Seven Observations From Day Three of Houston Texans Training Camp
A walkthrough day but still plenty to learn from the workout
The Houston Texans had a light workout for their third day of training camp.
Here are seven observations from the walkthrough-heavy practice.
Offensive coordinator Nick Caley had an impressive answer defending the intense emphasis this team has placed on the pre-snap in year two. Caley first noted he didn’t have personal experience in the second year of an offense, noting when he coached offenses previously, he coached in already established situations. He said talking to colleagues, teams do discuss pre-snap importance heading into year two of an offense. Caley explained the offense is beyond basic installation. He’s already seeing the team work on more situational football, which signals a deeper understanding of the offense than was possible in the first year. He also said they can’t have pre-snap penalties be an issue this season, which they were on day two of training camp, and they are working to eradicate those. Multiple defenders said the offense’s pre-snap operation was better in the spring. It will be critical to see more of the progression during padded practices and joint practices.
Caley heaped praise on rookie offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. He said Rutledge was his own toughest critic to the point where the staff has to force him to move on. He praised the rookie’s toughness and smarts. Caley said he understands there will be mistakes from the rookie, but is fine with them as they aren’t repeated. Rutledge’s pancake of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was the play of the day in the first practice. Caley said they will pull him back, but they won’t take that aggressiveness away from him. Rutledge is my top player to watch when the pads come on.
Tank Dell participated in the walkthroughs in this practice. General manager Nick Caserio said this is why Dell, who isn’t fully practicing, wasn’t placed on the physically unable to perform list. There is no official timeline for Dell. Caserio said Dell needed another “week or so” before a real practice was available to him. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said he is holding Dell back to make sure Dell stays on the field when he returns. Jaylin Noel observed practice. He is on the non-football injury list after hurting his right pinky finger days before the start of camp. The player who has benefited the most from Noel’s absence, Justin Watson, observed practice and did not participate.
Logan Hall observed practice. It is still unclear if Hall will be a defensive tackle or defensive end. Defensive coordinator Matt Burke noted that they will put as much on Hall’s plate as possible as he works back into the fold. If Hall can play outside, that’s where he is needed most. The depth behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is shaky. Solomon Byrd is the lone defensive end down the depth chart to make splash plays through the first few days. Defensive end Dylan Horton also observed practice and did not participate.
