2015 NFL Preview: Can Watt power the Texans into the playoffs?
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | STL | SF | SEA
Houston Texans
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 9-7 | 2nd in AFC South/8th in AFC |
The Texans were buoyed by a herculean effort from J.J. Watt, who put together the best defensive season since Lawrence Taylor won MVP in 1986. Houston improved by a seven-win margin in 2014, but a sense of urgency to make the postseason still remains.
With the defense poised to become one of the best units in the league, the Texans are a legitimate candidate to make the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
Highlight of 2014
Watt was a highlight machine last year, and there could've been several other videos here. Watt's 2-yard touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns shows off his outstanding athleticism, getting both feet in bound on a diving catch few wide receivers could pull off.
Preseason Power Ranking - #20
With Arian Foster requiring surgery on his groin, the Texans' offense needs to figure out how they will move the ball early in the season without their best offensive weapon. The short answer: They won't. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Bill O'Brien
Off. Coordinator: George Godsey
Def. Coordinator: Romeo Crennel
O'Brien spearheaded a seven-win improvement, and the Texans are expected to challenge for a playoff spot in spite of a tenuous situation at quarterback. Houston stockpiled the roster with top-end talent on the defensive line, and will find a number of creative avenues to ground out victories. Situated in an anemic AFC South division, the Texans ought to capitalize on their poor opponents and battle for the sixth seed in the AFC.
Key Additions
- CB Kevin Johnson (1st round)
- LB Benardrick McKinney (2nd round)
- DT Vince Wilfork
- S Stevie Brown
Key Departures
- WR Andre Johnson
- C Chris Myers
- LB Brooks Reed
- S D.J. Swearinger
Andre Johnson refused to take a lesser role in the Texans' offense, and the team released the franchise's all-time leader in every receiving category. Houston recuperated by revamping its defense, signing five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vince Wilfork to bolster an already torrential defensive line. Kevin Johnson will be expected to contribute in nickel and dime packages, and the Texans are well-equipped to surge through the AFC South.
Bold Predictions
Texans will go 4-0 without Arian Foster. Houston will begin its season undefeated without its best offensive player, Arian Foster. Brian Hoyer will be emboldened by the early vote of confidence from head coach O'Brien, and will go through the best stretch of his career. Buoyed by an excellent front seven, the Texans will enter their Thursday night clash against the Indianapolis Colts with a flawless record. - Arun Srinivasan
Ryan Mallett will overtake Brian Hoyer, lead Texans to playoffs. Hoyer will open the season as the Texans' starting quarterback, but after some early struggles, the team will pull a switch. Mallett comes in, wows everyone, and leads Houston to the playoffs. - Caitlyn Holroyd
Jadeveon Clowney will lead the Texans in sacks. The former first-overall pick might be on a snap count early in the year, as he works his way back from injury, but the team will put him in a position to succeed. With J.J. Watt and Vince Wilfork demanding the defense's attention, Clowney will be free to terrorize quarterbacks. After his rookie season was lost due to injury, Clowney will begin making up for lost time in September. - Justin Boone