Last week I was looking for Frank Okam to put back-to-back solid games together. He was named the starter against the Saints, and laid a huge egg on the field. This week, I’m just hoping he looks at least average. The blogs and media have already said all that needs to be said about Amobi Okoye. Against the Vikings, one of the better offensive lines in the NFL, both of these young tackles are going to have to seriously step it up.

I’m sure Frank Okam only started in place of DelJuan Robinson last week to see how he works with the first team, and to see if he could take that next step toward the top of the depth chart. Robinson hasn’t been spectacular in the pre-season, but he’s shown more than the others at his position. He’s been more consistent, he’s made more plays, and he seems to – unbelievably – be the one guy at tackle we can have some confidence in that’s actually based on his past and present play – and not just “hope” for better future play.

One other lineman I want to talk about is Connor Barwin. I’m just as excited as everyone else about his two sacks and seemingly quick development. Kyle even made this comment regarding Barwin:

“Personally, I think Connor Barwin’s development should be making (Frank) Bush seriously consider moving Antonio Smith inside on a permanent basis.”

That, I cannot agree with. Barwin has looked great in space against offensive linemen, but when he’s tied up with a blocker, his size puts him at a big disadvantage. So far I haven’t seen him able to break away from blockers when he’s tied up. He also hasn’t been very impressive against the run. I think we should be happy that he seems to be excelling in the specific task he was drafted to perform – rushing the quarterback. At this point he wasn’t expected to be anything but a situational pass-rusher, and I don’t think we should be getting ahead of ourselves. He looks good – but he’s far from a complete, full-time defensive end at this point. Now, give him more time to learn, develop, and study under defensive line coach Bill Kollar – and this could be more of a possibility.

Shaun Cody has actually showed some flashes in the pre-season, and John McClain goes as far as to report that Cody is pushing Amobi Okoye for the starting job. Gary Kubiak of course has not actually said the position is up for grabs, but it certainly would be a surprise if it wasn’t considering how the pre-season has gone so far.

Travis Johnson is now off the PUP list, and has started practicing with the team. A Cleveland Browns scout who has a Twitter account mentioned on August 27th that the Texans are actively looking to trade him. Obviously I have no idea if that’s real or not, but I can’t imagine the team getting more than a 6th or 7th round draft pick for him. If so, it’s better than cutting him and getting nothing in return. Still I put the chances of the Texans trading Travis Johnson at roughly zero percent.

Another guy I’ll really try to scrutinize Monday night is Antonio Smith. I haven’t really seen him enough to tell whether or not he’s “getting it,” but let’s just say I have already seen him penetrate the backfield more than the guy who held his position previously. That said, Smith is a veteran, and like Mario Williams – I think they’re smart enough to not kill themselves in the pre-season, both in practice and in games – and I’m fine with that. I’d rather they pace themselves and not put themselves in a possible injury situation from going too hard and fast all the time (which is how a lot of people believe Brian Cushing got hurt).

I figure everyone will be most concerned/curious to see what happens with the defensive line. What else are you hoping for this game to accomplish for the Texans?