Tag: Romeo Crennel

Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel will decide future at the end of the season

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel says he will decide on his future when the 2020 regular season officially concludes after Week 17.

Romeo Crennel has not been pleased with the results of his stint as interim coach for the Houston Texans.

“It hasn’t been good enough because we didn’t win,” Crennel said. “We came close on several opportunities and we didn’t make the plays to win. In this business, it’s did you win or did you lose? So, I haven’t won enough.”

Crennel took over for Bill O’Brien, who was fired as coach and general manager on Oct. 5. The Texans were 0-4, but Crennel’s insertion helped Houston find their first win of the season in a 30-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.

In Crennel’s 11 games with the Texans, they have gone 4-7. Five of those losses were one-score games. If the Texans were able to close them out, they would be sitting 9-6 and part of the playoff conversation, not a tune-up game for the Tennessee Titans in Week 17 at NRG Stadium.

The 73-year-old, who has won five Super Bowls as an assistant coach or defensive coordinator, is part of the O’Brien era. Though he thought of very highly in the organization, the new staff may want to go in another direction.

“At the end of the season, which is getting a lot closer now, I’m going to sit down and evaluate to see what options I have and maybe what I want to do from this point forward,” Crennel said.

Texans’ Romeo Crennel thinks a successful offseason can help TE Kahale Warring move forward

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel believes second-year tight end Kahale Warring can make improvements with another strong offseason.

Houston Texans tight end Kahale Warring has made some progress in 2020, and interim coach Romeo Crennel believes he can take additional steps to grow as a professional in 2021.

It starts in the offseason, according to Crennel, for the former 2019 third-round pick to finally hit the jump point to being a key contributor to the offense.

“I think that an offseason will be excellent for him and I expect to see him take big steps going forward,” Crennel said.

Warring has caught three passes for 35 yards and two first downs through six games. The 6-5, 252-pound tight end has played 45 snaps on the season.

“I think he’s making progress in our system and his understanding of the game, his understanding of reading defenses, all of that,” Crennel said. “He’s making progress.”

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has shown the propensity to throw to whoever is open, regardless of where they are on the depth chart. If Warring can have a successful offseason and stay healthy, he could see himself take on a bigger role in the offense in 2021.

Texans’ Romeo Crennel says CB Keion Crossen ‘learns from his mistakes’

The Houston Texans are having to dig deep for help at cornerback, but giving reps to Keion Crossen will help in the long run.

The Houston Texans don’t have any options at cornerback.

Bradley Roby is lost for the season serving a six-game suspension, and Gareon Conley could never get on the field after recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Phillip Gaines and rookie John Reid have similarly battled injuries in the past few weeks the have compromised Houston’s availability at cornerback.

Enter Keion Crossen. The third-year defensive back from Western Carolina has had to transition from being a special teams ace to being a cover corner for the injury-riddle Texans secondary.

“Keion has always had a lot of confidence in his ability and what he could do and now he’s getting an opportunity to play defense pretty much on a full-time basis,” interim coach Romeo Crennel said.

Over the past three starts, Crossen has collected 23 combined tackles and five pass breakups. His four pass breakups in the 37-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals were especially impressive as he earned them going against Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green.

“I think that you see that he competes,” said Crennel. “He will accept a challenge. He’s not perfect, but he learns from his mistakes and so I see him getting better and being able to make plays on the ball, and he tackles. I think this opportunity for him has been very helpful.”

Though Gaines may be back in time for the season finale against the Tennessee Titans Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at NRG Staidum, the Texans may continue to rely on Crossen as they attempt to lock up their AFC South rival’s dynamic receiving corps. Crossen would get a great learning experience guarding receiver A.J. Brown, who has 60 catches for 924 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. Houston will see the full force of the Titans as they have yet to lock up the division or a playoff spot.

Texans’ Romeo Crennel: Whitney Mercilus, Eric Murray have mild COVID-19 symptoms

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel says that OLB Whitney Mercilus and S Eric Murray are recovering from COVID-19 and have had mild symptoms.

The Houston Texans had to place two of their starters on defense on COVID-19 reserve within 48 hours of their Week 16 contest with the Cincinnati Bengals.

On Dec. 25, outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus was placed on the reserve. On game day, Dec. 27, the Texans placed safety Eric Murray on COVID-19 reserve.

Interim coach Romeo Crennel gave an update on the status of the two defenders during his Wednesday media availability.

“They’re both recovering,” Crennel said. “They don’t seem to have any serious symptoms. They have the milder things, the headaches, the body aches. But I think they’re improving from when I’ve texted and talked to them. Now, they have to wait out their sentence so to speak. I think that they’re doing OK.”

Due to the preponderance of positive tests, the Texans had to close the team facilities and held a walkthrough on Wednesday.

