Houston Texans: Evaluating The Position Groups – Offense
By Bob Dove
The Texans are supposedly all about speed at the skill positions. Yet, the speed is seldom on display in the dink and dunk offense the Texans ran in the first half.
Running Backs – When the line gives them a chance the backs do well. Lamar Miller started showing speed and quickness before injuring his shoulder. Hopefully he will be full speed after the break. Alfred Blue started slowly, but is now having his best season as a Texan. Jonathon Grimes is finally healthy.
When there is daylight the backs take advantage. What is missing is the home run. Until opponents fear the run the passing game must carry the team. Despite the 5-3 record the Texans passing game struggled in the first half.
Receivers – Texans wide receivers are not creating separation. Small passing windows and an inaccurate quarterback are a deadly combination. When a receiver can’t get open, when the quarterback stares him down and then forces an inaccurate pass the foreseeable result is nine interceptions in 8 games, no downfield threat and a discouraged, although still saying the right things, #1 receiver.
The only thing that partially salvaged the receiver position group was the play of the tight ends. C. J. Fiedorowicz is blossoming into a legitimate receiving threat, complementing his blocking skill. Ryan Griffin returned to form as a receiver. Stephen Anderson shows promise.
The tight ends must build on their first half performance and the wide receivers must play to their potential for the Texans to win their division.