Texans coach Bill O'Brien declares that 9-7 would be unacceptable

The Houston Texans surprised a lot of folks last season when they finished 9-7 and won the AFC South. Part of that was thanks to Andrew Luck’s injury that debilitated the Colts all year long, but the Texans were still a decent squad.

Entering 2016, expectations are even higher. The team has a new running back and quarterback, as well as a bevy of rookie receivers to pair alongside DeAndre Hopkins. A 9-7 record could very well be enough to earn them a playoff berth, but the Texans wouldn’t be satisfied with that.

At least head coach Bill O’Brien wouldn’t be.

Essentially, O’Brien is saying a 9-7 record this season would be a disappointment, and unacceptable, too. The Texans are no longer a bottom-feeding team in the AFC and has the talent on both offense and defense to reach the playoffs – and maybe beyond.

O’Brien doesn’t think he’s the only one with high hopes this season, either. He believes the entire NFL sees Houston as a threat.

The Texans kick off their season Sunday at home against the Chicago Bears. It will be quarterback Brock Osweiler’s first meaningful action in a Texans uniform, and the same goes for running back Lamar Miller. A win over the far inferior Bears would be a good start, and an expected one.