“We are having a walkthrough where they’ll come, and we’ll have a walkthrough for about an hour and then they’ll leave,” said Crennel. “They are not using the facility. They come in, we go to the field, we walk through and then they leave.”

The Texans are hopeful that the cutdown on interaction between players stops the spread. Players and coaches will also be wearing masks as they attempt to “get some fundamental work done,” according to Crennel.

The Texans close out the regular season Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium against the Tennessee Titans.

Texans’ Romeo Crennel expects QB Deshaun Watson to play against the Titans

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel sees no reason why quarterback Deshaun Watson would not play in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans.

Week 17 is trivial for the Houston Texans. A win over the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium would be for pride, but it could come at a cost.

Over the past three weeks, quarterback Deshaun Watson has had scares with his right elbow that have called the attention of trainers. In Week 14 in the 36-7 loss at the Chicago Bears, Watson hit his funny bone and had to come out of the game for a play. In Week 16’s 37-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, he lie flat on his back for up to five minutes and had trainers encircling him and teammates on a knee, saying prayers and hoping their champion would spring to his feet.

The Texans have been lucky thus far, but the long arm of 2020’s misfortune could strike them Sunday against the Titans if they aren’t careful with Watson.

According to interim coach Romeo Crennel, there is nothing wrong with the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback — nothing that would keep him out of the game against their AFC South rivals.

“As far as I know, he’s doing pretty good,” Crennel said. “I haven’t heard that he’s not doing well, and so since I feel like he’s doing good, I hope he does good on Sunday, too.”

If Watson can make it through the game without any injuries, it gives Houston a head start into recovering from disappointing season that will see the Texans finish with a double-digit loss season for the fourth time since 2010. If Watson does get injured, his rehabilitation will be a factor in determining how far the club is setback as they aim to return to playoff contention.

Texans’ key to stopping Titans RB Derrick Henry: Don’t let him lay the stiff arm

The Houston Texans face a formidable running back in the Tennessee Titans’ Derrick Henry. The key to his success is his powerful stiff arm.

The last running back the Houston Texans will face in the 2020 season is arguably the best in the NFL.

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry has generated 1,777 rushing yards on the season, and the key element to his success is the explosive stiff arm that he lays on defenders as they attempt to make a tackle.

Interim coach Romeo Crennel knows staying away from Henry is not an option; he wants his players to close in on him and gang tackle the best they can. However, the first or lone defender will have to contend with that stiff arm.

“On the stiff arm, we know that it’s a powerful stiff arm and so basically it depends on when he puts it out,” Crennel said. “If he puts it out early enough you can try to break it down to keep it from being a stiff arm, per se. But, if he’s got good timing with it, which in many cases he does have good timing with it, you’re not able to break it down and then he hits you in the chest, arm, facemask, wherever. That helps him gain yards.”

Henry wrecked the Texans in Week 6 with with 212 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in a 42-36 overtime victory that kept Houston from changing the narrative on their losing season. The former Alabama running back also caught two passes for 52 yards.

“He’s a strong, physical runner with really good speed and the thing to do, is if you can keep him from getting to the second level, then that gives you the best chance to slow him down,” said Crennel.

The Texans have given up the second-most rushing yards per game at 151.7, and they are tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the most yards per carry surrendered at 5.0. Henry has a chance to feast, and the Texans have to ensure he is served spoiled helpings.

Texans’ Romeo Crennel believes DT Ross Blacklock can improve in Year 2

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel thinks that with a strong offseason, Ross Blacklock will be able to contribute on defense in 2021.

Ross Blacklock has not had the rookie season he hoped for.

The second-round pick from TCU has provided the Houston Texans with 11 tackles, a tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits in 14 games. The former Fort Bend Elkins product has hardly provided the impact at defensive end the club sought when they looked for a younger replacement for D.J. Reader, who left in free agency for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Interim coach Romeo Crennel believes that even though Blacklock had a forgettable rookie campaign, he can bounce back in the offseason and become a more dynamic player for Houston in 2021.

“I think if he has a good offseason, I mean, a good offseason — when we talk offseason that includes a weight program, strength and conditioning, the OTAs, the individual practice time and then a training camp and then preseason games,” said Crennel. “If he can get all of that done, I think that his ability will begin to show up a lot more.”

Rookie offensive and defensive linemen have one of the harder times adapting to the physical side of the NFL game because of the disparity in strength compounded with the youngsters not having the benefit of a full offseason in an NFL strength and conditioning program.

For Blacklock, some of the issues were also integrating into a new scheme.

Said Crennel: “I think that he’s still learning the system and every system is not the same. Our system, depending on what position you’re playing, sometimes it takes a little bit more discipline to win your gap. Now, other systems, if you can just run up the field, you can win your gap and people are satisfied with that. But the system is built around guys running up the field.

