HOUSTON — The Houston Texans are on the lookout for solutions following a disheartening defeat in a high-profile matchup. After finishing the first segment of their season with a 21-13 loss to the Jets, there are numerous aspects the Texans (6-3) need to address, even as they maintain a two-game lead in the AFC South.
“This isn’t the end, but it’s definitely a significant wake-up call for us to tighten things up,” remarked quarterback C.J. Stroud. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming weeks: “This is playoff football now; it’s November-December. We will face many strong teams in crucial games, and we need to figure out how to secure victories.”
A primary concern for the Texans is their struggle to safeguard Stroud. In the recent game against the Jets, the second-year quarterback was sacked a staggering eight times, bringing his total for the season to 30, placing him second in the league in that category, just behind Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson, who is sidelined for the year.
“I’m uncertain about what’s transpiring upfront… but giving up eight sacks makes it look like every drop back has us scrambling,” head coach DeMeco Ryans stated. “This performance is simply not acceptable, and we cannot function efficiently without making necessary improvements.”
Stroud acknowledged the toll of sustained hits but also pointed out areas where he can enhance his performance. “I realize that the offensive line is fighting hard, and we must create better conditions for them to block effectively,” he noted. “There are many elements that need refinement, including my ability to release the ball more quickly.”
In addition to the protection issues, the Texans are grappling with injuries affecting key receivers Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, which has impacted their passing attack. While Diggs is out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, Collins may return next week after being sidelined for four games due to a hamstring issue.
Despite these difficulties, Stroud remains optimistic about the team’s potential for improvement. “Now is not the time to feel sorry for ourselves,” he commented. “We must rise to the challenge, and I have confidence in the group we have in the locker room; I believe we can evolve into a formidable football team.”
On a positive note, running back Joe Mixon has been a standout player, emerging as a significant asset to the team’s running game. Since joining the Texans from Cincinnati, Mixon has exceeded 100 rushing yards and scored touchdowns in four consecutive games and has achieved this milestone in five of his six efforts this season, with the exception being when he was limited due to an ankle injury in Week 2.
“Joe has been exceptional for us every game,” Ryans commented. “He consistently breaks the 100-yard mark when he gets the opportunity. His relentless play and urgency have been evident; we need the other players around him to match that energy.”
As mentioned, the Texans must enhance their protection of Stroud. Ryans indicated that personnel adjustments may be contemplated to rectify this ongoing issue. “This play is insufficient; we need to make changes and adapt moving forward,” he added.
In terms of player performances, wide receiver Tank Dell shone with six receptions for a career-best 126 yards in the previous game, marking his first 100-yard outing this season. He has not been as prolific this year compared to his rookie season, where he accumulated 709 receiving yards in just 11 games. His continued productivity is essential with Diggs now out for the remainder of the season.
Conversely, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn’s recent performance has dipped. After having missed only two field goals in the initial eight games, Fairbairn faltered on two attempts against the Jets, including a 56-yard miss and a 27-yard attempt that struck the left upright.
Injury concerns are also prevalent within the team. Defensive end Will Anderson did not return after sustaining an ankle injury in the game, while left guard Kenyon Green injured his shoulder. Running back Dameon Pierce was also absent due to a groin injury.
A key statistic to note is that Will Anderson currently leads the NFL with 11 tackles for a loss, showcasing his impact on the field.
Looking ahead, the Texans have a window to regroup and address their issues before facing the Lions on November 10 during a Sunday Night Football matchup.