey...the Texans are getting more mainstream press.
- Troy Nolan looking to lock-up a roster spot
- "Quicker than a hiccup" Holliday trying to make the giant leap to the pros
- Rivals Inc's Jeremy Green needs to study the Texans more so he doesn't deliver bad scouting reports.
- Yahoo! RB Rankings
- Yahoo! WR Rankings
- Yahoo! QB Rankings
Check the post-jump to see this week's bigger news items.
To the Practice Squad
Based on the TE and K situation, either John David Booty or Tyler Sheehan will hit the practice squad prior to training camp. Kubiak said that after Day 9. It doesn't look like they'll add any other QB, so Dan Orlovsky is really going to need to show progress as the back-up this summer. Again, we all hope Schaub plays all 16(+), but a back-up QB is crucial in this league. Kubes also made note that a running back (not named Arian Foster or Steve Slaton) will also find his way to the practice squad or cut. I'm putting my money on Chris Henry since I know nothing about him. It's the most accurate way of scouting.
Barwin's Mama Said Knock You Out
Connor Barwin worked with boxing this offseason to help him in his development. He says it helped him in with his hands and reaction speeds. He thinks it'll help him in the trenches. It's his third straight year as a defensive end, so hopefully Barwin builds on his start from last year. If what has been put out there is true, he'll come in as the Right Defensive End in passing situations and will try to use his speed to beat LTs. Seriously, between boxing and MMA training, our defense will literally kick some ass.
The Coming of THOR?
That Day 10 report? Tons of praise for Wisconsin rookie Garrett Graham and our favorite diety, James "THOR" Casey. The praise for Casey is great to hear, not because BRB loves the guy, but because Kubiak hasn't been quick to praise him. With the injured TEs, there's a real opportunity for Papa THOR and OD's Clone to step up, and they have. It's early, but I do think that this team won't miss a beat at TE regardless of what happens with the OD situation. Yup, I imagine we'll see OD elsewhere in 2011.
Let the Kick-Off Begin
Newly Acquired K Neil Rackers has been cleared to practice so Day 10 is where the great shank-off kick-off begins. Judging by Smithiak's loyal tendencies, it's on Rackers to out-perform Ol' Shanky. It'll be a big competition that has been guaranteed to go throughout pre-season
Zac Diles - Pro Bowl LB? (I'll let Kubiak speak for himself)
"As I told y'all, the reason we're not moving him, at least not at this point unless we feel like we have to, is that I think he's on the verge of becoming a Pro Bowl WILL linebacker. I don't want to confuse him or have us get weak at two spots. We're going to leave Zac where he's at."
- Head coach Gary Kubiak, reiterating previous comments on his plan to keep LB Zac Diles on the weakside during Brian Cushing's four-game suspension to begin the 2010 season. Soon afterwards, MDC's head was rumored to asplode.
He's Not a Specialist
Kubes wants it known that our little mighty mite (Trindon Holliday) is not a specialist. Holliday, who saw limited action as a running back at LSU, has been taking reps at wide receiver. Kubiak's adamant that he needs to pick up some of the offense. It's been a rough go for Holliday, but people should write their goodbye notes to Apostrophe and Glenn Martinez.
Tate's Ready To Roll
Fighting the Sophomore Slump
Secondary is a worry for this team. The Texans are young, and we don't know what to expect. Check out Day 11 to see how impressed Kubiak's been with young Glover Quin. Kubiak's been impressed enough to point him out as an example to the team. I know, right? Usually, the talk is being in Kubiak's doghouse, but Quin's really working out there. Hopefully, unlike some other cornerbacks, Quin won't take a step back during his second season.
Gentlemen (and ladies), I present to you the lovely Brandi of our top-notch cheerleading squad.
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Thx TDC!
Is it just me or does it seem that the Texans are getting a lot of national press this off-season? At least it seems that Jason Cole at Yahoo knows who they are…
Thx for the look at Brandi! Next week, can you help me out with my craving for Candy???
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Jun 4, 2010 8:43 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Ode to Brandi
Oh Brandi
Your lipstick matches your bikini
I gazed into your eyes
And to my surprise
…I hope you like mustard with your wienie
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Jun 4, 2010 9:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 6 recs
Rec'd
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 4, 2010 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
eh.
out of all the cheers… you picked brandi!??
there’s sarah… and stacy.. and larissa and marissa… COME ONNNNNNNNN! we can do better BRB! lol
There is a master key and a spare key for the office. Dwight has them both. When I asked, "what if you die, Dwight? How will we get into the office?" He said, "if I'm dead, you guys have been dead for weeks."
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
Eh, I went with the first blonde I saw....
