Toro Times http://torotimes.com A Houston Texans Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more. Mon, 14 May 2012 17:55:42 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Houston Texans Tenth Anniversary Thoughts http://torotimes.com/2012/05/14/houston-texans-tenth-anniversary-thoughts/ http://torotimes.com/2012/05/14/houston-texans-tenth-anniversary-thoughts/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 17:48:39 +0000 David Leister http://torotimes.com/?p=4934 On the heels of an overall successful 2011 campaign, the Houston Texans enter 2012 with unprecedented expectations in the franchise’s tenth year of existence. Overall, I’d say the Texans have tipped the scale slightly toward disappointing, but not terribly so. Sure, in a parity-friendly league like the NFL, one would rightfully expect their team to make at least a couple of runs during a ten year period (even the Bengals accomplished that!). But there are plenty of positives to look back on and an abundance of excitement to behold for the future. In 2002, the Texans were defined by the [...]

Houston Texans Tenth Anniversary Thoughts - Toro Times - Toro Times - A Houston Texans Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> On the heels of an overall successful 2011 campaign, the Houston Texans enter 2012 with unprecedented expectations in the franchise’s tenth year of existence. Overall, I’d say the Texans have tipped the scale slightly toward disappointing, but not terribly so. Sure, in a parity-friendly league like the NFL, one would rightfully expect their team to make at least a couple of runs during a ten year period (even the Bengals accomplished that!). But there are plenty of positives to look back on and an abundance of excitement to behold for the future.

In 2002, the Texans were defined by the drafting of quarterback David Carr as the face of the franchise as well as the 19-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in their inaugural game. After that, it was mostly downhill as expected, except for the drafting of stellar wide receiver Andre Johnson. The Texans would show progress over the next couple of seasons before eventually falling flat on their faces in 2005, finishing a measly 2-15. The hiring of Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith ushered in a new era a wave of defensive draft picks and the Texans began climbing again, even threatening a playoff birth in 2009 before gravely disappointing fans in 2010, thanks to a ridiculously shabby secondary. However, 2011 presented a Texans team with the winning resolve unseen in the previous nine seasons as the franchise overcame devastating injuries to win their first ever division title and playoff game.

The lack of playoff appearances certainly have been disappointing, and 2005 and 2010 were certainly seasons to forget, but some great things about this franchise during its first ten years of existence include committed ownership and stability as well as world class facilities and fans. The franchise has put together some very nice drafts in recent years and has overwhelmingly shown class both in victory and defeat. Now, heading into the second decade of existence, it appears that the Texans have a strong character foundation lain and will continue their winning ways. With a defense that punishes and offense featuring super stars Johnson and Arian Foster, the future looks bright.

In looking back and forward, what do you consider the low and high points of the Houston Texans franchise, and what are your expectations for the second decade?

Houston Texans Tenth Anniversary Thoughts - Toro Times - Toro Times - A Houston Texans Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> http://torotimes.com/2012/05/14/houston-texans-tenth-anniversary-thoughts/feed/ 0 Pass rush to the Super Bowl http://torotimes.com/2012/05/07/pass-rush-to-the-super-bowl/ http://torotimes.com/2012/05/07/pass-rush-to-the-super-bowl/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 17:22:07 +0000 David Leister http://torotimes.com/?p=4926 Some fans may be scratching their heads over the Texans’ decision to draft a linebacker in the first round instead of a wide receiver or even offensive lineman, but there is some wisdom to this selection. The Texans are in the long term growth business, intent on laying a championship foundation for years to come. Nobody is in immediate danger of losing their job and owner Bob McNair is perhaps the most patient owner in the business. The Texans have proven that they are more interested in building a formidable foundation rather than filling holes with flashy players to sell [...]

Pass rush to the Super Bowl - Toro Times - Toro Times - A Houston Texans Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> Some fans may be scratching their heads over the Texans’ decision to draft a linebacker in the first round instead of a wide receiver or even offensive lineman, but there is some wisdom to this selection. The Texans are in the long term growth business, intent on laying a championship foundation for years to come. Nobody is in immediate danger of losing their job and owner Bob McNair is perhaps the most patient owner in the business. The Texans have proven that they are more interested in building a formidable foundation rather than filling holes with flashy players to sell a few more tickets short term.

The great news is that Wade Phillips loves Houston and will remain as Defensive Coordinator at least another season. Therefore, the already-exceptional Texans defense will only get better. Adding another pass disrupting linebacker to the mix can only help the Texans maintain excellent field position, keep the defense fresh and set the tone of physicality. Sure, the Texans must keep their offense stout, and upping Arian Foster was a terrific step in that direction. But I believe that the Texans are on the right track focusing foremost on defense and establishing anything but a finesse identity.

What are your thoughts? Will Whitney Mercilus make a significant contribution in reaching the Super Bowl in the year(s) to come?

Pass rush to the Super Bowl - Toro Times - Toro Times - A Houston Texans Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> http://torotimes.com/2012/05/07/pass-rush-to-the-super-bowl/feed/ 0 Texans Sign WR Dwight Jones As UDFA http://torotimes.com/2012/05/07/texans-sign-wr-dwight-jones-as-udfa/ http://torotimes.com/2012/05/07/texans-sign-wr-dwight-jones-as-udfa/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 14:02:06 +0000 Dylan Sognalian http://torotimes.com/?p=4924 If you remember back to my original mock draft, you’d recall that I mocked North Carolina WR Dwight Jones (who I extensively profiled) to Houston. In the first round. Today, Jones signed with Houston as an undrafted free agent in hopes of grabbing a roster spot. After making headlines last week on Sportsradio 610 AM when he proclaimed “I am the next Andre Johnson”, Jones will have to compete for a roster spot in an already deep receiving corps comprised of Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, drafted rookies DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin, highly-touted second-year Lestar Jean, speedy Trindon Holliday, and [...]

Texans Sign WR Dwight Jones As UDFA - Toro Times - Toro Times - A Houston Texans Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> If you remember back to my original mock draft, you’d recall that I mocked North Carolina WR Dwight Jones (who I extensively profiled) to Houston. In the first round. Today, Jones signed with Houston as an undrafted free agent in hopes of grabbing a roster spot. After making headlines last week on Sportsradio 610 AM when he proclaimed “I am the next Andre Johnson”, Jones will have to compete for a roster spot in an already deep receiving corps comprised of Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, drafted rookies DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin, highly-touted second-year Lestar Jean, speedy Trindon Holliday, and second-year Jeff Maehl among others. He certainly has the talent to do it.

 

Texans Sign WR Dwight Jones As UDFA - Toro Times - Toro Times - A Houston Texans Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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