Let's just get it over with. Expectations for specific players and the team:
Mario - I expect to see major improvement from the first to second season. That means Mario and Demeco need to become a dominant wrecking force. Double-digit sacks from Williams. At least once this season, I expect him to tackle a reverse from behind. He came close a few times last year.
Demeco - I hope to see less tackles, but better tackles, and better coverage. He has the "it" factor - he just needs to read better and make more stops for losses.
Babin - I expect him to see lots more action and to show that he deserved to be a first-round pick.
Dunta - Once the Texans take a CB or Safety, the excuses are gone. I want interceptions, and I want good coverage.
Spencer - Better have Matt's blind side. If he gets more than five sacks in a season, he's a waste.
Winston - I expect much more improvment in footwork this year. His technique should be more sound. Like Spencer, less than five sacks in the season.
AJ - I don't expect another pro-bowl year. The Texans will likely draft a #2 wide receiver in the third round. I'm not expecting much, and without a credible number two receiver, he will be double and triple teamed again. He might make his incentive yardage, but I doubt it. Which brings us to
Green/Dayne - The workhorse of the Texans is the running game. Without it, it's sink or swim. I expect them to both have thousand yard seasons. That is the only way for the Texans to be legit.
Owen Daniels - Not much. Keep doing what you're doing, and you'll be fine. Without a legit number two, Daniels gets more catches. Not sure if this will help the team, though.
With a new QB who is supposed to fix all the offensive woes and a defense that is continuously bolstered, they need to go at least 9-7. 10-6 with a play-off birth is more what they need to do, but I have low expectations.
Speaking of expectations, even though all these things should happen, here's what I think will be the reality: run-first means Green fumbling at the wrong times. Matt will prove to be a good QB, especially for a "rookie," and will make "rookie" mistakes. He won't fix all the offensive problems. The defense, not having bolstered their ability to defend against the run, but having to be on the field as much as last year due to fumble problems, will falter. End result: another losing year, possibly less wins than this year. Wins against Tennessee, Jacksonville, Oakland, Tampa, and another win against a team you'd never expect them to beat (San Diego, Denver, or New Orleans).
I hope I'm wrong.