The bad news is…the Texans season is officially over. The good news is…the Texans have a jump on getting ready for next season.
It wasn’t easy to watch Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck pick apart the Texans defense on Saturday afternoon’s AFC Wildcard Playoff game. A very determined Colts offense outscored and outran early in the game which led to a 21-7 win over the Texans.
While the playoff loss was disappointing, there is a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to this next season. First and foremost, the Texans finally have a franchise Quarterback.
“That’s a big deal,” Coach Bill O’Brien told media post-game Sunday. “I think at the most important position in this league — every position is important. You need pass rushers, you need corners that can play, man, you need top receivers, you need offensive line, offensive tackles, guards. Every position is important, don’t get me wrong. But you have to have a quarterback, and we have a quarterback.”
Deshaun Watson’s rookie season ended abruptly after he suffered a torn ACL. This season he was able to start in all 16 games and carried the team to an 11-5 record. It is actually incredible how much he was able to accomplish considering the lackluster offensive line that allowed for him to get sacked 62 times. Yikes. Watson excelled at his position and tightening up that O-line could only lead to more success.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that we have the type of person and the type of quarterback that you need here to win in this league,” O’Brien went on to say. “There’s no doubt in my mind about that.”
With that, the last bit of Texans business will be Jadeveon Clowney’s future with the team as he becomes a free agent. According to reports from the Chronicle, Clowney said, “Of course, I want to come back. I promise to the Texans and whoever else is watching that I’m going to be a much better, improved player next season. I haven’t been thinking about a contract. If I come back and play well like I know I’m going to, contract will take care of itself. I’m going to work on my craft and work on my game. That’s what I’m worrying about.”
The NFL Draft will begin Thursday, April 25th. The Texans have the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 Draft. As a result of a 2017 trade with the Seattle Seahawks, they have acquired their second round pick in addition to their own.