Sure the Houston Texans had a 9-7 record last year, but they have yet to compile a winning record among the teams in the AFC South. In 2009 they went just 1-5 against the teams in their own division. Sure they got it tough Peyton Manning twice a year, Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans twice a year, but if they want a playoff game they must do better. They beat up on NFC teams, and had a winning record on the road. They could very well be a playoff team, but they have some work to do.
Matt Schaub returns to run the offense that ranked fourth overall. However it ranked first in passing and 30th in rushing. They drafted Ben Tate to help the running game, but he is lost for the year due to an injury. Arian Foster and Steve Slaton now must step in and improve the running game. Even though they have a new coordinator here, they will essentially run the same offense as they did in 2009. The O Line is set, and the WR corps is very good.
The defense is hurt but Brian Cushing’s four game suspension, but is still a very good unit. Mario Williams is still a force at DE, and MLB Demarco Ryans is the on the field leader. 2010 draft pick, Kareem Jackson, steps in to fill the hole left by Dunta Robinson. The secondary looks above average, and as a whole looks pretty good.
On special teams Neil Rackers must win the kicking job over Kris Brown. Matt Turk will be the punter, and it looks like Trindon Holliday will return both kick and punts.
Related Links:
- Houston Texans news and notes
- The Business of the NFL
- MTR Football
