It is no secret that the Houston Texans’ offense has struggled to keep the chains moving and put up points without their Pro Bowl wideout Nico Collins. After putting up 31 points in their season opener, Houston has just 23 points in their last two games combined.
A major part of the problem is a lack of explosive plays in both the run game and the pass game. The run game overall has been sluggish, putting more pressure on quarterback C.J. Stroud to make things happen and turn the offense one-dimensional because opposing defenses do not have to take the run game seriously.
In fact, Houston is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry in the first three weeks of the season.
When asked about the need for more explosive plays, Stroud pointed out the need for more time
in the pocket to go through his reads and find the open receiver to push the ball downfield.
"Just being able to get time in the pocket. I think that offensive line did a great job in pass protection,” Stroud said. “Receivers were detailed in the routes and then we called it. We were able to see what we can do when we did push it down the field. The more we can show that we can uphold and protection and I can make the right decision with the ball, I think the more that we'll do it. When you can be able to be explosive, you're able to be not just one-dimensional, you're able to spread it around and do different things. It doesn't just have to be drop back pass."
If the Texans do not get things turned around in a hurry, this could come back not only on head coach DeMeco Ryans, but also on Stroud who had a rough time in the playoffs last year and has never been able to get Houston past the divisional round in the playoffs.
Kickoff on FOX is scheduled for Noon.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans QB C.J. Stroud addresses the lack of explosive plays on offense
