Changing For The Better

Now that the NFL preseason has come and gone, the 2007-08 season kicks off this Thursday. And, as I have attempted to analyze everything about the new Houston Texans, here are some awards for the past four weeks of preseason play.

The "David Carr Award" goes to quarterback Matt Schaub. Thank you to Texans general manager Rick Smith for making that move. If I had to watch one more year of David Carr, I would have stuck a hot fork in my eye. Many can argue that the Texans lost athleticism in the deal, but they gained everything else in the process. Schaub is a born leader, and you are about to witness your first winning football season in Houston since the days of the oil derrick.

The "Welcome Home Award" goes to wide receiver Keenan McCardell. You passed on the Vikings to sign with your hometown Texans, only to be cut two weeks later. It could be the age, it could be the injury, or it could be because of the person that receives the next award.

The "Dominique Wilkins Award" goes to the Texans human highlight film, wide receiver Jacoby Jones. Jones has become a standout in a month of play, took the role that McCardell was brought in to do and gave the Texans the next Devin Hester. My goal is for him to guarantee me that he will do one thing this season: on Nov. 18, when the Saints come to town, Jones needs to run back a punt and end the return with the Reggie Bush "flip" into the end zone. It's the only way.

The "Arthur Blank Award" goes to none other than Falcons owner Arthur Blank. You had so much faith in Michael Vick that you and general manager Rich McKay decided it was a good idea to unleash Schaub. Now that Vick is in the doghouse — no pun intended — you are stuck going to war with Joey Harrington. Wait, this was the Texans awards...sorry I blacked out for a minute there.

And finally, the "Jason Jennings Award" goes to underachieving linebacker Jason Babin. When you were drafted in 2004, you were made out to be a dominating force at linebacker. After having less tackles in three seasons (135) as linebacker Demeco Ryans had in all of his rookie year (155), the Texans have shipped you off to Seattle to fill their need in the secondary with strong safety Michael Boulware.

Now that Smith has brought in the talent needed, and coach Gary Kubiak has put the pieces together, the Texans look prepared to move forward instead of reverse. The Texans start the season this Sunday, at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. My prediction: Houston 24, Kansas City 17.

(This column appeared in the September 3rd, 2007 edition of The Huntsville Item.)