The series in conducting the offensive, defensive and special teams projected depth charts on the four teams in the AFC South division continues with the Houston Texans.
After revealing the defensive upgrades, it’s time to unveil the Texans’ fortifications on the already high-powered offense that happened to lead the league in passing in ’09.
If Matt Schaub thought he had a copiousness of weapons in his arsenal last year, he should be thrilled with the remarkable talent that now surrounds his offense in ’10.
QB: Matt Schaub
But an exclusive interview with the Texans’ star quarterback that took place last week (which you can see here: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-schaubqa060110) uncovered that Schaub isn’t really thrilled.
As it turns out, he likes to not only keep things calm in his interviews, but also on the offense as well.
However, after watching Schaub perform in every game, putting up 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns in ‘09, I have come to the conclusion that Matt Schaub is far from boring.
Backups: Dan Orlovsky, John David Booty
RB: Arian Foster, Steve Slaton, Ben Tate (Trio)
Albeit Steve Slaton witnessed a sophomore slump last season, he’s proven to be a very solid back, picking up 1,700-plus yards on 399 attempts for 4.3 average yards per carry with 12 TDs, and the best is yet to come.
Slaton will split time in an alternation with second-year pro Arian Foster and rookie power back Ben Tate, who is a terrific compliment to Slaton and Foster.
TE: Owen Daniels
Owen Daniels is just the pinnacle of Houston’s extraordinary depth at the tight end position.
Despite missing the final eight games of regular season with a anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Daniels accrued 40 receptions for 519 yards and 5 touchdowns in ’09.
However, it’s recently been reported that he could miss training camp. The following list is the current competition at tight end, provided in presumable order. How they’ll all be used is yet to be determined. Backups: James Casey, Joel Dreessen, Garrett Graham, Michael Gaines, Anthony Hill
LT: Duane Brown
In 2008 Duane Brown became only the second rookie in Texans history to start all 16 games on the offensive line.
Brown did a stellar job protecting the blind side of Matt Schaub and looks to become an elite player at the position very quickly.
Backup: Rashad Butler
LG: Kasey Studdard
After Chester Pitts encountered an injury, Kasey Studdard, a former Longhorn and 6th round draft choice via the 2007 NFL Draft, stepped up and became the starter. Studdard utilized his aggression, leverage, and low center of gravity to finish the ’09 season with 14 starts.
Backups: Wade Smith, Shelley Smith
C: Chris Myers
Analogous to Studdard, Chris Myers was also drafted in the 6th round. Conversely, Myers was chosen by the Denver Broncos in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Replacing an injured Tom Nalen, Myers showed off his versatility, shifting from guard to center and making his debut in every game of the ’07 season.
But since then he was traded to Houston ironically in exchange of a 6th round draft pick in 2008, and he has done very well, receiving 43 consecutive starts at center.
RG: Rotation—White, Brisiel, Caldwell
At this point during OTAs, Antoine Caldwell has lined up as the starter to begin the 2010 season. However, Mike Brisiel, along with Wade Smith, who is battling for the spot at left guard, is lurking in the background.
“It’s going to be a very competitive situation throughout camp, and it’ll be interesting to see if [Antoine] Caldwell, Chris [Myers], and [Kasey] Studdard can hold these guys off,” Head Coach Gary Kubiak told the Houston Chronicle.
RT: Eric Winston
Eric Winston is a very athletic and versatile consistent and extremely dependable offensive tackle. In 2007 Winston received the honors as a member of the USA Today AFC All-Joe Team and has now started the last 55 successive games for the Texans.
Backup: Adam Stenavich
WR1: Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson not only comes off a year of erecting his career best nine touchdowns for a single-season, but along having blown past 100 receptions with over 1,500 yards for the second consecutive season.
He’s potent enough to regulate as a possession receiver inside and expeditious enough to obliterate defenses with big plays on the outside.
Backups: Andre Davis, Jacoby Jones
WR2: Kevin Walter
Eighth-year veteran Kevin Walter spent his first three seasons in Cincinnati, where he reeled in 30 catches for just short of 300 yards and 1 touchdown.
However, once Walter made the move to Houston, he became the No. 2 receiver, and has since turned to his numbers to full throttle, charging up 225 receptions for over 2,750 yards, and 15 touchdowns in his pro career, with more of the same to follow.
Backups: David Anderson, Glenn Martinez, Dorin Dickerson
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