Day four: Everybody is doing great
Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) before the game with the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
“Everybody is doing great” – NT Jerrell Powe when asked on how the D is picking up Crennel’s system. And from all accounts the defense is well ahead of the offense at this time. That’s fairly normal in any given year, the defense has the “easier” job of just reacting where as the offense is working on timing an rhythm. However with a new being installed, one might think both sides would be struggling to learn and adjust. Well, we’ve kinda figured the defense is going to be the star of the show as it were this season and while it’s a mere four days into camp, it gives one hope.
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On the subject of hope, enter Mike Vrabel. Class act player and by all accounts really showing he’s going to be a great coach moving forward. He has at his fingertips the services of Jadeveon Clowney who is progressing well in his recovery from sports hernia surgery. Vrabel did the end to outside linebacker back in his playing days. And while all the focus is going to be on Clowney, let’s not forget the Mercilus one. ““Vrabel is definitely a great resource for us exactly as a coach. The thing is, he was a very, very smart player, now he is a very, very smart coach. “ was his assessment of working with Vrabel. That and the punishment of running laps if you make a mental mistake is really paying off. As childish as that might seem, imagine running a lap in the hot and muggy of late July, Houston Texas! Yeah.
“Everybody is doing great”
One of the keys of the Crennel defense is going to be the safeties. The signing of former Kansas City Chiefs safety Kendrick Lewis is going to be a huge asset for the Texans. He’s played in Crennel’s system, Crennel knows what he’s getting out of Lewis. While it is a new team with it’s own distinct character, Lewis brings to the backfield a veterans eye. That can only help Jonathon Joseph and Kareem Jackson back there as they adjust to the new way of playing.
One player on defense that earned praise was Justin Tuggle. Last year he signed as an undrafted rookie free agent. He didn’t do anything to really stand out, but he did get some play time. This off season he kept in shape, and is making play for taking the inside linebacker slot next to Brian Cushing. This is surprising to some as Brooks Reed seemed to be the man in line for that position. However, based on what the staff is doing, taking an unbiased assessment of each player and looking for the best people to get the job done. Right now, Tuggles showing not only that he wants the job, but that he’s ready to do it.
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