Stood in the sun on Field #2 this morning hoping to see some one-on-ones between the the D & O lineman, but not in todays plan.
Rookie Mitchell is stockily, stout and when they did some individual drills including sled-drills, you can see his quickness.
While some of the younger defensive-lineman were doing some drills together, A.Smith & Okoye were off together with their helmets removed practicing their hand-techniques on a one-man blocking sled. They're both very svelte and clearly the Texans are gonna be very fast but also smallish in the DLine at the tackle position led by these 2 and Mitchell. Suppose that works as long as it's not late in the game and your team isn't trailing ?
Today was the first day of full-pads and the D-Coachs took the defensive players (all postiions, all dplayers) and put them all in a large circle in front of the north GPs on the#1 field in full-view of the fans and had a series of very spirited one-on-one tackling drills. One guy simulated a ball-carrier while the other tackled him, head on. As the drills continued the scene got a little mob-like as the guys were obviously excited with the contact and Mano-a-mano competition. The backers led by DeMeco and Cushing were making the fierches hits (hey that's why they're LBs, right ? ), but the best contest of the day was between Barwin vs Bullman (who had to be the tacklee). Highlite of todays practice !
Tate continues to show off his speed and looks good. And Foster & Slaton & Henry also continue to hustle and impress.
I think McCain was the most impressive corner out there - too bad he's not 2 or 3 inches taller but on the other hand he's sure got the speed element covered.
Mario did not suit up - tender hip, but and they say it's no big deal.
Holliday there but not participating. Not a good sign for a late-round rook return/WR guy trying to make this team who's having lots of trouble holding on to the ball. On the other hand another late round pick (Dickerson), continues to look like a steal in the 2010 Draft in the 7th round.
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