2006 NFL Preview: The Houston Texans

Quarterback- David Carr is going to spend a little less time on the turf in 2006 with the addition of former Packers head coach Mike Sherman as an offensive assistant and line coach. Sherman is a former college coach and NFL assistant who will help save Carr from having a career similar to Archie Manning, who was beaten to a pulp on a regular basis due to poor line play. Carr will make fewer mistakes and look for the young quarterback to look more mature and polished in the pocket. Behind Carr will be veteran backup Sage Rosenfels who is adequate at filling in but over the long term is not good enough to help the young Texans improve. At the third quarterback spot, the battle will be between rookies Matt Baker (North Carolina) and Quinton Porter (Boston College), with Porter more athletic and probably a better pro prospect than Baker.
2006 NFL Grade: B-

Running back/ Full back- The Texans need Domanick Davis to continue his development into a starting NFL back in 2006 in order to take pressure off of David Carr. Davis will get his 1,000 yards and some receptions out of the backfield, but don’t expect miracles when teams stack up against the run when the pass doesn’t work. Behind Davis is Vernand Morency, who is a good young backup running back and will be able to take some carries when Davis needs a breather. At fullback, the Texans will go with Jameel Cook and Nick Luchey, with Cook a critical piece to Gary Kubiak’s offensive scheme.
2006 NFL Grade: B-