August 24, 2006

Houston Texans: A Winning Attitude

A winning attitude. That is what new Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is reinforcing to the players. Kubiak is having the team focus on a new attitude for its fifth season. He believes perfect practice makes perfect plays. To create perfect plays, Kubiak is refining the rudiments that are so important to the game -- tackling, blocking and catching the ball.

The basics are what the Houston Texans did best when they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in a 24 to 14 preseason victory and the St. Louis Rams in a 27-20 win. This is the first time in franchise history that they have won consecutive preseason games.

Overall, the offensive game is much improved from last season. Quarterback David Carr is playing better; the team is showing a good running game, and there is improvement in the overall ball protection.

Rookie running backs that stood out in preseason play were sixth-round draft choice Wali Lundy, undrafted Indiana running back Chris Taylor and Damien Rhodes, a free agent out of Syracuse. Against the Chiefs, Lundy scored a touchdown and gained 59 yards on nine carries. Taylor rushed for 55 yards on 14 carries. Rhodes scored the Texans’ final touchdown on a four-yard run against the Chiefs. Rhodes finished with four rushes for 14 yards.

Running back Vernand Morency had a productive running game against the Rams. He also did a good job picking up blitzing linebackers to protect the quarterback.

The defense has improved this preseason focusing on proper techniques. Rookie defensive end and top draft choice Mario Williams played hard against the Chiefs and his game improved against the Rams. According to Kubiak, Williams had to deal with changes to his position to allow for development. Williams responded with a winning attitude to those changes, and it enhanced his second game.
Other defensive players who are performing well include defensive linemen Travis Johnson, Alfred Malone and Earl Cochran as well as defensive backs Glenn Earl, Dexter McCleon and Phillip Buchanan.
New seasoned veteran wide receiver Eric Moulds from the Buffalo Bills and defensive end Anthony Weaver from the Baltimore Ravens have been excellent role models for the rookies. Moulds and Weaver are teaching the younger players their excellent work ethics. When he’s healthy, running back Domanick Davis will be a big help to the Texans’ running game.

New general manager Rick Smith from the Denver Broncos and the new defensive coordinator Richard Smith from the Miami Dolphins are also great additions to the Texans’ organizations.
During preseason, the Texans start with about 100 players. As the regular season approaches, the number of players must be reduced to 65 players--until the final roster is 53 players.
I look forward to some key veterans and aspiring rookies making the team. The rookies are energetic and consist of raw talent ready to be developed and molded into stronger players. The Texans are off to a great preseason start with a winning attitude.

Come meet the rookie Texans with their “winning attitude” at the Fifth Annual Houston Texans “Pancakes & Pigskins Rookie” breakfast on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 from 7:30 am until 9 am at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Highlights of the breakfast will include special appearances by Texans General Manager Rick Smith; Texans players; Marc Vandermeer of SportsRadio 610AM official voice of the Texans; Toro, the official Texans’ mascot; and a live performance by the Houston Texans Cheerleaders. An auction is also planned.

The Pancakes & Pigskins breakfast is always an exciting opportunity to kick off the Texans’ season in The Woodlands. Proceeds from the breakfast benefit the Houston Texans Foundation and Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas. For more information, log onto HoustonTexans.com or call 832-667-2142.

Resident of The Woodlands Gerald D. Irons, Sr., is a 10-year NFL alumnus of the Oakland Raiders and the Cleveland Browns. Irons will serve as the honorary chair for the Fifth Annual Pancakes & Pigskins Rookie Breakfast. Currently, Irons is senior vice president of business development at Conine & Robinson. Irons is also president of the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees. This is the fourth year he has served as board president. Irons has been on the Board of Trustees for the Conroe I.S.D. for 16 years.

The entire Irons family was awarded the distinction of "Hometown Heroes" in its initial year, 1999, as part of The Woodlands' 25th anniversary celebration. The Irons family earned this honor for their involvement and support in the community.