Houston Texans: Five thoughts as to why to be optimistic about this team
By Neal Sharma
Thought #2: Landing the most integral piece
I thought to myself — “FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE HAVE A QB!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!” I was certainly optimistic that we have the best defense, a dangerous wide receiver corps, a solid running game, which are all the necessary ingredients to beat the New England Patriots and win the Super Bowl!!!!!
Unfortunately, we counted our chickens before they hatched.
Now I could go out on a limb and say that the 2017 season for the Houston Texans was all on injuries, and if it wasn’t for that, the team would be much better and a sure contender for the Super Bowl. But that isn’t what I am here to tell you, it was much more than that.
Duane Brown, the best offensive lineman on the team, was holding out for a new contract and was only causing drama as the Houston Texans stood strong on their side by not handing a contract over.
Tom Savage seemed tentative in Week 1, taking sacks and fumbling repeatedly as he was unable to function behind such rather disgusting play by the offensive line, making Deshaun Watson’s play making along with Duane Brown‘s presence look more detrimental than ever.
I think the problem was that Rick Smith was convinced to play Tom Savage while Deshaun learns, so basically the placement of Watson 30 minutes into Week 1 was adding salt to an already wounded relationship between Bill O’Brien and Smith.
While that was all happening, the defense was nowhere near the year before despite the return of J.J. Watt as they repeatedly allowed first downs and big gains, with Brian Cushing getting injured and eventually being suspended for use of PED’s.
That is a lot of tough hits for any fan in Week 1, let alone a Houston Texans fan.