Houston Texans Looking For Luck in 2009

Hilary Duff is not the answer for the Houston Texans.  Duff announced that she would be singing at some of the games this 2009 season to build up the excitement and the atmosphere.  The 12-year old contingent should be excited.  The Houston Texans need a different 4-letter word than Duff.  They need some luck. 

The 2009 season is approaching and expectations seem to be high for this year's Texans.  After going 8 -8 the past two seasons, there is even talk of winning the AFC South.  The Texans can only do so if they shake the bad luck streak they are on.  Last year, injuries hurt the Texans and depth proved to be the weak link on the team.  While this year's draft and free agent acquisitions have built up the defense, the offense still has holes. QB Matt Schaub could be a Pro-Bowler this year; he definitely has the talent.  His problem is staying healthy. He missed 10 games over the past 2 seasons and his back-ups don't scare anyone.  The wide reciever and running back positions are not strong either. Pro Bowler WR Andre Johnson is a difference maker and a star player in the NFL.  There's no doubt he we do well, but he would do better if there was a receiver among the crew to step-up their game. Another injury to Johnson like in 2007 would devastate the WR corps.  It looks to be running back by committee this season for the Texans, as well.  RB Steve Slaton had a tremendous rookie season last year and looks to continue that production in 2009.  The concern is he isn't a bruising back and can get nicked up in the league.  The depth at running back is lacking as well. 

If injuries can be limited, the offense will do fine.  I don't see that being the case.  There isn't enough depth on this year's Texan's offense to give any room for catastrophe.  With their tougher schedule and being in the AFC South, things will be rough again for the Texans.  The Titans and Colts are the only two teams to have won the division and there's nothing that says that pattern will change.   The Texans should go 9-7 this year which is an improvement and would be their first winning season of the franchise.  Hilary Duff should be happy with that.