The Texans celebrated Thanksgiving with a practice in pads.
Head coach Bill O'Brien then celebrated by passing out pecan pies to the media members in attendance at Thursday's press conference.
The team went throught their Thursday work outside at the Houston Methodist Training Center, and head coach Bill O'Brien explained why the Texans have practiced in pads once a week over the last month.
"Starting on defense, I think our tackling has improved," O'Brien said. "Even though we don't really tackle live in practice, we're still in position to thud the ball-carrier up which is important."
He also described how it's helped the Texans in run defense, special teams and bolstering the run game.
The Texans welcomed back cornerback A.J. Bouye to work, who missed Wednesday's practice with a concussion.
As for the pie giveaway, O'Brien had some fun. He said he wanted to show the media that he really doesn't hate the holidays. The pies were from Goode Co. Barbecue, and he said he'd heard they were the best pies locally.
The Texans host the Saints on Sunday at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is at noon CT.
