What Is 2014 Houston Texans football team

Overview

The 2014 Houston Texans marked a transitional year for the franchise, as it was the first season under head coach Bill O'Brien following the departure of Gary Kubiak. After a 2-14 campaign in 2013, expectations were modest, but the team showed signs of improvement under new leadership.

Despite a modest offensive output, the Texans improved to a 9-7 record, narrowly missing the postseason. The team was led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for much of the year, with rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger also seeing limited action due to injuries.

• Bill O'Brien took over as head coach in 2014 after serving as offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, bringing a new offensive system to Houston.
• The Texans started the season 0-4 but rallied to win nine of their final twelve games, showing resilience under first-year leadership.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 3,420 yards and 23 touchdowns, marking one of the better statistical seasons for a Texans quarterback at the time.
• The defense, led by J.J. Watt, improved dramatically, finishing 7th in the NFL in yards allowed per game at 315.6.
• Despite the 9-7 record, the Texans missed the playoffs due to a competitive AFC wild card race, finishing behind teams like the Colts and Bengals.

How It Works

The 2014 Texans' season structure followed standard NFL scheduling and team operations, but with key changes in coaching and strategy. Bill O'Brien implemented a more aggressive offensive scheme while maintaining a strong defensive identity.

• Offensive System: O'Brien introduced a West Coast-influenced passing attack, emphasizing short, high-percentage throws and timing routes to maximize efficiency.
• Defensive Scheme: The 3-4 base defense, coordinated by Wade Phillips, relied on pressure from J.J. Watt and edge rushers like Jadeveon Clowney.
• Quarterback Rotation: Ryan Fitzpatrick started 13 games, while rookie Zach Mettenberger and Case Keenum saw time due to injuries and performance issues.
• Running Game: Arian Foster rushed for 1,246 yards and 6 touchdowns, providing stability despite offensive line inconsistencies.
• Special Teams: Randy Bullock handled kicking duties, converting 23 of 29 field goals, while Andre Johnson returned punts early in the season.
• Injury Management: Key players like Foster and Clowney missed games, impacting consistency; Foster played only 12 games due to a groin injury.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 Texans compared to recent seasons and division rivals in several key statistical areas:

The data shows a clear defensive improvement from 2013 to 2014, with the Texans allowing nearly 60 fewer yards per game. While their offense remained below league average, the team became more competitive within the division, finishing ahead of the Jaguars and Titans in the standings.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was pivotal in shaping the Texans' future, setting the foundation for later playoff appearances and organizational stability. It demonstrated the impact of strong coaching and defensive performance even with offensive limitations.

• Bill O'Brien's arrival signaled a new era, as he became the first coach since 2005 to post a winning record in his debut season.
• J.J. Watt earned First-Team All-Pro honors, recording 75 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, reinforcing his MVP-caliber status.
• The improved record helped boost fan morale after the disastrous 2-14 season, increasing attendance and engagement in 2015.
• The season highlighted the need for offensive upgrades, leading to the drafting of Johnny Manziel rumors and eventual QB investments.
• Wade Phillips' defensive scheme proved effective, laying the groundwork for future top-10 defensive finishes in 2015 and 2016.
• The near-miss playoff finish motivated front office changes, including a greater focus on quarterback development and draft strategy.

The 2014 Houston Texans may not have reached the postseason, but their 9-7 record represented progress and set the stage for future competitiveness in the AFC South.