NFL Power Rankings Through Week 6

1. Pittsburgh Steelers(4-1) - They have the best defense in the NFL, and with QB Ben Roethlisberger back, they now have to be the most well rounded team in the NFL.

2. New York Jets (5-1) - They have the ability to both run the ball and stop the run. There next big challenge may not be until week 13 at Gillette against the Patriots.

3. New England Patriots (4-1) - If their defense can play like they did in the 4th qua

rter and overtime, against the Ravens, they should be a very tough team to beat.

4. Indianapolis Colts (4-2) - They have had two tough losses on the road, but they still have

the best offense in the NFL.

5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) - Offense has struggled at times, but their defense is still top 5 in almost every statistical category.

6. New Orleans Saints (4-2) - Struggled in some close games in the beginning of the year, but it looks

like things started clicking in there win against an underrated Buccaneers team.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)- It doesn't matter whether its Kolb or Vick under center the Eagles are hard to beat.

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) - Very talented team, but have been inconsistent at times.

9. Houston Texans (4-2) -Andre Johnson has

fought through injury this year, and shown why he is the best receiver in the NFL. He can take over a game at any time.

10. New York Giants (4-2) - Their defensive line is looking awfully similar to the 20

07 d-line that led them to a super bowl win, the Giants could be very dangerous this year.

11. Tennessee Titans (4-2) - The Titans may not have many big names on defense, but they put a lot of pressure on the QB and make it tough to score.

12. Kansas City Chiefs ( 3-2) - The Chiefs have lost 2 games in a row, but their offense has shown some sign of improvement and their defense is still very good.

13. Miami Dolphins (3-2) - Tough game coming up

against the Steelers, but they have a talented enough team to beat them.

14. Green Bay Packers (3-3) - Have been plagued with injuries. They really need Aaron Rodgers, and last years defensive player of the year Charles Woodson, to carry them through until they get some of their key guys back.

15. Chicago Bears (4-2) -The Bears are a little overrated in my mind, they have had one solid win against the Packers, other than they are pretty average.

16. Seattle Seahawks (3-2) - Great team to be a fan

of, they don't have a lot of stars on their roster but they are getting the most out of their players and have won against some talented teams.

17. Washington Redskins (3-3) - You never know what you are going to get with the Redskins. One week their defense is stifling offenses, the next their letting up 500 yards.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) - I really like this team, I don't think they have enough talent this year, but they have a lot of potential and will be good in the future.

19. Minnesota Vikings (2-3) - The opposite of the Seahawks, tons of talent, underachieving, team full of big names.

20. Arizona Cardinals (3-2) - Not as good as there 3-2 record, they have been completely blown out in their two losses.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) - Their success depends on QB David Garrard (or whoever is under center), unfortunately he is extremely inconsistent.

22. Cincinnati

Bengals (2-3) -Carson Palmer and the Bengals have had a really disappointing year so far, hopefully a bye can re-energize their team.

23. San Diego Chargers (2-4) - Plenty of talent to make a push towards the playoff, they have shown they gave rip off 6 or 7 wins is a row.

24. St. Louis Rams (3-3) - Rookie QB Sam Bradford has really done a great job so far. What was really impressive was their ability to beat the Chargers after a blow out loss against the Lions.

25. Denver Broncos (2-4) - They are averaging 2.7 yards per carry on the ground. It d

oes not matter how good you are at passing or playing defense, you need to be able to run the ball to win games in the NFL.

26. Dallas Cowboys (1-4) - Poorly coached, overrated, and undisciplined is the best way to describe them.

27. San Fransisco 49ers (1-5) - With RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, MLB Patrick Willis, and CB Nate Clements, you would think their team would be better than 1-5.

28. Detroit Lions (1-5) -Three of there losses have been by 5 points or less, this is definitely a

different Lions team than the last few years.

29. Oakland Raiders (2-4) - Solid defense at times, but another team that will be in line for a quarterback in the draft

this year.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-4) - They have kept most games close, but they are just not that talented.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-5) - More talented than their 0-5 record, but they need to stick with a QB and find him some legitimate receivers.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-5) - With the first overall pick should they go Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallet or Jake Locker?

