RSS Texans Team Notes

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Injury Report

The Texans have dropped their first two games of the 2025 season, and are looking to bounce back against a beatable Jaguars team in Jacksonville.

One thing the Jaguars did well this offseason, was adding talent around their franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and Houston may have their hands full. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has elite potential, they drafted Travis Hunter in the first-round and have a dynamic running back in Travis Etienne. Not to mention the underrated signing of Dyami Brown, in free agency, who has been one of Lawrence’s favorite targets.

As far as their defense goes, that is where Houston will look to take advantage. They have one of the top pass-rushers in the league in Josh Allen, but their secondary remains weak, and the offense must capitalize.

Here is a look at the final injury report:

FULL PARTICIPATION​

-CB Kamari Lassiter (Knee)

-S Jalen Pitre (Rib)

-WR Christian Kirk (Hamstring)

-WR Braxton Berrios (Hamstring)

-DL Darrell Taylor (Hip)

-C Jake Andrews (Ankle)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE​

-CB Jaylin Smith (Hamstring) OUT

Houston has been without several starters throughout the beginning of this season, and are now set to get two important pieces back, in center Jake Andrews, along with wide receiver Christian Kirk.

Getting Kirk back is going to be massive for a Houston offense that has been struggling mightily. Being able to depend on someone outside of Nico Collins will be good for C.J. Stroud, who has looked off overall.

The Texans have an opportunity this weekend to turn things around, and potentially save their season.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...-texans-vs-jacksonville-jaguars-injury-report

 

[Houston Texans]

Four ways the Texans can revive their offense vs. the Jaguars

Down for the count, tied for last in the AFC South at 0-2 with the Tennessee Titans, the Houston Texans are in desperate need of a get-right game. The first two games against NFC playoff teams were a real shock to the system, and now the Texans will seek their first win against a familiar opponent: the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Since quarterback C.J. Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans joined the Houston Texans in 2023, they’ve kept the pesky Jaguars under control. They’ve gone 3-1 against Jacksonville, with Stroud passing for seven touchdowns and averaging a passer rating over 110 while facing them. Such a small sample size of games should be taken with a grain of salt, though, especially considering the elephant in the room: the current state of Houston’s offense.

Between penalties and head-scratching sacks, the Houston Texans offense has generated only brief spurts of movement downfield. Largely relying on great routes by their wide receivers or the occasional 6-10+ yard rush by their running backs, the Texans are clearly still a work in progress in offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s scheme. Wide receivers Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, and tight end Dalton Schultz have tried their best to make up for an inconsistent ground game, but points have still been exceedingly difficult to come by.

This pitiful state has dumbfounded many Texans fans, including myself, who were expecting a snappier offense. Maybe it’s the high rate of pressure in the pocket Stroud is still receiving, maybe it’s a result of a poor rushing attack, or maybe it’s just Stroud himself, but whatever it is, it has every other Texans fans theorizing in their armchairs about what is really going on with the offense.

While the answer likely resides somewhere in the middle of all of the theories, the Texans can make those claims all moot by unleashing the offense against today in Jacksonville. But, how will they do that? What will need to change to get this show on the road? Well, out the many, many avenues to curing a stagnant offense, I can think of four paths Houston can take today in order to get the offense back on track:

4. Take advantage of WR Christian Kirk in the short-pass​

One major evolution to the offense that doesn’t require any schematic changes will be the return (or the arrival) of Christian Kirk to the starting lineup. Kirk missed the first two games due to a hamstring injury, but he will now suit up for his first game in battle red…against his former team.

Besides the added emotion of a revenge game, Kirk’s speed, savvy, and knowledge of the opponent will provide the perfect compliment to Nico Collins’ outside-receiver acumen. As a slot receiver in an offense that steals notes from Sean McVay’s and Josh McDaniels’ schemes, Kirk should expect to receive a hefty amount of targets in his first game of the 2025 season. He may not be the x-factor superstar like Tank Dell was in 2023, but Kirk has plenty of juice to be a deadly chain-mover. Slants and out-routes will be his specialty, and if he’s covered, then this next player won’t be:

3. Get rookie RB Woody Marks the football in space​

Rookie running back Woody Marks may not be exploding onto the scene, but his handful of touches against Tampa Bay made all of the difference in Houston’s second scoring drive. It may just be one play, but it was enough to reenergize my bullish attitude towards him.

