Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien has his team atop the AFC South (6-3) and is one of the best teams in the conference.
Part of the secret sauce has come from the crucial and unexpected trades O’Brien influenced from Aug. 8 onward. While he’s taking criticism for some of his roster decisions — trading Jadeveon Clowney to Seattle for Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo, and a thrid-round pick — his roster additions have worked in Houston’s favor.
Trades for running backs Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde along with left tackle Laremy Tunsil have the Texans as the fifth-ranked rushing offense.
Receiver Kenny Stills has been tremendous in his role with the offense, and the midseason move for cornerback Gareon Conley along with the waiver claim for former first-round cornerback Vernon Hargreaves show that the Texans are committed to boosting the talent at positions that needed it.
Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly has taken notes.
“All I know is that as far as with him and personnel, he’s taught me everything I know about evaluating talent,” Kelly told reporters Thursday.
What O’Brien has taught everyone through the first 11 weeks of the season is that the club doesn’t believe they’re out of it, and they will constantly churn their roster.
Being a coach in the NFL comes with the criticism, whether justifiable or not, and a coach is only as good as the next win or bad as the next loss. O’Brien has been a hot seat nominee, but his personnel moves have made the Texans a hot ticket.
