Plenty of optimism, but still many questions for Texans

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- After the Texans' victory over the Jaguars on Sunday, JJ Watt said "It's weird" when discussing his emotions after a 9-7 season. That might be the best way to sum up the way fans feel right now, too.

Obviously there is disappointment in not making the playoffs, but the fact they finished the season with a win, and a winning record gives fans a sense of optimism.

In 2014, the Texans were a better product, no doubt. Now the question becomes how do the Texans improve from here?

The easiest answer to that is familiarity. Last year, everything was new.

Bill O'Brien today said "There's no more dipping the toe in the water. The players know what to expect now."

O'Brien had to establish a new culture, and implement a new offense and defense. That foundation has now been laid.

Perhaps the biggest reason to be optimistic has two letters -- JJ. JJ Watt could actually get better. He had a season for the ages, and with his motor, plus football intellect, he could improve.

There is reason for concern though. The Texans still don't have the answer at quarterback. They might have it in Tom Savage or Ryan Mallett, but they still don't know.

Ryan Fitzpatrick was OK this year. The Case Keenum story was incredible. But the difference from being a fringe playoff team and being a "championship caliber team" comes at the quarterback position. There are still more questions than answers there.

The other question is about the veterans. Will Andre Johnson be back? Can Arian Foster continue at this high of a level? What is next for Brian Cushing? Which high salary player has to be cut?

And maybe the most expensive question is with a young player. How does number one pick Jadeveon Clowney respond after an injury and an uninspiring rookie year?

The Texans are building something, and many of the pieces fit. Still many questions to get better, but as long as the potential MVP wears "deep steel blue," anything is possible.