The Texans O-Line Does Work

The Houston Texans offensive line has come a long way. Back in 2002 when He Who Must Not Be Named was still quarterback, our O-Line allowed an NFL record 76 sacks in one season. Now, the Texans have the 5th best offensive line in football, so far only allowing 6 sacks on Quarterback Matt Schaub.

The Texans offensive line has not just kept Matt Schaub from being sacked, but they have also prevented him from being touched. Matt Schaub has only been hit 14 times this season which has the Texans tied for 5th best in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. Want proof that QB’s

getting hit affects their game? Look at Ben Roethlisberger who has been hit 22 times and sacked 14 so far this season. You could see the difference between Schaub and Roethlisberger’s confidence in the pocket.

Now, we all know how Arian Foster is a great running back, but he wouldn’t be a great running back if he didn’t have a great offensive line opening up holes for him to run through. The Texans offensive line has let the Texans have the 4th most rushing yards so far this season even without a healthy Arian Foster (not to discredit the talents of Ben Tate). This offensive line has also allowed the Texans to average 4.3 yards per carry on the ground.

Our offensive line success comes thanks to its members:

1. Eric Winston – RT: Eric Winston is the heart of this offensive line. Eric Winston is a huge man, but not only is he big, he is also smart, having graduated from the University of Miami in 3 years with a degree in International Marketing with a 3.5 GPA. Pretty impressive credentials for a position whom many (incorrectly) think is full of meat heads. Eric Winston is also a natural leader. The team seems to just naturally rally behind him
2. Chris Myers – C: Chris Myers is one of the most underrated Centers in football. Myers may not be a huge guy but he knows how to block and he sure as hell can get down the field to make those blocks. He may not be the biggest guy on the line, but he is one of its strongest pound-for-pound.
3. Duane Brown – LT: When Duane Brown was drafted by the Texans in the first round in the 2008 NFL draft, a lot of people said that the Texans wasted a pick on him and that he would never be a good player. Many of these naysayers were right…up until now. Duane Brown has been playing like a man on a mission. Remember that guy Dwight Freeney? The one who would manhandle Duane Brown and get Matt Schaub or would stop the run in the backfield? Yeah, that Dwight Freeney didn’t get a sack, he didn’t even make ONE tackle in week one thanks to Duane Brown.
4. Wade Smith – LG: A good left tackle needs a good left guard, and Wade Smith is that good left guard. Wade Smith brings some experience, being the oldest member of the O-Line now in his 8th season. He has also started in 20 consecutive games for the Texans since being brought over from Kansas City.
5. Mike Brisiel – RG: Mike Brisiel has come a long way from undrafted free-agent to being a starter in the NFL. Brisiel became a starter through working harder than anyone else to get to where he is.

In the last two years, the Texans Offensive Line has blocked for the NFL’s leading rusher (Arian Foster – 2010) and its leading passer (Matt Schaub – 2009). The Texans offensive line is the most underrated offensive line in the NFL. Not one of the starters on the line have been to the Pro Bowl….fans start voting