The offseason, where signing the big name free agents such as Julius Thomas, Darrelle Revis, and Ndamukong Suh make the biggest headlines, and without a doubt get the most attention from the media.
However, some of the most productive and helpful moves can occur without making much noise. A collection of signings to add depth and filling important fundamental roles can elevate a team to that next tier. This offseason, the Houston Texans have done just that.
After producing a dismal record of 2-14 in 2013, Houston Texans Head Coach Bill O’Brien took over in 2014 and improved the team to a very respectable 9-7, despite having nearly the same players as the year before.
Outside of bringing in former Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, O’Brien’s team stayed out of the national headlines. However, this doesn’t mean the Texans were not able to improve an already promising roster.
Some of these free agent signings, such as wide receiver Cecil Shorts III, safety Rahim Moore and quarterback Brian Hoyer, were great value pickups, and can help Houston in a wide range of ways.
To start, Wilfork is coming of a year where we saw a decline in his numbers and play. Wilfork was not able to disrupt the run game or pressure the pocket the way he did in years past.
However, in Houston, Wilfork will not be the focus of opposing offensive lines. Texans defensive ends J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus will take the majority of double teams and blocking assignments, allowing Wilfork to have a larger impact than in New England, where he received most attention from opposing offensive lines.
In addition, Houston’s Louis Nix III, a young player with a great deal of upside, will be able to learn from a player like Wilfork, who has ten years of NFL experience at the defensive tackle position.
Another key defensive piece Houston brought in free agency was former Denver Broncos safety Rahim Moore. Moore came off a career year in 2014, in which he lead the team with four interceptions, and had a career best two forced fumbles.
The Broncos, with plenty of salary cap issues, weren’t able to hang on to the skilled safety. Moore will be able to improve a somewhat struggling Houston secondary, which ranked 21st in the NFL for passing yards allowed per game.
On the offensive side of the ball, Houston was able to bring in some veterans in quarterback Brian Hoyer and wide receiver Cecil Shorts III.
Hoyer, who was under O’Brien back in his Patriots days, had a less than stellar 2014, and will have a shot at redemption.
Much like the Buffalo Bills strategy, the Texans will look to play lights out defense and simply ask Hoyer to manage games and put his team in a winning position, similar to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith. Hoyer will have to beat out other former Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallet, so hopefully some level of competition and higher level of play will have to emerge from one of the two.
Cecil Shorts III had a productive four years in his time in Jacksonville, but was cut due to the kind of money he was requesting. Shorts should be a capable target for Hoyer/Mallet, and can be a solid one-two punch alongside developing wideout DeAndre Hopkins.
What do you think? What other team had a sneakily successful offseason?
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