NOTE- Nice writeup with really good pictures from today’s practice here!
Yesterday, on my way to watch the Andre Johnson press conference at www.houstontexans.com, I saw the countdown to the openning preseason game against Arizona. Clearly, I have a problem, because I got chills when I saw “9″ days! There is a game next Saturday and the team is wrapping up its first week of training camp. Today is a good time to review what we have learned at camp. First of all (no offense to Justin Griffith and Glenn Martinez), it is great to get through the first week without any serious injury issues.
PART I: QBs and RBs
QB
There is no position on this team where less has been learned. Matt Schaub is the leader of the offense. He will be widely recognized as an elite NFL Qb this season if he is able to stay healthy. An interesting note about Schaub: he is really strutting in practice. Walking from one field to another or one teammate to another, even his strides indicate that he is feeling extremely confident these days.
Here ends the celebratory portion of our QB breakdown!
Dan Orlovsky- I was very happy with the free agent signing last season. I did not share the concerns of many other fans and commentators who were baffled by the money we gave him. I was extremely encouraged by Kubiak’s tone and optimistic attitude regarding Orlovsky during the off-season. Since then, though, every piece of information has been discouraging. I attended two practices and saw nothing to get excited about with Orlovsky. In team drills, I don’t think he ever completed a pass of more than 15-20 yards. I saw balls hit short-hop WRs and some thrown behind them. Sometimes, I would see him hold the ball for five seconds or more. The most damning evidence for me, though, is that I never could tell whether Booty or Orlovsky was in the game unless I craned my head to located the jersey number. In other words, Orlovsky has been playing on par with a 3rd string QB, according to my eyes. Combine my observations with the rest of the reports coming out of camp at www.houstondiehards.com and from Alan Burge, for instance, at the picture is even bleaker. The death blow are the comments from Kubiak about Dan Orlovsky’s inconsistency. UGGH! (that’s hate speech from Gary Kubiak). Now, all is not lost. We are talking about one week of camp and he can improve and the light can click on. However, those 2nd and 3rd quarters at Arizona next week and New Orleans the week after, should be nail-biting for everyone involved to see if Dan O can run this offense.
Booty is a farm hand and nothing more. There is zero chance that he is on the 53 man roster when the season starts, IMO.
RB
Now for some good news! The Rbs look excellent!
Arian Foster- Kubiak gave Foster the preliminary starter role in camp as a reward for his work late last season and his off-season work ethic. It was the equivalent of a pat on the butt. Foster has treated it like he was knighted. Everyone thinks he looks great in camp and Kubiak is constantly praising his work ethic and professional demeanor. Even Maurice Jones-Drew chimed in on his fantasy football show and predicted a big year from Arian Foster.
Steve Slaton- Early on, I think he was receiving reduced reps as he eased back into contact. Reports have been mixed on how he’s looked. I’d say he was a little tentative early on but looks more explosive than last year. The great news is that he’s taking contact and he hasn’t missed a practice as a precaution or to have a test done. He’s been there and the coaches seem convinced of his good health.
Ben Tate- Tate looked sluggish and tentative the first two days but has picked it up since then. Once the pade were dawned, he began flashing a lot more. He has a lot to learn as a rookie coming out of a spread offense, so the steep learning curve should have been expected. He has been impressing the coaches lately with his runs and I am very interested to see how he handles passing situations in games.
Chris Henry- He is one of the big surprises in camp. I was in denial for a few days. I just don’t trust a workout warrior with so little football accomplishments in his college and pro career. However, I have been inundated with praise for him by people with whom I respect. Now, Gary Kubiak, is singing his praises and seems genuinely excited about him. So, while I’m not convinced, I’m anxious to see his work in Arizona next week.
Jeremiah Johnson- He’s quick and explosive but a mile behind the others. I would guess they will attempt to re-sign him to the practice squad unless something unexpected happens. He is a natural punt/kick returner, yet they haven’t been working him at either, despite the injury to Trindon Holliday. That fact convinces me they have no plan for Johnson on the roster. They won’t carry a 4th RB on the roster that doesn’t excel in special teams. That much I know for a fact!
I was excited about the depth of this group before camp began… Now, I’m busting with joy! Still, let’s see what they can do in a game environment.
Look for WRs and TEs this evening and OL tomorrow morning.
“Foster has treated it like he was knighted” Haha I like that. Very accurate too.