Tennessee Titans 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record            8-8

Wins:  Jaguars, 49ers, Bills, Texans, Cardinals, Rams, Dolphins, Seahawks

Losses: Steelers, Texans, Jets, Jaguars, Colts (x2), Patriots, Chargers

Biggest Playmaker            Chris Johnson

RB, East Carolina, Drafted #24, 3^rd Year

Chris Johnson is coming off a record breaking year in which he recorded the most yards from scrimmage ever in a season.  Johnson has said that he is aiming to rush for 2,500 yards, but it remains to be seen if his body can handle another enormous workload.  Regardless, having CJ in your backfield can keep your team in any game.

Impact Player            Vince Young

QB, Texas, Drafted #3, 5^th Year

After starting the season 0-6 the Titans made a switch at quarterback, starting Vince Young.  Young has had some character issues during his NFL career but is a phenomenal athlete and can change a game with his feet or his arm. 

Biggest Offseason Addition            Will Witherspoon

LB, Georgia, Drafted #73, 9^th Year

Will Witherspoon comes to the Titans after playing for the Eagles a year ago.  Witherspoon brings experience to the Titans’ linebacking core and will start and play a big role.  Witherspoon recorded 91 tackles for the Eagles a year ago and was released after the year, as the Eagles did not want to pay his salary this season.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Kevin Mawae

Center, Louisiana State, Drafted #36, 17^th Year

Kevin Mawae is old, especially for a center, but he has started every game but three in the past four years for the Titans.  He is coming off two straight pro bowls (eight in his career) and his presence will surely be missed in the middle of the Titans’ offensive line (that paved the way for a 2,000 yard rusher last year).

Biggest Draft Steal            Damian Williams

WR, USC, Drafted #77, Rookie

Damian Williams runs great routes, is dangerous after the catch has shown the ability to make very difficult catches.  At 6’1” and around 200 pounds Williams is also a dangerous returnman and is very shifty.

Biggest Draft Reach            Rusty Smith

QB, Florida Atlantic, Drafted #176, Rookie

Rusty Smith made the Titans’ roster, but he likely could have been picked up in the 7^th round or as a free agent.  They currently have an experienced backup in Kerry Collins, so Smith will be able to develop for a few years at least.

Offseason Grade            B-

The Titans seemingly wanted to get younger as they let veterans Keith Bulluck, Kevin Mawae, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Alge Crumpler go.  Derrick Morgan could be an elite pass rusher and I think Damian Williams will play a big role in their offense down the road.  However, they resolved Chris Johnson’s contract issue, which was (rightfully so) priority number one.

X-Factor            Chris Johnson

RB, East Carolina, Drafted #24, 3^rd Year

Chris Johnson is one of the most exciting players in the NFL, so why is he the X-Factor for the Titans?  Check out this link showing how most players who lead the league in carries tend to fall off the next season.  CJ had 358 carries last year so if he stays healthy the Titans’ could challenge for a spot in the playoffs.

Name You Should Know            Stephen Tulloch

LB, NC State, Drafted #116, 5^th Year

Stephen Tulloch is hardly a household name, but he racked up 121 tackles and two sacks a year ago.  Tulloch has not missed a game in his four years and is the anchor as the middle linebacker of their 4-3 defense.

Rising Star            Kenny Britt

WR, Rutgers, Drafted #30, 2^nd Year

This, I admit, is an interesting pick here.  Kenny Britt showed that he can be a very talented receiver in 2009, catching 42 balls for 701 yards and three touchdowns.  However, after a very shaky preseason and some mental issues, Britt needs to step up and has the ability to do so. 

Offensive Outlook            B

Chris Johnson is coming off a ridiculous year and is looking to improve, and behind a very good offensive line he has a chance to reach his 2,500 yard goal.  The receiving core could use some help, but I think Vince Young is a gamer who, plain and simple, up wins football games.

Defensive Outlook            B-

The Titans’ secondary is healthy again with Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan at full strength, but the linebacker group is a bit of a question mark and the defensive line is nothing to write home about.  Nick Harper struggled last year at corner and is gone.  The Titans could struggle against the run, as their two tackles are hardly stellar against the run.

Special Teams Outlook            B+

Last year Rob Bironas nailed five out of six field goals from 50 yards or further and 27 of 32 kicks overall.  Punter Brett Kern averaged a very respectable 45 yards per punt while Alvin Pearman averaged 10.2 yards per punt return.  The Titans will need more from their kick return game.

