What Texans Will Do At #22

Well we know the Texans won't be drafting a QB or RB with their first round pick in the draft. After signing Brock Osweiller and Lamar Miller the team's put themselves in a very unfamiliar pre draft situation. They're drafting the best player available. So, that begs the question who will be the best player available when the Texans do draft at #22 come April.

The Texans selected CB Kevin Johnson with the #16 pick last season. Johnson ended up being a good fit in their defense. He played opposite Jonathan Joseph a lot, and allowed defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to play Kareem Jackson in the slot/nickel spot. That move may have been what made this secondary so much better than the season before. Johnson wasn't the best rookie CB in the league last year, but in my opinion he was second, only trailing Marcus Peters of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Texans would love to find another rookie ready to play now in this years draft.

I feel like the Texans can go many directions in the first round. They lost two starting players from the offensive line in RG Brandon Brooks  and C Ben Jones but they quickly signed RG Jeff Allen and Tony Bergstrom. Both are worthy replacements. With that being said I feel like the 2 biggest needs for the Texans at this point are at nose tackle, tight end and wide receiver. I would imagine they'll address the latter of these positions with pick #22.

With Jalen Strong being arrested for marijuana possession and Nate Washington released the Texans are in serious need of some WR help. Deandre Hopkins had a great season. Probably the best of any Texans WR ever, and he did that with 4 different QBs. With Cecil Shorts returning and more than likely keeping his role as the slot the Texans will be looking for a WR that can stretch the defense and make some big plays.

Corey Coleman of Baylor fits the description of the type of player the Texans want. He's a fast WR with the ability to take the to off a defense quickly if given a chance. I don't see the Texans going in a different direction unless Coleman is drafted already, and if that's the case I expect them to go for Ohio States Braxton Miller. He made a great impression on just about everyone who saw his combine workouts. In the Texans system I see him as a slot WR, which could mean them moving Cecil Shorts around at times.

My early Houston Texans wishlist

Now that the Super Bowl has been played and the season is officially over it's time for fan's everywhere to start thinking about what they want their team to do this off season. Whether it's replacing a coach, upgrading at a position, or just plain getting better all around everyone wants something to be done to make their squad better. As a Texans fan here are my 3 early wishes for the off season.

A Healthy Jadaveon Clowney: After ending his rookie season on the IR the #1 pick of the Texans must comeback completely healthy to make the impact he was intended to. He showed flashes that he could be the type of disruptive force the Texans expected before he injured his knee in the first week of the season. During a preseason game against the Falcons Clowney made a play similar to the one he made against Michigan in college. He was so quick off the defensive line he was basically hitting the RB as the ball was handed off. Then on the next play he sacked Matt Ryan blowing by the left tackle easily to make the play. These are the type of plays the Texans expected out of Clowney when they picked him. If he can get right and stay healthy, the Texans may have the best defense in football next season. Pairing a healthy Clowney with 2 time DPOY JJ Watt would strike fear in the eyes of just about any offense.

The same starting QB for all 16 games: Whether it was under ex Texans had coach Gary Kubiak or new Texans had coach Bill O'Brien the Texans haven't had a QB start every game of the season since what seems like the days of David Carr. I'm going next season will be a  different story though. My hope is that Ryan Mallett starts next season as the Texans starting QB, with Ryan Fitzpatrick backing him up. Mallett showed in just 2 starts he had a better command of the offense Bill O'Brien runs. Mallett will more than likely have plenty of other offers being that he's an unrestricted free agent, but his familiarity and the likelihood that he'll be the starter should be enough to keep him in Houston for at least a couple more years. If the Texans can keep their QB healthy for 16 games they'll have a better chance at being a playoff team and also a contender amongst the league's top teams.