Have to appease those who like blondes since I chose a brunette last week. I’m an equal opportunity kind of guy.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Judging by your song
You’re infatuated with a woman named Brandi.
Or a man named Andy.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Jun 4, 2010 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
hmmm...
I think I’ll leave you to your fantasy with Andy and your Slim Jims….hahaha!
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Awesome Job, TDC
Rec’d and added to the front page…again.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
Kubiak is not going to trust a rookie RB enough to be the starter right off the bat
Kubiak knows he needs to keep Schaub healthy if they are going to make a run. Tate will get his share of carries, but until he proves that he can handle pass blocking duties Kubiak is not going to have him taking the majority of the snaps.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
Not gonna let a rookie RB start
Kubiak would never do that. He never did as an OC at Dnever…..
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Jun 4, 2010 11:46 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I thought
Steve Slaton started as a rookie no? That was 2008 and I have a crappy memory.
And who is the Pterodactyl?
And Brandi is just about the perfect woman (at least in that picture)
I'm the best there is at what I do.
Steve did start
…but not right out of the gate. The fact that he did well when he got carries combined with the other RB’s struggling finally got into a starters role, but pass blocking is the reason it didn’t happen sooner.
Pterodactyl is Arian Foster. See here:
That story made me a fan immediately.
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
tate starting is predicated on whether or not...
slaton can hold on to that god damn ball.
There is a master key and a spare key for the office. Dwight has them both. When I asked, "what if you die, Dwight? How will we get into the office?" He said, "if I'm dead, you guys have been dead for weeks."
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
Or if he recovers from his surgery.
I would much rather have Foster start off the season, ease Slaton back into the starting line-up, then have Tate/Foster back Slaton up.
by typhoon.infamous on Jun 4, 2010 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
even if he recovers from surgery
i think Foster starts the first few weeks. Its just a gut feeling though
living the Texas dream
Yeah, exactly.
Foster seems to be improving, i want to see him play.
by typhoon.infamous on Jun 5, 2010 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions
just because Koobs never started one before doesn't mean anything
Denver normally didn’t draft a RB so high, either.
If he proves he can handle those pass blocking duties, as you mentioned (and if Slaton is still out), then anything is possible with this group.
my main focus is on
the K competition, I REALLY hope Rackers can pry the job from Shank-apotamus.. Kubiak baffles me why he never cut that guy he simply sucks when there is an ounce of pressure and it gotten so bad till he began booting extra point attempts, only in Houston can a player get repeated chances to fail, I dont like Dallas but I respect them for cutting kickers the same week when theyre choking theyre pre-game meal up.. rant over
my 2nd area of great interest is watching the maturation and arrival of Troy Nolan, I really think he has wat it takes if (when) Eugene Wilson gets hurt to fill in and do a great job.. Barber is ok but he doesnt impact the game the way Troy has the great potential of doing
More
bashing of Kris Brown. The guy was an excellent kicker for 7 years here and then has one bad year and suddenly he is the worst kicker in in the NFL. So many people with short term memories.
I’m not singling you out HB23, this just happened to be the most recent post I read concerning this issue. Someone needed to defend Kris Brown and I like to play devil’s advocate sometimes.
I'm the best there is at what I do.
by xmant2000 on Jun 4, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I feel the same way
I also don’t exactly feel that its a given that Rackers is better. If Rackers is so good, why would he come to a team where he has to compete for the starting job?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
uhhh thats a correction
bottom line is the guy cant be trusted.. do u want him out there kicking a FG to tie or win a game? if u say yes theres a problem
Yes I do...
In every season but the last one. Last time he had a bad season he reeled off like 7 really good ones. I’m not saying I feel great about it, but I’m not ready to throw him under the bus.
statistically speakin hes good
Im about when the game is on the line and hes TURRIBLE theres no place for mentally fragile players on this team
Based on one year
Why do you think Rackers is so much better?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
its time to give someone else a chance
we seen ‘wat Brown can do for u’ im not a fan of givin losers repeated chances to rip my heart out.. fool us once shame on u, fool us multple times and that makes us silly
Well, that's the point
Brown had several excellent seasons for us and one stinker. Odds are, he’s going to revert to his pre-2009 form, as it is completely normal for kickers to be inconsistent from year to year.
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 5, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I want to se him prove it, though
He should have been replaced last year during the season. He was off his game. He couldn’t hit a chip shot. But, we are here now, so let’s see if he has fixed it.
