Two-a-Days 2012: Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Matt Schaub
RB - Arian Foster
RB - Ben Tate
WR - Andre Johnson
TE - Owen Daniels

Defense
DE - J.J. Watt
DT - Shaun Cody
MLB - Brian Cushing
OLB - Brooks Reed
CB - Jonathan Joseph

Matt Schaub QB

Breakout: Brooks Reed - A big reason the Texans were able let "Super Mario" Mario Williams walk in free agency was because of how loaded their defense with outside playmakers. Brooks Reed came up with big plays in the 2011 postseason and I expect the pass rushing linebacker to continue his pro-bowl type play and lead the Texans to one of the top defenses in the league.

Training Camp Question: It almost feels like the Texans have taken baby steps since the day they dropped David Carr and signed Matt Schaub to be their starting quarterback. And when the former Atlanta Falcon is healthy their balanced attack is tough to contain. The Texans need to know this year if Schuab can take them to the promise land or is it time to start looking for  a future signal caller. Everything is else is in place to win in 2012. The health of Schaub is the main concern.

Last year's record: 10-6

Projected finish: 11-5 (First in the AFC South)

Offense
QB - Andrew Luck (rookie)
RB - Donald Brown
TE - Coby Fleener (rookie)
WR - Reggie Wayne
WR - Austin Collie

Defense
OLB - Robert Mathis
OLB - Dwight Freeney
MLB - Pat Angerer
S - Antoine Bethea
S - Tom Zbikowski (acquired in free agency)

Andrew Luck QB

Breakout: Andrew Luck - I almost feel there was more hype 12 months ago about the Stanford product than there is now, with the season starting in weeks. How quickly we forget the comparisons to John Elway and Peyton Manning. Andrew Luck may hit a few bumps, but mostly because the talent around him is bare. There is no doubt in my mind that Luck will show that the Colts got it right by taking him first in this year's draft.

Training Camp Question: The ironic role reversal as Baltimore's Chuck Pagano is coming to Indy this year. Pagano brings Zbikowski and Corey Redding, but more importantly a new defensive philosophy. In the 3-4 scheme Mathis and Freeney will stand up and hope to put a new life into the horseshoe. Any defense will be better than last year, but can Pagano and pals bring them back to the playoffs after a two win season? It is definitely the biggest question mark at camp.

Last year's record: 2-14

Projected finish: 6-10 (Third in the AFC South)


**Check back tomorrow for the Jaguars and Chiefs**