HOUSTON – Hey Texans fans! This is KPRC-2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy checking in with this week’s Texans newsletter.
It’s over!
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What a grind this training camp has been dealing with this sauna we call a Houston summer. Camp opened back in the middle of July and Thursday the officially Training Camp schedule technically came to a close.
WELCOME TO H-TOWN RAMS
How did they end it? By hosting the Los Angeles Rams for a one day joint workout. I’ve covered the league for a long time including every year of the Texans existence beginning actually two years before their first game. Between camps with the Texans and Cowboys for many years, joint workouts are the best for media. Watching teams just practice against one another becomes old quickly and with the limited access and we are allowed to shoot, There’s not a lot coming from that.
Joint workouts though bring out a new intensity and a physical side you don’t get when facing your teammates.
“It’s intense out there,” WR Robert Woods told me after practice on Thursday. " Good battles and plenty of trash talking so it’s all good!”
The Texans Offensive line struggled some against the Rams number one defense. Many believe the O-Line is the biggest concern about this Texans team. I believe that as well and need to see production from the running backs to change my mind.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Our Insider Aaron Wilson wrote on Click2Houston.com that the team got the extension in place for safety Jimmie Ward. Wilson reported Ward will make 10.5 million over next two years after being extended by one year. Well deserved for Ward who not only makes plays and leads on the field but he’s a huge impact on the lockerroom with his veteran presence. Very well respected. They need a big year out of Ward.
GETTING DEFENSIVE
Nice job by the Texans defense in the win over the Giants last Saturday. Takeaways are a huge part of this defense that DeMeco Ryans takes pride in. They had 5 takeaways in the win over the G-Men including a Pick- from Jalen Pitre and an INT from Derek Stingley Jr.
METCHIE’S BREAKOUT DAY
In the win over the Giants, it was a great day for Wide Receiver John Metchie III. He’s had a pretty good camp with a few days/practices he’s like to have back. Overall, he shined vs. New York finished with 6 receptions for 68 yards and his first ever touchdown.
WHAT’S AHEAD?
One more game on Saturday and a final chance for players on the bubble to prove they can help this Texans team. Most of the roster is set with only a few random slots available. Starters are not going to play so for them it’s about preparing for the season opener September 8 at the Colts.
Next week roster cuts officially begin on Tuesday.
Here we go ! See ya at NRG Stadium soon!