Houston Texans
Additions: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Andre Brown, NT Jerrell Powe, SS Chris Clemons
Subtractions: RB Ben Tate, TE Owen Daniels, DE Antonio Smith, ILB Darryl Sharpton, ILB Joe Mays, CB Brice McCain, SS Danieal Manning.
Biggest storyline: Ben Tate suits up against his former team. Often times these "return" games are overhyped by the media. But this one will matter more, as Tate wants to prove to Houston that he is indeed a capable feature back in the NFL. In three seasons with the Texans, Tate topped 770-yards rushing twice and has 10 career touchdowns to his name. Finally out of Arian Foster's shadow, you know the 25-year-old will be circling this game on the schedule.
Biggest storyline part II: Can new head coach Bill O'Brien return the Texans to their old form? Prior to 2013's 2-14 debacle, Houston was emerging as an incredibly balanced football team, with a high ceiling and Super Bowl expectations. A 10-6 campaign in 2011 was followed up with a 12-4 division title in 2012. J.J. Watt, Andre Johnson and Foster lead one of the more talented rosters the Browns will face. But who will be playing quarterback come November 16th?
Biggest storyline part III: Browns fans will see a familiar face when the Texans come to town. Former Cleveland head coach Romeo Crennel is now the defensive coordinator in Houston. Crennel manned the Browns sidelines for four seasons, including the 10-6 campaign in 2007. Another noteworthy coaching connection to Houston is Kyle Shanahan. The Browns current offensive coordinator solidified himself as a top assistant in 2009 by setting franchise records with the Texans in both passing and rushing yards.
