2008 Houston Texans NFL Predictions

The Houston Texans finished 8-8 in 2007 despite injuries knocking out starting QB Matt Schaub, running back Ahman Green, and wide receiver Andre Johnson for significant amounts of time. The Texans appear poised for their first winning season in franchise history, but will it be enough to get them in the playoffs? Jimmy Boyd provides his take in his 2008 Houston Texans predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

The Texans realized that having a third QB is not a waste of a roster spot when starter Matt Schaub missed five starts last seasons and went out early in four other games with injuries. Sage Rosenfels played well as Schaub's backup, winning four of five starts and throwing 15 touchdown strikes. The team has now added Quinn Gray. Hopefully Schaub can shake the injury bug. If he does, I expect him to have a good year.

Ahman Green was supposed to be the answer at the tailback spot for the Texans, but he was injured the first week of last season and wasn't able to play a full game the rest of the year. He'll be back and healthy in 2008 and the Texans have got him some much needed help. They signed Chris Brown and drafted explosive rookie Steve Slaton.

Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson anchors the receiving unit. He still finished with 851 yards last season despite missing seven games. The Texans cannot afford to have him sitting on the sidelines. Kevin Walter, Andre' Davis, and Jacoby Jones have all improved enough that teams will pay for doubling Johnson all the time.

The pass protection has improved the past couple seasons but the run blocking continues to struggle. With center Chris Myers taking over the starting job, the running game should get an immediate boost. Chester Pitts and Fred Weary should retain their starting guard spots and Eric Winston and Ephraim Salaam will play the tackles. Look for the Texans to replace Salaam with rookie Duane Brown when he's ready.

Defense

The Texans have put a major emphasis on this side of the ball and it has already begun to show. Mario Williams went from 4.5 sacks as a rookie to 14 sacks last season. The Texans need to give him some help though. Tackle Amobi Okoye, who is just 21 years old, could be poised to do just that. This unit will likely still take a few lumps this season why young players continue to mature.

DeMeco Ryans has emerged as the leader of the defense. He can cover the pass, stuff the run, and rush the passer. Morlon Greenwood returns at weak side linebacker while Zac Diles will likely start on the strong side.

The secondary came up big despite dealing with a host of injury problems. The team will need their young guns to step up again. Fred Bennett and Jacques Reeves will start at the corners, hoping to pick up the slack until Dunta Robinson can return from knee and hamstring injuries. C.C. Brown and Will Demps will play the safety spots.

Special Teams

Special Teams coach Joe Marciano does a fantastic job with this group. His placekicker, Kris Brown, made 25 of 29 kicks last season. His punter, Matt Turk, landed almost half of his punts inside the 20. Andre Davis is a return specialist who brought back three kickoffs for touchdowns last season.

Prediction – 4th AFC South

The Texans will continue to make strides in 2008, but they will likely still be at the bottom of the barrel in a tough division which includes the Colts, Jaguars, and Titans. Fans should still rally around this team as they are in great position for a winning campaign.

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Check out the official site of the Houston Texans and for more information.

July 1st, 2008