Grading the team
10-6 campaign deserving of B-minus, but other areas need drastic improvement
OVERALL
The Texans finished 10-6 — resting a lot of players in the last game of the regular season — won the AFC South and defeated Buffalo in a wild-card game before being eliminated at Kansas City in the divisional round. Grade: B-minus
QUARTERBACKS
In 15 games, Deshaun Watson accumulated 3,852 yards, completed 67.3 percent, threw 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, was sacked 44 times and posted a 98.0 rating. He played well in the playoffs. He was sacked 18 fewer times this season. He’s got to get rid of the ball quicker to help take pressure off the line. He also ran for 413 yards and seven touchdowns. Grade: B-plus
RUNNING BACKS
After Lamar Miller suffered a season-ending knee injury, the running game was rebuilt with Carlos Hyde (1,070 yards) and Duke Johnson (410). Hyde averaged 4.4 yards a carry and Johnson 4.9. Johnson was a factor in the passing game with 44 receptions for another 410 yards. The Texans are hoping to sign Hyde to a new contract. Grade: B
TIGHT ENDS
The offense needs for one tight end to step up and become a formidable weapon for Deshaun Watson. After signing as a free agent, Darren Fells caught a team-record seven touchdown passes. Jordan Akins added two. They combined for 70 catches and 759 yards. Jordan Thomas, who showed so much promise with four touchdown receptions as a rookie, was a disappointment after beginning the season with an injury. Kahale Warring, the third-round pick, spent the season on injured reserve. The coaches have high hopes for him in his second season.
Grade: C-plus
OFFENSIVE LINE
Bill O’Brien addressed his biggest issue after the 2018 season by using first- and secondround picks on right tackle Tytus Howard and left guard Max Scharping. Both played well and should be even better next season. Despite playing in eight games before suffering a knee injury, Howard made the NFL All-Rookie Team. O’Brien traded for Laremy Tunsil to solve the problem at left tackle. Center Nick Martin played his best season. Right guard Zach Fulton was inconsistent and could be replaced. The running game improved, and sacks were reduced. With a season playing together, the line should be more effective next season.
Grade: C-plus
WIDE RECEIVERS
In 15 games, DeAndre Hopkins made first team All-Pro again after catching 104 passes for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns. Will Fuller battled hamstring and groin injuries, finishing with 49 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns. The Texans averaged almost seven more points a game with Fuller in the lineup. Kenny Stills was a valuable addition in the Miami trade. He had 40 catches for 561 yards and four touchdowns. The acquisition of Stills helped keep Keke Coutee off the field. He was a disappointment in his second season with 22 catches for 254 yards.
Grade: B
DEFENSIVE LINE
J.J. Watt missed half the season. D.J. Reader had the best season of his career and needs to be re-signed. Angelo Blackson was the most underrated lineman, rookie Charles Omenihu the most promising. The run defense and pass rush were not good enough this season, and the linemen played a role in both statistics. This area has to be improved. The addition of another pass rusher is vital to the defense.
Grade: C-minus
D.J. Reader enjoyed a career year and figures to be in line for a new contract.
LINEBACKERS
Whitney Mercilus (7½) was the only defender with more than four sacks. That’s not good enough in a 3-4 scheme. Zach Cunningham played his best season. Benardrick McKinney and Brennan Scarlett played well at times. As a group, they didn’t play well against the run, and Mercilus is the only legitimate pass rusher in this group. Jacob Martin flashed promise as a pass rusher in his first season and should get better. In the offseason, they have to address the pass rush.
Grade: C
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The secondary needs another overhaul. There was no consistency in pass coverage that ranged from mediocre to bad. The defense missed injured safeties Tashaun Gipson Sr. and Jahleel Addae in the playoff loss at Kansas City. Gipson led the team with only three interceptions. The cornerbacks had three, including two by Bradley Roby. Johnathan Joseph says he plans to play another season. Lonnie Johnson Jr. showed promise as a rookie. Gareon Conley, Vernon Hargreaves and Keion Crossen came from other teams and contributed in different ways. This area should be a priority in free agency and the draft.
Grade: D
SPECIAL TEAMS
They made significant improvement this season and made a big impact on field position. Punter Bryan Anger was outstanding with a gross average of 46.5 yards and a net of 44.5. He put 24 punts inside the 20 and had only two touchbacks. Ka’imi Fairbairn got off to a slow start with a new holder in Anger and finished with 100 points. He missed five field goals and five extra points. DeAndre Carter averaged 9.7 yards on punt returns and 22 on kickoff returns. The coverage teams were terrific. In the playoff loss at Kansas City, special teams scored a touchdown, recovered a muffed punt to set up a 6-yard touchdown drive, then collapsed.
They allowed a 58-yard kickoff return, blew a fake punt and Carter fumbled a kickoff to set up three touchdowns in the Chiefs’ comeback.
Grade: B-plus
COACHING
In his sixth season, Bill O’Brien’s team was hot and cold. They lost at home to Carolina and Denver. They defeated Kansas City and New England. They halted winning streaks by Tennessee and Tampa Bay. They won their second playoff game, giving O’Brien a postseason record of 2-4. The collapse in the divisional round at Kansas City was inexcusable. On offense, the running game improved. They were better on third down and in the red zone, but they didn’t score enough points considering the Texans had Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and an improved line. After Jadeveon Clowney was traded, Tyrann Mathieu left in free agency and J.J. Watt was injured, the defense was mediocre to disastrous too many times, including in the playoff loss to the Chiefs. The Texans were bad against the run, horrible against the pass and didn’t generate a consistent pass rush.
Grade: C