An Emerging Powerhouse that is much more than J.J. Watt
"Here it comes, here it comes!" the rowdy shout that we all let out when the life of the party is about to arrive can become a reality for the Houston Texans, the youngest franchise in the NFL, but also a team that from day one knew how to create a personality and prestige even in defeat. First with Andre Johnson, later with Arian Foster, and now with J.J. Watt, the best defensive player in the current NFL, they have always had players on their roster who have made them an appetizing team for spectators.
For a long time, their problem was that under Gary Kubiak as head coach, they seemed stuck. A magnificent roster pound for pound that was missing that extra spark to turn a good team into a true contender. And the feeling is that the arrival of Bill O'Brien as head coach has broken that vicious circle and has thrust Houston into the group of franchises that aspire to dominate the NFL in the coming years as a generational change looms.
It is true that it has only been a year since O'Brien's arrival, and that his 9-7 record is particularly valuable considering that the team came from a 2-14 season and that last year perhaps left us wanting more, but that growth that is palpable is not just a feeling transmitted on the field, but in everything that surrounds the franchise. In recent months, they have made a marquee draft selection, had a free agency full of successes, adopted a modern and daring work dynamic, and the feeling that O'Brien, as an advanced student, is managing to instill the successful philosophy he learned from Belichick in the Patriots into his team.
That being said, it's not all rosy. Alongside great stars like J.J. Watt or Arian Foster, there are players who have been written off prematurely like Brian Cushing, number one draft picks who have been broken since day one like Jadeveon Clowney, and a black hole at the quarterback position where Ryan Mallet and Brian Hoyer, two players exported by the Patriots as great promises who have not come anywhere close to meeting expectations, have their last chance to make a name for themselves in the NFL.
Perhaps it is still a bit early for this team, but all their opponents will feel a shiver down their spine when they look at the schedule and discover that their next game is against the Houston Texans.
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The Team's Three Keys by Pepe Rodríguez
1 The defensive line has to be the one that stands out in the Texans. In order for that to happen, they will have to have a Vince Wilfork who at least resembles the one from New England, and a Jadaveon Clowney who reminds us of the beast from South Carolina and who is not burdened by injuries. Alongside them, Watt is an absolute guarantee of success who will not let them down.
2 Arian Foster will have a notable workload due to the doubts at the quarterback position and the lack of depth in the receiving corps, beyond DeAndre Hopkins. This makes the running back a key player for the team. If Foster is capable of handling so much ball and so many carries, the Texans will have playoff options.
3 The secondary has been significantly reinforced with two signings at the safety positions and the selection of Kevin Johnson in the first round of the draft. Combined with the existing talent in Jonathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson, the result can be nothing less than a secondary capable of returning to its former glory. Houston can be a great defense.
The Best
1 J.J. Watt. No more needs to be said. He is the best defensive player in the league.
2 A revamped secondary that has the talent to be special.
3 The return of Jadaveon Clowney, a talent that has the potential to be exceptional.
The Worst
1 The quarterback position, with two journeymen like Hoyer and Mallet.
2 The void that exists behind DeAndre Hopkins in the receiving corps.
3 A group of linebackers with more name recognition than actual level of play.