He has had a slight fade-kick his entire career. It got out of control in Pittsburgh. They tended to blame his inconsistency on the wind in the stadium because of the open end, but if you ask him, he knows it was his technique. He worked on it and received a second chance here in Houston and made it work. Last season, he reverted; must have forgotten how he corrected his technique. Let’s hope he has gone back to how he fixed it the first time.
I am not against him for last season. I am against him if he hasn’t fixed his dang fade. I don’t mind a slight fade if he plays the fade. If it gets out there too much, he starts to overcompensate and that is when he grossly mis-kicks it. Kicking is a lot like golf, it’s repetition. If he finds it and keeps repeating it, he can get it back.
When he is on, he has plenty of leg.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Your logic has no place in this argument
apparently
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Thats a stupid argument
Since he was bad, no one can be worse? Thats a stupid knee jerk no though behind it reaction. Again, tell my why Rackers is obviously better?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
actually I have long term memory
Kris Brown choked for the Steelers the year before he came to our team and Ive always been skeptical of his game and last year that old choker in Pitt resurfaced
I dont understand why so many Texans fans are so forgiving and are willing to give a player more chances to blow more games, its baflling that u along with obviously alota other oblivious fans would support this choke artist.. screw %’s and career stats, Im talking about when the game is on the line and hes a proven commodity to choke
thanks for the memories...
but i think it may be time to part ways with mr. shank-a-potamus. i think people are so loyal to him because he’s the only kicker we’ve ever known, and the last link to our past. as the final original member of the roster, i think we kinda look at him as a mascot. don’t forget he was a team captain last year. the fact of the matter is, he should’ve performed better.
There is a master key and a spare key for the office. Dwight has them both. When I asked, "what if you die, Dwight? How will we get into the office?" He said, "if I'm dead, you guys have been dead for weeks."
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
yea i hear ya
but that mentality is wats wrong with Houston cuz where else would a city wana hold on to sentimental things even tho a guy (scrub) is collectively kickin the city in the ball sack? hes not producing so i dont care wats his ties are he has to go.. stand up guy but its time
He was great
key word is was.He may not have single handily ruined your chances to make the playoffs last year, but he did contribute too most of it and now its in his head. Hes thinking too much which is why hes missing so much and i think its gonna continue into next season as soon as the pressure is on.
living the Texas dream
I dunno....
when you kick below 70% and are known as a streaky kicker….all bets are off. I’m not saying that I think Rackers is the greatest, but Brown doesn’t have a lot to stand on right now. He needs to prove that he can make a FG.
"Lord, beer me strength."
also...
i think a lot of people are going to be surprised at how good our secondary will be.
There is a master key and a spare key for the office. Dwight has them both. When I asked, "what if you die, Dwight? How will we get into the office?" He said, "if I'm dead, you guys have been dead for weeks."
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
Why so optimistic
Wilson is the key. Must stay healthy. The corners will be fine. I truly beledat.
Atogwe is a FA. Snatch him up allready !!!! He is a perfect fit
by AllenOU on Jun 4, 2010 2:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Or, if Nolan proves himself.
Based on some of his highlights, he seems a capable back-up/starter.
by typhoon.infamous on Jun 4, 2010 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
As long as you keep ending these things with a picture of a hot cheerleader
I’ll keep pressing the rec’d button every time I see your posts.
Oh, and the information. Which is like the second most important thing in this post.
I know OTAs don't decide much
but I don’t see why Arian Foster wouldn’t at this point be the favorite to start Game 1 of the regular season. Kubes has stated how good he looks and how much more work he’s put in this season. He’s come to camp a litter lighter and quicker with better burst and has prototypical between tackle RB size (6’1, 229). He plays with that chip of being undrafted as well.
Tate is obviously going to get a long look here when things heat up in camp but I see them 2 being the prevalent 2-headed monster at RB and Slaton maybe shifting to the background a little. Kubiak said they’re making a commitment to getting more physical in the run game and Foster/Tate are physical guys with speed. In no contact OTAs, you’d think Slaton even in recovery for the neck surgery would get reps with 1st team but he’s still got Dan Orlovsky handing him the ball in all the pics. We’ll see how it plays out but I’d like to see us get physical in the run game with Tate/Foster and bring Slaton in for maybe 5 carries and screens.
I would say Foster's in the lead for the spot...
but I still think Tate will win it in the preseason. I just like how Tate plays and think he can wow people come August.
"Lord, beer me strength."
I'm not sure.
I mean, Slaton didn’t start off as the starter until week 3 during the 2008 season. I doubt Tate will be able to become the starter in week 1. Also, he’s behind during the OTAs due to his injury.
by typhoon.infamous on Jun 4, 2010 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I can honestly say that I have a fair amount of confidence in all three backs we’ll be fielding this year. If we can trust that Slaton’s nerve problems are sufficiently healed up, I have no reason to doubt that we’ll be one of the top 2-3 total offenses in the league.
