2009 Finish -- 9-7, missed playoffs
Key Acquisitions -- OG Wade Smith, CB Kareem Jackson, K Neil Rackers
Key Departures -- CB Dunta Robinson
There seems to be a pattern here...oh right again not a ton of turnover.
So what does Houston need to do to actually get over the hump after posting their first winning season in franchise history? Honestly, I think part of it might be the coaching. The talent is there in Houston--an elite quarterback (who finally stayed healthy), great receiving weapons, an improving offensive line, and a defense that is starting to live up to its potential.
But why can't they get over that hump?
1. Matt Schaub is an elite quarterback. BUY.
I said it best last year--Matt Schaub is the best quarterback you've never heard of. Well after throwing 29 touchdowns, nearly 4800 passing yards, and a completion percentage of 67.9% everybody knows who Matt Schaub is. The only thing holding Schaub back with Houston in his first two years was his inability to stay healthy. When Schaub plays a full season the chances of the Texans having a winning record increases substantially because the big 6'5'' 240 pound quarterback has a great deep ball, uses great touch, and is a very precise passer (it also helps having Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels).
2. The Texans defense will struggle without Brian Cushing. BUY.
Okay, maybe struggle is a little harsh, but they certainly won't be as good of a run stopping unit as they were with Cushing in last year. Cushing is also an effective pass rusher. And even though he was not great in coverage (allowing almost 71% completion percentage) Cushing showed nice ball skills with four interceptions. He was an impact player as a rookie and the big question is whether Xavier Adibi can adequately fill his role or not. I don't think he can. Those first four games are going to be pivotal for a team that's likely going to be on the playoff brink.
3. Steve Slaton is set for a bounce back year. SELL.
Slaton's problems with fumbling and health may have also affected his confidence and the coaching staff's confidence in him as it seems Arian Foster and Ben Tate might BOTH move ahead of him on the depth chart. I don't expect Slaton to get the brunt of the carries this year. It also doesn't help that the Texans line play hasn't been the strong in the running game and is horribly inconsistent.
4. The Texans will have the most well-rounded defensive line in the AFC South. BUY.
Mario Williams and Antonio Smith as the primary ends with Connor Barwin coming in on passing downs is an excellent tandem at end. The highly talented, but awfully inconsistent Amobi Okoye at undertackle and Antonio Smith, Frank Okam, and Shaun Cody rotating at the nose gives Houston one of the most versatile and dynamic lines in the entire NFL. They have size, speed, leverage, and length.
5. Andre Johnson's holdout will become an issue. SELL.
Johnson is one of the most professional players in the game. He may not be happy with his contract, but come game-day he's going to be ready. The super-talented receiver will work out his problems with Houston if the CBA gets fixed.
6. The Texans are ready to take the next step. SELL.
The Texans didn't necessarily get worse, but they need to start a little better out of the gate this year if they want to have a shot at the playoffs in an incredibly tough AFC. It's unlikely that Houston wins the division, which means that they need to win enough games to get a wildcard spot. That'll be no easy feat in a conference loaded with potential wildcard teams. Houston may need one of the borderline playoff teams (or more) to get hit with the injury bug. Houston does have elite quarterback play in their favor, but they've also got to be able to learn to defend the pass better.
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