Houston Texans: Winners and Losers at the Season's Quarter Mark

Texan's fans rejoice. Your defense is no longer embarrassing. In fact, it is far from it. That's the primary reason why the Texans are no longer losers, and are one of the dark horses for the a Super Bowl title this year.

Not that this team doesn't have problems. Andre Johnson's hamstring injury, that could have him sidelined "a few days or three-to-four weeks," could cause tremendous problems for Houston's offense and scoring ability.

Can the Texans continue to be winners? They will if these guys keep playing the way they are. If the losers can step up, this team will be downright terrifying, and Houston's first playoff berth in franchise history will become a certainty.

Andre Johnson

Johnson has already hauled in 25 passes for 352 and a pair of touchdowns, giving him a stellar start through the first four games.

Johnson's title for best wide receiver in the NFL might be in jeopardy because of Calvin Johnson's incredible eight touchdowns, but he is still the premier player at his position without a doubt.

Unfortunately, Johnson's season might be coming to a screeching halt. He suffered a hamstring injury, without anyone touching him, against the Steelers on Sunday. It's reported he could be out three-to-four weeks, which would be a horrendous loss for the Texans.

Verdict: Winner and loser (only due to injuries)

Jacoby Jones/Bryant Johnson/Kevin Walter

The only other three receivers for the Houston Texans have been a disappointment.

Combined they have only 12 catches for a total of 156 yards, less than half of Andre Johnson's total. To put it simply, could you imagine what Andre Johnson could do with a viable No. 2 receiver?

The Texan's better hope their wide outs step up their game, and quickly. Luckily for the Texans, Arian Foster seems good to go.

Verdict: Losers

Texan's Secondary

The Texan's pass defense was historically bad last year. Quarterbacks passing against the Texan's had an average quarterback rating over 100.

This year, that's not the case.

The additions of Danieal Manning and Jonathan Joseph are paying instant dividends, as well as the guidance of Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator. The Texan's secondary is only ranked in middle of the pack, but that's light years better than 2010.

Manning and Joseph are each playing well in coverage. While Quentin Glover, Kareem Jackson and Jason Allen are all liabilities in coverage, their deficiencies are masked by a good pass rush.

Verdict: Winners

Mario Williams

Some would have expected Mario Williams to struggle in his move to outside linebacker from defensive end. They would be wrong.

Williams has been one of the most dominating rushers in the league so far. He's notched four sacks, two hits and 17 quarterback pressures. The 3-4 defense isn't slowing him down at all, in fact the speed and angle at which he comes may be helping him.

Williams has also been solid, though not spectacular, in run defense. Still, Williams has rushed the passer on 122 snaps, as opposed to only 79 in run defense, and only 16 in pass coverage.

Williams is a superstar. In his new position at outside linebacker he still has room to grow and become even more dominant.

Verdict: Winner

Offensive Line

The Texan's offensive line may not have recognizable names on it, but it is one of the best groups in the NFL.

The likes of Duane Brown and Chris Meyers lead this group, each opening gaping holes in the running game and allowing little to no pressure.

Matt Schaub has only been sacked four times on the season, hit four times and pressured 25 times, all of which are near the bottom of the league.

It's only a bonus that the Texans have capable backs in Arian Foster and Ben Tate, because any running back could run behind this line. They are an extremely physical group, Chris Meyers in particular, and are able to seal the outside and blowup defensive linemen.

Verdict: Winners

Run Defense

Not every facet of the Texan's defense is doing well this year. The Texan's are one of the worst run defending teams in the league.

In pure yardage, they're only 18th in the league, giving up 108 rush yards per game. However, teams have little opportunity to run on the Texans because of the high powered nature of their offense. Not only that, but the teams the Texans have faced, the Colts, Dolphins, Saints and Steelers, are not very good at running the ball.

According to profootballfocus.com the Texans are the fourth worst team at defending against the run. The defensive line is getting a lot of pressure, but they are generally getting mauled in the run game. The only person to grade positively is rookie J.J. Watt, who looks to be a keeper.

Verdict: Losers

Texan's Fans

There's no bigger winner right now than the Texan's fans. For the first time since the creation of the franchise they look like real winners.

Houston has gone toe-to-toe with New Orleans and Pittsburgh, and has played very well against both of them.

This could be the first time the city of Houston will see it's team usurp the once mighty Colts and win the AFC South and a playoff berth. This could also be the year Texan's fans see their team in the Super Bowl.

Verdict: Winners