The Texans are preparing for the start of regular season on Sunday when they play the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.
Here are 10 observations on the team as they get ready for Lovie Smith’s first season as head coach:
Who runs the ball besides rookie Dameon Pierce?
Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach and is calling plays for the first time with the Texans, believes a strong running game is paramount.
We know rookie Dameon Pierce, the fourth-round pick from Florida, will get the heavy-duty work, but who’ll give him a break off the bench? Rex Burkhead, last year’s leading rusher?
With Marlon Mack out of the picture – at least for now -- after getting released for a second time, all that’s left with Burkhead are Dara Ogunbowale and Royce Freeman.
Last year still stings
Coaches and players drone on about not looking to the past and focusing on what’s ahead. In the Texans’ case, it’s Indianapolis, a team that embarrassed them 31-3 and 30-0 last season.
Lovie Smith, who was the defensive coordinator for those embarrassments, hasn’t forgotten.
"They dominated us at their place and at home,” Smith said Monday. “I remember when somebody dominates. It’s a motivating thing as much as anything. We do remember that, but talk can’t get it done."
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Second-year progression for QB Davis Mills
Second-year quarterback Davis Mills is under intense pressure to pick up where he left off last season. If the Texans are going to avoid getting obliterated by the Colts for a third consecutive game, Mills has to play as he did over the last four games of 2021.
The Texans closed with a 2-2 record. Mills connected on 84 of 122 (68.9 percent) for 927 yards and eight touchdowns, with two interceptions and a 106.1 rating.
It’s going to be interesting to see how Mills plays with Pep Hamilton calling plays rather than Tim Kelly.
Four new starters in secondary
It’s rare for a defense to have four new starters in the secondary.
With rookie cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and rookie safety Jalen Pitre playing with veteran cornerback Steven Nelson and veteran safety Jonathan Owens, the secondary will experience growing pains, probably on Sunday against Indianapolis quarterback Matt Ryan.
Matt Ryan should test Texans' DBs early
Speaking of Matt Ryan, he’s the Colts’ fourth starting quarterback in four years. He follows Andrew Luck, Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz. Expect him to test the Texans’ defensive backs early.
Ryan will want to use his down-field passing – even if he overthrows a couple – to set up their play-action game to keep the Texans’ defense off balance.
Derek Stingley Jr. looks the part
Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. doesn’t have to be a superstar as a rookie, but as the third overall pick in the draft, he’s got to show he has that kind of talent to produce in a big-time way.
He looks the part. He played the part as a freshman for LSU’s national championship team. He was brought along slowly in camp and preseason because of the foot injury he suffered last year. Now he’s ready to go full speed.
It’s going to be fun watching him in his NFL debut, especially when he’s locked on Michael Pittman, the Colts’ leading receiver who had 88 catches for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns last season.
"We all have to have a first time at everything," Lovie Smith said. "I’m sure those are the thoughts going through Derek’s mind. "He’s smart. He knows football. He’s healthy. He’s ready to go. I’m excited about seeing him play."
Matching up with Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
Not only did the Texans have the NFL’s worst running game last season, but their run defense was pathetic, too. They were 31st against the run, surrendering 142.2 yards a game.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor contributed to the Texans’ miserable performance against the run. With Tennessee’s Derrick Henry missing the second half of the season, Taylor led the league with 1,811 yards rushing. He averaged 5.5 yards a carry and scored 18 touchdowns.
In his second season as defensive coordinator, Lovie Smith and his position coaches on defense have had a lot of time to try to figure out a plan to contain Taylor.
"We know the challenge we face," Smith said. "What is it going to take? Gang tackle. Need everybody at the point of attack. Discipline in your gaps, because if he breaks it, he’s faster than most people."
An opportunity for newly acquired tight end O.J. Howard
Veteran tight end O.J. Howard has been getting a crash course in Pep Hamilton’s offense since he was acquired last week. The six-year veteran and former first-round pick could turn out to be a terrific addition.
This is his second season back from a ruptured Achilles tendon early in the 2020 season. Sometimes it takes a player a season to recover from major surgery.
The Texans offer a good opportunity for him because they definitely have a need for consistent production at tight end.
"O.J. is a good player," Lovie Smith said. "He’s excited about being here. That’s a spot (tight end) we’ve talked an awful lot about. Being able to pick up a player like that late in the game like this is pretty important."
A look out for Texans' undrafted rookies
Everyone loves an underdog story. It’s going to be intriguing to see how many of the three undrafted free agents make the active roster against Indianapolis. Defensive tackle Kurt "Big Hiney" Hinish was outstanding in preseason.
He’s got to suit up because he’s a beast who produced when he got the opportunity. Fullback Troy Hairston, who played outside linebacker and defensive end at Central Michigan, is the only player on the team at his position.
Linebacker Jake Hansen, who played for Lovie Smith and Miles Smith at Illinois, plays a position with a lot of veteran depth. He could be the odd man out.
Solid, consistent special teams
And, finally, if you look around the NFL, you’ll see teams with a lot of problems on special teams. They try out different punters, kickers and returners.
The Texans are fortunate to have stability at punter (Cameron Johnston), kicker (Ka’imi Fairbairn), snapper (Jon Weeks) and both returners (Desmond King II and Tremon Smith).
Weeks, who’s playing in his 13th season, is the best snapper in the NFL. He’s never had a bad one.
John McClain can be heard three times a week on SportsRadio 610, twice a week on Texans Radio and three times a week on the Houtopia Podcast. He also can be read on GallerySports.com.