NFL Predictions: 5 Reasons Houston Texans Will Surprise Critcs

Andre Johnson and the Houston Texans are, once again, surrounded by tons of hype and high expectations, and I believe they will finally live up to those expectations. 

At the beginning of many offseasons past, the Texans were always the sexy pick for everyone. They have always had very exciting talent.

However, they never seem to put it together.

This year, expect things to change and here are five reasons why.

1. Wade Phillips

Under head coach Gary Kubiak, the Texans always have had a very good offense.

However, the defense is what always comes up to bite Houston in the rear end.

This year, the Texans biggest offseason acquisition was not a player.

It was new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

Phillips was not a very good head coach but he is a fantastic defensive coach.

His defenses, especially in Dallas prior to 2010, have been amazing.

Wade Phillips' Dallas' defense was ranked in the top 10 in total defense in every season leading up to the 2010 disaster in Dallas. They were also amongst the best at getting the QB sacked.

Houston now has an elite defensive coach to go with their elite offensive coach in Gary Kubiak.

A combination Houston has yet to see.

2. The Offseason Moves

The Texans had a busy offseason.

Their first move was to pick up Wade Phillips as their new defensive coordinator.

Then the Texans picked up a true No. 1 CB in Johnathan Joseph.

He has very good on-balls skills and saw a lot of success as a Bengal.

Over the past five seasons, he has more INTs than Nnamdi Asomugha.

And he is cheaper than Asomugha.

This allowed the Texans to add more depth to their secondary with the signing of S Danieal Manning.

Manning gives the Texans a lot of experience as he comes over from Chicago, where he was a part of some excellent Bears' defenses.

This gives the Texans the best pass defense they have had in their short history

3. J.J. Watt

Rookie DE J.J. Watt is an absolute game changer for the Texans this season.

Everyone knows about his overall effort and high motor.

However, his athleticism just does not get talked about enough.

He had very good combine numbers for a 6'6", 290+ pound defensive end. He finished in the top five for bench press, vertical jump and the cone drill.

He is quick, with massive hands. He is just pure man.

Watt also has the poise and maturity to really take this defense to the next level.

Coaches all throughout his playing career have ranted and raved about his professionalism and now the Texans are going to reap the benefits. 

With one of the best LB cores in all of the NFL, (Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans, Connor Barwin and fellow rookie Brooks Reed) Watt's presence is even more amplified because he cannot be double-teamed. If they do, that opens up the door for one of the many pass-rushing LBs the Texans have.

4. Offensive Depth

The Texans have a lot of talented players at many positions. 

On offense they have a full arsenal of RB, WR and TE to surround QB Matt Schaub.

At RB, the Texans have not only Arian Foster, they also have Ben Tate, who ran for 116 yards in Week 1 in place of the injured Foster, and Derrick Ward, who averaged over six yards per carry last year in limited action as Foster's backup.

Ward also ran one in for a TD against the Colts before getting injured.

At WR, the Texans do not just have Andre Johnson. They also have Kevin Walter.

He is a very solid No. 2 option and gets no credit for what he brings to the table. He has underrated quickness and very reliable hands.

Kevin Walter is injured now and might be out for a week or two.

However, athletic WR Jacoby Jones is a deep threat that can really stretch the field and is a very exciting wideout who is third on the depth chart. We saw his speed and athleticism on his punt return TD.

TE Owen Daniels looks to be back fully healthy now and adds another big target for Schaub to throw to.

The Texans also have a wild card in TE/FB James Casey. He is very versatile and has underrated athleticism. He has great hands and good physical toughness to set up lead blocks as FB.

5. Defensive Depth

On the DL the Texans feature rookie J.J. Watt and many other talented players.

DT Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell are both getting a lot of playing time. Cody is a solid technique tackle, but Mitchell is quicker and more athletic.

The Texans also have Antonio Smith to join the line and help add to an already dangerous pass rush.

At LB, the Texans are very scary.

They have Mario Williams playing OLB after moving from DE.

He already has a sack and forced fumble at his new position.

Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans are both former Defensive Rookie of the Year winners, so we know they are very talented. 

Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed are both strong, physical LB that really get after the QB.

Reed is especially exciting. Like Watt, he also has a high motor and good physical skills.

After the addition of Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning, the Texans now have legitimate depth at DB.

Former first round pick Kareem Jackson will now have help around him as he looks to rebound after a disappointing rookie season in 2010.

Jason Allen has emerged as a solid DB and has challenged Jackson for a starting job.

Rookie Brandon Harris also adds another talented pass defender. He is quick and can really get after the ball.

Glover Quinn now can move back to his natural position of safety and looks to make a bigger impact on the defense playing along side Danieal Manning.