Tag: Romeo Crennel

Romeo Crennel: Texans won’t have to change much to stop Jaguars RB James Robinson

The Houston Texans won’t need to alter much of their game plan to stifle Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back James Robinson.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have one of the undrafted steals of the year in running back James Robinson.

In the Week 5 matchup, the rookie from Illinois State collected 48 yards on 13 carries and caught five passes for 22 yards. The Texans even made the rookie fumble while bottling him up throughout the 30-14 win at NRG Stadium.

As the Texans get ready to close out the season series with the Jaguars Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at TIAA Bank Field, interim coach Romeo Crennel says the defense won’t have to adjust much of their game plan to contain Robinson.

“I don’t think that we have to change,” Crennel said. “I think we have to continue to do what we did in that game to slow him down. Now knowing that he’s gotten better, so we’re going to have to be better in trying to stop him, as well. That comes down to that discipline.”

Robinson produced 119 yards and a touchdowns on 22 carries along with catching four passes for 18 yards and a touchdown in the Jaguars’ 39-29 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7, just before Jacksonville’s bye week.

Regardless of who the running back is, Crennel has had to stress to his players that assignment discipline is the name of the game.

Said Crennel: “I’ve talked to these guys about all the time is the discipline of doing your job first, and then trying to help out and not jumping off blocks too soon, which creates seams. If we don’t create seams, then we have a better chance of slowing down the run.”

If the Texans can slow down Robinson, it will put the onus on sixth-round rookie quarterback Jake Luton, who will be making his first career start, to win the game, which is a tough proposition given Crennel is 12-2 against rookie quarterbacks since 2014, postseason included.

[vertical-gallery id=55532]

Where are the Texans with the COVID-19 protocol?

The Houston Texans are still in the COVID-19 protocol following a positive test from G Max Scharping on Oct. 28.

The Houston Texans had a player test positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 28, and the NFL still has the AFC South club in the protocol.

Guard Max Scharping had a positive test, and the club, which was already on its bye week, then shutdown team facilities for a deep cleaning. The team met virtually over the bye when necessary.

Though it is game week and the Texans will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at 12:00 p.m. CT Sunday at TIAA Bank Field, the NFL is still monitoring the Texans’ situation very closely.

“The NFL has put us through an intense protocol,” interim coach Romeo Crennel said via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “The guys will be wearing face shields on their helmets at practice to try to minimize any contact or any spread that way.”

According to Crennel, the Texans had 900 negative tests over the past week with zero positive tests.

“We’re trying to do the right thing and I think the players are doing the right thing for the most part,” said Crennel.

Scharping is the first Texans player to test positive for the novel coronavirus since training camp.

[listicle id=54497]

Texans’ Romeo Crennel says run game must get going to complement the passing attack

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel says the run game has to get going in order to help the passing attack carry the load.

The Houston Texans’ passing game has come alive. In the past four weeks, quarterback Deshaun Watson has thrown for at least 300 yards, giving the team every chance to win ballgames.

However, the ground game has not met expectations at all in 2020, and interim coach Romeo Crennel believes that element has to activate after the bye week to help improve the team’s 1-6 record.

“I think that we have to establish a running game also,” Crennel said. “If we can establish a running game, that pulls linebackers up on the run fake, then you can throw play-action passes. Then you can drop back when you want to rather than when you have to.”

Houston typically has had to drop back “when they have to” because of the deficits they are overcoming or simply because running backs David Johnson and Duke Johnson haven’t been able to threaten defenses. Only in the Week 5 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars was Johnson able to average more than 4.0 yards per carry. In five of Houston’s six losses, it has been sub-4.0 for the former 2016 All-Pro.

Similarly for Duke Johnson, in four of his five games played, the former Cleveland Brown has recorded less than 4.0 yards per carry.

Said Crennel: “Because when you drop back when you have to, they know you have to, and they can pin their ears back and bring the heat basically. A couple times in the second half, they were able to do that, which then forced Deshaun to have to pull the ball down and try to run. We’ve seen him be able to make some good runs, but [Sunday the Green Bay Packers] kind of penned him up a little bit as far as his ability to run. I think us doing a better job in the running game will help the passing game.”

The Texans will close their season series with the Jaguars in Week 9 at TIAA Bank Field, and it will be another chance for Houston to get their run game going.

[listicle id=55410]

Texans’ Romeo Crennel says DE J.J. Watt is a consistent player

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel says that defensive end J.J. Watt is playing consistently for the defense in 2020.

