Texans Search For Answers

       The more things change the more they stay the same.  This saying may never be more true than in the case of the Houston Texans. In what most people expected to be a great preseason and breakout year for the Texans, it’s actually shaping up to be the exact opposite.

             There were high hopes for the Texans at the start of the preseason. They had seemingly solved some of the nagging problems that they’ve had since joining the NFL as an expansion team in 2002. They have a lot of speed and talent on special teams and Backup QB Sage Rosenfels was traded to the Vikings leaving no questions that Matt Schaub would be their guy. The biggest issue of concern for the Texans has always been at the line, both on offense and defense. The problem isn’t that they aren’t talented, just inconsistent. The Texans have always been a fair- weather team, who at times has shown to be at the head of the class, and yet other times presumably absent.

           The preseason started out great with an impressive victory over KC. The defense was sound and the offense was clicking. The following game which was the preseason home opener against the Saints proved to be a very different story. What we saw was something reminiscent of the same old Texans. The defense was being pushed around far too easily. The Saints’ running game not only dominated but made a show of it. The offense never really got things going and the end result was as bad as you’d expect given those conditions. 

   All is not lost however and the Texans could still live up to this seasons expectations. They have a few players who could seriously help in the long run. Chris Brown and Ryan Moats along with Steve Slaton have all been impressive at the running back position and may prove to be a triple threat.  Defensive End Mario Williams is on track to have an awesome season and when Amobi Okoye recovers from his injury he’ll have much needed help at the line. Andre Johnson, who is widely regarded as one of the top receivers in the game, appears to be ready to have another great season. The only real mystery is what happens with star cornerback Dunta Robinson, who has so far not reported to training camp. Robinson, a pro-bowler and the team’s defensive anchor is holding out and requesting that the Texans not put a franchise tag on him for the second straight season. He is the final piece to the puzzle, and the Texans will likely do what’s necessary for both sides to be happy. If all goes well the Texans may finally be consistent and do something different. Win.