"Mario Williams can make or break Wade Phillips. How's that for simplifying a complicated topic?

Phillips can change the schemes and move the players around, but one of the easiest ways he can improve the NFL's 30th-ranked defense would be to have Williams become a game-wrecking, chaos-creating force.

Wasn't that the original plan? Yes, the Texans saw him doing for them what Reggie White once did for the Eagles and Packers and what Lawrence Taylor did for the Giants.

Super Mario's numbers say he has been that player, but you and I know better. His 48½ career sacks put him among the NFL's leaders during his five seasons, and he's a two-time Pro Bowl starter.

But he has not been the guy. He has gotten sacks in bunches, been dominant for brief stretches. However, he hasn't come close to being the second coming of Bruce Smith.

Great defensive players create constant chaos. They force opposing quarterbacks to account for them every play. They are players capable of putting teams on their shoulders with a combination of fire, effort and production.

Brian Cushing came close to being that guy in 2009, but he was a shadow of his former self this season after returning from a four-game suspension. Still, Cushing is a high-motor player, a player who cares about the bottom line, and the Texans remain confident he'll do great things again.

Phillips has work to do with Cushing, but mostly it'll be to calm him down, get him to carry out his assignment and not freelance so much. Wade will never have to worry about Cushing's effort.

It's Williams whom Phillips must get to another level, and he should first try a little of that human touch. Phillips should have a long heart-to-heart chat with his most important player.

If he has to fly somewhere for the meeting, so much the better. It will emphasize the importance of their discussion.

He'll be carrying a simple message. That is, Williams is the player most capable of impacting winning."