Randy Bullock

After struggling through a 2013 where the kicker made only 74.3% of his field goals, 2014 brought a come back in a big way. Bullock made 30 of 35 (86%,) 16th in the NFL including two field goals blocked on the season. The Texans were one of nine teams to have two or more kicks blocked during the season.

Bullock was one of the better long range kickers in the NFL and his improvement from last season was noticeable. His performance against the Baltimore Ravens, when he made 6 field goals and scored 19 total points, both of which were franchise records, was the top moment of Bullock’s season.

Bullock Field Goal Kicking

50+ yards: Bullock was 4 of 5, 8th best in the NFL.

40-49 yards: he was 7 of 8, 9th best in the NFL.

9th in the NFL with 130 points.

40 of 40 on extra points.

2 blocked field goals

Jared Crick

His late season surge demonstrated how Crick is an important cog to the defense. Crick was mainly a two down player for the defense, playing the run much better game-to-game after learning how to play the two gap system.

A low production player in 2013, Crick went from 277 snaps last season to 726 defensive snaps in 2014, and made a difference in splash plays. With 56 total tackles from the defensive end position, Crick became a pass rushing threat after Tim Jamison went down with a leg injury. Crick was asked at that point to become a pass rusher and his game took another step toward being an impact player on the defensive line.

After Jamison went out, Crick totaled 8 total disruptions in his final two games, with two of those being sacks (3.5 on the season.) His understanding of the game has been displayed with impact plays in key situations and as he created chances for teammates on a stunt or eating up blockers so others could make plays. Crick does not get the run that others do on defense because of the job he is asked to perform, but the jump in production for Crick in 2014 as the season progressed has made him a player to watch heading into 2015.

Kendrick Lewis

A cast off from Kansas City, Lewis was plagued by a shoulder injury that slowed him on the field and limited his production. Reunited with Romeo Crennel, who drafted him with the Chiefs, he rewarded the Texans with a career year playing on a league minimum contract with a one year deal.

Lewis had career highs with 84 total tackles and three forced fumbles, then help stabilize a secondary learning the new defensive system under Crennel. A sure tackler from the safety position, Lewis only missed 14 tackles in 98 chances and he stood out in open field situations to bring down ball carriers.

With low expectations coming to Houston and not much known about the safety, Lewis has ensured his name is mentioned in discussions on which players the organization needs to bring back for the 2015 season.

Derek Newton

Bill O’Brien said early in the summer of 2013 that Newton was his starting right tackle and many doubted the decision by the Texans head coach. Newton rewarded his head coach who backed him with his best season as a professional.

Newton stabilized the the right tackle position and ended up being the most consistent offensive lineman for the Texans. He excelled at run blocking, where the offense averaged 3.8 yards a rush behind him off the right side, and he showed he can clear the way with a purpose in the run game.

He gave up his pressures but only gave up two sacks this season after giving up six sacks in 2013. His worst game came against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that was the only real road bump in the season for Newton.

Newton is a pending free agent and with the league looking for offensive tackles who can play consistently, the big man is set to get paid heading into next season.

Mike Mohamed

The inside linebacker has been with the Texans for two full seasons and was brought to Houston in the offseason before 2013 on a reserve/future contract. Mainly a special teams player in 2013, Mohamed won over the defensive coaching staff in training camp with his play and versatility for the defensive scheme.

After being on the field for only 13 defensive snaps in 2013, Mohamed played 524 defensive snaps in 2014 and was used mainly in nickel and dime packages. Mohamed’s ability to cover made him a mainstay in pass situations and provided some good run support.

O’Brien wanted players who were versatile and that is exactly what Mohmaed was for the Texans.

Whitney Mercilus

Completely lost during training camp with the new system and troubled with his new task of dropping in Crennel’s cover two scheme, things were looking bleak for Mercilus. He was playing slow and over thinking during training camp.

Top pick Jadeveon Clowney took his starting spot at outside linebacker and Mercilus ended up being a rotational player to start the season. With injuries in front of him, Mercilus reclaimed his starting position and ended up being a dual threat player off the edge.

Mercilus became a better edge setter and played the run physically when plays came his way. Add in his pass rush ability, which produced 40 total disruptions, he slowly turned himself into a well rounded defensive player.

A back injury kept him of one game but he still was second on the team in TFLs (9,) sacks (5,) and quarterback hits (11.) Where Mercilus ended up after his start to the season showed the maturity of the former 1st round selection.