Texans head coach Gary Kubiak held a news briefing Wednesday in preparation for this year's training camp and the best thing he did during the discussion was to admit that,"Although we look good on paper now .... we won't know for sure how we'll be until we play some games on the field." No truer words can ever be spoken. I agree that G..M. Rick Smith and Kubiak have assembled more talent on the roster this off-season but we still have to wait and see how it will mesh together.

The biggest blow to the new-look offense is the loss of left offensive tackle Charles Spencer ...who will be placed in the physically unable to perform list. Still veteran tackle and resident funny man Ephraim Salaam and another veteran that last played at Kansas City , Jordan Black, are more than capable of filling that void.

The biggest change offensively of course is at the quarterback position. Matt Schaub is the new sherriff in town ....and he still has a lot to prove. In my opinion backup Sage Rosenfels looked better in practice the entire time during the O.T.A.'s and Mini-camp.
But Kubiak believes Schaub has the qualities it takes to make his offense run. The Texans became totally dissappointed in the way David Carr made his decisions or non-decisions when he was under fire during a game ....and Kubiak thinks that will change dramatically this year.

The other thing that's going to improve this year is the running game. Yes, Ahman Green has been in the league for 10 years ..... but the Packers loved his work ethic. He's in great shape ...and he would add alot to this offense. Remember Kubiak actually had a pretty potent rushing offense last season with the "plodding" Ron Dayne at running back. This should really be a fun offense to watch with a more explosive running game.

Defensively ....I'll say it again. It all depends on how the expensive draft picks play up front. The defensive line play should be much improved with the addition of "wunderkid" Amobe Akoye and new defensive line coaches Jethro Franklin and Frank Bush. The linebacking corps will be led by 2nd year man DeMeco Ryans and the secondary ......although not talent-laden .... should be better with the defensive front applying more pressure to opposing quarterbacks.

I think this group can go 9 & 7 and maybe even make the playoffs. What do you think? Just e-mail me at mmusil@khou.com to let me know your thoughts.

Leave a comment

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.