I'm writing an article about the Texans offense for the team 'Yearbook.'
Yes, we actually do call it a yearbook. No, it's not like what you had in high school with senior quotes and what you took around for your friends to sign. Although people have certainly carried it around for players to sign. That's not likely to happen this year though with Coronavirus stepping on fans' player access opportunities.
I digress.
The Yearbook is basically a season preview. And as I look at the offense, I highlight everybody, the whole 90 man roster. I do this because it comes out before training camp and you never know who might rise to the occasion and make the 53 man roster. In fact, last year's yearbook was horribly out of date by the time opening week rolled around, after the team made gigantic moves on Labor Day Weekend.
But looking at this year's attack right now gives us a much better picture of what we'll probably see on opening day than last year. You'll likely have your best starting five from last season returning on the offensive line. Getting Tytus Howard back at right tackle after he got hurt for the stretch run is going to be big.
Of course the receiver group has a much different look. But as you peruse the roster you immediately realize that, with health, there will be some tough cuts here. Newcomers Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks join Will Fuller and Kenny Stills to form a potent first four.
Then you add return man and 'I'm-here-if-you-need-me' receiver DeAndre Carter and you're already at a solid five. But they just drafted Isiah Coulter and still have Keke Coutee in the mix along with others. The competition will be terrific for everyone.
The tight ends are deep again with last year's revelation Darren Fells (a record 7 TDs), Jordan Akins, Jordan Thomas and Kahale Warring, who aches to get on the field and show everyone why he was a third round draft choice.
At running back you have a fine place to start with David Johnson and Duke Johnson. We'll see how the depth shakes out after that. There are several options.
And, of course, your quarterback is one of the best in the league.
The circumstances that set up last year's running back and o-line overhauls don't really exist now. Injuries always change things but it currently looks like the offense has a lot of weaponry on the roster and enough experience to come out of the gate strong.
