The Texans had the talent, but not the chemistry in 2013 to get them more than two wins, resulting in a change in leadership. Are the Texans strong enough to get into the playoffs in 2014?
The Texans enter the 2014 season looking nowhere but up. Two straight years of playoff appearances was succeeded by a 2-14 season, resulting in pink slips for head coach Gary Kubiak, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and QB Matt Schaub – along with the rest of Kubiak’s supporting staff. But first year head coach Bill O’Brien has plenty to work with if he wants to make a mark for himself in what is arguably the weakest division in the NFL.
When a team brings the league’s best defensive player and the best defensive prospect since Lawrence Taylor to the same training camp it’s hard not to fantasize about the kind of havoc they can bring to an opposing offense. And that’s exactly what the Texans have with JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. Everyone in football wants to see if Clowney can be anywhere near as good as he was when he became a household name in college. And if he can be and manages to pair artfully with Watt, the rest of the league will be put on notice.
The QB position is harder to gauge. Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick is slated to start but Case Keenum showed some flashes in 2013 and Tom Savage is the QB O’Brien drafted – so anything can happen if someone shines in the pre-season.
Lastly is the Andre Johnson situation – Johnson is trying desperately to get out of Houston, but the Texans do not appear to be budging. While they have plenty of talent on offense, the loss of Johnson would hurt – statistically and morally. For the sake of avoiding distractions they may want to get the issues with Johnson resolved sooner rather than later.
The Texans report to training camp in Houston, Texas on July 25th.
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