Monday, December 30, 2013

Fourteen losses and counting

The longest losing streak in Houston pro football history stands at 18, courtesy of the 1972 and 1973 Houston Oilers.

The Houston Texans, who yesterday ended their disaster of a 2013 season with their fourteenth consecutive loss, may very well tie or even break that record next season.

Sure, they'll have a new coach. And the top pick in the draft, who may or may not also be the team's new quarterback (I still think Case Keenum is serviceable, given some off-season preparation and a better offensive line, but I admit to being biased). And, hopefully, healthy key players back like Arian Foster and Brian Cushing.

But as this fall's meltdown showed, this team has serious problems - everywhere - that do not lend themselves to quick fixes. It's going to take time for a new coach to come in, clean house, implement his philosophy and install his personnel. And the results are likely to be painful at first.

Which is is why I expect the losing streak to continue when the 2014 season kicks off.

But I'll worry about that when it comes. For now, I'm just glad the 2013 season is over.

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