Steering Forward: Houston Texans Season Preview

2011 Record: 10-6
AFC South Champions, Lost to Baltimore in Divisional Round


2011 Ranks
Total Offense: 13
Rush Offense: 2
Pass Offense: 18
Scoring Offense: 10
Total Defense: 2
Run Defense: 4
Pass Defense: 3
Scoring Defense: 4

Offense

Two years ago, the Texans had one of the best offenses in the league. They have three outstanding players, two of which (Arian Foster and Andre Johnson) are among the best in the league at their position. That said, the strength of the Texans offense is their offensive line. These guys absolutely maul people and regardless of who is running the ball (Foster or Ben Tate) they are going to have room to plow. Injuries to their key players (Foster, Johnson, QB Matt Schaub, TE Owen Daniels) left the Texans offense without any playmakers for times at last season and they went into the playoffs with rookie TJ Yates under center. This year, with everyone healthy, they should be just as deadly as they were in the past.

Defense

The Texans cut ties with former number one overall pick Mario Williams, but their move to a 3-4 defense benefited Connor Barwin who is more of a natural 3-4 OLB. Barwin recorded 11.5 sacks last season and was aided by first round pick JJ Watt who ate up blockers along the line. Jonathan Joseph was a big addition to the secondary and Houston returns pretty much their whole starting defense from last season.

Intangibles

The Texans defense kept them in games last season and as long as their offensive skill players are healthy, this is a team that can move the ball against anyone. Avoiding injuries will be the biggest factor for this team as they really don't have any receivers behind Andre Johnson.

Prediction

The AFC South is still a relatively weak division and the Texans are the cream of the crop. 12-4.