79 days have passed since Super Bowl XLVIII back in February, when the Seattle Seahawks captured a world championship with a win over the Denver Broncos. 103 days remain before the 2014 Hall of Fame game between the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, the unofficially start of a new season.
The phrase 'silly season' is often used in the political realm. By definition, the 'silly season' is a time of year, usually in midsummer or during a holiday period, characterized by exaggerated news stories, frivolous entertainments and outlandish publicity stunts.
The National Football League has appeared to reach this point, as two weeks remain before the league's next signature event, the 2014 draft. Speculation continues to mount about who teams will select, and what the incoming prospects potential is at the next level. For Texans fans, this topic has been part of an ongoing four-month conversation that began once the team lost its final game of the season against the Tennessee Titans. During that span, every possible scenario has been analyzed, and the players the Texans might choose are becoming household names.
There is a light at the end of a tunnel.
Over the next two weeks, the NFL will make significant on the field (so to speak) news and fans will be able to have meaningful discussion about the upcoming season.
First off, the league will announce the schedule in the coming weeks, as the world will get a chance to see next year's matchups. While the exact release date is unknown, it is very likely to be before the draft, and many have reported it could be as soon as this week. As our own Drew Dougherty previously reported, the Texans know who their opponents will be both in the pre and regular seasons. However, all times and dates will be finalized with the schedule's unveiling. There are several intriguing matchups on the Texans slate in 2014, including a visit from the Baltimore Ravens, who employ former Texans head coach Gary Kubiak as offensive coordinator. We will know exactly what Sunday that will be very soon.
The second item is the NFL draft itself, as the Texans will finally come 'off the clock' with their first overall selection. Whether the team makes the pick or trades it, there will be an actual decision made by the organization. HoustonTexans.com will have complete coverage of the days leading up to the draft, along with a day in the life journey of the actual selection Thursday.
View photos from the pro day of South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney.
Hang in there Texans fans. Actual football is getting closer.
