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[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Training Camp: Players to Watch

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Players to watch for the Houston Texans throughout training camp.

Training camp for the Houston Texans begins on Wednesday, July 23rd, and there are some players that you need to keep your eye on, as we move closer to the start of the 2025 regular season.

The Texans are at a point where they not only have good players at almost every position, but they also have quality depth, meaning good players will end up being cut, and there will be several competitions to watch out for.

PLAYER ONE: CENTER JAKE ANDREWS​

Andrews was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New england Patriots, and there is a significant connection to the Texans staff.

While playing college football at Troy, Andrews was coached by current Texans offensive line coach, Cole Popovich, which means there is already some chemistry between the two.

While it is very early, Andrews has been working with the first-team offensive line group throughout the early part of the offseason, and it seems like it may be his job to lose.

PLAYER TWO: LINEBACKER CHRISTIAN HARRIS ​

It only takes a quick look at Harris to understand that he truly has all the potential in the world, but injuries have prevented him from reaching his true self.

Not only does Harris have all the physical tools to become one of the better linebackers in football, but his energy on the field is extremely contagious, and it makes everyone around him better as well.

Harris is only 24 years old, and is entering the final year of his rookie contract, meaning if he wants to secure a long-term future in the Houston, he has to stay healthy.

PLAYER THREE: WIDE RECEIVER JAYLIN NOEL​

Noel was drafted by the Texans in the third-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he is someone Houston could genuinely rely on as the season progresses.

The speedy wide receiver out of Iowa State possesses real deep-threat abilities that Houston has not had on a consistent basis. Outside of Nico Collins, Tank Dell was the guy C.J. Stroud relied on throughout the past two years to get open deep, but he has unfortunately not been able to stay healthy, and is set to miss most of, if not all of the 2025 season.

Throughout the start of the Texans offseason, Noel has not been on the field, he has been working through a very minor injury, and is expected back by training camp.

Fellow Iowa State wide receiver, and second-round pick Jayden Higgins has been showing out for the Texans throughout their organized training activities, but do not sleep on Noel, who could work his way into the starting rotation sooner rather than later.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/7/1/24459311/houston-texans-training-camp-players-to-watch-nfl

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans News: Texans lineman talks team chemistry

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Your one-stop shop for Houston Texans, local sports, and news from around the league for Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Houston Texans News

‘Kick the hell out of somebody’: Texans lineman talks chemistry, Jamaican food (Chron.com)

2025 Houston Texans Fantasy Preview: Can C.J. Stroud and the offense bounce back? (NBC Sports)

Texans’ Joe Mixon has settled lawsuit related to shooting outside his home (Yardbarker)

Houston Texans Star WR Recognized Among Top NFL Draft Steals (Sports Illustrated)

NFL News

Woman accuses Bills’ Hairston of sexual assault (ESPN.com)

Waller unretiring as Dolphins trade for tight end (ESPN.com)

Gov. approves funds for new Browns stadium (ESPN.com)

Fins, Steelers swap Ramsey, Fitzpatrick in trade (ESPN.com)

Sources: Teams mulling trade offers for T.J. Watt (ESPN.com)

Chargers adding ‘Hitman’ Harrison to team HOF (ESPN.com)

49ers CB Lenoir arrested on obstruction charge (ESPN.com)

SB LIX performer arrested for halftime protest (ESPN.com)

Houston & Collegiate Sports

Astros superstar out indefinitely after concerning injury update (Chron.com)

Altuve passes Bagwell for 2nd on Astros’ all-time hits list with HOFer watching (MLB.com)

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/battl...xans-news-texans-lineman-talks-team-chemistry

 

[Houston Texans]

Happy 4th of July/Independence Day from Battle Red Blog

Photo by H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images

The Earth has revolved around the Sun 249 times since the 13 Colonies declared their Independence from the British Crown

The 4th of July. A day for celebration, fireworks, all manner of America-flag decorated-type clothing and likely a lot of traditional summer outdoor-cooked food and summer-associated activities. The reason underpinning this holiday: the 249th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, whereby a group of 13 British Colonial States got together and decided that they would rather go it alone, without a massive British Empire based across the Atlantic Ocean dictating its laws and policies.

Whether you hold that the 4th is the true day of independence, or the 2nd (when the Continental Congress actually voted to declare independence from England), America celebrates its “birthday” on the 4th. Since 1777, Americans have made the 4th the day of actual commemoration, and the US government formally codified that date into law in 1938. (NOTE: Yes, it was actually made a Federal Holiday in 1870, but it didn’t become a paid Federal Holiday until 1938 and...wait a minute...it took the US over 90 years to settle on even an “unpaid” holiday for America’s Birthday? [insert joke about government efficiency here]).

This year, we get the coveted 3-day weekend, which we at Battle Red Blog hope that everyone is enjoying to the fullest (and if you have to work for whatever reason, hopefully you will get some much-earned comp time afterwards). Of course, we hope that you are balancing that enjoyment with discretion and safety. We want all of you to come back post-holidays in the same or in better shape than before. Especially since we are but a few weeks away from the opening of training camp and the start of what promises to be a rather intriguing/exciting season for the Texans, we want everyone to come along for the ride.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...of-july-independence-day-from-battle-red-blog

 

[Houston Texans]

Thank you Hannah McNair

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

A quick look back at what could have been

It is the dead period in the NFL calendar. Free agency has happened. The draft has happened. Teams have gone through OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Sure, teams like the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers are making moves, but for the most part there isn’t much to talk about. Almost seemingly on cue, the snake that was peered his head out of the dirt to make a comment.

Jack Easterby came out of the hole in the ground he was hiding him to blame the fans for his firing in Houston. Obviously, no one can know for sure who was responsible for letting Easterby go. We can’t be a fly on the wall for that conversation. Besides, I imagine there were any number of conversations that happened before the final one. One thing I can be sure of is that the fact that people holding signs at the Texans’ games had little to do with the final decision.

Here is where get to the six degrees of separation. There are no direct links between the rise of Hannah McNair and the fall of Jack Easterby. It is what some in the legal business would call a preponderance of the evidence. Her rise in decision making just so happened to coincide with his demise. Is it a coincidence? I suppose anything is possible, but it isn’t likely.

I know it is a painful memory, but we as Houston Texans fans have to go down memory lane to fully appreciate where we are. We have never been the the postseason three years in a row. Something has always happened in that third year. Of course, that could possibly give us pause for optimism this year, but this organization feels different. There is an air of competence in the air.

This is a team that hired a position coach to be a head coach. You could tell from the opening moment of the press conference. This was going to end in disaster. If normal fans could listen to David Culley in a press conference and tell he was a patsy then a general manager with Nick Caserio’s intelligence and experience could clearly see it wasn’t going to work.

Maybe that was the plan from the get go. Maybe they knew there was no chance they were going to win, so it didn’t matter who they put in that chair. Maybe they saw the hiring as a sort of golden parachute for a career position coach that had given decades of his life to the sport. Maybe they collectively decided that putting a competent coach in that spot would only ruin a potentially promising career.

Professional sports teams are purposefully vague when it comes to the decision making process behind the scenes. This gives everyone involved plausible deniability. Yet, the hiring practices that led to David Culley and Lovie Smith were haphazard at best. At worst, it was amateur hour. It would be hard to imagine they could find any group of half way interested football fans that could make worse decisions.

Again, no one is quite sure what Easterby was responsible for and how much influence he had over such decisions. All we know is that when he left the team hired arguably their best coach in franchise history. They have had successive drafts that some experts have pegged among the league’s best. Add to that some shrewd free agent additions and it is hard to believe that this is the same organization that couldn’t seem to get out of its own way.

It would be easy to say that it was due only to Easterby exiting stage left. However, that would be wrong. It also coincided with Hannah McNair standing up and taking a more active role. That happened right around the end of the 2022 season when the team couldn’t even tank correctly. Episodes of the Keystone Cops looked more organized than what the Texans were doing.

Fast forward a few years and not only are the Texans trying for a third consecutive AFC South title, but they are on the verge of getting a new practice facility. Of course, whether they end up going through with the project or renovations to NRG remains to be seen. Some of it will involve public money and the national appetite for public ventures like stadiums is at an all-time low.

