Texans WR Noah Brown is ‘confident’ RB Dameon Pierce can build on rookie year

Houston Texans WR Noah Brown has strong belief RB Dameon Pierce will be able to build upon the strong foundation laid in his rookie year.

Noah Brown knows a thing or two about running backs.

The former college teammate of Ezekiel Elliott got his start with the Dallas Cowboys as the former All-Pro running back campaigned for Dallas to draft Brown due to his run-blocking prowess as a receiver at Ohio State. The Cowboys spent their 2017 seventh-round pick, and Brown earned a reputation as a receiver unafraid to do the dirty work.

After spending the entire Houston Texans offseason program with running back Dameon Pierce, Brown has one word to describe the former 2022 fourth-rounder: physical.

“Physical running back; one cut, get downhill,” Brown told reporters June 13 at mandatory minicamp. “He’s going to keep his feet going.”

Brown was able to get a sideline view of Pierce’s impact as a rookie in Week 14 when the Texans visited the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The former Florida product tallied 78 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. If not for an ankle injury that knocked Pierce out of the game and summarily ended his 13-game rookie campaign, Dallas’ 27-23 win may not have been a given.

“I think last year kind of spoke for itself, the things he was able to come in this league and do,” said Brown. “I’m confident he can build on that this year.”

Pierce won’t be shouldering the load alone as the Texans signed former Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary in free agency.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1362]

Texans LB Denzel Perryman feels ‘amazing’ working back from labrum surgery

Houston Texans LB Denzel Perryman says he feels “amazing” after labrum surgery, although he worked to the side in team portions of minicamp.

The Houston Texans face a herculean task in improving their standing in the pantheon of the NFL landscape, and linebacker Denzel Perryman looks to play a major role in helping the team rebound from their dismal 2022 season.

The newly acquired free agent has dealt with injuries over the course of his career but gave reporters a positive update on his health when asked about how he felt after practice on June 14.

Said Perryman: “Yeah, so basically I’m just happy to be back on the field right now, doing individuals, group installs, that type of stuff, and then when practice practice — when they start doing team stuff, I’m off to the side getting my mental stuff. But, body-wise, I feel amazing, actually.”

This is a good sign for the Texans’ defense, which will need help from every veteran on their roster to buoy the play of younger talents who are still acclimating to life in the NFL. If Perryman can stay on the field through all 17 games of Houston regular season schedule, the team will surely benefit from his leadership and tenacity as they look to cement themselves as AFC contenders in 2023.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=46914089]

Texans LB Denzel Perryman says rookie QB C.J. Stroud ‘may talk a little trash here and there’

Houston Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman says that rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will talk some trash during practice.

Denzel Perryman enters the 2023 season as one of the Houston Texans’ most highly-anticipated free agent additions and should play a leadership role in the team’s talented but unproven defense.

As such, Perryman made a calculated decision in signing with Houston, which is in the midst of a full-on rebuild after drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second-overall pick.

Whatever disadvantage the Texans might face in having a young quarterback, Perryman isn’t concerned about the team’s offensive leadership after observing Stroud at offseason practices. He told reporters about the qualities he has seen in the rookie signal caller after mandatory minicamp June 14, making it clear that Stroud has the whole team at his back.

“He’s a competitor, man,” Perryman said. “He may talk a little trash here and there, but he doesn’t do that in the locker room. But on the field, he carries himself like a pro, and he has guys pushing behind him.”

If Stroud is already passing the smell test from a seasoned veteran like Perryman, one can only assume that he is winning over the Texans locker room with each passing workout. If he can continue on that course through training camp and the preseason, the bonds made with the more experienced crowd on Houston’s roster are sure to pay off in a major way during the 17-game schedule they’ll begin in September.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=46914089]

Texans LB Denzel Perryman describes his style of play as ‘big-hitter’

Houston Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman says he is a “big-hitter” and seeks to continue that style with his new defense.

The Houston Texans added a talented veteran to their linebacking corps in free agency with Denzel Perryman.

The former 2021 Pro Bowler is coming off labrum surgery as he seeks to play for his third NFL team in his ninth season.

Perryman knows the style of play that he can bring to the Texans as new coach DeMeco Ryans deploys his system.

“Tone-setter, big-hitter, physical guy — basically, somebody that’s going to give it their all every single play,” Perryman said. “Put my body on the line every single play, and a vocal leader. I try to lead by example, but sometimes the vocal part comes out of me, and, yeah, you’re just going to get a character.”

Perryman generated 83 combined tackles along with 14 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 1.0 sack, two interceptions, and two pass breakups through 12 games for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, 11 of which he started.

As the former San Diego Chargers 2015 second-round pick gears up for his 97th career game, Perryman attributes his staying power in the league to be a matter of good health.

