2008 Houston Texans Preview

      The Houston Texans spent the off-season shoring up a poorly rated defense from a year ago. This was an 8 – 8 team last year that surprised everybody. They are looking to put more pieces in place and take another step in 2008.

      This is a team with football talent. Quarterback Matt Schaub was proficient when he was on the field. He needs to stay healthy for the Texans to add to their win total. Wide receiver Andre Johnson flies under the radar in a position filled with household names, but is a legitimate star in the NFL. Their offense should get the necessary rounding out with the acquisition of running back Chris Brown coming from Tennessee. If Brown or Ahman Green can establish themselves in a forceful running game, Texas will win more than 8 games this year.

      The Houston defense needs to be more consistent this year. Mario Williams is coming off a stellar year where he got snubbed from the Pro Bowl. His intimidating defense should continue as he proves to the rest of the NFL that he belongs in Hawaii. Houston contributed to the defense by signing linebackers Chaun Thompson and Kevin Bentley, along with cornerback Jacques Reeves. Reeves played very well for Dallas last season. The Texans also signed Nick Ferguson at safety.

      The Texans produced a good record at 8 – 8, but still had trouble winning in a tough AFC South with only one win. The division is tough again this year and Houston has three early division games in a row, at Tennessee (Sept. 21), at Jacksonville (Sept. 28), and hosting the Colts (Oct 5), that can have them playing catch up for the rest of the year.

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