Texans: One NFL writer has high hopes for Houston in 2023
The Houston Texans have the look of a team that could compete in 2024 or 2025. Most see the 2023 season as a developmental season for the team with measurable improvement. It usually takes several weeks for rookie quarterbacks to find a rhythm, and a large number of these players have never played together before. […]
The Houston Texans have the look of a team that could compete in 2024 or 2025. Most see the 2023 season as a developmental season for the team with measurable improvement.
It usually takes several weeks for rookie quarterbacks to find a rhythm, and a large number of these players have never played together before. After winning only seven games over the previous two seasons, just being competitive again will be a welcome sight in Houston.
However, at least one national media member is more bullish on the Texans than most.
Will Brinson of CBS Sports recently wrote about seven teams that could make the playoffs in 2023 that did not make it in 2022.
Guess who made the list? Yep, Brinson has the Houston Texans as one of his playoff newcomers.
Brinson had the following to say about the Texans:
I am a big DeMeco Ryans fan, and I think the Texans are being slept on for their roster improvements this offseason. With Damien Pierce/Devin Singletary and a good offensive line, this team should be able to run. Bobby Slowik is VERY intriguing as a first-year offensive coordinator coming from Kyle Shanahan's system. The pass-catchers aren't flashy, but this is the best floor Houston's had in a while there. Will Anderson Jr. is the highlight on defense, but the Texans also added a lot of non-flashy veteran guys who could raise the bar for this unit, too. People will yell at me for this but guess what: DOOOOON'T CAAAAAARE.
While perhaps overambitious, it's not hard to see Brinson's point.
The Texans did add several solid veterans, including multiple that have played at a Pro Bowl level such as Cory Littleton, Jimmie Ward, and Sheldon Rankins.
The Houston offense with Stroud should be one of the most exciting to watch in the league. It will be interesting to see if one of Tank Dell, John Metchie III, or Nico Collins can become a true No. 1 receiver. Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary should combine for an effective ground game, and the offensive line should be improved after adding Juice Scruggs, Shaq Mason, and Michael Deiter.
The AFC South is expected to be one of the worst divisions in the league again, but will it be bad enough for the Texans to win it?
