Practice sessions ratchet up competition
When Texans coach Bill O’Brien scheduled his joint training camp practices, it was done with the idea of introducing his team to excellent competition.
The Texans’ top-ranked defense couldn’t ask for much more accomplished quarterbacks to work against.
First, the Texans practiced against New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Brady is a 12-time Pro Bowl selection, a four-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and a two-time NFL MVP.
Now, the Texans will practice against New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Thursday in Louisiana in advance of a preseason game Saturday night. Brees is a Super Bowl champion and MVP and a 10-time Pro Bowl selection.
“No, it’s not bad experience at all,” Texans middle linebacker Brian Cushing said. “Playing against two of the greatest ever, back-to-back in two practice weeks. It’s definitely beneficial for us.”
The Texans don’t game-plan for these practices or run any trick plays. The concept is one built on trying to get better, not necessarily prove a point.
“We’re just going to be competitive,” said Cushing, a former Pro Bowl selection and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. “That’s the most important thing. I don’t think we’re going to try to scheme each other or get competitive advantages and certain plays or what. It’s pretty simple football. It was the same thing with New England for two days, and New Orleans is a good football team.
“New England’s a good football team, and we try to go out there and we just try to compete. At the same time, it kind of breaks up the monotony of football camp, too. So, you get away and get to play against some other guys, and definitely it’s beneficial for both teams.” Linebacker Catapano signs; Street waived The Texans signed former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Mike Catapano and waived injured wide receiver Devin Street.
Catapano is a former Chiefs seventh-round draft pick from Princeton.
The 6-4, 270-pounder has recorded 11 career tackles and two sacks since entering the NFL in 2013.
He played in 11 games with four starts last season for the Jets before being placed on injured reserve.
Street got hurt after being claimed off waivers from the Jets. If he clears waivers, he will revert to injured reserve.
A former Dallas Cowboys fifth-round draft pick from Pitt who’s also played for the Indianapolis Colts, Street has 10 career catches for 152 yards and one touchdown.
The Texans activated defensive end Joel Heath from the active non-football injury list. Heath suffered a hamstring injury during the offseason, according to a source not authorized to speak publicly.
A 6-5, 300-pound former undrafted free agent from Michigan State, Heath impressed the coaching staff with his long arms and athleticism and made the roster last year as a rookie. He started six of 12 games played and had eight tackles and two sacks.