Said Perryman: “What I can say is health, just being healthy. The best ability is availability. Obviously, throughout my career, I haven’t played a full season yet. But, what I can say is just learn how to take care of your body. Resting, what you put in your body, all that stuff is really important whether you play football or not.”

Perryman’s 1,418 defensive snaps logged with the Raiders over the past two seasons were the most of his career in a two-year span.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=46914089]

Texans enter June break with eighth-most salary cap space

The Houston Texans have the eighth-most salary cap space as they enter the doldrums of the offseason ahead of training camp.

The Houston Texans could still make a move.

Whether the Texans will or not is another question, but the ability to add to their roster is present.

According to Field Yates from ESPN, the Texans have the eighth-most salary cap available in the NFL at $16,667,484.

Coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters June 14 after mandatory minicamp that the team is “always evaluating.”

“We’re always looking to add and get better at many different spots on our team,” said Ryans. “So, as you guys know, in the league, your team is never set from what you have in the spring. There’s always transactions, there’s always room for improvement, so we’ll see where our team goes.”

One late addition the Texans made to their roster during the thick of the offseason program was the signing of cornerback Shaquill Griffin. Adding a player who can come to the facility and join the team on the practice field right away is one thing. Acquiring talent that won’t be ready to go until late July is another.

“That will be a fluid situation moving [forward] — not only training camp, but as we go throughout the season,” Ryans said. “The team will always be changing.”

No doubt Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio will have roster evaluation and talent acquisition in mind as both have developed a kinship since February.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1365]

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans values RB Devin Singletary’s attention to detail

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans appreciates the level of attention to detail that running back Devin Singletary is providing.

For all the faults of the Houston Texans’ roster in 2022, the team had a solid foundation with their stable of running backs in the offensive backfield.

Dameon Pierce led the way last season as one of the NFL’s most explosive runners, and with the addition of Buffalo Bills mainstay Devin Singletary earlier in the offseason, the Texans seem poised to be a gritty rush-first team with their rookie quarterback at the helm of the offense.

Coach DeMeco Ryans was asked about his duo of talented rushers after mandatory minicamp June 14, and told reporters about his confidence at the running back position heading into the 2023 season.

“Devin has done a good job,” Ryans said. “Devin has put himself in a really good spot — love the attention to detail, how he prepares each and every day, so I’m excited where Devin [is]. We’ll see how that looks with Dameon and Devin, Mike [Boone] – all those guys in our backfield. The way we have a lot of capable guys, and again, we’ll see how that looks come training camp.”

Rookie quarterbacks are known for needing help in their first year as they acclimate to life in the NFL, so the Texans’ hefty investments in their backfield should pay dividends in the early part of their schedule.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1362]

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans buoyed by QB C.J. Stroud’s resilience

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is aware of how resilient rookie QB C.J. Stroud is when it comes to shrugging off mistakes.

Resilience is a necessary quality in a young quarterback, and Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has seen plenty of it from rookie signal caller C.J. Stroud in offseason practices.

Stroud had a challenging practice in the final day of mandatory minicamp June 14 at Houston Methodist Training Center. While Ryans doesn’t expect Stroud to be perfect, he did get what he wanted in terms of learning from inevitable mistakes.

“For a quarterback you have to have a short memory,” Ryans said. “You can’t let one bad play become three bad plays, right? Put that behind you. You’re going to make some bad plays, but as long as it doesn’t matriculate into other bad plays, then I’m fine with that.”

Stroud’s resolve to improve has already made an impression on the newly-minted coach, which is sure to be a good omen heading into Houston’s month-long break ahead of training camp.

“To see him and see his resolve, the way he was able to come back, compete, drive the offense down for a touchdown there at the end of practice — that was pretty cool to see,” said Ryans.

Stroud nevertheless remains entrenched in a quarterback battle with third-year Davis Mills, who has been the incumbent since 2021. In order for Stroud to convincingly seize the reins, the No. 2 overall pick will need to maintain his unflappable resolve in the face of correctable errors.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=46914089]

Texans LB Denzel Perryman thinks DeMeco Ryans still wants to play

Houston Texans LB Denzel Perryman believes his new coach, DeMeco Ryans, still has a buried desire to play inside the white lines on Sundays.

Linebacker Denzel Perryman has operated in the defenses of many different coaches over the years.

Some were former players, others cut their teeth in collegiate ranks, but none seem to have given Perryman the same impression as DeMeco Ryans, who played his same position for the Houston Texans from 2006-11.

Perryman was queried about the experience of having a coach who has, quite literally, walked in his shoes before. The nine-year pro’s response may give fans a glimpse at what the mind of a football player looks like, and how a veteran approaches a rebuild with a young team and first-year coach.

