State of the AFC South Following Free Agency

Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) signals at the line of scrimmage against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans

Key Additions: DT Vince Wilfork, QB Brian Hoyer, WR Cecil Shorts, S Rahim Moore; re-signed CB Kareem Jackson and OT Derek Newton

Key Departures: WR Andre Johnson

The Texans once again doubled down on defense with the additions of Wilfork and Moore. They’ve presumably made an already formidable defense even better in an effort to take down Luck.

Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

While the prospect of facing J.J. Watt and Wilfork (and maybe Jadeveon Clowney) isn’t exactly pleasant, the Texans still don’t have a proven QB on the roster. Facing either Hoyer or Ryan Mallett (or Tom Brady‘s Backup Battalion) doesn’t seem that challenging.

Both are serviceable, but neither has proven to be a long term starter in the NFL. They are both basically career backups.

The Texans will still be a run first team and hope that Hoyer or Mallett can do enough to win games when they have to. They will likely take a page out of the Cowboys playbook and run heavily to take the pressure off the QB and keep a much more talented defense off the field and fresh throughout the game.

If one of those two QBs turns into a viable starter or merely has an above average season, the Texans will be a challenging opponent and push for a playoff spot.