Mario Williams Injury: Houston Texans Should Still Make Playoffs

Houston Texans defensive star Mario Williams will miss the remainder of the 2011 NFL season with a torn pectoral muscle on which he will have surgery this week, according to the Houston Chronicle's John McClain's Twitter.

The Houston Texans defense has been much improved from a year ago, especially against the pass. Williams' ability to pressure the opposing quarterback helps ease the burden of the Texans secondary, which was bolstered this year by the summer signing of free agent cornerback Jonathan Joseph.

Williams injured his pectoral muscle in Houston's heartbreaking loss to the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. He had five sacks on the season.

As a team, the Texans have 15 sacks, and the attention offenses pay to Williams opens up sack opportunities for his teammates. Without Super Mario on the field, the Texans pass rush will have a more difficult time getting to the quarterback.

The Texans were 1-2 without Williams last season, when he was battling a groin injury. 

Even without Williams, the Texans should still make the playoffs for the first time in team history by winning the AFC South division.

The division is much weaker this season, with Peyton Manning not leading the Indianapolis Colts, who are 0-5. The Jacksonville Jaguars are 1-4, and the Tennessee Titans—who are not as good as the Texans—are tied for the division lead with Houston at 3-2.

The Texans are still getting acclimated to the 3-4 defense they have used this season, and while the loss of Williams will certainly hurt, they have a couple guys who are capable of stepping up.

Rookie and first round pick JJ Watt is a talented defensive end and has the potential to be a solid pass-rusher in the NFL.

The Texans also drafted linebacker Brooks Reed from Arizona in the second round, and he has had a good early season after a solid training camp.

Mario Williams' season-ending injury will hurt the Texans, but they have young players who are talented enough to help fill his role as an effective pass-rusher.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, follow him on Twitter for the latest sports news and updates.  Follow @NicholasGoss35