Quick-hitting analysis on everything you need to know about the 2010 Houston Texans.

*new veteran

**rookie

Head Coach: Gary Kubiak (5th year)

Offense

Coordinator: Rick Dennison

QB: Matt Schaub

Lack of arm strength makes him a good, but never great, quarterback. Still, has enough command of this system and chemistry with receivers to be The Guy.

RB: Steve Slaton

Followed impressive rookie campaign with a disappointing sophomore season. Fumbles and hesitancy were problems. Can bounce back, but spent the offseason recovering from neck surgery.

RB: Ben Tate**

Thick downhill runner who was drafted in Round Two to give this zone-based rushing attack some much-needed power.

FB: Vonta Leach

Veteran who quietly goes about his business. He may want to make a little more noise now that Justin Griffith is on the roster.

WR: Andre Johnson

The best wide receiver in football. Period. Most underrated aspect of his game: run after catch.

WR: Kevin Walter

Consummate possession receiver. Consistently snags passes away from his body and over the middle of the field.

WR: Jacoby Jones

Off-field partying has prevented the fourth-year pro from recognizing his sky-high potential. But coaches are extremely encouraged by the maturation he showed this past offseason.

TE: Owen Daniels

The best receiving tight end in the league is looking to bounce back from a torn ACL and obtain a long-term contract.

TE: Joel Dreessen

Built like a blocking tight end but moves well enough to be a factor in the passing game.

LT: Duane Brown

Made good progress in Year 2 last season. Athletic enough. Key for him will be exerting more force on contact.

LG: Kasey Studdard

Son of Gary Kubiak’s former Bronco teammate Dave Studdard has solid quickness and mobility but must sustain blocks better, particularly in pass protection.

C: Chris Myers

Gets overpowered in a phone booth, though has a nice feel for operating in this scheme.

RG: Mike Brisiel

Undrafted veteran should reclaim his starting job from Antoine Caldwell and Chris White after missing the final 11 games last season with a foot injury.

RT: Eric Winston

Struggles to maintain balance in space. Must improve his strength to compensate for mediocre athleticism.

6 OL: Wade Smith*

Signed a four-year, $12 million contract to compete for a starting job inside. Has been a solid utility backup for most of his career. Don’t expect that to change.

Defense

Coordinator: Frank Bush

LDE: Antonio Smith

Critics gripe about his 4.5 sacks last season, but his speed and tenacity make opposing linemen work. He’s living up to his contract.

DT: Amobi Okoye

Dropped 16 pounds in an effort to become more of a gap-attacker. Good idea, the fourth-year pro has been far too average as a clogger.

DT: Shaun Cody

Doesn’t have the strength or girth to take on double teams in the run game.

RDE: Mario Williams

A little more consistency as a playmaker would make him the best defensive end in the league. Startling quickness for a man of his thick build.

5 DL: Connor Barwin

Speedy, energetic straight-line pass-rusher who could be a good one if he develops some moves.

SLB: Brian Cushing

Has all the athletic gifts you could want, and shows a veteran’s understanding of the game. Of course, the question is, how good can he be playing within the rules?

MLB: DeMeco Ryans

Coming off a career year. Signed a well-deserved six-year, $48 million contract ($21.75 million guaranteed).

WLB: Zac Diles

Very solid player who gets overshadowed in this star-studded linebacking group. Sheds blocks, runs well and plays with strength.

4 LB: Xavier Adibi

Fluid athlete who is equipped for the weak side but will fill in on the strong side while Cushing serves his suspension.

CB: Kareem Jackson**

Texans drafted him in the first round because they like his physicality.

SS: Bernard Pollard

The former Chiefs dud is becoming a star in this system. The difference? He’s being asked to play in the box more often, which has replaced his reactionary mind-set with an aggressive one.

FS: Eugene Wilson

Decent, but only decent. Run defense is good, but Houston needs him to be more of a rangy cover artist.

CB: Glover Quin

Future looks bright as a No. 2. Firm on outside, and can also slide inside to cover the slot.

NB: Brice McCain

Sixth-round pick a year ago who took advantage of his opportunities and captured a meaningful role. Has 4.3 speed.

6 DB: Domonique Barber

Has had a few chances at free safety but is still learning the game at this point.

Special Teams

K: Kris Brown

Uncharacteristically missed 11 field goals last season. Now, the original Texan must defend his job from Neil Rackers.

P: Matt Turk

It’d be cool if the 40-year-old veteran brought back his single-bar facemask. He’s still eligible for it under the NFL’s grandfather rules, isn’t he?

RS: Andre’ Davis

Long-striding athlete who is a threat to go the distance, including as a receiver on offense.

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