Battle Red Blog
A combination of review and a look ahead for a critical, if less-attention-grabbing, part of the team
Welcome to the optimism of the off-season. The offensive side of the ball will get the most attention, between the emphasis on improving the the offensive line and adding to the receiver room. Houston already took one step in that direction with their trade with Jacksonville to add Christian Kirk for at least the 2025 season. Of course, along with the interior of the line, Houston will need to settle that rather significant left tackle slot, as Laremy Tunsil will call the DMV home after a major trade. Along with that action, Houston will not say no to a chance to improve the defense, especially at DT and safety. They currently have seven picks and some unexpected cap room for roster upgrades.
Yet, one area not getting a lot of attention this offseason: Houston’s Special Teams. PK Ka’imi Fairbairn and P Tommy Townsend are locked into their roster spots. Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross continues as the most tenured coordinator. They played a significant role in the fortunes of the team, for good and ill. With that, some thoughts on the Specials Teams this past season and for the future.
Overall, the Special Teams played mostly good...
Most of the numbers associated with the Texans related to their special teams look solid, as they continued to rank among the better units in the league. They were particularly strong in punt coverage (#1 in punt return yards allowed). Tommy Townsend, after a rough start to the season, mainly due to some blocking errors and a rather slow punt motion, managed to deliver on his contract, ranking among the leaders in net punting (3rd) and punts inside the opposing 20 (2nd). Fairbairn’s season was a little mixed. He did set records for the most made 50+ yd FGs in a season (14), punctuated with his walk-off 59-yarder against Buffalo. However, he also had some bad misses at the worst times. His two short FG misses in the 4th quarter against the Jets and Titans hurt the Texans and then that playoff game at Arrowhead...The punt return game was solid, but not spectacular (tied for 9th in yards/return), as the squad rotated between Steven Sims (later released and picked up by Baltimore) and Robert Woods. Tank Dell also took a turn here, but his season-ending injury against Kansas City (regular season) ended that option.
About the new kickoffs in 2024:
Houston handled the new kickoff rules fairly effectively. They did not find the endzone this season after two kickoff return TDs in 2023. Dameon Pierce, when healthy, proved a dangerous kick returner, averaging over 37 yards a return, punctuated by his massive 45-yard return against Baltimore. The Texans’ kick coverage was solid (8th in kickoff return yardage allowed), but the team was prone to surrender a few big returns (especially in the playoffs). On kickoffs, Houston generally followed the league trend of kicking to the end...
