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Texans still have plenty to play for this season

By Jair Lopez

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans looks on during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans looks on during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Houston Texans were officially eliminated from the playoffs with the narrow victory of the Miami Dolphins over the New England Patriots on Monday night.

However, the season is not over, the Texans have three games remaining in their schedule until we get to see them next season in September.

Texans still have their pride to play for, they face the Jacksonville Jaguars this upcoming week and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17.

Players still have their jobs to play for.

The Texans have been on the hunt for their number two quarterback on their depth chart after the phenomenal season Deshaun Watson sustained through six games.

It is no secret that Tom Savage will not be here next season. Savage believes he is a starting quarterback in this league, so he will go to a team that will give him a shot to start next season.

With Savage’s horrific head injury, it opens the possibility for T.J. Yates and Taylor Heinicke to compete for a roster spot on the depth chart next season.

It is certainly plausible that Texans select their backup quarterback in this upcoming draft, but they have two potential candidates already on the roster.

The same goes for every other position on the team. The NFL is obviously a very competitive league and every player can be replaced except for those few elite players that are truly game changers.

Payday is coming

These Texans players have their next contract to play for.

*Restricted Free Agent

  • Tom Savage QB
  • T.J. Yates QB
  • Alfred Blue RB
  • Andre Ellington RB
  • Jordan Todman RB
  • Bruce Ellington WR
  • Chris Clark T
  • Breno Giacomini T
  • Xavier Su-a’filo G
  • Greg Mancz C/G*
  • Angelo Blackson DE*
  • Ufomba Kamalu OLB*
  • Ben Heeney ILB*
  • Brian Peters ILB*
  • Jelani Jenkins ILB
  • Jonathan Joseph CB
  • Marcus Williams CB
  • Marcus Gilchrist S
  • Eddie Pleasent S
  • Corey Moore S*
  • Shane Lechler P

They know that every play the put on tape is another dollar heading their way.

Tanking is not in the books

Texans have no incentive to tank with their first two draft picks going to the Cleveland Browns.

General manager Rick Smith and the Texans front office had a brilliant offseason by trading Brock Osweiler’s contract and selecting their franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson.

Although not having their first and second round draft pick in the 2018 draft, Texans have Seattle Seahawks’ 3rd round draft pick in 2018 and 2nd round draft pick in 2019 due to the Duane Brown trade.

Texans also have several incoming compensatory draft selections with the departures of A.J. Bouye, John Simon, and Quintin Demps in free agency.

Season Takeaways

This season didn’t turn out how we expected with injuries and the sharp decline on the defense.

However, the Texans have enough cap space and draft picks to address their weaknesses during the offseason.

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