What's different about training camp practice?
The Texans resumed training camp practice at The Greenbrier on Friday, following their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Bill O'Brien wanted to see improvements following the 27-17 loss and the team began work as soon as they returned to West Virginia.
"We corrected some things. We had a long film session last night and got a lot of things corrected. Today was more about coming out here and doing some of that, but also moving ahead with installation, where we are, so that's kind of what today was about."
With most of the playbook installation complete, O'Brien has shifted his focus to more situational work. The idea is to prepare players, especially the rookies, for real gametime situations. Players have to react quickly, but seem to like the added competition that pits offense against defense. Celebrations aren't uncommon either when half the team triumphs over the other side.
"We don't use really scripts anymore," O'Brien said. "We just have, basically, situational-type periods. 'Hey, this is first-, second-, third-down, this is two minute, this is redzone, this is more third-down in this case right here.' So, and then you just basically say to Mike Vrabel, 'Hey, look, these are the personnel groups we're going to be in,' and he tells me what they're going to do personnel-wise and then you go try to call the game. I think that's what is fun about our practices at this point now, is it's not just robotically scripted. So, the big thing is you're still kind of installing plays, but most of the installation is done and now it's really just making the players aware of each situation."
The Texans will resume training camp practice at the Greenbrier on Friday and will face the New England Patriots for two days of joint practice next week. Both teams will then travel to Houston for the second preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 19.
The Texans resumed training camp practice at The Greenbrier on Friday, following their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Bill O'Brien wanted to see improvements following the 27-17 loss and the team began work as soon as they returned to West Virginia.
"We corrected some things," O'Brien said Friday. "We had a long film session last night and got a lot of things corrected. Today was more about coming out here and doing some of that, but also moving ahead with installation, where we are, so that's kind of what today was about."
In addition to making corrections from Wednesday's game, O'Brien has also shifted the team's focus to more situational work. Last week, the Texans practiced without scripted plays. The idea is to prepare players, especially the rookies, for real, gametime situations. Players are expected to line up and react quickly, but also enjoy the added competition that pits offense against defense. Celebrations aren't uncommon when one side triumphs over the other.
"We don't use really scripts anymore," O'Brien said. "We just have, basically, situational-type periods. 'Hey, this is first-, second-, third-down, this is two minute, this is redzone, this is more third-down in this case right here.' So, and then you just basically say to Mike Vrabel, 'Hey, look, these are the personnel groups we're going to be in,' and he tells me what they're going to do personnel-wise and then you go try to call the game. I think that's what is fun about our practices at this point now, is it's not just robotically scripted. So, the big thing is you're still kind of installing plays, but most of the installation is done and now it's really just making the players aware of each situation."
The Texans will resume training camp practice at the Greenbrier on Friday and will face the New England Patriots for joint practice Tuesday and Wednesday. Both teams will then travel to Houston for the second preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 19.
