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What Can the Houston Texans Expect In 2016?

By Sam Weaver

Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) reacts with defensive end J.J. Watt (99) after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (not pictured) during the second quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) reacts with defensive end J.J. Watt (99) after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (not pictured) during the second quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good

Defense:  Houston’s defense continues to be a bright spot.  They were exceptional last year, propelling the Texans’ shaky offense into the playoffs.  JJ Watt earned his third Defensive Player of the Year award, while dominating the NFL and leading the league with 17.5 sacks.

Whitney Mercilus had a breakout season last year, with a career high 12 sacks.  Bernardrick McKinney showed flashes of talent, and the defense seemed to come together as a cohesive and terrifying unit, ranking third in the NFL overall.  Houston will look to keep their defensive momentum going, and if Jadeveon Clowney returns at full strength and ability, the defense could be even better this season.

Nuk: Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had an explosive third season in Houston.  Despite a carousel of different quarterbacks leading the Texans’ offense, he was a consistent playmaker and contributor.  Houston recently picked up the fifth year option on Hopkins’ rookie contract, a no-brainer for an offense that hasn’t had so much firepower at the receiving position since the departure of Andre Johnson.  Hopkins will look to improve upon his impressive 2015 season and be a huge threat for Houston moving forward.

Draft Additions: In the 2016 NFL Draft, the Texans selected several weapons to help their team, particularly in the speed department.  They drafted Will Fuller, Braxton Miller, and Tyler Ervin to provider firepower on offense.  They also selected center Nick  Martin, who will step in to protect Brock Osweiler.  Safety K.J. Dillon is also an intriguing prospect.  All of these players have the potential to make hugely positive impacts on Houston’s season.

Free Agent Additions: Houston signed former Miami running back Lamar Miller during free agency.  Miller will replace Arian Foster who was released this year.  In Miami, Miller was underutilized, leaving plenty of gas in his tank to step in and be the workhorse back that Houston is drawn to.

The Texans seemingly stopped their cycle of quarterbacks by investing big in Brock Osweiler.  Hopefully he can provide stability at a position of leadership where Houston has been severely lacking.

The team also added Jeff Allen, who will shore up their offensive line and help to protect their quarterback investment.  Allen is an excellent player and will be a solid contribution to Houston’s o-line.

All of these positives should spell success for Houston this year.  The Texans are a team on the brink of major playoff and title contention, and they may finally have the pieces to vault themselves to the next level.

Next: The Questions

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