View Link

Before that big play, Woody Marks had already earned some fans (me) in the preseason, where his punishing rushing style between the tackles and blistering speed as a scatback could offer flashbacks to Joe Mixon before he suffered an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined seemingly indefinitely. But, now that the regular season is underway, Nick Caley has kept Marks largely behind the curtain. Some wondered when Marks received only scant snaps in the preseason if that had been intentionally done so in order to surprise regular season opponents with his functionality in the offense…and, well, if that were true, I couldn’t think of a better time to unveil his talents to the NFL world.

Against Jacksonville, Marks will be another weapon that the Texans can deploy to overwhelm the Jaguars’ defensive coverage, a weakness the Cincinnati Bengals exploited to beat them last week. Jags’ slot cornerback Jourdan Lewis is only one person, so he won’t be able to cover all of the speedsters Nick Caley may throw his way. You may not suspect Marks to get a lot of attention in today’s game, but the amount of pressure CJ Stroud could face from Jacksonville’s defensive line may force his gaze down to the flat, precisely where Woody Marks excels. But, besides those beloved dump-off pass, there is one counter Stroud could employ downfield that would turn the tides of the game…

2. If Stroud can manage the pocket and target the Jags’ CB Jarrian Jones​

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud arrives as the symbolic face of the modern Houston Texans, for better and for worse. Whether the blame rests at his feet or not, Houston’s regression on offense in 2024 became the albatross around the neck of every major figure associated with the team. The major reshuffling of the entire supporting cast around Stroud has gone a long way to make the offense look fresh on paper, but the hot-and-cold woes that plagued the offense in 2024 appear to still be present. Battle Red Blog’s Mike Bullock went on to say in Brand new Houston offense, same old Texans results:

So far, Caley has many wondering why exactly Bobby Slowik was shown the door. The 2025 Texans offense ranks:

8th worst in total passing yards with 395

Tied for second worst in passing touchdowns with 1

3rd worst in passing first downs with 14

12th worst in rushing yards with 198

Tied for 5th worst in rushing first downs with 11

Tied for 2nd worst in touchdowns scored with only 2

– Mike Bullock

Granted, the Texans faced some talented NFC defenses to start the season, but that hasn’t stopped the questions surrounding Stroud and Nick Caley to start the season.

Enter Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones. Similar to Stroud, Jones has had a bit of a disjointed start to the 2025 season, giving up six catches, four first downs, 71 yards, and a touchdown in the first two games. He hasn’t been a complete disaster, but Stroud would benefit to look in his direction in today’s game. Xavier Hutchinson or Jayden Higgins could be Stroud’s favorite targets against the Jaguars…as long as he gets enough time in the pocket. If Stroud could turn back the clock to exactly two years ago, week three of the 2023 season, and return to the kind of high-arching, anticipatory throws that made him a rookie sensation, then he may find himself on the winning end of a get-right game in Jacksonville once again.

View Link

Another wildcard to this matchup is Jags rookie and Heisman Trophy winner CB/WR Travis Hunter. He earned more reps on defense last week against the Bengals and may end up receiving the lions’ share of CB2 reps yet again. Although, even if the offense continues to be stuck in the mud, Stroud might still be able to come away with a big win because of the #1 ticket to victory in today’s game: the Texans defense and special teams maintaining their dominant pace and giving the offense layup opportunities.

1. Score touchdowns, not field goals on short fields granted by special teams and defense​

So far this season, the Texans have started their offensive drive in opposing territory three times, once against the Rams and twice against the Buccaneers. In those three drives, Houston’s offense returned with just 13 points total; two field goals and one touchdown. The defense, as we’ve come to expect, has been top-of-line since the season began, kicking opposing offenses off the field like a bad habit and even forcing a massive turnover in week one against the Rams that could have won Houston the game if the offense successfully capitalized on it. Just like last year, both the defense and special teams have shown the power to take complete control over a contest, making momentum-swinging plays so that Stroud and the offense have a shorter field to work with.

