After completing two joint practices with the Dolphins at Houston Methodist Training Center, the Texans still need answers to a lot of questions before they begin the regular season Sept. 10 at Baltimore.
Coach DeMeco Ryans liked a lot of what he saw on Wednesday and Thursday when the Texans and Dolphins did their final tune-up before their preseason game Saturday at NRG Stadium.
“The past two days were very productive,” Ryans said. “There were things to learn on both sides of the ball. We got good looks offensively and defensively, different schemes with different players. We accomplished what we wanted to.”
Ryans and second-year Miami coach Mike McDaniel, who worked together with the Texans (2006-08) and 49ers (2017-21), seemed to be a perfect match for practices against each other. That familiarity with each other’s system helped set up ideal situations, most scripted but some not.
“You’re able to get competitive work in a controlled environment,” Ryans said. “We were able to work on some things that might not come up in the game. It was effective on both sides. I think we all got in really good work. Offensively (and) defensively, guys made plays (and there are) things to learn from.”
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who’s the starter without officially being anointed that title, got some valuable experience working against Miami’s defense and new coordinator Vic Fangio, one of the best in NFL history. Fangio was the first defensive coordinator in Texans’ history (2002-05) and was hired by McDaniel after taking off a year.
“Coach Fangio runs a very disciplined style of defense,” Ryans said. “The challenges with the Dolphins’ scheme (are) they’re going to do a good job of setting the edge and forcing you to run the ball inside. Those guys are exactly where they’re supposed to be, and they force you to earn every yard you get.
“That’s the good part about going against this scheme – five-down fronts is different from our scheme, so our offense has to do a different job of communicating who they’re blocking.”
With Ryans saying his healthy starters will play against Miami, here are some highlights and lowlights from two days of practice with the Dolphins:
COLLINS IGNITES FANS
Third-year receiver Nico Collins had what may have been his most impressive performance in a training camp. On one play, he raced down the left sideline being covered by cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. He got separation at the 10-yard line and hauled in a perfect pass from C.J. Stroud. The catch was made in front of the fans, and Collins received the biggest ovation of the day. Later, Collins cut across the middle covered by cornerback Eli Apple, caught the pass in full stride and cut up the field for another touchdown.
“Nico is showing he’s a big-play threat,” Ryans said. “He’s made a lot of big-time plays down the field. We’re expecting him to do the same things when it comes to the games.”
Now Collins has to stay healthy for the first time in his career. If he does, he’s got a chance to get an extension from general manager Nick Caserio.
STROUD STILL IMPROVING
Ryans is asked about Stroud after every practice. The rookie made some outstanding throws against Miami, but he also missed some receivers. It’s typical for a quarterback playing in his first preseason.
Asked about Stroud, Ryans mentioned his quarterbacks as a group, saying, “I wanted to see (how) those guys operate (while) seeing a different defense, scheme and pressures. I’m seeing them operate cleanly, smoothly and our guys made some plays. It was cool to see.”
DELL, BROWN STAND OUT
Rookie receiver Tank Dell caught three touchdown passes on Wednesday. He showed how slippery he can be after making three catches on Thursday. Miami defenders got a hand on him but couldn’t slow him down, and he slipped away. The best catch was by veteran receiver Noah Brown. He had a Dolphin defender all over him in the corner of the end zone. Brown went up, stretched out and somehow came down with the ball. Brown continued to impress his coaches, something he’s done since the offseason program began.
PITRE FINISHES IN STYLE
The play that got the most attention from the players was an interception by safety Jalen Pitre on the last play of the Wednesday practice. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa tried to find a receiver on the left side, but Pitre set him up, broke on the ball at the right time, picked off the pass and returned it down the right sideline for a touchdown. He received a convoy from teammates on the field and on the sideline. The celebration began in the end zone and continued out the gate to the entrance of the practice facility.
“With the way Jalen practices every day, it doesn’t surprise me when he makes a big play,” Ryans said. “It’s expected because that’s what he does every day. He’s not going to surprise you with a wild play because that’s who he is. He’s consistent in his preparation, and it shows when it’s time to line up and compete. To see him step up and make a play like that (is) exciting and uplifting for our entire team.”
HARRIS CONTRIBUTES PICK-6
Also on Wednesday, outside linebacker Christian Harris, who seems to improve during every practice, also had a pick-6. Harris, who is quick and fast, recognized where the ball was going, planted his back foot, took off, intercepted Tagovailoa’s pass and returned it down the right side for touchdown.
“Christian has been doing a great job throughout camp,” Ryans said. “It was good to see him make a play on the ball. That’s what we want to do. We want to be about attacking the ball defensively.”
UPLIFTING POST-PRACTICE WORKOUT
Thirty minutes after Wednesday’s practice, receiver John Metchie III and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. were still on the field working by themselves. Stingley would jam Metchie at the line of scrimmage. Metchie worked to get off the jam to run his route. Then, they’d stop and talk about what they’d just done, showing each other how they’d done something. After Thursday’s practice, safety Jalen Pitre joined them for another post-practice session.
O-LINE STILL A PROBLEM
It’s a good thing Ryans said his starters will get some playing time against the Dolphins. Stroud needs all the help he can get from his linemen. In his two series at New England, Stroud was pressured on almost every pass, which contributed to a 15-yard sack and an interception. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil and right guard Shaq Mason didn’t suit up. Rookie center Juice Scruggs and left guard Kenyon Green were the only starters who played.
The biggest problem is right tackle. Tytus Howard is out after undergoing surgery to repair a broken hand. Nobody knows if he’ll be able to play in the first game at Baltimore. George Fant has replaced him. Depth is an issue. So is protection up the middle. The interior line struggled against the Dolphins, who have an exceptional defensive line.
“Our offensive line is still working through things,” Ryans said. “We still have things to improve. That’s what training camp’s all about, and guys are heading in the right direction. It’ll continue to be a process.”
Stroud will have to learn to handle pressure up the middle, a problem he didn’t have to solve very often at Ohio State. Line coach Chris Strausser is rotating a lot of linemen trying to find the correct combination.
“Interior pressure stops up all offenses,” Ryans said. “That’s why you have to be solid in the middle. The defense wants to threaten the pocket as quickly as possible. We have to be really good in the center of our offense.”
Which seems to be a lot easier to say than do. Stay tuned. After the Miami game, the Texans head to New Orleans for joint practices against the Saints before closing preseason at the Mercedes Superdome on Aug. 27.
(John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on Sports Radio 610 and before every practice during training camp on Texans Radio. He also writes three columns a week and does two Houtopia Football Podcasts for SportsRadio610.com.)
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