A consistent downfield threat at WR: The Houston Texans have always lacked that break away WR that can take the top off a defense. They dabbled with using ex Eagles WR Denorris Johnson in that role this year and it wasn't as successful as many would've hoped. This past season the Pittsburgh Steelers picked speedster Martavias Bryant in the 4th round. Bryant was the perfect compliment for Ben Rothlisberger's big arm. I'm hoping the Texans can find the same type of player for Ryan Mallett in the draft or free agency this off season. It's no secret amongst those who root for the Texans that picking up chunk yardage has been something they haven't done well for sometime now. Hopefully they get it fixed.

Where the Houston Texans stand heading into the off season

After finishing with a 9-7 and just missing playoffs the Houston Texans now have some serious questions to address this off season. Though first year head coach Bill O'Brien did an excellent job with what he was given, there's no don't the Texans could've been better at more than one position. This off season is going to be crucial if the Texans plan on getting better in the long run. Here's some area's that should be priority for the Texans right away.

The QB Situation: Though the Texans didn't make the playoffs I wouldn't call the season unsuccessful. Bill O'Brien took a 2 win team and turned it into a 9 win team with most of the same personnel. When the Texans made the decision to go with veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick many thought they were doomed. He showed he can run an efficient offense given the chance this season. Though he was eventually replaced by Ryan Mallett Fitz did throw 17 TDs to only 8 INTs on the season.

Mallett only started 2 games and was actually playing injured in the second game. He looked more comfy in the offense than Fitz did though.  In Mallett's first start the Texans almost exclusively ran out of the no huddle. Something we didn't see much from Fitz until after Mallett was sidelined for the season. Mallett will likely be the favorite to start in Houston is he resigns there. In my opinion the Texans won't be able to find a better QB where they're positioned in the draft that'll be a starter, so Mallett is probably their best option at this point.

Getting Younger In The Secondary: For the last 2 seasons Jonathan Joseph has dealt with injuries. Though Joseph's made it clear he wants to be a Texan next season it's hard to see that happening without him taking a, drastic pay cut. Joseph is slated to make more money next year than most every CB in football and with the time he's missed I'm not sure the Texans will be willing to fork out that type of money to the veteran. Drafting a CB with their 1st round pick could be the solution to this problem. The Texans have another dilemma on their hands with Kareem Jackson being an unrestricted free agent resigning him should be a real priority. Jackson, the former 1st round pick has shined in defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel's system. He spent time all over the secondary where he played both sides and in the nickel at points this season. One option is to franchise tag Jackson which would lock him up at least this next season. I'd imagine the Texans would rather get him signed long term too, Jackson is the CB the Texans want to build around in the long run.

Inside and Outside Linebacker: Every linebacker on the Texans missed some time this year. The Texans drafted Jadaveon Clowney with the 1st pick of draft but lost him for the season to a knee injury. Later in the year they also lost ILB Brian Cushing for an extended amount of time leaving Brooks Reed and Whitney Mercilus playing more than any other LBs on the team. Reed played what was probably his best season as a pro and the same could be said about Mercilus. Reed is a free agent, and resigning him should probably be the Texans biggest concern. He wad dominant against the run this year for Houston, in my opinion he was the best OLB against the run in any 3-4 scheme. Much like Jonathan Joseph, Brian Cushing is set to make a lot of money for a player who's been battling injury for the last couple seasons. Cushing is more likely to stay because he's actually quite the talent when 100% which was evident by the way he played to close the season after sitting out a couple games. Even with Cushing healthy and Reed resigned the Texans still need to address the other ILB spot that was occupied by many different players this year. The draft is the easiest and cheapest way to take care of this need and finding quality ILBs outside the 1st round is quite common.

Week 3 Preview: Houston Texans vs New York Giants

The 2-0 Houston Texans have found somewhat of an identity already this season. They've won both their games playing tough hard defense and running the ball successfully. New HC Bill O'Brien has came in with his own formula of mistake free efficient football, and it's worked through the first 2 games this far. Next up the Texans play a struggling Giants team that has yet to find their identity. But being that the game is on the road in a hostile environment like MetLife Stadium the Texans will need to be the clock eating, turnover causing, smash mouth team they've been thus far to come out of this week's game with the win.

