HEAD COACH BILL O'BRIEN
Do you feel like you got good work in while being here?
"Absolutely. Yeah, very productive. I thought we saw all kinds of elements relative to the weather – rain, wind, some heat, which was good. Thought the guys worked hard. I think it's been a good start to camp."
What does it mean to make it out without a major injury?
"Look, it's football, but we definitely try to – we tried to really look at that in the offseason, as to how we approach practice. We're getting work in, the guys are buying into it and so far it's worked pretty well."
Will you have QB Deshaun Watson play a series or two to knock off a little rust?
"I don't know. We'll see. We'll see. We'll see how it goes. We're going to talk about it today, kind of see where we're at, look at the reps, do a lot of studying today – today's a long day for the coaching staff – kind of see where everything's at, and then we'll make a decision prior to the game."
Would you say it's more likely or less likely that QB Deshaun Watson will play?
"I'd say more likely."
Are you happy with The Greenbrier experience and where you are right now?
"Yeah, I do. I like where the team's at. I think they compete. I'm just really looking forward to seeing how they compete on Thursday night, in a preseason game. How are we fundamentally? What type of condition are we in? How are we tackling? Are we taking care of the ball? Are we playing smart? How do we compete? I think a lot of that will come out on Thursday night and we'll see how it is. But, I've enjoyed the camp. So far, I think the guys have done a good job."
Have you thought about whether you want to come back to The Greenbrier next year?
"I think we'll talk about that as an organization. We'll sit down between, obviously, Brian Gaine, Bob (McNair) and Cal (McNair) and we'll talk about it. But, this has been a great place for us. The people here are fantastic, the setting is fantastic, the football facility is really great, but ultimately we'll sit down and Mr. McNair and Cal will make the decision on that. But, this has been a good experience for us."
With OLB Whitney Mercilus, is it the same thing – a veteran's day off?
"Yeah, just giving him a day off. He'll be back eventually."
Have you told the team how you're going to handle things on Thursday or are you keeping that to yourself right now?
"A lot goes into that. We don't decide those things until really the morning of the game. The game's at night. There's so much that goes into the discussions of roster and all of those things, not even including the game. Every night is a late night. How'd the guy do today? How'd the unit do today? How many reps did he get? There's a lot that goes into it. I just wouldn't read too much into – whatever we decide to do – I wouldn't read too much into anything. For me too, I would just want our team to go out there and compete, play well, try to limit mistakes, see how fundamentally prepared we are, what condition we're in – those types of things. That's what I'm looking for."
How much do you balance game reps and preventing injuries during preseason games?
"I think we use the word 'safety' a lot in football, but if you take the field, whoever you are, being careful – it's like I always say, it's like dipping your toe in the water – once you're out there on the field, you have to play football. Football's a contact sport, but we'll determine what we need to do relative to playing time for everybody that plays in the game, and we'll just kind of go from there."
Do you hope to have DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney out there at some point during the preseason?
"I think Clowney's getting better and better, being closer and closer to being able to do more and more. We'll see how it goes. Probably do a little bit more next week in preparation for San Francisco. See how that week goes, and then at the end of that week, make a decision relative to L.A. and things like that. We've got a good plan for him, and he's doing a good job. He's working at it."
How important is it for DE J.J. Watt to get some game reps in the preseason?
"I think as coaches we need to make that decision. I think all players want to play. They wouldn't be here if they didn't want to play. Every player wants to play in the game. We'll do the best we can to make sure we just have our team as ready as we can possibly be by September."
QB DESHAUN WATSON
How important is it for you to get in for a couple plays during the first preseason game?
"Honestly, to me, if it happens, it happens. It's not a big deal. I'm just trusting the process that OB (Bill O'Brien) and the organization have for me, and I know it's a good plan. So, I'm just kind of going with the flow and seeing what the game plan is for Thursday."
Personally, what do you think about The Greenbrier experience?
"It was good. It was good work, build some great chemistry, great friends and just build some relationships. During the OTAs it was kind of like a blur, everything is kind of happening fast. And of course, in the summer everyone kind of went to their families and different places to work out. So, actually to come back up here and spend time together has been good."
What do you feel like you've accomplished during your two weeks here?
"Really one percent better each and every day, and just getting the game plan of what we want to do, establish on offense, as a whole and as a team. So, that's pretty much it."
Do you feel like you've gotten good work in with the wide receivers?
"Yeah, for sure."
What has stood out to you about how WR Will Fuller V came back from the offseason?
"I mean, he just came back ready to go. The right mindset, the right – he came back in shape, great size and just ready to work. All the guys came back with that same mentality so it made camp even better up here."
