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Houston Texans: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – Offensive Line

By Bob Dove

Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) waves to the crowd after being carted off the field after an injury during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) waves to the crowd after being carted off the field after an injury during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson (5) throws as offensive lineman Nick Martin (72) blocks in the third quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State won 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson (5) throws as offensive lineman Nick Martin (72) blocks in the third quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State won 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good – If the offensive line excels, the pocket and the running lanes will be cleaner. Every quarterback likes a clean pocket, but it is particularly important for a tall, long strider like Brock Osweiler. Clean running lanes make the speed of running back Lamar Miller and package specialist Braxton Miller a lethal complement to superior quarterback play.

“The Good” scenario requires a complete recovery by Duane Brown. He is the leader, the veteran, the emotional glue for this line. Chris Clark is a competent swing tackle, but it will take Brown playing at full capacity for this line to exceed expectations.

Next in importance, not because he is the 2nd best lineman, but because as a rookie he is the biggest question mark, Nick Martin must prove that he can make the all important line calls and solidify the interior of the line. If he falters, Tony Bergstrom must step-up big time if the offensive line is to exceed expectations.

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Jeff Allen played left guard for the Kansas City Chiefs and must switch to right guard for the Texans. That may not seem like a big transition, but the move is complicated by Allen simultaneously having to learn a new offense while coping  with different people to his right and left. Allen is a talented veteran, but to hit the ground performing at or above the level of Brandon Brooks’ 2015 performance is a major challenge.

Xavier Su’a-Filo must stay out of Bill O’Brien’s doghouse. Derek Newton must be more consistent making his solid performances of 2015 the norm for 2016. The improved line depth must perform seamlessly when needed.

In short, everything must go right for the line to achieve “The Good” scenario. Each individual must play to his peak capability, the individuals must bond into a cohesive unit and the unit has to remain healthy.  There are a lot of moving parts, but it can happen.

Next: The Bad

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