FIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM DAY 8 OF TEXANS TRAINING CAMP

1

Bubbly energy: Coach Bill O’Brien should consider practicing indoors more often. The Texans went inside their bubble for the second time, and they seemed to have more energy and enthusiasm. O’Brien said they got a lot of work done on different situations. Even though they practice at 8:30 a.m., when they go outside, the heat and humidity seem to wear down the players more, and the practices aren’t as crisp. It’s easier to pay attention and focus when they’re not getting seared by the sun. They had a spirited practice Monday morning.

2

Catching on quickly: Rookie wide receiver Braxton Miller continues to improve. The coaches and players are eager to see him in practice against San Francisco and the preseason opener against the 49ers. Even though he played receiver only one season at Ohio State after making the move from quarterback, he’s a fast learner. He snatches the ball and turns his pads up the field fast. Miller accelerates like a smaller player. Nobody knows how quick he’ll develop, but he’s got big time written all over him.

3

New look for Hilliard: Second-year running back Kenny Hilliard is caught in a logjam at his position, but he looks like a different player during this year’s camp. Drafted in the seventh round out of LSU last season, he spent his rookie year on injured reserve. Hilliard (5-10 and 225 pounds) looks more comfortable following blocks and making cuts. He explodes through holes. He’s not afraid to run over defenders. Last year, Hilliard ran into blockers and at defenders rather than away from them. He’ll have to excel in preseason to earn a spot at a deep position.

4

Cornerback comeback: Second-year cornerback Kevin Johnson is starting to make a lot of plays on the ball. Johnson was behind when he came to camp because he spent the offseason rehabbing from operations on his wrist and foot. He got off to a slow start, but he’s coming around and showing the kind of quickness, strength and instincts he played with during an excellent rookie season after being drafted in the first round. During Monday’s practice, Johnson knocked down passes in the end zone, over the middle and on a corner route.

5

Peters keeps impressing: Inside linebacker Brian Peters continue to impress. After he was signed last year, Peters played 12 games and registered 17 tackles on special teams, tying for the NFL lead. He arrived in Houston the hard way, playing one year in the Arena Football League and two in the CFL. Peters (6-4, 240) is a former safety who never stops moving. He drops into coverage and makes play. He chases down runners all over the field. He plays with a lot of enthusiasm. The coaches love his passion on defense and special teams.