NFL Preview: Houston Texans

Last season was a revelation. Matt Schaub found his feet and emerged as the starting QB that makes one lament the years lost sitting behind Michael Vick on Atlanta’s depth chart. There’s no doubt that Schaub’s prolonged wait for his shot at a starting role is reaping dividends, and it is the Texans – a team willing to take a shot on a touted career back-up to lead an ailing franchise out of the doldrums – who are on the receiving end of the pay cheque.

9-7 may not be a remarkable record, but it is the best in franchise history. A strong backfield got stronger this offseason, and Andre Johnson – arguably the league’s best receiver and almost an undisputed selection for the top three – is willing to work with the board to get him back on the field with his pockets jangling.


This team are unfortunate in that they play in the most dynamic division in the AFC. The Colts almost always emerge victorious, but both the Titans and the Jaguars are playoff calibre teams on an almost yearly basis. For that reason, the Texans have been bottom-dwellers for the duration of their existence.

Until now…

Coach Kubiak won a couple of Superbowls with Denver, coaching the QB he spent his career backing up to an MVP award and the greatest fairytale ending to a career ever known. He has weapons: Slaton, Johnson and Schaub. And on defence he has a stable of studs, which will improve further when Brian Cushing (LB) returns from his suspension following a positive drugs test.

This team is good and getting better by the year. Credit goes to the management for sticking by Kubiak who wanted to walk away because he felt he hadn’t done a good enough job. He is what this team needs – that, and a playoff appearance.

And I think they might get it this year. It will be tough, but here’s how it could happen: the division winners will probably be the Jets, Ravens, Colts and Chargers, but none are a certainty given the improvement of the Bengals, Patriots and Broncos…not to mention the Texans. Out of those eight teams, six should qualify for the playoffs (and don’t even get me started on the Steelers regaining their swagger and the Dolphins jumping into the deep end with new QB, Chad Henne). I think there will be a few 10-6 records amongst these wild card teams and that it will take at least that to get into the playoffs this year. Can the Texans do it?

I think they might miss out to the Pats and the Broncos.

Let’s hope not…


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