As the super bowl approaches the Houston Texans enter the offseason with plenty of question marks. The Texans should free up approximately 20 million in dead money that was taking out via cap penalties. That should be enough to fill the several needs the Texans enter of offseason with however with both the offensive and defensive lines set the Texans face the question of releasing or trading some veterens. Julio jones, David Johnson and cj Mosley are some of those who might be on the cutting block. At the tale end of their careers the Texans can save an additional 30+ million by getting rid of these aging vets. That being said it's hard to imagine the front office actually getting rid of cornerstones of the franchise.
team sources stated they would be holding onto these players unless they were either wowed with an offer or he free agent market is loaded with talent. The Texans also have the 10th overall pick to potentially add some talent on either side of the ball. As the offseason approaches I feel as if the Texans will be a team to watch as usual.
Today's player spotlight is a meat and potatoes kind of guy. Offensive tackle Allan Calvin was drafted 28th overall 3 years ago. Calvin brought a superstar pedigree from day one. Calvin has been an anchor to the Texans offensive line from day one. With 87 strength 99 pass block 94 run block and 92 Impact block there isn't anything Calvin can't do. Calvin has been instrumental in David johnsons sucess the past several years and is responseable for protecting star qb darion traynor.
Calvin just turned 27 years old and is in a contract year. It's hard to imagine Calvin not getting signed to a long term contract based on his production the past couple years.
Today's player spotlight, highlights fs Marvin whitner. Whitner came to the Texans 3 years ago when he was drafted in the 7th round. Without much expectations whitner was eased into a starting role. With 6 tackles his rookie year playing mostly in a reserved role. Whitner's second year was a little better as he cracked the starting lineup as the season went out. Coach dale realized whitner was ready to contribute after his post season game where he finished with two ints and won defensive player of the week.
The 2020 season saw whitner put it all together. He finished the season by leading the team with 54 solo tackles. Whitner added 4 ints to this tackle total as he was a force on the back end of the Texans defense. Whitner now 88 overall with 85 zone cover looks to continue his promising career in Houston.
Today's player spotlight rookie defensive end cj Lehman. Lehman was drafted 19th overall to complete the Texans defensive line. At 6 ft 7 inches 299 pounds with 78 speed 80 acc and 90 str Lehman bring the versatility to play both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive end. Lehman had big expectations after being drafted in the first round and he put together a solid first year.
Lehman finished the year with 16 solo tackles and 5 sacks. Though those stats might not stand out on paper. Lehman started every game along the defensive line and now has the experience to turn in a spectacular 2021 season. With the Texans defensive line shored up look for them to look to add another linebacker this offseason.
Today's player spotlight we focus on rookie tight end James feely. James was drafted 25th overall in the 2020 NFL draft. The Houston Texans already had pro bowl tight end Stephen Anderson however couldn't pass up on feely's athletisim. Feely lit up the combine running the 40 yard dash equal to most wr's.
feely didn't disappoint as his rookie campaign saw him finish with 85 catches 1143 yards and 16 tds. At 6 ft 6 with 88 speed 90 rte 85 catch 85 cit and 85 spec the sky is the limit for the young tight end. Look for him to only get more dangerous as he develops chemistry with qb traynor
Today's spotlight focuses on 3rd year pro Trevor amendola. Amendola was Drafted 3rd overall in the 2018 draft. Amendola a hybrid 3-4 4-3 de had all the traits coming out of USC to start. amendola started along side JJ watt his first two seasons before taking over this year as the alpha on the defensive line. Amendola lines up mostly at LE, however showed his versitliy by also lining up at olb. At 6ft3 292 pounds amendola was a force along the Texans defensive front. Amendola finished the 2020 season with 24 solo tackles and 50+ total tackles along with 7 sacks.
Coach dales only complain is that he wished amendola practices more. Amendola was a slow development player coming out of college. Amendola now a 87 overall defensive lineman with 92 strength 90 pmv 88 bsh 79 speed and 78 acc look for amendola to take the next step in 2021
Houston Texans players spotlight. Each day we will focus on a new player to watch for the upcoming 2021 season. Today we cover 25 year old cornerback James Dunlap. Dunlap came into the league as a big SS out of Yale university. Everyone knew he had the Smarts to play the game what we didn't know is what position he will play at. The first year he bounced from FS to Ss as he brought great presence to the back end of the Houston secondary. In 2019 the Houston Texans were faced with replacing cornerback Desmond trufant. Stephon Gilmore was slotted as the number 1 cb however there was a glaring need across from him at the second cb position. Dunlap approached coach dale and informed him he was up to the task. Dale didn't take Dunlap serious at first until the first practice showed Dunlap versatility. Dunlap transitioned well his first year as a cb ending the year with 36 tackles 2 ff and 5 ints. In 2020 Dunlap turned the corner and became a true lock down cb.
