Setting the standard
JOHN McCLAIN HANDS OUT EARLY GRADES FOR THE TEXANS
An early grading shows questions at quarterback, the offensive line and secondary.
QUARTERBACKS
C Tom Savage and Deshaun Watson pushed each other in the offseason program and training camp. The competition made them better. Savage is in the last year of his contract and enters the season as the starter. He’s been injured in each of his first three seasons. Watson, has a good arm and outstanding mobility. He’s made a smooth transition into O’Brien’s system. Brandon Weeden has the most experience and will be prepared if called on.
RUNNING BACKS
B Bill O’Brien likes to run the ball. They’ll do it as much or more than any team. This is perhaps the most competitive position on the team. Lamar Miller, coming off his first 1,000-yard season, is the starter. D’Onta Foreman, a power back, is the primary backup. Tyler Ervin is a change-of-pace back who’s an excellent receiver. Alfred Blue, Akeem Hunt and Dare Ogunbowale, an undrafted rookie, had a terrific training camp.
WIDE RECEIVERS
B DeAndre Hopkins is one of the league’s best receivers. He had an outstanding training camp. When Will Fuller suffered a broken collarbone, it meant Braxton Miller and Jaelen Strong had to take advantage of their opportunities. There’s a lot of competition for the fourth spot. Wendall Williams may be the team’s fastest player. Dres Anderson and late training camp addition Bruce Ellington also could be in the mix for catches.
TIGHT ENDS
B Barring injuries, the Texans should have the same three tight ends as last season — C.J. Fiedorowicz, Ryan Griffin and Stephen Anderson. They’re a big part of the passing game. Fiedorowicz and Griffin played their best seasons in 2016 and plan to be even more productive this season, especially close to the end zone. They’ve got excellent size. They can catch in traffic. Anderson has a knack for getting open on the short and intermediate routes.
OFFENSIVE LINE
C Left tackle Duane Brown missed the offseason and preseason because of a contract dispute. He’s expected back for the opener. Chris Clark and Kendall Lamm are competing on the right side. Jeff Allen and Xavier Su’a-Filo return at guard. After missing his rookie season, Nick Martin is the starting center. Greg Mancz can play center or guard. Clark or Lamm, whoever doesn’t start, should be the swing tackle who can play both sides.
DEFENSIVE LINE
A This should be the strength of the team with ends J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney shutting down the run and pressuring the quarterback. Nose tackle D.J. Reader is impressive against the run and has pass-rush skills. Veteran Christian Covington is stout against the run. Rookie Carlos Watkins should be a valuable backup who can get up the field and rush the QB. Second-year end Joel Heath was a part-time starter as a rookie.
LINEBACKERS
B+ With Whitney Mercilus on the outside and Brian Cushing and Benardrick McKinney on the inside, the defense is set at three positions. Brennan Scarlett moved into the other outside and has to set the edge and provide some rush skills. Mercilus is a splendid all-around linebacker who can stop the run, get the QB and drop into coverage. McKinney led the team in tackles. Cushing is the leader of the group.
SECONDARY
C Kevin Johnson returns at cornerback with veterans Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson playing in their seventh season together. Vets Robert Nelson and Denzel Rice are competing to play with rookie Treston Decoud at cornerback. Safeties Corey Moore and Andre Hal, both of whom started at least half of 2016, are starters. Eddie Pleasant is a solid backup. K.J. Dillon, Kurtis Drummond and Marcus Gilchrist have been competing for spots.
SPECIAL TEAMS
C Punter Shane Lechler, 41 and playing in his 18th year, had a terrific 2016 season. His directional punting was tremendous. He can get distance when he needs it. It’s all about location. Nick Novak scored 127 points and missed only three field goals from inside the 50. The coaches would like for him to get more distance on his kickoffs. Jon Weeks is an outstanding snapper. As a group, they have 36 years of NFL experience.
COACHING
B Bill O’Brien and his staff have done a good job except when it comes to developing a quarterback. Perhaps this could finally be the season. They’re trying to lead the Texans to a fourth consecutive winning record and a third AFC South title in a row. There’s been a lot of shuffling on the staff. O’Brien is calling the plays and doesn’t have an offensive coordinator. Sean Ryan is the new QB coach. The defensive staff is outstanding.