Tag: Texans cornerback

Texans want to see more from CB Derek Stingley before making plans against the Rams

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith says they want to see more from Derek Stingley throughout the week before playing against the Los Angeles Rams.

Coach Lovie Smith was playful in his Monday morning presser when asked about the chances of rookie cornerback Derek Stingley playing against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 19 at SoFi Stadium.

“Like a percentage? 35 or 36, 59 or 60? Help me out a little bit,” the Houston Texans coach remarked according to a video from Brian Barefield.

The mystery surrounding Stingley relates to how his final season at LSU ended. In 2021, the eventual No. 3 overall pick was limited to three games due to a Lisfranc injury. Although completely recovered from the injury, the Texans have nevertheless been deliberate with their blue-chip defensive back throughout offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason.

Smith acknowledged that they needed to something from Stingley during the exhibition phase.

“Derek needs to play this preseason, true enough, but a little bit later on, like after Tuesday’s practice, when we get a little closer to LA, we’ll talk about who’s going to play then,” Smith said. “Right now, I know that Derek is going to scrimmage tomorrow and we’re excited about seeing him continue to get better daily, which he’s doing; getting more and more comfortable each day.

A little bit later on in the week, we’ll let you know our ideas, our plans for how we’re going to play our guys this second preseason game.”

The Texans defense cultivated three takeaways in the 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints Aug. 13 at NRG Stadium. Having Stingley produce positive results, even in a preseason setting, would be another suggestion that the Texans defense will be much improved throughout the 2022 campaign.

The one stat that matters to the Texans in 2022

The Houston Texans have one stat to keep in mind if they want to improve in 2022.

The Houston Texans have plenty of stats from the 2021 campaign that they have to look at if they want to improve in 2022.

Take for example their 3.4 yards per carry and 83.6 rushing yards per game. Those totals were both the lowest in the NFL. If Houston can’t run the ball, how is second-year quarterback Davis Mills going to get a chance?

According to Doug Farrar from the Touchdown Wire, the one stat that matters is 51.4.

In the interests of improving a secondary in need, the Texans selected LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with the third overall pick in the 2022 draft. And if they get the guy who in 2019 allowed 34 catches on 92 targets for 608 yards, 200 yards after the catch, five touchdowns, six interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 51.4? That version of Stingley looked like a top-five pick, and he did it as the first true freshman to start on LSU’s defense in 34 years.

But over the next two seasons, injuries affected Stingley’s play, and that showed up both on tape and in the metrics. In 2020, he allowed 13 catches on 29 targets for 158 yards, 49 yards after the catch, one touchdown, no interceptions, five pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 73.6. Last season, he allowed two receptions on four targets for 36 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, no pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 128.1.

Stingley is back from the Lisfranc foot injury that cost him most of the 2021 season, and the Texans are ramping him up in training camp. Hopefully, this is the Stingley we see in the NFL.

The veterans have been impressed with Stingley throughout training camp.

“He’s very, very athletically gifted, but he’s also inquisitive,” receiver Chris Conley told reporters on Aug. 11. “He asks a lot of questions, and you can tell when he gets an answer and he picks something up, he’s on it. So he’s been playing extremely well.”

Texans fans will have to wait as Stingley won’t go against the New Orleans Saints in the preseason opener on Aug. 13.

CB Isaac Yiadom wants to be building block in Texans’ rebuilding process

Cornerback Isaac Yiadom was a big fan of coach Lovie Smith and desired to be a part of the Houston Texans’ rebuild.

One sit down with coach Lovie Smith and fifth-year NFL cornerback Isaac Yiadom knew he wanted to be a part of the Houston Texans.

Even though Houston is in a rebuilding mode coming off back-to-back four-win seasons, Yiadom knew that the Texans had a leader in Smith.

“I was a big fan of his and a big fan of his defense,” said Yiadom about Lovie Smith, who also serves as defensive coordinator for the Texans. “The way he coaches guys and his message to me. I felt like he was going to coach me and give me a chance to be the best player I could be here. The connection I felt with Lovie, I felt was real right away.”

The Denver Broncos selected Yiadom in the third round (99th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. After two years with the Broncos, the former Boston College standout was traded to the New York Giants, and one year later, he was moved to the Green Bay Packers.

Now that he is in Houston, Yiadom is looking for a fresh start and consistent playing time on the defensive side of the ball. He has caught the eye of his defensive coordinator throughout the first six practices by playing well in pass coverage and his ability to help in the run game.

“He played some good football at Green Bay last year, so we got a chance to see him play,” coach Lovie Smith said. “But as a cornerback, you notice his size. He’s going to be a special teams contributor for us, but long, he’s physical, shows up every day, good pickup. We have plans for him.”

As an unrestricted free agent, Yiadom was aware that he had choices on his playing destination in 2022 but also knew that he would have to take his offseason training to another level. He spent numerous hours honing his craft down in Florida. He applied his knowledge of going against a four-time NFL MVP in Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers every day in practice to prepare to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster.

