Sunday’s game was a somber start to the football season. The Texans lost to the Los Angeles Rams 14-9 and failed to score in the second half. The offense looked anemic and suffered server injuries across the offensive line. The defense appeared stout, but were unable to turn the tide for an offense that could not get in the endzone.
After a disappointing loss, I asked the Battle Red Blog writers to provide their initial thoughts directly after the game.
Texans dropped their first game of the season to the Los Angeles Rams. Give me your initial thoughts, reactions, and frustrations.
Joe Critz
This loss to the Rams was overall a good defensive
showing by the Texans, so most of my frustrations lie with the offense.
Positives: Will Anderson Jr., Foley Fatukasi, and Calen Bullock made good plays, then Azeez Al-Shaair made the biggest defensive play with the forced fumble on Rams tight end Colby Parkinson at the end.
Frustrations: It was disappointing to see C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jalen Pitre give up a few big passes in coverage, though.
All of the rebuilding and drafting on the offensive line didn’t amount to much in game one and looked nearly identical to last year. I still think they should have kept Laremy Tunsil, but that’s old news now. Cam Robinson and Aireontae Ersery had solid reps here and there, but I don’t think Laken Tomlinson or Tytus Howard had good games. I’m really tired of Houston trying to make Howard work at guard, because it’s not working. It’s 2025, he’s been here for seven years, and it’s still not working. It’s time to keep him at right tackle where he excels.
The rushing attack was also disappointing to start, but I think that last drive showed that Nick Chubb still has something left in the tank. It’s literally only three carries at the end of the game that’s giving me these positive feelings, but after zero touchdowns…I’ll take whatever I can get. Stroud was able to get the young receivers involved, but this offense still has a long way to go.
L4Blitzer
Well, I didn’t see us winning this one, but that doesn’t make this any less painful. The offense did not impress, and a strong Rams defensive line made the Texans new offensive line struggle. The left side left much to be desired.
Stroud had an uneven game, but the team had a chance at the end, which he will give you.
The defense is likely to be the main reason this team wins. Somehow, this team can’t avoid getting a ton of penalties in road games, but that is becoming a defining characteristic of this Ryans’ regime. Expect a desperate game against the Bucs as Houston looks to avoid falling to 0-2.
VBallRetired
I’m most frustrated with the defense. This offense came up with nine whole points. They couldn’t shut out a Hall of Fame QB in the second half? What good are you then? In all seriousness, we should have seen this coming. You can’t go out and buy spare parts, spackle it together, and be surprised when there are issues on the line.
Take away Christian Kirk and there weren’t enough effective weapons. Take away Joe Mixon and the entire offense fell a part. Nick Caley received some side eye (from me), but he gets time to make adjustments. Stroud gets time to make adjustments, but this was not a great NFL defense they played Sunday. They are solid. God help him them when they play someone really good.
Clayton A. (713 ST)
The Texans lost a tough road game to a potential dark horse Super Bowl contender in the LA Rams. The Rams looked every bit of a team that’s been there and done that, while these young Texans still have a ways to go.
The positives: Jayden Higgins was featured along with multiple TE’s in the passing game. The defensive line and linebacker core gave them a chance to win the game. This was emphasized by Azeez Al-Shaair nearly snatching the Rams’ chain when he hit Colby Parkinson and popped the ball loose late in the game. Also, Ka’imi Fairbairn looked good with three field goals. He probably helped a fantasy player or two this week.
The frustrations: Houston can’t escape injuries, huh? Houston’s physical therapy facilities are packed with the Astros and now the Texans’ Christian Kirk, Braxton Barrios, and Evan Ingram after Week 1. Also, procedural penalties along the offensive line plagued this team. Cam Robinson was called for a hold on the first drive of the game, which felt all too familiar. I was hoping new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s new offense would help alleviate that concern. Unfortunately, there’s only so much he can do with a makeshift line opposite a high quality pass rush. QB C.J. Stroud was doing too much cardio in the backfield due to of non-stop pressure by opposing defensive lineman who made turnstiles of Houston’s offensive line.
While Chubb had a few nice runs, the RB group as a whole really didn’t provide a differentiating factor to the offense today.
Finally, our secondary were cooked throughout the game. Stingley Jr. didn’t have his best of outing against Davante Adams. No one else made a play when the ball was in the air. And oh my goodness, Jalen Pitre got routed yet again for the game ending conversion for the Rams. That semi-frequently happens to Pitre. Last year it was against the Jets, and now the Rams.
Kenneth Levy
Whether your hopes were high or not, the harsh reality was that the Texans offense appeared little improved. Stroud was under duress much of the game, the running game was nonexistent and Nico Collins was nowhere to be found in the second half. That combination does not bode well for an offense that relies on consistency and efficiency to move the ball down the field.
I was disappointed in the offense’s inability to throw downfield. Stroud’s longest pass was intercepted and only a handful of balls crossed 10 yards down the field. The offense has tightened and cannot threaten safeties, which shrinks the field. This in turn makes the run game less impactful as there are more players in the box. This is a case of the pass game opening up the run game.
It’s a Week One loss. It stings more than it is impactful.
