The Houston Texans are fresh off a much-needed 20-6 win over the Tennessee Titans. The Texans are now 3-5, although the season hasn't gone the way Texans fans wanted. That's led to some speculation that head coach Bill O'Brien is on the hot seat, but that's not fair to O'Brien. Here are three reasons why Bill O'Brien isn't the problem for the Houston Texans.
3. Injuries
The Texans have battled injuries this season, and the bug has bitten key players. Jadeveon Clowney, the former first overall pick, has battled injuries throughout his time with the Texans. CB Kareem Jackson and WR Cecil Shorts have missed time. All three were expected to at least be contributors this season. And of course, the team is without star RB Arian Foster. Had Foster been healthy the entire season, it's completely fair to think that the Texans' season would look much different. Houston wouldn't be undefeated, but Foster is a massive upgrade over Alfred Blue. It's unfair to blame O'Brien for the Texans' injury issues.
2. Poor QB Play
In reality, that the Texans have done as well as they have with their current crop of quarterbacks is actually impressive. Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, Case Keenum and Ryan Fitzpatrick aren't good enough to win consistently in the NFL. O'Brien didn't really get to choose his QB, so it's not his fault that his QBs have been so bad. O'Brien has managed to get the most out of his QBs, but he can't work miracles. Until the Texans get a legitimate QB, O'Brien shouldn't be to blame.
1. General Manager
GM Rick Smith should take the blame for the Texans' struggles, not O'Brien. The two don't appear to get along very well, and it's expected that the power structure will change next season. The disagreement on how to handle Mallett was a disaster. Smith and O'Brien share duties on personnel, but the general manager is ultimately the man in charge. Therefore, Smith is responsible for the Texans' depth issues and poor QB options. Something needs to change in Houston and it should start with Smith. O'Brien isn't the problem in Houston and he shouldn't go anywhere.