Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Fans cheer during the game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Texans 22-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans are looking to improve on their 9-7 record from 2014 and find a way back into the NFL playoffs. In order to do so the team will need some players to continue their strong performances from 2014, while other need to step it up and reach the potential they once showed.

Today we will examine the top five players whose impact will be vital to Houston finding themselves in the tournament at the end of the season.

Number Five – Rahim Moore, Safety

Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Rahim Moore (26) before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Rahim Moore came over this offseason from the Denver Broncos and is an upgrade at the free safety position for the Texans. He is coming in after a year in which he had a career high four interceptions, but for some reason was not a real high commodity in the free agency period.

He signed a three-year deal for $12 million, which is relatively low for a guy only 25 years of age who has been a starter for most of his four-year career.

For the Texans defense to take that next step, they need to see more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and a guy like Moore will help in that area because of his ability to cover deep down field, allowing defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel more freedom to blitz linebackers and be creative up front.