Special teams specifically is where one of the more positive developments of the Houston Texans resides, as well. Kickoff, punt returner, and wide receiver Jaylin Noel has quickly become a fan favorite, utilizing his 4.39s 40-yard dash speed to rack up return yardage. He may earn some more highlights today as well, as the Jaguars currently have the lowest ranked special teams in the league. Battle Red Blog writer Clayton Anderson has been following the rookie Iowa State Cyclones very closely in his weekly reports, and he end up with glowing reviews for each of them by the end of the day!

Jaylin Noel is 1st in the NFL in avg punt return yards (17.3)

At the combine he ran a 4.39 40YD and jumped 41.5” in the vertical

Get this guy the rock

pic.twitter.com/BzINmwym3D

— Jordan Pun (@Texans_Thoughts) September 19, 2025

Buccaneers special teams having a nightmare second half:
• They missed field goal (38 yards)
• Gave up a blocked punt
• Gave up a 53-yard punt return #Texanspic.twitter.com/ih8F1dubU1

— John Breech (@johnbreech) September 16, 2025

More offensive production would steady the hearts of Texans fans the world over, but they could ultimately struggle on offense yet again and still win convincingly. If the Texans defense and special teams play like they did last week, Stroud should get plenty of opportunities to strike the knockout blow against the glitter kitties. Both Nick Caserio and Nick Caley have worked together to assemble a modern offense for Stroud, but it also reveals how their shared time in New England during the Tom Brady era maintains a lingering influence on them to this day. Many of the 2010s Patriots teams excelled at scoring off of turnovers, killing teams by ensuring they maximized on their mistakes. The ingredients to a similar offense are in Houston now, but to make it work, C.J. Stroud needs to be a catalyst to more touchdown drives and fewer field goals.

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And that’s the list! I think we’re all a little desperate for a win here. Even the most skeptical Texans fans among us are probably are little surprised by the deflating start they’ve had in 2025, getting a notch in the win column could go a long way towards shaking off this rust that appears to be clinging to the offense. Much of the offseason was spent hyping up the new o-line and especially these new wide receivers, yet the results of these efforts have yet to appear; but that changes today. Even though Jacksonville’s defense has shown some moxie, I think we’ll finally get to see Stroud really take advantage of these new weapons, forcing Jacksonville into a hole that it won’t be able to climb out of.

What do you think, though? Will this finally be Stroud’s big return to rookie form, or will it be another defensive slugfest that the Texans will need to win via field goal? Let us know down in the comment section below!

GO TEXANS!!!!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/sprin...exans-can-revive-their-offense-vs-the-jaguars

 

[Houston Texans]

Sunday Night Football Open Thread – Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants

American Hero Case Keenum. | Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

I still don’t want to talk about today’s game. So let’s watch a couple of unrelated teams on Sunday night.

Here’s what you need to know to watch tonight’s game:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at New York Giants (0-2)

What: Sunday Night Football

Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

When: Sunday, September 21, 7:20 p.m. CDT

Why: Because much like the rest of us, you have also been waiting all day for Sunday night.

TV: NBC, Universo

Radio: Westwood One

Streaming: Fubo*, Hulu + Live TV*, NBC Sports, NFL+*, Peacock*, SlingTV*, YouTubeTV* (*subscription required)

Enjoy the game, y’all.

Go, Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/gener...-thread-kansas-city-chiefs-at-new-york-giants

 

[Houston Texans]

Monday Night Football Open Thread – Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens

American Hero Case Keenum. | Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Now that we’re back to one MNF game a week, we actually have a pretty good matchup which is a rarity for MNF. Two actual Super Bowl contenders will take to the field for our personal entertainment.

Here’s what you need to know to watch/listen to/stream tonight’s game:

Who: Detroit Lions (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1)

What: Monday Night Football

Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

When: Monday, September 22, 7:15 p.m. CDT

Why: Because the Sunday slate was so bad this has to make up for it.

TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes

Radio: Westwood One

Streaming: ESPN*, Fubo*, Hulu + Live TV*, NFL+*, SlingTV*, YouTubeTV* (*subscription required)

Enjoy the game, y’all.

