With the help of Bill Polian, Dom Capers put together in Carolina one of the best expansion teams in sports history, going to a championship game by its second season. After the Panthers let him go, Capers moved to the Jaguars, another expansion success story. Nobody knows expansion better than Capers, so he teamed up with former Redskins general manager Charley Casserly to put together what most people are saying is expansion greatness.

Unfortunately, the successes of the offseason may not translate into too many first-year victories. But the Texans have a great foundation. The main efforts were put into building both sides of the line. Even if left tackle Tony Boselli can't start the regular season because of a shoulder problem, the Texans have a solid offensive line base with center Steve McKinney, guard DeMingo Graham and right tackle Ryan Young. On defense, the line has a good start with former Jaguars Gary Walker and Seth Payne.

	CAMP AT A GLANCE
	David Carr will likely open the season as Houston's starting QB.
	Location: Reliant Park, Houston, Texas Rookies report: July 20 Veterans report: July 20 Preseason schedule:    Aug. 5: vs. N.Y. Giants    Aug. 10: at New Orleans    Aug. 17: at Kansas City    Aug. 24: Miami    Aug. 30: Tampa Bay

But it's expansion and expansion teams are traditionally thin. The 96-player roster has young or inexperienced backups. Capers may not have the four-man linebacker corps that will form the heart of his 3-4, but he has a pretty good start with Kailee Wong and Jamie Sharper. Capers has decent size at cornerback with Aaron Glenn and Marcus Coleman. Corey Bradford, Jermaine Lewis and Jabar Gaffney form a decent three-receiver package.

The Texans will have plenty of growing pains watching David Carr mature at quarterback, but once he's ready, the team should be ready to jell.

Man in the spotlight
Outside linebacker is the most important position in Capers' 3-4 scheme. The left side is in good shape with Wong, who was a college defensive end with pass-rushing skills. But an important battle is being waged o the outside. Whether it's Greg Jones, Jeff Posey, rookie Greg White or a veteran acquired in a trade or free agent signing, the development of this position will be in the coach's spotlight. Wong was decent as a Viking, but he didn't seem to be the perfect middle linebacker. Signing with the Texans puts him in the spotlight that will ultimately determine the success of the defense.

Key position battle
It may sound minor but there are great battles ahead along the offensive line. The most important could be if veteran Jimmy Herndon can handle left tackle if Boselli can't play. It is the left tackle's job to protect the blindside of rookie quarterback David Carr. There will be a good battle at left guard, a job that was supposed to go to Matt Campbell before he was cut. Veterans such as Calvin Collins and Max Lane will take their shots, but it would be nice if second-rounder Chester Pitts or third-rounder Fred Weary can take over early.

Injury update
Boselli's shoulder problems are a major concern. He's had two operations this offseason and the team won't know his status until the first week of August. Sometimes shoulder surgeries take four months to heal, so it's not out of the question for Boselli to be out until mid-season. Nobody knows. Capers has his fingers crossed. Walker may not be ready for the first few practices, but he should be okay from groin problems. Surgery was successful and the plan is to have Walker ready for the regular season.

Rookie report
Expansion teams are for rookies, but it's uncertain how many will start. Whether it's Week 1 or Week 3, Carr will replace Kent Graham as the starting quarterback. Fifth-round choice Jarrod Baxter will probably end up with the starting fullback job. Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney will get plenty of playing time early.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.