TGS 2015 Preview: Houston Texans

Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the Houston Texans.

2014 in a nutshell: Powered by defensive player of the century J.J. Watt, the Texans bounce back after a two-win 2013 campaign with a nine-win 2014 season, which is especially impressive considering they get next to nothing from No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. However, they’re still victimized by Noquarterback Syndrome and miss the playoffs.

Why 2015 could be different: Clowney has a chance to take the defense to a whole new level, but he is starting camp on the PUP list.

Major additions: A healthy Clowney, quarterback Brian Hoyer, safeties Rahim Moore and Stevie Brown, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and early draft picks Kevin Johnson and Bernardrick McKinney, both of whom should have key roles.

Major losses: The franchise’s all-time leading receiver, Andre Johnson, who escaped to the rival Indianapolis Colts, as well as released center Chris Myers.

Breakout watch: A lot will of course fall on Clowney, but on the other side of the ball everyone will be watching 2013 first-round wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Position to watch: Hoyer, Ryan Mallett and 2014 fourth-round pick Tom Savage will compete for the starting quarterback job. None inspire confidence.

Prediction: This franchise simply makes some weird decisions. Why part with Myers, who had a solid 2014 season? And why are they continuing to take half-measures at quarterback? Are they better off without Johnson? If Watt tears it up, they might compete for a wild-card spot. But right now, that appears to be their ceiling.

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com (covering Super Bowls XLIV, XLV and XLVI), a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Bloguin, but his day gig has him covering all things NFC East for Bleacher Report.

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