Go, Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/gener...open-thread-detroit-lions-at-baltimore-ravens

 

[Houston Texans]

Value of Things: By the Numbers

In 1984, the band Icicle Works released the song “Whisper to a scream.” As you might expect, the song starts softly and creshendos until the end. It did not make it high on the Billboard hits (#37) but seems to have held up over time as a 1980s anthem. The subject of the song seems to be a perfect artistic rendering of what we are seeing on Sundays (and Mondays). Anyone can write off one game. Plenty of teams have gone from 0-2 to the playoffs. 0-3 is wholly different historically and it is especially different when one side of the ball is responsible 90 percent of the suck.

Of course, I’m getting ahead of myself. As per usual, we begin with the numbers. The keys are starting to come into focus. When you see the team succeeding at one facet consistently or not succeeding at one facet consistently then we begin to see the team take some definition. Every team has an identity. Whether it is the identity they say they have is open to interpretation.

The Numbers​

• Total Yards: Texans 59/271, Jaguars: 66/291
• Rushing Yards: Texans 19/87, Jaguars 24/86
• Passing Yards: Texans 40/184, Jaguars 42/205
• Third Downs: Texans 4/15, Jaguars 4/15
• Sacks: Texans 2, Jaguars 2
• Turnovers: Texans 3, Jaguars 1
• Penalties: Texans 7/66, Jaguars 9/70
• Time of Possession: Texans 28:42, Jaguars 31:12

This is one of those games where the numbers absolutely tell the whole difference in the game. The Texans turned it over three times in the Jaguars territory in the fourth quarter. Take those turnovers away (even just one of them) the game turns out differently. Other than the turnovers these two teams played an even football game. Of course, we can and should get to more in the good, bad, and ugly.

The Good​

Okay, let’s dispense with the pleasantries. Yes, the defense technically gave up the final touchdown, but that was a strategic move to get the ball back. If the flow of the game is any indication, it probably would have turned out to be a field goal and if the Jaguars were playing the percentages it should have been a field goal. Yes, you can absolutely say that the defense gave up the winning points in the end, but that would ignore everything that went on in the football game.

Three weeks in a row the defense played good enough to win the game. The Texans took the number one rushing offense in football and held them under 100 yards. Lawrence was 20 of 40 in a game that will not be included on his tape when he wants a new contract. Identities are both positive and negative. The Texans have an identity of a hard hitting team that makes life difficult for quarterbacks. We cannot ignore the positive even though there is plenty of negative to focus on. This defense has not quite produced at top five overall levels, but they have played good enough to win three football games. They’ve won none of them.

The Bad​

Okay, how does one differentiate the bad from the ugly on the offensive side of the ball? For me, the bad includes issues that are unique to that game. The ugly includes issues that we are systemic throughout the season. Sunday’s transient issue was the turnovers. Nico Collins doesn’t normally fumble the football. C.J. Stroud is not a prolific thrower of interceptions. The turnovers were unique to this game.

The Jaguars tried to give you the football game. They managed to win the game anyway because the Texans couldn’t finish the few drives they did have. As per usual, each individual turnover was its own situation. One involved a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage. One involved a fumble by a receiver trying to gain more yards. A third involved a poorly designed play that allowed a defensive back to guard two receivers in the same space. Did they run the wrong route? Was it a bad play design? I’m sure all we will be told is that we are close to breaking things open and we need to exercise some patience.

The Ugly​

Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross originally developed the stages of grief. Today I am introducing the stages of suck. The first stage in the stages of suck is the side eye stage. Essentially, no one is panicking. No one is calling for anyone’s head. We simply express concern over what we are watching. That pretty well encapsulates the first two weeks of the season. Everyone was willing to be patient, but we wanted to see something different. We were told we were close, so we bit our tongue and held on for another week.

The second stage in the stages of suck is the questioning stage. The time for side eye is gone. Now, we are simply asking questions. Mind you, these are questions that have never come up before. For now, there is one main question: was Nick Caley the right guy for the offensive coordinator position? Obviously, there is time to answer this question in the affirmative or the negative. However, the longer it festers the more questions that come up. The next question will be whether Stroud is the quarterback of the future. Obviously, that question can also be answered in the affirmative or the negative. If this stage festers longer then there are questions about DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio.

