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| Former NFL Linebacker Channing Crowder Greets Texans Wide Receiver Tank Dell |
With over 32 years of combined NFL experience, former players Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder, hosts of one of the most popular podcasts, “The Pivot,” know a thing or two about football that is played at the highest level.
So, when they give analysts about different teams and individual players, they speak from having played in the league and now study the game every week.
On Thursday, all three attended the joint practice between the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams as they wrapped up their NFL training camp tour. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and head coach DeMeco Ryans, along with Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, quarterback Matt Stafford, head coach Sean McVay, and many others greeted them with pleasantries before the start of practice.
Once the two teams took the field, Big Sarge Media had an opportunity to speak with the former players about individuals on the Texans who are currently playing the same position they did during their playing days.
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| Former NFL Players Ryan Clark And Fred Taylor Share A Moment With Texans Wide Receiver Tank Dell Before Practice Thursday |
Former Safety Ryan Clark On Jalen Pitre Splitting Time Between Nickel Cornerback And Safety:
“I think it is the best thing for him,” said the former safety and current ESPN NFL analyst. “Last year, he was too aggressive, and that comes from trying to prove himself from his rookie season where he had all those tackles. Switching him between the two positions helps him to balance himself out. He is a good young player who will thrive under DeMeco (Ryans).”
Former Linebacker Channing Crowder On The Importance Of Having Middle Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair:
“He reminds me a lot of my former teammate Zach Thomas (Miami Dolphins),” said Crowder. “Azeez is a very smart player, and you can see that by how he plays the game; he is always in the right position and ensures that his teammates are as well. Plus, he is a perfect blend of an old-school linebacker who loves contact but knows today’s game well enough to use his intelligence to manipulate different things on the field. One of the best things that could have happened to him was reuniting with his former coach (DeMeco Ryans).”
Former Running Back Fred Taylor On Dameon Pierce:
“I got a chance to watch him a lot when he was at the University of Florida, and I was impressed with how he carried himself,” said Taylor, who also played running back at Florida before a very successful career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. “I have been hearing about some of his struggles during camp. The first thing he needs to do is trust the offensive scheme. This will be his second year playing in this system, and he must be patient and let things develop.
“If he gets into his own head and allows that to stop him from instinctively running like he did his rookie year, that could be a huge setback for him. Once he slows himself down and continues to watch the film, everything will make sense. It is also good that he has a running back like Joe Mixon to learn from, someone who knows what it takes to last in this league.”
All three former players were very impressed by Houston’s turnaround last season as they won the AFC South division, a Wild Card playoff game, and advanced to the AFC Divisional Game before eventually losing to the Baltimore Ravens.
Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud got a chance to catch up with @Realrclark25 from @ESPNNFL and @thepivot before practice. #Texans #Sarge @KimStroud510 pic.twitter.com/q2dpBlZjHn
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) August 22, 2024
Texans QB C.J. Stroud Greets Ryan Clark Before Practice
“They are going to make some noise in the AFC this season,” Crowder said.
The Texans will play their final preseason game against the Rams on Saturday at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is at noon.