Opting to get things started
First phase of offseason work still voluntary
Under ordinary circumstances, a new head coach like the Texans’ David Culley could have started his voluntary offseason program earlier this month. But for the second consecutive year, NFL circumstances are anything but ordinary.
Every team is supposed to begin its offseason program Monday, but the NFL Players Association has recommended to its membership that players stay away from the nine-week program that starts Monday and ends June 18.
The union cites COVID-19 concerns and points out that even though there was no onfield offseason program in 2020 and that everything was done virtually, the season came off with very few glitches.
The NFL has responded that team facilities are safe because the same COVID-19 protocols are in place as last year and that teams are supposed to provide vaccinations for players, staff members and their families.
“It’s a voluntary program, so players have the option to participate,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said last week. “It’s a case-by-case basis, and each player will make the choice they feel is best.”
It’s a standoff at the least important part of the offseason program. Phase One (Monday through May 14) includes virtual meetings and conditioning, with nothing on the field and no contact with coaches. Many players prefer to work out on their own rather than at a team’s facility.
The real test of the players’ resolve is Phase Two (May 17-21), when they are supposed to be on the practice field with the coaches for the first time. As with every year, the coaches would use that time to instruct, and no contact is allowed.
The entire program is voluntary other than the three-day minicamp in June, and if players stay away and do everything virtually for another year, it could hinder a team like the Texans.
With a new coach in
Culley, a new defensive scheme under first-year coordinator Lovie Smith and at least 50 new players after the draft and with more free agents arriving, it would make the transition more difficult.
“There’s only so much we control,” Caserio said. “We’ll take advantage of whatever opportunities we have, whether that’s virtual meetings, and if we do have the opportunity to work with them on the practice field at some point, then we’ll embrace that opportunity.
“We don’t make the rules. We just comply with the rules, and that’s what we’ll do. Whatever opportunities we have with the players, just try to help them (by giving) them the opportunity so that come training camp, they’re in the best position to compete.”
Organized team activities and the mandatory three-day minicamp are part of Phase Three (May 24-June 18). Players go full speed, but there’s no contact. At no point in the offseason program do the players work out in pads.
“What we’re going to do is what we’ve done the past couple months,” Caserio said. “The building’s been open. We’ve had a multitude of players that have been in here. They come in the building, they test, they go in the weight room, they work out, (and) they go through their process.”
As always, teams will have rookie minicamps sometime after the draft. Rookies don’t become union members until after they sign.
The NFLPA says about 230 players have bonuses tied to offseason workouts. The Texans have $715,000 tied up in workout bonuses with six players, including receiver Brandin Cooks’ team-high $500,000, according to Spotrac.com.
“Whatever players choose to participate, that’s their choice,” Caserio said. “We’re going to create as good of a working environment for the players as possible, so when they come here, they feel comfortable. They feel like they’re improving.”
Through the years, coaches have learned to adapt to whatever situation arises. If players don’t report to the facility, they’re encouraged to work out on their own.
The Texans have new quarterbacks in Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Finley, as well as eight new receivers and tight ends. If they elect to not work out at the facility beginning with Phase Two, they’ll be expected to do off-site drills to get familiar with each other.
Smith, who’s switching the defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3, has 16 new players on his side of the ball.
“It’s definitely harder to have to do it virtually,” Smith said. “It’s not the same as being on the field. But one thing we learned going through this pandemic last year (is) we’ve adjusted and been able to get some good work done. The mental part is just as important as the physical part.”
A change of schemes from a 3-4 to a 4-3 means more learning for the linemen and linebackers. Some of the 3-4 outside linebackers have moved to end. Playing a four-man front and worrying about one gap rather than two gives linemen a better chance to react instead of think.
Culley, Smith, offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and the other coaches will teach their players either virtually or on the field or both.
“For our new staff, we need to be on the field,” Smith said. “We assume that, eventually, the league is going to tell us when we can turn the lights on, when we can start doing the different things, and we’ll be ready to go then. Whatever the rules, we’re going to make it work.”