The Houston Texans faced significant challenges during the 2024 NFL season, with their offensive line struggling to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud. From Weeks 9 to 18, Stroud endured 30 sacks, culminating in a career-high of eight sacks in a single game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The offensive struggles were underscored by a noticeable dip in both yards and points per game compared to the previous season. Despite adding Pro Bowl talents Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon to their roster, the Texans failed to see a marked improvement in offensive output, eventually leading to the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
The Texans began the 2024 season with optimism, securing a narrow 29-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. However, even during this win, signs of vulnerability were evident as Stroud was sacked four times. This trend continued throughout the season, revealing an inability to adequately protect their quarterback. Over the course of the season, the Texans’ offense ranked 12th in total offense and seventh in passing yards, yet they struggled to convert these statistics into consistent victories.
A deeper issue lay in the predictability of the Texans' offensive strategy. Opposing teams often anticipated their plays, leaving the Texans without viable alternatives when their primary strategies were countered. Head coach DeMeco Ryans sought input from players regarding these issues before making the decision to part ways with Slowik. Multiple sources within the team suggested that Slowik was attempting to mold Stroud into a system quarterback rather than allowing him to play more naturally.
Stroud himself acknowledged the challenges faced on the field, expressing frustration over the team's inability to translate practice performance into game success. "We really just got to take what we're applying at practice and take it to the field. We are not doing that right now," said Tytus Howard, highlighting a disconnect between preparation and execution.
The Texans' offensive woes were further exemplified during their Week 9 loss to the New York Jets, where they managed only 97 total yards and zero points in the second half. Stroud's two interceptions in that game contributed to the team's downfall and ultimately led to significant changes within the coaching staff. Just four days later, both Slowik and offensive line coach Chris Strausser were relieved of their duties.
In a bid to turn things around, the Texans appointed Nick Caley as their new offensive coordinator. Caley expressed enthusiasm for evolving the team's scheme and restoring trust among players in their offensive strategies. "There's times where I sit back there, and I'm thinking too much," Stroud admitted, indicating a need for a more instinctive approach moving forward.
Despite these setbacks, the Texans made efforts to bolster their roster by signing Pro Bowlers Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon for the 2024 season. Their impact was anticipated to enhance both passing and rushing capabilities, yet the desired results did not materialize consistently throughout the season.
DeMeco Ryans emphasized the importance of resilience in handling pressure situations, stating, "We've got to put on film that we can handle [pressure]." Yet, acknowledging the frequency with which Stroud was under duress, Ryans admitted, "There's too many times where someone touched the quarterback… It just can't happen."
The lack of a coherent offensive identity also played a role in the Texans' struggles. An unnamed team player voiced this concern candidly by stating, "I don't think we had a true identity of what the f
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