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was clearly frustrated after the club’s 35-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.

[listicle id=55388]

According to interim coach Romeo Crennel, all that can be done to help alleviate Watt’s frustrations with the defense is to have more conversations.

“We can sit down and we can have conversations,” Crennel told reporters Monday. “We can talk about what’s happening and what he perceives to be the issues and see if we can get those straightened out.”

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year collected five combined tackles and two tackles for loss in the defeat, which sends Houston to a disappointing 1-6 record.

If Watt is frustrated, it could be because the problems are outside of his control, according to Crennel.

“A lot of it will have to do with the guys who play on either side of him because J.J. is a pretty consistent player himself,” Crennel said. “So, what we have to get those other guys is to be as consistent as he is. If we can get that done, then I think that we’ll improve.”

On the season, Watt has tallied 24 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, six quarterback hits, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in seven starts.

“I think that if he sees that and sees that we are trying to improve and get better, I think that that will make him feel a little better,” said Crennel. “But he will not feel better until we start winning. If we don’t win, he’s not going to feel better.”

The Texans will emerge on the other side of their bye week preparing for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9. Houston beat the Jaguars 30-14 at NRG Stadium in Week 5, and seek to complete the sweep at TIAA Bank Field.

 

Texans’ Romeo Crennel is trying to win games, not make trades

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel says he is more focused on improving the team’s 1-6 record, not execute trades at the deadline.

The Houston Texans are 1-6 and are missing their first two draft picks for their 2021 class; the Miami Dolphins have them as part of the 2019 trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

As such, the perception is that the Texans will make moves at the trade deadline to recover their losses and add to their draft capital for 2021. However, interim coach Romeo Crennel told reporters Monday he is more concerned with improving the team’s regular season record, not so much their new talent acquisition in 2021.

“I think because of the situation other teams might look and feel like that we are vulnerable and we might be willing to make a trade for guys,” Crennel said. “But like I told the players, I’m trying to win games and I’m not trying to trade players. So, I want to keep as many good players as I can.”

Crennel’s old boss, Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells, is famous for saying, “You are what your record says you are,” and Crennel won’t argue. At 1-6, their record is one that indicates they are a bad team. However, Crennel still believes there are talented players on the roster to generate wins.

“I know the record doesn’t say that we are very good, and we are what the record says we are, but we do have some talent,” said Crennel. “I think other teams realize that and they would like to get their hands on it. But most of the time in this situation, they’re offering peanuts and not offering legitimate trade value.”

Houston’s problem is their cupboard is so barren of draft picks that peanuts might seem like a legitimate meal. Nonetheless, chairman and CEO Cal McNair will have to decide which direction the team needs to go: do they trade players to recover draft picks, or do they stay the course and try to win out?

Texans attempting to control what is within their realm at the trade deadline

The Houston Texans are approaching the trade deadline, but the message is to control what they can and not listen to the outside noise.

The Houston Texans are 1-6, and given their first and second round picks for 2021 are with the Miami Dolphins, the club won’t be able to recoup the sufferings of their 2020 season.

As such, it makes the Texans “sellers” at the trade deadline among Houston sports fan and in the media.

After the Texans’ 35-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 at NRG Stadium, interim coach Romeo Crennel declared he had nothing to say to the players about the trade deadline.

“I have no message for them about the trade deadline,” Crennel said. “I mean, I don’t even think about that. I think about losing and winning.”

For receiver Brandin Cooks, who has been traded three times in his career, though in the offseason and not at the in-season deadline, the message is to focus on the elements that are within your control.

“At the end of the day you’ve just got to, once again, continue to focus and do what you can,” said Cooks, who caught seven passes for 60 yards. “Those things are out of guys’ control. You can’t be thinking about that. You’ve just got to go and show up to work and show up that you love this game and be there for your teammates regardless of what the rumors are.”

Cooks stated there were “so many lies out in our media today.”

Said Cooks: “We just have to tune out that noise and focus within our building, and that’s the most important thing. I know it’s a cliché answer, but I think that’s what you’ve got to do.”

Houston goes into the bye week and will be able to regroup from the disastrous start. If the Texans can keep the outside noise from affecting them during their time off, they should be able to reasonably rebound starting Week 9 at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Texans’ Romeo Crennel on CB Bradley Roby’s injury: ‘Don’t think it’s major’

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel says that cornerback Bradley Roby’s knee injury from Week 7 isn’t considered major.

Houston Texans cornerback Bradley Roby sustained a knee injury in the first quarter of the club’s 35-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.

