Houston Texans: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Secondary
By Bob Dove
The Good, Bad and Ugly – This defensive analysis groups the positions into the 3 levels of the defense – secondary, linebackers and line. The secondary is the deepest of the 3 groups, but how good or how bad the secondary actually plays depends upon a number of factors.
The Texans corners and safeties as a group project as the best in the AFC. The two biggest questions are, “How long can Johnathan Joseph continue as a top flight NFL corner?” and “Who will win the Texans “strong safety” competition?”.
The Texans field 3 solid corners, veterans Joseph and Kareem Jackson and 2015 first round draft pick Kevin Johnson. There is veteran depth behind them making cornerback the deepest position on the defense.
Among the safeties Andre Hal appears to have a leg up in what many teams call their “free safety” position. Because the Texans consider the safety positions as interchangeable any of the other safety candidates could end up starting with Hal. The ability to play tough against the run may decide who wins that competition.
My 10-6 prediction depends upon the Texans fielding a Top-10 defense. The Texans can go 11-5 if the secondary further lifts the defense by playing better than expected. Of course, the opposite is also true. Let’s look at the 2016 secondary’s possible performance range, the Good, Bad, and Ugly, and how they can impact the season?
Next: The Good