However, other teams (notably the Dallas Cowboys) have made these kinds of partnerships work and profitable for themselves and the community. I hate to cast aspersions, but there is nothing in Cal McNair’s history that indicates that he had the know how or foresight to get something like that done. This is Hannah. While I can’t fully support spending public dollars on a stadium less than 25 years old, I get the impulse to expand and take your business to the next level.

As painful as those memories of the early 2020s are, it is important that we keep them in mind and everyone knows what Easterby’s role was in all of that. Coaches and general managers (and executives) don’t get fired when people hold up signs. They get fired based on their record and the performance of the organization. The results speak for themselves. If Jack Easterby had an ounce of self-awareness he would crawl back into the hole he popped his head out of. He wouldn’t blame anyone else for his firing. Doing anything else is either the behavior of someone who is delusional or socipathic. Either is equally plausible.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/7/7/24462631/thank-you-hannah-mcnair

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Running Back Room: Top 10?

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

The Texans made a bold move last offseason, acquiring Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals — and it turned out to be one of the best things Houston could’ve done to bolster their offense.

Mixon brought a consistent level of toughness and energy throughout the season, which had been needed on the offensive side of the ball.

The veteran running back surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and totaled 12 touchdowns. What makes that stat line even more impressive is the fact that he missed several games due to a hip-drop tackle injury, a play now banned by the NFL.

Houston’s rushing attack started the season fairly strong and had its moments, but it was often inconsistent — a flaw that largely fell on the offensive coaching staff, who were let go following the season.

If the offensive line had been even average, Mixon could have easily reached the 1,300-yard mark.

Another issue was the lack of depth behind Mixon. Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale served as the main backups, but were used sparingly. While both players had their moments, the Texans staff knew they needed to add another proven veteran.

That addition came a little over a month ago when the Texans signed Nick Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowl running back who spent his entire career with the Cleveland Browns.

Chubb was one of the best backs in football until suffering a devastating knee injury early in the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, meniscus, and medial capsule. At the time, the injury cast serious doubt on his future, but Chubb worked his way back and is now reportedly fully healthy.

Players who suffer that type of injury — and to that severity — rarely make it back, but Chubb is a clear outlier. It’s a testament to his dedication to the game. While he played a few games late last season, he later suffered a broken foot that sidelined him again. He didn’t look like his old self — understandably so — but now, two years removed from the original injury, there’s hope he can make an impact immediately.

Chubb joins a Texans team that already has a starting running back in Mixon, which could allow him to stay fresh, contribute situationally, and potentially step into a bigger role if injuries occur.

He doesn’t need to be the 2022 version of himself — when he rushed for over 1,500 yards — but if Chubb can show flashes of that level consistently, there’s no reason why Mixon and Chubb can’t anchor a top-10 rushing attack in the league.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the offensive line. If that group repeats last year’s performance — or somehow regresses — it won’t be pretty. But the Texans staff believes things will be much improved, and that belief isn’t far-fetched.

With an overhauled offensive line, a young, revamped coaching staff, and a new offensive scheme, 2025 could be a huge bounce-back year for the Texans.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/7/7/24463335/houston-texans-running-back-room-top-10-nfl

 

[Houston Texans]

Predicting Houston Texans 53-man Roster: Rosterology Pre-Traning Camp

Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

First look at who is in line to make the Houston Texans roster in 2025

We. Are. Back.​

The longest active article series here at Battle Red Blog enters its EIGHTH year of publication. The Texans are several weeks away from training camp and the 90-man roster is all but finalized.

The crafting of an NFL Roster has become more of a science than an art. With emergency QBs, larger practice squads, and shorter Injured Reserves (IR) stints, players can stick around the building more often than before.

The 2025 roster is arguably the deepest it’s been in years, making the 53-man cut both hard to predict and thrilling to track. In 2021 under David Culley, only about 40 players seemed worthy of a roster spot. This time, I count around 62 who could legitimately make the team.

For those who are new, this is based off the NCAA Basketball Tournament’s Bracketology. We will be posting this every other week all the way through preseason and before the August 26th roster cutdown date. So stick around throughout the offseason to see if your favorite player will make the team.

As a note, rookies are in bold and undrafted rookies are italicized

Last Four In​

1. Alijah Huzzie, CB
2. Trent Brown, OT
3. Tommy Togai, DT
4. British Brooks, FB/RB

First Four Out​

1. Dare Ogumbowale, RB
2. John Metchie III, WR
3. Foley Fatukasi, DT
4. Jimmie Ward, S

Biggest Riser: Juice Scruggs​

Scruggs rose in the ranks purely by virtue of the Texans clearing house on the offensive line. Houston chose to retool the offensive line with cheap veterans and an offensive tackle in the draft. Scruggs has the luxury to start at two positions in 2025. Even though his position is safe, a poor preseason could see him unseated by the quantity of options Houston has amalgamated.

Biggest Faller: Jimmie Ward​

Mentioned on the Stock Down report in OTAs, no player had a worse offseason than Jimmie Ward. He is facing felony assault charges after a mid-June arrest. He will be 34 years old entering the last year of his contract. He is coming off foot surgery. Houston drafted two secondary players with safety experience in Jaylin Smith and Jaylen Reed. Houston found a star in Calen Bullock. Don’t be surprised if Houston cut ties with the old and expensive safety facing felony charges.

Offense (25)​

Quarterbacks (2 + 1 emergency QB)​

C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills

CUT: Graham Mertz (emergency QB), Kedon Slovis

Analysis: Mertz will challenge Mills for the backup role. However, it’s equally likely that the rookie will start the season on IR as he fully recovers from an ACL injury suffered last fall. Mertz’s progress from middling college QB to confident backup will be an intriguing multi-season development.

Running Backs (5)​

Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Woody Marks, Dameon Pierce, British Brooks

CUT: Dare Ogumbowale, J.J. Taylor, Jawhar Jordan, Jakob Johnson

Analysis: Brooks made the roster last year by converting to fullback, but he contributed little as he tore his meniscus in Week 5. His battle with Jakob Johnson will be intense for the role. As for Pierce, Houston should carve out enough roster space to retain him for one more season.

Dare Ogumbowale has defied the odds to make the Texans’ roster the past two seasons, but the additions of Nick Chubb and Woody Marks prove too much for the veteran. Finding a legitimate role for Woody Marks will be necessary to his development as the potential long-term solution at RB.

Wide Receivers (6)​

Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson, Justin Watson

CUT: John Metchie III, Braxton Berrios, Jared Wayne, Johnny Johnson III, Xavier Johnson, Daniel Jackson

IR: Tank Dell

Analysis: It’s a battle of rookies vs vets in the WR room. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel should be roster locks, which puts immense pressure on former draft picks Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III to outperform the free agent additions. Those additions include Christian Kirk, Justin Watson, and Braxton Berrios. If Metchie can finally develop into the player we’ve all hoped, this race gets simple quickly.

Tight Ends (3)​

Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan, Cade Stover

CUT: Luke Lachey, Irv Smith Jr.

Analysis: The health of Cade Stover and Brevin Jordan alters the complexion of this group. Stover broke his collarbone in the Wild Card Game, and Brevin Jordan tore his ACL Week 2. Both should be ready to defend their roster spots in training camp, but either could lose their spot to underrated Luke Lachey who can block better than either of them.

Offensive Lineman (9)​

Tytus Howard, Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, Juice Scruggs, Jarrett Patterson, Blake Fisher, Aireontae Ersery, Ed Ingram, Trent Brown

CUT: Jake Andrews, LaDarius Henderson, Jaylon Thomas, Zach Thomas, Eli Cox, Austin Deculus

The most important position battle is the most complex. Assume the coaching staff will try every possible iteration of this Rubik's cube before the season is underway.

This grouping assumes the top talent finds its way on the roster, but that could be far from the truth when all is said and done. Look for Jake Andrews to compete for the starting center role while LaDarius Henderson fights off Ed Ingram for right guard. Plus, don’t look past undrafted rookie Eli Cox, who should fit in nicely at 6’4”, 305 pounds, he has center-guard flexibility too.

DEFENSE (25)​

Defensive Ends (5)​

Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, Dylan Horton, Denico Autry, Derek Barnett

CUT: Darrell Taylor, Casey Toohill, Solomon Byrd

Analysis: Interestingly, Darrell Taylor is listed as the backup DE in front of Derek Barnett and Dylan Horton on ESPN and Ourlads. Taylor recorded three sacks last year in Chicago in an underwhelming season, but will push the non-starters for a roster spot.

