The Houston Texans kick off their season against the San Diego Chargers on Monday. The game starts at 10:15 p.m. ET. Watch the live stream HERE or tune to ESPN.
After a 12-4 record last season, Houston believes they are closer to making a legitimate run for the Lombardi trophy. Making it to the postseason had been the goal for the Texans but, after two straight playoff appearances, the franchise has greater aspirations.
"I think it's obviously our main goal and our final goal, but there are a lot of steps that lead up to that," Texans linebacker Brian Cushing said of winning a Super Bowl, via ESPN. "It's mentioned here and there, but ... there's a ton of steps before we start talking about the Super Bowl and it becomes a realization. It's one of those things that we have a lot of work to do before that's real."
Houston has the talent to do it. The defense ranked seventh overall last year, according to ESPN. J.J. Watts, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, lead the league with 20.5 sacks. His efforts will be bolstered with the return of Cushing, who tore his ACL in Week 5 last season, and the signing of Ed Reed, who's status is uncertain for Monday following offseason hip surgery.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Texans have Pro Bowlers Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson.
How many touches Foster gets and how well he performs will be a big question for the Texans. Foster missed most of the offseason with calf and back injuries, and he's expected to split carries with Ben Tate, according to SB Nation.
For San Diego, coach Mike McCoy makes his regular season debut as the Chargers' new coach. Despite the criticism of quarterback Philip Rivers, who's coming off a lackluster season, McCoy believes Rivers can bounce back this year - something the team needs if they want to improve on last year's 7-9 record.
"I think we need to play better around him," McCoy said, via ESPN. "I've been saying that since Day 1. He is a great quarterback; Philip is going to be fine. We got to get the entire team, everybody, has to do their job better and Philip will do his job better."
Rivers' job wasn't made easier with the loss of receiver Denario Alexander (ACL). Receivers Malcolm Floyd and Eddie Royal both are uncertain for Monday with a knee sprain and bruised lung, respectively, but McCoy is hopeful they will be ready for Monday.
