ESPN: Texans hope to protect Carr, make first playoff run

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2114227

Associated Press
National Football League News Wire

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans defense went through the football version of an extreme makeover this offseason, but the nagging question remains: Can a mostly unchanged offensive line protect frequently sacked quarterback David Carr?

The answer will also answer a bigger question as the Texans prepare for the start of training camp July 30: Can they make the playoffs? If not, they'll be the only expansion team since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 that didn't make it to the postseason by their fourth season.

The Texans won seven games last season after winning five in 2003 and four in their first season.

"What we've been able to do every year is show improvement, and I know that we're a better team today than we were at the end of last season," said Texans general manager Charley Casserly, who brushed aside the playoff question. "I don't make predictions. That's a waste of time. That doesn't help you win a game."

What can help the Texans win is better blocking for Carr.

The team heads into camp after making no major acquisitions or changes to a line that allowed Carr to be sacked a league-high 49 times last season.

Carr has been sacked 140 times in three years, including an NFL-record 76 times in 2002.

"The offensive line looks like it's improved," Casserly said. "But until you put pads on, you don't really know."

The only significant addition to the line is seven-year veteran Victor Riley, whom coach Dom Capers criticized in minicamp for being too heavy and out of shape. He's a right tackle who will probably move to left tackle to compete with the oft-struggling Seth Wand.

Chester Pitts moved last season from tackle to guard and should be improved this season with a year of experience. Center Steve McKinney has been the line's mainstay, starting every game for the team.

If Carr stays upright, he should have plenty of help on offense.

Domanick Davis ran for almost 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns and had 588 yards receiving with one more score last season. Pro bowl receiver Andre Johnson caught 79 passes for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns in 2004.

On defense, the Texans feel they got younger and faster.

They used the 16th draft pick to get defensive tackle Travis Johnson and picked up cornerback Phillip Buchanon in a trade with Oakland. They also signed linebacker Morlon Greenwood in free agency.

The Texans cut four older defensive players who had been with the team since their inaugural season. Linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman, two of the teams' leading tacklers in 2004, were sent packing. So were safety Eric Brown and cornerback Aaron Glenn.

"We've made several positive additions on defense and that should help us continue to improve," Casserly said.

The team ranked 23rd in defense last season, allowing more than 341 yards a game. They also had the NFL's least productive pass rush with only 24 sacks.

"A big question entering this camp is, 'Can we pressure the quarterback consistently?" defensive end Gary Walker said. "If you want to win you've got to do that. Pressure on the quarterback helps everybody else open up."

Johnson could help as part of the rotation with Houston's starting defensive line of Walker, Seth Payne and Robaire Smith.

Coaches like the progress of Kailee Wong, who moves from outside linebacker in Capers 3-4 defense to the inside. Jason Babin, who had four sacks as a rookie, and Antwan Peek will fill the outside linebacker positions.

The team is most excited the addition of Buchanon, who was disgruntled during his three seasons with the Raiders. Casserly said Buchanon has already bought a home in Houston and has a great attitude, throwing himself into learning the system.

He had 50 tackles and three interceptions last season and should fit in nicely with fellow corner Dunta Robinson.

Expectations for Robinson are high after a rookie season where he gained a starting spot and finished second in voting for NFL's defensive rookie of the year.

They'll also have a new look to their return game after releasing J.J. Moses, the team's leading punt and kickoff returner the past two seasons.

The Texans failed to score a touchdown on a kickoff or punt last season and finished in the bottom half of the AFC in both categories.

The good news is that they've got a stable of capable players ready to step in, including Buchanon, fourth-round pick Jerome Mathis and free agent Reggie Swinton.

Even with all their changes, the Texans still face another major barrier. They have to find a way to beat division rival Indianapolis, which is 6-0 against Houston.

"You got to beat teams like that," Walker said. "We've played them enough times to know what they do, and we've got to get to the point where we can stop it."