2009 NFL Football Preview - Houston Texans
In all reality, the Texans had their season killed once they blew a 17-point lead in regulation in the last five minutes at home to Indianapolis in the fourth game. That dropped them to 0-4. Though they would rally to win seven of the next 10, a loss in Oakland in the 16th week ended the chances of the franchise's first-ever winning season. Since the offense averaged third in yards but only 17th in points scored, perhaps Houston didn't deserve to make the playoffs. This is Gary Kubiak's fourth season, and Matt Schaub (a former Michael Vick backup in Atlanta) has been under center for him every snap when healthy. The minus-23 turnover ratio in these first three years has to raise red flags to astute Houston observers. Defensive line coach Frank Bush was promoted to run the defense this season. D-line freak Mario Williams (12) was the only Texan to record more than four sacks. There is stability at cornerback, but the rest of the defense has holes that hopefully will be addressed by draft choices Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin. The Texans had just 25 sacks and 12 interceptions, and if those numbers don't rise, then Houston won't win, and Kubiak might not keep his job. |