2010 NFL Preview: Houston Texans
So we close out the first week of NFL Previews by taking a look in a new division, the AFC South. For a recap of the NFC South teams, click on their links:
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We begin in the AFC South with the Houston Texans, and resume Monday with the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans
The Houston Texans had a great season, they had their first winning season in franchise history, but they also missed out on the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. Looking back on the past weeks, the Texans were in prime position to clinch, but faltered down the stretch due missed field goals, defensive lapses, and simply a wrong twist of fate.
Now that they've knocked the pressure of a winning season, they are still the only team in all four major pro sports leagues to have never reached the playoffs. They look to improve on that this season. Gary Kubiak and his team are looking to make the playoffs in a very wide open AFC this season. Can they achieve their goals, or will they endure another year of disappointment? The Houston Texans are under the scope.
Recap:
- 2009 Record: 9-7, (2nd AFC South, missed playoffs)
- Key Additions: OL Wade Smith (Kansas City Chiefs), LB Danny Clark (New York Giants), K Neil Rackers (Arizona Cardinals)
- Key Departures: QB Rex Grossman (Washington Redskins), RB Ryan Moats (Minnesota Vikings), RB Chris Brown (free agency), G Chester Pitts (Seattle Seahawks), LB, Chaun Thompson (free agency), CB Dunta Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), S John Busing (free agency)
Overview:
Offense: Matt Schaub is back under helm, and he had a great season a year ago, in a year where he played a full season for the first time in his career. Since his arrival, his career and the Texans' offense has blasted off. Last season, he led the league in attempts, completions, and passing yardage, was in the top five in touchdown passes and completion percentage, and was seventh in the NFL in passer rating. His health will be the key in the Texans' drive to the playoffs, as he has to play all 16 games again for their success. He has Dan Orlovsky, who has game experience from his time with the Detroit Lions, and young QB John David Booty as the third string.
Continued on the next page
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