“Last year I had the gift of playing against Aaron Rodgers and he did some things in practice that only got us better at corners,” Yiadom said. “That was a great opportunity.”

Yiadom has appeared in 61 career games with 20 starts, recording 107 tackles (76 solo), one interception, one forced fumble, and 12 passes defended.

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Texans coach Lovie Smith says CB Derek Stingley ‘going to be a coachable guy’

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith gave rookie CB Derek Stingley an endorsement, predicting he will be a “coachable guy.”

Houston Texans rookie cornerback Derek Stingley has looked the part of a potential team cornerstone.

With great power, comes great responsibility; and for rookies in training camp, that often means absorbing knowledge and understanding the ins and outs of the NFL.

Texans coach Lovie Smith believes the No. 3 overall pick is acing that part of the test, thanks to his willingness to be coachable.

“Guys are coachable or they’re not and you can tell right away,” Smith told reporters on Friday after day six of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. “If you just meet him you can tell he’s going to be a coachable guy. He’s eager to learn. He’s like a sponge.”

The Texans are banking on turning Stingley’s immense potential into pro-level production. The 6-1, 195-pound defensive back started 15 games for LSU as an 18-year-old true freshman in 2019, and tallied six interceptions with 15 pass breakups.

The COVID-shortened 2020 campaign and the injury-riddled 2021 season hampred Stingley as he dealt with ankle sprains and a Lisfranc injury to his left foot.

After enduring surgery on Sept. 26, 2021, Stingley was given a four to six month window until he was expected to be 100% fully recovered. Nearly a year removed from surgery, the Texans have been playing it safe with their crown jewel and easing him into form, as the long term future takes priority.

Part of the infusion of Stingley in the defense has been making sure the rookie is in rhythm.

“The big thing for him was for us to get him on the football field and let him continue to play, and that’s what we’re doing,” said Smith.

As Stingley has been ramping up his practice work, participating in individual and team drills, it’s clear to all that he’s a natural. The reps he’s been gaining versus accomplished veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks will pay off in the future.

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WATCH: Texans CB Derek Stingley intercepts goal line pass in training camp

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley showed off his coverage skills and ability to make a play on the ball on Day 5 of training camp.

Houston Texans rookie cornerback Derek Stingley gave a glimpse into his lockdown talents Wednesday on the fifth day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.

Working on goal line drills, Stingley completely shadowed his receiver and wasn’t affected by any of the attempts to create separation. Stingley read the route perfectly and was able to grab an interception to end the rep.

Coach Lovie Smith told reporters on Aug. 1 that Stingley was, “getting all of the work. He’ll continue to get better.”

So long as Stingley is able to showcase his talents and stack continuous reps, the Texans secondary could complete its overhaul by Week 1.

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WATCH: Texans rookie Derek Stingley displays footwork in secondary drill

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley displayed some of his footwork in a secondary drill on the third day of training camp.

One of the big questions of the offseason has been the health of Derek Stingley.

The Houston Texans’ first-round rookie sustained a Lisfranc injury in his final season at LSU in 2021, limiting the cornerback to three games. Stingley was not on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp, and has been steadily getting work during the team’s ramp up period.

According to video from Jayson Braddock on Monday, Stingley participated in secondary drills and his footwork was on full display.

General manager Nick Caserio remarked to reporters on July 29 that Stingley’s attitude has been encouraging throughout the process.

“Derek’s attitude has been good,” said Caserio. “He’s gotten some really good work in here I would say over the last five to six weeks, been able to get some work done here over the last few days as well. It’s just one day at a time, and certain players are in different categories. ”

The Texans have Stingley on pace to play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1.

Texans rookie CB Derek Stingley worked as punt returner

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith says that rookie cornerback Derek Stingley got work at punt returner to explore his versatility.

The Houston Texans selected Derek Stingley No. 3 overall in the 2022 NFL draft because they needed the LSU standout to lockdown at cornerback in their Tampa 2 scheme.

On the second day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center, the former Bayou Bengal was fielding punts.

The prospect of Stingley being a part of the return game isn’t that far off. While Stingley did not field punts in his abbreviated three-game season a year ago, he did have experience as a returner in the prior two seasons.

In 2020, the best case for Stingley’s promise as a returner was on display as he had a 16.2 yards per punt return through seven games.

In 2019, a more realistic body of work was available as the freshman fielded 17 punts for 163 yards — 9.6 average — through 15 games.

Coach Lovie Smith told reporters on July 30 that Stingley fielding punts was part of evaluating what further contributions the first-rounder could make to the roster on game days.

“Yeah, Stingley can do a lot of things,” said Smith. “Punt returner is one of them. Now I’m not saying that he for sure is going to for sure be our punt returner, but the more things you can do. You probably noticed Derek getting more reps today. We’ll continue to bring him along at the pace that we had set up before camp started. He gets a little better each day, too.”

The Texans’ punt return game was led by cornerback Desmond King, who had a 9.1 yards per punt return. If Stingley is able to give the Texans another option at punt returner to setup favorable field position for the offense, it should be part of the “1% better” approach to help Houston break out of its four-win rut that has ensnared the organization for the past two seasons.