“Our system is not built around guys running up the field. Our system is built around guys winning at the line of scrimmage, and we have to win consistently at the line of scrimmage to give ourselves the best chance.”

Blacklock may also benefit from a new system, given who the Texans hire as their fourth full-time coach.

Texans QB Deshaun Watson says he will play against the Titans in Week 17

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson says he will play in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans despite an injury scare in Week 16.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson lost a fumble when Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Sam Hubbard strip-sacked him at the Texans’ 33-yard line.

Texans fans couldn’t care less that defensive lineman Margus Hunt recovered and was going to seal Houston’s 11th loss of the season. Watson lying on the ground and needing help from trainers was almost a harbinger of 2021.

Watson got his to his feet, walked off under his own power, and even returned for a couple plays on Houston’s desperate drive after Cincinnati’s field goal that pushed their lead 37-31 with 21 seconds remaining.

Even though Watson had his second injury scare in three weeks, the three-time Pro Bowler says he will play the season finale against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium next week.

“Yeah, I will,” Watson said of his chances to play. “I’ll play.”

Watson’s throwing hand was caught underneath Hubbard’s face mask as he was attempting to follow through on the throw.

“His arm got hit as he was delivering the ball, and you torque your arm quite a bit when you’re throwing,” interim coach Romeo Crennel said. “So, he got it banged up but he was able to come back. He felt good about it. The doctors didn’t think anything major was an issue.

“They will check him out, of course, and do scans and scopes and whatever they have to do, and then we’ll know more about what the deal is tomorrow or the next day.”

Watson did not believe he was going to sit out the final series if he was unable to go.

Said Watson: “No. I was just — just let my arm just kind of settle in and then just kind of go from there and just take it one moment at a time really.”

The Texans were eliminated from the playoffs after Week 14. However, Watson is a competitor and will always come out for the bell.

Did the Texans playing too many good QBs contribute to their paucity of takeaways?

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel believes one of the reasons their takeaways are so low is due to the number of good QBs they played.

The Houston Texans have eight takeaways through 14 games. If they do not get to 11 takeaways, they will set a new franchise record for fewest takeaways in a season.

One of the reasons the Texans have had a hard time creating turnovers, according to interim coach Romeo Crennel, is that they faced a bevy of good quarterbacks throughout the year who were able to find the soft spots in their zone coverage.

“You have to look at who you have and how you want to use the players that you have,” Crennel said. “I think this year we’re playing a little bit more zone than we used to play. When you play zone there are holes in the zone and they’re able to find those holes. Good quarterbacks particularly are able to find those holes in the zone and they are able to get control of the ball before you can get to them.

“As a result of that, not as many balls get knocked loose or get tipped or get intercepted as a matter of fact. I think that probably that has something to do with it.”

The Texans have three interceptions on the season. Opponents have compiled a 108.9 passer rating against Houston, the highest in the NFL.

There is a case to be made for Patrick Mahomes, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and even Ryan Tannehill looking like All-Pros against Houston’s defense. However, when the defense is unable to procure a takeaway with Kirk Cousins, Mitch Trubisky, or even Baker Mayfield under center, then it underscores a series of issues the Texans have to fix in the offseason with a new coaching staff and new front office.

Texans’ Romeo Crennel blames G Max Scharping’s regression on the lack of an offseason

Houston Texans LG Max Scharping lost his grip on the starting job, and interim coach Romeo Crennel cites a lack of an offseason as the problem.

The Houston Texans appeared to have rebuilt their failed state of an offensive line, and it only took the 2019 NFL Draft.

Houston selected right tackle Tytus Howard in Round 1, and then used one of their twin Round 2 picks to take Max Scharping. Howard started eight games, and Scharping, who had tackle and guard experience, anchored left guard with 14 starts in his 16 games played.

In 2020, Scharping has played in 13 games, but has started in just seven as he has been sharing the left guard spot with Senio Kelemete and Brent Qvale. In Week 15’s 27-20 loss at the Indianapolis Colts, Scharping played just four snaps, all on special teams.

Interim coach Romeo Crennel believes Scharping’s regression can be traced to the lack of an offseason caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think that not having an offseason, not having a preseason hurts young players when they are ready to make a move and to improve themselves and they’re not able to have that to continue that progress,” Crennel said. “I think also during the year, like you said, he missed some time during the year and so all of those things set him back a little bit.”

Though Scharping has taken a step back, Crennel is still positive that the former Northern Illinois product can provide some talent along the interior offensive line.

“I still feel like he’s a big body in there,” said Crennel. “He will be able to get some things done, particularly if he’s able to have an offseason this year and a preseason and all of those things that go into educating a football player.”

Scharping may not see significant snaps as the Texans face the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium. However, the 6-6, 327-pound offensive lineman will have the entire offseason to improve and reclaim a starting spot.

[listicle id=57615]