2009 Houston Texans Football Preview

2008 Record: 8-8, Third AFC South

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Head Coach: Gary Kubiak; Fourth year

Key Additions: DE Antonio Smith, DT Shaun Cody, OG Adrian Jones, LB Cato June, QB Dan Orlovsky

Key Losses: S Will Demps, CB DeMarcus Faggins, RB Ahman Green, QB Sage Rosenfels

1st Round Draft Picks: Brian Cushing – Linebacker

2nd Round Draft Picks: Connor Barwin – Defensive End

2009 Houston Texans Schedule

Houston Texans 2008 NFL Season in Review

The Houston Texans started off their 2008 NFL season by going 0-4 and having to use their bye in the second week of the year due to Hurricane Ike. They rebounded to finish the year on an 8-4 run, including winning five of their last six games to finish 8-8. The offense was buoyed by a breakout rookie year by running back Steve Slaton. Matt Schaub missed a handful of games to injury which cost the team, but they still managed to finish 4 th in the league in passing offense. This is in large thanks due to Andre Johnson, who once again proved himself as a premier wide receiver in the NFL.

That said, despite finishing 3 rd in total yards, the club only finished 17 th in points scored, something that 20 interceptions and an inability to pound the ball close the goal line contributed to. The defense finished 27 th in points allowed and was largely disappointing considering some of the young talent on the squad.

Houston Texans 2009 NFL Season Preview

The Texans have brought in a lot of new faces on defense and hope to capitalize on their strong finish to the 2008 season. The team needs to stay healthy and see major contributions from their new imports, as well as their draft picks, if they want to compete in the deep AFC South.

2009 Houston Texans Offense:

It's crucial for the club that Matt Schaub be able to stay healthy for the entire season. He finished the 2008 season with a 66% completion percentage and 15 touchdowns however only played in 11 games. Steve Slaton showed in 2008 that he was much more than just a college player and he had the goods to compete in the NFL. With a full season of being the starter and another off season of training, Slaton should have another great year. Andre Johnson is also sure to have another great season, as he's in the upper echelon of wide receivers in the league.

The questions lie beyond Johnson and Slaton. Will other weapons such as Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels produce enough to spread the defense out? Will the team find a power inside game to help put more touchdowns on the board instead of stalling out near the end zone?

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2009 Houston Texans Defense:

The focus of the 2008 off season for the Texans was clearly on the defensive side of the ball. They spent their first round draft pick on coveted USC linebacker Brian Cushing. They also added power, skill and depth to the defensive line by signing defensive end Antonio Smith away from the Cardinals and DT Shaun Cody away from the Lions. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans should emerge as a star with his new supporting cast, and Mario Williams should continue to silence his former critics as well.

2009 Houston Texans Prediction: Third AFC South

By Jake Emen
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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