When healthy, Dylan Horton has been a serviceable backup option but has yet to record a sack. Houston could move on from 35-year-old Denico Autry whose production waned along with his health last season.

Defensive Tackles (4)​

Tim Settle Jr., Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr., Tommy Togai

CUT: Foley Fatukasi, Kurt Hinish, Kyonte Hamilton, Junior Tafuna

Analysis: Once again, Houston decided to address this position of need via free agency. They did select Kyonte Hamilton in the seventh round, but his road to the roster will be fraught with competition.

There are seven players vying for four-to-five spots; competition my friends, competition! I predict Houston to move on from Foley Fatukasi after an injury-ridden and statistically-disappointing season.

Houston brought back Sheldon Rankins after a one-year dissapointment in Cincinnati, but his drop-off in production for the Bengals could carry over to Houston.

Linebackers (6)​

Azeez Al-Shaair, Christian Harris, Henry To’oTo’o, E.J. Speed, Jamal Hill, Jake Hansen

CUT: Nick Nieman, K.C. Ossai, Jackson Woodard

Analysis: Houston has always kept a bevy of linebackers on the roster since DeMeco Ryans took over. The only addition to this squad is E.J. Speed, who should make a significant impact on the defense in 2025.

Christian Harris’ perpetual injury status will be a storyline to follow this upcoming training camp. Hill played exclusively on special teams last season but could see a bigger role on passing downs in Year 2.

Cornerbacks (5)​

Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith, Alijah Huzzie

CUT: Damon Arnett, Keydrain Calligan, D’Angelo Ross

Analysis: The backup roles are completely up for grabs. The surprising retirement of Ronald Darby subsequently elevates not one, but two rookies onto the roster. Undrafted rookie Alijah Huzzie is a legitimate cover nickel with aggression at the catch point – watch for him in training camp. I predict he’ll beat out Arnett in training camp.

Pure special-teams player Tremon Smith returns to Houston, but faces an uphill battle himself.

Safeties (5)​

Jalen Pitre, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Calen Bullock, Jaylen Reed, Myles Bryant

CUT: Jimmie Ward, M.J. Stewart, Russ Yeast

Analysis: Even without Jimmie Ward, who was recently arrested for a third-degree felony, this group has elite potential. Pitre’s health is the force multiplier on this defense, and he brings immense versatility. A second year of growth for Calen Bullock would unleash this entire defense. Look for rookie Jaylen Reed to come on strong in the second half of the season as a box safety.

Special Teams (3)​

Kicker: Ka’Imi Fairbairn

Punter: Tommy Townsend

Long Snapper: Austin Brinkman

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...ns-53-man-roster-rosterology-pre-traning-camp

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans, Cowboys combined to donate $1.5 million for central Texas flood relief

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

The Texans, Cowboys, and NFL are each donating $500,000 to central Texas flood relief.

On Sunday, the NFL announced a joint donation by the league, the Texans, and the Cowboys of $1.5 million toward immediate assistance and relief efforts for central Texas communities that were impacted by the flash flooding that occurred on July 4. According to the Associated Press, he death toll from the floods is up to 79 with at least 10 campers missing from the Kerr County area.

The Texans released a statement on Saturday pledging $500,000 for support and resources towards those impacted by the tragedy.

“We are heartbroken by the loss and damage that our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country have endured,” the statement from Cal, Hannah and Janice McNair read. “We are especially devastated to hear about the children who are still missing and we are praying they are reunited with their families soon. Our hearts will remain with everyone affected and in addition to our donation, we will continue to support the search, rescue and recovery efforts in the coming weeks.”

The Houston Texans are committing $500,000 to provide support and resources to those impacted by the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country communities. pic.twitter.com/FYwACkMC23

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 5, 2025​

The Dallas Cowboys also pledged $500,000 towards relief before the NFL announced the final total pf $1.5 million, which means they’re matching the $500,000 from both franchises.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...lood-relief-disaster-steve-mcnair-jerry-jones

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans O-Line Group: Worst in the League?

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Will the Houston Texans have the worst offensive line in the league in 2025?

The Houston Texans are in a position where most of the roster has been built out impressively by general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans.

But even with a surplus of talent across the board, one major concern still lingers: the offensive line.

Houston had one of, if not the worst offensive line in the NFL last season, and if the team wants to seriously contend, which they absolutely believe they can, that can’t happen again.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Texans’ offensive line was graded as the worst in the league heading into the 2025 season — and that’s a fair assessment until this unit proves otherwise on the field.

Last year, it often felt like quarterback C.J. Stroud was running for his life. That pressure led to uncharacteristic mistakes and forced the offense into bad situations. The run game didn’t help either, in fact, it disappeared almost entirely as the season went on, placing even more weight on Stroud’s shoulders.

The front office knows that if they can protect Stroud even at an average level, this team has the firepower to make a deep playoff run. That’s why major changes were made following the 2024 season.

Skepticism about this group is warranted — especially after trading away their top lineman, Laremy Tunsil. But this could end up being an addition by subtraction move.

No one questions Tunsil’s individual talent, but the line still ranked dead last with him anchoring the left side. Offloading his contract and spreading that money across the line may prove to be a better strategy.

Houston added several experienced veterans, including former Pro Bowl guard Laken Tomlinson, and tackles Cam Robinson and Trent Brown — giving them flexibility and depth up front. They also used a second-round pick on Aireontae Ersery, the 2024 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, and added interior lineman Jake Andrews, who’s already seen first-team center reps during OTAs.

Of course, talent alone isn’t enough. Scheme and coaching have been issues the past two years — and that’s where the Texans made their most impactful changes.

New offensive coordinator Nick Caley was one of the most highly regarded candidates during this year’s hiring cycle. With ties to both the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, Caley brings a fresh vision and structure to this offense.

Meanwhile, Cole Popovich — who served as the Texans’ assistant offensive line coach in 2024 — has now been promoted to lead the group. Known for his emphasis on physicality and “nasty” trench play, Popovich’s style is a dramatic shift from years past, and players like Tytus Howard have already embraced the new tone.

No one expects Houston to suddenly boast a top-10 offensive line, but moving from 32nd to even top-15 territory would be a massive leap — and one that could unlock everything this offense is capable of.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/7/10/24465349/houston-texans-o-line-group-worst-in-the-league-nfl

 

[Houston Texans]

Totally Not Fake News: 4th Annual “Best/Worst” of the Worst Owners (Houston Texans included)

Oh, I think we know who’s more likely to win this award this year? Right Jerruh? | Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With the NFL in its “dead zone”, a chance to answer the “real” questions about the league.

Anyone can figure out the “best”. Best team, best player, etc. However, it takes real talent to figure out the “best” of the “worst”. Especially when looking at the NFL owner. Who’s is the worst for this year? Let’s find out.

First off, a quick review of the past 3 winners:

2021: Cal McNair

[We skipped over 2022, ‘cause that season was too boring, and we at Totally Not Fake News were too busy celebrating the Astros to care]

2023: Cal McNair

2024: Dave Tepper

As a reminder, we at Totally Not Fake News only use the most scientifically proven/most totally accurate-and-in-no-way-misleading polling mechanisms to determine this “honor”.

With that, on to the contenders for this year:

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Cal McNair (Houston Texans):

At one point, a perennial favorite. However, things have improved remarkably for Mr. McNair. He ditched Easterby, replacing him with new consigliere Hannah McNair. The Texans are coming off of back-to-back Division titles/Divisional Round appearances. The team is gearing up for another playoff run, and maybe, they might actually breakthrough to a championship. Attendance is back up and overall, the organization is in good shape.

So, what could possibly drag Cal back down into this discussion? The Texans are starting to covet a new stadium. The current lease on NRG Stadium runs out in 2031. While it has served Houston well since its opening in 2002, that will make the facility nearly 30 years old. While all preliminary discussions center on potential options within the greater Houston municipal area, this can make some fans uneasy. In particular, those, uh, more experienced Houston fans remember all-too-well the last time a Houston-based NFL owner started making noise about a new stadium. We’ll have to see if history repeats.

