After finishing with their first winning season in team history, the Houston Texans look to be on the rise and become a tough contender to make a run at the playoffs for the upcoming season.

Albeit the Texans have been quiet in the offseason, they gave head coach Gary Kubiak a vote of confidence, extending his contract through the 2012 season, creating stability which is imperative to be a serious contender.

 

Offseason Player Transactions

The Texans tendered a contract to linebacker sensation Demeco Ryans, who though had a down season, is part of one of the greatest linebacker tandems in league history and it’s only expected to improve with experience in fellow teammates Xavier Adibi, Zac Diles, and Brian Cushing.

On the offensive side, the Texans quickly swept their No. 2 wide receiver Kevin Walter off the free agency market, bringing back the brilliant route runner who is a worthy asset, lining adjacent to receiving standout Andre Johnson. 

But on the other side, there are needs to be filled via the draft and free agency in the secondary and defensive front.

 

Secondary

With the discharge of cornerback Dunta Robinson and long-time veteran safety Nick Ferguson, the secondary is on the verge of going in shambles.

Cornerback is a clear weakness, as the two starters Brian McClain and Glover Quinn are now mere one year veterans and very well could be late bloomers. 

Backups Fred Bennett and Jacques Reeves have both had successful seasons in their relatively short careers, but they’re both coming off a season with limited production.

Players at the safety position must compensate and offset the weakness at corner, but this is hard to do when one is released in Nick Ferguson, one is plagued with age in Brian Russell, and another has been slow to ripen in John Busing, while safety Bernard Pollard has to pick up the slack for the entire secondary.

But Pollard is expected to receive help via the draft with the presumable selection in the very versatile former Texas Longhorn defensive back Earl Thomas who can play corner and/or safety.

Earl Thomas covers like a corner and tackles like a safety.  He has fluid hips and great footwork.  Thomas is a ballhawk with excellent awareness and would be a must addition to the Texans lacking defense.

 

Front Seven

The defensive front is dominated by the presence of defensive end Mario Williams and the boisterous toughness from linebackers Brian Cushing and Demeco Ryans.

While defensive end Conner Barwin and outside linebackers Xavier Adibi and Zac Diles illustrate growing potential to  become elite players, defensive linemen Tim Bulman, Deljaun Robinson, Shaun Cody, and Amobi Okoye haven’t lived up to their potential and need replacements. 

Unless they take Heisman Candidate running back Toby Gerhart, the second round target will be defensive tackle.  The class at the position is the best it’s been in years and is packed with players that can make an immediate impact.   

Jeff Owens, Geno Atkins, and Tyson Alualu are favorable prospects, but Cam Thomas is the best fit for his colossal size, assuming Terrence “Mount” Cody and Brian Price have already been taken.

 

Verse of this piece: “Don’t be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.  You will then be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.”—Romans 12:2

My Dad's Son has written a verse of his own choosing (unless one was requested) to every new article he has presented since he began with his 50th article.  If you do not share the same feelings for Christ, simply dismiss it. 

This is just something small that he hopes will inspire someone or someday begin somewhat of a trend. 

 

Bright Future

With the new additions at running back, defensive line, and secondary, this team will be poised to be a tough competitor.  The Colts should feel threatened.   

Houston has never made it to the post-season, but shows undisputed potential in a division that seems to be improving.  In their eight seasons as a franchise, the Houston Texans are only one of four teams to have never made a trip to the Super Bowl. 

They’re thought to have a pass, but I like the chances of them being the first to make the big stage.  The Texans’ hopes of getting there could be sooner then you might think.  In fact, they very well could be the New Orleans Saints of 2008 in a few years, if not beforehand.

With Pro Bowl MVP Matt Schaub having lead the league in passing with the best receiving connection with Andre Johnson, running back Steve Slaton returning healthy, tight end Owen Daniels ready to step up, and the D-Line and secondary receiving an upgrade, this team could be ruthlesss and demoralizing on its opponents.

Houston is almost a lock for the playoffs and barring a disaster to the organization—this team will show its greatness and assemble their first run at the postseason in 2010.

Thanks for reading, let me know your thoughts!