Carr Improves.

[Guttpuppy]

Carr impresses

For all the tinkering the Texans did with their offense over the offseason -- they signed free-agent offensive lineman Zach Wiegert, traded for tackle Greg Randall and drafted receiver Andre Johnson and tight end Bennie Joppru with their first two picks -- quarterback David Carr remains the key.

Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer, who also serves as quarterback coach, has been pleased with Carr's progress and believes the second-year quarterback is ready to take the next step in his development.

"Most players make their biggest improvement between the first and second year," Palmer said. "David knows where he's going with the ball, his reads are much crisper and there is no hesitation. He's making the next step in being a pro, and we're very excited about him."

The Texans ranked last in offense last season, and Palmer believes Carr will play a major role in how far the offense moves up in the rankings.

"I've always been of the belief that it starts at the quarterback spot, and the quarterback can make things better," Palmer said. "He's the spaghetti sauce that covers up the noodles, and if you've got good sauce, you're going to have a good spaghetti. The quarterback has got to be the spaghetti sauce, the one who makes it all work."