The Houston Texans are much improved from last year under general manager Nick Caserio, but their success in the 2022 season could be impressive.
According to Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, Texas will be selected as one of six teams in the 2022 college campaign.
Which needs no explanation. QB Davis Mills was honored for his veteran composure in adversity, while new coach Lovie Smith was honored for his industry-proven attitude. Rookie Dameon Pierce could bring some freshness to a tough game. But they've relied heavily on remaining free agents over the years, showing that older backups on D like Jerry Hughes and Christian Kirksey will be offered for top-tier starters. And Smith hasn't coached a winning team since 2012, so he's interested in rebuilding with a focus on bringing in young talent.
If "rugged" is defined as having hills and valleys, Texans certainly qualify. Houston has a winnable game on the schedule, and they could start 3-2 by stunning their top five opponents. However, the more Houston has on its schedule, the stronger the team gets, and that doesn't take into account the challenges every NFL team faces during the regular season.
Coach Lovie Smith knows the Texans have a tough task ahead of them as they need to win four games for the first time since 2019.
"It's time to get on with it," Smith told reporters after Monday's practice. "We are facing a good opponent. The Colts have been a team for a long time. In an ideal world, they want to start at home against their division rivals.
Texas is 2-0 against the Colts on Opening Day with all contests previously held at NRG Stadium.
The story first appeared on The Texas Wire.
