The Houston Texans exceeded all expectations in 2023, finishing with a 10-7 record and securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2019. They triumphed over the Browns with a resounding 45-14 victory before facing a tough loss to the Ravens in the divisional round. This season marked an incredible turnaround for a team that, just a year prior, was ridiculed for their Week 18 win against the Colts, a victory that cost them the coveted number one draft pick.
C.J. Stroud throwing a pass for the Texans.
What changed? Head Coach DeMeco Ryans instilled a winning culture, and the Texans drafted two potential franchise cornerstones in quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Their offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowick, has emerged as a head coach prospect. Nobody predicted this level of success, and the Texans defied the odds, proving their doubters wrong. Now, the question becomes: how far can they go in 2024?
Offseason Moves: Analyzing the Texans’ Free Agency
The Texans made some strategic moves during free agency, both in terms of players lost and acquired. Let’s break down their key transactions:
Losses:
- Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman (Linebackers): Both players signed with the Minnesota Vikings. While solid contributors, the Texans addressed these departures with new acquisitions.
- Sheldon Rankins (Defensive Tackle), Devon Singletary (Running Back), and George Fant (Tackle): These losses represent the Texans’ most significant departures.
- Cameron Johnston (Punter): Signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Acquisitions:
- Denzel Hunter (Edge Rusher): Acquired on a 2-year, $49 million contract ($48 million guaranteed). Hunter is a significant upgrade over Greenard. His 80-pressure, 16.5-sack season in 2023, along with his league-leading 23 tackles for loss, makes him a force to be reckoned with.
- Aziz Al-Shaair (Linebacker): Brought in to fill the void left by Cashman. Al-Shaair is a talented linebacker expected to be a playmaker for the Texans, much like he was for the Tennessee Titans last season.
- D.J. Reader (Defensive Tackle): A valuable veteran presence, Reader bolsters the Texans’ defensive line. His consistent pressure generation (three consecutive seasons with 50+ pressures) adds a formidable interior force alongside Anderson and Hunter.
- Jeff Okudah (Cornerback): The former third-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft joins the Texans with something to prove. While his career hasn’t met expectations, the Texans hope he can solidify their secondary.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: The Texans’ Secondary
The Texans’ secondary, particularly their cornerback situation, remains a concern. While Derek Stingley Jr. is an emerging talent, the options beyond him (Okudah, Steven Nelson, Miles Bryant, Mike Ford, and rookie Kamari Lassiter) raise questions.
Derek Stingley Jr. defending a pass in a Texans uniform.
The NFL’s emphasis on three-receiver sets makes cornerback play crucial. Having one elite corner isn’t enough; teams need at least two reliable players to avoid being exposed. The Texans finished 23rd in passing yards allowed last season, a statistic that could linger if their secondary doesn’t improve.
However, their investment in Hunter and Reader indicates a commitment to generating pressure, which could mask some secondary weaknesses. If Anderson and Hunter live up to their potential, opposing quarterbacks will have less time to exploit coverage mismatches.
The Texans’ Run Defense: A Force to be Reckoned With
In contrast to the secondary, the Texans’ run defense was a bright spot in 2023, finishing second in yards per carry allowed (3.5). They limited opponents to just over 1,600 rushing yards throughout the 17-game season.
This dominance is expected to continue. Their defensive front is formidable, and another top-10 finish in rushing defense wouldn’t be surprising. Their ability to stifle the run forces opponents into predictable passing situations, playing into the strengths of their pass rush.
Offensive Projections: A Young Star and a Myriad of Weapons
The Texans’ offense revolves around C.J. Stroud, who impressed in his rookie season, throwing for over 4,000 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. With an improved offensive line and the addition of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Stroud is poised for a breakout year.
C.J. Stroud and Stefon Diggs practicing together.
However, the Texans’ offensive success won’t solely depend on Stroud. Their running back tandem of Dameon Pierce and veteran acquisition Joe Mixon, combined with wide receivers Nico Collins and John Johnson, offers a balanced attack.
Key Considerations:
- Offensive Line Health: The Texans’ offensive line struggled with injuries in 2023. A healthier unit will be vital for maximizing their offensive potential.
- Distribution of Touches: With so many weapons, finding a consistent rhythm and distributing touches effectively will be crucial.
- Joe Mixon’s Usage: Mixon, at 27 years old, is nearing the dreaded running back cliff. The Texans will need to manage his workload to optimize his performance.
- Dameon Pierce’s Role: How will Pierce, a promising young back, be integrated alongside Mixon?
Rookie Impact and Breakout Players
While Stroud and Anderson Jr. garner much of the attention, several other rookies and young players could significantly impact the Texans’ success:
- Kamari Lassiter (Cornerback): His transition to the NFL and how effectively he’s deployed will be crucial for the secondary.
- Jalen Pitre (Safety): Poised for a breakout season, Pitre’s performance will be key for a young secondary.
- Henry Okwuebunam (Tight End): With Dalton Schultz as the primary tight end, Okwuebunam will need to carve out a role.
- Kenyon Green (Guard) and Justin Britt (Center): The development of these young offensive linemen is vital for the Texans’ offensive success.
The Texans’ Schedule: Navigating a Challenging Slate
The Texans face a challenging schedule in 2024, including two matchups against their division rivals, the Indianapolis Colts. Other notable games include:
- Week 2 vs. Chicago Bears: A potential trap game against a rapidly improving Bears team.
- Week 3 vs. Minnesota Vikings: A tough test against a Vikings team seeking redemption.
- Week 9 vs. Cincinnati Bengals: A measuring stick game against one of the AFC’s elite.
The Texans breaking a huddle during a game.
Concluding Thoughts: A Bright Future on the Horizon
The Houston Texans have rapidly transformed from a rebuilding project into a legitimate playoff contender. While questions remain about their secondary, their strong run defense, dynamic offense, and young core have them poised for continued success.
The 2024 season will reveal if the Texans can build upon their impressive 2023 campaign. If their young stars continue to ascend and their free agency acquisitions pan out, the Texans will be a team to watch in the AFC.
