With free agency, the NFL Draft, and the 2021 schedule release in the rear-view mirror, the home stretch is here. At this point, most can infer how their team will fare during the 2021-2022 season. If you’re a Bengals fan, you’re probably not too happy being tied for the sixth toughest schedule. Whereas if you’re a Buccaneers fan, you’re jumping for joy at having the 29th ranked schedule. But if you’re a Texans fan, at this very moment, you’re stuck in limbo.
Early this off-season, Deshaun Watson dominated headlines due to a multitude of sexual assault allegations against him. Over the past few weeks, it’s quieted down, but the QB’s future in Houston is still up in the air. With no current trade partner, Watson is still slated to be the Texans starting quarterback. This normally would make fans ecstatic since their schedule is ranked 15th. But with the real possibility of him sitting out the 2021 season, there’s a strong chance they’ll also receive the number one overall pick.
And yes… they actually have their own first round pick.
Texans Woes
For the first time since 2019, the Houston Texans will have their own picks in the first six rounds. And after taking a closer look at their schedule, roster, and quarterback situation, they’ll likely have the first pick in every single one of those rounds.
Deshaun Watson lead the Texans to a 4-12 record facing the eighth toughest schedule in 2020. This year their schedule might be easier on paper, but not only did their roster get worse, but they might also be without the services of Deshaun Watson.
“There are people in league circles who believe Deshaun Watson will not play this season. There are people who believe his career in Houston is over.”@AdamSchefter gives an update on the Texans’ QB situation, including the status of Deshaun Watson. pic.twitter.com/vWtQznr01H
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 1, 2021
The Texans went into the 2020 season slightly less talented after trading superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a bag of Doritos. Now heading into the 2021 season, they’ll be without players like J.J. Watt, Will Fuller, Darren Fells, Benardrick McKinney, and possibly Watson. To compound the issue, they have a rookie head coach who might be forced to start the season with Tyrod Taylor, Jeff Driskel, or rookie Davis Mills at quarterback. Add all those components up, and it appears this upcoming season will be a long one for Texans fans.
Two Chances to Avoid 0-17
The way I see it, the Texans have two chances to avoid the dreaded 0-17. This statement might confuse fans seeing that their schedule is ranked 15th, but don’t get it twisted. On top of the good teams they face, they also face teams like the Chargers, Patriots, Falcons, and Broncos. Talented teams that merely underachieved last season. Though teams like the Panthers and Raiders have no defense, their offenses are good enough to shred Houston’s.
There are virtually no cupcake games for the Texans outside of (possibly) Week 1 against Jacksonville and Week 15 at Jacksonville. Why Jacksonville, you might ask? We technically don’t know how Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence will translate to the NFL. If the Meyer/Lawrence/Tebow experiment happens to become a hot mess, the Texans might pull out a victory. But assuming Lawrence is everything as advertised, the Texans will need more than a prayer to avoid going 0-16.
But hey, look on the bright side! At least the Texans have a first round pick!
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