Panthers vs. Texans means a little bit more than a typical pre-season game, as C.J. Stroud tests out his brand new offense and offensive coordinator versus a potentially improved Panthers defense. Meanwhile, his counterpart and 2023 draft mate Bryce Young faces an extremely opportunistic Texans defense.

The Texans may have lost the game Saturday vs. the Vikings, but the first drive on offense hints at an offense that may have finally figured out how to play clean football. NFL Network analyst Marc Ross joins Cecil Shorts and Seth Payne, then Cecil and Seth react to Pre-season game #1.

[0:17] Is CJ Stroud bound for a bounceback season
[2:47] What Marc Ross saw at Texans camp
[4:54] Updates on Texans O-Line
[6:46] How the RB room is looking
[10:13] Marc Ross thoughts on Shedeur Sanders
[12:42] Will the Texans offensive scheme be run heavy
[18:35] Texans Opening drive from the preseason
[22:10] Discussing the Texans preseason game

Dameon Pierce and Christian Harris participated in a walk-through at Houston Texans practice in West Virginia, and both players look close to being back to full participation. Former Texans players Seth Payne and Cecil Shorts discuss the running back situation as well as Seth's belief that NFL teams are going to re-emphasize the running game this year. They also discussed how the offense looks right now and how offensive coordinator Nick Caley will respond to being a first time play caller.

[0:30] Updates on Dameon Pierce and Christian Harris

[3:05] Will the Texans LB room live up to expectations

[7:15] How Nick Chubb and the Texans blocking game looks at camp

[16:40] Why the first preseason game is “Big” for the Texans

[20:46] What Danielle Hunter did to bulk up this offseason

[24:45] Update on Cam Robinson

The Houston Texans defense had a great day in training camp on Monday. Which of course means that the Texans offense did not. Former Texans players Cecil Shorts and Seth Payne discuss just how great the defense looks and whether we should be nervous about the offense at this point of training camp.

C.J. Stroud has been taking fewer reps at practice than you might expect. Former Houston Texans players Cecil Shorts and Seth Payne wonder why. The guys also discuss the Texans culture shift over the last couple years. And in the wake of the Christian Wilkins weirdness, Seth and Cecil recount the weirdest behavior they ever saw in a locker room.

0:00 Sheldon Rankins says the Texans culture is now set.

8:35 C.J. Stroud isn't getting as many reps as you'd expect

Former Houston Texans players Cecil Shorts and Seth Payne team up for the first time to discuss Joe Mixon's lingering injury and what it means for the Texans rushing attack. They also discuss the offensive line competition, Will Anderson's dominance at camp, the rookie wide receivers, and C.J. Stroud having more command at the line of scrimmage

00:00:01 — Seth and Cecil introduce themselves, their shared history of being drafted 114th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and moving to Houston.

00:01:37 — Discussion on Joe Mixon’s training camp injury and its impact on the Texans backfield, including concerns about running back depth.

00:03:39 — Conversation shifts to Nick Chubb’s injury history, his fit, and skepticism about him being the lead back given recent injuries and age.

00:04:59 — Jawahr Jordan and Woody Marks as options; how the Texans may use their running backs differently, and coping without Joe Mixon and possibly Dameon Pierce.

00:06:38 — Mental and physical challenges of returning from major knee injuries, and Woody Marks’ potential versatility in the offense.

00:07:30 — Nick Caley’s background, how the Texans may use backs in the passing game (like New England did), and how this benefits CJ Stroud.

00:08:44 — James White/Joe Mixon as passing threats; potential for dynamic backfield duos.

00:08:59 — Transition to worries about the Texans’ offensive line, ongoing camp competitions, and impact on both sides of the ball.

00:10:07 — How practice dynamics change without pads, what it means for evaluating offensive and defensive linemen.

00:10:47 — Will Anderson’s progress, Ersery at tackle, and the ongoing battle at right tackle.

00:11:35 — The coaching mindset of Cole Popovich and Nick Caley influenced by New England, and the desired “dog mentality” on the O-line.

00:12:07 — Coaching stories from the past (Alex Gibbs, offensive line philosophy), lack of former leadership on the Texans OL.

00:13:38 — Why the shakeup at OL was needed and why there’s reason for optimism.

00:13:57 — CJ Stroud’s shoulder soreness, offseason work ethic, and the importance of not overdoing workouts (reference to old strength coach Dan Riley).

00:15:07 — The new generation’s offseason approach, and praise for rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins & Jaylin Noel.

00:15:56 — Breakdown of learning to play slot receiver, challenges for rookies like Jaylin Noel, and the importance of having Christian Kirk as a mentor.

00:17:16 — Specifics on the difficulties and expectations for slot receivers in this offense (hot routes, coverage ID, etc).

00:18:17 — Why slot receivers stand out in camp but sometimes fail in real games; historical example of Braxton Miller.

00:18:54 — Shift to CJ Stroud’s growth, system fit, building command at the line, and what’s realistic for his development.

00:20:14 — Importance of Stroud making mistakes now, how learning from them will grow his in-game leadership and line-of-scrimmage control.

Cecil Shorts III is BACK with another exciting episode of Bleav in Texans, this time he's discussing the Texans offensive line and who to watch out for during training camp and this upcoming season. He also gets into the tight ends room and what to expect out of them this year, listen in NOW to the Bleav in Texans podcast!

[1:53] Where the Texans ranked on PFF’s O-line rankings
[9:45] How the Texans offensive scheme can help the O-line this year
[11:10] What impact can Aireontae Ersery have on the O-line
[12:58] Position groups to look out for at training camp
[15:30] Could Woody Marks have a role in the Texans Offense this year
[17:25] What to expect from the Texans TE room

Everyone's favorite national football analyst is BACK with a brand new episode of the Bucky Brooks show. This time he tackles the start of Mandatory mini camps this week as the never ending NFL news mill turns. Aaron Rodgers has officially signed with the Steelers and the details of that deal have come to light. Jaire Alexander has been cut and Nick Chubb signs with the Texans, Bucky looks at what this season could look like for both of them. Lastly, he gets into Anthony Richardson's ongoing situation and what a continuation of his injury could look like for him. All that and much more on this episode of the Bucky Brooks show!