'Step Above': Is Texans Line AFC South's Best?

Looking to improve on offense this season, the Houston Texans potentially have the best offensive line in the division.

To win football games, you must start in the trenches. Building and solidifying the offensive line makes life easier for everyone else, from giving the quarterback time to throw to opening running lanes for ball carriers.

While the Houston Texans haven't done much winning in recent years, sporting a combined 11-38-1 record since 2020, they do have a strong offensive line - with Fox Sports claiming it is a "step above" the rest of the units in the AFC South.

"Laremy Tunsil, who signed an extension this offseason making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history, is one of the league's elite left tackles," Fox Sports writes. "Veteran Shaq Mason, acquired via trade, has been one of the league's best guards for years."

"Tytus Howard is an above-average right tackle. It's a unit equipped to keep Stroud upright, helping his development."

The pieces are undoubtedly there for the Texans to have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Tunsil and Howard give them franchise bookends at the tackle positions.

On the interior, the trade for Mason gives them another veteran presence to help solidify the unit and mentor their younger players. Chief among them being second-year guard Kenyon Green, who the Texans used a first-round pick on last season.

Green showed potential to be an integral part of the line moving forward for Houston but has battled injuries to start his career. If he can stay healthy, and the Texans can find a dependable answer at center, Houston should be in great shape along the front. 

The Texans may not win many games this season, especially with a first-year coach in DeMeco Ryans and a rookie quarterback in C.J. Stroud. However, if the offensive line continues to develop and gel as a unit, it might not be long before they are playoff contenders once again.

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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