Houston Texans
The Houston Texans march into 09 with the same high expectations as in years past, but with an owner tired of waiting for results.
Steve Slatons emergence as a top-level running back finally gives the offense the kind of diversification needed opposite Andre Johnson.
The offensive line has been a study in patience but with the addition of Duane Brown through the draft, the Texans should be able to competently protect their quarterback for the first time since their inception.
With all that being said, the seasons prospects begin and end with Matt Schaubs health. With Sage Rosenfels departure to Minnesota, the Texans now list Dan Orlovsky (cue stepping out of the back of the end zone joke) as the primary backup. The sound you just heard was a collective shudder throughout Houston.
The Texans are hoping that Brian Cushing will enable the defense to take the leap out of the NFLs defensive ranking basement. His inclusion with DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams should help form a solid front seven.
How Does This Affect the Titans?
The Texans continue a gradual improvement, but there is no evidence that they will be making a division championship-size leap this year. The offensive lines ability to protect Schaub will largely determine how far the Texans can go.