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McClain's Mailbag: Can Texans learn from Astros?

Like every other team in the NFL, the Texans are excited about their team after seven practices in training camp. They're off today before returning Saturday for a second open practice for fans attend. The Texans travel to Green Bay on Sunday and practice against the Packers on Monday and Tuesday. They begin the preseason schedule Thursday at Lambeau Field.

As usual, you've got lots of questions and comments. And I do appreciate them. I welcome your questions and comments every week. Please send them to john.mcclain@chron.com, or you can tweet them to me @McClain_on_NFL using the hashtag#askmcclain. Now, let's get to your questions and comments.

Q: I heard you guys talking about the Astros' trade for Zack Greinke trade on Sports Radio 610. I think you said it was great but had no relevance to the Texans. I disagree because the Astros have the best manager and general manager combination in all of Major League Baseball. Jeff Luhnow is constantly working on his vision of where the team can evolve and grow. He isn't burdened with the day-to-day running of the team because A.J. Hinch is a master at that. The Texans don't have that visionary. Cal McNair said people outside the organization knew who to call, and that's probably true. That puts the Texans in reaction mode. I'm more concerned about who is making calls — not who's answering them. Without a true GM, I question whether the group can implement a master plan if they even have one. An example is the cornerback situation. The problem isn't new, and it isn't fixed. A football Luhnow would not have this problem. He had a pitching problem, and now four of the top 13 pitchers in MLB are wearing Astros' uniforms. Pretty impressive! — George H.

A: You're right about us calling it a great trade, George. But it has no relevance to the Texans, who are in their first year with their current management structure. I'm sure you knew when Luhnow was tearing up the team and losing 100 games he would become a great general manager, right? I'm guessing you criticized him and the Astros, as I and many others did. Over time, Luhnow and Hinch became the best in baseball. But it wasn't overnight. And yet you don't want to give the Texans a chance. Why is that? You already know new cornerbacks Bradley Roby, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Xavier Crawford and Briean Boddy-Calhoun aren't going to work out. I don't know that. Yes, they need to get better at corner. I think they need to make a trade for a slot corner. Unlike you, I'm willing to give them a chance, just as I did Luhnow. And I was wrong about Luhnow. Could you be wrong about the Texans in a few years when they've had a chance to see if their plan works?

Q: The reason for firing general manager Brian Gaine remains a mystery. If the Texans are as successful as we all hope and Gaine's draft picks and FA signings are a big reason, will the Texans regret letting him go? Otherwise, that firing was so summary before the Texans apparently even approached Nick Caserio, that Gaine must have REALLY screwed up somehow. Thus, the mystery. — Dave H.

A: There's no mystery, Dave. I've written it in the Chronicle, on HoustonChronicle.com and on Texas Sports Nation and explained it on Sports Radio 610 many times. And they won't regret letting him go because they thought it was the right thing to do. By the way, Gaine didn't draft or sign anybody Bill O'Brien didn't want.

Q: Why would cornerback Johnathan Joseph get a raise if all he's done for the last three years is tried to chase down wide receivers after being torched? — Tony V.

A: I guess the Texans see it differently than you do, Tony. Pro Football Focus, too. PFF had Joseph and Kareem Jackson as the best corners in the AFC South last season. And it's not much of a raise. He deserved it. Good for him.

Q: How is rookie defensive end Charles Omenihu doing? — Rashad C.

A: The fifth-round pick from Texas is off to a good start, Rashad. Bill O'Brien was asked about him this week. Here's what he said: "Rookie that's out there every day working hard. He definitely has some traits that you're looking for at that position, versatility. He's got good length, and he practices hard. He's out there every day. I think when you're out there every day, you get better."

Q: They can boost the offense as much as they want, and that's great, but as long as they don't concentrate on getting a consistent defensive back crew, we'll always be eaten up in the playoffs. —Albert V.

A: They brought in four new cornerbacks, including a second-round pick in the draft and a former first-round pick in free agency, as well as two new safeties who started for other teams last year, Albert. We'll see how they do at Green Bay and in preseason. I think they need to get another cornerback.

Q: What would be more beneficial to the Texans offense — deep threat to stretch the field or a running game to get the play-action going? — Ryan V.

A: They've got a deep threat to stretch the field, Ryan. Will Fuller is one of the fastest receivers in the league. He's doing great in camp after recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL. In 13 games with Deshaun Watson, he has 13 catches. So, I'd say a running game to set up the play-action and help the offense control the clock.







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