I like...
that almost everyone has a different answer on the starting RB. It just shows that there is depth there. Granted, Slaton’s gotta show he’s healthy and Foster/Tate are young…..but I do like that we’ve got 3 talented guys back there.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Exactly.
I’m happy with our RBs. Now, can we discuss that horrendous offensive line that played last year?
by typhoon.infamous on Jun 5, 2010 1:46 AM CDT up reply actions
here's sarah.

There is a master key and a spare key for the office. Dwight has them both. When I asked, "what if you die, Dwight? How will we get into the office?" He said, "if I'm dead, you guys have been dead for weeks."
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
Too Tranny looking for my taste.
On the other hand, she/he’s perfect for BFD! But then again, she doesn’t look like a filipina tranny. So i dont know..
so by tranny...
that means she looks super feminine right? i forget which way you flow jordann!
"jawala huvada haba den!!!!!!!! whaddya ?????????????? ?????????????? bluhrea rains it's gonna be leakin' in hea now!" - don vito
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
Dude!
Brandi kicks Sarah’s ass. AND she has the slutty, my-name-should-end-in-a-y, “i” at the end of her name.
fine. BUT....
how about larissa and marissa?

"jawala huvada haba den!!!!!!!! whaddya ?????????????? ?????????????? bluhrea rains it's gonna be leakin' in hea now!" - don vito
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
To all you guys posting pics
I like them, don’t get me wrong (I’m certainly not into swordfighting fantasies like Rivers), but can we show a little restraint and wait for the next weekly TDC presentation? It’s a long summer but it will be over before you know it. I’m sure TDC will take care of us…
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
im just too lazy to do a proper fan post.....
"jawala huvada haba den!!!!!!!! whaddya ?????????????? ?????????????? bluhrea rains it's gonna be leakin' in hea now!" - don vito
http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21
Probably not...I just needed an excuse to get another jab at Rivers, heheheh!!!
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
I don't like the pics to be honest
It’s like window shopping for widescreen TVs with $5 in your bank account.
Is Glover Quin the new mittens?
or something along that nature, cause he is ALWAYS wearing those sleeves…….
Earl Campbell is the perfect combination of assmass and weightspeed. - Papabear
Well I meant how Carr always wear gloves....
and Glover always wears sleeves.
I didn’t mean in the way that he sucks but just the whole hand accessory way…..
Earl Campbell is the perfect combination of assmass and weightspeed. - Papabear
Don't ever call me mittens again.
And I don’t wear mittens. I wear gloves. Neon-colored athletic gloves.
Mmmkay?!
and you throw like a girl
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Some front-offices like drafting that shit at #1 overall.
By the way, may I take out a loan?
nice job as usual, TDC
news of a healthy Ben Tate is the highlight of my week (maybe a close 2nd to any Brandi pic)
OT in the OTA Link
This is OT, I know, but I just wanted to pass along a recommendation for a movie. “Get Him To The Greek” is a riot. You have to see it! Has nothing to do with football. I suppose I could have waited until the next Saturday Night Tunes, but whatever.…
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Fullback Question
You guys picked up a Fullback from Rutgers named Jack Corcoran minutes after the draft. I know this player well & he fits the Zone blocking scheme that you installed perfect. Keep a close eye on him. This kid can make every single block required but what’s not known is he is an athlete too. The Knights “O” did not cator to him and it cost him being drafted.
This kid would never say that but he truth is, he will run through a brick wall. He will stay on the field & he will fit this scheme to perfection. Next year Jack Corcoran is the Texans starting F.B.
Any info you guys can get to me would be appreciated. Coach Mike
Character is what you do when people aren't looking
by Coach Mike Birds on Jun 6, 2010 8:07 PM CDT reply actions
A few of us, myself included, have speculated that Corcoran is one of two UDFAs with a real shot at making the roster. Vonta Leach, who’s been our FB since Kubiak arrived, has been pretty good until last season. The staff brought in 2 or 3 UDFA fullbacks this offseason, in addition to playing James Casey back there. It’s safe to say that if Corcoran impresses in OTAs and TC, he has a legitimate shot at dethroning Leach.
It’d be hard for me to see though, as I’m usually a big fan of the lesser-known players. I’ve been a huge fan of Leach for awhile now.
I think
His best shot is making the practice squad this season and perhaps making a run for a roster spot next year.
In order for Corcoran to make the active roster as a fullback is to be starting fullback, and he needs to both have an excellent training camp/preseason and for Leach to have a miserable summer.

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