As of last night, the NFL's Houston Texans are more than just a concept. Of course, the team played like it was still a concept, losing to the New York Giants 34-17. David Carr looked as if he was right out of college, the offensive line was more liability than protection, the running game was nonexistent, and the defense was nothing if not porous. To all of those folks who are hoping for a Super Bowl parade through downtown Houston this February- well, you might want to stand down.
The ugly reality is that the Texans are an expansion team, and they looked every bit of one last night. It is still far too early to be making predictions. By halftime, we were watching players on both teams who have brilliant careers ahead of the in the Canadian Football League or driving beer trucks. It's still impossible to tell just how good this team will be. Give them some time, y'all....
Still, it WAS fun watching the team's first game. At least they're something of a known quantity now. Everything the Texans do will be a first, and it's exciting being able to see that. I was actually a great deal more excited than I thought I would be. As an inveterate Vikings fan, I hadn't really thought much about the Texans' chances, but now I think there will only be a conflict when Minnesota and Houston play, which should be very infrequently.
The nicest thing about last night? I didn't anyone whining about Bud Adams or the Oilers. It seems that we've moved on....
