Five Most Effective Players For Houston Texans In 2008

NFL football teams win games through the utilization of strengths while capitalizing on mistakes, creating turnovers, managing ball control and exploiting opponent’s weaknesses

When determining a team’s five most effective players during a season, several evaluation tools come into play. Basically, one looks for a player’s ability to add a new dimension to the game. It’s more than just saying that a player is a great quarterback, receiver, running back or records a substantial amount of interceptions, sacks or tackles on defense.

Sometimes, the player who doesn't get the recognition is the key component for a successful play. Also, it takes dedication on the player's part to execute the playbook within the particular offensive or defensive schemes. For the Houston Texans, the following were the five most effective players on the 2008 squad:

1) Andre Johnson

Pound for pound, the best wide receiver in the NFL. He led the league in receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,575 yards). Johnson recorded his first 200-yard game of his career Dec. 14 at home against the Tennessee Titans.

He tied a career high with eight touchdowns while thriving in the Texans' traditional XYZ formation.

Johnson lines up on the opposite side of tight end Owen Daniel and No. 2 receiver Kevin Walter. Can overpower most top cover corners with his ability to beat "bump and run" coverage.

Even when defensive backs cut off his routes, he finds a way to get open. Creates double and triple teams, allowing QB Matt Schaub to spread the ball around the field.

If Johnson draws a triple team and either TE Owen Daniels or No.2 receiver Kevin Walter makes the reception, the former University of Miami standout did his job.

2) Steve Slaton

The 2008 third-round draft pick excelled in Gary Kubiak’s offensive scheme last season. Slaton led all rookies with 1,282 rushing yards (a franchise record) on 288 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

He added another 377 yards on 50 receptions. The Texans intended to make Slaton a third-down back back, but he emerged as the team’s No. 1 back after an injury to Ahman Green.

Finished sixth in the NFL in rushing. Lacks prototypical size (5-foot-9, 203 pounds), but makes up for it with blazing speed. Ideal running back for the team’s zone blocking scheme. Can slash and cut back to find the open hole.

Slaton expects to get hit hard based on head coach Gary Kubiak's offensive scheme. The success of the Texans depends on him staying healthy over the course of the regular season. Currently, Houston still lacks an adequate backup.

3) Mario Williams 

The No. 1 pick of the 2006 NFL Draft has emerged into a Pro Bowl defensive end. His size (6-foot-6, 283 pounds) is enough to intimidate opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks.

Selected to his first Pro Bowl as a starter last season after recording 12 sacks and 53 tackles. Had three sacks and one forced fumble in the team’s first ever appearance on Monday Night Football.

More than just a prototypical defensive lineman in a 4-3 style of defense. His presence on the field alters the success of opposing offenses. His talent and skills makes him a threat on any given play.

Williams improved several technical weaknesses from his 2006 rookie campaign, which resulted in 14 sacks for the former NC State All-American in 2007. Keeps his feet on the ground and uses short, quick steps. No longer uses long strides to get to the quarterback. 

4) Dunta Robinson

The Texans’ star cornerback returned last season in week 7 from a potential career threatening torn right ACL and hamstring injury suffered on Nov. 4, 2007 against the Oakland Raiders.

Team finished with a 7-4 record upon his returned to the lineup. Considered one of the best cover corners in the NFL. Thrives in the Texans’ “cover 2” defensive back scheme. Presents an exciting one-on-one matchup against opponent’s No. 1 receiver. Ranks as one of the most effective “bump and run” corners.

Can get his hands in the right position to disrupt a wide receiver’s route. Robinson has the ability to watch his opponent’s belt buckle and take away four of five potential routes a wide receiver can run on a given play.

Quarterbacks tend to throw away from him during games. Recently, he became the first Texans player in history to be given the franchise tag.

5) Jacoby Jones

The third-round draft pick out of Lane College in 2007 impacts the Texans on special teams. Football is a game of field position.

In order for an offense to thrive, it’s the responsibility of special teams and the kick or punt returner to give the offense great field position and protect the football.

In 2008, Jones averaged 12.1 yard per punt return on 32 returns. He ran back two punts for touchdowns and recorded six returns of 20+ yards and two for 40+ yards. His longest return was for 73 yards.

Was susceptible to fumbles at times, but overall, proved to be a valuable commodity in establishing solid field position for the Texans’ offense.

Honorable mentionees: TE Owen Daniels, LB DeMeco Ryans, QB Matt Schaub, OL Chester Pitts