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Jimmy Haslam (Cleveland Browns):

Sure, Haslam appears to have the plans and backing ready for a new stadium in Cleveland, but what sort of team is going to play in that new facility? The trade with Houston for Deshaun Watson continues to age very badly for Cleveland. Now the Browns hope that something emerges from its “stacked” QB room (Pickett, Flacco, Gabriel, Sanders). Watson is not likely to play this season due to a major Achilles injury, but is apparently imparting his wisdom on Sanders. That won’t go wrong, right? The team won’t be rid of the cap pain due to Watson until 2030. They had to significantly overpay to keep Myles Garrett in town, but at the cost of him never getting to the Super Bowl. Will Haslam ever let his fans get there?

Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images

Art Rooney II (Pittsburgh Steelers):

For once, the ownership of the Steelers is in the discussion. Complaints of major stagnation dog the franchise. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2017 and they’ve made more than a few curious personnel decisions, especially at QB. They continue to produce talented, yet malcontent, WRs they have to ship out at under-market value. This year, Rooney is betting the success of the team on Aaron Rodgers and his 41-year old arm/leg/outside baggage. Oh, and they haven’t offered a new contract to their best player: TJ Watt. Normally the Steelers don’t make the dumb personnel decisions, but are we seeing a return of the “Same Old Steelers”?

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

Shahid Khan (Jacksonville Jaguars):

A team that seemed poised to be a true AFC power is rebuilding yet again, with yet another new head coach. The generational talent of Trevor Lawrence is devolving into Andrew Luck territory without all of the early success. Khan finally fired unpopular/ineffective GM Trent Baalke, but only after a series of embarrassing coaching hire missteps. Fans in that part of the world are more psyched for the Gators and Bulldogs of the SEC vs. the hometown Jags. Major stadium refits are afoot and Khan is promising to take a more active role in team operations. Still, the only good thing for Shahid is that he is outperforming son Tony and the disaster that is AEW.

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Dean Spanos (LA Chargers):

He finally seemed to get a hire right with Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are putting together a decent squad that might actually challenge the Chiefs in the AFC West. However, Spanos continues to see the Chargers remain the junior partner in LA and he still won’t rename the team. Spanos remains a top-tier douche.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

David Tepper (Carolina Panthers):

His decision to overrule his coaches and draft Bryce Young over CJ Stroud still looks bad. However, Tepper did a smart thing this past season: staying out of the headlines and letting his team do all the playing/talking. After another horrid start, culminating with Young’s benching, the team rebounded in the second half to be a decent squad and Young showed more flashes of that Heisman winning talent from Alabama. Tepper’s business dealings remain sketchy and a leopard doesn’t change spots. However, the less Tepper is in the headlines, the better for him and his team.

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys):

If Jerry Jones could just remain the businessman/owner, he would never be on this list. Jones’ initial investment of $140M in 1989 to buy the Cowboys has turned into control of the most valuable sports franchise in the world with conservative estimates of team value exceeding $11B. The Cowboys haven’t won a Super Bowl in 30 years, but they still dominate headlines and ratings.

However, Jerruh also plays the role of GM. Herein lies the problem. He tends to overpay for stars, usually after the market drives up the price. His infamous “all-in” remark after an embarrassing playoff loss to the 7th seed Green Bay Packers saw Dallas actually do very little to change a 12-5 team...except letting them fall to 7-10. They kept Mike McCarthy for way too long, and replaced him with...Brian Schottenheimer. They aren’t bereft of talent, but unless Jerry fires the GM, the Cowboys may wander the non-Super Bowl lands longer than the Israelites wandered the desert.

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Amy Adams Strunk (Tennessee Titans):

The Titans are coming off their worst season since the mid-2010s. QB Will Levis only excelled in meme inspiration and a team with playoff ambitions fell apart. At least they netted the #1 overall pick and perhaps Cam Ward could be the guy. Adams Strunk is on her fourth GM this decade, always great for franchise stability. She did manage to secure a new stadium deal, one that will be the envy of the league, and drive up the cost of living in Nashville even higher. Oh, and the homage to Daddy (Hall of Shamer K.S. “Bud” Adams) by wearing the Columbia Blues...well, they went 0-2 against the Texans, and to hid the shame, the Titans are just folding the Columbia Blue color into a new uniform scheme.

Hall of Shame Class of 2025:

Robert “Bob” Irsay (Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts):

For those who are of an older generation, when you mentioned the Colts, you thought of Baltimore. Unitas, Mackey, Donovan. Ameche, the “World’s Largest Outdoor Insane Asylum” of Baltimore Memorial Coliseum, the “Greatest Game Ever Played”...all came to mind when to discussed the Baltimore Colts. The Baltimore Colts held a special place in the heart of their fanbase. Initially, the Colts excelled under the leadership of Carroll Rosenbloom. However, in 1972, as part of a trade/purchase deal, Rosenbloom took over the LA Rams, and Bob Irsay ended up with stewardship of the Colts. However, the fortunes of the Colts immediately faltered. Older stars aged out and left the franchise, and while they had a brief flurry in the mid 1970s, the Colts fell into the lowest tiers of the NFL. His personnel decisions also did not help matters, alienating coaches and players alike. The dysfunction of the Colts came to the forefront with their botched efforts to draft John Elway with the #1 overall pick in 1983. Elway stated that he would rather play baseball vs. QB the Colts. The Colts drafted him anyway, and Elway was all but ready to get fitted for his Yankees jersey. Ultimately, the Colts traded Elway to the Broncos for a pittance, and Irsay validated the perception that he badly ran an organization.

What elevated him from bad owner to Hall-of-Shamer was how he handled the move of the Colts to Indianapolis. After making promises not to move the team, even as he failed to secure new stadium renovations, he just up and moved the team. Facing the prospect of the City of Baltimore seizing the team due to his mismanagement, Irsay bolted first. The footage of Mayflower moving vans carting everything from the Baltimore Colts offices in the middle of a snowy night forever marks Irsay’s memory. It crushed the spirit of Baltimore, leaving the Irsay name cursed within Charm City. Once in Indy, the Colts, after some initial popularity, they failed to achieve any modicum of success until after Bob’s death in 1995. Compared to Bob, his son, the late Jim Irsay (long-time contender in this polling) ranks as the superior owner (his teams actually played well on the field and brought a title and new stadium to Indy).

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...t-of-the-worst-owners-houston-texans-included

 

[Houston Texans]

Top underdogs to watch at Houston Texans Training Camp

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Root, root, root for the underdog... if they don’t make the team it’s a shame!

We are just weeks away from Houston Texans training camp kicking off and the buzz around the team is a quiet murmur. This preseason lacks the oomph, fireworks, and attention as last year, but the expectations are equally as high.

Nothing is more fun during training camp than rooting for an underdog. That’s what makes training camp and preseason palatable.

As I mentioned in the first edition of the 2025 Rosterology, around ”62 (players) who could legitimately make the team” for a 53-man roster. Many of the below players do not fit that description.

This group includes players whose path to the roster is murky and highly competitive. Several of these players are early in their career and have little-to-no claim to a roster spot. Rather than simply listing rookies, I selected players based on their situation, level of competition, and potential impact on the Texans if they make the team.

Eli Cox, Center​

The undrafted rookies offer ideal candidates. Eli Cox went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and was instantly snapped up by the Texans in the impending free agency.

At 6’4, 305 pounds, Cox has the frame and movement skills to make it at the NFL. NFL.com projected him as a sixth round pick. Cox lacks the consistency expected out of a sixth-year senior in college football, but if he can provide a backup option at either center or guard he can help

Dylan Horton, Defensive End​

Outshined by the preeminent talents Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, Horton slid into a comfortable and reliably rotational role alongside Derek Barnett. While Horton doesn’t have a single career sack, he is a great run stopping edge.

Entering his third season, Horton will face added pressure to make the roster after Houston signed free agent Darrell Taylor to the roster. Taylor is a four-year veteran who joins his third team in as many years, but is a proven pass rush option, unlike Horton.

Horton’s cancer diagnosis and recovery has not derailed his career. He’s been defiant against undeniable odds thus far in his career. Now, he must fend off another offseason rife with challengers.

Dare Ogumbowale, Running Back​

While some may be rooting for USC’s Woody Marks fight for a roster spot in the crowded RB room, Dare Ogumbowale has held down the final RB spot for two seasons. His blocking and third down catching ability have made him indispensable. He has beaten out Dameon Pierce two seasons in a row too.

C.J. Stroud to Dare Ogunbowale in Mini-Camp:

But look at the Texans OL pick up that stunt pic.twitter.com/z9HYngP0Ig

— Jacob (@TexansJacob) June 25, 2025​

This training camp, however, he faces unparrallel competition. Houston added Nick Chubb, the aforementioned Marks, and bring back a host of young RBs from the practice squad. Can the 31 year old veteran stave off the hounds for another season?

