Are Texans going to be NFL's 'surprise team'?
Q. Many print, radio and television analysts have the Texans as their big surprise team. What does everyone see? I believe the team was last or near last in both offense and defense. Injuries were a factor, but many of the problems were there before the injuries really took their toll. Also, how do you rate David Carr's progression as a quarterback in terms of reading defenses and accuracy? He seemed a bit lacking in those areas last year, when he was healthy.
Chad in Lubbock
A. Other than some talk-show hosts and super-optimistic fans, I haven't seen anyone predict that the Texans will be the NFL's "big surprise team," as you put it, Chad. I think -- and this depends on injuries again- - the Texans will finish in the 7-9 or 8-8 range. Let's be realistic: They were 31st in offense and defense, primarily because of injuries. They finished a 5-11 season with more players on injured reserve than any team. Losing at home by three points to New England, Indianapolis and Tennessee was impressive for a team that had to play three quarterbacks and defensive linemen off the street because of injuries. As for Carr, please check out the next e-mail, Chad.
What offensive players are stepping up for Texans?
Q. There's a lot of talk about quarterback David Carr, receiver Andre Johnson and running back Domanick Davis being the Texans' triplets, but my concern is that too much emphasis is being put on them. Each is a potentially great player, but there are eight other players with them. What other offensive players do you see stepping up to make a difference?
Sam in Cypress
A. First of all, Sam, there should be a lot of pressure placed on Carr, Johnson and Davis. Carr enters his third season. He's the team leader who must stay healthy and produce more consistently. Johnson was the third player picked in last year's draft, and he's coming off a successful rookie season. He has to quit dropping so many passes. He's worked hard to improve his hands. The coaches believe if Davis stays healthy, he can be a 1,500-yard rusher. As for other offensive players making a difference, tight end Billy Miller -- whether he starts or not -- is always going to be one of Carr's most reliable targets. New right tackle Todd Wade should be outstanding. If second-year tackle Seth Wand, who has been moved to the first team on the left side, proves in camp and preseason that he can handle the most important position on the line, he'll be placed under the microscope. I also believe, Sam, that second-year running back Tony Hollings will get more playing time. I doubt Davis will stay healthy for 16 games. Remember, Hollings moved from safety to running back as a junior at George Tech and led the nation in rushing until he blew out a knee early in the season. He entered the supplemental draft, and the Texans used a second-round pick on him. As a rookie, he was still recovering from reconstructive surgery and learning the position. I think you'll see him start to emerge as he gets more carries.