Eric Winston becomes blind-side protector of Leinart

The spotlight for the Texans will be on QB Matt Leinart as he tries to pick up where Matt Schaub left off and guide Houston to its first-ever postseason berth. If all goes well, Leinart could sway another team to give him an opportunity to start in 2012. The superb play of the Texans' offensive line can only help his cause, although one noticeable difference with the left-handed Leinart stepping into the starting job will be ORT Eric Winston, not OLT Duane Brown, protecting Leinart's blind side. Brown and C Chris Myers have been Houston's best blockers this season, but Winston also has played well. A former left tackle in college, Winston should be able to handle the added responsibility, particularly with his strength being sliding to the right. Other factors to keep an eye on with Leinart at the helm include his cadence, exchanges between Leinart and Myers and the likelihood of more dump-offs and plays designed to move the pocket to the left.

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(profootballweekly.com)