The NFL trade deadline came and went with the Houston Texans largely hanging out on the sidelines. Why was that the case when they needed to replace Watt?
It’s that time of the year HoustonTexansfans and it’s typical that the NFL trade deadline causes lots of frenzy among fanbases. Although trades aren’t as common as they are in the NBA as well as MLB, they still do happen and once it does, they’re the type of stories that dominate headlines.
The trade of New York Jets’ safetyJamal Adamsto the Dallas Cowboys is the one that football fans alike have their eyes on and it seems it was hammered out shortly before the deadline.
I have to begrudgingly admit this but the Cowboys always grab the headlines even though that there far from the best team in America but because their brand it’s so established worldwide, it’s something to be expected.
Nonetheless, you’d think with the HoustonTexanslosing their most marketable player in the organization over nearly the past decade would prompt them to scurry to make a deal, you’ve obviously been mistaken.
Bill O’Brienalready had expressed that the likelihood of a deal being done is “slim to none,” so we already knew how they stood from the get-go.
Besides, the HoustonTexanshave already given up a lot of future capital to nab the likes ofLaremy Tunsil,Kenny Stillsand most recentlyGareon Conley. To a lesser extent, they were able to acquire linebackersBarkevious MingoandJacob Martinbut both have provided little impact to the unit’s defensive strategy.
The HoustonTexansgave up two first-round picks (2020-21) and a second-round pick (2021) in order to make that all happen. Plus, the franchise traded their 2020 third-round pick acquired from Seattle Seahawks in theJadeveon Clowneytrade to the Oakland Raiders for Conley.
Conley reportedly was not the team’s first choice but it was the Denver Broncos’ CBChris Harris. They obviously couldn’t come to terms and he still has not been moved out of the Mile High City. It’s possible a separation could occur this offseason as he will be a free agent.
TheCarlos Hydetrade was virtually a swap that cost the HoustonTexansnext to nothing and withMartinas Rankinstill figuring things out with the Kansas City Chiefs and trade counterpart flourishing, there’s no question of who got the better end of that trade.
That might change with three-time Defensive Player of the YearJ.J. Wattbeing sidelined for the remainder of the season with a pectoral muscle injury.
Whitney Mercilusmay not be as effective as he will be the one commanding the double and triple-team teams instead of Watt. Mercilus had the luxury of having a terrific start to the season as a result of the Clowney trade so that he could emerge off the face of the milk carton that he had been featured on.
But the team does haveBrennan Scarlett, rookieCharles Omenihuas well asCarlos WatkinsandAngelo Blacksonto fill in some rather large shoes.
I’ve always loved Blackson’s energy and explosiveness so he’s going to get that opportunity to
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shine, create some pressure and get some sacks. This may help him more and we’re definitely going to see more of Watkins, who has had some bright spots in limited playing time, an opportunity to show his worth.
Omenihu is the dark horse and has been getting a considerable amount of snaps each game to get him acclimated to the rigors of the NFL.
The HoustonTexansare obviously confident that these three men will be able to hold the fort down as Watt heals to get ready for next season.
So the team could’ve gone afterVic Beasley,Yannick NgakoueorPatrick Petersonbut they feel the guys they have in the building give them the best chance to win and I think that’s fair and likely true.
Regardless, the most important thing for the HoustonTexansneed to do is to get healthy as they have Laremy Tunsil,Tytus Howard,Johnathan Joseph,Will Fuller,Bradley RobyandRoderick Johnsonon the shelf.Lonnie JohnsonJr. could be out this week after sustaining a concussion.
There’s a lot at stake this season but the franchise must be careful not to pull all of their future eggs in the basket just to keep the 2019 season in the balance. That’s why I’m perfectly fine with the team’s stance.
And for that — let’s hope these backup defensive linemen do their due diligence and help this team win games!
Go HoustonTexans!
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