The questioning stage is the longest stage. It could take the balance of the season to get through it. Sustained performance on one end or the other will move you out of that stage. On the positive end, you can no longer suck and get out of the stages of suck altogether. On the negative end, if you continue in the questioning stage and don’t get positive answers to your questions then you enter the blaming stage. We saw this last year when Bobby Slowik got canned. The blame centered on him.

Once fans and pundits get to the blame stage then there are no recourses other than jettisoning the person or persons blamed. Therefore, the earlier a team makes a move the better it is for them in the short-term. Fire Slowik and you get a reprieve. The new guy gets time to work. Of course, the downside is that if he also fails then that blame thing spreads. Who’s responsible for hiring the scapegoat? Were they given the tools to succeed? So, there is still some questioning involved.

The final stage is the pitchfork stage. If the powers that be don’t give up the scapegoats then that blame spreads. By then it is too late. It is impossible for everyone to get out alive. This is when organizations clean house. We might be seeing this in Miami before the end of the season. When new regimes fail then we cycle back to this stage. As you might imagine, the more often the pitchforks come out the quicker fans are to getting to the pitchfork phase. This is why some organizations seem to be like an Etch a Sketch that gets erased every few seasons.

We are clearly at the questioning stage. So we will ask some questions as this season continues. The questions right now center on Caley, but they will quickly expand to Stroud if these performances continue. Depending on the fan or analyst, teams and players have varying amounts of time to satisfy those questions. It also depends on where the bar is set. Caley and Stroud are on notice. We are going to ask those questions. It is up to them to answer them.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/the-v...is-statistics-jacksonville-jaguars-week-3-nfl

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Opening Odds vs. Tennessee Titans

This post is sponsored by FanDuel.

It doesn’t get much worse than 0-3, especially considering the hype the Houston Texans built entering this NFL season. Their demoralizing start had even more air let out its tires when they lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday, and the Texans will have to prevent it from becoming an apocalyptic start when they host the Tennessee Titans in week four of the 2025 NFL season.

Fanduel has already got the opening odds whipped up, and they appear to still have hope for Houston, favoring them by 7.5 points despite the painful start to the season:

If you’d like to try your hand, just follow this link to start betting on the variety of options FanDuel has available. FanDuel gives you the choice to make traditional bets as well as Quick Bets, wagers that rely less on the outcome of the game and more on who will score the first touchdown, first field goal, etc.

This -7.5 spread means the Texans will cover the spread as long as they win by 8 points or more, while the Titans will cover the spread as long as they either lose by less than 8 points or win outright. Tennessee isn’t any more inspiring than their 0-3 AFC South brother (once removed), but they already appear to be utilizing the extra firepower their first overall pick, QB Cam Ward, has provided them. Being a -7.5 favorite isn’t bestowing a large amount of confidence at Houston’s feet, either, so it looks like FanDuel expects a Texans win but not one to write home about, which is more of an indictment on the Texans than it is praise of the Titans.

Scoring in general for this game seems like it may come at a premium, as well. An over/under of 38.5 (which is what FanDuel expects to be the combined score of the game) would mean they don’t expect either team to score more than 19 points. That sounds doable until you realize that Houston needed nearly all 60 minutes and a short field in their week two matchup to earn just two touchdowns. The points have been earned the hard way for both teams in this matchup, so FanDuel is wise to have kept the O/U low.

Only six teams have made the playoffs after starting 0-3. The 2018 Texans were one of them.

