Everything Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said following Day 14 of training camp

Here’s everything Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said following Day 14 of training camp, including an update on tight end Brevin Jordan, thoughts on the offensive line and a key player who could have a bigger role on defense in the second preseason game on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers.

DeMeco Ryans: Unfortunately, we saw Brevin [Jordan] go down with an injury. We will continue to evaluate ‘Brev’ [Brevin Jordan] and see where he is. It’s tough for everybody to see Brevin going down, knowing how much work he’s put in to get back to this point of playing football and how excited he was to get back to playing football. So, just praying for him to have a successful return.”

On the decision to practice indoors after the week in West Virginia

“I wasn’t ready for the heat. No, it was just that we pushed practice back, started a little later for the guys. So, [we] just decided to come inside for today, knowing we have two big days ahead of us, one tomorrow and then also on Thursday. We’ll be outside versus the [Carolina] Panthers.”

On what he observed after watching film from the Minnesota Vikings game

“One thing I liked was the physicality, starting up front. I turned on the first snap of our offense line, the way we were coming on off the ball, resetting the line of scrimmage, ‘Jak’ [Jakob Johnson] coming through, playing physical at that fullback position. I just like the physicality that was shown. Of course, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to technique and finishing some blocks and things at the second level. Defense being on the same page, like finishing plays. But, overall, I’m pleased with how the guys showed up. That’s the first one. Now, I tell guys that the first one really doesn’t matter. It’s how you show up on the next one and what type of improvements are you showing. So, I’m really excited about this week. Let’s crank the intensity up. We get to go against another team, and let’s see who have taken the lessons learned and can they apply them this week.”

On Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley calling plays from the booth

“For [Nick] Caley, he wanted to call it up top. I think, as a coordinator, you have to get your feel. As a first-time caller, you get a good feel for doing it up top and also doing it on the field. So, for him, I think the first one, he was up. Now this week, we’ll flip it. He’ll be down this week. So, this [week] we’ll use preseason for coaches as well to go through the mechanics of how we operate on the sideline. But the communication was really, really great from the offensive and defensive perspective.”

On DT Tim Settle Jr.

“With Tim , what I’ve seen is him get more familiar with how we do things. It’s just a matter of him being consistent, doing it right every single time. When Tim does that, he has the power, he has the strength to knock guys back, reset the line of scrimmage and he’s athletic enough as a pass rusher to really disrupt the quarterback. So, Tim’s just about being locked in consistently, doing things right consistently and he should be an impact player for us.”

Q: On how he gets rookies to slow the game down

Ryans: “The process slows down for rookies when you know what to do. When you’re out there thinking about what you have to do and you feel the speed of the game, it can be a little overwhelming. But, for our guys, just being on it assignment-wise, alignment-wise, then you go play the game. It’s the same guys you played against in college, the game doesn’t change. But sometimes, mentally, you make it bigger than it is and it slows you down. So, the quicker you can get over that mental hurdle, then you can allow your physical attributes to shine.”

Q: On if there are certain defensive line combinations that work better than others

Ryans: “All across the board, when you’re working those two groups specifically, when you’re working in unison, offensive line, defensive line and even linebacker, for the same reasons, I think the more you can talk and communicate with the same guys, it does help you. But, as we know in this game, especially defense, guys are rotating all the time. So, you have to get used to working with different guys. But, the communication piece, it speeds up the more you’re in there with the same guys.”

On what he’s learned about LB E.J. Speed and what he likes about his game

“I’ve liked E.J. ever since he was coming out of Tarleton State, actually. Thought I could find a way to sneak him in there to get him to San Francisco, but the Colts scooped him up. I really loved his length, his speed, athletic ability from afar and now, being with him, just seeing how great of a guy he is. He’s always got a smile on his face, always accepting whatever challenge I present to him. He showed up big time for us in the game, being on his assignments and really flash playing physical, attacking the football. The traits I look for in defensive players, he definitely showed that. So, I’m excited to see him this week. We’re going to give him even more to see how he does with it.”

