When Should Some of the Struggles of the Texans Concern You?
A new exercise to determine when to freak out
The Houston Texans have had a solid 10 practices in training camp. Tomorrow they will play the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame Game. It is the team's first of four preseason games as they journey through the extended preseason.
Not everything from those 10 practices has been excellent. This team has components to monitor in the coming weeks of preseason. While I am not concerned about any of these yet, there will be a date I become concerned.
Thus the creation of the Concern Calendar. These are the components to monitor and when you should be concerned about those factors lingering.
Joe Mixon’s Injury
Joe Mixon has the potential to be a juggernaut this season. He looked physically imposing in the spring and at the start of training camp. Mixon said he never worked harder getting his body ready for the season when he spoke at the podium on the second day of training camp.
That was also the last time Mixon practiced for the team.
Mixon was absent from practice for a few days. He returned to watch in street clothes. It was just this week he started working out on the side field. When the Texans next return to the practice field it will be over two weeks since Mixon has been on it.
He is new to this offense and needs reps before the regular season starts to get comfortable. Mixon can’t be learning as he goes for the Texans. Thankfully this is a long preseason. August isn’t even here yet. There will be chances, but if he’s still missing time as the season draws near the concern will be high.
Mark Your Concern Calendars for August 13
Returning on or before this date would be great. Missing after this date would get quite scary for the Texans. A return here allows Mixon the opportunity at six practices, one a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, and two preseason games. That should be enough for the veteran running back.
The Offensive Line Cohesion
“The O-line is – they’re doing a good job of working together and still building that cohesiveness and it’s still coming together,” said head coach DeMeco Ryans about his offensive line. He added they’re headed in the right direction.
The line looked bad this week. The rushing attack didn’t get going consistently. The protection of the quarterbacks suffered at times. It’s underwhelmed.
There’s plenty to point to as an excuse. Laremy Tunsil isn’t there. The entire line is either with a new face or in a new spot except Shaq Mason. The defensive line and the front seven are damn good. Ryans intimated a game situation is better for analyzing the line’s success.
Mark Your Concern Calendars for August 9
The Texans will take on the Steelers on that day. There should be some semblance of starters and the defense for the Steelers is good, especially in the front seven. Hopefully, it will click before then but if the cohesion is lacking and success is missing I will start being concerned this line could be an Achilles heel of an excellent offense.