The Houston Texans practiced in full pads for a third consecutive day on Thursday at the Houston Methodist Training Center. The Texans worked on their goal-line and two-minute drills. Head coach David Culley felt the defense came out ahead late in practice.
"We just finished with a two-minute drill," Culley said. "Although it is the Texans playing each other, if I was on the offensive side of the ball, I'd have felt like we lost the game today. But I do realize that was the Texans on the other side of the ball and that was our defense, so I'm feeling better about it right now."
NFL referees were officiating practice and calling penalties when they saw them.
Practice ended with the two-minute drill and some big plays for the defense, including a sack by defensive lineman Derek Rives and an interception by Lonnie Johnson.
Tyrod Taylor connected with tight end Jordan Akins on back-to-back passes to start his series.
In an earlier 7-on-7 period, Akins caught a touchdown pass from Taylor despite good defensive coverage on the play.
Bradley Roby had a pass breakup in the endzone.
"Bradley has been a quality player in this league," Culley said. "I've gone against him previously at his previous team that he had, and he's a quality player. He's doing everything that we want him to do. That group that he's with right now is a group that has a lot of depth."
Rookie tight end Brevin Jordan had a great practice, making great catches no matter who was throwing the ball to him .During redzone 7-on-7 work, Davis Mills threw a beautiful pass to rookie tight end Brevin Jordan. Jeff Driskel found Jordan on his series and threaded the ball to him for a touchdown pass.
Keion Crossen also had an interception during one of the team periods.
"The thing about them is a Lovie Smith defense have always been aggressive," Culley said. "They've always flew to the ball. It's been a defense that has created turnovers, and basically we're seeing that right now, especially in pads.
Second-year offensive lineman Charlie Heck has made a significant jump from his rookie season and is making the most of his reps.
"A big improvement and that started in the offseason," Culley said. "He's gotten stronger. Charlie knew what he needed to do. He's done everything. The one thing about him, because his pedigree is pretty good, he's basically done everything you would want done to be able to improve from year one to year two, and we're starting to see that. And he's got to continue to do that."
Defensive back Desmond King II has played against Texans wide receiver Anthony Miller in the past and was excited to see him traded from Chicago.
"He's a very shifty guy," King said. "He's really smart on how to play his leverage on any cornerback, any DB, and he knows how to get open. He got really good hands, and he knows what to do when he gets the ball in his hands. He's a really good guy."
Early in the Justin Reid warmed up his kicking leg to mixed results.
The Houston Texans will next practice on Friday at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
