Last week, on SportsRadio 610 I listened to a conversation focusing on three Texans players the hosts and callers thought needed to "take it to the next level" for the team to be successful. There were some good names thrown out: Connor Barwin, Gary Kubiak, Steve Slaton...Good choices all.
Meant to illustrate that the Texans are close to the playoffs, that so many players & coaches were named reveals just how weak the Texans are in many key areas. More than three Texans, I think there are three AREAS in which the team must show improvement to make a run at the playoffs.....
1. Backfields. - Steve Slaton, Arrian Foster & Ben Tate HAVE to run the ball better in order for the Texans to be a playoff contender. Last year the Texans ranked 30th (out of 32 teams) in rushing. Moving up to the middle of the pack would help them greatly. Also, the Defensive back needs to cover better, stop giving up the big play, and create turnovers. They have to do this with a starting roster that would be sitting on the bench for all but a few of the worst teams in the league.
2. Line play - On both sides of the ball. Not only does the O-line need to grasp the zone blocking scheme, but the D-line needs to get pressure on the opposing teams quarterback. Both of these units need to step up as a group.
3. Coaching - Time management, play calling and game preparation have to get better for the Texans to succeed. They won't win with Kubiak repeatedly saying "my fault" at the end of every game.
My early impression was 5-11, that's tempered a little, but I still don't see them finishing above .500 this year.