The season is approaching. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the Houston Texans 2023. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
A third season in the slums, no sign of progress, a more than vague sports project, Texans supporters had learned to turn their backs on happiness. But the winter of 2023 finally seems to have marked a turning point.
THE front office, and general manager Nick Caserio in the lead, may have found the light. A promising new coach, a free agency consistent, a well-run draft, and hope is back.
Last season: 3 wins – 13 losses – 1 draw, last in AFC South
Movements in the off-season
Notable arrivals: Robert Woods (WR), Dalton Schultz (TE), Devin Singletary (RB), Shaquill Griffin (CB), Jimmy Ward (S), Sheldon Rankins (DL), Shaq Mason (G), Case Keenum (QB) , Cory Littleton (LB), Denzel Perriman (LB), Andrew Beck (TE), Noah Brown (WR), Chase Winovich (Edge), Michael Deiter (OL)
Re-signings: Laremy Tunsill (OT), Eric Murray (S)
Draft: CJ Stroud (QB), Will Anderson (Edge), Juice Scruggs (C), Nathaniel Dell (WR), Dylan Horton (DE), Henry To’o To’o (LB), Jarret Patterson (C), Xavier Hutchinson (WR), Brandon Hill (S)
Notable Losses: Brandin Cooks (WR), Mario Addison (Edge), Kevin Pierre Louis (LB), Jonathan Owens (S), Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Edge), Justin Britt (C), AJ Cann (G), Rex Burkhead (RB) ), OJ Howard (TE), Philip Dorsett (WR)
17 games and then goes. Like David Culley before him, Lovie Smith has not made old bones in Houston. To take over and hope to last more than one season, the franchise has bet on one of the most popular coordinators of 2022 and former Texans player, DeMeco Ryans. The first stone of an off-season rich in movements, once again, but with more consistency.
In anticipation of a draft where a quarterback was expected, the front office got down to preparing for his arrival. At target level first, where the experienced Robert Woods and Noah Brown have arrived to compensate for the long-awaited departure of Brandin Cooks for many months. But especially with the Dalton Schultz safety valve, the big hit in the market for the Texans. Dak Prescott’s trusted man in Dallas, the tight end has accumulated nearly 200 receptions in the past 3 years for nearly 2,000 yards. The arrival of Devin Singletary also fleshes out a defensive backfield which remained very light and brings complementarity to Dameon Pierce. By extending Laremy Tunsil long-term and bringing in solid guard Shaq Mason, they also groomed the line and provided quarterback protection. Quarterback they chose in the 2nd position of the draft in the person of CJ Stroud former artificer of Ohio State.
On the other side of the ball, Ryans paw asserted itself. Many reinforcements in the forefront of which a former executive of the coach in San Franscico Jimmy Ward will bring his experience in a backfield rich in young talent. Another winning recipe for the 49ers taken over by Houston, a solid and experienced second curtain with the arrivals of Perryman and Littleton around Christian Kirksey. But the attraction is on the defensive line with the selection of Will Anderson Jr. during the draft. With him, the new coach expects to have found his new Nick Bosa.
The strong points)
Despite 38 conceded sacks in 2022, Houston’s offensive line offers solid guarantees. Among the best and most consistent in his position, Laremy Tunsil is quality assurance on the blindside for CJ Stroud. The young Kenyon Green showed great things for his rookie season and the addition of veteran Shaq Mason gives a particularly attractive duo of guards. Former first round, Tytus Howard is coming out of his best season and negotiations for an extension are under consideration.
Enough to put their new master to play in good conditions to start his career. And precisely, the rookie launcher can give rise to sacred hopes as to the aerial potential of this attack. With 85 touchdowns in 2 seasons as starters, Stroud knows how to make his arm speak. Still it is necessary that it is surrounded. The additions of the offseason, compiled with the return of John Metchie rid of his health concerns, and the potential of rookies such as Tank Dell or Xavier Hutchinson, show that this attack smells of powder.
The weak spots)
31st attack and 30th defense in 2022: the Texans have a lot of progress to make to get their heads above water. And it will have to start with the ground. Particularly mediocre in this area, they are as bad on one side of the ball as on the other. Dead last with 170 yards conceded per game, they have been walked on all season. When you play twice a year against Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor, it’s hard to imagine coming out on top with such shortcomings. Offensively, despite the good pickaxe Dameon Pierce, the performance remains particularly weak. The arrival of Singletray will offer more possibilities but the work remains enormous.
A young coach, a young quarterback, a young runner, playmakers young defensive players, that’s a lot of youth and inexperience for a single squad. If the future may seem sunny, the year 2023 should still serve as a learning curve. Only a few players, including Robert Woods or Laremy Tunsil, have real experience.
X Factor: DeMeco Ryans (HC)
The franchise’s former All Pro linebacker from 2006 to 2011, DeMeco Ryans is back in the fold as head coach with the defensive mastermind tag. Coordinator of the best defense in the league in 2022 (3rd in 2021), he must now succeed in the transition. Fifth coach since 2020, Ryans will have to quickly give guarantees to reassure a front office not very patient.
With young talents like Derek Stingley, Jalen Pitre and Will Anderson, the coach has the elements to work well and to build a quality squad. The ability of this defense to drastically raise its level will depend on a potential successful season.
Player to watch: Will Anderson Jr.
Announced as a phenomenon and the most talented player of the 2023 draft, the Texans have invested heavily in the former Alabama player. After Stroud, Nick Caserio did not hesitate to give a lot of choices, especially the 1st round of 2024 to get Will Anderson Jr. in 3rd place.
On a first curtain crying lack of decisive players, Anderson will be the spearhead and the basic man of DeMeco Ryans from the first week of the season. Author of 27.5 sacks in the last two seasons, he should become the nightmare of opposing quarterbacks and the expected heir to JJ Watt in the hearts of Texans fans.
2023 Houston Texans Schedule
@Ravens, Colts, @Jaguars, Steelers, @Falcons, Saints, bye, @Panthers, Buccaneers, @Bengals, Cardinals, Jaguars, Broncos, @Jets, @Titans, Browns, Titans, @Colts
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In summary
If there is still a long way to go for the Texans to play the leading roles in their conference or aim for their division, the foundations finally seem to have been laid. Staff, recruitment, strategy, management finally has a vision. With a workforce filled with nuggets in almost all positions, 2023 promises to be under better auspices but should above all remain a stage for gaining experience and confidence.
