We're better than they thought we were!!!

[Maddict5]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...all/index.html

Better Than We Thought

The Houston Texans: They play in the very rugged AFC South, the conference that provided three playoff teams last season, so it was easy to overlook them. They did nothing bold this offseason, not making a splash in the free agent market, or moving up in the draft. Instead, they took a very low-key approach, trying to add solid players to the core of their 8-8 team from 2007.

So far this preseason, the Texans have a positive swagger and look to their team. Drafting Virginia Tech offensive tackle Duane Brown in the first round was an important step to helping rebuild the offense. Since the days of Tony Boselli, the Texans have been searching for a legitimate left tackle. Now, new line coach Alex Gibbs has a gem who's extremely athletic and can handle their scheme. That was a huge need the Texans appear to have solved.

The offense is very talented, led by quarterback Matt Schaub. If he can stay healthy, he can run the offense effectively. Talented rookie running back Steve Slaton fits their style and appears primed for a big debut. Add in a dynamic big play receiving group led by Andre Johnson, and the Texans offense has all the ingredients to be very successful. With head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan both very effective play-callers, this team looks like it will score a ton of points.

On defense the Texans seem to have finally benefited from drafting top defensive linemen the last two years. Mario Williams is playing like a dominating end and Amobi Okoye is a force inside. They allow tackling machine DeMeco Ryans to make a ton of plays. Couple that with this offense being able to generate points, and the defensive line will be able to pin its ears back and rush the passer.

The Texans have a very tough beginning of the season, playing three road games in September against three 2007 playoff teams -- the Steelers, the Jaguars and the Titans. But the way Houston is playing this preseason indicates the Texans will be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

[Maddict5]

fecked up the title.. it was supposed to be denny green-esque: 'We're better than they thought we were!!!'

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by Maddict5

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...all/index.html

Very encouraging write-up. However, glaringly absent is a true assessment of the RB "deficiency/undetermined" situation.

[brakos82]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

Very encouraging write-up. However, glaringly absent is a true assessment of the RB "deficiency/undetermined" situation.

Don't tell them that...

[Double Barrel]

Originally Posted by Maddict5

fecked up the title.. it was supposed to be denny green-esque: 'We're better than they thought we were!!!'

The title looks good to me.

Nice article, though. Thanks for posting. I never mind reading positive thoughts about our team.

[Thorn]

Nice. I've been looking at preseason team rankings for the last few days, and our ranking goes anywhere from 15th at the highest to 23rd at the lowest. None of this means anything until they start playing and show what they can do when the real games begin.

[MEGA SWATT]

nice

[b0ng]

Better than them being who they thought they were. Getting let off the hook and all. . .

[Thorn]

Originally Posted by b0ng

Better than them being who they thought they were. Getting let off the hook and all. . .

The main thing is, it appears that folks don't think of us as bottom feeders anymore, rather a sort of middle of the pack team. While that may not set will with some of us, it's certain a turn for the better as far as others see the Texans.