Frankly Football: Which teams are better, worse than we first thought

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I read an interesting comment the other day in Peter King's MMQB Mailbag . When King asked Phil Savage, the Browns GM, what he thought when Monday's debacle of a loss to the Giants was over, Savage responded, "I don't know. You never know. It's preseason.''

That answer may work for some in the NFL, but the higher-ups here at SI.com want me to know something about preseason and tell you all the things I have learned. So let's get started.

Better Than We Thought

The Houston Texans: They play in the very rugged AFC South, the conference that provided three playoff teams last season, so it was easy to overlook them. They did nothing bold this offseason, not making a splash in the free agent market, or moving up in the draft. Instead, they took a very low-key approach, trying to add solid players to the core of their 8-8 team from 2007.

So far this preseason, the Texans have a positive swagger and look to their team. Drafting Virginia Tech offensive tackle Duane Brown in the first round was an important step to helping rebuild the offense. Since the days of Tony Boselli, the Texans have been searching for a legitimate left tackle. Now, new line coach Alex Gibbs has a gem who's extremely athletic and can handle their scheme. That was a huge need the Texans appear to have solved.

The offense is very talented, led by quarterback Matt Schaub. If he can stay healthy, he can run the offense effectively. Talented rookie running back Steve Slaton fits their style and appears primed for a big debut. Add in a dynamic big play receiving group led by Andre Johnson, and the Texans offense has all the ingredients to be very successful. With head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan both very effective play-callers, this team looks like it will score a ton of points.

On defense the Texans seem to have finally benefited from drafting top defensive linemen the last two years. Mario Williams is playing like a dominating end and Amobi Okoye is a force inside. They allow tackling machine DeMeco Ryans to make a ton of plays. Couple that with this offense being able to generate points, and the defensive line will be able to pin its ears back and rush the passer.

The Texans have a very tough beginning of the season, playing three road games in September against three 2007 playoff teams -- the Steelers, the Jaguars and the Titans. But the way Houston is playing this preseason indicates the Texans will be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Tarvaris Jackson and the Vikings offense: Quarterback was the huge concern of the Vikings all offseason. Put Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or even Matt Schaub at quarterback and the Vikings are not just a playoff team, but a legitimate Super Bowl team. But what about with Jackson at the controls?

After watching him play and execute the offense this preseason, I am very impressed. His eye level is down the field, which is a key trait for quarterbacks. He has a rhythm to his game and seems to have improved his overall accuracy. Jackson is never going to be like Dan Marino with his accuracy, but he is a playmaker. His movement in the pocket allows him to create plays with either his feet or arm, but he is always looking down the field to make a play, which is the key.

He reminds me of a young Donovan McNabb, not as accurate as you might like, but with the big play potential. Jackson might have 10 bad throws during the game, but he will make two or three plays that help the team win. Don't grade him for style points, grade him for wins. And the more he makes plays in the passing game, this will enhance the already explosive running game. Jackson has a minor knee injury right now, but based on what I have learned this summer, he looks very good.

The only real concern the Vikings will have is the pending ruling on left tackle Bryant McKinnie's altercation this past March. Losing McKinnie for any extended period will certainly affect their offense.

Not As Good As We Thought

Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense: The Ravens hired Cam Cameron to run their offense; he knew it would require a major rebuilding effort. Based on this summer, the job might be even harder than many thought. When the Ravens drafted Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco in the first round it was with an eye on the future. No one expected him to come in and start right away, but then again, no one thought he would be so far behind. Flacco's progress has not been as quick as some hoped and this is hurting the progress of the offense.

With injuries to some of their offensive linemen and running back Willis McGahee, the Ravens have been forced to play with many moving parts, causing their offense to fall way behind. And without Flacco as an option for quarterback, the Ravens have only two other choices: Kyle Boller, who has looked like a turnover machine this summer, and Troy Smith, the former Ohio State quarterback who has been slightly inconsistent all summer. Smith gives them the best chance to win right now, and with Ray Rice filling in for the injured McGahee, there are a few bright spots.

For the Ravens, it will be important to get their offensive line healthy, play solid defense and continue to make a few plays in the kicking game. But based on this preseason, this offense will be a work in progress all season and points will be very hard to create.