C.J. Stroud still has confidence in his guys:

“Sucks when you start 0-3 but it can be flipped.” pic.twitter.com/LjbYYWgMFr

— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) September 21, 2025

Still, there’s no doubt the sports book artisans expect Houston to shirk their problems and beat this Titans team. If I had been somehow hidden from Sunday’s atrocity in Jacksonville, I’d be inclined to agree with them. But…after being exposed to that mess of a game, I don’t think Houston is capable of getting anything larger than a 3-point lead on their opponent. Houston has only started 0-3 five times before (2020, 2018, 2008, 2006, 2005) and has only been 0-4 three times before (2020, 2008, 2005). Out of all of these years, the Texans only made the playoffs in 2018, and that defining mid-season rebound was such an anomaly that it convinced Texans ownership to offer the keys of the franchise to Bill O’Brien. I don’t expect ownership to be making that kind of mistake again, so the pressure will be on DeMeco Ryans and Co. to get the Houston Texans into the winner’s circle before it’s too late, and most importantly, cover the spread!

GO TEXANS!!!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/general/71328/houston-texans-opening-odds-vs-tennessee-titans

 

[Houston Texans]

BREAKING NEWS: Texans Release S C.J. Gardner-Johnson

A shocking development struck Houston airwaves today, as Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reported that the Houston Texans released starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson:

#Texans released C.J. Gardner-Johnson after friction behind the scenes with him complaining about his role, wanting to blitz more, per league sources, and even communicating that he wanted to be traded. It didn't work out for him here. M.J. Stewart next man up expected @KPRC2 https://t.co/2BNY7k5xsH

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 23, 2025

Among the issues #Texans experienced behind the scenes with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, per sources, he was critical of teammates in the secondary and didn't like his role. It was a locker room issue and ultimately this just wasn't a good fit for the team and for a talented… https://t.co/tHhsv9Ur7v

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 23, 2025

According to Wilson, Gardner-Johnson had experienced friction in the Texans’ facility after, “….complaining about his role, wanting to blitz more, per league sources, and even communicating that he wanted to be traded.” Gardner-Johnson was in his first year with the Texans after being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles along with a 2026 sixth-round pick to Houston for former Texans guard Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick in March.

Gardner-Johnson was expected to be one of Houston’s several playmaking stars in the defensive backfield after a highlight-filled season with the Super Bowl champion Eagles in 2024. He had only played three regular season games for the Texans before his release, and now he is expected to be replaced by M.J. Stewart in the starting lineup. In his brief career with the Texans, C.J. Gardner-Johnson tallied:

• 15 tackles
• 1 QB hit
• 6 receptions on 8 targets for 86 yards
• 63.4 PFF grade

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This news arrives just a day after the announcement that the NFL had removed Texans safety Jimmie Ward from the Commissioners’s exempt list after a grand jury in Texas decided not to indict him last week on charges of felony family assault brought forward by the mother of his child. Ward remains on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but can be removed by next week.

NFL removed Texans safety Jimmie Ward from the Commissioner Exempt List today. Ward has missed three games since being placed on the list on August 26 following a legal incident in June. In accordance with the Personal Conduct Policy, that review will remain ongoing and is not…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2025

We will update this post with more information as it becomes available, but as of right now, this is one of the most surprising personnel moves the Houston Texans have made in years.

What do you think of the move? Was C.J. Gardner-Johnson going to take the Texans to the Super Bowl, or are we better off without him? Let us know down in the comments below!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ing-news-texans-release-s-c-j-gardner-johnson

 

[Houston Texans]

Eye of the Cyclones: Higgins and Noel Week 3 Report

Welcome to week 3 of the Cyclone tracker!

This is where we follow our resident weather themed duo in rookie receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both out of Iowa State (hence, the “Cyclone” twins).

As always, there will be analysis, projections, commentary, and relevant updates that happen in real time.

Week 3 Cyclones Tracker:

————————————-

Name: Jayden Higgins

Position: WR

Projected week 3 storm path: 3.7 targets, 2.3 receptions, 29.3 yards, 0.2 TD’s, 6.2 fantasy pts

Actual week 3 path: 1 target, 1 reception, 5 yards, 0 TD’s, 0.5 fantasy pts

Total stats through week 3: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 65 yards (16.3 avg), 0 TDs

Assessment: Through the first three weeks, Higgins has amassed “gargantuan” stats of: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 65 yards, 0 TD’s, an average of 16.3 yards/catch, and his longest haul being 28 yards.

This is getting embarrassing to type, but this offense continues not to facilitate Jayden’s growth and potential impact for the team. Him having no touchdowns through three weeks isn’t even the worst part.

