Most important position battle: strong security. Tashaun Gipson, the Texans’ starting SS and interception leader in 2019, was cut this offseason, just one year after the three-year, $ 22.5 million contract he signed a year ago. Jahleel Addae, Gipson’s backup last year, was not re-signed this offseason. Who replaces Gipson in 2020 is not so clear. Veteran free-agent signer Eric Murray and Michael Thomas are expected to vie for the starting role alongside free-hitter Justin Reid. Neither Murray nor Thomas have managed to create consistent starting work in their careers. The Texans also signed Jaylen Watkins in the offseason for depth, but outside of Reid, whose brother, Eric, remains a free agent, the Texans’ position at the position could be just average, and that would be a relief.
Greater strength on the roster: Quarterback. Let’s not think about this too much. Deshaun Watson is the last straw in Houston, and he has wanted the Texans to have two consecutive appearances in the playoffs, despite a general roster that has not generated great expectations. The Texans know how important Watson is to their success, and they have spent the past two seasons propping up an offensive line that is constantly improving through 2020. Watson represented 34 of the Texans’ 44 offensive touchdowns last year (26 passes, seven rushing and one receiving) and almost eclipsed 4,000 yards passing for the second consecutive year. Though he’ll certainly miss DeAndre Hopkins this season, it’s hard to doubt Watson can make it work with the variety of qualities that Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Kenny Stills and Keke Coutee present. Not to mention the depth of Texans at tight ends who catch passes (Jordan Akins, Darren Fells and Jordan Thomas), whom Watson frequently attacks in the red zone. Where Watson goes, Texans go, and that will be the case going into 2020 and beyond.
Greater weakness: defensive line. First-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will have his hands full with this Texans defensive line, which lost DJ Reader through free agency and has to adequately fill the gap that Jadeveon Clowney left in his trade last August. The Texans ranked in the bottom eight in passing and rushing yards allowed last season, finished in the last six in sacks, were second behind Washington as the league’s worst defense on a third shot, and ended up dead in defense of the Red zone. It is surprising how the Texans made the playoffs last year (SEE: Watson, Deshaun), but it is not surprising that they have left the Kansas City Chiefs 24-0 in the Divisional Round. Initial pressure has been an obvious problem and is affecting the rest of the defense. Returning starters Angelo Blackson and Eddie Vanderdoes will be pushed by their jobs at this training ground. Charles Omenihu and second-round rookie Ross Blacklock will be the candidates to play alongside future Hall of Famer JJ Watt, who has consistently teamed up in another injury-laden season. Unfortunately, Watt’s watch is working, too, and this could become an even bigger problem if someone doesn’t move forward now.
Newcomer / player returning from injury to watch: David Johnson, running back. There will be a lot of pressure on Johnson to produce after the Texans acquired him in the deal that sent DeAndre Hopkins, star of fan-favorite star, to the Cardinals this offseason. Not too long ago Johnson was considered one of the best complete RBs in the game, but two head coaches, two systems, and multiple injuries later, the 28-year-old was sent to the bench for the acquisition of Kenyan Drake halfway through. seasonal. Perhaps a change of scenery was necessary for Johnson, who enters Houston with a clean health bill. Coach Bill O’Brien, who also serves as general manager, personally selected Johnson to become the star of the Texans, a role that has not been adequately played since Arian Foster’s retirement. It’s not hard to imagine O’Brien trying to prove him right when it comes to wearing Johnson in 2020, and while Texans fans may be upset to let Hopkins go, if Johnson can be a reliable and consistent game creator in the field, the pressure will be off your most valuable player in QB.