Projected 2010 Record            7-9

The Titans are tied with the Texans for the hardest schedule in the NFL, and the Titans lost some core veterans.  Vince Young is a gamer and Chris Johnson will continue to dominate as long as he can endure another big workload.  I don’t see the Titans being able to finish ahead of the Colts or the Texans, but will probably finish in third, ahead of the Jaguars.

Jacksonville Jaguars 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record            7-9

Wins:  Texans (x2), Titans, Rams, Chiefs, Jets, Bills,

Losses:  Colts (x2), Cardinals, Seahawks, Titans, 49ers, Dolphins, Patriots, Browns

Biggest Playmaker            Maurice Jones-Drew

RB, UCLA, Drafted #60, 5^th Year

MJD is coming off a pro bowl year when he ran for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns.  He is the workhorse for the Jaguars, carrying the ball 312 times a year ago and has only missed one game in his first four seasons.  In addition, he is also a very adept receiver out of the backfield, averaging 50 catches his first four years.

Impact Player            Kirk Morrison

MLB, San Diego State, Drafted #78, 6^th Year

Kirk Morrison was traded to the Jaguars this offseason from the Raiders.  The Raiders received a 4^th round pick while the Jags got a 5^th rounder and Kirk Morrison.  The Jaguars got a great deal and a great player who will immediately start and improve the Jaguars’ defense.  Morrison racked up 133 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 forced fumbles a year ago.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Kassim Osgood

WR, San Diego State, Undrafted, 8^th Year

You may be asking why a wide receiver with seven years in the league and 33 career catches could be a big offseason addition and it’s not because I think he is going to have a breakout year.  Osgood has been to three of the last four pro bowls as a special teamer and is involved in pretty much every play on special teams.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Torry Holt

WR, NC State, Drafted #6, 12^th Year

In 2009, Mike Sims-Walker emerged as a go-to receiver but Torry Holt was still a valuable presence, catching 55 balls as the number two target.  Mike Thomas caught 48 balls a year ago and is likely the second wide receiver, but the Jaguars’ receiving core lacks depth.

Biggest Draft Steal            Austen Lane

DE, Murray State, Drafted #153, Rookie

Austen Lane was a small-school talent who was projected to be picked around the third round.  The Jaguars picked him up with the Raiders 5^th round pick.  Lane is a hustler who plays with a high motor.  He was recently quoted saying, “I don’t have a goal for sacks, but I have a goal for putting people in the hospital.”  Lane is expected to contribute early in his career.

Biggest Draft Reach            D’Anthony Smith

DT, Lousiana Tech, Drafted #74, Rookie

Many people say that the Jaguars drafting Tyson Alualu with the 10^th overall pick was the reach of the draft, but how about the fact that they picked a another defensive tackle with their next pick?  Picking Smith in the early third round was a bit of reach, regardless of the fact they just reached on another player of the same position.   I’m not sure why they couldn’t have kept John Henderson and used one or both of these picks to address other needs.

Offseason Grade            B-

The trade with the Raiders for Kirk Morrison and the pick that the Jags used to select Austen Lane was a very valuable one.  They also added DE Aaron Kampan who hopes to get back to top form when he moves back to a 4-3 end.  However, their draft was far less than superb.

X-Factor            2^nd/3^rd Wide Receivers

With the departure of veteran WR Torry Holt, the Jaguars need some inexperienced wide receivers to show up and make plays to help QB David Garrard.  Mike Thomas will be the #2 receiver, with Jarrett Dillard and Tiquan Underwood pushing to be the third receiver.

Name You Should Know            David Garrard

QB, East Carolina, Drafted #108, 9^th Year

David Garrard was probably the least known quarterback in the pro bowl in 2009.   However, he was the 8^th quarterback chosen for the AFC team as five other players withdrew.  Garrard and the Jaguars are excited about the young talent at wide receiver, but Garrard needs to play consistently well or could see himself out of a starting job. 

Rising Star            Mike Sims-Walker

WR, Central Florida, Drafted #79, 4^th Year

Mike Sims-Walker emerged as a number one receiver last year, tallying 63 catches for 869 yards and seven touchdowns in his first year as a starter.  Sims-Walker will have to prove he can repeat his success, and with young receivers developing around him his numbers could increase this year. 

