New Faces, Same Outcome, Texans Takeaways from 2016

 2. The offensive line needs some work

Although 20 teams rank ahead of the Texans in total sacks allowed, Houston’s offensive line still allowed their quarterback to be sacked 32 times. Having that kind of pressure put on an inexperienced QB can cost a team a lot of productivity on the offensive end.

The Oakland Raiders allowed the fewest sacks (18) and their QB, Derek Carr, is an MVP candidate. Looking at the sacks allowed statistics, all the teams with top tier QBs rank near the bottom of the list: DAL 24th, NO: 27th, NE 28th, WAS: 29th, NYG: 30th, PIT: 31st. Breaking down the Texans’ offensive line, everyone except LT Duane Brown and LG Xavier Su’a-Filo is replaceable.

Luckily for Houston, their 2016 second round pick C Nick Martin is expected to return next season after missing all of 2016 with an ankle injury. The Dallas Cowboys have showed the NFL time and time again just how critical it is to have a beefy offensive line and they achieved those assets through the draft. The Texans should do the same if they want to take the next step.