HOUSTON -- As defensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh
Steelers in the early '90s, Dom Capers developed a deep
appreciation for the stability of the franchise and its devotion to
a blue-collar approach in the front office and on the field.
Capers tried, but failed, in his initial chance to recreate that
atmosphere in his first head coaching job with an expansion team.
He finally may be getting it right the second time around.
Despite a humiliating loss to Cleveland on Sunday, the Houston
Texans finished their third season 7-9, a two-game improvement from
the previous season. They seem to be primed for playoff contention
in 2005, which has been the stated goal of the franchise from the
beginning.
"There is no question in my mind that over the three years,
we've improved each year," Capers said. "The next step is the
biggest and the toughest step for us."
The Texans have arrived at a critical turning point in their
development. Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the previous five
expansion teams advanced to the postseason by their fourth season --
even lowly Tampa Bay made it to the NFC championship game in 1979.
Against that historical backdrop, Houston seems to be headed in
the right direction.
The Texans have made steady improvement on the field, winning
four games in 2002, five in 2003 and seven this season. In 2004,
they swept AFC South foes Jacksonville and Tennessee, went 7-2
against non-playoff teams and at times resembled those rugged,
physical teams Capers idolized in Pittsburgh.
But many fans are starting to grow impatient with the Texans,
and they showed their dissatisfaction by booing throughout the
22-14 defeat against the Browns in the finale.
"I'm as frustrated as every person in Houston," said
quarterback David Carr, the focus of most of those jeers. "I'm
going to try to do everything I can do to fix it and turn this
thing around. I believe we can be in the playoffs next year. I
believe we can compete against any team we play."
Thus far, Capers and the front office have resisted the urge for
drastic change and stayed true to their plan.
Mindful of the collapse that got him fired in Carolina, Capers
is confident that patience and constant progress is the best way
for long-term success in Houston.
"Everything we've done from the beginning here has been based
on trying to establish a foundation," Capers said. "It's a long,
tough process and there are no short cuts, as much as you would
like it to happen. Stay focused on what it's going to take to go
where you want to go."
The Texans are in no big rush to start tinkering with their
roster. Capers and general manager Charley Casserly are comfortable
with the nucleus on the roster, and they generally believe only a
few upgrades are necessary to push the Texans into the postseason.
Houston has the 13th pick in the draft, is in good salary cap
shape and could make a few waves in free agency, particularly in
search of a true pass-rushing threat for its 3-4 defense, an
offensive lineman or two, and another receiver to take some
attention away from Pro Bowler Andre Johnson.
Few starters figure to leave in free agency; the most prominent
players likely to depart include perpetually injured nose tackle
Seth Payne, receiver Corey Bradford and fullback Moran Norris.
"You can't do nothing when you don't have the opportunity,"
said Bradford, who had only 27 catches for 399 yards and three TDs.
"That's all I'm asking for. I just feel like it's all about
opportunity."
That was a common refrain among many players -- even a few on
defense -- as they cleaned out their lockers Monday.
"We're sitting here with a lot of weapons I don't think we took
full advantage of," defensive end Gary Walker said. "It's
disappointing and frustrating. It's even hard for me to talk about
because I don't want to say anything to embarrass the
organization."
Regardless, the Texans have a young trio of offensive stars in
Carr, Johnson and tailback Domanick Davis, who rushed for his
second-straight 1,000-yard season after struggling with nagging
injuries early in the year. With more experience and improved
protection from a shaky offensive line, Houston could eventually
boast one of the NFL's top offenses.
But to become a playoff contender in the grueling AFC and
realize Capers' dream of turning the Texans into the southern
Steelers, significant improvement must come on defense.
Houston ranked 23rd in total defense, was second-to-last in
sacks with 19 and didn't make enough big plays to offset an
inconsistent offense. However, the continued improvement of rookie
starters Dunta Robinson, Jason Babin and Glenn Earl gave the Texans
plenty of hope.
"I think we have a good solid group of guys that are close to
winning," linebacker Kailee Wong said. "I think with a little bit
of experience and luck, the guys in this locker room right now
could be in the playoffs."