Thursday, August 7 Updated: August 8, 10:18 AM ET Rookie WR Johnson among standouts at camp By John Clayton ESPN.com |
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HOUSTON, Texas -- Observations on the 2003 Houston Texans from training camp practices:
2. The Texans should be able to increase their sack total from 35 with Kailee Wong and Charlie Clemons rushing from the outside linebacker position. Wong had five-and-a-half sacks last year in his first year in the Texans 3-4, but he was making the transition from middle linebacker to the outside. Clemons was the Saints middle linebacker last year so he's a little behind Wong in feeling comfortable rushing from the outside. A pass-rusher of the future will be rookie Antwan Peek, whom the Texans really like. 3. It's still going to take until October to settle the blocking along the offensive line. Wednesday's knee injury to center Steve McKinney was a major blow. McKinney is the Texans best blocker. Though he's only out for two-to-four weeks and should be ready for the regular season, the starting five will go into the regular season without true continuity. The key to the line, though, is second-year left tackle Chester Pitts protecting Carr's blindside. 4. Carr should improve his completion percentage to around 58 this season because of the ability of Johnson to stretch the field and the desire to throw more "check off'" passes to running backs. The Texans have a potent three-receiver attack with Johnson, Gaffney and Bradford. John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com. |
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