Keys to the offense

The Running Game: Arian Foster has been on a rampage to start this season. He's already carried the ball 55 times and rushed for 252 yards on the season. Facing a Giants defense that have up 90+ yards to Andre Ellington last week against the Cardinals Foster should be able to do some damage. Foster ran for 138 yards on 27 attempts against the Raiders last week, but wasn't alone in being a productive RB for the Texans. Rookie RB Alfred Blue also had 11 carries for 40 yards. Blue actually finished the game after Foster was pulled early in the 4th to ensure his health, and Blue looked like a quality back that can take a hit and keep moving. Look to see both of these backs get carries next week against the Giants. If the Texans are going to be successful on offense it'll start with these two making plays.

3rd down conversions: The Texans were 9/15 on 3rd down last week. That's a trend that'll need to continue not just this game but all season if the Texans plan on winning many games. A key to this is QB Ryan Fitzpatrick making the right reads at the line and executing. Andre Johnson has been one of his favorite targets when in these situations so far this season. Johnson pulled in 6 catches last week for 74 yards. Just another day at the office for #80 who is now 15th in the all time receiving yardage list.

Keys on Defense

Creating turnovers: The Texans have already caused 6 turnovers through 2 games. The 2 last week were in their own territory on long drives that would've ended in points for the Raiders more than likely. Going against a Giants team that's not really comfortable with the offense their running, getting at least one should be a goal of the defense on Sunday. Safety DJ Swearinger had a strip that led to a long return by CB Jonathan Joseph against Oakland last week and Swearinger should be on the hunt again trying to make an impact on this game.

Pressuring Eli Manning: It's no secret that Eli Manning hasn't played to his Super Bowl winning standards the last couple years. He's been turning the ball over at a high rate and a lot of that is because his protection isn't nearly as good as our was when the Giants won those championships. The Texans will have to take advantage of this and five Manning into some bad decisions on Sunday. JJ Watt went last game without a sack after being doubled and chip blocked on nearly every play, so I'd expect him to show up in a big way this week. Whitney Mercilus well also be a player to watch this week. Mercilus is playing in place of injured #1 overall pick Jadaveon Clowney and with Watt getting so much attention it could be a big game for the Texans LB.

Watt's helps on both sides, as Texans route Raiders

The Houston Texans have started their season 2-0 for the 5th straight season after beating the Oakland Raiders handily on the road 30-14. The Texans are now the only unbeaten team in the AFC South, a, division I'm which they won 2 years in a row just before last year's 2-14 debacle.

Arian Foster had a huge game with 28 carries for 138 yards and a TD. The Texans ran the ball 45 times Sunday. While only attempting 19 passes. This may seem a bit ridiculous, but it paid off when the Texans were able to get JJ Watt wide open in the back of the end zone off a play action pass early in the game for their first TD. Yes, JJ Watt was lined up as a TE and caught a TD pass. He can do it all. DeAndre Hopkins caught QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's second TD pass later in the game. Hopkins ended the game with just 3 catches for 22 yards while Andre Johnson was his always consistent self notching 6 catches for 74 yards.

Defensively the Texans were able to limit what the Raiders did most of the game. Rookie QB Derek Carr did look good in stints but overall the defense was able to make plays when they needed them to prevent Carr from really getting a rhythm going. Car threw 2 interceptions on the day. One to CB Kareem Jackson, and one to LB Brooks Reed. Both killed decent drives the Raiders had put together. Jonathan Joseph caused a fumble and recovered one as well in Sunday. And while JJ Watt was pressuring the QB all have long through double teams, he never did get a sack. The Raiders kept 2 men on him at all times Sunday, but while he got tons of attention others in the defensive unit made big plays.

Next up for the 2-0 Texans, a road game against Eli Manning and the struggling N.Y. Giants next week.