The problem is when you struggle to/don’t prioritize a guy with physical traits of: being 6’4”, possessing a 39” vertical, having an 80” wing span, and running a 4.4 40 time.

He’s the spitting image of Nico Collins! Yet, Nick Caley and this offensive unit have not been able to consistently and competently integrate him into an anemic passing attack that ranks bottom 10 in receptions (57 – 25th), yards (599 – 24th), and touchdowns (2 – 29th).

For him to have only five targets on 46 total passing snaps is beyond me. He theoretically has the physical range to fit a myriad of offensive ideologies.

Want a possession receiver? You got it. Looking to take a deep shot on a double move against an over aggressive cornerback? Let’s do it, coach. Need to throw a fade route on a clutch red zone series? Put it in the air and it’s his.

Any of those scenarios would be better than what we’ve witnessed. It’s border line coaching malpractice at this point.

That’s something that Caley and C.J. Stroud badly need to adjust if they want to give themselves even the slightest chance of looking just competitive at this point.

Week 4 Projections: 3.4 targets, 2.2 receptions, 27.1 yards, 0.1 TD’s, 5.8 fantasy pts

——————————-

Name: Jaylin Noel

Position: WR/PR & KR

Projected week 3 storm path: 2.9 targets, 2 receptions, 21.4 yards, 0.2 TD’s, 4.9 fantasy pts.

Actual week 3 path: 1 target, 1 receptions, 4 yards, 0 TD’s, 64 return yards, 1.4 fantasy pts

Total stats through week 3: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 11 yards (5.5 avg), 229 return yards, 0 TD’s

Assessment: As I mentioned in last week’s Cyclone report, it has truly been a quandary as to why Jaylin Noel can’t seem to find a rhythm in this new offense.

With the return of starting receiver Christian Kirk, it was only natural to assume that touches would become even more scarce for Noel.

However, that’s no excuse for the systemic failure that has prevented the diminutive dynamo from following in the footsteps of fellow receiver, Tank Dell. I keep saying it because it bears repeating: Tank Dell thrived alongside C.J. Stroud, Dalton Shultz, and Nico Collins. Why can’t Jaylin?

The groans about Nick Caley’s play calling are only going to grow louder by the snap if things don’t change soon. That includes a gross mismanagement/neglecting of explosive players like Noel who could help to transform this moribund experience that has been ‘25 Houston Texans passing game.

Week 4 Projections: 1.9 targets, 1.3 receptions, 13.2 yards, 0.1 TD’s

All stats and projections provided courtesy of ESPN and PFF.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/gener...aylin-noel-houston-texans-iowa-state-cyclones

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans Injury Report: Star Cornerback Misses Practice

The Houston Texans have dropped their first three games of the 2025 NFL season and will be looking to bounce back at home against the also-winless Tennessee Titans.

So far, the Texans have been in each game until the very end, mostly thanks to their defense, but there’s only so much the defense can do when the offense isn’t helping. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley has been taking a lot of heat for questionable play-calling and the overall look of the offense.

With that being said, there’s only so much Caley can do with the struggling offensive line assembled by General Manager Nick Caserio. Quarterback C.J. Stroud hasn’t looked like his former self, and a lot of that comes down to constant pressure. He’s uncomfortable in the pocket, which explains the passes he is now missing, that would normally be automatic.

The rushing attack hasn’t helped either. Nick Chubb is still a solid player, but there’s nowhere for him to run behind the offensive line. It might make sense to get rookie Woody Marks more involved, given his ability to break tackles and make plays in space.

There’s still time to turn things around, but the offense needs to get it together fast if the Texans want to salvage their season.

Here’s a look at Wednesday’s injury report:

LIMITED PARTICIPATION​

-WR Nico Collins (Knee)

-C Jake Andrews (Ankle)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE​

-CB Derek Stingley Jr. (Oblique)

-FB Jakob Johnson (Hamstring)

-OT Tytus Howard (Illness)

You may take a quick look at this list and be worried, and there may be some concern, but most are expected to play.

