Has The Texans’ Offense Improved?

Over at ESPN.com, Sarah Barshop offered her analysis of the 2021 Houston Texans offense. She rated the following positions:

• Quarterback
• Wide Receiver
• Running Back
• Tight End
• Offensive Line

Given the likely impending loss of Deshaun Watson, it’s hard to comprehend how Houston’s offense could improve over last year’s 13th ranked unit. Barshop seems optimistic about a few categories, which is a little strange, considering the team isn’t favored to win a single game this season. Nevertheless, Barshop writes:

Running back

Better, worse or the same? Better

It would be hard to be worse than the unit that ranked last in rushing DVOA in 2020. The Texans did bring David Johnson back on a lower salary and now have three veterans in the running back room. Lindsay should be the Texans’ starter, although it’s unclear how Kelly will split up touches.

It might be hard to be worse in 2021, but keeping David Johnson is hardly improvement. Barshop was equally optimistic with the offensive line, though she doesn’t seem to take into account the importance of chemistry amongst o-linemen.

Better, worse or the same? Better

A year after returning all five starters on the offensive line, Houston goes into this season having cut four players who started at least three games in 2020.

Her other positive view comes from the tight end group.

Better, worse or the same? Better

There wasn’t a ton of change at the position, but Caserio did add depth this offseason. Jordan, who was ESPN’s fifth-ranked tight end but fell to the fifth round, could easily turn into Houston’s best draft pick.

For QB and wide receiver, she rated them worse. Apparently she’s not convinced Nico Collins is a good replacement for Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins.

Now it’s your turn.