Meet the new boss
O’BRIEN GOES BACK TO HIS ROOTS, TAKING OVER COORDINATOR ROLE THIS YEAR
Bill O’Brien is taking back control over the Texans’ offense.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien has returned to his roots, putting his personal imprint on an intricate playbook.
After the Texans parted ways with offensive coordinator George Godsey after a rough season, O’Brien named himself as the new coordinator. It’s the first time since his first season in Houston that O’Brien enters the season as the primary play-caller.
“I think one of the changes that needed to be made this year was for me to be more hands-on,” O’Brien said “That’s really what I love to do: coach the players and be around the players.”
Little will change in terms of philosophy or scheme because of this shift. O’Brien is a big believer in the New England Patriots’ system, but has lacked the ideal personnel to run it properly. O’Brien is a passionate coach who gets his players to buy into his hardnosed philosophy.
Sean Ryan is now coaching quarterbacks. John Perry is the receivers coach. And Tim Kelly was promoted to tight ends coach.
Hoping to transform their offense, the Texans drafted multidimensional quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson is ahead of schedule in his development, but the Texans are taking a patient approach.
Tom Savage is the new starting quarterback, replacing $72 million bust Brock Osweiler. Savage is tough and has some arm talent, but is fairly immobile and has a tendency to hold the football too long. He has a tendency to get hurt, suffering a concussion late last season.
Savage has made strides in his command of the offense this offseason, but never has thrown a regular-season TD.
Running back Lamar Miller is a versatile, productive Pro Bowl alternate, a good return on the Texans’ $26 million investment. O’Brien has acknowledged he needs to be more judicious with Miller’s workload.
That’s where bullish rookie D’Onta Foreman comes into the equation as a tackle-breaking presence from Texas who’s expected to provide a physical change of pace.
Questions at receiver
DeAndre Hopkins’ production dipped last season, but the wide receiver’s skills remain impressive. He has outstanding hands, leverage and routerunning ability.
The Texans lost deep threat Will Fuller for at least two to three months with a broken collarbone that required surgery. They need someone to emerge as a viable threat opposite Hopkins. Slot receiver Braxton Miller, a converted college QB, showed glimpses of ability as a rookie before he got hurt.
Jaelen Strong has been a disappointing former third-round pick, but will get increased opportunities with Fuller out. Strong is down to 198 pounds and is noticeably quicker.
Left tackle Duane Brown has been absent from training camp due to a contract dispute. The Texans need this three-time Pro Bowler back.
Left guard Xavier Su’a-Filo’s run blocking is much better than his pass blocking. He’s being pushed by David Quessenberry.
The healthy return of center Nick Martin adds size, toughness and technique.
Right guard Jeff Allen struggled last season. He responded positively by losing 20 pounds and had offseason ankle surgery.
Right tackle Chris Clark ranked as one of the worst linemen in the league statistically last season. He faces competition from Breno Giacomini, Kendall Lamm and rookie Julién Davenport.