2009 Texans Preview: Worth The Wait

AFC SOUTH
3. Houston Texans
Projected Record: 9-7

Offense: B
Defense: C+
Coaching: C+

What’s new: A sense of optimism in Houston. For the first time since the Texans came into the league in 2002, they have a real chance to compete for a playoff spot. If it weren’t for the Chiefs (more on them later in the week), the Texans would be my ultimate AFC and NFL sleeper.

What’s good: Surprisingly, the offense. Matt Schaub has come into his own the last couple of seasons. Andre Johnson may be the second best receiver in the league behind Larry Fitzgerald. Steve Slaton, Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels are all great weapons for Schaub. Slaton had one of the greatest "under the radar" seasons in 2008. If he played anywhere other than Houston, he would have been considered for the Pro Bowl. The only reason I gave them a B is the offensive line. It struggled for the first 10 games last year. However, when the Texans went 5-1 in the last six games, the offensive line play was one of the main reasons. If they continue that improvement, the B grade will prove to be too low.


How under the radar is Steve Slaton? When I google-searched his picture, the first 10 photos were of him playing for West Virginia.

What’s bad: The defensive backfield. It’s atrocious. Dunta Robinson is the only decent player they have back there. And he gambles WAY too much. Nick Ferguson, at age 35, is one of the starting safeties. He hasn’t been good or healthy since 2005. And if you’ve heard of Jacques Reeves and Eugene Wilson, then you have way too much free time on your hands. Perhaps you would like to write for a blog? This one, maybe?

What to expect: This team has made strides since having their horrendous 2006 campaign. The offense will be scary good if Schaub is kept upright. The defensive front seven is young, but got better game-by-game in 2008, and will help keep the defense has a whole respectable this season. The schedule even gives Houston a shot at a great start. In their first seven games, the Texans host the Jets, Jaguars, Raiders and 49ers, and also have a road game against Cincinnati. A 4-3 or even 5-2 start is not out of the question. However, the Texans play in a loaded division and a loaded conference. The Colts and Titans are still better than Houston. And even though I think Jacksonville will struggle, they are still a dangerous team. The division is too good, and the Texans are still too young, to get a wild card birth this season.