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Houston Texans 2016 outlook: Position grades

By Randy Gurzi

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Houston Texans helmet sits on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Houston Texans helmet sits on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak (8) kicks a field goal during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak (8) kicks a field goal during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams: C-

Nick Novak saved this unit in 2015 as Randy Bullock proved to be one of the more unreliable kickers in the game in 2015. After missing two extra points in three games, and seeing his field goals barely make it between the uprights, Houston cut their kicker and brought in Novak.

Novak finished the year 18-of-21 kicking, although he too missed two extra points, finishing the year 29-of-31 in that regard.

As for the rest of the special teams, Shane Lechler put out another stellar season as a punter, averaging more than 47 yards per punt and landing 24 kicks inside the opponents 20.

While the kicking game wound up solid, the special teams as a whole was less than spectacular in 2015. Their punt returners combined for 7.2 yards per run back while surrendering 10.2 yards to opponents. On kick returns the team ran the ball back for 430 yards while surrendering 977 yards.

Their saving grace was that while they failed to score a touchdown on special teams, they also kept their opposition from doing so as well.

The Texans could stand to look for some upgrades to their return game in 2016, but allowing the same kicking unit to return wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

Next: Defensive Line

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