One dark horse NFL team for every division
By Andrew Garda
AFC South: Houston Texans
As is the case with every team so far, the problem with the Houston Texans lies under center. It’s far too early in his career to throw Tom Savage into the mix, though he has made some strides.
The real choice while we wait for that to happen is Brian Hoyer versus Ryan Mallett, and if you threw up in your mouth a little nobody can blame you.
Well, it was the choice. Head coach Bill O’Brien went Brian Hoyer, or aggressive mediocrity over Mallett or a strong arm and mean pouting skills. Hoyer had some nice for the Cleveland Browns last season, but not well enough to keep around. The thing is, he’s not a great quarterback, and at some point the wheels were coming off when he had almost no skill players to work with in Cleveland.
The difference here—and why I like Houston as a dark horse in the AFC South—is the weapons he has. Arian Foster is gone for the foreseeable future, but Alfred Blue showed flashes of ability in spot starts last season and has looked pretty solid in the preseason. Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk will also contribute until Foster returns, which might even be in three or four games per The Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson.
DeAndre Hopkins looks ridiculous as he steps into the first wide receiver spot vacated by Andre Johnson, but the question is whether Cecil Shorts or Nate Washington can fill Hopkins’ shoes as a No. 2.
If Hoyer can just hold serve this year—limit mistakes and move the chains—he has the tools to put up some points.
And then the rest comes down to a first-rate defense. We all know how good J.J. Watt is, and if Jadeveon Clowney can play half as well as the Texans think he can, that’s two potent pass rushers. Add in a healthy Brian Cushing, an aging but effective Vince Wilfork and a decent secondary and this is a team which could surprise some people.
Next: AFC West: San Diego Chargers