Texans Bye Week: Houston must improve special teams

The Houston Texans are in the midst of their bye week with the AFC's best record, but there remains room for improvement, particularly in the special teams department, according to a report by John McClain of The Houston Chronicle's Ultimate Texans blog on Wednesday.

Houston's 18.4-yard average on kickoff returns is tied for last in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. On the other side, they're 22nd in the league in kickoff yards allowed, giving up 22.4 yards per return.

This translates to the offense's starting position on drives, as their average beginning point of the 18½-yard line is the worst in the NFL. Additionally, Texans' opponents start drives on average at the 26-yard line, according to the report, which ties them with the Tennessee Titans for 30th in the league.

"That (field position) is the one thing that's bothering us right now, and it's something we've got to improve on," head coach Gary Kubiak said in the report. "Probably the two most disappointing things have been covering kicks and kickoff returns."

After their bye, Houston will host the Buffalo Bills in Week 9 on Nov. 4.