The Houston Texans can climb back to top of the AFC South with win

An improved secondary could be the last piece

Last year’s offensive line was one of the worst units I can recall in recent years. TheHouston Texansbrass apparently agreed as they completely revamped the entire line as there were four new starters to start the season.

Five games into the season, the Texans have had to use five or six different combinations since then. So, this unit’s struggles were to be expected as these guys figure it out. To be sure, they’ve improved as the season has gone on. According toPro Football Focus (subscription required),Julien Davenporthas graded out as a 55.4,Senio Kelemeteat a 58.9,Nick Martinat a 60.8,Zach Fultonat a 58.1, andKendell Lammat a 60.3.

Those numbers actually are all considered average this season so the offensive line hasn’t been terrible. The struggles were to be expected so they can’t really be considered disappointing. However, there has been a unit that has been extremely disappointing at that’s the pass coverage.

Kareem Jacksonhas taken his transition to safety extremely well and is grading out at a 79.6 total grade and 90+ run defense grade. He also has the team’s best coverage grade at 70.5.Tyrann MathieuandJustin Reidhave both been pretty good grading out at 70.2 and 64.4, respectively. So, the safety position hasn’t been that bad. However, the corners have been atrocious.

Johnathan Josephdid not look good at all the first four weeks of the season. He was showing his age and why he shouldn’t have been a number one corner anymore. But, that began to change last week when he balled out against the Cowboys posting an 80+ coverage grade, only allowing one reception for eight yards. He also added two pass breakups.

Shareece WrightandAaron Colvin, though he didn’t play last week, have been worse and haven’t had rebound weeks yet. They’ve struggled mightily and there isn’t much help behind them.Kayvon WebsterandKevin Johnsonhave both been placed on IR and the rest of the depth is largely unproven.

That being said, if Joseph can continue his resurgence and lead the rest of this unit to improve this unit has the ability to take off. Especially with the pass rush up front theHouston Texansdefense has. So, with decent offensive line play and an improved secondary could allow this team to ascend to the top of the division.

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