Houston Texans

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 82 Offense: 85 Defense: 85 Offensive Scheme: Power Run Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4 Strengths: DT, HB, LT, DE, RE, CB Weaknesses: QB, TE, C, SS, LE 2014 Team Rankings 2nd AFC South (9-7-0) Passing Offense: 24th Rushing Offense: 5th Passing Defense: 21st Rushing Defense: 10th 2014 team leaders Passing: Ryan Fitzpatrick: 2,483 Rushing: Arian Foster: 1,246 Receiving: DeAndre Hopkins: 1,210 Tackles: Kendrick Lewis: 84 Sacks: J.J. Watt: 20.5 Ints: A.J. Bouye: 3 Key Additions S Rahim Moore QB Brian Hoyer DT Vince Wilfork WR Nate Washington WR Cecil Shorts S Stevie Brown Key Rookies CB Kevin Johnson LB Benardrick McKinney WR Jaelen Strong Owner: Bob McNair Legacy Score: 450 Coach: Bill O’Brien Level: 7 Legacy Score: 0 Offensive Scheme: Power Run Defensive Scheme: Attacking 3-4

Offensive Scouting Report

• The Texans still need to find a long-term option at starting QB. Although they brought in Brian Hoyer, we would still give Ryan Mallett the nod and try to develop that strong arm into a viable option. Make sure to scout plenty of QBs in the upcoming draft and try another option.
• HB Arian Foster rebounded to have a strong season and prove his long-term value. Fight against his declining Speed rating; otherwise, in a few seasons he will only be a great option on up-the-middle runs.
• With the departure of Andre Johnson, the Texans’ WR corps will need a new leader. Thankfully, DeAndre Hopkins has shown excellent skill and just needs a more consistent chemistry at QB to really take things to the next level.

Defensive Scouting Report

• J.J. Watt was the defensive player of the year last season and made a strong case for MVP. This should make life for his teammates easy on the defensive side of the ball. Keep moving him around to keep offenses guessing.
• The LBs for the Texans are solid pass rushers off the edge and should continue to improve nicely. Build around Brian Cushing in the middle; that is one spot that can’t afford to take an injury.
• The Texans have the makings of a solid secondary but lack a true identity. Try playing heavy Cover 2 early in the season and using shading to get the most out of your players.

Schedule

Key Players

• Don’t let the slower speed fool you; the Strength and Ball Carrier Vision ratings are what make Foster excellent.
• Foster is a solid back who can consistently truck his way to 1,000 yards per season.

• Watt not only is one of the best but also is one of the most versatile linemen in the game.
• Continue to build your defense around him. He is locked up for the long term.

• Continue to develop Johnson’s Press rating if you want to make him a better overall fit.
• Johnson will be a solid CB in the slot with his size and zone coverage.

• James is a smart player who is well balanced. Keep developing his zone coverage and find him some time on the field in Quarter formations.
• James can also be used as a returner on special teams if you need an option back there.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

BEST RUN: Singleback Ace Twins — HB Stretch

Setup:

• This run is all about what you read before the snap. One side should almost always be open.
• Don’t forget to add some fake playmakers in from time to time, to make the defense think you are switching the run direction before the snap.

Advanced Setup:

• Playmaker the run left (optional)

Running Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS: Gun Snugs Flip — Drive Trail

Setup/Reads:

• To make this play work against zone coverage, you must learn to master the possession catch in the seam.
• Against man-to-man coverage there is simply too much going on over the middle of the field for defenders to stick with their man.
• Make aggressive defenses pay by looking to the left side and going to the flat or taking a chance downfield to your number one WR.

Advanced Setup:

• Streak or curl the TE.

Passing Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: Nickel 3-3-5 Will — Cover 2

Setup:

• Alternate between the Cover 2 and Cover 2 Sink to help protect against any play-action fakes from the offense.
• Shade underneath if you expect the run, and consider blitzing your LBs on short-yardage situations.

Player to Control:

• MLB in a hook zone

Run Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS DEFENSE: Nickel 2-4-5 DBL A Gap — Cover 3 Sky

Setup:

• Sub in ROLB Jadeveon Clowney and manually rush him off the edge. He is an excellent complement to Watt.
• Try getting pressure with the Cover 3 Sky first. If you’re not having any luck, go to the Outside Dog 3.
• The LBs dropping over the middle will hopefully help generate some turnovers for your defense.

Player to Control:

• ROLB (rush)

Pass Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