The Houston Texans offense is getting slept on as pundits release their rankings of all 32 NFL offenses. Trading a three-time All-Pro receiver in DeAndre Hopkins has that effect.
However, the Texans are getting very little credit for their inconspicuous rebuild of their offensive line. According to analytics from Pro Football Focus, the Texans’ five starters, all of whom are returning in 2020, graded out with 70.0-plus scores.
Even if one doesn’t understand or put in any stock in Pro Football Focus grades, just taking a look at how the Texans offensive line performed, and the offense in general, lends one to look favorably on Houston’s fortunes in 2020.
The Texans are the only team whose entire 2020 offensive line finished with a 2019 pass block grade north of 70.
Laremy Tunsil: 88.2 (3rd LT)
Max Scharping: 74.0 (13th LG)
Nick Martin: 82.3 (6th C)
Zach Fulton: 77.0 (6th RG)
Tytus Howard: 70.4 (15th RT) pic.twitter.com/iyk3HTEBVC— PFF HOU Texans (@PFF_Texans) May 25, 2020
Left tackle Laremy Tunsil, a former 2016 first-round pick with the Miami Dolphins, earned his first career Pro Bowl after landing with the Texans. Keep in mind Tunsil was traded on Aug. 31, essentially during game week leading up to Opening Day against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 9.
Tytus Howard played only eight games at right tackle, but it was enough to earn him all-rookie team honors from the Pro Football Writers of America. If Howard never takes home a Pro Bowl or All-Pro honor, the Texans at least have a quality bookend to keep the coaches content.
Houston took Max Scharping in the second round, and he was originally a tackle for Northern Illinois. Offensive line coach Mike Devlin kicked him inside at left guard next to Tunsil, and Scharping was a dependable starter for 14 games of his 16 activations.
The Texans found their center in Nick Martin, and he will be there for a few more years after signing an extension during the 2019 season. Fulton, who finished as the sixth-best right guard in Pro Football Focus’ rankings, is the odd man out; an area where fans and critics believe the Texans could upgrade. Even if they don’t, Fulton has proven to be a solid interior offensive lineman.
If the Texans’ offensive line gets another season together without any major setbacks, and they are able to maximize their availability together, Houston could outshine the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans for having the best offensive line in the division. It will be hard to ignore if Deshaun Watson’s sacks continue to decrease, as they did going from 62 to 44 in 2019, and the Texans have another 1,000-yard rushing season for the second straight year with as many running backs.