Virginia alum Matt Schaub can handily lead the offense, but the Texans need their defense to turn around. (By Jeff Gross -- Getty Images)
To Be Above Average, Defense Must Improve
If the Texans are going to break from mediocrity this season, it will take a Herculean effort from their defense.
Last year, Houston fielded one of the weakest defenses in the NFL. This season the Texans do not appear to have dramatically improved in areas where they were lacking, especially at linebacker and in the secondary.
Their linebackers are unproven, and the secondary is still their weakest unit and could have as many as three new starters for the season opener. The defensive line is Houston's strength, thanks to the development of high draft picks like sack artist Mario Williams.
On offense, Houston has a trusted quarterback in Matt Schaub, a few dangerous receiving targets and a developing run game with slashing second-year back Steve Slaton.
But the Texans' only legitimate hopes of competing in the division will come if their defense -- under new leadership this season -- can show improvement and somehow keep points off the board.
-- Mark Viera
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZMSxedKrrWiroKS%2Ftb%2BOp52lZ6Cnsre1xLBpaWhpZMGmxMCnqmegpKK5