Houston Texans fans are no strangers to disappointment, but this season was expected to be different following offseason additions such as Christian Kirk, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Nick Chubb.
Instead, the 2024 season turned into a roller coaster of emotions for the Texans due to their inconsistent offense — or lack thereof — toward the end of the season. Many of the losses can be attributed to injuries the Texans suffered during the year, including Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. Collins missed five games, while Mixon missed three.
General manager Nick Caserio has worked closely with head coach DeMeco Ryans to ensure the team’s needs are met. The Texans fired their offensive coordinator and hired Nick Caley with the goal of steering the offense in a new direction.
With the offense’s new direction established, the Texans drafted two wide receivers (Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel), one offensive lineman (Aireontae Ersery) and one running back (Woody Marks). The move aimed to address the injuries and player departures from the 2024 season, when the team lost multiple wide receivers, running backs and offensive linemen.
A major criticism of Caserio was his lack of offensive line acquisitions. During the 2024 season, quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked 52 times — the second most in the NFL.
The loss of five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders could be devastating, as he protected Stroud’s blind side. Caserio and Ryans drafted Ersery and signed five veteran linemen in hopes of finding a solution. So far, the Texans have allowed 12 sacks in five games, ranking eighth in the NFL for the 2025 season.
Offensive struggles have shaped the Texans’ story this year. The team has struggled to move the ball downfield efficiently and put points on the board. Stroud had a slow start to the season, not scoring until the second game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, in two wins against the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, Stroud seemed to find his rhythm, connecting with Collins, Higgins, Hutchinson, Marks and Noel — four of whom scored the first touchdowns of their NFL careers.
On the defensive side, the Texans rank first in the NFL for fewest points allowed. The secondary also ranks second in fewest passing touchdowns allowed, and with the signing of Super Bowl–winning safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, expectations were high. Gardner-Johnson was released after three games, yet the defense has remained a key factor in keeping games close.
The two bulldozers on the defensive line are Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who have combined for seven sacks and 29 tackles. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair leads the team with 19 solo tackles, while safety Jalen Pitre leads in interceptions with three. The defense has long been a saving grace for the Texans, and this season has been no different.
Texans fans remain optimistic, showing up to support their team. The Texans currently rank 20th in attendance, but since most of their games so far have been played away from NRG Stadium, that number may change in the coming weeks.
