Commentary
Outsiders: AFC South issues start at QB
Originally Published: February 9, 2009
By Doug Farrar | Football Outsiders
With the 2008 season in the books, Football Outsiders is going division by division, applying its unique brand of analysis to one key question for each team. Today: the AFC South.
Houston Texans: Why can't the Texans turn stats into wins?
Statistically speaking, few teams produced more empty calories in 2008 than the Texans. Gary Kubiak's team finished third in total yards gained (6,113) but 17th in points scored (366). When you factor in the defense, the team finished eighth in yardage differential (plus-728) but 21st in point differential (minus-28). The Texans amassed 340 first downs to the 300 they allowed, and it wasn't as if their quarterbacks were losing it in the red zone -- combined, Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels threw 15 of their 21 touchdowns and only four of their 20 interceptions inside the opposing 20-yard line.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
-
ESPN The Magazine subscribers
-
Need more information?
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE NFL HEADLINES
- Report: NFL calls for immediate HGH testing
- Goodson legal issues predate recent arrest
- Pack's Rodgers: Urlacher favorite opponent
- Vick says he's still NFL's fastest quarterback
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
EDITORS' PICKS

- Dizzying Heights
- Sid Gillman and his followers aired out the game. Coaching tree »

- Use Your Brain, RG III
- Robert Griffin III must be smarter when he starts to run. Chadiha »

- Double Take
- Greatest Coaches: Mike Shanahan went back to back. No. 19 »
- Bowen: 5 second-year breakout candidates
- Sprow: Namath wrong, Smith pick smart
- Joyner: 5 fantasy breakout players
- Red Flags: NFC East | North | South | West
- Kiper: 2014 Big Board | Top TEs | OLBs | ILBs

