Texans morning huddle: McNair calls out Brady
By Randy Gurzi
The Texans are only a day away from their final preseason game, but the owner was in midseason form when he called out the man he feels is responsible for “Deflate Gate” being so drawn out. Enjoy today’s huddle!
McNair comments on Deflategate, says J.J. Watt wouldn’t have destroyed phone – by Tania Ganguli of ESPN
"Asked to weigh in on Deflategate, Bob McNair said Tuesday that his team’s biggest star wouldn’t destroy evidence such as Tom Brady did with his cellphone, an act that “escalated” the situation, the Houston Texans owner said.“What escalated the whole thing is that Brady and the Patriots were going to cooperate fully, and then when it came down to it, they didn’t,” McNair told Houston’s Sports Radio 610. “If it was J.J. Watt, I think he would have been cooperative, and it wouldn’t be a question. … I don’t think J.J. would destroy his cellphone.”McNair’s comments came in response to a question from host Mike Meltser, who asked him if he would have considered his due process served if faced with the same situation as Brady.After an investigation, the NFL determined Brady and two ball boys conspired to deflate footballs in their 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Brady was suspended four games, then appealed the suspension to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who upheld the suspension. Brady is now appealing the decision in federal court.During the appeal hearing, it was revealed that Brady, instead of turning his cellphone over to investigators, turned over emails and texts, but destroyed the actual phone shortly before he was scheduled to be questioned in the probe."
Houston Texans cut 13, defensive back remains hotly contested – by Tania Ganguli of ESPN
"Most significant move: In this early stage of roster trimming, the Houston Texans did not make any particularly surprising or momentous moves. It was a mild surprise that outside linebacker Jason Ankrah was released so soon. He was an undrafted rookie who spent time on the Texans’ active roster last season. Receiver Alan Bonner’s release signified yet another departure from that disastrous 2013 draft class. Bonner spent his first two seasons on injured reserve. Finally healthy for a training camp, the Texans saw enough of him to feel comfortable with releasing him.Quessenberry to NFI: The Texans placed offensive lineman David Quessenberry on the non-football illness list. Quessenberry’s return to the field will be dependent on the determination of his doctors and the Texans’ medical staff. He’s been at practices, and working with his teammates at times during training camp. Much of his current rehab work focuses on regaining his endurance after recovering from the cancer that impacted his lungs.What’s next: Only one defensive back was removed from the roster — safety Terrance Parks. That means those groups are still very hotly contested and Thursday’s game will be a make-or-break game for several players in that group. Hard Knocks star Charles James will be among those looking to make it as a cornerback, as will Jumal Rolle and Darryl Morris. They’ll be competing to join Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, A.J. Bouye and Kevin Johnson. At safety, Eddie Pleasant, Andre Hal and Quintin Demps are the top candidates to start. Pleasant appears to have taken a lead there. Corey Moore and Kurtis Drummond remain in the conversation to make the roster."
Tom Savage to start final preseason game – by Deepi Sidhu of HoustonTexans.com
"Tom Savage will start Thursday’s game in Dallas as the Texans close out their 2015 preseason. Head coach Bill O’Brien wants to see how the second year quarterback orchestrates the offense and how the rest of the players perform around him.“I want Tom to have a good game,” O’Brien said. “I want him to get into a good rhythm: get us into the right play, throw the ball accurately. (I) need the line to block well, obviously for him and the passing game and the receivers to get open but also in the running game. So, I want us to get in a rhythm offensively, play very hard, which I know we will.”Through three games, Savage has completed 28-of-45 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 7.2 yards per attempt and has a team-high passer rating of 98.7. Brian Hoyer is 16-of-26 for 201 yards and one touchdown while Ryan Mallett completed 24-for-35 for 190 yards and a score.The Texans final preseason matchup will feature more of the younger players, O’Brien said Monday. While starters don’t traditionally play in the fourth preseason game, it doesn’t lessen the importance of the game, according to the head coach, who estimates “at least ten spots” are still up for competition as players fight to make the team. The deadline for trimming the roster down to 53 is Saturday, September 5 at 3 p.m. CT."