At last.
The Texans are back.
Training Camp starts on Saturday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center. On Friday, the veterans reported for duty.
"It's always exciting man," left tackle Duane Brown said. "You get those butterflies that you know the time is here."
A year ago, Brown and company came back for camp eager to erase the memory of a 2014 campaign in 2013. This year, they're looking to build on a 9-7 season under a first-year head coach in Bill O'Brien.
"I think having a year to learn the system, the expectations have risen for us," the Pro Bowler said. "We just have to go out there and perform."
Safety Stevie Brown joined Houston as a free agent this offseason. He said on Friday that the Texans are an impressive unit.
"There is talent at every single position and it is deep," Brown said. "It is definitely something I am looking forward to being a part of and being able to work with across the board, offense and defense."
For outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, year one versus year two under O'Brien is all about knowledge retention. The fourth-year pro is looking forward to 2015.
"Last year, we were still learning the system and everything, still fresh in it," Mercilus said. "Compared to this year, everybody is more comfortable. We understand it, running more fluent in it."
Practice begins Saturday morning at 8 o'clock CT.
