Houston Texans: Redemption begins in 2016
As the Houston Texans prepare for the upcoming season, they will be a team fueled by redemption thanks to their disappointing postseason loss last year.
Last year was indeed a memorable one for the Houston Texans. In addition to being a part of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” television program which offered a glimpse into what they were all about, the Texans ended 2015 with a 9-7 record. Not only did they clinch the AFC South, but they were riding some serious momentum into the NFL Playoffs.
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Once they reached the postseason and were set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, nobody expected what would transpire. The Texans ended up being embarrassed 30-0 in front of their home crowd in NRG Stadium.
It’s such a devastating loss that it has undoubtedly stung the franchise all offseason long. It’s the kind of disappointment that head coach Bill O’Brien will be using as motivation to keep his team focused on redemption.
The Texans had a brilliant offseason with their biggest move being the acquisition of a new franchise quarterback in Brock Osweiler. It’s one of those moves that needed to happen if the Texans were serious about not only continuing the momentum, but also establishing a foundation at the most important position on the team for years to come.
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It’s easy to see why the Texans lost to the Chiefs in that playoff game as their quarterback situation was unstable all season long.
For the Texans to win plenty of football games again this time around, they needed an established quarterback that delivers consistently and has the support of everyone around him.
The Texans shuffled between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett in 2015 which took some time for their offense to execute as envisioned.
It was very confusing and unsettling to say the least.
With everything on the line against the Chiefs, the Texans stuck with Hoyer who put up one of the worst performances you can ever ask for in a playoff game by a quarterback. Hoyer totaled just 136 yards, zero touchdowns and four costly interceptions.
Needless to say, Hoyer was dismissed as the Texans knew for them to get right back into it this upcoming season, they needed to address their quarterback situation once and for all. Now with Osweiler in the mix, the sky is the limit to their overall potential.
In the grand scheme of things, the Texans need to ensure that the past stays in the past and they completely move on. Such a stinging exit from the playoffs shouldn’t resonate anymore across the organization as they have a golden chance now to erase all that and get right back into it. This team is built to win now and has the right talent, leadership and coaching to keep them contending in their division.
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Overall, with a much more stabilized situation at quarterback, the Texans finally have the missing piece so everything can come together. With a top-notch defense, an improved running game thanks to their acquisition of running back Lamar Miller and a young quarterback with major potential in Osweiler, the Texans will be contenders again in 2016. Make no mistake about it, this will be a team to watch thanks to all their talent ready for redemption of last year.