Texans GM Rick Smith points to team's need for consistency

Smith tries to keep some perspective on youthful team

HOUSTON – Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith helped the Texans host a youth football clinic and the team handed out their annual donation to several local youth football organizations totaling $40,000 on Wednesday night.

He also shared his thoughts on the team's 4-3 start as they prepare for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

"When you look at our division, we're in good shape," Smith said. 

"When you look at our play at home, we're undefeated. Where we have not been consistent is on the road, we've got to find a way to do that and be more consistent," he continued.

The Texans are 4-0 at home, but 0-3 on the road and have been outscored 85-22 in those three losses, including Monday night's 27-9 loss at Denver.

"I think our team is a hard-working team, they understand the correlation between the work that goes on during the week and what happens on game day," Smith said.

On the team's offense, Smith said, "It takes some time for all of that (offseason acquisitions) to come together. Certainly the guys are working to do that. 

"I think we've shown flashes, but the consistency is what has to happen for us to be able to play the way we want to be able to play," Smith added.

"I think it's important to keep perspective. We've got a lot of young players, particularly on the offensive side of the ball and a lot of guys that haven't played together before," Smith said.

"It does take some time for guys to come together and I expect that we will."