Houston Texans – 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis

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The New Kid in Texas

The youngest franchise in the NFL is still working to get their feet on the ground. The 15 year old expansion team, the Houston Texans will head into the 2017 season without a definitive starting quarterback. Last season the Texans ended with a regular season record of 9-7 behind the arm of Brock Osweiler. Their defense was ranked #1 in the NFL and they made the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row. If the Texans can find a way to sort out their passing game, they could become an elite team on top of the AFC South.

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Quarterback Competition

In March the Texans traded their starting quarterback, Brock Osweiler, to the Cleveland Browns for a 2018 second round draft pick and a sixth round pick for the 2017 draft. Texans GM Rick Smith said the move was to free up cash and salary cap space in an effort to improve the team. In the first round of the 2017 draft, the Houston Texans took Clemson’s Deshaun Watson with the 12th overall pick. Watson will have a chance to fill the role as a starting quarterback if he can beat out 4th-year QB Tom Savage for playing time. Currently it looks like the Texans will head into Week 1 with Savage at the helm. He had a sharp pre-season matchup versus the New England Patriots and he will look to carry it over into the regular season. If Savage doesn’t remain vigilant and on top of his game, expect rookie Watson to earn some snaps behind the center.

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Establishing the Run-Game

The Texans are pre-dominantly a run-heavy offense. After losing their veteran rusher Arian Foster, Houston brought in Lamar Miller from the Miami Dolphins. He became a workhorse and battled through injuries all last season. This year the Texans look to lighten Miller’s load and they brought in a good back to do so. In the third round of the 2017 draft, the Texans took RB D’Onta Foreman at pick #89 out of Texas. Foreman is a big body that has the agility and quickness of a small back. He will certainly earn touches over the course of the season to help ease Miller’s job. If the Texans can establish the run, it will take a lot of pressure off the starting quarterback which could lead to an enhanced passing game.

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Player to Watch

Deandre Hopkins
Hopkins had a breakout year in 2015 with 11 touchdowns and over 1,500 receiving yards. Last year, Hopkins fell short with only 4 touchdowns and 954 receiving yards. The lack of production can be blamed on Houston’s quarterback position. If Savage or Watson steps up during the 2017 season, you can expect Deandre Hopkins to look more like he did 2015.

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The Defense

The Texans defense is notorious for being one of the best D’s in the league. Over the offseason the Texans brought in former Patriots linebacker, Mike Vrabel to become their new defensive coordinator. Houston also drafted Vanderbilt linebacker, Zach Cunningham in the 2nd round of the 2017 draft with pick #57. Cunningham, who led the SEC with 125 tackles last year, will be joining JJ Watt and Brian Cushing on one of the most fearsome defenses in the NFL.

The Takeaway

The added depth in the backfield could give the Texans what they need to take the team to the next level. If either of the quarterbacks rise to the occasion, the Texans will be a sneaky team in 2017. With a top notch defense and special teams unit, expect Houston to keep the opponents score to a minimum.

Houston Texans Website: http://www.houstontexans.com/

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-- @jeffjagoe --

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32 Teams in 32 Days - Countdown to the NFL Season

Day 1 - Oakland Raiders

Day 2 - San Francisco 49ers

Day 3 - Kansas City Chiefs

Day 4 - New York Jets

Day 5 - Atlanta Falcons

Day 6 - Green Bay Packers

Day 7 - Minnesota Vikings

Day 8 - Dallas Cowboys

Day 9 - Buffalo Bills

Day 10 – Denver Broncos

Day 11 - New York Giants

Day 12 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Day 13 – Pittsburg Steelers

Day 14 – Baltimore Ravens