2021 looks to be the year Dunlap overtakes Gilmore as the number 1 cb. At 6 ft 4 224 pounds 85 overall with 90 speed 89 Acc 85 man and 86 zone Dunlap is getting comparisons to Richard Sherman. Omfl look out as Dunlap finally looks ready to leave his stamp on the league.
After another pro bowl season Houston quarterback darion traynor vowed to get stronger. Already known as a prolific passer traynor stated he has once again hired dan Marino to work on his quick release and overall throw power. Traynor who finished the year with 4600 yards and 43 touchdowns was disappointed in not making the playoffs. Traynor stated he was been working out twice a day, while attempting to bulk up. Though arm str was never an issue for traynor the sky is the limit with this future omfl hall of famer. Trainer now brings a 99 throw power to his 99 short accuracy and 99 medium accuracy the only question for traynor now is if he has the champion pedigree. With madden 2017 coming to an end it's hard to imagine anyone other then traynor making it onto the Texans madden 18 roster even with deshaun Watson in the fold. Stay tuned as we cover a new player each day of the omfl playoffs
Many may look at the Houston Texans 2020 season as a failure as they missed the playoffs with a 7-9 record. Though this maybe true there were plenty of players who had stand out seasons. qb darion traynor had another MVP type year as he completed 69 percent of his passes for 4600 yards and 43 Tds improving on his rookie campaign. Tight end feely had a year worthy of winning rookie of the year with 85 catches and 16 tds. And olb/de keiliko Burke finally had a year the Texans were waiting for with 50 tackles 12 sacks and 2 ints.
the future looks bright in Houston as they are only a few Players away from being able to compete for a championship.
Many thought the Texans packed it in following their loss to the Vikings. Then they beat the Chicago bears. You might say well the bears were winless not much of a feat. The Texans then followed that win with a win over division foe the Tennessee titans on a last second Hail Mary pass to Julio jones.
Houston sitting at 6-9, with playoff bound and afc south champion colts up next. The Texans traveled to Indiana and shut down the colts. 43-14.
the Texans ended the season with 3 straight wins and look poised to bounce back in 2021
Week 15 brought a lot of questions about the Houston defense. After losing 6 straight games many thought it was time for a change of schemes. That question was answered quickly as the defense not only shut down the Chicago bears but also put up points on their own.
the first score came on a screen pass Big Ben attempted to his wr. The pass was deflected by chance Ellington who then scooped it up and returned it for a touchdown. The next touchdown came on a sack by cornerback James Dunlap. Dunlap sacked Big Ben and big DE Trevor amendola rumbled 50+ yards for the score. The Texans then returned the 2nd half kick off 100 yards for a score.
A lot of players deserved the game ball, however none more then James Dunlap who added two Int to his sack.
After a promising start to the season the Houston Texans have now fallen to 4-8 on the season. A disappointing season so far after finally making the playoffs last season. As the final 4 games fastly approach. Texans front office look towards the draft. Some older veterans are getting up there in age so the front office hope to infuse some youth on both sides of the ball.
Deep cornerback draft class should help the Texans struggling secondary. A big decision on stephon Gilmore is expected as he has lost a step after a big leg Injury. Don't expect the Texans to just lie down these next 4 games as the team would like to regain some traction going into the offseason.
After last nights game va the bengals, Houston Texans coach dale tore up the locker room. He stated, "were more talented then this." Coach dale got into qb traynors face and shoved the MVP candidate. Traynor through for 320 yards however also threw 3 ints the last one on a final drive to lose the game. Team owner ship hasn't lost faith in dale however a clear message was sent as owner massimo piroli suspended the disgruntled coach for the next 3 games. With this season all but lost the Texans ownership hopes dale comes back with his head on straight.
Houston Texans trade for offensive guard Bryan Winfield. Bryan Winfield a former 2nd round pick in last years draft. Bryan immediately slides into the starting line-up as the starting right guard.
Bryan brings an additional toughness to The offensive line. Halfback David Johnson and quarterback darion traynor should benefit from Winfield's all around blocking ability.
Keliko Burke came into the 2020 season with big shoes to fill after JJ watt left for LA. Keliko was suppose to be the primary pass rusher for the Houston defense. Burke a hybrid de/olb has been solid all season however he had struggled to get to the qb.
That all changed Sunday as Burke tormented future hall of famer Aaron Rodgers. Keliko hit Rodgers and hit him often. Keliko finished the day with 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, one returned for a touchdown.
As the Texans defense learns to play post watt, look for Burke to trend upwards.