Alijah Huzzie, Cornerback​

A personal favorite. Undrafted out of North Carolina, the small-but-mighty corner must find a role in a secondary brimming with talent. The 5’10, 193-pound corner is woefully undersized but possesses a savviness and fervor perfect for Houston’s defense. Preseason will be his chance to make plays and stand out.

While the retirement of Ronald Darby creates a path, Huzzie faces two issues: separating himself from the two drafted rookie defensive backs (Jaylin Smith and Jaylen Reed) and providing a distinct value to a deep secondary room.. If Huzzie can lock down the nickel corner role, he may edge his way onto the roster for scheme-specific plays.

LaDarius Henderson, Right Guard​

Henderson has been an offseason darling for the bored and idealess offseason pundit. Former national champion at Michigan, Henderson was drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft before suffering an off-season injury that ended his rookie season before it began.

He plans to officially switch to right guard and to compete for not only a roster spot, but potentially a starting role. Henderson could go from underdog to top dog over the next several weeks. Currently, Tytus Howard and free agent Ed Ingram are slated for the role. If Henderson can hold down the position, it would open Howard up to playing his more natural role at either tackle spot.

Luke Lachey, Tight End​

It’s hard to not throw in another rookie, particularly one who was drafted in the seventh round, but this one has true diamond in the rough potential. A once-perennial tight end recruit, Lachey in his sophomore season outplayed former first round pick Sam LaPorta. Unfortunately his ascension was stalled his junior year due to a devastating ankle injury his junior year, then horrific QB play his senior year. Lachey’s film review is full of impressive catches and willing blocking, both needed in the new offensive system.

Now in Houston, Lachey has a path to the roster; both Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover ended the season on injured reserve. All Lachey needs is one of them to not be ready Week One and he has a shot at starting the season on the 53.

Honorable mentions:

• John Metchie III, WR
• Jake Hansen, LB (for a fourth consecutive year)
• J.J. Taylor, RB

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...dogs-to-watch-at-houston-texans-training-camp

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans have #1 pass rush duo

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter gonna hunt

Remember when the Houston Texans turned in the draft card for J.J. Watt and we all got excited about him and Mario Williams combining to terrorize opponents? Didn't happen.

Remember Jadeveon Clowney heading to H-Town to join Watt as the bookend of what should have been an historically potent pass rush? Also never materialized.

But last year we got to see what we’ve been waiting for all these years:

Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Last season Anderson Jr played in 14 games, had 37 combined tackles, 27 solo stops, 16 tackles for loss, 19 QB hits, 11 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

VIDEO: #Texans superstar pass rusher Danielle Hunter looks JACKED and is looking scary.

Hunter has been working with pass rush specialist Brandon Jordan.

Danielle was a Pro Bowler and had 12 sacks for Houston last season.

( @CoachBTJordan)
pic.twitter.com/5Xu0PUCnBg

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 30, 2025​

Meanwhile, Hunter played in 17 games, had 46 combined tackles, 31 solo stops, 17 tackles for loss, 23 QB hits, 12 sacks, 3 passes knocked down and 1 forced fumble.

Both are career-high seasons for the pass rushers. And, good enough to land them both on the NFL’s top ten edge rushers list.

ESPN’s @JFowlerESPN had executives, scouts and coaches rank the top edge rushers in the NFL:

1. Myles Garrett
2. T.J. Watt
3. Micah Parsons
4. Maxx Crosby
5. Nick Bosa
6. Trey Hendrickson
7. Aidan Hutchinson
8. Will Anderson Jr.
9. Danielle Hunter
10. Jared Verse

The… pic.twitter.com/zz5c29dFwu

— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) July 9, 2025​

Nick Schwager

The Texans are the only team to have 2 players on this list.

With a shared season under their collective belt, this duo is already giving the other AFC South defensive coordinators nightmares. Another year of chemistry, another year of camaraderie, another year of instinctively knowing where the other will be when the play breaks down.

And, don’t forget, the edge rushers best friend (the secondary) is rock solid on the Texans D. With Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Calen Bullock and C.J. Gardener-Johson clogging up the route trees, opposing quarterbacks will have to hold the ball longer. Bigger pre-pass windows mean more QB hits, sacks, tackles for loss, interceptions and strip sacks.

While so many have been focused on the Houston Texans offensive line, Anderson and Hunter have been quietly cementing a defensive front that can take this team all the way.

Danielle Hunter on the Texans DL:

“We call ourselves the engine. You know you got a car & the car don’t move without the engine… we look at this DL as the engine of the team.” pic.twitter.com/ZonuGffsBP

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) June 12, 2025​

Gentlemen, start your engines!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/7/10/24464982/houston-texans-have-1-pass-rush-duo

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans Camp Questions: Dameon Pierce

Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images

Will the former star rookie be there in September?

Training camp is right around the corner for your Houston Texans. Guys will be there to start officially on July 23rd. By my math that is less than two weeks away. Some camps come with a lot of intrigue and there are quite a few unanswered questions, but this year might be a lower drama year than most. That is almost always a good thing. However, there a few unanswered questions.

One of those questions is Dameon Pierce. Those that have read my work regularly know I am a former coach. I took on the moniker “vballretired” because I spent several years as a high school volleyball coach. Volleyball and football are obviously different sports and high school is obviously different than professional football, but there are some commonalities.

If you shot any of us up with truth serum we would all tell you a pretty similar story. None of us are universal successes and none of us are universal failures. We all exist in that area in between. There are players we connected with and helped grow. There are players we didn’t connect with and couldn’t help grow. Every coach can tell the same story.

Obviously, there are exceptions to every rule. We talked about David Culley last time. I don’t know how many players he honestly made better. If we exclude him, there are players that did better under Lovie Smith than DeMeco Ryans. Pierce might be one of those guys that did better under Pep Hamilton than Bobby Slowik. It could be a case of scheme. It could be a personality thing. I can honestly say that my situation had both.

Any good (or even average) coach agonizes over those players they could not reach. A large part of the failure of Slowik was an inconsistent running game. It was worse before the Texans brought in Joe Mixon. You could see those struggles when anyone other than Mixon was carrying the ball. The chief culprit was Pierce. Following his 900+ yard rookie campaign, he was expected to be the bell cow. That never happened.

Enter Nick Caley. Certainly, bad pass protection was the main reason why he was hired. The NFL is a quarterback league. C.J. Stroud is a potential franchise quarterback. He didn’t get better in year two. He got worse. You can probably stop there when looking at the reasons why Slowik was let go. However, stopping there wouldn’t tell the whole story. In fact, the story probably shouldn’t begin there.

2023: 1647 rushing yards (22nd), 3.7 YPA (28th), 10 TD (23rd)
2024: 1909 rushing yards (15th), 4.4 YPA (13th), 15 TD (15th)

So, at least according to the basic stats the Texans went from below average to average from year one to year two. Normally that would be a success. However, we have to read between the lines. When we remove Joe Mixon from the conversation things look a lot different. Let’s take a look at the other Texans running backs.

Dameon Pierce: 293 yards, 7.3 YPA, 2 TD
Cam Akers: 147 yards, 3.7 YPA, 1 TD
Dare Ogunbowale: 112 yards, 3.7 YPA, 0 TD
JJ Taylor: 44 yards, 4.4 YPA, 0 TD

Pierce looks like he was successful, but that includes a 92 yard touchdown run and a 54 yard touchdown run. Take those two carried away and he goes to a 3.86 yards per attempt. So, Pierce was essentially the same as those other backs. That is probably why they drafted Woodie Marks and picked up Nick Chubb.

The unknown is how Caley’s offense will be different. We don’t know if it will be better, worse, or the same. There are any number of permutations of that statement. We could be talking overall success. We could be talking individual success. We could be looking at the passing game or the running game. Training camp is when we start getting the answers to those questions.

What we know is that Pierce is at a crossroads. He is in the last year of his rookie contract. The Texans acquired a potential premium back in Chubb. They acquired a likely third down back in the draft. There are a few other backs in camp that could make some noise as well. He is out of time.

