The Houston Texans have made significant changes to their coaching staff, parting ways with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, as well as offensive line coach Chris Strausser and assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich. These decisions come after a rollercoaster season in which the team clinched the AFC South title but failed to meet expectations offensively. Coach DeMeco Ryans has expressed his intent to take a thoughtful approach in evaluating the entire offensive staff moving forward. As the Texans seek to redefine their identity, these changes reflect a need for renewed strategic thinking.
Under Slowik’s leadership, the Texans enjoyed a successful 2024 season, finishing with a commendable 10-7 record and making it to the divisional round for the second consecutive time. However, the performance of the offense was a major point of concern. Despite managing to win games and secure a division title, the offense ranked merely 18th in scoring with an average of 22.1 points per game and settled for 16th in total yards with 329 yards per game.
What hinders the Texans’ offensive potential is the alarming statistic regarding quarterback C.J. Stroud’s protection. With 52 sacks—marking the second highest in the league—Stroud faced considerable pressure, being disrupted on nearly 39% of his dropbacks. At critical moments during the games, the Texans struggled in the second half, averaging a paltry 7.5 points, revealing a lack of offensive adjustments and execution when it counted most.
This offensive inconsistency seemed particularly pronounced in the latter part of the season. After a strong start, there were notable stretches where the Texans did not score a single offensive touchdown from Week 7 to Week 12. This inability to adapt quickly and respond effectively during intense situations raised concerns about the coaching staff’s effectiveness and decision-making processes.
Despite being repeatedly pressured in the pocket, C.J. Stroud demonstrated promise. Coming off a record-setting rookie year where he surpassed 4,000 passing yards, his statistical performance took a hit in Year 2. Finishing with 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns, Stroud’s regression can, in part, be attributed to poor offensive line performance and a stagnant offensive scheme that failed to leverage his strengths appropriately.
Several key players, including Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, running back Joe Mixon, and wide receiver Nico Collins, were unable to convert their individual talent into an impactful collective effort. Additionally, the acquisition of wide receiver Stefon Diggs sowed seeds of hope for the offense, but his ACL injury in Week 8 proved detrimental to the Texans’ passing game. This points to a critical need for the upcoming coaching staff to integrate their play calling with the specific skills of each player.
Reflecting on the season, Coach Ryans has emphasized the necessity of improvement, pointing out that offensive challenges are part of the game but must be addressed head-on. With the Texans struggling in key areas such as third-down conversions and red-zone efficiency, there remains a significant gap between their potential and performance. Ranking 17th in third downs and a dismal 28th in red zone scoring (48.4%) captures the essence of their struggle to secure points when in crucial situations.
Going forward, the Texans must prioritize finding an offensive coordinator who not only understands modern offensive schemes but can also foster an environment conducive to Stroud’s growth. It’s an opportunity for Houston to rethink its approach, leveraging its talent while instilling a structure that maximizes scoring opportunities.
The Texans stand at a crossroads. With new coaching personnel comes the potential for transformation and renewed hope for the franchise’s future. While the foundation built under Slowik produced some positive outcomes, it became evident that a refreshed approach was necessary to capture the full potential of this roster. As Houston embarks on this critical juncture, the focus must be on strategic improvement, adaptive play calling, and ultimately crafting a championship-caliber offense. The upcoming months will be significant as the Texans build a team capable of competing at the highest level in the NFL while ensuring they learn from the struggles of the past season.
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