SEE THE TEXANS’ ROSTER AS THEY READY FOR OTAS.
Mercilus, Miller may have biggest impact on team’s success
The Texans should be much more interesting and entertaining this season because of the substantial changes they made to an offense that could have as many as five new starters acquired in free agency and the draft.
Beginning with the first of 10 organized team activities Monday, the Texans should be one of the most scrutinized teams in the NFL as they attempt to escape their habit of finishing 9-7 and try to reach double-digit victories for the first time since 2012.
If the Texans are going to accomplish their mission of successfully defending their AFC South title and avoiding another playoff disaster like the 30-0 farce against Kansas City, a lot of players will have to be at their best.
New quarterback Brock Osweiler will get the most attention locally and nationally. That’s understandable considering owner Bob McNair’s $72 million investment in a player the Texans believe can become their franchise quarterback.
A new sack machine
But there are other players worth keeping a close eye on.
We’re not talking about defensive end J.J. Watt and receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the best players on the team. We’re talking about two players — one on each side of the ball — who can have a major impact on the team and its ambitions.
Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, coming off the best season of his career, and running back Lamar Miller, signed to provide speed and big plays to the offense, should play significant roles in the team’s
success or failure.
Let’s start with Mercilus, who recorded career highs with 12 sacks and 52 tackles and played so well he should have been voted to his first Pro Bowl.
Mercilus, who turns 26 in July, is playing in his fifth season. He and Watt (17½ sacks) were the most prolific one-two sack punch in the NFL.
He also accumulated 14 tackles for loss. If he picks up where he left off last season, there’s no telling what Mercilus can accomplish.
Playing in his second season with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and linebackers coach Mike Vrabel, Mercilus got off to a slow start when it came to getting the quarterback. He didn’t have a sack in his first five games, then exploded when he became more comfortable in Crennel’s
system.
Mercilus had three multiplesack games, including two with 3½. He had two wiped out because of penalties. Not only did he finish with a dozen — or the same number as he combined for in 2013 and 2014, but Mercilus added three more in the playoff loss to the Chiefs.
Now, you may ask about Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney playing the same position. Both are best suited rushing from the right side. It’s up to Crennel to get the maximum out of them. He didn’t become one of the most decorated coordinators in league history by not figuring out how to utilize his players.
Here’s something to chew on: If Mercilus continues to improve, could he possibly overtake Watt as the Texans’ sack leader? Stay tuned.
Now, let’s examine Miller
and what he could mean to the team.
Miller (5-10, 225) turned 25 in April. This is his fifth season. For whatever reason, Miami didn’t give Miller the ball all that much as evidenced by his one 1,000-yard season.
Miller was durable with the Dolphins, missing one start in his three seasons as a starter. The only time he got at least 20 carries in 2015, he gained 113 yards in a victory over Baltimore.
A multifaceted weapon
When Arian Foster was generating four seasons with at least 1,200 yards rushing, he averaged 20 and 21 carries a game. Miller’s best with the Dolphins was 13.5 in 2014 when he recorded his only 1,000yard season. Last season, Miller carried 194 times for 872 yards (4.5 a carry) and eight
touchdowns. He also caught 47 passes for 397 yards (8.4 average) and two touchdowns.
Since Miller is a terrific receiver, Texans offensive coordinator George Godsey will make sure he’s used in the passing game. Ideally, Miller will touch the ball 20 times as a runner and receiver. If he can handle more, he’ll get more.
The Texans will have excellent depth in the backfield, so there’s no reason to force-feed Miller.
The best task Miller can perform would be to carry the ball enough to help the Texans control the clock, keep the opposing offense on the bench and make sure Mercilus and Watt stay fresh and never satisfy that hunger to hammer QBs.