2009 Houston Texans will Have the First Winning Season in Franchise

NFL News - July 8, 2009 - Written by Bruce

This will be the year the Texans have their first ever winning season. The team is coming off two straight 8-8 seasons and have added some players this off season which should be enough for them to win at least nine games. Gary Kubiak will be entering his fourth season as the Texans Head Coach. The team has improved every year he has been there and is poised for a big 2009 season. Houston already has an explosive offense but they needed to address their defense this off season. They did just that in free agency and in the draft. They acquired DT Shaun Cody from the Lions who will add some depth at the position. They picked up former Tampa Bay linebacker Cato June who will be a nice veteran addition. Lastly they signed free agent DE Antonio Smith from the Arizona Cardinals. He known as a good run stopper and will help the Texans up front. These three free agent pickups will help the Texans improve a weak defense from a season ago.

Houston's number one draft pick this year was LB Brian Cushing who they selected with the 15th overall selection. He is expected to step in right away and start at outside linebacker. He is big, fast, and plays with a toughness that the Texans really like. He should be a great player for them for many years to come, but will need to play well as a rookie for Houston to have a big season. In the second round the Texans drafted DE Connor Barwin who will see some playing time adding even more depth to this unit. Both of these players will have an immediate impact and will help turn around a weak Texans defense from 2008.

The strength for Houston is their play makers on offense. Last year RB Steve Slaton had a great rookie season for them showing he is a dynamic player out of the backfield. He is lightning quick and is a threat to break off a long run every time he gets the ball. WR Andre Johnson has made a name for himself as one of the top wide outs in the league. He led the AFC last year with 115 catches for 1575 yards. The key will be for QB Matt Schaub to stay healthy this season as he has missed five games each of the last two seasons. If he is able to the Texans have enough talent this year to get over the hump and finally finish with a winning record. I see the Texans putting together their best season ever and winning ten games in 2009.