Texans not in top 10 of offseason NFL power rankings
The Houston Texans are not in the top 10 of any offseason power rankings despite them winning the AFC South and winning a playoff game in 2016.
I can’t say I’m surprised that the Texans aren’t highly regarded by the media after a poor season behind quarterback Brock Osweiler.
"Why they’re here: The Texans enter the offseason as they always do: without an established starting quarterback. They probably maxed out in 2016 with the disappointing Brock Osweiler. His short- and long-range accuracy was brutal, resulting in the NFL’s seventh-worst off-target percentage, and his average of 5.26 yards per dropback was the NFL’s worst. In other words, no quarterback was less productive on a per-pass basis.What could change: The Texans probably will have to replace Osweiler — possibly with Tony Romo — even though they owe him $16 million in 2017. Their defense, already stingy by AFC South standards (20.5 points per game), should welcome back a healthy J.J. Watt to match with Jadeveon Clowney, who broke through with his first Pro Bowl season in 2016. The Texans already have managed a smooth transition to defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel from incumbent Romeo Crennel, who will remain on staff."
"The Texans need to find an answer at quarterback, whether that’s an improved Brock Osweiler, Tony Romo or a rookie. They need to get better at that position to complement the Super Bowl-caliber defense they have. If that happens, with J.J. Watt returning, too, they’ll be a force in the weak AFC South."
"They won another division crown based on defense, mostly. Imagine if Brock Osweiler (or likely another QB) makes a real impact."
Of course these power rankings mean absolutely nothing when it comes to next season. But it’s clear the media all agree that the Texans biggest concern is at the quarterback position.
Success will ride on whether or not Osweiler can get his act together or whether they can somehow get an upgrade at the position that will make them Super Bowl contenders.