History

• The Texans got out of the gate in a big way. Before a national television audience, the Texans christened beautiful Reliant Stadium by playing the cross-state Dallas Cowboys. This was a case of the haves vs. the have-nots. The Cowboys are perhaps the most famous and celebrated team in the league, while the Texans were just playing their first game. What the Texans lacked in talent they made up for in enthusiasm. They played a tough, physical game on defense and did just enough on offense for a 19-10 win. They became the first expansion team to win its first game since the Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears in 1961. Houston fans were delirious and believed their new team might just surprise a few teams in its first year and make a run at the playoffs. The Texans did play hard and registered upsets over the Steelers and Giants but finished 4-12.
  The Texans made progress in their next two seasons, finishing 5-11 and then a respectable 7-9. It appeared they would have a chance to make some noise in 2005, but the offense fell apart and owner Bob McNair decided to fire head coach Dom Capers and replace him with Gary Kubiak, who had made a name for himself as Denver's offensive coordinator.
  Kubiak had some initial success and won six games. Strong-armed quarterback David Carr completed a career-best 68.3 percent of his passes and found a brilliant receiver in Andre Johnson who caught 103 passes. However, the Texans depended on Ron Dayne to give them a running attack and he was not up to the job. The Texans added a jewel of a defensive player in defensive end Mario Williams, who was selected with the first pick in the draft. The Texans had the opportunity to take USC superstar Reggie Bush, but they opted for the defensive player.
  The move was met with a lot of criticism, but it did not bother Williams. He would finish his rookie season with 4.5 sacks and 4 passes defensed. He followed that season with 14.0 sacks in 2007 and validated his status as a No. 1 overall pick. The 2007 season was the best of the Texans' first six years. Matt Schaub replaced Carr at quarterback and his mobility gave the Texans a much more versatile offense and left them with high hopes for the future.
  
  

Significance

• The Texans thought they had a franchise quarterback in Carr when they selected him out of Fresno State in 2002. Carr had all the measurables that scouts look for because of his size, arm strength and accuracy. However, Carr lacked quickness and his inability to get away from the pass rush proved disastrous. He was sacked 76 times in '02 and more than 40 times in three other seasons. He appeared gun shy and nervous during the 2005 and '06 seasons.
  The Texans pulled off one of the strangest upsets in NFL history when they beat the Steelers 24-6 in Pittsburgh during their initial season. They couldn't muster any offense, but cornerback Aaron Glenn returned two interceptions for touchdowns to propel the Texans to the upset.
  Reliant Stadium is perhaps the most beautiful stadium in the NFL. It was the first stadium in the league with a retractable roof and it also played host to the Patriots and Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII following the 2003 season.
  
  

Considerations

• The Texans have yet to go to the playoffs, but Johnson is one of the strongest wide receivers in the league and Williams is one of the best defensive ends. Both players are stars who should be able to stay at or near the top of their profession for years. Schaub has a quick release, quick feet and is an accurate passer. He needs to show he can stay healthy for a full season. Kubiak has a creative mind and the combination of Schaub and Johnson allows the Texans to offer a productive passing game.
  
  

Misconceptions

• The Texans have lacked balance and a true identity. They have not had a consistent running game at any point in their history. The lack of a decent running game has kept the passing game from reaching its potential. Opponents load up to stop the pass and don't respect the Houston running game. They need to find a consistent running back in the future. While they have solid defensive players like Williams, defensive tackle Amobi Okoye and linebacker DeMeco Ryans, their defensive effort has been up and down. They need to find one thing that they can do consistently well before opponents respect them.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The Texans have an outstanding owner in McNair who has shown he will spend whatever money is needed to improve his team. They have a great facility to play in and have a few stars. However, the franchise lacks players who are willing to be accountable and take responsibility. Until they find true leadership on the roster and players who force their teammates to make big plays at key moments, they will continue to be a playoff outsider.