Offseason Analysis Series: Houston Texans

Meaningful Additions: HC Lovie Smith, DB Derek Stingley, OG Kenyon Green, WR John Metchie III, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, DB Steven Nelson, OG AJ Cann, DB Jalen Pitre, RB Dameon Pierce, RB Marlon Mack, LB Christian Harris, DE Mario Addison

Meaningful Losses: HC David Culley, QB Deshaun Watson, DB Justin Reid, DB Lonnie Johnson, RB David Johnson, TE Jordan Akins, DB Terrance Mitchell

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What Happened Last Year?

(4-13) Third in AFC South

Offense

Saying last season was disastrous for the Texan's offense would be a major understatement. The team had the fewest amount of first downs in the league while also averaging the shortest total yards per drive at 34.4. Star QB Deshaun Watson sat out the year because of contract/legal issues and the team's record reflected his absence. Journeyman Tyrod Taylor opened the year as the starter but eventually lost the job to rookie QB Davis Mills due to a combination of injuries and ineffective play. In 11 starts, Mills managed to put together a respectable stat line (2,664 Yards, 16 TD, 10 INT) considering the situation that he was thrown into. Besides the consistent Brandin Cooks, the Texans did not see anyone else produce. In his age 28 season, Cooks logged his 6th year with at least 1,000 receiving yards and set a career high with 90 receptions. Their running game was non-existent behind an offensive line that finished the season ranked 29th by Pro Football Focus. The committee of backs comprised of Rex Burkhead, David Johnson, Mark Ingram, and Phillip Lindsay led the Texans to a league worst 3.4 yards per attempt mark.

Defense

Houston's defense also had its fair share of issues during the 2021 season. Current head Coach Lovie Smith's unit allowed the fifth most points to opposing offenses, the second most total yards, and the second most rushing yards. The pass rush was also a major problem for the Texan's. During the course of the whole season, they mustered only 32 sacks, the fifth lowest count for an NFL team. Defensive end Jonathan Greenard showed that he can be a nice piece on his way to contributing 8 sacks, but most of the other names up front are unrecognizable to the casual NFL fan. On a positive note, CB Desmond King had a solid year recording 87 tackles, 3 INT, and 3 PDs in a major bounce-back campaign.

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What's Changed?

All in on Mills

The Texans seem content to see what they have in second year QB Davis Mills. They had multiple chances to draft a top QB and the capital to go and get a player like Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo, but chose to stand pat. Clearly, they think that Mills can build upon a strong finish to 2021. In the last 6 weeks of the season, Mills combined for nine touchdown passes and just two interceptions. Mills is a guy who I could see developing into a solid starter for the Texans. Due to Houston's record last season, he did not get the same attention as fellow rookie Mac Jones. However, Mills performed at a similar level while being at a major disadvantage in both the coaching and personnel categories.

Watson's Departure

The Texans were not going to hold on to Deshaun Watson after paying him to sit the entire 2021 season because he was unhappy with the organization's personnel decisions and his current contract. Of course, this unhappiness was all amid accusations of sexual misconduct by over 20 women. By trading Watson to the Browns for a number of picks, including three first round picks, the Texans eliminated a major distraction from their team. They no longer have to worry about whether and when Watson will be suspended for his alleged misconduct, and they will not have to fight over contract and personnel decisions with him. Also, Watson is a special talent, but it was clear that the Texans were not going to pay him what he desired (Cleveland signed him to the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history at 230 million dollars over 5 years upon his arrival). In the end, the Texans organization and Deshaun Watson are both better off without each other.

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