Oct 1, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Three goals:
–Get healthy, stay healthy. The Texans need defensive end J.J. Watt to return to his old NFL Defensive Player of the Year form. Once he’s fully back, the Texans need him to remain in that condition. The same goes for Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who’s coming off arthroscopic knee surgery, quarterback Deshaun Watson, who tore his ACL as a rookie, and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, who missed most of last season with a torn pectoral.
–Get the defense back in gear. The Texans dipped to last in points allowed per game last season. Two years ago, the Texans had the top-ranked defense in the NFL. Now, they have Romeo Crennel back running that defense.
–Figure out the offensive line. The Texans could have as many as four new starters after Jeff Allen was removed from the roster with an injury settlement. Center Nick Martin is the lone returning starter. The other four spots are expected to go to left tackle Julie’n Davenport, left guard Senio Kelemete, right guard Zach Fulton and right tackle Seantrel Henderson.
Top battle:
–Free safety. After starter Andre Hal was diagnosed with lymphoma, the Texans’ secondary is facing some uncertainty. Although veteran corner Kareem Jackson was shifted over to safety, he faces competition for the starting job from rookie Justin Reid.