On what he saw from QB Davis Mills against Minnesota

“From Davis, I saw a guy in complete control and that’s what you have to have at that quarterback position. We’re talking about controlling the huddle, controlling the line of scrimmage, the communication was flawless and that was indicative of the type of drive that we had. There were no miscues. Davis was able to work his way methodically down the field, making great decisions with the football, getting us in the right run reads. Just all across the board, couldn’t be more pleased with where Davis is, and he’s continued to grow. Every single year he’s grown, and he’s been a very valuable asset to us, having him.”

Q: On how the offensive line is adapting as a group

Ryans: “Our offensive line, they’ve been working well together. Last week, we shuffled some guys around. They’ve worked well. ‘Tae’ [Ersery} we put him at left tackle. We saw the reps that he had in the game, thought he did a really nice job. The game isn’t too big for Tae and that’s what stands out to me for the rookie. He stepped right in. Again, there’s always reps to improve upon, but where he started, that’s a really strong start for a rookie. I just want to see this week, when he gets a few more reps, let’s see how he plays against the Panthers, how he plays against their [defensive] ends. They have good [defensive] ends. So, we’ll see how he does this week.”

Q: On the back-to-school backpack events organized by his foundation

Ryans: “We know this is an exciting time of year. School is getting back started. Parents are really excited. But it’s very important for me and my family to be able to…We’ve been blessed with so much, so it’s the right thing to do is to be able to give back, put a smile on kids’ faces as they go back to school, giving them some encouraging words and encouraging gifts. To all the kids, hopefully you guys have a great school year, have a great start to the school year. Teachers, more importantly, we shout out to all the teachers and all the hard work that they’re about to do. It’s just an exciting time and we’re happy and grateful to be able to give back.”

Q: On having DT Folorunso Fatukasi and DE Derek Barnett back

Ryans: “Really encouraging to see ‘Foley’ [Fatukasi] and Derek [Barnett] step back on the field today. Two guys who you kind of forget that these guys played a lot of snaps for us. They played a lot of meaningful football, and they were impact players for us last year. I’m excited to get them back out and see how they enhance our defensive line even more. Being able to roll those guys, we got a lot of players over there that can really impact the game. I’m excited to see them just work their way back into football shape. It’s very pleasing to have them back out today.”

Q: On if his sympathy for injuries stems from being a former player

Ryans: “For me, with the injury piece, I don’t think it’s more so… It has nothing to do with being a former player. I think it’s just being empathetic to all the guys and knowing how much work NFL players go through, how much their bodies take and knowing the other side of it when guys are done playing and the effects it has on guys. The game, it puts a lot of guys in bad shape, so I don’t take that lightly. Even seeing the receiver [Rondale Moore] go down versus Minnesota, it was right there in front of me. It’s just tough. Anytime I see guys go down, it’s tough to swallow because I know all the work these guys put in. Their road to recovery, I’m thinking, I’ve been on that road. I know how dark that road can be at times. It’s just constant prayer for all the guys around the NFL that go down with injuries.”

Q: How joint practices help in the evaluation of the team

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Ryans: “For our joint practice, it’s really a great time for us to go against somebody else, go against a different scheme. Our offense knows the structures of our defense. They know the checks to make. Now, when you mix it up and you get a different scheme, it strains the offense to communicate, mentally. It’s going to strain us physically because you don’t really understand the plays that are coming. You haven’t seen them before. Now, how do you respond when things are different? Defensively, they may have a different snap count, different formations, different motions. It’s going to put a strain on us physically and mentally that we need. You need a different challenge at this point in camp. I think it’s a great challenge going against the Panthers, with Bryce [Young], what Dave [Canales] has done with the offense to improve. They’re in a really good spot. I’m excited to get some different looks for our guys. I think it’ll help us come down the stretch of the season as well.”

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Everything Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said after Day 14 of training camp