Can Texans Post Best Ever Winning Record On The Way To Playoffs?

Deep in the heart of football country there is a Texas size, lofty yet realistic expectation for the 2009 season. Houston has been down this road before, after knocking on the door of the playoffs for the last 2 years, it is now the Texans who feel they are going to kick the door in. Yes those were famous words of the LOV YA BLUE days, when the city was breathing in the air of excitement that comes with great expectations which are felt again today.

What are the realistic 2009 season expectations for the Houston Texans? The Playoffs is realistic goal, a Super bowl appearance like Card's Cinderella story would exceed all expectations. However, falling below an 8-8 record would be way short of the team’s potential, no matter what obstacles they face.

In order to exceed the expectations, first start by keeping up with the neighbors and win games inside the division. Their third ranked offense should be able to score enough points to match the Colt’s offensive firepower. Last year they showed the ability to run the ball as effectively as Tennessee’s and Jacksonville’s heralded ground games.

The play of a rookie running back from the third round surprised everyone last year with the unprecedented output in the running game by future super star RB Steve Slaton. This years offensive weapons drafted in the late rounds can also render an unexpected boost to the offense in the blocking of TE Anthony Hill (4th round) and versatility of HB/FB/TE James Casey (5th round). Matt Schaub’s QB play is only surpassed by arguably the best receiver in football in WR Andre Johnson. By seasons ends Houston will have a new trio of legitimate NFL super stars in QB Schaub, RB Slaton, and TE Owen Daniels to go along with an established star in WR Johnson.

When the Mario Williams over Reggie Bush pick unfolded, it was obvious the goal was to contain the MVP Quarterback play that dominated in the AFC. A stronger pass rush improves the ability to cover the opponent's wide receivers and thus complements a solid line backing corps lead by pro bowl caliber player LB DeMeco Ryans. In addition to Ryans we have dominant players in all three areas of the defense, in the defensive line the development of DE Williams and in the secondary with the expected return to form by CB Dunta Robinson. The Draft provided another premier linebacker in Brian Cushing (1st round) and a pass rush specialists Connor Barwin (2nd round), while free agency brought DE Antonio Smith from the Cardinals in order to improve the depth and play on the defensive side.

There are many obstacles like potential injuries to key players that could happen to every team, but only the determination of those who play can overcome the uncertainty of the injuries. In spite of Sage Rosenfeld's helicopter moves and untimely errors, he was a proven backup QB that eased concerns regarding the health of often injured QB Schaub. Another catastrophic obstacle to the season’s success would be injuries to the Texans best player WR Johnson who is dominant, but often misses time nursing back into health. Also without another RB that can effectively share the load of carries, wear and tear may lead to injuries and fatigue for smallish RB Slaton; finally CB Robinson will be counted on to comeback to pro bowl form after major surgery, but the team’s reluctance to sign him to a long term deal can be attributed to health concerns and mediocre play of the recovering CB.

Ask yourself what else could go wrong? Those teams in a strong AFC south division could rebound to top form like Jacksonville that suffered through injuries last year or the Colts who struggled with inconsistent play, while the Titans last year's division winners will also be a difficult obstacle to overcome. For some time the Texans have reminded me of a Chinese proverb: “do not be afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” However, the Texans realistically will not be complacent anymore with a mere winning record since it is now the time to stampede into the playoffs.