To be a Houston fan is to expect the worst. Somehow, some way, whatever the most heartbreaking outcome you can imagine happening, double it and that will probably be the case. We need not recount the history of pain for being a Houston sports fan. We’ve already recounted the potential worst for the Texans. Yet, being a “realist” means that while acknowledging what can go wrong, you acknowledge what can go right. How might things work out in 2025-26? A few ways:
The offensive line, maybe not the modern
1980’s Hogs, but consistently adequate: No secret that the biggest weakness for the Texans last season was the offensive line. The interior could not hold off anyone, the tackles were somewhat adequate, and it was mainly due to the talents of Stroud, Mixon and Collins that the Texans’ offense played as well as they did. Few were shocked when players like Mason and Green got jettisoned (cut and traded respectively). A few eyebrows got raised with the Tunsil trade, but the cap hit plus some less-than-ideal play made it a bit more palatable. The replacements…you can say a number of things, from experienced to questionable. Hard to see at first how the current lineup will quickly gel and evolve into the next great O-line.
Yet, the reported toxicity of the O-line unit as a whole called for massive purges and new blood. Given the potential and capabilities of players like Stroud, Mixon and Collins, all that is really needed is for the O-line to not suck. For example, if they replicate the performance of the 2023 line, which after a horrid first two game (allowing 11 sacks, umpteen QB hits and not great run blocking), they would only allow 27 more sacks the rest of the season, that portents good things. If the O-line can show competency, then there is a lot of offensive potential for the Texans. If they can go beyond basic competency, especially in interior blocking, then the sky is the limit for this squad.
The new offensive coordinator unlocks God-Mode Stroud: We know what CJ Stroud can offer at this best. However, we didn’t get to see that often last season. The issues with the O-line we’ve already noted. You could also point to a bit of a sophomore slump (some of those insane non-INTs from his rookie season would regress to the mean). Yet, a major factor was also the inflexibility and issues with how OC Bobby Slowik ran the offense. In particular, he was quite persistent in sticking with the original game plan, even as teams adapted to his schemes and attacked those weaknesses.
Nick Caley is noted as being more flexible with his offensive designs, borrowing from his time in New England and Los Angeles. Stroud is already raving about the opportunity that this system will allow for him to take more direct control of the offense. A happy Stroud is a good Stroud, or so the theory goes. Will there be some growing pains? Sure. However, if this system can bring out the Stroud from his rookie year and the second half of the Wild Card beatdown of the Chargers, then Texans’ fans are in for a treat.
That defense: What is not in dispute about the Texans is that they have some good defensive players. Hunter and Anderson offer arguably the best edge duo in the league, as both logged double-digit sacks last season. The defensive tackle rotation, while not filled with Pro Bowlers, fed off the edge players and helped the Texans contain most ground games, along with some timely interior pressure. Then you have the secondary. By the end of the season, you could argue that it was the best defensive backfield in the league. Stingley earned his All-Pro nod (and All-Pro-level contract). Kamari Lassiter had an underrated rookie season, along with Caden Bullock. Jalen Pitre, before his injury, was returning to his rookie playmaking role and even the departed Eric Murray offered some timely good defense.
Now, you have most of those guys coming back (save Murray), along with Gardner-Johnson, who brings championship swagger and increased DB talent. The depth is such that even the potential loss of Jimmie Ward due to legal matters might not impact the secondary. Throw in some solid LB play, and Houston, who already had a top-10 defense last season, might be in the hunt for the top defense in the league. They held some of the best QBs in the game to their worst games last year (Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Jared Goff) of the season. What that D might bring this season?
The battle scars are already there: As disappointing as last season could seem, the squad still won double-digit games, still crushed an opponent in a Wild Card game, and were holding the AFC Champion Chiefs in check for most of the Divisional Round playoff game. They were more “hunted” in 2024 after a surprising 2023. Yet, they managed to still be in the Final Four of the AFC when all was said and done. If not for a bounce or two, or a better-timed block, the Texans might have made it to the AFC title game, and from there...Experience matters in the NFL, and the Texans now have that. The lights won’t get too bright, hopefully. If last year was a slump, then they should bounce back, with the potential for something more.
The AFC South...just who is supposed to challenge the Texans here?: Last season, Houston had the benefit of being in the AFC South. All other teams went a collective 15-36, and Houston held a 5-1 division record. Sure, all of them made quality moves to improve However, is that enough to knock off the Texans? The Titans still seem like they have another season of moves before they can make a real playoff push. The Jags, even with new faces, still have issues on the O-line and concerns about whether they broke Trevor Lawrence. The Colts...would you bet your season on the arm of Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones? You can’t rule out internal dissent, and the Texans have a brutal schedule, but the divisional lineup does not appear too formidable, at least on paper, to start the year.
This list is not all-inclusive. Perhaps the Texans are at a point where luck is with those that don’t need it. If that is case, and one or more of these conditions play out, Houston may achieve that which is always desires. What say you, dear readers? Let your respectful take populate the internet below.
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