Offensive Outlook            C+

The Jaguars have a franchise running back in Maurice Jones-Drew, but if he were to ever go down they are in trouble.  They have a very inexperienced receiving core and their offensive line is very shaky.  They allowed 126 quarterback hits last year, the most in the league (by 20!).  David Garrard needs to be consistent, but the amount he is pressured is tough to overcome.

Defensive Outlook            C

The addition and resurgence of DE Aaron Kampman will hopefully bolster the Jaguars’ miserable pass rush of 2009, but they are very young on the inside.  Kirk Morrison leads a fairly strong linebacker committee that includes Daryl Smith and Justin Durant.  The secondary is very weak.

Special Teams Outlook            B-

Josh Scobee is coming off a very forgettable year in which he connected on just 18 of 28 field goal attempts, while punter Adam Podlesh averaged just under 42 yards per punt, but did managed 23 kicks inside the 20 to just five touchbacks.  Montell Owens may have been the AFC Special Teams representative in the pro bowl last year if it weren't for current teammate Kassim Osgood.  The Jaguars will likely look to rookies in the return game.  Running back Deji Karim and cornerback Scotty McGee already have kick returns over 45 yards through the first two games of the preseason.  

Projected 2010 Record            4-12

The Jaguars currently have the 5^th hardest schedule in NFL, based on 2009 team records.  They play in a very strong division with the Titans, Texans and Colts.  During their 7-9 campaign in 2009, their non-divisional games included the Rams, Chiefs, Bills, Seahawks, 49ers and Browns, and they only won two games by seven or more points (won games by three [overtime], three, two, three and five).  The Jaguars are very inexperienced and have too many weaknesses to challenge in the AFC South.

Indianapolis Colts 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record            14-2

Wins:  Jaguars (x2), Dolphins, Cardinals, Seahawks, Titans (x2), Rams, 49ers, Texans (x2), Patriots, Ravens, Broncos

Losses: Jets, Bills

Biggest Playmaker            Peyton Manning

QB, Tennessee, Drafted #1, 13^th Year

Quite simply, Peyton Manning has had a ridiculous career.  A sure hall of famer and three time NFL MVP, I think Peyton Manning could even get the Rams close to the playoffs this year.  He has plenty of weapons surrounding him including WRs Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and TE Dallas Clark, his favorite target.

Impact Player            Dwight Freeney

DE, Syracuse, Drafted #11, 9^th Year

Freeney is coming off two straight pro bowl seasons in which he recorded 24 sacks.  Freeney is looking to lead a Colts’ defense that dropped from 11^th to 18^th in yards per game from 2008 to 2009.  Dwight’s ankle should be fully recovered after playing through some pain in the Super Bowl a year ago. 

Biggest Offseason Addition            Deshea Townsend

CB, Alabama, Drafted #117, 13^th Year

The Colts did not make a lot of offseason acquisitions because, quite frankly, they didn’t need to.  They are coming off a year in which they could have gone 16-0 if they chose to try to win their last two games.  Townsend brings 12 years of experience to the Colts secondary and will likely be their nickel back.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Ryan Lilja

Guard, Kansas State, Undrafted, 7^th Year

Ryan Lilja is the only starter from the Colts’ offensive line not back from a year ago.  Lilja has been a part of a great offensive line protecting Peyton Manning but has had some injury problems the last few years.

Biggest Draft Steal            Kavell Conner

LB, Clemson, Drafted #240, Rookie

Kavell Conner was projected by many to be a fifth round pick but he fell to the Colts in the seventh round.  Conner is very good against the run but struggles a bit in pass coverage and should contribute to the Colts’ defense down the road, as he has impressed his coaches thus far in the preseason. 

Biggest Draft Reach            Brody Eldridge

TE, Oklahoma, Drafted #162, Rookie

Eldridge was considered by most to be the best blocking tight end in the draft after starting games at both center and guard for Oklahoma during his senior year.  However, his receiving skills are very questionable and he is an inexperienced pass catcher, making only 13 grabs in his four years at OU.  He also has durability concerns as an ankle injury caused him to miss three games his junior year and a neck injury ended his senior season. 

Offseason Grade            B+

The Colts drafted a very solid pass rusher in DE Jerry Hughes from TCU with the 31^st overall pick, a spot that needed some depth.  The only players that the Colts are not returning (besides Lilja) are role players who can be replaced.  The Townsend pickup was a good one, and truth be told, the Colts didn’t need to make an awful lot of moves…they were one interception for a touchdown away from winning the Super Bowl, and could have finished the regular season at 16-0.

