With the 2008 season in the books, Football Outsiders is going division by division, applying its unique brand of analysis to one key question for each team. Today: the AFC South.
Houston Texans: Why can't the Texans turn stats into wins?
Statistically speaking, few teams produced more empty calories in 2008 than the Texans. Gary Kubiak's team finished third in total yards gained (6,113) but 17th in points scored (366). When you factor in the defense, the team finished eighth in yardage differential (plus-728) but 21st in point differential (minus-28). The Texans amassed 340 first downs to the 300 they allowed, and it wasn't as if their quarterbacks were losing it in the red zone -- combined, Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels threw 15 of their 21 touchdowns and only four of their 20 interceptions inside the opposing 20-yard line.