It's too early to be concerned about the Astros' bats and the bullpen. This is the time to analyze and evaluate. This series against the Angels should let Houston know where they stand against other quality teams in the American League. Let's see if the bottom of the lineup and the bullpen elevate the team by the end of the series.
AS THE TEXANS TURN
Houston Texans owner Cal McNair and general manager Nick Caserio will meet with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy Monday via Zoom to discuss the Texans head coaching vacancy. This may be the Texans last, best prayer of keeping star quarterback Deshaun Watson.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, many in the NFL believe that Watson already has taken his last snap in a Texans uniform.
Watson reportedly is angered because he believes the Texans promised he would be involved in the hiring search for the team's new general manager, a job which ultimately went to Caserio without input from Watson and contrary to the advice of a professional search company. McNair's decision to hire Caserio reportedly was steered by controversial team executive Jack Easterby, who has gained enormous power and influence in the Texans organization.
Involving a player in the hire of a general manager is rare in the NFL. League experts are hard-pressed to recall a similar situation. Still, Watson believes he was disrespected and tension between Watson and management was inflamed when legendary Texans player Andre Johnson tweeted that Easterby is to blame for Watson-McNair estrangement, and practically every other problem within the organization.
One step in resolving the situation with Watson would be to allow the quarterback to participate in the Zoom interview with Bieniemy, who is Watson's preferred choice to be the next Texans head coach. Bieniemy comes with the endorsement of Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs record-breaking quarterback and friend of Watson.
Of course, after Bieniemy was left off the Texans' list of candidates for the job, who knows if Bieniemy even wants the job in Houston now?
Watson and Johnson aren't the only current and former Texans who have expressed unhappiness with the teams' direction.
If I'm @deshaunwatson I will stand my ground. The Texans organization is known for wasting players careers. Since Jack Easterby has walk into the building nothing good has happened in/for the organization and for some reason someone can't seem to see what's going on. Pathetic!!!
— Andre Johnson (@johnson80) January 12, 2021
Offensive tackle Tytus Howard was open about his reaction concerning the way Texans front office has gone about dealing with Watson.
🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
— Tytus Howard (@levelstothis_2) January 17, 2021
Former Texans star wideout DeAndre Hopkins gave his two cents about the mismanagement of Watson - something Hopkins experienced firsthand.
When Dre speak listen. https://t.co/hMdP2rsUJr
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) January 12, 2021
Now the Texans fan base (translation: Deshaun Watson fan base) planned a march to support the quarterback.
There have even been petitions to have Jack Easterby fired.
#Texans fans now chanting “Jack's a joke, he must go." pic.twitter.com/aGTbqXXqjm
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) January 18, 2021
Watson, being the true professional and blossoming icon of the NFL asked fans to end the march, citing COVID-19 protocols.
I'm hearing there is a march planned on my behalf in Houston today. Although I am humbled I ask that whoever is organizing the march cancel for the sake of public safety. Covid is spreading at a high rate & I don't want any fans to unnecessarily expose themselves to infection.
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) January 18, 2021
One thing is certain. There is only one person holding up the fanbase of the Houston Texans organization engulfed in a dumpster fire: Deshaun Watson.
