From training camp open, hope springs eternal. The revamping of the defense, both in personnel and philosophy, adds to the hope.
The Texans fired defensive coordinator Frank Bush and hired Wade Phillips to lead the defense.
Defense dominated the draft for the Texans. JJ Watts, Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris look to bolster the defensive line, linebacking corp and a scorched secondary at their respective positions.
Once the free agency period opened, the Texans jumped on the best cornerback not named Nnandi Asomugha in Johnathan Joseph. The also added more secondary help in safety Danieal Manning.
What all this adds up to is a sea of change and the goal of playoffs. This year is Gary Kubiak's make or break season. Short of a fluke reason (11-5 record but no playoffs), if the Texans don't make the playoffs, Kubiak and GM Rick Smith will be run off.
The big question for me right now is how quick can Phillips mold the defense. Will the pieces fit his scheme? In this series I'll try and explore the defensive changes and additions to the Texans.