“So, me in general, you just cut the tape off and I’m going to be doing that regardless, whether he plays tight end or quarterback, that’s just me in general,” Perryman said. “But, having a linebacker as a head coach, you can tell by his energy and everything. Like, I told him I feel like he still wants to play, low-key.

“But, just having that mindset, I mean it’s a defensive mindset and he’s a players’ coach, I can say that. And he’s been in the same seats that we’ve been in. Literally in the same seats we’ve been in. But, just having a players’ coach in general, I feel like that’s great for the locker room and for the team itself.”

Perryman’s confidence in Ryans should hearten Texans fans, but without the fruits of the Texans linebackers’ offseason labor yet unborn, the Houston faithful will have to wait to see if the bravado is well-warranted.

Nonetheless, with the slowest part of the NFL year ahead, Perryman’s demeanor in talking about his clearly-beloved coach is a good sign.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=46914089]

Shaquill Griffin says Texans have ‘young, starving guys’ in the secondary

Cornerback Shaquill Griffin says that the Houston Texans secondary has “young, starving guys” on the backend.

Unproven though they may be, the Houston Texans’ secondary is talented on paper.

Peppered with high draft picks and tested veterans, the team should be in good hands as its ball-hawking safeties and cornerbacks patrol the defensive backfield for errant throws and lame ducks.

One of the fresher faces in the unit is former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin, who looks to play a key role in the Texans defense. Griffin spoke to the media about his impression of the secondary on Wednesday after Houston’s practice session, telling reporters about the potential he sees.

“We’ve got some young, starving guys right now,” Griffin said. “You’ve got a person who’s going to come out here and give everything they have. And there’s not too many times where you have a whole secondary that’s willing to help each other, that’s willing to grind it out, that’s willing to compete in every single day, especially in this Texas heat.

The eight-year pro ended his comments with a particularly inspired thought on how players in the unit are feeding off of each other, spreading an infectious energy that is sure to benefit the Texans when the regular season starts in September.

“These guys are hungry,” Griffin said, “and I love that because the type of energy they bring is so contagious, and that’s the type of secondary that you need to bring this defense along.”

As new coach DeMeco Ryans’ scheme is predicated upon an attacking defensive front, the secondary could have its chances to make big plays.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1362]

CB Shaquill Griffin passing down ‘Legion of Boom’ values to young Texans

Houston Texans cornerback Shaquill Griffin is passing along what he learned from the “Legion of Boom” to the young secondary.

HOUSTON — There have been elite defenses throughout NFL history known simply by their nicknames.

The 1985 Chicago Bears were the “Monsters of the Midway,” the 1972-79 Pittsburgh Steelers had the “Steel Curtain,” and the 1987-92 New Orleans Saints had a “Dome Patrol” inside the Superdome.

Then there was the Seattle Seahawks, whose menacing defense dominated opponents throughout the mid-2010s on their way to five NFC West titles and two Super Bowl appearances. Safety Kam Chancellor tagged them with the “Legion of Boom,” and it stuck.

Houston Texans cornerback Shaquill Griffin was not around when those legendary defenses from the ’70s through the ’90s were punishing offensive players. Still, he was able to witness what Seattle did throughout their run. The Seahawks’ 2017 third-round pick benefitted by playing and learning from the core of that defensive unit.

“I got a chance to play with some guys that kind of helped shape my game a lot,” Griffin said during his media availability on Wednesday after mandatory minicamp. “You know, you’re talking about the Richard Sherman’s, the Earl Thomas’, the Kam Chancellor’s, the guys who actually took the time to take me under their wing and teach me some things that I use now today.”

Griffin signed a one-year contract with the Texans in May after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars in March.

Outside of being a valuable asset for the defensive unit on the field, one of his main objectives is to help guide the younger defensive backs and give them the same advice and knowledge he was given in Seattle.

“If you have knowledge, give it,” Griffin said. “I’m not the type of person to hold all that stuff to myself. It started off day one, and whatever I know, I’m going to continue to preach it.”

Yet, the former 2019 Pro Bowl player also knows that he has to earn the players’ respect in the locker room before anyone begins to listen to him, but that is something he is used to, and he has always let his actions speak louder than his words.

“I feel like right now, my main thing is, I don’t want to come in and feel like I need to step on anybody’s toes because I want to earn my voice,” said Griffin. “I know what type of caliber of player I am, and I know what I’ve been through. I know how last year was, and I feel like I’m here now to earn my name, earn this voice, to be able to be that voice for this team, for these guys, I have to earn it first, and that’s the part where I’m at right now.”

[lawrence-related id=83854,83893]