Each week, Drew Dougherty answers a few questions from fans onFacebookandTwitterin the video above. But so many are asked, that he answers more in the article below. If you were too late this week, Tweet at him**HERE**.
@The_1_Hendo: Dear Drew, With the appointment of Carl Smith as new QB coach what do you think we can expect from him & DW4 going forward?* DD*: It's an exciting hire, for sure. Smith has a long track record of success, in college, the USFL and the NFL, and it dates back to the late 1970's. He's seen so much and worked with such a variety of quarterbacks. I was bullish on Deshaun Watson's future before the hire, and even more so now. Specifically, I think you'll see Watson make quicker decisions, and probably better ones. Adding Smith to the mix will help accelerate that process even quicker.
@shouldbeintexas: Dear Drew, What do you think the possibility of extending Tyrann Mathieu is?
DD: I think there's a good possibility he's back in 2019. Tyrann Mathieu was great for the Texans this year. On the field, he locked down the safety spot and played at a Pro Bowl level. He was a team captain and locker room leader, and off the field he gave back to the community in a variety of ways.
@1mikestreet1: Dear Drew, What prospect drew the most interest from the Texans at the Senior Bowl?
DD: Oh man, no way to pinpoint just one. I can tell you this though: there were quite a few impressive offensive linemen there in Mobile, and I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of them become Texans in April.
Kyle Parker: Dear Drew, Will J.J. Watt be better next year?
DD: Excellent question. He was an All-Pro in 2018, with 16 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles. He was back to his game-wrecking self, after the previous two seasons ended so horrifically in injury. Now, he has an offseason in front of him that won't be focused solely on rehab. That's a big deal. Getting to go prepare for 2019 and not have to worry about getting healthy could go a long way toward seeing Watt have an even better season next fall, and I'm excited to see what he does.
Lee Bolton: Dear Drew, I'm sure it's been asked but WHUT IS UP WITH THE TECMO BOWL IN THE BACKGROUNNNNDDD?
DD: Lee's talking about **the background video in last week’s Dear Drew**. Tecmo Bowl was my favorite Nintendo game when I was a wee lad in junior high. I could smoke anyone and everyone when I played as the Bears.
Alberto Guajardo Jr.: Dear Drew, What does Tim Kelly bring to the offense?
DD: Alberto, Tim will bring a tough-minded creativity to the offense. He has a multi-dimensional background, as he played defensive line in college, helped coach it at Penn State under Bill O'Brien, and then switched over to the offensive side of the ball as an assistant here with the Texans. He's a razor sharp mind who I think will work well with the likes of O'Brien, quarterbacks coach Carl Smith and the rest of the staff.
Rondel Towe: Dear Drew, With the way the Colts exposed our weakness at the corner position, do you think finding a "shut-down" corner is a higher priority than the O-line in the upcoming draft?
DD: I think the Texans will look to get better at corner and on the offensive line, yes. When it comes time to pick at 23 overall, I believe they'll take the best player available at corner or at offensive line.
@DanielNunezRise: Dear Drew, Do you picture us changing our backup quarterback situation this year?
DD: Right now, Deshaun Watson is the only quarterback under contract for 2019 with the Texans. Backup Brandon Weeden and Joe Webb are both free agents. I think the Texans would like both back. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if they drafted a quarterback in the later rounds. Webb is so valuable on special teams, and can play receiver as well.
@Cantseeme232: Dear Drew, How does Deandre Hopkins make all the amazing catches?
DD: **Magic**.
Ramiro Rodriguez: Dear Drew, Do you miss football like I do already? What's the best way to deal with the football blues this offseason?
DD: Yes Ramiro, I sure do. To pass the time, read some books. Listen to some podcasts. Spend time with the family. Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days a week.
@kjntxn: Dear Drew, What does it take to work with the Texans? How did you get started? How many hours a week do you work?
DD: It depends on a lot of things. In addition to the people like me in the digital media department, we have accountants, IT engineers, human resources professionals, marketing experts, a sales staff, legal counsel, ticketing pros and more. Then you have the football operations folks, too. So that covers a lot of work skillsets that could make someone needed to work here. Back in 2009, I was a sports anchor at the FOX affiliate in Lubbock, and I decided to move home to Houston. I applied for the position, interviewed a few times and got it in August of that year. I work about 40 hours a week during the offseason, and a little more since we have games during the preseason and regular season.
Ruben Hernandez: Dear Drew, With the new offensive coordinator in place, will we see a new offense playbook?
DD: Not likely. You'll likely see some new wrinkles on what the Texans did in 2018, but not wholesale changes. I think improved offensive line play, and the continued growth of Deshaun Watson will make the offense even better next season.
