Dungy: Texans a 'confidence piece away' from being an elite team

June 7, 1:36 PMHouston Texans ExaminerAlan Burge

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Tony Dungy's calm demeanor carried over to the sideline on Sundays

Former NFL head coach Tony Dungy (it still seems odd typing those words) has always been a man of few words, but since his retirement he seems to be hitting his stride speaking out on a number of issues.

His recent comments questioning Jay Cutler's maturity and attitude leads me to believe we're about to see a new side of Dungy, given he's been hired as an analyst on NBC's Football Night in America where I expect he'll be asked to give his opinion on a lot of things.

But the laid back Dungy we know best would feel right at home on FNIA's set. 

Sorry, but Costas with his dry humor in a suit routine anchoring that overly stuffy and way-too-businesslike production just doesn't cut it for me after a 6+ hour NFL high. 

But back to the matter at hand. 

Dungy has always been big in community service and outreach.  His latest effort was in Jacksonville, where last Thursday he promoted his new Family First project.

After saying a few words about his new community service endeavor, the local media asked him a few questions about football. 

When asked about the Jags prospects in the AFC South this season, Dungy said a few words about the Jags running game, head coach Jack Del Rio and the management changes, but then seemingly in the same breath and without an additional prompt he said:

"The AFC South division is tougher than ever. I really think the Houston Texans are a little confidence piece away from becoming an elite team."

Hmmm.  So in other words:

Jacksonville media member:  "Coach Dungy, how do you think the Jags are going to do this year?

Dungy:  "I think the Texans are going to be pretty good."

I bet the Jacksonville media loved hearing that on their home turf.

All kidding aside, Dungy brings up a great point.  Confidence is such a huge part of success in the NFL but it often gets overlooked.  And if Dungy is saying that's all that's separating the Texans from being 'elite,' I'm all ears.

Of course a team must have talent and good coaching first, but if those things are in place, all it takes is a little winning streak or a big road win over a divisional opponent to help develop the mindset that they are going to win every week.

The Texans have never had that mindset.  Their confidence has always been  measured in terms of "lack of."  It's tough to remain motivated when you're continually beaten down - by the opponent or by yourself.

I've heard comments recently from players and media about the Texans strong finish last season (5-1 over their last six games)  has given them greater confidence entering this season.

That's all fine and good but they must have forgotten that sandwiched in the middle of that great season ending run last year was the perfect example of why the Texans have not achieved the level of confidence that Dungy is describing.

Games like the loss at Oakland is an 'aw-sheet' that can wipe out a half-dozen attaboys.  Call it lack of confidence or lack of mental toughness or whatever, the Texans will never get over the hump until they can consistently win 'those' games.

I remember five days before the Raiders game asking Eric Winston how the Texans were going to guard against a let-down considering the team was coming off a big win over the Titans and, you know, it was one of "those games."   He just kind of laughed.  I guess he thought I was joking. 

When the talent and coaching is there (as Dungy must think is true of the Texans) all it takes is a little win streak to get that swagger going. 

With three of their first four games at home in 2009, the Texans have no excuse for a slow start.  Let's just hope the defense is ready on Week 1.  I'd hate to waste any games waiting for them to "gel."  And let's hope the offense does a better job than the last time Rex Ryan visited Reliant.

• Did you know?  Tony Dungy's winning percentage (.668) is fourth best all time for NFL head coaches with at least 200 games on their head coaching résumé.  That puts him in elite company since the top three are guys named Halas, Shula, and Paul Brown.

•  The Texans open training camp on July 31 according to this report on ESPN.