Texans could make run for playoffs

For the first time in franchise history, the Texans have their eyes set on the postseason. 2007, even with countless mishappenings, still managed to be a successful season and provide a glimpse into the future under head coach Gary Kubiak.

Kubiak employs a ball-control, short passing game that accommodates quarterback Matt Schaub. Having coached John Elway and Jake Plummer in Denver, Kubiak is a quarterback-friendly coach.

The problem with his offense is that the Texans have had no identity in the running game. Ahman Green tweaked his knee in Week 1 of ‘07, so that project didn't pan out. Former-Titan Chris Brown was signed, and figures to help Green and rookie Steve Slaton in a running game by committee. Scouts have knocked Slaton for not being an every-down back, but the Texans have the horses to be patient with him as he learns.

The most valuable player on the Houston roster is, without question, Andre Johnson. Houston's record showed up during his seven-game absence. Johnson is a great after-the-catch receiver, and is in the physical mold of Terrell Owens. Johnson is a competitor and class act, rarely showing frustration on the field even when it's warranted. He has been a trooper in Houston since the inception of the franchise, and his goal is to stay healthy and keep the offense moving. Andre Davis is the No. 2 man, and speedy Jacoby Jones is an ideal fit in the slot.

Houston's defensive line is very promising. 21-year-old Amobi Okoye isn't a bull rusher, but can hold his own against the run. His primary skills come in the pass rush, where he and end Mario Williams provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Williams finished with 14 sacks; proving that the Texans made the right call to take him over Reggie Bush in the  2006 Draft.

Depth on the line is questionable, but the starters have a lot of potential.

The linebackers are the strength of the team. Playing alongside Morlon Greenwood, 2006 Rookie of the Year Demeco Ryan is very fast and smart. He resembles Peyton Manning in the amount of film he watches week-after-week, and his studies show up on Sunday. The Texans got a steal in the fourth round of the draft when they took Xavier Adibi. Expect Adibi to make a strong push for the strongside job.

Houston's secondary was riddled with injuries, and the big hit came when Dunte Robinson blew out his knee. He won't be back until October at-best, which is why they signed Jacques Reeves.

Reeves and Fred Bennett will be serviceable cover-men until Robinson comes back. Hard-hitting Will Demps and C.C. Brown are back at safety.

How Houston deals with injuries will factor in the 2008 campaign. Houston went 1-5 against the division last season, and their one win came against a resting Jacksonville team on the last week of the season. They don't have an answer for Manning and the Colts' offense, but they have the pieces in place to contend with Jacksonville and Tennessee.

The Texans showcase their "battle red" uniforms once per year, and they have an opportunity in their first Monday Night Football game in franchise history: a must-see, Week 13 match up against Jacksonville.
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Editor's note: Bryan Ault is a student at Franklin College and writes columns for The Tribune.