The Houston Texans' surprising 30-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans, a team that entered the game 2-8, was a reality check for fans who, like myself, had clung to optimism despite the team's recent struggles. Entering the game, the Texans had lost three of their last five, with an offense that has been hampered by injuries to Nico Collins, and Stefon Diggs, coupled with a porous offensive line that has failed in both pass protection and run blocking. Yet, after an impressive win over the Cowboys on Monday Night Football, it seemed like the Texans might finally be turning the corner.
This game, however, laid bare the same issues that have plagued this team all season, particularly on offense. Despite the return of Collins, who played his second game since returning from injury, this time without a snap count limitation, and the third game featuring a revamped offensive line that had shown incremental improvement since Kenyon Green's injury, the Texans' flaws remained glaring. The offense again failed to score a second-half touchdown, a recurring issue that has haunted the team all year.
A Misleading Scoreline
While the Texans managed to put up 27 points, the total was misleading. The game began with a bang as Dameon Pierce returned the opening kickoff to the Tennessee 19-yard line, and C.J. Stroud connected with Cade Stover for a touchdown on the very first play. From there, however, the offense only managed one legitimate scoring drive not aided by field position.
The defense, which tallied eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pick-six by Jimmie Ward, continually handed the offense excellent opportunities. Yet time and again, the offense failed to capitalize. After a botched Titans handoff gave the Texans possession at the Houston 35-yard line, and getting into goal to go with a big pass to Nico Collins, the drive ended with only a field goal. Following a muffed punt by the Titans that set the Texans up at the Tennessee 43, the offense went three-and-out, settling for a 54-yard field goal.
The Texans’ second-to-last offensive possession was emblematic of their struggles. A shanked punt gave them the ball at the Titans' 49-yard line, trailing by three with minutes remaining. Stroud appeared to throw a go-ahead touchdown to Collins, but an illegal motion penalty negated the score. The offense rebounded briefly with screen passes to Joe Mixon and Cade Stover, but a holding call derailed the drive, forcing a 28-yard field goal attempt that Ka'imi Fairbairn missed.
Familiar Offensive Issues
The offense's struggles stem from a litany of issues that have persisted all year. The offensive line's poor play continues to plague both the run and pass game, while penalties—such as false starts, illegal motions, and holding—reflect a lack of discipline. The play-calling has been suspect, often predictable, and mid-game adjustments seem nonexistent.
C.J. Stroud, who has been a bright spot this season, also has looked out of sorts. The offensive line's struggles appear to have sped up his internal clock, and while it’s hard to blame him entirely, he's missed throws he typically makes and seems to lack confidence in his protection. Drops by receivers and tight ends have added to the frustrations.
A Defensive Effort Wasted
The defense, while not without its faults, did enough to win. Big plays allowed by safeties Jimmie Ward and Eric Murray were costly, but the unit's eight sacks and key turnovers should have been enough to secure victory. Unfortunately, as has been the case all season, the offense failed to complement the defense’s efforts.
A Team Stuck in Neutral
Heading into this stretch of the season, I was optimistic the Texans could right the ship against weaker competition, setting the stage for a gauntlet of games against the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Ravens to prove they belong among the NFL’s elite. This loss, however, casts serious doubt on whether this team is capable of making that leap.
The Texans have held a winning record all season and maintain control of the AFC South, yet games like this one make it hard to trust this team. The Texans have often escaped by the skin of their teeth, and while close games are the norm in the NFL, the consistent presence of the same issues—poor offensive line play, penalties, lackluster play-calling—makes it difficult to believe a breakthrough is imminent.
Looking Ahead
The loss to Tennessee is a stark reminder that this is still a young, inexperienced team, both in terms of players and coaches. Expectations for this season may have been too high, making the struggles feel worse than they are. While it’s possible for things to improve, significant changes would need to be made, especially on offense.
The Texans’ season has been a roller coaster, and while the team still has a path to the playoffs, this game was a humbling reminder of how far they have to go. Whether they can take that next step remains to be seen, but as of now, the Texans look like a team stuck in neutral, rather than one ready to contend.
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