Week 2 Preview: Houston Texans vs Oakland Raiders

After an efficient showing week 1 against the Washington Redskins the Houston Texans turn their attention to there week 2 opponents, the Oakland Raiders. The Texans will be looking for yet another 2-0'start, after starting the same way last year before dropping 14 in a row. Getting wins to start the season could be big for the Texans with the Jaguars Colts both losing last week. Taking an early lead in the AFC South could be big for the Texans. As of right now their tied 1st place with the 1-0 Titans.

The Texans will no doubt attack the Raiders on the ground just a, week after Oakland gave up over 200 yards rushing. Arian Foster and should be getting a heavy workload this week, I'm thinking 25 carries minimum this game, if the Texans are leading going into the 4th quarter. Foster who grew up a Raider fan may be looking at a career game against the team he once rooted for.
If Foster can get it going early it should open up some easier passes for Ryan Fitzpatrick to WR's Sunday afternoon. Both Andre Johnson and Deandre Hopkins had solid numbers against the Redskins totaling 10 catches for 182 yards and 1 TD.

Defensively the Texans looked great last week. Only allowing 6 points to RG3 and an offensive unit full of speed. They'll now face a rookie QB playing in only his second game as a pro in Derek Carr. The younger brother of the Houston Texans 1st draft pick ever will be attempting to bring down the team he once rooted for while his brother was there QB. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel has already said they'll be trying to throw stuff at the time rookie he's never seen and it should work to the Texans advantage. With rookie LB Jadaveon Clowney out for the Texans for the next 4-6 weeks it'll be important that hid replacement Whitney Mercilus delivers this week. Mercilus a 1st ribs pick himself says he'll be ready to contribute this week. JJ Watt could also have a big day playing against a young QB that won't be as prepared for him batting passes and his speed from the DE spot. 

Rockets ink 3 point specialist Troy Daniels to a 2 year contract

The Houston Rockets are still making moves in free agency today add they re-signed SG/SF Troy Daniels to a 2 year contract. Daniels went undrafted in the 2013 draft and was later signed by the Charlotte Bobcats. After being waived by Charlotte Daniels signed with the Rockets who signed him to there NBDL affiliate the Rio Grande Vipers. He was named to the all star game in the NBDL before being called up to the Rockets for the playoffs. In game 3 oh that series Daniels hit the go ahead 3 with 11 seconds left.

Daniels made the biggest shot in the Rockets short post season. That really can't be argued, and with the loss of Chandler Parsons and the trade of Jeremy Lin the Rockets will need me offense like that out of Daniels this next season.

Rockets sign Trevor Ariza to a 4 year contract

In the midst of the Houston Rockets having to make a decision on whether or not they'll match the 3 year 46 million dollar offer sheet Chandler Parsons signed from the Mavs the team has signed a veteran SF in Trevor Ariza. Ariza who played for the Rockets during the 2010 season is back for another go around. He signed a 4 year 32 million dollar contract. Ariza played in 77 of 82 games last season for the Wizards, he averaged  14 points and 6 rebounds a game. Put that alongside his defensive prowess and the Rockets have themselves a solid signing.

The next question is do the Rockets plan to match the Mavs offer sheet to Chandler Parsons. But regardless of that, the Rockets got a steal with Ariza at the price they're paying.

Parsons signs offer sheet from Mavs

Well I figured someone would offer Chandler Parsons a deal sooner or later seeing that he's restricted free agent. But I didn't think that he'd get a max offer for 3 years from a divisional rival. The Dallas Mavericks have offered Parsons 46 million dollars over 3 years to come to Dallas.

At the end of the day 15 million dollars a year for Parsons is too steep of a price in my opinion. Especially when the Rockets are trying to land Chris Bosh from the Heat. Paying Harden, Dwight, and Bosh max contracts would basically mean any other player the Rockets bring in would be taking some sort of discount. They would've included Parsons and I think he knew that, which is why he's forcing the Rockets hand by signing that offer sheet instead of negotiating with Houston.

