2011 NFL Predictions: AFC South Houston Texans

Houston Texans

Last Season: 6 – 10

2011 NFL Draft: DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin, Rd. 1/Pick 11), DE Brooks Reed (Arizona, Rd. 2/Pick 10), CB Brandon Harris (Miami (FL.), Rd. 2/Pick 28), CB Rashad Carmichael (Virginia Tech, Rd. 4/Pick 30), S Shiloh Keo (Idaho, Rd. 5/Pick 13), QB T.J. Yates (North Carolina, Rd. 5/Pick 21), OT Derek Newton (Arkansas St., Rd. 7/Pick 11), DE Cheta Ozougwu (Rice, Rd. 7/Pick 51)

Key Additions: CB Johnathan Joseph, S Danieal Manning

Key Losses: S Bernard Pollard, DT Amobi Okoye

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Matt Schaub — 4,370 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Matt Schaub — 24

• Rushing yards — Arian Foster — 1,616 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Arian Foster — 16

• Receiving yards — Andre Johnson — 1,216 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Andre Johnson — 8

• Tackles — Bernard Pollard — 112

• Sacks — Mario Williams — 9

• Interceptions — Troy Nolan/Glover Quin/Jason Allen — 3

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: Colts

Week 2: @ Dolphins

Week 3: @ Saints

Week 4: Steelers

Week 5: Raiders

Week 6: @ Ravens

Week 7: @ Titans

Week 8: Jaguars

Week 9: Browns

Week 10: @ Bucs

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: @ Jaguars

Week 13: Falcons

Week 14: @ Bengals

Week 15: Panthers

Week 16: @ Colts

Week 17: Titans

Analysis: For the past two or three years, it has been the Houston Texans time to finally make the playoffs. Only problem is, they haven’t lived up to that prediction. Last year I feel for the Texans and predicted them to give the Colts a run for their money and end up with an AFC Wildcard spot. But, the Texans went 6-10 and fell flat again. The main problem I see is the defense. But, in 2011, the Texans are finally looking to make a change. With Wade Phillips on board (and in a position more suited for him), the Texans switch to a 3-4 scheme this year. Sack leader Mario Williams moves from defensive end to outside linebacker and joins LB Brian Cushing in a second level that could cause a lot of damage. Up front, the Texans return DT Shaun Cody and DE Antonio Smith and add Wisconsin rookie DE J.J. Watt. In fact, the Texans used the first five picks of the 2011 draft on defense. They lose tackle leader S Bernard Pollard, but bring in S Daniel Manning from the Bears. Manning has some big shoes to fill, but he will get help from fellow free agent pick up CB Johnathan Joseph. If the defense can turn things around, it will really help out the explosive offense led by QB Matt Schaub. Schaub passed for over 4,000 yards last year in large part to his receiving core. WR Andre Johnson is always a threat and fellow WR Kevin Walter and WR Jacoby Jones add another level. TE Owen Daniels is also a threat. But, the big surprise in 2010 was LB Arian Foster, who rushed for over 1,600 yards. If Foster can replicate his 2010 season, the Texans may finally upend the Colts in the AFC South and make it to the playoffs.

2011 Season Prediction: 10 – 6, AFC South champions

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