Preview: Texans’ defense will stay below average

By Connor Byrne  |   Monday, August 28, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Houston Texans
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The Houston Texans' management believes it upgraded the team's defense significantly in the offseason. Former general manager Charley Casserly made some moves in both free agency and the draft to shore up a defense that finished 2005 ranked dead last in points allowed and 31st in yardage surrendered.

It all began up front for Houston during the offseason. With the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft, the Texans pulled the trigger on former NC State defensive end Mario Williams, who, at 6-foot-7, 295 pounds, has dominant potential. However, Williams has struggled in the preseason thus far, which has been discouraging to the team's fans.

Starting opposite Williams at the other end position is Anthony Weaver, a free agent acquisition in the offseason. The four-year veteran was a decent platoon player for the Baltimore Ravens, for which he tallied 14 ½ career sacks.

Houston's two starting tackles bring a mix of young promise and veteran savvy. Former first-round pick Travis Johnson was somewhat of a disappointment in his rookie season, amassing just one sack and looking vulnerable against the run. Next to the 315-pound Johnson is 28-year-old Robaire Smith, who was a tackling machine from the DT position last year, with 68. If he can bring that kind of production back to the table, it will mean good things for Houston.

As for the linebackers, current SLB Shantee Orr quietly led the team in sacks last year, with seven; he also added 50 tackles. Next to Orr is MLB DeMeco Ryans, a rookie second-rounder from Alabama with star potential. Ryans impressed the Texans' coaching staff so much early on that it moved him into the starting lineup over Sam Cowart.

Rounding out the LB corps is weakside man Morlon Greenwood, who is one of the more overrated 'backers in the game. Though Greenwood has often been a big-time tackler, his playmaking inability overshadows it. Greenwood has 410 total tackles in his five-year career, but he's never even intercepted a pass.

The Texans' starting corners also seem like somewhat of a question mark, although Dunta Robinson starred as a rookie two years ago. Last season, though, the 5-foot-10, 180-pounder's interception total fell from six to just one.

Currently on the opposite end of Robinson in Houston's starting lineup is No. 2 cornerback Lewis Sanders, a little-known seven-year veteran. The former Cleveland Brown's best season came in 2004, when he intercepted a career-best two passes.

If the corners aren't enough of a question, look at the No. 1 safeties coordinator Richard Smith has to work with. The starting tandem is young and promising, but should face its share of tribulations in 2006.

SS Glenn Earl, an ex-fourth-rounder, took strides in his sophomore NFL season, intercepting two passes. He's obviously hoping to carry that type of newfound production into this season. Meanwhile, free safety C.C. Brown was an efficient tackler last year, with 79, and he also had an INT.

On paper, Houston's depth on defense is quite impressive. Ends ND Kalu, Antwan Peek and Jason Babin stick out like sore thumbs as backups on the line, while Cowart is the best LB on the bench. The Texans' secondary reserves consist of veterans Dexter McCleon and Philip Buchanon, but they'll fall back a bit when starter DeMarcus Faggins can return from his foot injury.

Final prediction: The Houston Texans' defense probably isn't going to finish as low as last year, but don't expect any kind of momentous leaps. Switching from a 3-4 base scheme to a 4-3 isn't necessarily as simple as it sounds, since certain players are forced to readjust. When it's all said and done, as long as Mario Williams shows legitimate signs this year, Houstonians can rest easy.

--Got feedback? Connor J. Byrne responds to questions and comments often: cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Realfootball365's 2006 Houston Texans offensive preview is coming soon.
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