For the Rockets this means they'll mute than likely lose Parsons, a gem of a player they snagged in the second round of the draft. The two question for Houston now is... will they match that ridiculous offer sheet. And if he does who's going to be his replacement in Houston.

The Chandler Parsons Conundrum

So the Rockets made it official announcing they won't be picking up Parsons option. Parsons, who's been an integral piece off this rockets team for the past 2 seasons has become a highly sought after player. Basically the Rockets would rather get a superstar player than resign Parsons to a big money deal. They'll undoubtedly have to because other teams are going to as well. Rockets GM Daryl Morey is stuck trying to figure out what to do.

Personally I'd say to trade Parsons. At least then they'll get something for him rather than just letting him walk. Best case scenario, they can strike a deal with the Magic and land another high draft pick next season. Parsons is from Orlando, and played his college ball at the University of Florida. The Rockets will be collecting a draft pick from the Pelicans for Omer Asik as soon add that trade is finalized. If they're able to get another 1st round pick they'd have another piece to trade, for yet another great player such as Kevin Love our even Rajon Rondo. If Parsons leaves and the Rockets get absolutely nothing for him it'd be a disaster in my eyes.

Some say that superstar is possible without trading Parsons, and if that superstar isn't a SF then trading him wouldn't be necessary. But paying Parsons will be the issue. With both Dwight Howard and James Harden getting max contracts it'll be hard to figure out what to pay Parsons. Add in the fact that the Rockets were anticipating paying someone else a max deal as well, which would leave only scraps for Parsons.

If Parsons is willing to take less money to win, the Rockets should keep him. Regardless of whether they get Melo or not. Parsons is one of the top players in the league at his position and keeping him would only make the Rockets better. But if  paying him what he wants isn't possible... get something for him.

What LeBron opting out REALLY means

So now that LeBron James has opted out of the final 2 years of his contract, let's talk about what this actually means. One, take into account that since he's been on the Heat he's been to the finals every year. No they didn't win all 4 appearances but no other team in basketball can say they've done that. Two, LeBron has always said he'd take less money to win, and he proved that by leaving some cash on the table signing in Miami. And last but not least... LeBron is Miami right now. Regardless of those who think the fans in that town actually love Wade more, we on the outside see the truth. Wade ain't the one with commercials showing the whole city running with him, he's also not the one you hear about on rap anthems by the area's finest lyricists from Rick Ross to DJ Khaled. Truth is LeBron is running things in that city, period point blank.

Now taking all that in mind do you honestly think a LeBron is leaving the Heat? I don't. I think he at least expects Chris Bosh to opt out as well soon to add to the revenue Pat Riley can use to make this Heat team a contender for at least 3-4 more years. Carmelo isn't a realistic option in my eyes. Him and LeBron play the same position, and Melo needs to be on his own team. I e expect Miami to upgrade at the PG, SF, and PF positions. Some are already talking Kyle Lowry as a possible target. If they can find another quality SF say a, Chandler Parsons or a Danny Granger to play extended minutes when LeBron is at the PF that'd be a big pick up too. After Bosh the Heat is thin at PF. At times they like to play him at C too, so his backup should be a quality player that can make plays when the opportunities are there. Udonis Haslem isn't going to cut it anymore. A player I think they'll be interested in at that spot is Andre Blatche. His all around game is exactly what the Heat need out of their PF.

But regardless of who their bringing in with the money freed up from LeBron opting out let's not get things twisted people, LeBron didn't opt out to play in Cleveland. Nor did he do it to play in New York or Los Angeles. He did it so he'd have a chance to play in Miami till he retired. At least I believe so.

