Here we go Houston Texans fans.
The preseason is over, the final roster cuts have been made and we’re now down to 53 men.
The start of the NFL season is on the horizon and there’s a lot to be excited about.
This defense is as stout as it has ever been and they’ll likely carry this team if there is any offensive slack.
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In terms of offense, there a few question marks as far as quarterback play — aren’t there always for the Texans? — but I thinkBrian Hoyerwill be efficient enough to get the chains moving and will lean off the talents of our wide receiving corps, the best crop of talent that I’ve seen in years.
You can’t deny that Hoyer does have some weapons to throw to this time around — he didn’t have much to work with the Cleveland Browns, consideringJosh Gordonwas out serving his suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
He now hasDeAndre Hopkins,Cecil ShortsIII,Nate Washingtonand to a lesser extent, Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphery to throw to.
These guys are ball hawks and will use their athletic talents to go up and get the ball if Hoyer doesn’t have enough mustard on his passes.
But let’s talk about one guy I didn’t mention that he’ll be looking to.
Who?
Since being drafted by the Texans in the 4th round in 2012 and taking over the kick/punt returning duties in 2013 afterJacoby Jones‘ abrupt exit, we’ve seen a whole lot of nothing.
I thought for sure he’d be cut this time around — he was likely on the bubble this time — but Martin really came on strong toward the home stretch of the season to show that he still wants the job for the Texans.
He had some amazing catches/plays that’s reminiscent of his days at Michigan State.
To put things in perspective, Martin had154punt return yards last season averaging about6.2yards per return.
That’s good for29thand24threspectively among all guys at his position.
He hasn’t had a punt return touchdown since 2013 and that needs to change as well.
In contrast, Martin had947kickoff return yards averaging26.3yards per attempt and345punt yards good for8.8yards per attempt in2013.
That ranks him4thin yards and8thaverage in kick returns and6thand14thin punt returns respectively.
You see, this guy has the ability to be a top-10 guy at his position but he has to apply himself and demonstrate the reason why he was drafted so high.
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He was seldom used for kick returns last year with justoneattempt for19yards.
Just the shear sight of him under-performing like he is sickens me to my stomach because I know he can do better than this.
But we’re going to see an uptick in his performance because he’s in his last year of rookie contract and it’s money time if he certainly wants to get paid.
He just needs to grow some sacks and step it up to make us proud to have him on-board!
Or else he could find himself on the outside looking in wondering what may have been.
But the time is NOW — LET’S GOOOOO!
Go Texans!
Next: Houston Texans 10-Man Practice Squad Is Set
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