Looking forward to the return of Brian Cushing.
Nov 6, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Blood drips down the face of Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) after a play in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Greetings Texans Fans!
July is upon us and that means we’re that much closer to the start of training camp. Lot’s of players are coming off surgeries and looking to prove they still have what it takes. Cushing is the primary returnee in that his leadership and skills were sorely missed in the back half of 2012. Few players exemplify insane like he does, and that’s a good thing. Expect Cush to be back flying around the field helmet or no as if he’d never been injured.
Jonathan Joseph is another key defender who while not lost during the season to injury, is a key to the Wade Phillips Defense. Fortunately his double sports hernia surgery appears to be just thing he needed to get back to form. Joining him from the operating table is Ed Reed formerly of the Ravens. His status is less clear for the start of the season but he’s a consummate professional and brings a wealth of experience as Houston breaks in new talent D.J. Swearinger. Wade Phillips defense requires the opposing Quarterback to hold the ball just a moment longer, giving JJ Watt and his fellow linemen those crucial extra seconds to give anyone thoughts of retirement. A healthy Reed and Joseph, along with new stud Swearinger should make opposing teams sweat the night before they play Houston.
Speaking of Quarterbacks, Matt Schaub has been maligned by fans and the press alike for not being bold or aggressive enough. A “game manager” as it were, too often looking for Andre Johnson or the check down during games. This season he gets more targets to play with, a revamped front line to protect him. Last season he had a taste of both the sweetness of playoff victory and the bitter bile of a loss. Expect Schaub to stand and deliver this season.
As is always, players and fans dream the big dreams prior to the start of Training Camp, visions of Lombardi Trophies and parades through downtown dance in the heads. Much like the start of 2012 Texans fans have good reason for such dreams, but some hurdles remain. Can Houston win when it matters? Beating Jacksonville means little, can they go to San Francisco and get it done? Will they return the favor to New England December 1st and give Tom Brady a long plane ride back home? Nothing in the NFL is certain, but this season is shaping up to be special. Keep your browsers here to the Torotimes.com as we take this ride together.