Texans all-time records: Baltimore (0-5) Chicago (2-0) Miami (6-0) Minnesota (0-2) NYJ (0-5) Definitely want to smash Balitmore and NYJ. Getting revenge on that turd Jared Allen would be quite sweet too.
It's always about the division. Always. Colts and Jags don't appear to be in position to challenge our record (offseason can always change things), though the Titans can nip at our heels. They're getting Britt back, reloading in the draft, may have the "real" Chris Johnson for the entire season, and Locker showed signs that he could be a capable starter. at Denver and vs Ravens are our flex games at Chargers and vs Steelers are the flex games for TEN I don't think they have a distinct advantage there. (Indy: Chiefs and Browns, Jax: Raiders and Bengals) Our home schedule is pretty decent - I only see one "certain" loss there (frankly, we were better than the Ravens in Baltimore a week ago, Flacco is shaky, and that defense isn't getting any younger). I only see 1 or 2 "certain" losses on the road. Detroit and Chicago aren't THAT great, and the Jets are in complete disarray. There will always be losses you didn't see coming, hopefully balanced somewhat by an upset or two in your favor. But I look at this schedule and think 11 wins should be the bar. That our defense has come together and decided to stay in town to work out as a unit in the offseason is an incredible sign of encouragement in my book. Just need to cross our fingers that Schaub bounces back with no lingering problems and we bolster the decayed receiving corps.
I foresee an 11 and 6 season, and will win the division even if Paidtons Mannings comes back and plays quarterback, defense, special teams, etc., for all the teams. That doesn't matter. We lost this year against "bad teams" anyway...
Nah, the NFL isn't like the NBA. They don't determine matchups because of 1 player. Its still possible the Colts get the game. But if it happens, it wont because of just Peyton Manning. 2012 will be a different year for our defense. They will be tested by good quarterbacks. Last year we only saw Brees. And he ripped us up in the 2nd half. Next year we're looking at Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Stafford. Should be fun. I really want to play the 49'ers. Get that rushing TD.
Those matchups don't look nearly as menacing now that we're here in the Super Bowl. We will need to go at least 6-2 at home, preferably 7-1. The QB's we face are not bad at all; only Brady and Rodgers are elite, and both those teams will be trying their best to shore up historically bad secondaries through the offseason. In the end, if the Texans really are ready to take the next step, then they should be able to perform at least to the same record as this past year regardless of the opponents they face. My initial prediction is 11-5 just because Kubiak is a Baby Steps coach; he has shown the ability to consistently improve, albeit at a snail's pace.
Ahhh, it shall be interesting to see how The Texans respond next season. They are young enough to make a big step up - even The Super Bowl is not out of the question. I'm a homer, but followed Houston Football long enough not to get my hopes up. I'm gonna say a 11-5 season and another early playoff bow out at worst.
A lot of the reason for our staggering defense in 2011 was inexperience or poor QB play. Undoubtedly a tougher schedule this year but hopefully with a year under their belt they'll be even better.
