National Football League

Schaub's health is key to Houston's hopes

Published Aug. 16, 2009 6:51 p.m. ET

Alex Marvez

Matt Schaub should be proud of his offseason accomplishments.

Schaub's strength and conditioning improved through rigorous workouts. His mastery of Houston's high-powered offensive system continued to grow. And his standing as the franchise's starting quarterback was further solidified when quality backup Sage Rosenfels was traded to Minnesota.

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There was just one thing Schaub didn't get done. He never found the voodoo sadist who keeps sticking pins into a Schaub kewpie doll.

"We're going to find him this year," a laughing Schaub said after a recent Texans preseason practice. "I'm going to put that to rest."

If he does, Houston may rest atop the AFC South in 2009.

Schaub's health issues — shoulder, knee and concussion — have marred two otherwise solid seasons in Houston. He finished last year ranked among the NFL's top four quarterbacks in average passing yards (276.6 a game) and completion percentage (66.1). Only San Diego's Philip Rivers averaged more yards per completion (8.4) than Schaub (8.0).

But for the second straight year, Schaub was forced to miss five contests with injuries.

"If we can keep him healthy for 16 games, a lot more people will see how good he is," Texans offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Kyle Shanahan said.

Schaub enters his sixth NFL season with the reputation of being fragile. The criticism isn't necessarily fair. The NFL levied nearly six figures in fines to three players for illegal hits that knocked Schaub from the field. That includes a $50,000 penalty against Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen last November for a knee-damaging low hit.

In retrospect, the blow may ultimately be remembered as a watershed moment in Schaub's career. Schaub endured for another quarter until his knee became too swollen at halftime to continue. After a four-game absence, Schaub returned earlier than expected to lead Houston to a 3-1 December record.