Texans trade Matt Schaub to Raiders for a 6th rd pick

After signing a veteran backup in ex Titans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick it was clear the Texans had made their decision to either trade or cut their former starting QB Matt Schaub. It was rumored last week that the 2 teams that were interested in Schaub were the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns. The Oakland Raiders traded the Houston Texans a 6th round pick for the veteran QB. The Raiders now have 4 QB's on their roster with Schaub joining Terrell Pryor, Matt McGloin, and Matt Flynn.

Though the Raiders only gave up a 6th rounder for him  he's due 10.5 million dollars this season, 12 million next season, and a whopping 14 million dollars for the 2016 season. That kind of money would make me think he'll be the teams starter. The Raiders will most likely be releasing one of the other QB's before the draft. I'd guess Matt Flynn would ne that guy, as he was the least effective of the Raiders QB's last year. If Schaub is the starter he'll face his former team in Oakland this season.

As a Texan Schaub racked up 23,221 passing yards in 7 years as the teams starting QB. He also threw for 124 TD's and 78 interceptions for a passer rating of 90.9.

Texans sign QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Houston Texans have signed veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to a 2 year contract. The contract's worth 7.25 million dollars with 4 million in guaranteed money. The Texans will likely use Fitzpatrick as a backup to whatever QB they draft this May. The signing signalled the end of QB Matt Schaub's time in Houston. With a much cheaper and experienced backup now on the roster paying Schaub the 10.5 million dollars he's due doesn't make since.

Fitzpatrick will be playing for the 5th team in his 10 year career. He's thrown for more than 20 TD's just 3 times and has a career QB rating of 77.5. Fitzpatrick's also thrown 106 TD's and 93 interceptions in his career to date.

Texans Nose Tackle sign Jerrell Powe

The Houston Texans have made their first official move of free agency, and it wasn't a big name. It was in fact a big person though, 6'2" 331lb NT Jerrell Powe is the newest member of the Houston Texans. Powe was drafted in 2011 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Back then, new Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell was the Chiefs defensive coordinator and may see him as a perfect fit for this Texans team without a NT on the roster.

As a Chief Powe played in just 12 games in 3 seasons. In those 12 games he totaled just 8 tackles and 1 sack. I don't see Powe as the Texans starting NT next year. But with this signing they've addressed a huge need.

Texans re-sign TE Garret Graham

After releasing arguably the best TE in franchises history in Owen Daniels earlier this week. The Houston Texans have re-signed the player they consider the TE of the future, Garrett Graham. Graham's deal is a 3 year deal, with a total worth of 11.25 million dollars.

The Texans now have Graham, and free agent acquisition Zack Potter at the TE spots on the depth chart. Potter was signed right after new head coach Bill O'Brien was hired. With that being said the team should still be in the market for another TE in free agency or the draft.

Houston Texans cut TE Owen Daniels

In what wad somewhat of a surprise to many the Houston Texans cut veteran TE Owen Daniels. Just earlier this week Daniels was quoted saying he "earned the right" to play out the duration of his contract with the Texans. Obviously new head coach Bill O'Brien and GM Rick Smith didn't agree with Daniels, who is coming off a season in which he finished on the IR from a leg injury.

Daniels would've been in the last year of his deal and was owed 6 million dollars if he was on the roster. He played every one of his 8 NFL seasons in Houston after being drafted by the Texans out of the University of Wisconsin in 2006. The Texans will save over 4 million dollars from parting ways with the former Pro Bowler.

Texans button up staff, Crennel and Vrabel among hires

New Houston Texans HC Bill O'Brien had a lot of work to do after coming to the Texans and gutting the entire staff with the exception of 2 coaches. He has finished his hiring process, and built a pretty good coaching staff on both sides of the ball. Here's a look at the Texans new staff. A coaching unit O'Brien hopes will get the job done now with a team that recently finished dead last in the league, after winning their first 2 games but losing 14 straight to finish the season.

