2008 NFL Preview > Houston Texans Preview

2008 Houston Texans Football Preview

Head Coach: Gary Kubiak

2007 Record: 8-8

Key Additions: OLB Xavier Adibi, RB Chris Brown, T Duane Brown, OLB/DE Roosevelt Colvin, RB Steve Slaton, CB Antwuan Molden, CB Jacques Reeves

Key Losses: OLB Charlie Anderson, RB Ron Dayne

In a merciful gesture toward their fans, the Texans rid themselves of mega bust David Carr last offseason season and traded for Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub. While Schaub had trouble staying healthy behind the Texans sieve of an offensive line, he played extremely well when paired with star receiver Andre Johnson, throwing for 7 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions in the five games in which both players were in the lineup together. Unfortunately, without Johnson, the former Hokie Star threw for only 4 touchdowns and 6 interceptions and struggled to move the offense without its best player.

2008 Houston Texans Offense:

As alluded to above, Johnson is the key to the Texans attack. When healthy, he’s one of the top receivers in the league. Although Schaub seemed to be outplayed by Sage Rosenfels last season, those numbers were somewhat misleading, as Rosenfels had the luxury of playing with a healthy Johnson (snicker, snicker). The Texans are hoping first round tackle Duane Brown will help solidify an offensive line that improved its pass protection in 2007. Also, Kevin Walter showed promise as a legitimate second option at wide receiver last season. The running game is still a weakness, as the line struggles with run blocking and neither Chris Brown nor Ahman Green have put together a successful season in years. Steve Slaton, the undersized rookie from West Virginia possesses impressive speed and quickness and may be the team’s best option at running back this season.

> Find a great selection of Houston Texans jerseys & merchandise and NFL Fatheads online through Pro Football Fans!

2008 Houston Texans Defense:

Houston’s defense struggled last year, allowing over 24 points a game, which ranked 22 nd in the league in points allowed. Once controversial top pick Mario Williams performed up to his pedigree last season, notching 14 sacks on a talented defensive line that also features second year starter Amobi Okoye, who played well in his rookie reason last year. The linebackers are led by second year standout Demeco Ryans, a Pro Bowl caliber performer and perhaps the team’s most consistent player. The secondary is Houston’s biggest weakness, especially with the health of cornerback Dunta Robinson in question after he had surgery to repair his torn ACL in November of last year.

2008 Houston Texans Special Teams:

Kicker Kris Brown had the best season of his career in 2007, converting on 25 of 29 field goal attempts. Jacoby Jones flashed nice potential on punt returns last season.

2008 Houston Texans Expectations:

The Texans should be improved if Johnson and Schaub can stay healthy. However, they still play in arguably the toughest division in football, and Houston will have trouble beating their talented counterparts in the AFC South. Nonetheless, the playoffs are not out of the question if the Texans can post a .500 record within the division. From a talent standpoint, Houston seems to be closing on Tennessee and could overtake the Titans for third place in the South.

2008 Houston Texans Prediction: 4th place in the AFC South

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

View all of the 2008 NFL football previews online here at Pro Football Fans!