Texans Could Realistically Win Super Bowl in 2017-2018

The first year of Brock Osweiler’s tenure as the Texans franchise quarterback has caused some serious headaches in the Houston front office. His 4-year, 72 million-dollar deal raised some eyebrows initially. But it was Osweiler’s inability to perform throughout the 2016 season that left the Texans management sick to their stomach, realizing that their desperation move to sign an unproven QB may have just screwed the franchise over for the next decade. This season – which by no means was a success – is most likely the best record we will see from this current Texans roster. They sneaked into the playoffs, benefitting from an easy schedule and an atrocious AFC South division (Colts, Jaguars, Titans) before getting shellacked by the Patriots in the Divisional Round. The Texans aren’t getting any better around Osweiler because, frankly, they can’t really afford it. Meanwhile, expect to see Marcus Mariota and the Titans supplant the Texans atop the AFC South. So, with regression inevitable for Houston, what options do they have? Bite the bullet and deal with 3 more years of Brock Osweiler backing up Tom Savage? If only there was an elite, established veteran QB on the trade market this offseason…

Tony Romo would be a perfect fit for the Texans, and immediately elevate them to the 2nd best team in the AFC behind New England. From a football standpoint, Romo fills in the only missing piece on this football team – an above average quarterback. Take a look at the potential for the offense; which, keep in mind, does not have to be anything spectacular in order to make the Texans successful. 24-year-old DeAndre Hopkins is easily a top-5 wide receiver in the league, with absurd talent and playmaking ability. Give first-round pick Will Fuller V a healthy season with Tony Romo as his quarterback, and there is little doubt that his numbers can match up to his sharp route-running and speed. Defenses will have to drop back more often to respect the passing attack, which opens up more opportunities for Lamar Miller to shine. Miller’s 2016 numbers have to be taken with a grain of salt. Opposing teams were able to stack the box, leading to a disappointing season for the talented running back. Combine the Texans’ balanced offensive attack with their good offensive line and some role players, there is little holding Tony Romo back from taking this offensive unit to a top-10 finish in 2017.

Not much more has to be said about the Texans defense. The dominant performances you saw throughout the season by the #1 overall defense? That was without the best defensive player in the NFL, JJ Watt. Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, Jonathan Joseph – these guys are all ridiculous. They match up well with New England, as was seen in the opening quarters of the Divisional Round this year. The key to beating the Patriots – which is almost necessary in order to advance to the Super Bowl – is to have an internal pass rush that can make Tom Brady uncomfortable and force him out of the pocket. The Texans have that, and with a good quarterback, they have an offense that can score points to match the Patriots.

The AFC, in general, is a weak and aging conference. No other team besides New England could give the Tony Romo Texans a run for their money. And with a defense as dominant as Houston’s, well, “defense wins championships”. Make it to the Super Bowl, and they shouldn’t have a difficult time with whatever offensive powerhouse comes out of the NFC (Atlanta, Carolina, Green Bay, Dallas, Detroit). It’s not like the coaching staff would hold them back, either – Bill O’Brien is an excellent coach and certainly capable of managing a team deep into the playoffs.

Logistically, the Texans will have to make some difficult decisions internally. If they were to cut Osweiler next season, his $6 million dollar signing bonus will be added to his $19 million dollar cap hit next season. Cutting him outright would be pretty embarrassing for the Texans organization, but frankly things can’t get much worse than they are now. The point is, Tony Romo is an elite quarterback. While the Texans have a Super Bowl-caliber roster, they should mortgage some of their future for the opportunity to compete for a championship, even if that includes JJ Watt, as some analysts have suggested. If trade talks for Tony Romo fall through, the Texans should set their sights on Jay Cutler. Despite the lack of success in his career, Cutler has enough talent to take this roster to the Super Bowl. Plus, the man could certainly use a change of scenery. Whichever quarterback the Texans potentially land this offseason, they are poised to shock a lot of people next February when they win the Super Bowl.

Written by Matt Loehle