Texans' defense dominates in goal-line drill

Dominating the first-team offense during a physical goal-line drill Tuesday morning, the Texans' third-ranked defense flexed some muscle and set a tone of intensity during the first day in full pads.

Inside linebackers Benardrick McKinney and Brian Cushing repeatedly stuffed new starting running back Lamar Miller in the backfield.

The defense celebrated each tackle for loss raucously. Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney was impressive during the drill, too.

The offense drew the ire of the coaching staff, who had them do push-ups as punishment for getting beat so thoroughly. A few offensive coaches joined in on the push-ups.

The offense only managed to score one touchdown, and that was with the second-team unit when fullback Jay Prosch busted into the end zone.

Primarily, though, it was a one-sided competition to start camp.

Cushing engaged in a bit of trash talking, saying the defending AFC South champions can keep drafting offensive players and it wouldn't change the equation.

Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork, left, lines up against Texans tackle Kendall Lamm (63), guard Jeff Allen (79) and center Nick Martin (66) during Texans training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, in Houston. less Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork, left, lines up against Texans tackle Kendall Lamm (63), guard Jeff Allen (79) and center Nick Martin (66) during Texans training camp at Houston Methodist Training ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 138 Caption Close Texans' defense dominates in goal-line drill 1 / 138 Back to Gallery

The Texans are down both starting tackles, including Pro Bowl alternate left tackle Duane Brown being on the physically unable to perform list and right tackle Derek Newton sidelined with a strained hamstring.

Backup tackles Chris Clark and Kendall Lamm are filling in on the left and right sides, respectively. They are breaking in a new center in rookie Nick Martin, a second-round pick who's competing with Tony Bergstrom for the starting job, and a new right guard in former Kansas City Chiefs starter Jeff Allen.

Based on the first day of hitting, it's clear the offensive line has a lot of ground to make up to catch up with a veteran-laden defense.

The defense is playing without three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt as he recuperates from surgery to repair a herniated disc.