 | The Texans entered training camp hoping for their defense to make up for time lost during the lockout.New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who had installed a 3-4, had a lot to teach in a relative short period of time. Based on what happened in the first three exhibitions, the players caught on fast.Last season, the Texans ranked 30th in defense, including last against the pass, and coach Gary Kubiak fired second-year defensive coordinator Frank Bush. After Phillips was hired, he announced a move that continues to generate controversy.Phillips moved defensive end Mario Williams, their leading pass rusher in each of his first five seasons, to outside linebacker. Williams would play the same role as DeMarcus Ware with the Cowboys rush the quarterback on 95 percent of the pass plays.While the defense recorded 14 sacks and forced seven turnovers in the three preseason victories, Williams continues to be a work in progress. Standing up or dropping to end in passing situations, he hasn't gotten the quarterback.Getting back Williams, inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans, inside linebacker Brian Cushing and outside linebacker Connor Barwin after all suffered season-ending injuries in 2010 has made a tremendous difference.Another reason for the defensive improvement has been the impressive progress of the top two picks defensive end J.J. Watt and outside linebacker Brooks Reed to with free agent cornerback Johnathan Joseph and free agent free safety Danieal Manning.Phillips played it basic in preseason. Nothing exotic.Until they get down what we want them to do, we're not going to expand to something else, Phillips said. So far, I've been happy with what we've been able to do.Because of the improved pass rush from the front seven, the defensive backs haven't been burned. Only second-year cornerback Kareem Jackson is starting in the same position as last season.Glover Quin, the best corner last season, has made a smooth transition to strong safety.The coaches won't say it, but the players will. They believe they're going to have a top-10 defense unless they suffer catastrophic injuries like last season.Because the Texans haven't finished lower than fourth in offense the last three seasons, they know they're going to score a lot of points. The key is for the defense not to blow fourth-quarter leads like last season.The first-team offense had a terrific preseason. Their big three of quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster and receiver Andre Johnson is as good as any in the league.They have depth in the backfield and at tight end. Their starting offensive line was outstanding in preseason. The only thing they need on offense is depth in the line and at receiver.Everybody in the organization believes this is the Texans' year to finally make the playoffs. Most thought that last season, too, and their hopes were crushed. If they collapse again, Kubiak knows he'll be out of a job.COACHING Gary Kubiak, sixth year with Texans 37-43.REMEMBERING 2010 record: 6-10 tied 3rd AFC South.PREDICTING 2011 regular season record 11-5 tied first in AFC South; lose in divisional round.Copyright C 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved. PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumble UponGoogleYahooDiggDeliciousShare
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
, |  |
LOADING