Texans inspire with professionalism

May 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) participates in rookie mini-camp at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

For Houston Texans fans, this offseason is one of painful hope.

The team many of us thought could finally bring the Lombardi Trophy to the great City of Houston, imploded. We watched the draft and once again there is division among the fans.

The Johnny Football crowd is ready to write the Texans off and trade Battle Red for Dawg Pound Brown. We don’t have a set starting quarterback, we don’t have punt returner/kick off returner, but we do have competition.

We fans see a lot of new faces with the Bull Helmet on, and a lot of familiar faces in other places. We were told this isn’t a rebuilding, but the most important player in the teams history is sitting out OTA’s says otherwise.

There is hope there too.

Brian Cushing and Arian Foster are on the mend, with Foster out on the field now and Cushing cleared for pads. One cannot look at Jadeveon Clowney’s play and not be inspired at what could be. Watching Brooks Reed move to inside linebacker is a genius move long overdue.

The quartet of quarterbacks are all eager to be “the man” to take that first snap in September. DeAndre Hopkins is stepping up to the plate ready to take over Number 80’s spot should he decide to move on from the Texans.

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We have, on paper one heck of a defense lined up.

Offensively, well after so many years of “managed third down” play calling we’re willing to withhold judgment on whatever Bill O’Brien has up his sleeves for 2014 until we see it in action. Our offensive backfield, sans quarterback to be named later, is solid. The position of tight end is a wealth of riches in terms of depth and raw talent waiting to be tapped.

But we’ve all seen this movie before.

It’s the offseason where even the most jaded fan can be inspired.

There is one thing though, that makes this Texans fan believe we’re in for a ride come the regular season, and no it’s not the weak schedule. Bill O’Brien and his coaching staff. From Romeo Crennel to Mike Vrabel to the fact our special teams is lead by someone for their talent, not for who they know.

The team is getting behind the coaches, and while lesser players and teams would be roiled by the behavior of a star player and one of the most respected players on the team sitting out and questioning the wisdom of all the changes… these guys are putting that aside and getting to work.

Yes, everyone on the Texans wants Johnson to suit up, and grace NRG Stadium with his skills, but they aren’t letting his absence distract them. That is as much the innate leadership and maturity of the veterans as it is the head coach.

That’s why these Texans are going to be back in the playoffs, a lot sooner then we might have imagined as the 2013 season came to merciful end.

Dec 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) reacts during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

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