Pierce is a good guy by every reasonable standard. He is a good teammate and a professional by all accounts. He is a good guy off the field as well. There isn’t a person with a heart and soul that is rooting against him. However, he has to do the work of adapting to the new offense. He has to show that his performance the last two years was about Slowik and not about him. We wish him the best of luck. We are all suckers for happy endings.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/7/14/24466488/texans-camp-questions-dameon-pierce

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Hidden Gems: 3 Secret Superstars on the 2025 roster

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

With a refurbished offensive line, the Houston Texans are hoping to take it all the way to the top in 2025. Here are three Secret Superstars who could help them get there.

The 2024 Houston Texans had an interesting season in which they alternated between looking like one of the NFL’s best teams and occasionally one of the worst, with a whole lot of undecided in between.

When it all worked, it was about a great defense, and an offense that had things all the way together with one of the best young quarterbacks in football, C.J. Stroud. When it didn’t, the youth of that defense showed up, and an offensive line that was full of shrug heading into the season got even worse.

There aren’t really any long-term questions about the defense; everything is arrowing up on that side of the ball. But after an offseason in which the team traded left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders, and made a bunch of moves to bolster their front five that seemed to raise uncertainly within the facility, it’s tough to say that things are any better there. Along with the Tunsil trade, the Texans traded 2022 15th overall pick Kenyon Green to the Eagles for defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and they made a few other acquisitions that didn’t really excite – tackles Cam Robinson and Trent Brown, and guards Ed Ingram and Laken Tomlinson. The selection of Minnesota tackle Aireontae Ersery with the 48th overall pick may be the best for the future, but even that’s a relative unknown right now despite Ersery’s impressive upside.

Minnesota LT Aireontae Ersery is a massive (6-6, 331) man who ran a 5.01 40 and has looked very fluid in the position drills. Allowed five sacks and 39 total pressures over five seasons with the Golden Gophers. He's got some nice agility, and he will bury dudes in the run game. pic.twitter.com/NUUliSO3yz

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 2, 2025​

“Yeah, there’s never one particular thing,” general manager Nick Caserio said at the scouting combine regarding the line’s personnel and improvement. “So I think the big thing is, can you get the players to do the right thing, to understand their assignment? Do they play the right way with the right techniques? Do they play with the right fundamentals? Can they execute their assignment? Do they have an understanding of what’s going on? So, I don’t want to oversimplify it. Sometimes it’s like, they come up with some magic formula. You protect from the inside out, can you protect the interior pocket? Can you identify the rushers that are the [biggest] threat? Do you have an answer or solution, what they’re doing on defense? So, we’ll do whatever we think makes the most sense.

“Where we are today could be different in a week from now, could be different a few months from now. I don’t know how it looks. Just because a guy is here doesn’t necessarily mean, that’s what it’s going to look like. You guys were here a couple years ago, where we basically traded for three offensive linemen, signed another player, guys that weren’t even here. We weren’t even talking about in training camp, we are playing Week 1 through 4. So I mean, that’s just how it goes. So you are prepared for anything. So you’ve got to start with the foundation. You’ve got to start somewhere with the group, and then just kind of figure it out as you go.”

Urf. Figuring it out as you go isn’t generally the best way to do these things, but let’s say that it all works out, and Stroud isn’t the NFL’s most pressured quarterback as he was in 2024. A Texans team with that defense, as well as the bonafides of head coach DeMeco Ryans, could splay a lot of opponents in the postseason as they did to the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round before the Baltimore Ravens gave them a large reality check in the Divisional frame.

In the continuation of our “Hidden Gems” series, where we profile one underrated veteran, one underrated free-agent signing, and one underrated draft pick for every NFL team, we look at three such players who could get Ryans and his staff to their ultimate destination.

And no, none of them are offensive linemen. Alas.

Underrated Veteran: DL Tim Settle​

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

While the big story of Houston’s defense last season (you know, the defense that ranked third in DVOA behind only the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings) was the demonic pass rush of edge terrors Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., there was a lesser-known guy who created his own wave of disruption on the interior of Houston’s defensive line. That was Tim Settle, who led all Texans inside pass-rushers with 43 total pressures after signing a two-year, $6 million deal with $3.25 million guaranteed before the 2024 season.

This was a major uptick for the veteran, selected in the fifth round of the 2018 draft by Washington. Throughout four years with his first team, and two subsequent seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Settle never had more than 435 snaps in a season, and never more than 19 total pressures. Houston has a need for interior force, and Settle’s got the ability to make the most of it with his five sacks, four quarterback hits, 34 quarterback hurries, 34 solo tackles, 23 stops, and five tackles for loss in the run game. All of a sudden, a historically undefined player became his best self in DeMeco Ryans’ system. Settle certainly isn’t the first player to benefit thusly under Ryans and his coaches, but he was a prominent understudy-to-star in 2024.

After six seasons as a rotational player with Washington and Buffalo, @HoustonTexans DI Tim Settle got more opportunities in DeMeco Ryans' defense, and he made the most of them. The Texans are expecting even more in 2025. pic.twitter.com/HVPKCArr5j

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 12, 2025​

“For Tim, last offseason was a big challenge for him just getting the weight down, getting into shape, getting ready to go,” Ryans said in early June. “Now he’s in shape, he’s able to stay out there, able to take the coaching from [defensive line] Coach Rod [Wright] who’s done a great job, and now you can work on those finer details. With Tim, the thing we’re challenging him to get better on is his explosive hands. How can he play with explosive hands and get on and off blocks, disengage the right way. And Tim is doing a good job with that.”

Kudos to the Texans for bringing out the best in Settle so far with his strength, athleticism, and technique. That Ryans sees even more potential for 2025 should be a siren going off for opposing blockers in the new season.

Underrated Free-Agent Signing: RB Nick Chubb​

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Nick Chubb was selected with the 35th overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Cleveland Browns, and from Chubb’s rookie season through 2022, only Derrick Henry had more rushing yards (7.649) than Chubb’s 6,486. Among backs with at least 1,000 carries in that five-year span, nobody had a higher yards per carry average than Chubb’s 5.2, and given that Chubb played in 77 games in that stretch, starting 70, it seemed that Chubb had the NFL on lock.

Then the injuries started to hit. And they hit HARD. He missed most of the 2023 regular season to a Week 2 injury (ACL, LCL) to the same knee he hurt back with the Georgia Bulldogs in 2015. The 2023 injury kept Chubb out of the picture until Week 7 of the 2024 season, and though he did show some good zoom and cutting ability upon his return in a dumpster fire of a Browns offense with 332 yards and three touchdowns on 102 carries...

Nick Chubb in 2024.

So, you're saying there's a chance... pic.twitter.com/EA5N1aPZKx

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 12, 2025​

...he then suffered a fractured foot in Week 15 of the 2024 season, and everything was in danger again. Which allowed the Texans to swoop in and sign Chubb to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with $1.5 million guaranteed.

Obviously, the hope against hope is that Chubb can be a lite version of last year’s Saquon Barkley — the injury-prone back who switches teams and El-Kabongs the entire league over the head. But that’s a faraway wish at this point.

“Everything I’ve heard about Nick, and just following his career, he’s just a tremendous worker,” Ryans said on June 10. “Humble kid. Doesn’t say much. But he’s a grinder, a worker. The one thing that sticks out about him, he’s been through a lot with the injuries and things that’s happened to him. So just to see the resilience, to see him battle back, work in the right way to put himself in position to have another opportunity here in Houston, I couldn’t be more excited to add him to our team and see what value he can provide to us.

“The most important thing right now is for Nick to just get acclimated to how we do things. We all know the caliber of player that Nick can be when he’s healthy and when he’s at the top of his game. He’s a dynamic player. He’s a game changer. So, we’re just easing him in. We’ll see how far he gets. We’ll come back for training camp ready to go.”

It’s a no-lose situation for the Texans, If Chubb is unable to recover from everything that’s happened to him, it’s a throwaway deal. And if he’s able to do even what he did in 2024, it could be a major add to an offense that could use a bit of extra juice alongside Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce.

Underrated Draft Pick: Safety Jaylen Reed​

Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

As much as some athletes are positively remembered for their performances in one game, there are other athletes who would love for one particular game to get put in the rearview as quickly as possible. This was the case for Penn State safety Jaylen Reed, whose reps against the Oregon Ducks in a 45-37 Big Ten Championship game loss had a lot of evaluators wondering just what the heck happened.

