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Three NFL playoff teams destined to take a step back in 2019

By Joel Deering

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans sits on the field after turning the ball over on a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 32-30. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans sits on the field after turning the ball over on a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 32-30. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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NFL playoff teams destined to fail in 2019
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 05: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans scrambles with the ball tackled by Margus Hunt #92 of the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter during the Wild Card Round at NRG Stadium on January 5, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Houston Texans

If you watched the Houston Texans play last season, you know their biggest problem came along the offensive line. During the regular season, they allowed the most sacks in the NFL. It’s not very often that the team with the worst offensive line is one of the NFL playoff teams.

The Texans tried to address their offensive line problem in the NFL Draft by taking two offensive lineman in the first two rounds, but I’m not sure either of those offensive lineman are ready to make an immediate impact.

DeShaun Watson is a great QB, but he needs to be protected. I don’t think taking developmental offensive lineman was the right move, especially when they need their QB to be protected now.

Looking at the schedule for the Texans in 2019, an 11-5 record may be difficult to duplicate if their offensive line can’t hold things together. Houston has to play the Saints in New Orleans to open the season. Their next two games are against the Jaguars and Chargers.

Jacksonville may have had a bad season, but they should be much improved over last year after the moves they’ve made. The Chargers went 12-4 last season, so that will be no easy game. Houston also has games against the Chiefs, Colts (twice) and Patriots, among other teams.

Next. 2019 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams. dark

Houston came back from an 0-3 start last season. If they get off to a slow start this coming season, I’m not so sure they’ll be able to come back and be one of the NFL playoff teams.

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