X-Factor            Run Game

In 2009 the Colts offense ran for just 1,294 yards (81 yards per game) and 3.5 yards per carry.  The Colts obviously had a very strong passing attack with Manning at the helm.  If the offensive line can produce more in the run game and Joseph Addai or Donald Brown steps up the Colts could have an unstoppable offense.

Name You Should Know            Antoine Bethea

FS, Howard, Drafted #207, 5^th Year

Bethea is hardly a household name but this four-year veteran from Howard has been to two pro bowls already.  Bethea had to step up last year as his fellow safety Bob Sanders was injured, and he should only be more productive with Sanders back in the lineup.

Rising Star            Pierre Garcon

WR, Mount Union, Drafted #205, 3^rd Year

Pierre Garcon came out of nowhere last year stepping up for the injured WR Anthony Gonzalez and caught 47 balls for 765 yards and four touchdowns.  I expect Garcon’s numbers to increase this year after a year working with Peyton Manning. 

Offensive Outlook            B+

With Peyton Manning in charge of the offense it’s hard to bet against them.  He has had very solid pass protection in front of him throughout his career but the run game is a concern.  Donald Brown has shown potential.  The Colts saw a lot of young receivers step up last year and they expect Anthony Gonzalez to contribute as he is back from injury.  Dallas Clark is one of Manning’s favorite targets and is coming off a pro bowl year.

Defensive Outlook            B+

The Colts defense ranked 8^th in points allowed a year ago, and their biggest playmaker on that side of the ball, Bob Sanders is returning after missing most of the 2009 season with a torn biceps.  The Colts secondary was strengthened by the addition of veteran CB Deshea Townsend.  Gary Brackett leads a solid linebacking core while Freeney and Robert Mathis look to improve on thei 22 combine sacks from a year ago. 

Special Teams Outlook            B

Kicker Adam Vinatieri is back this season after missing almost all of 2009 with a knee injury and punter Pat McAfee dropped 21 punts inside the 20 to only six touchbacks, in addition to handling kickoffs.  The Colts have been missing an explosive return man so they used a seventh round pick on Indiana’s Ray Fisher to hopefully fill that need.

Projected 2010 Record            14-2

After flirting with a perfect season a year ago and a Super Bowl victory the Colts are looking to repeat their early successes.  It’s hard to bet against Manning, especially with a lot of talent around him, but I don’t see the Colts vying for a perfect record again.  There are simply too many things that can go wrong.  However, the Colts will be hungry after the Super Bowl defeat and will have a great year. 

Houston Texans 2010: Schaub Looking for Help on the Ground

Last Years Record            9-7

Wins: Titans, Raiders, Bengals, 49ers, Bills, Seahawks, Rams, Dolphins, Patriots

Losses: Jets, Jaguars (x2), Cardinals, Colts (x2), Titans

Biggest Playmaker            Andre Johnson

WR, Miami, Drafted #3, 8^th Year

Andre Johnson is widely regarded as the top wide receiver in the game, and rightfully so.  He has led the league in receiving yards each of the past two years and was recently rewarded with a nice, big contract extension, making him the highest paid receiver in the NFL.   

Impact Player            Mario Williams

DE, NC State, Drafted #1, 5^th Year

Mario Williams had “bust” potential after his rookie season but turned things around, amassing 35 sacks over the past three seasons.  He has great size for a DE at 6’6” and 285, has not missed a game in four years and has 8 forced fumbles the past three seasons.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Kareem Jackson

CB, Alabama, Drafted #20, Rookie

Kareem Jackson was the Texans first round pick, filling a huge need for them.  With the loss of starting CB Dunta Robinson to free agency the Texans needed someone to step up as the starting corner, and Jackson has been the guy since day 1.  Many questioned taking Jackson over Boise State CB Kyle Wilson, but Jackson is ready to be an NFL starter.  He may endure some growing pains in year one, but time will tell whether taking him over Wilson was a good move.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Dunta Robinson

CB, South Carolina, Drafted #10, 7^th year

After playing his first six years with the Texans, Robinson was not signed due to injury concerns.  The Texans did not want to risk a long-term contract with a guy who has missed 12 games over the past three seasons.  Robinson is considered a very solid #1 corner, and if Jackson can step in early and play well the loss of Robinson will not affect them.  Robinson has failed to produce the turnovers the Texans would have liked to see with only 13 interceptions in six years of work.

