Next Year’s Cardinals: The Houston Texans
I recently overheard a conversation in which several football fans debated “Who will be next year’s Cardinals.” Assuming that they’re asking which underrated team will make a surprising run into the playoffs, I’d like to offer my opinion. Next year’s Cardinals will be the Houston Texans.
The Texans offense is already ridiculously good when the key players are healthy. Take a look at some of last year’s statistics.
- WR1 Andre Johnson: 115 receptions, 1575 yards, 13.7 yards per catch, 8 touchdowns
- RB Steve Slaton: 268 rushes, 1282 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, 9 touchdowns
- TE Owen Daniels: 70 catches, 862 yards, 12.3 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns
- WR2 Kevin Walter: 60 catches, 899 yards, 15.0 yards per catch, 8 touchdowns
- QB Matt Schaub: 66.1% pass completions, 3043 yards, 8 yards per attempt (not per completion), 15 touchdowns
Andre Johnson led the entire NFL in receiving yards. Among players with 250 carries or more (“featured backs,” so to speak), Steve Slaton was second in the NFL in yards per carry, tied with Adrian Peterson and trailing only DeAngelo Williams. (ed.: that’s some damn good company). Owen Daniels ranked 5th on the NFL website’s list of composite TE statistics, ahead of long-time beast Antonio Gates and trailing only the premiere tight ends in the league. Schaub’s 8.0 yards per attempt was second in the NFL, tied with Drew Brees and trailing only Philip Rivers, who averaged .4 yards better. This offense is GOOD.
The Texans’ defense has traditionally been the team’s Achilles heel. There were some bright points last year, though. DE Mario Williams’ 12 sacks were tied for fourth in the league. His four forced fumbles ranked second. LB DeMeco Ryans’ three fumble recoveries tied for second in the NFL among linebackers. With Williams leading a defensive line that’s heavy with young talent and Ryans at the center of the linebacker corps, the Texans could be pretty stout. If they do some savvy coaching and wise drafting in the defensive backfield, they could pose a defensive challenge to almost any team.
Consider the Cardinals’ recipe for success this year: score a TON of points using a high-powered passing offense, and play a little D when the time is right. With Johnson, Walter, and Daniels, the Texans have three downfield threats. In Schaub, they have a surprisingly accurate quarterback who boasts a strong arm. Houston even features an offensive element that Arizona lacks. Steve Slaton is a fantastic running back, and they actually give him the ball sometimes. Arizona had the worst running attack in the NFL, statistically speaking, and they still managed to make the offense work. With the threat of Slaton to keep opposing defenses honest, the Texans’ passing attack can be even more effective.
Mark my words: next year, the Houston Texans will have their best year ever. In fact, they’re going to earn a place in the wild card game.
February 12th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
According to various online sources, the Texans cut RB Ahman Green on February 10. They’re committing themselves to Steve Slaton as the team’s premiere running threat, which I think is a VERY wise move.