Why will Houston Texans be more competitive in 2022 NFL season?
For two consecutive campaigns, the Texans have failed to manage five regular-season wins. Now, without Deshaun Watson, they’re hopeful things will get better.
For better or for worse, the Houston Texans have rid themselves of the media scrutiny of having Deshaun Watson on their roster. The controversial quarterback, who the NFL has suspended for six games over multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, is now someone else’s headache.
Lovie Smith takes over from David Culley as head coach
The conclusion to Watson’s Texans career left Houston, in addition to bad press, with first-round picks for a franchise looking to step up a massive rebuild. After firing head coach David Culley just a year after handing him the reins, general manager Nick Caseiro decided to give the keys to the project to Lovie Smith, who was already on the team’s coaching staff, occupying the position of defensive coordinator.
Smith’s promotion reflects Caseiro’s need to build from the inside with people who know exactly where the Texans are in the process; he has a clear picture of what the organisation can achieve this season. Above all, though, the franchise trusts him to instil a winning culture. In the last two years, Houston have not only had a losing record, but haven’t even managed five wins in a season.
Playoff expectations are still at least a season away, but the Texans will be a team to watch.
Texans bolstered by Stingley Jr arrival, Mills impresses at QB
Of the 75 first-round picks in the last Draft, the Texans had five. The future begins today for a franchise that continues to battle to reach the first Super Bowl in its young history in the NFL. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr, the first selection made by the Houstons at this year’s Draft, will enrich a perimeter that in the recent past delivered many explosive plays.
Last year, no man who played in a Texas uniform received a Pro Bowl call and that’s an absence of no little significance when they play in a demanding market like Houston.
Davis Mills is emerging as a franchise quarterback as he goes into his second year in the league. He was a revelation in his rookie campaign - all the more so when you consider he was selected in the third round of the Draft.
Pep Hamilton will be the offensive coordinator for a second year. Smith believes Hamilton is essential to Mills’ progression, though the biggest problem with his system is that he believes too much in the running game when his backfield isn’t part of the elite conversation around the league.
Even without Watson, the Texans’ roster has been enriched with talent that will help them climb out of the AFC basement this year.
The final stretch of the 2022 calendar will be a major headache for Houston if they don’t have a good start to the campaign.
Houston Texans
Record in 2021: 4-13
Stadium: NRG Stadium
Super Bowl titles: 0
Head coach: Lovie Smith
Offensive coordinator: Pep Hamilton
Defensive coordinator: Lovie Smith
Texans’ 2022 NFL schedule
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Colts | at Broncos | vs Bears | vs Chargers | at Jaguars |
| Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 |
| BYE | at Raiders | vs Titans | vs Eagles | at NY Giants |
| Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 |
| vs Commanders | at Dolphins | vs Brown | at Cowboys | vs Chiefs |
| Week 16 | Week 17 | Week 18 | ||
| at Titans | vs Jaguars | at Colts |