The purpose of a preseason game is not to win, but rather to evaluate players in a game setting against players other than your own teammates, and at game speed. The coaching staff will take this game film and break down the play of every player.
My interest this off season has been the OL. Last night's game may have done much to decide between Davenport and Johnson; and whether to go with Martin at OC or make a switch to Fulton.
Just two examples.
No one likes to lose, but coaches see preseason games differently from fans.
As a realist, I see a few glaring weaknesses.
The first is the lack of vision for a passing game from the offensive coordinator.
Pre season games are for assessment of each individuals skills and the OC was just not assessing the passing skills of the most important position on the O. Sure, they are aren't going to show much of their plan in the pre season, and we know Watson can throw the ball, but I would have liked to have seen a bit more of a short passing game. And again, we have other receivers that can fill that role but we didn't see much at all of a short to intermediate passing game.
What was most disappointing was the fact that #1 and #2 QBs didn't seem any different from last season in that they held on to the damn ball too long and the pattern of sacks was in evidence again.
That just ain't gonna fly. They simply must have a decent passing game to open up the run.
Another problem is the obvious Oline dysfunction. I am hopeful that Roderick Johnson will blossom but he needs to do it quickly. I firmly believe that one really good lineman at any position lifts the whole line so someone needs to be that guy and soon so I am keeping my eyes open as to who that might be.
Obviously, loosing Miller is going to bite big time so Texans must bring in another durable type that can be our #1 or 2. I have a feeling Buddy Howell is going to be a pleasant surprise this season. Let's hope so.
One pleasing fact came out of the game and that was the secondary. Of course it is going to get tougher in the real stuff but they seem better than I anticipated. Here's hoping.