Texans 'Attacking the Ball' In Training Camp Day 2

Day 2 of training camp practice showcased the Houston Texans' ability to create takeaways, while Noah Brown and Mason Schreck stepped up on offense.

HOUSTON — For a team that won a combined seven games in the last two seasons, there are not many traits the Houston Texans would like to carry over to the new season. But one that would work, would be their ability to create takeaways.

"From what I saw today, guys were attacking the ball," Coach DeMeco Ryans said. "They are playing with that ball-hawk mentality, and that is what I want from our secondary. That is how it should look each and every day. Our focus is to take the ball away."

Under former coach and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith, the Texans became one of the league's best defenses at creating takeaways, recording a combined 52. And during Day 2 of training camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center, the Texans showed flashes of maintaining their efforts to do the same in 2023.

The Texans forced three turnovers Thursday morning. Cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Darius Phillips each recorded an interception from quarterback Davis Mills, while defensive lineman Thomas Booker forced a fumble on running back Dare Ogunbowale.

Noah Brown steps up as WR No. 1

The Texans had several receivers who made plays in the passing game, and their production led to a better day for the offense. But out of all the receivers who made their presence felt, Noah Brown had the most significant production during Day 2 of training camp.

"I have seen consistency, he has been the same guy from the first day of OTAs to now," Ryans said. "What Noah has done, he has built trust from his quarterbacks. It's the trust that where a quarterback puts the ball, Noah is going to go out there and make a play." 

Brown made a handful of catches against a secondary that had a nice day getting after the football. The highlight of the day came late during practice when Brown completed a pass attempt from C.J. Stroud while fading out of bounds. Ryans said he wasn't surprised by Brown's great play. 

The Texans do not have an All-Pro or Pro Bowl receiver on the roster. But the first two days of camp have proved that the collection of wide receivers would be enough to help improve the appalling contributions from last season.

"We are not paying attention to the outside noise," Robert Woods said. "We are working on getting better and trying to be our best. A part of being an NFL receiver is having the ability to go out there and make plays."

Mason Schreck taking advantage of his opportunity

Brown wasn't alone in helping the productivity of the Texans' offense during the second day of camp. Houston's offense received significant contributions from its tight end unit, but no player within the position group had a greater impact than Mason Schreck.

The absence of Teagan Quitoriano and the Day 1 struggles of Brevin Jordan led to Schreck taking a majority of his reps with the second team. 

While playing alongside Mills and Stroud, Schreck made three receptions. His play displayed reasons why Ryans has been impressed with his tight ends since voluntary workouts during the spring.

"The tight ends have been doing good since the spring," Ryans said. "With Dalton [Schultz], Mason, and Brevin, we have a lot of guys stepping up. We also have guys who serve as that dual threat. Guys who are good in the passing game and working on their run blocking. They will be paramount to our success."

QUICK HITS

- After making his training camp debut Wednesday morning, wide receiver John Metchie III made his first catch during team activities. He was the recipient of an intermediate pass attempt from Stroud.

- Kenyon Green took practice reps for the first time since making his long-awaited return to the field. He lined up at left guard, where he took first-team reps next to Laremy Tunsil. The second-year offensive lineman returned from off-season knee surgery Wednesday morning but did not participate in team drills.

- The second day of training camp was not good for quarterback Davis Mills. He struggled to complete several passes and was the reason for Houston's two interceptions. Mills and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud split first-team reps during 11-on-11 drills.

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