Houston Texans 2008 Season Preview

Houston Texans Preview: Overview

The Houston Texans finished the 2007 NFL season with an 8-8 record, the best showing in the team’s short history. The addition of offensive-line guru Alex Gibbs, along with a franchise left tackle and possible franchise running back means that the Houston Texans are ready to field their best offensive unit since their inception. An improving young defense will also be the key to taking the AFC South from the Indianapolis Colts.

Houston Texans Preview: Off Season

The Houston Texans entered the 2008 NFL Draft with big needs on the offensive line, in the secondary, and the running back position. After some trades before the NFL Draft, the Texans only had five picks. The Houston Texans would eventually trade down with the Baltimore Ravens and snag two more picks. The Houston Texans used their first round pick on LT Duane Brown, who will be the long-awaited franchise LT. In the third round, the Houston Texans got what might be the steal of the 2008 NFL Draft by landing RB Steve Slaton, a fast runner who fits the Houston Texans system to a T. Way down in the 5th round, the Houston Texans may have landed another steal with large-and-in-charge DT Frank Okam, who should start right away.

The Houston Texans made an off-season splash outside the 2008 NFL Draft in free agency and trades. CB Jacques Reeves was brought in from the Dallas Cowboys and should start. C Chris Meyers is another system fit, coming over from the Denver Broncos and is also a new starter. OLB/DE Rosevelt Colvin brings veteran leadership and another pass-rusher into the fold. RB Chris Brown is a thumper to go along with the speed of Steve Slaton.

Houston Texans Preview: Offense

Offensive line coach Alex Gibbs could be the most important offensive acquisition for the Houston Texans in 2008. Gibbs’ zone blocking system consistently makes 1,000-yard rushers. Alex Gibbs will also dramatically increase the pass protection. QB Matt Schaub has the ability to be a Pro-Bowler but is constantly fighting the injury bug. QB Sage Rosenfels almost matches him in talent and can start if needed. The Houston Texans offensive line is no longer the longstanding joke it has been for years. First round pick LT Duane Brown is an Alex Gibbs dream and is expected to hold down the blindside of the O-Line for a decade. RT Eric Winston is expected to be another anchor and is an incredible athlete. New C Chris Meyers fits the system like a glove and will be in charge of calling out the complex blocking assignments.

Taking advantage of the zone blocking system will be the Houston Texans running backs. Rookie RB Steve Slaton was regarded as the best zone-blocking RB in the 2008 NFL Draft and will make an immediate impact. Steve Slaton draws many comparisons to Reggie Bush and is a speedy and versatile weapon in both the running and passing game. RB Chris Brown is a sledgehammer back who will pound defenses and wear them out. FB Vonta Leach is a lead blocking stud. WR Andre Johnson is one of the best in the NFL and takes over games being virtually uncoverable one-on-one, while TE Owen Daniels is a skilled playmaker but must manage his fumbles.

Houston Texans Preview: Defense

Defensive end “Super Mario” Williams went from joke to monster in the 2007 NFL season. Racking up 14.5 sacks and being a beast in the running game showed why Mario Williams was the No. 1 pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Second-year DT Amobi Okoye is a penetrating rusher and is joined by massive run-stopping rookie DT Frank Okam in the middle of the 4-3. Penetrating DT Travis Johnson will continue his progress and hopes to throw off the “Bust” label. OLB/DE Rosevelt Colvin will move between positions depending on the situation and is another pass-rusher. MLB DeMeco Ryans is coming off a Pro-Bowl berth and is a tackling machine and defensive playmaker. Rookie OLB Xavier Adibi could start as well.

The Houston Texans secondary will enter the 2008 NFL Season a bit shaky. CB Dunta Robinson will be gone much of the year after recovering from a devastating injury. Second-year CB Fred Bennett will take over at no.1 with free agent CB Jacques Reeves taking over the other spot. Rookie CB Antwaun Molden will also look to start. S Will Demps was a Pro-Bowl alternate and is a devastating hitter in the secondary. There is a wide open competition for the other safety spot going into training camp and the preseason.

Houston Texans: Special Teams

The Houston Texans historically poor kick return game was turned around thanks to WR Andre Davis. The deep threat WR took three kickoffs for touchdowns in 2007 and was a breakout player. Second-year WR Jacoby Jones will continue to make strides at the punt returner position. K Kris Brown has become a fan-favorite thanks to both his clutch kicking and various charities. Veteran P Matt Turk has a monster leg and great ball placement.

Houston Texans Preview: Outlook

The Houston Texans play in the AFC South, the toughest division in football. The AFC South pits the Houston Texans against bitter rivals the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars twice a year. Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts still reign supreme over the AFC South, but the Houston Texans are closing the gap. The Houston Texans 2008 schedule will also match them up against some of the best in the NFL, including the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings. The Houston Texans home field of Reliant Stadium will be jumping all season long.