Our AFC South Houston Texans Preview 2019 projects that this team will capture first in the South. This Houston Texans Preview 2019 notes that in the last four of five seasons, this team has posted a winning record.
In three of those seasons, Houston has won the AFC South and gone to the postseason. In 2019, the Texans lost to the Indianapolis Colts in their first playoff game 7-21. Head coach Bill O’Brien (43-41 Overall & Houston, 1-3 Postseason) starts his sixth season with the Texans.
Houston Texans Preview 2019 – Team
Our Houston Texans Preview 2019 notes that this team possesses both a sound and productive offense and a stingy defense. When running on all cylinders, this team is capable of beating anyone. Houston will face a huge challenge in Week One as they meet the New Orleans Saints at New Orleans on Monday, September 9 at 7:10 pm ET.
Houston– Offense
Last season, Houston averaged 25.1 PPG (11th) while averaging 126.3 rushing YPG (8th). The Texans ranked 17th in passing averaging 236.3 YPG and total offensive yards came to 362.6 YPG (15th). Their third-down conversion rate was just 37% (T-19th) and they were 32nd in sacks allowed with 62.
Deshaun Watson (505 ATT, 345 COMP, 4165 YDs, 26 TDs, 9 INTs) is a dual-threat. As a rusher last season, he averaged 5.5 YPA and scored five times. Watson needs protection to get his job done. The O-line, which was the worst in the NFL, has been overhauled. Hopefully, it will do a better job this season. RB Duke Johnson Jr. (40 ATT, 201 YDs, 5.0 YPA, 0 TD) comes to the Texans after four seasons with the Browns. He’s this team’s top running back. The receiving group includes DeAndre Hopkins (115 REC, 1572 YDs, 13.7 AVG, 11 TDs) and Will Fuller V (32 REC, 503 YDs, 15.7 AVG, 4 TDs).
Texans – Defense
The Texans allowed 260.4 YPG in passing, which ranked 28th. However, their rush defense allowed just 82.7 YPG, ranking third. Total yardage allowed came in at 343.1 YPG (12th). Our Houston Texans Preview 2019 observes that this team was very tight in allowing points. The defense gave up 19.8 PPG (5th). They tied for ninth in picks (15 INTs) and tied for 11th in sacks (43). The team was +13 in turnover differential, ranking them second in the league.
The frontline includes a revitalized J.J. Watt (16 SCKs). Watt is a skilled and premium talent whose impact cannot be underestimated. NT D.J. Reader is a true run-stopper. The LBs include the team’s two top tacklers Zach Cunningham (105 TKLs) and Benardrick McKinney (105 TKLs). Two losses in the secondary, safety Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson, leave this unit weakened. FS Justin Reid (3 INTs) returns, while veteran safety Tashaun Gibson comes to Houston from Jacksonville.
Special Teams
Placekicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (39-41 XP, 37-42 FG) returns for his fourth season. Last season, he was perfect from up to 39 yards and went 4-6 from 50-plus, hitting a 54-yard attempt. Our Houston Texans Preview 2019 notes that punter Trevor Daniel did a fine job in his first season. In replacing Shane Lechler last season he averaged 43.7 YPP and placed 48.65% within the 20-yard line. Long snapper Jon Weeks, a 9-year vet, is ultra-reliable. Explosive DeAndre Carter offers fine return skills on punts and kicks.
Houston Texans Preview 2019 – Prediction
The Texans must play a very tough schedule, which not only includes New Orleans, but also the LA Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs, and New England Patriots. Our Houston Texans Preview 2019 can envision this team once again making it into the postseason or ending up in third place. QB Deshaun Watson needs to be protected. This is essential if this team is going to excel.
Our Ratings
- Quarterbacks – 8.6
- Running Backs – 7.7
- Receivers – 8.8
- Offensive Linemen – 6.0
- Defensive Linemen – 8.2
- Linebackers – 8.8
- Secondary – 6.9
- Special Teams – 8.1
- Coaching – 7.7
AFC South Houston Texans Preview 2019 – Projection
Houston Texans First in AFC South
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