2019 Record - 10-6-0
Head Coach - Bill O' Brien
New Players in 2020 - David Johnson (RB), Brandin Cooks (WR), Randall Cobb (WR), Eric Murray (DB), Tim Jernigan (DL), Daylen Watkins (DB), Brent Qvale (OT)
Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Eddie Vanderdoes (DL)
OFFENSE - Deshaun Watson is back for Houston as the starting quarterback this season. Last season, Watson had 3,852 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and twelve interceptions. He also scored seven rushing touchdowns to go with 413 yards and 5.0 ypc average. A.J. McCarron will likely be the backup.
David Johnson comes over from the Arizona Cardinals in the trade for DeAndre Hopkins and he had 345 rushing yards (3.7 ypc) with two touchdowns and also made 36 receptions for 370 yards and four scores while missing three games due to injury. Duke Johnson returns in the backfield and rushed for 410 yards with a 4.9 ypc average and scored twice on the ground while also making 44 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns.
Wide receiver Will Fuller will be playing along with Brandin Cooks (42 receptions for 583 yards and two touchdowns with L.A. Rams) and Randall Cobb (55, 828, three TD with Dallas) as the starting tandem this year. Fuller has missed 22 games in the past four years with injuries, but he did have 49 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns last season. The tight ends are Darren Fells (34, 341, seven TD) and Jordan Akins, who had 36 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns.
DEFENSE - Defensive end J.J. Watt (four QB sacks) returns after missing eight games during 2019 with injuries and Angelo Blackson and Brandon Dunn join him on the defensive front. Charles Omenihu (three sacks) and Tim Jernigan provide depth. Whitney Mercilus (7 1/2 sacks and two interceptions), Jacob Martin (3 1/2 sacks), Brennan Scarlett (3 1/2 sacks), Bernardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham (two sacks) are the linebackers.
The secondary has Bradley Roby (two interceptions) and Gareon Conley at the corners and Justin Reid (two picks) and Eric Murray play safety. Backing up in the Texans secondary are Josh Reid, Jaylen Watkins, A.J. Moore, Lonnie Johnson and Michael Thomas.
Houston gave up 24.1 points per game last year and allowed 388 yards per game (28th in NFL) while getting 31 quarterback sacks and twelve interceptions. The Texans allowed 121 rushing yards each game (25th) and gave up 267 YPG on pass defense.
OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - The Texans had a strong second half comeback win over Buffalo in the wild card round of the 2019 NFL playoffs before they blew a 21-point lead (in the first half) and eventually lost to Kansas City in the divisional round.
A lot went right for Houston last season, evidenced by eight one-score victories that helped them win the AFC South division. If they want to repeat as division champions and perhaps move further in the playoffs, the defense must be better. Keeping Watt on the field all season would be a big help in that area.
The passing game will be under some scrutiny this year as Watson lost his top receiver (DeAndre Hopkins) in the trade that brings in running back David Johnson, who hasn't been the same player since injuries slowed him following the 2015 season. Houston Head Coach Bill O' Brien is sure hoping he will be and if not and the team stumbles badly, he could be on the hot seat in the 2020 season.
Watson has shown he is a dual threat and if he and the receivers mesh right away, it would be a big bonus as the running game (126 YPG last year) looks to click once again. The passing game averaged 236 YPG in 2019 and the total offense ranked 13th overall by gaining 362 yards per game. Houston averaged 23.6 points per game a year ago.
The Tennessee Titans served notice they will be in the hunt for the AFC South title again this season after a huge run in the post-season and Indianapolis is looking to rebound as well, so the Texans will be hard pressed to win another division crown.
Stay tuned.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Kansas City
Week Two - vs. Baltimore
Week Three - at Pittsburgh
Week Four - vs. Minnesota
Week Five - vs. Jacksonville
Week Six - at Tennessee
Week Seven - vs. Green Bay
Week Eight - BYE
Week Nine - at Jacksonville
Week Ten - at Cleveland
Week Eleven - vs. New England
Week Twelve - at Detroit
Week Thirteen - vs. Indianapolis
Week Fourteen - at Chicago
Week Fifteen - at Indianapolis
Week Sixteen - vs. Cincinnati
Week Seventeen - vs. Tennessee
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