Pollard Emerges As Defensive Leader

(AP Photo)

For an athlete that was released by the Kansas City Chiefs and was on the street at the beginning of last season, Texans' Safety Bernard Pollard has come a long way and ascended to the role of defensive leader in Houston.

you will definitely not find a more vocal and outspoken player on either side of the ball than Bernard Pollard. Whether you are and offensive or defensive player, his immense smack talk will reach you on a positive or negative note. At the Texans' Training Camp, you always know where Pollard is. He very much makes his presence known, again both positively and negatively to the recipient of his swagger.

Bernard Pollard holds everyone on the Texan' defense for everything that they do. With the development of Houston's young cornerbacks, this trait of Pollard's has become an invaluable asset. Last season Pollard took over with hard hits and great coverage that yielded him 4 interceptions. Pollard plans to continue his hard-nosed attack on this season's opponents, especially in the hitting department. on SportsRadio610 in Houston, Pollard stated, "if you don't want to give us respect, we'll take it." When asked about the toughness of him and the Texans' defense, Pollard replied, "I'll be the first on to take the fine" and "I promise you I will hit you just to let you know that I'm gonna set the tone, we are gonna set the tone, the Houston Texans' are gonna set the tone."

This passion and this fire has been missing from this team in my opinion. With leaders and attitudes like this, The Houston Texans' defense is going hard to score on this season.

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

Last Ditch Effort For Clemency?

On Monday, Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair flew to New York City to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The meeting was a "last ditch" effort for McNair to get his Pro Bowl Linebacker, Brian Cushing, back on the field for week one after being suspended for 4 games for use of performance enhancing drugs.

According to sources, Bob McNair presented new evidence and scientific data to Roger Goodell, that wasn't available to them in the spring, in hopes of getting this suspension reduced or overturned.

After morning practice on Monday, Brian Cushing stated that the new evidence had to deal with "Over-trained Athlete Syndrome", which most people including myself of the sports world have never heard of. But you know what, I'm not a doctor, I can just give my opinion. I guess we will have to wait and see in the coming weeks and see if the water holds with Cushing and McNair's claims.

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com

Houston Texans' Training Camp

(SportsEyez.com Photo)

It was a sweltering hot Sunday just for a sportswriter like myself. Saying that, you can imagine how it was for the gladiators of the grid iron in 95 degree heat and 89% humidity running drills and practice. However, even with the adverse weather conditions, these elite men performed at a high level throughout the practice.

We talked with linebacker Xavier Adibi about his impending increased role with the first team as starting strong side linebacker for the first four games of the regular season. As of now, Adibi looks to be the starter while strong side linebacker Brian Cushing serves his 4 game suspension for a positive PED test last season. When I asked him about being the starter, Adibi replied "I'm definitely ready and it feels good. I love to play ball, it's unfortunate what happened to Cushing that led for me to step up but I'm ready to play ball."

Wide Receiver Andre Johnson did not disappoint as he made his catches with precision and poise. It seemed as though Johnson picked out every discrepancy in the very youthful Houston secondary. Rookie and 1st round pick, CB Kareem Jackson, has been matched up against Andre Johnson and has been burned every time. Defensive leader and Strong Safety Bernard Pollard tells Jackson how and what he is doing wrong in his coverage and at his position. It's great to see Pollard talking to and challenging everyone on the field, both offense and defense. Pollard has clearly emerged as the defensive leader on this team since his acquisition last fall.

The Texans have 6 tight ends at training camp this season, with 2 of them on the Physically Unable to Perform List (PuP). Rookie tight end Garrett Graham has definitely impressed me the most, especially with his catching ability. On Sunday, Graham had an extraordinary one handed catch with his left hand that was over thrown.That kinda of hustle and determination I believe will land him a place on the 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp.

The Texans from Houston looked sharp all around, poised, and determined for a deep playoff run this season. Keep checking back for more updates.

By: Collin Dakheel
Head Writer/Creator
SportsEyez.com