Roby being out of the game allowed receiver Davante Adams to feast on Roby’s backup, cornerback Phillip Gaines. The three-time Pro Bowler caught 13 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers led the entire way.

According to interim coach Romeo Crennel via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the knee injury shouldn’t be that serious.

“I don’t have a health report, but I don’t think it’s major,” Crennel said. “He will go through a series of tests, and then we’ll know more then.”

The Texans have the benefit of the Week 8 bye to evaluate the status of Roby, who signed a three-year, $36 million contract during the first wave of free agency in March.

Houston hasn’t had their ideal scenario at cornerback this season with Gareon Conley still working through an ankle injury and not having played a game this season. Losing Roby for any extended period of time would similarly impact the unit.

Texans rookie receiver Isaiah Coulter could see playing time in 2020

Houston Texans rookie receiver Isaiah Coulter could find playing time in 2020, according to interim coach Romeo Crennel.

The Houston Texans’ last selection in the 2020 NFL Draft was fifth-round receiver Isaiah Coulter from Rhode Island.

The 6-3, 190-pound wideout has had to battle through the pandemic and injuries, which are impediments for 2020 rookies to see any playing time. However, interim coach Romeo Crennel provided an update on Coulter’s progress, indicating the former Gwynn Park (Maryland) High School product could see some activation this season.

“I think he’s made progress as far as catching the ball,” Crennel said. “He’s got frame and he’s got pretty good hands. I think that we’re going to have to see how he does with route running and things like that. If that improves and comes along then there’s a possibility he could get activated.”

The Texans have four quality receivers in Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, and Kenny Stills, who have all been healthy and available through the first six games. Coulter could find playing time on special teams when the club decides to insert him into games.

Texans CB Gareon Conley still not close to returning to the secondary

The Houston Texans are not close to having cornerback Gareon Conley return to the playing field.

Cornerback Gareon Conley is still not close to returning to the playing field for the Houston Texans.

The former 2017 Oakland Raiders first-round pick has been recovering from offseason ankle surgery that has complicated his return to the playing field.

“He’s trying to get back but I don’t think that he’s where we need him to be right now,” interim coach Romeo Crennel said. “He’s had second opinions and they haven’t been able to pinpoint anything definite. We’ll have to see how he does and if he can get back.”

Conley provided Houston with 27 tackles and 11 pass breakups in eight games last season, starting in two of them. The Texans could really use his talents in Week 7 as cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves and Lonnie Johnson are dealing with injuries following the Texans’ 42-36 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

“I think Vernon got banged in the knee a little bit,” Crennel said. “We’ll have to see what they say about that and then Lonnie kind of got kicked in the face. I think that they’re checking him out.”

Phillip Gaines played one snap for the Texans against the Titans. Houston needs their best cornerbacks on the field to tighten up their pass coverage, and having Conley unavailable has been a hinderance.

Romeo Crennel says Texans’ gap control issues are more mental than physical

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel says the defense’s problems controlling the gaps are more mental than they are physical.

The Houston Texans gave up 263 rushing yards to the Tennessee Titans in their 42-36 overtime loss in Week 6 at Nissan Stadium.

Titans running back Derrick Henry even popped off a 94-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of the Texans’ porous run defense.

According to interim coach Romeo Crennel, the Texans’ issues with gap control are more mental than they are physical.

“Well, a lot of it is mental,” Crennel told reporters Monday. “Sometimes if you’re in that tough situation and you’ve got a double team for instance — if you are light of size and trying to stay at the line of scrimmage versus that double, it’s hard. It’s tough.”

Crennel pointed out that players who aren’t mentally strong “have a tendency to want to get off the block.”

Said Crennel: “Sometimes our guys have that tendency to want to get off the block, whether it’s a double or whether it’s a single. Many times, when it’s a single, it has to do with where the runner is. If they think they can make the tackle, then they’ll get off the block to try to make the tackle.”

However, getting off the block to make a tackle and missing creates problems.

“But then when they do not make the tackle, that opens up the seam to give a good runner an opportunity to get started,” Crennel said. “Like we talked about during the week, with the runner, Henry, that we were facing, if you get out of the gap and he gets to the second level, then that’s when he becomes really dangerous. I think that’s what we saw yesterday.”

The Texans will have to figure out how to fix their gap control as they fix their 1-5 record. The Green Bay Packers come to NRG Stadium for Week 7, and they have a formidable running back in the backfield in Aaron Jones.