Biggest Draft Steal            Dorin Dickerson

WR, Pittsburgh, Drafted #227, Rookie

Dorin Dickerson was a tight end at the NFL combine and blew all of the other tight ends out of the water.  He ran a 4.40 40 yard dash (better than all but one WR), vertical jumped 43.5 inches and broad jumped 10’5.”  He has recently dropped weight and switched to WR, now coming in around 6’2” and 222 pounds.  He has good hands and is big and strong enough to create mismatches against defensive backs but fast enough to play well on LB’s.

Biggest Draft Reach            None

The Texans had a solid draft.  I really like the Dickerson and RB Ben Tate picks, but was a little hesitant about drafting Darryl Sharpton early in the fourth round.  However, it appears that he has impressed the coaches during camp and is fighting for a starting spot, a tremendous value as a fourth rounder.

Offseason Grade            A-

The Texans had a very good offseason this year.  They address their, in my opinion, two biggest needs at CB and RB with their first two picks in the draft.  Ben Tate was expected to compete for the starting spot until he was placed on injured reserve.  They even brought in competition for their kicker, signing Neil Rackers, who will likely be the Texans’ kicker this year.  Finally, they addressed the loss of G Chester Pitts by signing the versatile G/C Wade Smith.

X-Factor            Run Game

Given the injury to rookie RB Ben Tate, the Texans’ rushing attack is looking very similar to last year.  The Texans were carried by their passing attack last year, rushing for only 1,475 yards and 3.5 yards per carry (with 11 fumbles).  If the Texans want to overthrow the Colts from their reign at the top of AFC South they will need a much improved rushing attack.

Name You Should Know            Demeco Ryans

ILB, Alabama, Drafted #33, 5^th Year

Demeco Ryans has been sensational for the Texans, yet does not get a tremendous amount of publicity.  Ryans has made two pro bowls in his fours years and has started every game since he was drafted.  He had an unbelievable rookie season, being names Defensive ROY, accumulating 155 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception, and has recorded 112 tackles or more every year since then.

Rising Star            Matt Schaub

QB, Virginia, Drafted #90, 7^th Year

Matt Schaub is a star.  A year ago he led the league in passing yards, was named to his first pro bowl and was the MVP of that game.  Most importantly, he has improved in almost every statistical category over the past three years.  He essentially carried the Texans to a 9-7 record with the third worst running attack in the NFL.  His major concern is his health, as he missed 10 games the two seasons before this past one. 

Offensive Outlook            B+

The Texans boast a dynamic passing attack, thanks largely due to the Matt Schaub-Andre Johnson connection.  They averaged 383 yards per game in 2009, fourth in the NFL, despite the third worst rushing attack in the league.  The injury to rookie RB Ben Tate is a major setback for the Texans, as they must improve their rushing attack with the same crew as last year.  The offensive line is solid in pass protection, allowing 25 sacks a year ago, but must open some big holes to get Arian Foster and Steve Slaton through.  The performance of WR Kevin Walter and TE Owen Daniel’s return from injury will be important to watch to take some pressure (and double teams) off of Andre Johnson.

Defensive Outlook            B-

The Texans defense is powered by their linebackers, featuring two former defensive rookie of the years, Demeco Ryans and Brian Cushing.  Cushing will be out four games for “overtraining” and Xavier Adibi will need to step up in his place.  The secondary is a concern for the Texans, feature young corners and an injury prone Eugene Wilson.  Mario Williams has been very strong the past three seasons and the Texans are looking for Amobi Okoye to live up to his first-round potential.

Special Teams Outlook            B

After a miserable season by K Kris Brown the team signed veteran Neil Rackers to “challenge” him.  Veteran Matt Turk is consistent, with 24 punts pinned inside the 20 to only 6 touchbacks in 2009.  Speedy rookie WR Trindon Holliday may be the punt and kick returner this season.

Projected 2010 Record            10-6

I would have loved to see how the Texans’ run game would fare with the addition of rookie RB Ben Tate, but we will have to wait another year.  The Texans will certainly contend for a playoff spot and I think they will get there as long as they get a bit more production on the ground.  I can definitely see them as a wild card team with Schaub and Johnson carrying them.  The success of the defense depends a lot on the young corners.