In that game, Reed was targeted four times, and he allowed four catches for 82 yards, 40 yards after the catch, four touchdowns, and the highest possible opponent passer rating of 158.3. While that game undoubtedly amped up the draft stock of Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who was “rewarded” with a third-round pick into the Cleveland Browns’ weirdo quarterback soup, Reed lasted all the way to the 187th pick in the sixth round, which is where the Texans got him.

Penn State safety Jayden Reed probably had a third- or fourth-round grade until the disaster that was his performance in the Big Ten Championship vs. Oregon.

So, how much stock do you put in one bad game? The NFL dropped Reed to the sixth round, which is where the @HoustonTexans… pic.twitter.com/O7mdAFVlWf

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 12, 2025​

The question is, how much stock do you want to put in one horrible game? In Reed’s case, there is more to the story. Those four touchdowns allowed versus Oregon were obviously less than optimal, but they were also the only touchdowns Reed allowed last season for the Nittany Lions on 38 targets. And though the Oregon game was the primary example of the fact that Reed can get lost in coverage at times, I could say the same thing about Georgia safety Malaki Starks, and Starks went to the Baltimore Ravens with the 27th pick in the first round.

Malaki Starks: Equal parts FTW and WTF. pic.twitter.com/0RJMowj5gG

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 17, 2025​

And as much as Calen Bullock absolutely balled out for the Texans in his rookie year with five interceptions and six pass breakups, Bullock had a few missteps of his own. The moral of the story is that safety is very hard to play, and when it comes to young safeties, it’s important to focus on what they can do as you work to correct the stuff that doesn’t yet make sense.

In Reed’s case, there was still enough to go on. No, he’s not the guy you want in the deep third matching speed receivers downfield, but in everything from run support to blitzing to curl/flat work, he’s just fine. Overall in 2024, he allowed 32 catches on 38 targets for 364 yards, 229 yards after the catch, those four touchdowns, three interceptions, two pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 108.8. But he also lined up 62% of the time as a deep safety, and that’s not really where you want him.

When Jaylen Reed wasn't getting his ass handed to him by Oregon's passing game, he showed a lot of the attributes of a box/slot/intermediate defender. Maybe just don't put him in the deep third 62% of the time. pic.twitter.com/EDzsmxyZLj

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 12, 2025​

The Texans already have Bullock as their primary deep safety, so maybe Reed comes in more closer to the line of scrimmage, allowing Jalen Pitre to be more positionally versatile. Or perhaps Reed uses the acumen that allowed him to amass two sacks, 12 total pressures, and two tackles for loss in the run game last season to be a situational addition.

Jaylen Reed isn’t going to be your ideal deep-third guy. That doesn’t mean that he won’t be valuable in the NFL.

(All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and Sports Info Solutions).

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...ted-players-tim-settle-nick-chubb-jaylen-reed

 

[Houston Texans]

Secret Weapon on the Houston Texans offense

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

A look into the Houston Texans’ secret weapon on offense.

The Houston Texans have a potentially loaded wide receiver room heading into the 2025 season, but one player is quietly poised to make a significant impact. As training camp approaches, keep an eye on Jaylin Noel, a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, acquired after the Texans traded up to secure him.

In a WR class uncertainty this yr, I know exactly what I’m getting with ISU’s Jaylin Noel. Team that pulls trigger in RD2 should have a difference-maker in slot for many years!
-Undersized, yes. But 4yr player/3yr starter. Final 3yrs: 202-2,586-12.8-18
-Uncovers in a flash. Route… pic.twitter.com/hSwBxHjBoc

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 22, 2025​

Noel, the fastest receiver on the roster with a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash, brings a dynamic skill set. His ability to get open quickly and stretch the field deep could open up opportunities for the entire offense. Last season, the Texans’ passing game struggled to find consistency beyond star wideout Nico Collins. While Collins remains one of the NFL’s elite receivers, he can’t carry the load alone.

The Texans brought in Stefon Diggs last year to support Collins and quarterback C.J. Stroud, but Diggs’ season was cut short by a knee injury, and he has since signed with the New England Patriots. Tank Dell, another explosive talent, also battled injuries, suffering a season-ending leg injury for the second consecutive year and struggling to regain his form.

Houston also drafted Noel’s Iowa State teammate, Jayden Higgins, who is expected to contribute early. However, Higgins’ skill set and build mirror Collins’, making Noel’s unique speed and playmaking ability a potential differentiator in a crowded receiver room.

Some analysts compare Noel to current Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk, a veteran with a proven track record. Noel has a prime opportunity to learn from Kirk’s experience and success in the NFL.

With training camp coming up very soon, Noel has a chance to showcase his skills and carve out a role. It may take time for him to fully emerge, but don’t be surprised if Noel makes some serious noise throughout the 2025 season.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/7/16/24468017/secret-weapon-on-the-houston-texans-offense-nfl

 

[Houston Texans]

Former Texans special teamer, fan favorite Bryan Braman passes away at 38

Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

May he rest in peace.

Former Houston Texans special teams contributor Bryan Braman died this morning after battlefighting a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was 38 years old. He leaves behind two daughters, his mother, and his sister.

His career spanned six years and two teams, beloved by both, and helped the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LII by doing what he did best: wrecking shop in special teams and recording a tackle in the game.

But what a tackle it was.

Super Bowl LII would also prove to be the final game of his career; but if your career is going to end, that’s the way you want to cap it off.

He had been battling cancer since February and undergone multiple surgeries to combat it. His GoFundMe raised $88,000 with contributions coming from his fans and former teammates; most notably a $10,000 contribution from former Texans DE J.J. Watt.

Rest in Peace brother.

Gone far too soon.

pic.twitter.com/bJfEPMPCAc

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025

Somehow it feels hollow to leave things like this. Bryan Braman meant a lot to Texans fans. To this day, on the rare occasions I get to go to Texans games, I still see people wearing his jersey milling about the stadium. I think of the wild hits he laid out on his opponents and jumping out of my seat at whatever Seattle dive bar I was watching the game at. I think of the roar on TV as the replay would show it in slow motion.

Even now I can feel the slight smile start to curl on my lips just thinking about it.

He never anchored the defense, never played a down on offense, but he would always make himself felt whenever he was on the field. He was one of us, a Texan through and through.

Then I think of him needing to set up a GoFundMe to help pay for his cancer treatment despite having played seven years in the NFL and, ostensibly, having the insurance that the NFL provides its veterans and the smile disappears. That he had to go through multiple surgeries unsure about how he was going to afford his treatments and my heart sinks anew.

It shouldn’t be like this. Not for Braman, not for anyone. He was a beloved part of Texans history and this, this is just a heartbreaking way for a story to end.

Please, tell us your favorite Bryan Braman moment in the comments below.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...r-fan-favorite-bryan-braman-passes-away-at-38

 

[Houston Texans]

The Road to Perdition, or how the 2025-26 season could go wrong for the Houston Texans

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

Houston is expected to be a championship contender. What could derail those ambitions?

With the coming of August, we are fast approaching the start of training camps, when 32 NFL teams get set for the coming of the new season. For the Houston Texans, winners of back-to-back AFC South titles, they are looking to go above and beyond, with aspirations of finally making a Conference Championship game, if not actually making and winning the Super Bowl. There is talent and opportunity. Yet, for all the optimism, the Texans aren’t assured of building on the success of the last two seasons. They aren’t even assured of repeating as divisional champions. So much can go right, but what could go wrong?

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Offensive Line, only excelling in “Look-Out” blocks: Let’s call out the obvious. If the offensive line does not improve its less-than-stellar performance from last season, the Texans will not move forward. The Texans front office undertook some massive overhauling of the line, cutting and trading many of the 2024 veterans and bringing in a mix of new veterans along with a rookie tackle prospect to try to improve. Maybe the new blood will be enough. Yet, most of the new vets brought in can hardly be considered individual upgrades. Synergy must carry the day under the new scheme and new leadership. The front office likely thought that it couldn’t get worse on the Oline. Yet, what if it does? Stroud somehow held up under a season of brutal beatings, but his regression from his rookie season is directly correlated to a near-league worst offensive line situation. Another year taking the beating he did, and Texans fan are going to have nightmares of Stroud becoming David Carr 2.0.

