Here is everything Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said following the first day of padded practice, including an update on the recent signings of Mario Edwards Jr. and Jadeveon Clowney, as well as an assessment of Keylan Rutledge’s physicality.
Question: On the first practice with full pads during Training Camp
DeMeco Ryans: “First day of pads in Training Camp is always an exciting day. It’s always an eventful day. You never know what’s going to happen. One side getting the best of the other side, but overall, I thought it was a really good day. We got a little tired there at the end and a little scuffle broke out. I don’t want to see that, as I mentioned to our guys, we want to be smart in how we prepare and how we train. We have to be smarter there. Overall, I liked the way the guys pushed through today. First day of pads was a successful day in my mind.”
Q: On the scuffle that broke out during practice
Ryans: “For me, when everybody’s trying to get into it. We’ll see what happens when we watch the film, but we just have to make smart decisions. As we all know in football, there is no fighting on the field. You can’t do this, so we just have to be smart about how we train.”
Q: On RB Woody Marks development going into his second season
Ryans: “From Woody this time around, I’m seeing a guy who’s very intentional. A guy who’s learned a lot as a rookie and you’re seeing that growth already from year two. I think it was a couple days ago, just watching him in practice. Him and Henry [To’oTo’o] were in a one-on-one situation in pass coverage and to see them talk about what happened on that play in the next period. To see them, ‘Hey, how can you cover a little bit better? What are you trying to do on this route?’ Them learning from each other, that’s the iron sharpens iron piece. That’s where Woody is taking a really huge step. He’s becoming a real pro in his approach to the game. I’ve mentioned this before, he’s looking much more sudden and quicker with his cuts and his decisions. It’s going to be a great year for Woody.”
Q: On the addition of DT Mario Edwards Jr.
Ryans: “We know what Mario brings. Mario brings unmatched intensity, fire and passion for football. He’s made a lot of plays for us, played a lot for us. He’s a guy you can count on. Anytime we can keep our guys around, it’s always a good day for us. Mario rolled right back in, fit right in today, he’s off and rolling. We’re excited to get him back and continue to add depth to our defensive line.”
Q: On the report of DE Jadeveon Clowney joining the team
Ryans: “It’s a report? I didn’t hear about that. We’ll see what he brings. Everybody knows Clowney was a first overall pick here in Houston. He’s been a successful player, had a successful career. He brings a physical aspect to the football game. To our defense, a guy who can get after the passer as well. We’ll try to get him in, get him acclimated to what we’re doing and he’ll be up to speed off and running.”
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Everything Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said following Day 5 of training camp
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
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By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
