Atlanta Falcons matchup preview: Houston Texans

Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

FB: Have the Texans addressed their needs, in your opinion?

RG: To some extent yes, but not all of them. They did a good job getting lucky in the draft with linebacker Bernardrick McKinney and receiver Jaelen Strong slipping some, but they did nothing to upgrade their offensive line depth or help their pass rushing woes. For perspective, Watt had more sacks than everyone else on the defense combined. He needs some help, and putting all their eggs in the Jadeveon Clowney hope basket isn’t a sure fire way to fix that issue.

Also, Brian Hoyer at quarterback. I am not a fan. He would be a solid backup, but as OTAs have gotten going, for some reason he is rolling with the first team before Ryan Mallet. Mallett has some upside, Hoyer couldn’t cut it in Cleveland, enough said.

FB: I agree. With Hoyer at quarterback, there is a ceiling on how far the team can go. With that said, what are your expectations for the Texans this season?

RG: If they stick with Mallett and are a run heavy offense (which will also need a healthy Arian Foster at running back), I expect them to be around the same record and possibly a win better. They have a shot at finishing 9-7 or 10-6 based on that running game and defense alone. Their undoing could be their lack of return game and if Hoyer really does start.

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