The Judge's Verdict: Defensive Drafting for the Houston Texans

There are some things you can not get away with, going 48 in a 35 on your way to work is one of them. Sure enough, this occurrence happened to me a few weeks back, and I knew as soon as I saw the flashing red and blue...I was done.

The same can be said for the Houston Texans, only their "red and blue" was finishing 23rd in the league in rushing yards allowed and 17th in passing yards allowed.

A week or so later, my dreaded court date arrived. This being my first ticket, I had no idea what to expect. The only thing I knew was that I was required to bring 100 dollars in court fees, and that was bad enough already.

Sitting in the courtroom waiting for the other cases to be heard was a scary moment for me, and I am 100 percent positive that I will never make the mistake of being late to work again.

My name was called, "Patrick Lacey" nothing more, nothing less...No gesture to come forward, no instructions, just "Patrick Lacey."

I walked up to the judge and expected the worst when he asked what my plea was. "Guilty" I responded, with a look so dejected, the rest of the court room must have assumed that I robbed a bank.

At that moment the judge said, "Would you like to take defensive driving as an alternative?"

100 pounds was lifted from my back instantly, as I responded with a grateful "Yes please."

And that was the end, I filled out my paperwork, got the information on my excited new defensive driving course, and left the courtroom with a look of relief.

I thought to myself "Defensive Driving, wow, now I don't have to worry about my insurance rate sky-rocketing."

Well today, the roles change...In the Case: Houston Texans vs. Patrick Lacey, my verdict is "Defensive Drafting," and the Texans seem to have carried out their required duties.

Okay, so maybe the stories aren't entirely relevant, but one thing is certain. The Texans NEED to get defensive if they look to compete in the AFC South this season.

I think the front office did a fine job in pursuing free agents such as former Pro-Bowl linebacker Cato June, and defensive end/tackle Shaun Cody.

Both players bring depth to a front seven that desperately needed help after last season.

Also, like they did in 2006, the Texans got defensive during the NFL Draft selecting outside linebacker Brian Cushing from USC in the first round. Cushing gives the Texans one of the best outside linebackers in all of college football, and he should make an immediate impact this season.

Cushing is known for his diversity, in being a great run-stopper, as well as putting pressure on opposing QB's. I believe the Texans will have him line up on the strong side with Mario Williams, creating multiple blitz packages out of the 3-4.

Without Cushing, teams were able to key in on Williams after his stellar 2007 season and assign double teams on most running plays to the outside, as well as using a fullback or running back to help out on play-action passes and most plays out of the shotgun.

If you look at the Texans worst defensive outings this past season, the game that stands out the most is the Week 10 loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The balanced " smash-mouth" attack from the Ravens physically dominated Houston's front seven, (most specifically Williams) rushing for over 140 yards and passing for 185.

Most of those passing yards were to TE Todd Heap, who creates mismatches against most linebackers in the NFL. TE's are especially effective against a 3-4 defense, as they usually get a free release off the ball.

With the drafting of Cushing, the signing of June and Cody, and second round draft pick Connor Barwin (defensive end from Cincinnati), the Texans are looking to make sure the front seven will be the focal point on their defense, instead of being their weakest.

For Houston, the "Defensive Drafting" course is not yet over. There are still holes at a few key positions, including strong safety, weak side corner, and a nickel corner as well.

If the Texans can not address these issues by making trades, or filling the needs with players already on their roster, expect them to spend another season as the only NFL franchise without a playoff berth. If they CAN find someone, to fill any of those three positions, I expect this team to turn a few heads.

As the draft history shows, the Texans are indeed getting defensive. But with the offense looking to go 60 in a school zone this season, hopefully the defense plays it's role in getting Houston out of a ticket and into the playoffs.