The 2007 Texans were supposed to surprise. They went 8-8. The 2008 Texans were ready to contend. They went 8-8. Now we’re being sold on Houston as a high-upside bet to make its first postseason appearance in 2009. Color me skeptical. Then again, I was skeptical about the ‘08 Tampa Bay Rays for the same reason: We heard they’d be contenders over and over again, and finally, one year, they were.

The Texans’ biggest concern — that quarterback Matt Schaub can’t stay healthy — won’t be resolved in training camp. We won’t know if Schaub can make more than 11 starts (his total each of the past two years) until December. And to be honest, not much more about this franchise’s lineup is unsettled. Their defensive front seven is improved but pretty well set in stone. The offensive line looks middle-of-the-road, but again, there won’t be big battles to see who starts. Houston will hope to locate a complementary rusher for second-year sensation Steve Slaton, and depending on how capable that backup is, he could lessen Slaton’s workload to an annoying degree for his fantasy owners. The Texans will also have to make sure their No. 1 corner, Dunta Robinson, signs his franchise tender offer and reports. Otherwise, though, this high-octane offensive machine will simply rev in the garage during camp, waiting for a chance to accelerate

Article via ESPN, written by Christopher Harris – http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k9texanscamppreview

The 2008-09 Houston Texans finished the season with a record of 8-8, their best since coming into the league in 2002. The offense was pretty good as they ranked in the top five in total offense and passing yards. Not to mention, 13th in the league in rushing, which was not too shabby either. Defensively is where the Houston Texans struggled a bit and the defense cost them a few wins down the stretch was probably a shot at making the post-season last year. Knowing that the offense was pretty good and the defense needed work, the Texans decided to use most of their draft picks on defensive players, although they did draft a center and two tight ends.

Their first two draft picks were used to add some depth and hard hitting in the box by selecting USC’s Brian Cushing (Linebacker) and Cincinnati’s Connor Barwin (Defensive end). After a stint of offensive players were selected by the Texans, they then added depth to their defensive backs by selecting a pair of cornerbacks and and a safety. Heading into the 2009-10 season, how is it looking for the Texans? Well, assuming Matt Schuab can stay healthy and the defense continues to mature and improve, the Texans could find themselves in the playoffs this season. It’s a realistic possibility for them now.

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