The Houston Texans have wallowed in mediocrity for years and every season the NFL experts predict they will have their breakout season. Houston has shown flashes of greatness in recent years, including their solid season in 2009. Houston posted their first winning NFL season in franchise history at 9-7 and finished the season strong with four wins. If they can stay more consistent in the middle of their schedule in 2010 the NFL Playoffs should be in their future.
Houston Texan Defense Key to Getting to NFL Playoffs
Houston improved on their defense in the 2009 NFL season and heading into the 2010 season Houston appears to be stronger, despite losing their second year linebacker and 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Brian Cushing.
Houston was ridiculed for passing on Reggie Bush with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft five years ago but their pick of Mario Williams at the defensive end position has created a solid defensive line for years to come. Williams has the speed of a linebacker and strength down low to fight in the trenches when needed.
Houston will need to put an emphasis on their corners in 2010. They did address the issue with a solid fifth round pick in the NFL Draft, Sherrick McManis out of Northwestern. McManis was Northwestern's Defensive MVP in 2009 and has a nose for the ball, intercepting nine passes and breaking up 30. McManis can be an impact player as a rookie if he can get on the field. As of now Kareem Jackson, also a cornerback is unsigned but expected to make an impact on defense in 2010.
Houston Needs to Maintain High-Powered Offense in the 2010 NFL Season
One aspect of Houston's game that has been close to perfect is their offense. Under the leadership of quarterback Matt Schaub, Houston's offense has been a well oiled machine. Schaub has several weapons at receiver, including league leading receiver, Andre Johnson.
Johnson is the perfect target for Schaub with his height and size, Johnson has a definite advantage over the smaller cornerbacks in the NFL. As a perfect complement to Johnson, Kevin Walter is a gritty receiver who isn't afraid to run across the middle, similar to New England Patriot star, Wes Welker. With Johnson down the sidelines and Walter across the middle, Schaub has plenty to work with.
In 2009 Schaub did lose one of his key receivers, tight end Owen Daniels, with a knee injury in week eight. Daniels is a key player in the Houston offense and it did affect the teams rhythm for a few games. The positive aspect of the Daniels injury was more playing time for tight ends, Joel Dreessen and James Casey.
The running game led by running back, Steve Slaton is a perfect complement to the aggressive passing game run by Schaub. Slaton was the perfect style back in the Houston offense. Slaton had an off year in 2009 ending the season on the injured reserve and it did affect the overall offense. Houston used Chris Brown and Ryan Moats to compensate for the loss of Slaton's 1200 plus yards in 2008.
Final Analysis of Houston Texans 2010 NFL Season
Houston has everything going for them heading into the 2010 NFL season. On offense, a quarterback in Matt Schaub that is confident and accurate and a group of talented receivers that know how to gain yards after the catch. On defense, a developing young crew of hard-nosed players that have tremendous instincts to the ball. This may be the season that Houston finally rises out of the shadow cast by division rival, Indianapolis and wins the AFC South title.
Todd Jacobs - Todd Jacobs is a freelance writer with publishing credits including USA Today, Orange County Register and Speed TV.
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