2006 Houston Texans Preview

2006 preview of the Houston Texans NFL football team from the Maddux Sports handicapping team. Be sure this season to use Maddux's premium and Free NFL Picks and be sure to bookmark the NFL Football Odds feed which gives you up to date betting lines from 16 of the elite offshore sportsbooks in the industry.

Coach Dom Capers is out and Gary Kubiak, Denver’s offensive coordinator for 11 years, is in. It’s a new, offensively minded era in Houston. The Texan’s offense was 30th in total yards last season and 26th in scoring. Chances are Kubiak is going to open up the field.

Quarterback David Carr (423 ATT, 256 COMP, 2,488 YDS, 14 TDs, 11 INT) has shown steady progress over the past three years, although he had an off-season in 2005. With Kubiak, a QB’s dream, as head coach, he should get back on track.

There’s good news in the receiving area—Eric Moulds (81 REC, 816 YDS, 10.1 AVG, 4 TDs) is now a Texan. The former Bill gives Houston someone to divert attention from top ball-catcher Andre Johnson (63 REC, 688 YDS, 10.9 AVG, 2 TDs).

Domanick Davis anchors the running game (230 ATT, 976 YDS, 4.2 AVG, 2 TDs). Davis is a surefire 1,000-yard guy as long as he remains healthy, which is a real concern.

The offensive line is being totally revamped, which must make Carr joyous, since they allowed 68 sacks last season.

The defense was ranked 31st in 2005. This year, Houston made defensive end Mario Williams the number one pick overall and also signed defensive end Anthony Weaver—both excellent pass rushers. Kubiak linebackers will be quick and aggressive and led by their sack master Shantee Orr.

The secondary only snapped 7 interceptions last season. The hope is that the new defensive line will hurry quarterbacks more, causing increased chances to pluck balls from the air. C.C. Brown, who started 13 games as a rookie last season, is free safety and Glenn Earl is strong safety. Dunata Robinson, a possible Pro Bowler of the future, will start at corner. Between them, these three young players have 4 years of NFL experience. The future for this squad is, hopefully, now.

2006 Houston Texans Predictions

Kubiak has his work cut out for him, but he’s got a scheme, sound talent and many young, smart minds to shape. Houston’s schedule includes Miami, New England and Dallas. They open at home against Philadelphia—a game by which all else will be measured this season.

Houston will be improved but the Texans are not quite ready to challenge the Colts and Jags for the AFC South in 2006. Call it a third place finish for Kubiak and his crew.

For more info on the Texans AFC South division rivals check out the Colts, Titans, and Jaguars team previews from the MadduxSports.com experts.

For more info and news on the 2006 Houston pro football team visit the Texans team page at NFL.com.