About that schedule...: The NFL is like a number of other organizations in that no good deed goes unpunished. By virtue of winning the AFC South, Houston gets a 1st place schedule, which means dates with fellow division winners Baltimore (on the road, where they’ve never won) and Buffalo (who made it to the AFC title game last season). Throw this on top of the NFL schedule rotation that gives Houston dates with the AFC West, which has 3 playoff teams (@ Chiefs, @ Chargers, Broncos) and a likely improving Raiders team, and the NFC West, which historically gives Houston all sorts of issues. The team has back-to-back 10-7 seasons, which has only been good enough for a 4-seed. To be a higher seed, Houston needs to improve on that record, but with this schedule, improvement is far from a given. The AFC South is seen as the Texans’ playground, but teams like Jacksonville and Indianapolis have seen some talent upgrades. Depending on other factors, Houston might consider going 10-7 a major achievement.

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

The “Sophomore Slump” strikes again: Given the rebuild of the Texans since 2020 and the upward trajectory following, it is not surprising that Houston had rookies who met or exceeded expectations. In theory, a great start augers a better future. Sometimes though, teams can see rookie sensations take a step back in performance in Year 2, aka the “Sophomore Slump”. Unfortunately for Houston, they’ve seen more than their fair share of those. In 2022, Dameon Pierce and Jalen Pitre had strong rookie debuts, looking like franchise building blocks. However, 2023 saw both suffer major sophomore downturns. 2023, CJ Stroud had a rookie season for the ages, but instead of building into an MVP candidate in 2024, his play came back to earth in a solid but far from spectacular performance. Now attention turns to the rookie DBs that help turn the Texans’ secondary into one of the best in the league. CB Kamari Lassiter more than held his own as teams sought to throw away from DJ Stingley, holding receivers to a 46% completion percentage against him. S Calen Bullock help man the defensive backfield, procuring 5 INTs. On the surface, there is no reason to expect either to drop off. Then again, few thought that sophomore slumps would hit Pierce, Pitre and Stroud. Oh, and the sophomore slump doesn’t hit all (see Anderson Jr., Will). If the “Sophomore Slump” claims either Lassiter or Bullock, or both, then the Houston defensive scheme is in for a bad time.

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Austin Brinkman doesn’t meet expectations: Over the past 15 seasons, the Houston Texans found themselves facing issues across almost all areas on and off the field. Yet, for those 15 seasons, one area that the Texans never had a problem with was the long snapper. Jon Weeks was the constant of the franchise, with nary a botched snap on a punt or FG attempt. However, the Texans, for the 1st time since 2009, will open camp with the long snapper position up for grabs, as Weeks now calls San Francisco home. Given all the other concerns, the long snapper seems minor. However, a botched snap could be the difference between a game-winning FG or a game-losing blunder. Overall, the Houston special teams have been more strength than limitation under Frank Ross. To remain a strength, the long snapper replacement must step up.

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Strong personalities, but in a bad way: With Joe Mixon, Azeez Al-Shaiir and now C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the Texans have some outspoken players who play with passion. For a relatively young roster like Houston, that passion can be a good thing. Yet, the margin between good passion and bad passion is quite slim. What happens if the team’s fortunes slump, and suddenly, Gardner-Johnson is not boasting of winning championships, but gripping about playing time and/or selfish concerns? Does Mixon become a malcontent if things turn South? Does this rub off on other players on the roster? While not as big a player as the other two, does the off-season legal drama of Jimmie Ward come to disrupt the roster as well?

This list is not all-inclusive. Injuries, especially to key personnel, are always a concern for a franchise. There is always the potential of a Black Swan that comes from out of nowhere and disrupts a season (or more). Likely Houston will be in the playoff hunt, but Texans teams can fall by the wayside unexpectedly (see 2013-14, 2017-18, 2020-21). If the 2025-26 season goes off the rails, like one or more of the above mentioned will be the reason why.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...-season-could-go-wrong-for-the-houston-texans

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans News: Five Texans make ESPN rankings

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Your one-stop shop for Houston Texans, local sports, and news from around the league for Friday, July 18, 2025.

Houston Texans News

C.J. Stroud makes wish come true: Texans QB hosts young fan who connected with him from hospital room (HoustonTexans.com)

Five Houston Texans Players Land in ESPN Top 10 Positional Rankings (Houston Press)

A stronger Stroud? Texans QB working to transform his body in offseason (ESPN.com)

C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Eagles traded me to Texans because they’re ‘scared of a competitor’ (NFL.com)

Texans Radio Interview with Jake Andrews | Full Conversation (HoustonTexans.com)

NFL News

Howell resigns as executive director of NFLPA (ESPN.com)

Sources: Steelers make Watt highest-paid non-QB (ESPN.com)

Chiefs star Rice sentenced to 30 days of jail time (ESPN.com)

WR Addison pleads to lesser charge in DUI case (ESPN.com)

Chargers WR Williams retires, ends 8-year career (ESPN.com)

Source: Seattle rookie gets fully guaranteed deal (ESPN.com)

Lions DT Onwuzurike to miss at least 1st 4 games (ESPN.com)

Seeing red: Herbert wearing UV protection lenses (ESPN.com)

Houston & Collegiate Sports

Astros in ‘a really good spot’ entering second half of season (MLB.com)

Pitching Matchups For Series Between Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/battl...on-texans-news-five-texans-make-espn-rankings

 

[Houston Texans]

Nick Caley’s offense: “a lot of creativity”

Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Will Houston have the hottest jam in the land?

A lot of folks are dying to know what the 2025 Houston Texans offense will look like. ESPN released a Top 10 Quarterbacks of 2025 list and C.J. Stroud wasn’t in that number (he did get ‘honorable mention’, fwiw... pfft). The offensive line has the stench of failure rising off it. And there are a LOT of new faces.

Historically, that sort of narrative hasn’t immediately translated to Madden Football offense right out of the gate. Normally a team trying to bring that many variables into 1 cohesive unit has taken weeks, if not months, of season-time to get in sync.

If new Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley can buck those odds, we should see the most electric offense Houston has had since the epic “Bulls on Parade” era under Gary Kubiak.

Those who already know what to expect are excited.

C.J. Stroud on Nick Caley

I buy into people, I don’t really buy into systems... He has probably the most juice I’ve seen in my life.

Justin Watson tells @TexansVoice what he thinks Nick Caley’s offense will look like:

“It’s a mix of some things he did in New England.. LA and then some ideas that’s he’s just had & that we’ve picked up from around the league.”

“There’s gunna be a lot of creativity & seeing… pic.twitter.com/85jzSVjWM7

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 16, 2025​

More than once the Los Angeles Rams have managed to come out of the gate with a new offense and light the NFL world on fire. Did Caley bring some of that DNA with him to H-Town?

“He’s one of the most important people in the NFL this year.” -@bykevinclark on Nick Caley

Called Slowik’s protection schemes “amateurish” & said “there is going to be a BIG step up this year for the Texans” with Stroud being “as big a bounce back candidate as their is.” pic.twitter.com/9ROy3mFgP5

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) June 5, 2025​

A mixture of motions, diverse alignments, a variety of pre-snap adjustments, west coast passing trees and smash-mouth blocking. All that sounds like a complex offense. And, complexity isn’t always easy to digest.

It also sounds like a fast offense, and, as the saying goes, speed kills.

Cristian Kirk on Nick Caley:

“Nick is all ball. Very intelligent, very smart. Does a great job communicating to us ( ).

Mentions it’s been “easy to learn” on new O & credits WR coach Ben McDaniels.

“This offense is dynamic. A lot of motions. A lot of pre-snap adjustments.” pic.twitter.com/j5NM7pg4Cq

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) June 3, 2025​

Courtesy of the Houston Stressans account, here are a handful of player comments on their new OC:

Xavier Hutchinson

We’re gonna have a lot more players in the right places to be able to make the plays

Nick Chubb

He’s a very smart guy. He knows what he’s doing. He knows his stuff. I’m impressed, I’m happy and I’m excited.

Jake Andrews

People are gonna know when they wake up on Monday that they just got done playing the Houston Texans.

And from the man himself:

Demeco Ryans

Nick Caley has done an outstanding job of connecting with the staff, connecting with the players. He’s done a really great job of making it his, making the offense the Houston Texans... the energy is on 100 every single day.

While preseason won’t show much, we’re just over 3 weeks away from seeing Caley’s offense on the field against the Minnesota Vikings. Then, on September 7th, the 2025 season begins as Caley takes on his old team in the Rams.

Football is almost back, baby!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/7/17/24469216/nick-caleys-offense-a-lot-of-creativity