Texans CB Derek Stingley on track to play in Week 1 vs. Colts

Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley is on track to play Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts after a Lisfranc injury in 2021 limited him to three games.

Houston Texans rookie cornerback Derek Stingley was in uniform for the first day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.

The third overall pick from LSU played in three games last year due to a Lisfranc injury. The Texans didn’t let it stop them from making him their top draft pick in April.

General manager Nick Caserio told reporters ahead of the first practice that Stingley would be limited, but it wouldn’t have anything to do with his injury.

“Derek has done a lot of stuff,” said Caserio. “From what he’s done during the course of the spring, some of his testing metrics and numbers are better than anybody on the team. So, I wouldn’t say he’s necessarily in a limited capacity. There’s just certain things he hasn’t experienced yet that he’s going to have to go through. So, any player, when you don’t play football over the course of a year, you sort of have to re-acclimate, not only the body, but the mind as well to some different things.”

“So, it’s about one day at a time, making progress that day, turning the page to the next day, and stacking days on top of each other,” Caserio said.

Coach Lovie Smith said that the former Bayou Bengal is on target to play in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts Sept. 11 at NRG Stadium.

“Yes, I do, Week 1,” Smith said. “Whenever a player is coming off a major injury, you know, there’s ramp up period. That’s what it’s for. We’re going to ease him into it. But he’s healthy, see him running around, we had him do a few plays. He’s got to play each day. He’s on schedule. But that’s how we’ll treat all of our players coming off major injuries.”

If Stingley is able to play the first game, it should give the Texans’ defense a significant boost in coverage.

Johnathan Joseph laments not winning Super Bowl with Texans

Former Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph joined the “Texans Talk Podcast” and talked about the missed chance to win a Super Bowl in Houston.

Last Thursday on the Texans Wire’s Texans Talk Podcast, hosts Mark Lane and John Crumpler were able to sit down with two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Johnathan Joseph and discuss his tenure with the Houston Texans.

Joseph played a decade in Houston from 2011-2019 after being drafted in the first round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006 and is arguably the greatest corner in Texans history. He played a premier role atop the corner depth chart during the team’s first division championships and some of the best defenses of the past ten years.

As such, it was only appropriate to ask Joseph what his favorite memory was playing with the Texans. His answer, despite both team and individual success, spoke to just how talented he believed the defenses to be during his time

“Honestly winning the first playoff game and obviously winning the division. Just being on the team with guys like J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins, [Jadeveon] Clowney, Brian Cushing, Kareem Jackson, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson. I don’t just want to start naming off guys because there’s too many. Antonio Smith, Connor Barwin, Wade Smith, Duane Brown, when I start naming those guys first thing, I get pissed about is how we had all those players and didn’t make it to a Super Bowl… My memory is just being with those guys and transforming how the Texans were viewed through the NFL

Joseph and his team of extremely talented defenders certainly did transform how the new franchise in Houston was viewed around the league. After winning the AFC South a grand total of zero times from their establishment in 2003 all the way up to 2010, the Texans captured six division titles during 2011 and brought Houston back to the NFL playoffs for the first time since the Houston Oilers in 1993.

The all-star caliber cast in Houston likely leaves a sour taste in the mouth of everyone involved that they were never able to advance to the AFC Championship Game or to football’s premier game in the Super Bowl. Unfortunate and untimely injuries to players like Matt Schaub and Deshaun Watson made that quite difficult.

Now, it’s up to a new era of Texans players and a new era of Houston cornerbacks to try to pilot the defense back to what it once was. Fans will have to see if first round draft pick Derek Stingley can elevate to the heights that Joseph achieved.

CB Steven Nelson calls Texans’ offseason program ‘one of the hardest’ he has seen

Cornerback Steven Nelson says that the Houston Texans’ organized team activities and minicamp was among the hardest he has witnessed in the NFL.

Steven Nelson has seen his share of offseason workouts across the NFL.

The former Kansas City Chiefs third-round cornerback was with the AFC West club through the 2018 season. After playing for Andy Reid, Nelson played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers coached by Mike Tomlin. Last year, Nelson was with the Philadelphia Eagles, led by rookie coach Nick Sirianni, who led the NFC East club to a wildcard berth.

The 29-year-old completed offseason workouts — including organized team activities and mandatory minicamp — with the Houston Texans, and had a positive review.

“By far one of the hardest otas/mini camps I’ve ever been [a part] of,” Nelson wrote on Twitter. “Can’t wait to see it all pay off.”

Coach Lovie Smith told reporters on June 14 that what made the offseason program successful to that point was the players’ willingness to be coached.

“When we started the off-season program, we asked the guys to show up every day and let us coach you up,” said Smith. “Let our strength and conditioning staff build you up. They’ve done all of that. Our program, the guys have bought into that, and they’re following.”

Official dates for training camp have yet to be announced, but the Texans are among the 28 NFL teams that can report no earlier than July 26.

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