Can the Houston Texans Survive the Loss of Owen Daniels?

There is no doubt that the ACL injury suffered by tight end Owen Daniels is a tough blow to the Houston Texans. Daniels was emerging as one of the top tight ends in the National Football League. He was among the league leaders in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Daniels went to the Pro Bowl last year and was on pace for another Hawaiian vacation in February 2010.

One of Daniels' most important skills was his ability to find soft spots in zone defenses and help the Texans move the chains. When teams double cover Andre Johnson for 60 minutes, Daniels made them pay by hauling in passes from Matt Schaub in the middle of the field.

Daniels has good speed and quickness for a tight end and his hands are among the best in the league. The level of trust built up between him and Schaub is very evident, as Daniels is the Texans' quarterback's security blanket.

With one false step in Buffalo, the entire equation changed—Daniels is now scheduled for season-ending surgery on his right knee. The Texans' tight end is no stranger to knee surgery, as he has torn each of his ACLs previously.

While Daniels' injury is an unfortunate loss, the Texans' offense should be able to survive. Joel Dreessen will step into the starting lineup, but will not be the only player attempting to replace Daniels.

Dreeseen, 6'4" and 250 pounds, has only 25 career catches, but has good hands. He has built up some level of trust with Schaub as shown by his targeting in clutch situations such as a fourth down against the Tennessee Titans.

Rookie James Casey will also have to contribute as the team tries to replace the production from Daniels. Casey, out of Rice, is a smart player and is very athletic. He is capable of lining up as a tight end, going in motion as more of an H-back type player, and even playing in the backfield.

In addition to a shift in personnel, the Texans can also replace some of Daniels' production from a schematic standpoint. Starting Johnson in motion can free him up from press coverage to an extent. Also, shifting to more three wideout sets can help.

Perhaps the most important way to replace Daniels in the lineup is with the help of the running game. If Ryan Moats can replicate what he did in Buffalo and keep opposing defenses honest, the threat of the running game will draw safeties and linebackers up and allow Texans' players to roam free in the middle of the field.

Further, if (and this seems like it could be a very big "if" at this point) Steve Slaton can solve his maddening fumbling problems, he can help the team with his electric moves in open space. There are not many defenders who can keep up with him in one on one situations, but Slaton cannot help the team from the bench. He simply must find a way to hold onto the football.

Of course, losing the Pro Bowl tight end will hurt the Texans, but maybe in some way it can help the Texans become more of a team. The best teams are able to replace players and keep on humming. This team so far has been able to replace players along the offensive line and the running game and has gotten better to an extent.

Daniels has been one of the most productive Texans in 2009 and his loss will be felt. But, the offense can keep producing at a high level without him. Both players and coaches will have to work hard to replace Daniels. It will not be easy, but the Texans have shown that they are up to the challenge this season.