Did the Texans Use the Preseason Properly?

To jump right in, let me ask one obvious question and pose some answers, and I would really like to hear what others think.

What were the goals of the Texans?

(a) Look at key players for key positions, is one answer I can think of. WLB was one of those positions and the Texans determined that Zac Diles won the position over Xavier Adibi. SLB, Brian Cushing literally didn't play and show anyone anything, so we are trusting the coaching staff that he is the guy come the first game. Punt Returner is another position and it appears that the team was testing Jacoby Jones and I would say he passed the test. Backup QB, another position, and the Texans haven't committed yet, but it appears that both Dan Orlovsky and Rex Grossman have impressed the coaches. Defensive Tackle, another position, and I might postulate that the outcome from preseason is that they will employ a rotation at that position involving several players, one of them not being Travis Johnson. Long Snapper, and they tested two of their Tight Ends at this position, and it appears that they may go in that direction. Cornerback, with Dunta not in camp, the Texans were trying their rookies and young veterans in game situations and they showed promise, but no one excelled beyond expectations. Running Back, was not a competition, but an opportunity to knock off the rust. Was anyone impressed with the rookie, Arian Foster? Defensive End, rookie Connor Barwin impressed on passing downs and appears to be a keeper.

(b) Put in a new defensive scheme was something we all heard about this preseason. I am at a loss to say that I saw any improvement. Maybe someone saw something I didn't. But, I saw the defensive unit getting beat with big plays, not stopping the run when it was needed and allowing the other team to function efficiently in the red zone. I could go on, but I have no real answers that would make anyone feel good about the preseason other than a few isolated highlights.

(c) Getting through the preseason with few injuries is always a goal. Matt Schaub, everyone's number one injury concern showed that he is still a concern when he twisted an ankle in a non-tackle scenario, if I can call it that. New rookie LB, Brian Cushing, didn't show us anything because he tweaked his knee in practice prior to the first preseason game, although he is said to be healthy now. Eugene Wilson is nursing a sore knee thanks to a crack-back block from Brett Favre...and still no apology, but a wrist-slap $10,000 fine. Kevin Walter tweaked his hammy, but Six Million Dollar Man Andre Davis is sitting by waiting to fill in.

(d) Intangibles are the difference between mediocre teams and playoff teams. The Texans uncovered a couple intangibles in James Casey and Connor Barwin. It appears their athletic ability is everything we could have hoped it would be. After seeing them play, I don't think they are hype. James Casey can play Tight End and Special Teams. Realizing that the TE position is crowded, let's hope the coaches are bright enough to utilize him in those difference making capacities and he doesn't disappear when the season begins. Connor Barwin, while he hasn't proven himself in running situations, in passing situations he has shown the quickness needed for the advertised more active defense. He is another potential bright spot that I hope the coaches put into action where he will excel.

I would be interested to hear anyone's comments about how the Texans have set themselves up for the upcoming season.