2019 NFL Power Rankings: Who heads into summer at No. 1?
By Ian Cummings
No. 14 – Houston Texans
The Houston Texans’ indifference toward offensive line development, dating back to the days of David Carr, has been borderline negligent. In 2017, the Texans were second in the league in sacks allowed, with 54. In 2018, they were first, allowing 62. That equates to an average of almost four sacks a game.
Part of those numbers can be attributed to Deshaun Watson, and it’s not a slight to Watson; the young, dynamic quarterback is still making strides with his progression work, but his play style involves him extending plays and making things happen with his feet. Houston’s offensive line, however, has too often adversely impacted Watson’s timing. No matter how good Houston’s defense is (And they got worse this year), the Texans needed to shore up that line, heading into 2019.
So, did they?
The short answer is no.
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The long answer? The Texans signed oft-injured offensive tackle Matt Kalil in free agency, then drafted developmental tackle Tytus Howard in the first round of the NFL Draft. Howard was, by some outlets, rated as a Day 3 pick. Thus, such a selection was irresponsible, with players like Cody Ford and Jawaan Taylor still on the board.
The Texans tried to make amends by drafting Max Scharping later on. It didn’t work.
Now, the Texans are gearing up for the 2019 season. Their front seven is the team’s best asset, but the secondary is thinner, although with some young stars on the rise, such as Justin Reid. On offense, the skill position group is promising, but none of it matters if the line can’t facilitate properly for Watson. The Texans obviously weren’t pleased with their progress, as they fired general manager Brian Gaine. Now, Bill O’Brien is stuck, tied to the hip with Gaine’s offseason vision. Although in the end, the solution for Houston might be neither.