4 takeaways from Texans GM Nick Caserio’s press conference
The Houston Texans held a virtual press conference to introduce their fifth general manager in club history, Nick Caserio.
The former New England Patriots director of player personnel was introduced by Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair, who was enthused about getting their guy.
Here are four takeaways from the press conference.
1. Caserio believes in the process
(AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Who doesn't? However, Caserio has been around since 2001 in the New England Patriots organization, and has not missed a second of the dynasty. The 45-year-old believes that it isn't just one factor that wins or loses ballgames for teams, but a myriad of situations that form into one result. Caserio knows greatness is formed at the molecular level, and isn't simply getting fortunate in one season or riding a wave.
2. Jack Easterby isn't going anywhere
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Easterby and Caserio a good friends of the football field. Cal McNair has bought into Easterby as well. Expect Easterby to stay around in the organization. However, both McNair and Caserio stated that all personnel decisions would be made by Caserio. What was Easterby's job before taking over as interim general manager when Bill O'Brien was fired? Executive vice president of football operations.
3. Deshaun Watson isn't going anywhere
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
McNair seemed to acknowledge that his star quarterback was upset, but quelled rumors by saying he hadn't heard back from Watson due to the three-time Pro Bowler being on vacation. In 1996, that may have been a valid excuse. Nonetheless, Caserio expressed interest in working with Watson and stated he was the reason why they faced Houston annually since 2015, and why New England ended up taking a couple L's in the past two meetings.
4. McNair's optimism is going to be a hard sell with fans
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The Texans' chairman and CEO mentioned that he didn't think the club was that far off from their successful 2019 season when they beat the Buffalo Bills in overtime in the wild-card (but blew a 24-0 lead the next week at the Kansas City Chiefs). McNair also said the club was 2-8 in one-score games and just had to find a way to close the deal in tight ballgames. The majority of Houston sports fans are not going to buy anything McNair is selling; the optimism needle is low. McNair shouldn't be condemned for it; leaders always need to have confidence. However, the fans are disconsolate and won't have a chance to feel better about the direction of the team until they announce their new coach.
Addendum Item: Caserio isn't a barbecue guy
(Photo by NFL Photos)
If there was one mistake that Caserio made during his presser, it was that he stated he wasn't a big barbecue guy. Given that he grew up in Ohio and all of his life was spent north of the Mason-Dickson line and in New England, that is very understandable. The McNairs need to get this man, not only barbecue, but some Cajun and Mexican cuisine stat.
