HOUSTON — C.J. Stroud faced scrutiny during a challenging stretch for the Texans after they began the season with an impressive eight-game performance, suffering three losses in their last four outings. However, Stroud maintained his confidence, and his remarkable display last Sunday contributed to the Texans securing a narrow 23-20 victory against the Jaguars. As a result, the Texans (8-5) head into their bye week with a solid two-game lead in the AFC South.
“His leadership and the way he’s performing have a positive effect on the entire team,” remarked coach DeMeco Ryans. “I’m thrilled about his development in his second year. He’s demonstrating significant progress and is in an excellent position both physically and mentally. I’m eager to see how he returns after our break.”
Stroud passed for 242 yards and tossed a touchdown against Jacksonville, positioning him as the fourth-ranked quarterback in the NFL with a total of 3,117 passing yards this season. This performance followed a previous game where he struggled, recording two interceptions in a 32-27 loss to Tennessee, marking the team’s third defeat in four games.
Those interceptions brought his season total to nine, surpassing the five he had in 15 games during his rookie year. Nevertheless, the Texans aren’t overly concerned with this metric as they perceive his growth this season.
“He’s made significant strides,” stated general manager Nick Caserio. “Like any player, there are moments he’d want back, but we’re glad he’s our quarterback and appreciate what he brings to this team. I wouldn’t want anyone else at the helm.”
Despite facing a series of notable injuries, the Texans find themselves in a favorable position to potentially win the division for a second consecutive season. Running back Joe Mixon missed three games due to an ankle injury, and star receiver Nico Collins was out for five games because of a hamstring issue.
The team suffered a particularly hard blow when four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8, ending his season. Mixon has stepped up, leading the team with 887 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, in addition to four receiving touchdowns. His performance since being traded from Cincinnati has been crucial, especially given the team’s injury challenges among receivers.
Mixon ranks third in the league with an average of 88.7 yards rushing per game, having surpassed the 100-yard mark in seven games throughout the season. Stroud has continuously praised Mixon for his invaluable contributions, both on and off the field.
“He’s a genuinely helpful person,” Stroud expressed. “I aspire to adopt that same mentality. It’s all about serving others and contributing positively, which encapsulates the essence of football.”
While Mixon has undoubtedly emerged as a key offensive player, defensive end Danielle Hunter has become a new standout on defense. After spending his first eight seasons with the Vikings, Hunter has made a significant impact with the Texans.
He has played a pivotal role in Houston leading the NFL with 84 tackles for loss, contributing 15 to that tally this season, tying for third in the league. Moreover, he leads the Texans with 10½ sacks, helping the team rank second overall with 42 sacks.
Hunter complements an already solid defensive line, which includes Will Anderson Jr., the previous year’s AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Anderson holds a respectable second position on the team, with 13 tackles for loss and 9½ sacks.
Ryans noted that the upcoming bye week is essential for a team that began preseason training on August 1 with the Hall of Fame game.
“This break is timely, and we plan to make the most of it,” he said. “We’ve been grinding for quite some time now.”
The Texans will use this week to recharge as they prepare for a demanding series of three games in a span of 10 days upon their return from the bye. They will host Miami on December 15, followed by a trip to Kansas City on December 21, and then welcome the Ravens on Christmas Day.
“It’s the festive season, but we need to focus solely on Miami,” said Caserio. “Once that game is done, we will shift our attention to the next challenge. Ultimately, it’s up to us to earn our place; it’s as straightforward as that.”
However, the Texans will navigate this challenging schedule without starting linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who has been handed a three-game suspension due to a heavy hit on Trevor Lawrence of Jacksonville that resulted in a concussion. Al-Shaair will be able to return for the team’s regular-season finale against Tennessee.
