NFL 2007: Houston Texans

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2007 season. Today we look at the Houston Texans).

The Texans, under second-year head coach Gary Kubiak, made a big splash to start the 2007 free agency period by cutting ties with former first round pick David Carr and trading for highly regarded, but little used, Matt Schaub from Atlanta. Schaub has been given the reigns to try and lead Houston to a winning record and playoff berth. Something that's never happened in franchise history. Owner Bob McNair loosened the purse strings and brought in free agents on both sides of the ball. Will it lead to a winning season in Houston?

Offense: Schaub, despite being unproven, was a coveted prospect by many teams. He was languishing behind Michael Vick just waiting for an opportunity to go somewhere else and lead a franchise. Now he gets his chance. Schaub must stay healthy because backups Sage Rosenfels and Bradlee Van Pelt won't scare any opposing defenses.

Ahman Green was brought in from Green Bay to revive the running game. Green is on the decline but his 1,059 yards rushing and five touchdowns proves he can still do a decent job. Ron Dayne (151-612-5), Walli Lundy and Samkon Gado are solid backups. Vonta Leach and converted LB Jon Abbate will handle fullback duties.

Andre Johnson (103-1,147-5) posted big numbers and is one of the unheralded wideouts in the game. Partner Eric Moulds wasn't re-signed, but Kubiak signed veteran Keenan McCardell to be the number two. Kevin Walter, Jerome Mathis, Andre Davis and Charlie Adams will see some playing time as well. Owen Daniels, Mark Breuner and Jeb Putzier are reliable tight ends.

The offensive line as been the curse of this team since its inception. David Carr was murdered on a weekly basis, including being sacked 76 times in one season. The line must improve and protect Schaub or another long season could be in the making. Veteran Mike Flanagan anchors the O-line at center with Chester Pitts and Fred Weary at guard, and Ephraim Salaam and Eric Winston at tackle. Jordan Black was brought in from Kansas City to challenge Salaam and Winston for a starting spot. Look for Steve McKinney, Charles Spencer and Drew Hodgdon to provide depth.

Defense: The Texans needed to improve the interior of the defense and to that end the team signed free agent Jeff Zgonina and drafted rookie Amobi Okoye to shut down the middle. The duo will team with Anthony Maddox and Travis Johnson in the defensive tackle rotation.

No. 1 overall Mario Williams had an unspectacular rookie season and will be under the microscope in 2007. Anthony Weaver starts at the other DE position with N.D. Kalu and Jason Babin in the mix.

2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year Demeco Ryans (155 tackles, 3.5 sacks) anchors the defense from his middle linebacker slot. Morlon Greenwood (109 tackles) and free agent signee Shawn Barber start on the outside. Danny Clark, Shantee Orr and Charlie Anderson are the backups.

Dunta Robinson holds down one corner slot, while Demarcus Faggins will battle Dexter McCleon and free agent Jamar Fletcher for the other starting spot. C.C. Brown and Glenn Earl will hold the fort at safety with Jason Simmons seeing action in nickel packages.

Special Teams: Kris Brown (19-of-25 FG, 83 points) returns at kicker and faces no competition. Chad Stanley (41.6) returns at punter, but will be challenged by veteran Matt Turk (43.5), who came over from St. Louis. Lundy will return kicks and Mathis handles punt return duties.

Outlook: Schaub finally gets his chance to be a starter and he may not like the results. Ahman Green and Keenan McCardell improve the offense for sure, but the offensive line hasn't improved much from what it was in the past. The defense is better in the front seven and should improve. The secondary is a different story. After Robinson and Earl there isn't much.

Prediction: Houston has the right coach in Gary Kubiak and will get better in the future. Unfortunately for Texan fans, the future isn't now. Look for Houston to struggle once again and miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year. Record: 6-10.