How Houston Texans training camp is providing big clues into plans at QB
DROPPING CLUES
03 August 2023
Houston Texans training camp is in full swing and we're getting our first look at the QB battle taking place.
Most reports have Davis Mills playing better than CJ Stroud at this early stage of camp, which shouldn't come as a surprise. Mills has so much more experience than Stroud. And what about Case Keenum? If the team wants to go with experience, he has more than all the QBs.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has said the team is done with the rebuild and looking to win games this year. If we take DeMeco at his word and Mills out plays Stroud throughout the preseason, could Mills be the starter Week 1 against the Ravens?
Plus, the defense is way ahead of the offense right now, which is to be expected this time of year. But should we expect the offense to close the gap as the season gets under way, or will the Texans have to count on the defense to carry the team in 2023?
Be sure to watch the video above as the guys break it all down.
Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.
How latest Yordan Alvarez news provides clarity on multiple levels for Astros
May 7, 2025, 12:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.
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