As the game clock hit zero , a disappointed Houston Texans team walked off the field in defeat as they were once again knocked out of playoff contention this time at home against Indianapolis. All eyes were on head coach Bill O’Brien as questions arose on what changes would have to occur during the offseason in order to improve to that next level and compete to gift the city of Houston the prestigious Lombardi Trophy. 

To say the Texans offseason was uneventful is an understatement. Once the official 53 man roster was released, one couldn’t ignore the major changes that were made. Departures, injuries and the introductions of new players has molded the Texans roster into something much different than previous seasons. 

1.) The departure of Jadeveon Clowney. 

• It felt like yesterday that the Texans selected Jadeveon Clowney out of South Carolina with the first overall pick. Fast forward five years and the 3- time Pro Bowler was looking to get paid.  After a long holdout and failed negotiations, the Texans weren’t looking to grant Clowney a new lucrative contract to keep him in Houston long term. The rumors about a potential trade surrounding Clowney came full circle as the Texans officially sent the veteran outside linebacker to Seattle thus leaving a void in the Texans defense.  

2.) Acquisition of Kenny Stills and Laremy Tunsil

• The same day the Texans shipped Jadeveon Clowney out of Houston, they made another big splash by adding receiver Kenny Stills and offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil from the Miami Dolphins in order to improve their offense. The move gave quarterback Deshaun Watson another deep threat in Stills and an upgrade in Tunsil to what was an inconsistent offensive line a season ago.

3.) Injury to Lamar Miller 

• During a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Texans were hit with a huge blow to their offense as running back Lamar Miller sustained a gruesome leg injury and after was declared out for the season. This meant that the Texans lost a player that was familiar with their offensive regime thus meaning their running game was in jeopardy. Now the Texans turn to offseason signees Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde to carry the load throughout the season.

The offseason has come full circle as the much anticipated NFL season has kicked off. With the new look roster set , pressure is now on Bill O’Brien to build chemistry among the Texans and turn them into a major threat on the gridiron this season. 

Image By UPI.com

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