SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
It didn’t take a genius to recognize that the Texans needed to retool their offense after the 2021 season.
They were abysmal in the running game — ranked last in yards, touchdowns and yards per carry. And their passing game wasn’t that much better.
But rookie Davis Mills, who has earned the trust of his head coach and teammates, enters Year 2 a better player. The Texans have added rookie running back Dameon Pierce, who has impressed since early in camp, and have a new offensive coordinator in Pep Hamilton, who has a history of producing exciting offenses.
The Texans likely won’t be in the top half of the league statistically. They still have some pieces they need to add and some areas in which to grow. But they can show improvement as they continue their rebuild.
Here is a position breakdown:
Quarterback
Lovie Smith has been unwavering in his support for Mills. Early in camp the coach declared, unprompted, that Mills would get his vote for captain. Mills has been more vocal, looked more confident, and been sharper on his throws, and the Texans need that if they want to compete.
Mills threw for 2,664 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 games in 2021. Of those 16 touchdowns, eight came in his final five games.
Mills needs to take care of the football and make the right throws. He doesn’t throw the deep ball often, but that would be important to add to his game.
This is a key year for Mills, who needs to show he can be the answer for the Texans longterm. As a team, the Texans might struggle and have another high pick. That could then present the question of whether to pursue a franchise quarterback in next year’s draft or stick with Mills.
Behind Mills, Allen has shown he’s a capable backup. He was 11-of-15 for 107 yards and one touchdown during the preseason.
Active roster: Davis Mills,
Running back
While Smith hasn’t announced that Pierce is the starter heading into Week 1, it should be assumed. He was, hands down, the Texans’ offensive MVP for the preseason, running for 86 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in two games. He’s quick, explosive and hard to bring down.
The Texans were missing explosive plays in 2021, and Pierce, the 2022 fourth-round draft pick, can help with that.
It’s unclear where the backup help will come from. Burkhead, 34, and Freeman struggled to gain much yardage during the preseason. And Burkhead also fumbled. After Monday’s release of Marlon Mack from the practice squad, the Texans might have to look for another running back.
Active roster: Dameon Pierce, Rex Burkhead, Royce Freeman, Dare Ogunbowale, Troy Hairston (fullback).
Offensive line
After playing guard in 2021, Howard moves back to his natural position at right tackle, where the Texans hope he can flourish. Combine him with former Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is healthy, and rookie Kenyon Green, who dominated second- and thirdstring players in the preseason, and the Texans should have decent protection for Mills.
Mills’ success will be dependent on the protection he has this season. In the preseason, he struggled when faced with pressure, although at least two starters were missing from each game.
The Texans allowed 44 sacks during the 2021 season, which was ninth-worst in the NFL. They have to be better.
Active roster: Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, Justin Britt, Kenyon Green, A.J. Cann, Justin McCray, Charlie Heck, Austin Deculus, Scott Quessenberry.
Wide receivers
Having John Metchie III as an additional threat in the slot would have been helpful this season, but the Texans need other players to step up.
Nico Collins is one of them. Collins had an OK rookie season, but with his size – 6-4, 215 pounds – he’s a big target and can take some of the pressure off Brandin Cooks, who was the primary go-to man for Mills last season. Expect Cooks to be a big factor again, barring an injury. Though he didn’t play in the preseason, he was unstoppable in training camp, catching nearly every accurate pass that came his way.
Outside of those two players, it’s unclear who will be the third and fourth options. Dorsett shows some good things in the slot, and the Texans signed Johnson off waivers.
Active roster: Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Phillip Dorsett, Tyler Johnson, Chris
Moore.
Tight end
The Texans tried to find another tight end to add to the mix early in training camp. They attempted to trade for the Dolphins’ Adam Shaheen, but the deal fell through when the veteran failed his physical.
Last week, they were able to acquire former first-round draft pick O.J. Howard, who could see playing time as early as Week 1. Though he has struggled in recent years, Howard, who is 6-5 and 261 pounds, is another red-zone threat for the Texans. He had six touchdowns as a rookie in 2017 and five in his second season in 2018.
Brown and Jordan combined for only 43 catches, 394 yards and three touchdowns in 2021. The Texans need more production from their tight ends.
Active roster: Pharaoh Brown, O.J. Howard, Brevin Jordan.