Back under the Texas sun, first practice turns sloppy

Back in the Texas heat for their first practice since leaving the much cooler West Virginia climate, the Texans had a somewhat sloppy, sluggish practice that raised the ire of coach Bill O’Brien.

There was a fumbled snap by starting quarterback Tom Savage ,afew alignment issues for the offense and a general lack of intensity. Some players dealt with heat issues and got fluids intravenously after practice.

“We didn’t practice very well,” O’Brien said. “We’ve got to pick it up. It’s great to be back in front of our fans. Our players need to get going, though.”

Asked specifically what needs to change, O’Brien replied: “Play better, practice better. We’ve got to do a better job.”

Savage concurred with O’Brien’s assessment. There were a lot of problems compared with how sharp the Texans were during joint practice sessions with the New England Patriots.

“We’ve got to start faster in practice,” Savage said. “Obviously, we’re used to going against the Patriots. Now, we have to revert back to going against our guys. It’s our first day back in Houston. We can’t use that as an excuse.”

When Savage left his home at dawn Monday, the heat immediately struck him.

“I was sweating this morning walking to my car at 5:30 a.m.,” Savage said. “It hits you.”

Brett Coomer photos / Houston Chronicle Rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson was a popular figure as Texans fans had the first of two opportunities Monday to attend a preseason practice after the team spent training camp in West Virginia. Tuesday’s practice also is open to the public, with...

Is there a comeback in the making as retired wide receiver Andre Johnson, right, talks to Texans general manager Rick Smith at Monday’s practice? Johnson was admittedly impressed with the current quarterback situation for his old team.