Offensive Coordinator: In what was a surprise to some new HC Bill O'Brien will doing double duty, as he will also be the Texans play caller on offense. At Penn St where he coached the last 2 season's he did the same. To those who weren't aware of that fact it was probably surprising hearing that he'd do this. But no one knows his offense better than him, so hiring and teaching it to someone would be more hassle than it's worth.

Offensive Line: Paul Dunn was hired as the Texans new offensive line coach after spending the past 2 seasons in the same position with the Atlanta Falcons. Dunn will be responsible for keeping whatever QB the Texans are starting next season upright. Coming off a season where the Texans went from Matt Schaub to Case Keenum with the same type of results Dunn will have his work cut out for him. The good thing is that Matt Ryan is a pocket passer that usually did stay clean, I'm sure O'Brien hopes for the same results in his first year in Houston.

WR and RB coaches: O'Brien wasn't shy about bringing his own guys in to fill some of the Texans open coaching vacancies. Stan Hixon will be the Texans new WR coach. The same position he held at Penn St, with Charles London also retaining his same role as the Texans new RB coach. Both London and Hixon will be coaching alongside Bill O'Brien for the third season, and should have no problems the talent the Texans already have on the roster in my opinion.

QB coach: George Godsey will be the Texans new QB coach, he has an extensive history with O'Brien. Both were on the sane staff in New England before O'Brien left for Penn St. Godsey stayed with the Pats as the teams TE coach. Godsey has a history as a QB guy, as he played the position at Georgia Tech and was the QB coach at UCF from 05-08.

Defensive coordinator: As it was rumored from the day Wade Phillips was fired, Romeo Crennel will be calling the defensive plays for the Texans. He's got 3 rings already as a defensive coordinator, and is hoping the turnaround in Houston is quick enough to maybe get him another. Whether he'll be able to use the 3-4 scheme he loves so much has yet to be seen but it should be noted he won 2 rings with the Patriots running a 4-3. And the last one they won using whatever they  thought would give the defense the best matchup that week. So there's a good chance the Texans will be using a lot of looks this season. The Patriots defense under Crennel was known for disguising their coverages and pressure, which would be a pleasant change from the Phillips scheme that would almost always line up in man and never disguise their blitz packages.

Defensive line coach: One of the two coaches Bill O'Brien decided to keep was Bill Kollar. Can't really argue with the move either. Kollar is definitely a big part of the reason for JJ Watt's success since he's been a Texan, along with younger players like Jared Crick. The Texans should be in a good spot with Kollar still coaching.

LB coach: Mike Vrabel will come to Houston to coach under the man who coached him to 3 Super Bowl championships in Romeo Crennell. Vrabel had spent the last 2 season's as a LB coach with the Ohio St Buckeyes but decided to make the jump to the pro ranks with better opportunities ahead of him. Vrabel should have a healthy Brian Cushing back with his LB core at the start of the season. Cushing will benefit from a coach like Vrabel who always flourished as a mental player. He should be able to show Cushing, a player who's always been gifted physically more about the mental side of the position.

Secondary coach: John Butler was O'Briens DC at Penn St but will now go back to doing what he specializes in, which is the secondary. Butler will be running a secondary in Houston that's slowly gotten worst over the past 2 seasons. With players like Jonathan Joseph aging, and Brice McCain underachieving the Butler will have a lot of work to do.

Houston Texans get their guy, agree to terms with Bill O'Brien

The Houston Texans started this football season with hopes of making it to their first ever Super Bowl. But after back to back victories to start the season the Texans lost their next 14 games. Resulting in the firing of their HC Gary Kubiak late in the season, with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips finishing the season as the interim HC.

After interviewing former Bears HC Lovie Smith, and scheduling another with Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt that was cancelled the Texans have made their decision on the franchises next head coach and it's Bill O'Brien. O'Brien is leaving Penn St. after 2 seasons to become the Texans 3rd head coach since it became a team in 2002. O'Brien had a record of 15-9 during his time with the Nittany Lion's while dealing with the restrictions and sanctions from the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Before that O'Brien was an assistant and offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. While O'Brien was a Pats assistant and OC they averaged 30.7 points a game over a 5 year span. With the Texans having plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball and QB problems it's thought O'Brien will use the #1 pick on the QB of his choice.

