The Silver Lining- Jets Edition

After a disastrous Halloween game, I decided to take a long weekend before attempting to formulate clear thoughts for a recap. Throughout most of the season, I felt we were on the brink of resolving our issues, believing it was only a matter of time before the offensive line would click. However, I admit to being overly optimistic at times. All the concerns that surfaced since training camp culminated in a catastrophic game.

My primary worry going into the season was the Offensive Line and the secondary, especially with Jalen Pitre playing in the slot. While this loss is tough to accept, there are still aspects of the game that give me optimism. That's why we're here—to focus on the positives and move forward.

Tank Dell

One of the biggest disappointments up to this point has been the sophomore season of receiver Tank Dell. After having a breakout start to his rookie campaign last year, Tank had #1 Receiver hype surrounding him. After recovering from a broken leg and an offseason that included a gunshot wound, we were left feeling very underwhelmed by what many were considering a sophomore slump. He had struggled to get going all year before the Jets game. With Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins being out, we were left depleted at Wide Receiver. We knew that we would need a big game from Tank if we were going to have a shot at winning the game. He had a team-leading 6 catches for 126 yards, including a 50-yard bomb from C.J. Stroud. His breakout game against the Jets and their great CB duo has me feeling optimistic about what we can expect from Tank for the rest of the season, now that he will be getting a good amount of opportunity.

Denico Autry

I've been keeping an eye on Denico Autry, and it feels like last week's prediction is coming to fruition, so I want to give a quick shoutout. Autry has been a solid contributor, since his return, but his game against the Jets was particularly notable. He led the team with two sacks, demonstrating not just his pass-rushing prowess but also his timing and ability to capitalize on key moments. His ability to pressure the quarterback at critical times can't be overstated, as it not only disrupts plays but also invigorates the entire defense.

With Will Anderson Jr. currently sidelined nursing an ankle injury, Autry's role on the defensive line becomes even more critical. He's likely to see more snaps and, consequently, more opportunities to make plays. This isn't just about filling in for Anderson; it's about Autry stepping up and potentially exceeding expectations. His experience and technique make him a reliable force, and with increased responsibility, we might see him emerge as a linchpin in the defense.

Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon's performance in the Thursday night game against the Jets was nothing short of impressive, again being the bright spot for the Houston Texans' offense. Despite facing challenges from a less than stellar offensive line, Mixon showcased his prowess by dominating in the first half, consistently finding gaps where none seemed to exist, and leveraging his agility and vision to amass over 100 yards on the ground. His ability to turn potential negative plays into positive gains underlined his resilience and football IQ. This performance not only demonstrated his versatility but also his critical role in maintaining the Texans' offensive drive, making him a cornerstone of their strategy, especially in games where the line struggles to provide adequate protection or blocking. His knack for making something out of nothing has indeed made him a revelation for Houston, proving that even with subpar blocking, he remains one of the best players in the NFL.

Left Guard

While you never hope for injuries for a player, Kenyon Green's season-ending injury gives me hope that the Texans will find an answer at the Left Guard Position. We have a couple of options to address the hole, being Kendrick Green and Jarrett Patterson. Patterson is probably more the prototypical size for a guard, while Kendrick shows real scrappiness but is undersized. I feel like the draft stock of Kenyon Green was carrying him up to this point. While it is never fun to admit that we made a mistake in the first round, the Texans have shown that they tend to stick with a player a little while too long--like Dameon Pierce in 2023. I don't know if the Texans would have moved off of Kenyon this year, but it was obvious to fans that a change was necessary. I'm optimistic that finding a stable answer at Left Guard could provide this line some much-needed consistency.

Reality Check

The reality is that we are 6-3 and have a commanding lead in the AFC South. With a 4-game stretch coming up that will include a Dak Prescott-less Cowboys, a Jaguars team who just traded away their LT, and a Titans team who is also trading away their assets. The truth is we are likely to be 9-4 or 10-3 one month from now. I know that coming off a bad loss against the Jets with the best team in the NFL up next, it feels like our season is hitting a wall. I urge you to take a step back, take a deep breath, and realize we are still in a perfect position this year to make the playoffs and get into the mix in the AFC.

Although we aren't where we wanted to be, we are still on pace to go where we wanted to go. The sky is not falling, the sun will come up. The Texans will get Nico Collins back, and still have Azeez, Jimmy Ward, and hopefully one day Christian Harris. Our defense is elite, we can run the ball, and we are in a cupcake division. It's not time to panic. Bring on the Lions!