Texans owner Bob McNair, general manager Rick Smith and coach Gary Kubiak left the Methodist Training Center knowing they have more talent than at any time in the team’s eight-year history. They also know fans have playoffs-or-bust expectations.
“The playoffs are why I came here,” Kubiak said. “It’s why I do what I do. “We have high expectations. We’re a better team than any time since I’ve been here. We’re not going to be satisfied with another (8-8 record). I want more, a lot more. The players do, too. I’m looking forward to the journey because I like the guys I’m taking it with. We have tremendous character on this team.”
Houston will have at least two new starters on defense in left end Antonio Smith and strong-side linebacker Brian Cushing, their first-round draft choice out of USC.
“Rookies have to be big contributors to our team, but I don’t imagine you’re going to see three or four of them starting because we’re a better team,” Kubiak said. “Cushing has been a starter since the day he stepped off the bus. We’re very happy with him.”
Second-year LB Xavier Adibi, recovering Zach Diles and newcomer Cato June are expected to slug it out for the third starting spot alongside middle man DeMeco Ryans and rookie strongside linebacker Brian Cushing.
“With Adibi and Zach and Cato, we’re as strong at that position as we’ve been since I’ve been here,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “That position group will have a heck of a battle this training camp,” GM Rick Smith said. “That’s one I’m looking forward to watching.”
Owen Daniels signed a one-year tender with the Texans over the weekend but did not show up for the team’s mandatory mini-camp on Monday. Most of the veterans are not required to attend the three days of practices, but they must go through strength and conditioning workouts at the stadium.
“I think everyone understands the rules,” general manager Rick Smith said. “I’m not going to talk about our conversations, but I think everyone understands that it’s a mandatory mini-camp and that everyone is supposed to be here. We have a lot of goals for the football team this season. And every time you are with your teammates, you are getting better. From that standpoint, I think he would have been better served being here today lifting and meeting with his teammates.” Daniels could receive a fine for his absence. “This is a mandatory mini-camp, so there are ramifications for him not being here today,” Smith said.
Texans Blogosphere
- Kris Brown extended…as well as other random tidbits (Toro Times)
- Texans Down ‘N Dirty: Twitter Edition (Battle Red Blog)
- Clay Travis talks about Arian Foster; A look at the Texans running back competition (Texans Chick from Chron.com)
- Cushing Blogs About Heading to the Rookie Symposium (briancushing56.com)
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