2011 Houston Texans Predictions

Written by Steve Janus

After finishing 9-7 in 2009, many believed the Texans were primed to make their first playoff appearance in franchise history in 2010. Houston jumped out of the gates with a 4-2 record in their first six games, but things took a drastic turn for the worse after that. The Texans won just two of their final 10 games to finish the year 6-10. While the offense was one of the best in the NFL, the defense cost this team week after week. Houston featured the worst pass defense in the league, allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw for an average of 267.5 yards per game. The Texans are hoping that new defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips, can turn the defense around, as they have made a number of moves to make sure that side of the ball doesn’t cost them again this season. Here is a closer look at both the offense and defense, plus my prediction on where they will finish in the AFC South.

Offense:

The Texans have been known for their ability to throw the ball with the dynamic duo of Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, but running back Arian Foster stole the show in 2010. Foster rushed for a league-best 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns and added 66 catches for 604 yards and two more scores. If Foster can stay healthy, he has a great shot at another monster season, especially if the Texans show some significant improvements on defense.

Schaub had another fine season throwing the ball, finishing with 4,370 yards with 24 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions. While he continues to play at high level, those numbers figure to improve if Johnson and tight end Owen Daniels can stay healthy. Johnson was bothered by an ankle injury all season and Daniels played in just 11 games. Wide outs Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones are also a big part of the passing game, and they would like to see second-year wide out Dorin Dickerson become a bigger part of the offense this season.

The Texans don’t have anybody on the offensive line that stands out individually, but as a whole this is a very underrated unit. The leader of the unit is right tackle Eric Winston, who is committed as anyone to getting this team to playoffs. Expect another fine season in the trenches for this unit in 2011.

Defense:

Not only are the Texans making the switch to a 3-4 defense, but they have also made a lot of changes in personnel on this side of the ball. The toughest challenge will be figuring out who will start on the defensive line. Earl Mitchell, Shaun Cody, and Damione Lewis all have the size to play nose tackle, and all three could end up seeing time there this season. As for the two defensive ends, it looks like rookie J.J. Watt and veteran Antonio Smith are the likely starters, but the entire front likely won’t be decided until the end of training camp.

You might have noticed I didn’t mention Mario Williams on the defensive line, that is because Phillips plan on using him at outside linebacker, very similar to how he used DeMarcus Ware in Dallas. Williams has a chance to really shine in the 3-4 system. Connor Barwin is another player that could thrive as an outside linebacker in the 3-4, but he must show he is ready to play after missing all of last year with a foot injury. If Barwin isn’t ready, look for rookie Brooks Reed to get a shot at starting opposite of Williams. The Texans will have two very solid linebackers on the inside in Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans. This unit is a big reason why many believe the Texans can make some major improvements this season on defense.

Phillips knows how to get pressure on the quarterback, and that alone will help sure up a secondary that was torched last season. The unit will have a much different look to it in 2011. They are moving Quin Glover from corner to free safety, and have signed corner Jonathan Joseph and safety Daniel Manning to come in and start right away. The only real question is who will start opposite of Joseph at the other corner spot. The return Kareem Jackson and Brice McCain, but could end up turning to rookie Brandon Harris out of Miami.

Prediction: 2nd AFC South, 10-6 Overall – I really think Phillips is going to make the defense stronger, which will in turn make the entire team that much better. The only thing is can they do enough in the regular season to make the playoffs? The Colts are going to bounce back after a slow 2010 season, and the AFC has a number of teams who will be competing for the two Wild Card spots. I think Houston has a great shot at winning a franchise-best 10 games, which will definitely put them in the mix.

Individual Team NFL Season Predictions

AFC
AFC West	AFC North	AFC South	AFC East
Kansas City Chiefs Predictions	Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions	Indianapolis Colts Predictions	New England Patriots Predictions
San Diego Chargers Predictions	Baltimore Ravens Predictions	Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions	New York Jets Predictions
Oakland Raiders Predictions	Cleveland Browns Predictions	Houston Texans Predictions	Miami Dolphins Predictions
Denver Broncos Predictions	Cincinnati Bengals Predictions	Tennessee Titans Predictions	Buffalo Bills Predictions
NFC
NFC West	NFC North	NFC South	NFC East
Seattle Seahawks Predictions	Chicago Bears Predictions	Atlanta Falcons Predictions	Philadelphia Eagles Predictions
St. Louis Rams Predictions	Green Bay Packers Predictions	New Orleans Saints Predictions	New York Giants Predictions
San Francisco 49ers Predictions	Detroit Lions Predictions	Tampa Bay Bucs Predictions	Dallas Cowboys Predictions
Arizona Cardinals Predictions	Minnesota Vikings Predictions	Carolina Panthers Predictions	Washington Redskins Predictions

Additional Resources:

Vernon Croy – says scoring is not a problem, but shutting down opponents is.

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