Houston Texans Off Season To Do List: Next Year’s Super Bowl Favorites?
By Editorial Staff
Houston Texans off Season Check List
2011 Outcome (10-6)
What could have been? The Texans almost made it to the AFC Championship game without their best defensive player and with their top 2 Quarterbacks on the IR. With a healthy Matt Schuab the Texans might have made the Super Bowl. The Texans have a solid passing game, a dominant run game, and one of the NFL’s best defenses. In 2012, the Texans could be a Super Bowl favorite.
Coach Seat Temperature
Gary Kubiak saved his job with the hiring of Wade Phillips to run the defense. Kubiak always had the Texans in the playoff race but never got over the hump with mediocre to horrible defenses evening out their top ranked offense. Phillips moved the Texans from near last to near first on defense and successfully resurrected his career. OC Rick Dennison did a fine job with an offense that had a 5th round rookie QB play a ton of meaningful games.
2011 Draft Class Rating (A)
This class is one of the reasons for the Texans ascension to an elite team. DE JJ Watt was a dominant force and might have been the top defensive rookie in the NFL depending on who you talk to. Brooks Reed was a pass rushing force who might make Mario Williams expendable. Brandon Harris has potential and will get more playing time next season at CB. TJ Yates showed he can be a solid backup QB that can win games. The rest are solid depth and Special Team contributors.
2010 Draft Class Rating (C)
1st Round selection Kareem Jackson is slowly improving and is a solid depth CB. He has struggled as a starter. Ben Tate was an amazing backup RB this year that will eventually be a hot Free Agent RB for another team. Earl Mitchell is a solid DL rotation player. The rest of the class might struggle to either play or make the team next season.
2009 Draft Class Rating (A-)
This class began hitting their peek last season and it resulted in a playoff run. Brian Cushing is one of the NFL’s top Linebackers. Connor Barwin was a 10+ sack performer at rush linebacker. Glover Quinn is a versatile Defensive Back. JamesCasey is a solid TE/FB who can block and be a weapon in short passing zones. The rest are solid roster contributors.
Current Needs
Offense: WR, OG
Defense: NT, CB, SS
Current FA
Arlon Foster: No way the Texans allow the best all around RB in the NFL to leave. Look for a long term deal to be struck soon.
Mike Brisiel: Brisiel is a solid blocking OG and fits the zone blocking scheme well. He should be brought back for continuity.
Chris Meyers: One of the NFL’s top zone centers is instrumental to the Texans blocking schemes. I believe the Texans will lock down this center soon.
Mario Williams: Mario Williams is one of the NFL’s top defensive players. He is more suited for a 4-3 scheme and will command a huge salary. For that reason and because the Texans have talent and depth at DE/OLB position they should allow Williams to walk. They might be able to franchise and trade him as well.
Jason Allen: Jason Allen really stepped up his play late in the season. He only allowed 50.6% of passes to be completed on him and earned more playing time as the season wore on.
Neil Rackers: Rackers is 36 years old but has been very consistent and still has a strong leg. Replacing him will not be easy…so it’s best to just bring him back.
Current Mock
1. Mohammed Sanu WR Rutgers
2. Josh Chapman NT Alabama
3. Joe Adams WR Arkansas
4. Travian Robertson DL SC