Houston Texans Roster 2018 Texans Roster

Staying Healthy is the Key

Competing within the tough AFC South was something the Texans were not up to the task for in 2017. The team went 4-12, being spelled by injuries, inconsistencies, and lack of production from key positions. These three telling points are three areas that the team has already looked to dispel heading into the 2018-19 season. One of the biggest losses came early in the season with J.J. Watt. His presence on the defensive side of the ball put this team on the map for the opposition. This defense finds itself in the top projection categories nearly every season, which is something that draws attention to the team.

The team made waves this off-season signing Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu brings a sense of physicality to a secondary that severely lacked this fire the past season. While the secondary was often consistent, their lack of effort late in games spelled heart-breaking defeats more times than the team would like to count. The defense looks to keep their team relevant within each contest, focusing on the narrowing of margins for their offense to overcome. Jadeveon Clowney got some extra run sans Watt the past season, but it seemed as if his game was missing an element. The opposition would double his zones and crack his position. It became a large frustration for the young lineman, which is something that should change once Watt is cleared to return to play.

The offense was an area excelled, but it was only for a short period. Deshaun Watson came out of the gates firing for the team. His numbers were astronomical, returning a form that looked poised and ready to take the league by storm. All good things have to come to an end, and unfortunately, that came far too early for the Texans and Watson. His season-ending injury forced the team into a quarterback roulette that was mostly ineffective and inconsistent. Bringing Watson back to full health is a sign of good things to come for the team. His influence was something all receivers could count on. He trusts his players and his play isn't geared towards one player. All opposing teams know the threat that DeAndre Hopkins is. He has some of the best hands in the game, but the Watson style of play benefits all offensive players. This confuses teams and will often lead to instances of mistake that Watson has the arm to make them pay for.

In the draft, the team went defense first and offense second. Bringing in safety Justin Reid was a good fit for the team. He is a versatile player that can cover both sides of the field. His learning will be boosted via the addition of Mathieu. This addition also opens defensive sets for the team, featuring nickel looks and differing base combinations. The offense got a boost on the line, a protector for Deshaun Watson in Martinas Rankin. The team reached at the tackle position, but this area was very slim in production and depth the past season. He will protect Watson on either side and can even be inserted into the Center position. This versatile lineman is something the team needs to bring a healthy competition at the lineman core. These and other draft picks will find instant insertion into a team that will call for them to vary their playing capabilities. The team's young talent excels at being able to take differing assignments and hit the ground running with them.