'Bring Our Tool Box!' Perryman Talks Texans' Fundamentals

Houston Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman addressed the team's lack of execution during their 28-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

A week after offensive misfires headlined the Houston Texans’ preseason opener, the wheels fell off the defense.

In their 28-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Texans gave up 398 total yards. They allowed the Dolphins to move the chains 23 times and handedly lost the time of possession battle, 38:42 to 21:18. Linebacker Denzel Perryman spoke to the media afterwards for a status update on the defense, concluding what went wrong.

“Well I can say just making the team one dimensional … almost 200 on both sides rushing and passing,” he began. “So unless you’re playing a Madden game [you’re not going to win].”

As for moving forward, Perryman stressed a return to the basics.

“Moving forward, like I said, it just comes down to fundamentals and technique,” said Perryman. “So I’m pretty sure this week is just going to be … day one training camp.”

Perryman kicked off Saturday’s action by intercepting an errant Tua Tagovailoa pass and returning it to Miami’s seven-yard line. The resulting field goal would be the Texans' only points of the day, despite encouraging flashes from the offense.

Houston is not expected to compete in head coach DeMeco Ryans’ inaugural season. Instead, the Texans will be judged on how much progress they make as a unit. Perryman is viewed as a mentor in the locker room and a pivotal piece of Houston’s defense and leadership.

“It’s the time to get better and grow and, like I said, learn from this film and really bring our tool box next week,” he said. “Pretty sure the Saints ain’t letting up on us at all.”

Houston will aim to refine their defense when they visit New Orleans next Sunday to cap off the preseason. 

---

You can follow Anthony Licciardi on Twitter @ALiccScouting.

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.

Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.