What exactly happened to the Houston Texans this season? Was this not supposed to be the year they broke through? The year the aging Colts could be overthrown by the young, upstart Texans? A team destined to build off an 8 win 2008 and 9 win 2009? Well, the Colts look more vulnerable than they have in almost a decade and yet it is Houston that sits at the bottom of the AFC South; poised to watch the playoffs again, as this franchise has done every year since its inception.
Granted, it is extremely difficult to make the playoffs in the AFC (Unless you play in the West). As it stands now, the two wild-card teams would be the Patriots (9-2) and the Steelers (8-3); teams that aren’t exactly backing their way into January. That leaves the Dolphins, Chargers, and Colts on the outside looking in. Three teams with above .500 records. But that being said, the 6-5 Jaguars aren’t exactly running away with the Texans division either.
Houston currently ranks 7th in the NFL in total offence. They have a top 10 passer in Matt Schaub; the NFL leader in rushing yards, yards from scrimmage, and rushing TD’s in Arian Foster; and arguably the league’s best receiver (and MMA fighter) in Andre Johnson. But offence was never a problem for the Texans, this is a team who put up great numbers with Steve Slaton and Ahman Green getting starting running back carries.
No, it’s just that unlike the Indianapolis team they wish to dethrone, Houston can’t win with a great offence and horrible defence. Yes, starting middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans has been out since week 6. However does that justify ranking 28th in total defence and points allowed per game, while ranking 31st in pass defence? You won’t make it far when your best corner, Jason Allen, was a mid-season waiver pick up and career special teams player. Unless Mario Williams and Brian Cushing somehow spontaneously multiply, the Reliant Stadium grounds crew better keep a fresh supply of light bulbs around for the visitor’s side of the scoreboard.
Still, the Texans are a young team in terms of both their roster and franchise. They don’t appear to be headed to the playoffs this season, but were arguably a few lucky breaks away. Mike Thomas won’t always be around to catch 50-yard, deflected, desperation passes. That won’t ease the disappointment though. But I guess when you consider your week 1 match-up with the Colts as a playoff game; it’s the only playoffs your team is going to see.
These guys have an incredible group of players to build a solid franchise around: Schaub, Johnson, Foster, Williams to name a few. Whether it's the way these guys are wired or how the coaching staff is handling business, something needs to give.
ReplyDeleteA coaching change needs to happen for the simple reason of figuring out what is up with this team. If a new coach comes in and has the same problems, it's a personnel problem -- and players have to go. But Kubiak, for one reason or another, hasn't led this team to the playoffs and his time is up.