Houston Texans Could Rush into the Playoffs in 2009

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans are looking to make their first playoff appearance in 2009. The last two seasons, the Texans missed the playoffs by a game or two finishing 8-8 in both seasons.

For the Texans to make the 2009 playoffs, they first need to stay healthy. Last season Matt Schaub missed five games, Dunta Robinson missed five, Eugene Wilson missed four games, Zach Diles missed eight games, and Ahman Green missed eight as well.

Injuries affect the chemistry of the team. If the Texans have a lot of injuries, they are not going to have the same people on the field every game. If the same people don't play, they will not have strong chemistry.

Additionally, some positions do not have as much depth as they did last season. Sage Rosenfels, who was Schaub’s backup last year, was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Dan Orvlovsky who was acquired from the Lions, will have to learn the Texans' system and may not be as reliable as Rosenfels.

Secondly, the Texans need to finish games when they have the lead in the fourth quarter, especially if they are up by more than eight. Houston lost two games that they led in the fourth quarter.

Last season the Texans were outscored 225-180 in the second half of games, and 136-102 in the fourth quarter. The Texans will have a strong chance of making the playoffs if they can play strong in the final quarter.

Next, the Texans need to avoid slow starts in the season and individual games. In their franchise history, the Texans' best start in the first quarter of the season is 2-2. In two of Houston’s seasons, they started 0-4.

Last season, the Texans scored first in seven games, and were 5-2 in those games. The Texans were 3-6 when their opponents scored first. Houston only had six games where they led after the first quarter, and was 5-1 in those games. When the Texans were tied or when their opponents led after the first, they were 3-7.

The Texans did lead after halftime in nine games and went 7-2 in those games. Houston was 1-6 in games in which they were tied or trailed after the first half. In fact, their only win in those games was against the Miami Dolphins in Week Five.

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