Kevin Walter's Return Means the Return of the Texans' Dynamic Offense

Houston Texans wide receiver Kevin Walter, coming off of a 2008 season that saw him catch 60 balls for nearly 900 yards, is likely to return to action this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Walter has yet to play in the regular season due to a hamstring injury.

Last season, with a healthy Walter complimenting superstar Andre Johnson, the Texans ranked third in the league in offense. This season, without their undisputed number two wide receiver, the Texans have played one embarrassing game and one terrific game. 

How much has Walter's absence impacted the Texans? 

It's hard to say that a healthy Walter would have had any impact on the manhandling the offensive line received against the Rex Ryan led New York Jets. The problem there was not the wide receivers, but the time given to quarterback Matt Schaub.

Against division rival Tennessee, Schaub was given more time, Andre Johnson worked his magic, and the Texans won on the road. In addition, Schaub was awarded AFC offensive player of the week. How much more could Walter have helped in the passing game?

In his absence, two other Texans have tried to replace Walter. First, against the Jets, Andre Davis stepped into the lineup. We all saw his alligator armed attempt to catch a key third down pass from Schaub. Clearly, Davis is not the possession receiver Walter is. 

Catching clutch third downs has become Walter's specialty over the past two seasons in Houston. Of his 125 receptions over the past two season, 82 have gone for first downs, an outstanding number. 

Jacoby Jones next tried to replace Walter in the starting lineup against the Titans. Jacoby is the model of inconsistency.  On back to back plays, he dropped an easy first down and followed that up by scoring a 29-yard touchdown.

Jones was not terrible in replacing Walter, but was far from the clutch possession receiver Walter has become for the Texans.

Jones excels in speed routes. He doesn't run precise routes, and scouts have said he rounds his routes off, telegraphing them to the defense. Further, Jones' hands pale in comparison to Walter's hands.

On the other hand, Walter runs precise routes. He breaks sharply in and out of routes.  Walter is also adept at using his size (6'3", 218 pounds) to overpower opposing defensive backs.

If Walter is able to return this week from his hamstring injury, the Texans receiving corps will be at full strength for the first time all season. Walter means a great deal to the offense.

In addition to being an above average blocker in the run game (something neither Davis nor Jones are even average at), Walter's return brings stability to the offense. Jones, Davis, and even David Anderson are able to return to their defined roles.

Andre Johnson remains the superstar receiver and will continue to face double teams over the top to prevent him from catching deep balls. Underneath, Walter will return to his strength and help the Texans move the chains.

While using the term in the most positive manner, Walter is the true definition of a possession receiver. Nearly 66 percent of his receptions over the past two seasons have gone for first downs. Walter can help keep drives alive by picking up first downs.

Walter can also help in other phases of the game. He can help keep the offense on the field and get the defense some rest. His return will allow Jones to return to punt return duties and Davis to return to kickoff duties full time. Both can be at full strength for special teams work. 

Walter can open things up in the run game both by blocking and drawing attention from linebackers and safeties who are concerned with his underneath routes.  I don't know if Walter's absence has led to running back Steve Slaton's early struggles, but his return can only be positive.

Owen Daniels, fresh off of his first Pro Bowl, will be another beneficiary of Walter's return.  The middle of the field will be more difficult to cover with both Walter and Daniels running routes.  Defenses will be unable to double team both, and if Schaub is given enough time and protection, the Texans will move the chains and score more points. 

In the end, Walter's return means everything to the Texans. For a team that has forged an identity on being a dynamic offensive team, playing at full strength means a great deal. 

Walter's return is worth more than his 60 catches and 899 yards. His return signals the resurgence of Texans firepower.