Current defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has said he wishes to stay and retain his duties under the new coach. The decision will more than likely be made by O'Brien, and soon. The Texans have a Friday afternoon presser to announce the signing of their new head coach. Phillips was hoping to be a candidate for the head coaching position but was overlooked. It's hard for me to imagine O'Brien would keep anyone from the old regime around, especially someone who wants to eventually be his teams head coach.

Kubiak fired as Texans Head Coach, Phillips to be interim

After a abysmal 2-12 start to the a year after the Texans finished 12-4 and won their division for a second consecutive year the Texans have fired thead coach Gary Kubiak. This comes after Kubiak made the decision to go back to the mistake prone QB Matt Schaub during the Thursday night game against the Jags. Case Keenum was having a rough time moving the offense in the first half so Kubiak thought he'd let Schaub give it a go, and it likely cost him his job. On Friday morning Texans owner Bob McNair announced Kubiak was relieved of his coaching duties, and that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips would take over as an.interim to finish the season.

Kubiak who was hired back in 2006 had a 51-54 record in the regular season and went 2-2 in the playoffs as the Texans head coach. He was just the franchises second head coach ever after replacing Dom Capers. While playing under Kubiak the Texans won 2 division titles, made the playoffs twice, and had just 3 winning seasons.

Week 11 preview: Houston Texans vs Oakland Raiders

The Houston Texans enter week 11 with a 7 game losing streak. Both Arian Foster and Brian Cushing are out for the season, they have made a QB change that has helped but hasn't turned into wins, and just released their biggest offseason acquisition over this past week. Seems like the wheels are falling off in Houston, but the Texans still want to play as if the playoffs were in sight. Sure having 7 losses already really hurts, but if they win out they could make the playoffs and that's the teams goal.  Next up for Houston, the Oakland Raiders a team struggling as well. The 2-7 Texans need a win badly, it's been 2 months since they've won a game. Here are  3 keys to the Texans getting a win this week.

Running the ball: The Texans are going to be without their star RB Arian Foster for the rest of the year. Ben Tate will have to pick up the workload now in the backfield. The Texans haven't had a 100 yard rusher since the Seattle Seahawks came to Houston in week 4 of the season. That's going to have to change if they plan on ending this 7 game losing streak on Sunday. It would help QB Case Keenum by forcing the Raiders to actually respect the run and not key in on pressuring the QB. If the Texans are able to actually get the ground game going this week might end in a win.

Protect Case Keenum: After starting just about every game he's played in on fire Texans QB Case Keenum starts to struggle when teams start bringing the heat. The Texans were a team known for their ability to run the ball, but since Keenum's took over as the starter they've been using more pistol and shotgun formations. This has directly effected of the gamelan of the Texans. The offensive line has struggled to pick up the blitzes and protect Keenum as of late, and that must change if the Texans hope to beat a Raiders defense that's finally coming around as a unit. Keenum can make plays if he's given time to, the Texans must make keeping him clean a priority this week.

Keep Terrell Pryor contained: Terrell Pryor has been exactly what I thought he would be as a QB. He's agile, makes plays with his feet, and can throw nice passes on the run. The Texans can't allow him to show any of these abilities this week if they hope to win this game. Much like the Seahawks game I expect Wade Phillips will spy Pryor with OLB Whitney Mercilus to keep him from taking its out of the pocket. While Pryor has shown some great flashes he's yet to show he can beat a team with just his arm this season. The Texans have to make him do that to win this game Sunday. If the Texans can keep Pryor in the pocket and force him to use his arm and mot his legs it'll be in their favor.  The more time Pryor's in the pocket the more time the front 7 has to get to him and make plays, something they've struggled with this season.