Houston needs this win if they want to turn things around before it is too late.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...injury-report-star-cornerback-misses-practice

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans Reacts Survey Week 4

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Texans fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 4, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/general/71396/texans-reacts-survey-week-4

 

[Houston Texans]

Thursday Night Football Open Thread – Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

American Hero Case Keenum. | Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Hello, good evening and welcome to week four. We move from an AFC East matchup last week to an NFC West showdown this week. Unlike last week’s game, this one might even prove a bit entertaining, as they’re both 2-1 teams. But we won’t know that for sure until kickoff. Isn’t it funny how that works?

Here’s what you need to know to watch tonight’s game:

Who: Seattle Seahawks (2-1) at Arizona Cardinals (2-1)

What: Thursday Night Football

Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ

When: Thursday, September 25, 7:15 p.m. CDT

Why: Because the NFL keeps scheduling them.

How: Amazon Prime Video*, NFL+* (*subscriptions required)

Enjoy the game, y’all.

Go, Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/gener...-thread-seattle-seahawks-at-arizona-cardinals

 

[Houston Texans]

BESFs at Texans: How to watch, TV schedule, and more

Folks, it’s hate week. You know why it’s hate week, we know why it’s hate week, let’s just leave it at that.

But suppose you wanted to watch the first hate week game of the season? Where could you possibly go to find out where the game will be playing?

We can help with that; thanks to 506 Sports for their big board, here is where you can expect to watch the Texans game in your part of the world:

View Link

CBS Early Games

Red: Washington Commanders at Atlanta Falcons (Announcers: Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt; Referee: Scott Novak)
Blue: Los Angeles Chargers at New York Giants (Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green; Referee: Shawn Hochuli)
Green: New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills (Announcers: Andrew Catalon, Charles Davis, Jason McCourty; Referee: Land Clark)
Yellow: Tennessee BESFs at Houston Texans (Announcers: Beth Mowins, Ross Tucker; Referee: Brad Rogers)

Here’s what you need to know to watch the game today:

Who: Tennessee BESFs at Houston Texans

Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

When: Sunday, September 27, 12:00 pm CST

Why: Because we can’t lose to these guys. Right?

TV: CBS (Beth Mowins, Ross Tucker)

Radio: KILT Sports Radio 610 AM

Streaming: Hulu + Live TV*, NFL+*, Paramount+*, YouTubeTV* (via Sunday Ticket) (*subscriptions required)

Current Game Odds: ​

Point Spread:​

Tennessee BESFs (+7.5) (opened at +7.5)
Houston Texans (-7.5) (opened at -7.5)

Over/Under: 38.5 (opened at 38.5)​

Money Line Odds:​

Tennessee BESFs (+270) (opened at +300)
Houston Texans (-335) (opened at -375)
(per FanDuel Sportsbook)

Go Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ans-nfl-week-4-how-to-watch-channel-streaming

 

[Houston Texans]

Value of Things: Knives out edition

The Houston Texans have been here before. To be perfectly fair, they have been here three other times before in their history. When things start to go sideways as they have this season there are stages that the team goes through. Obviously, these are similar to the stages of suck I introduced earlier this week. Those stages are more for fans and analysts on the outside. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be immune to sucking, but almost every other organization has gone through this. Before we look at the current situation we should review the history.

2005​

The Texans were not expected to do much as they were an expansion team, but the momentum they had built in their first three seasons had stalled. So, Bob McNair brought in Dan Reeves to evaluate the entire organization. The question is always the same: when things go sideways is it more about the Jimmy and Joe’s or about the Xs and Os? If we want to put a prettier bow on it we could ask whether the coaches are failing to develop the players or use them in ways that would insure their success or if the front office is just giving them bad players?

Reeves ultimately pointed the finger at both Dom Capers and Charlie Casserly. So, both got the boot and the organization started over with Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith. Both had their issues and the decision to move on from both of them was probably a good one. Looking back, I don’t think you’d ever expect things to go smoothly out of the gate.

2013​

This season is probably the most directly comparable to the current season. The Texans were coming off of back to back division titles and were expected to win again. Matt Schaub turned into a pick six machine and the rest is history. This was also a comparable situation in that Smith and Kubiak were aligned until they weren’t. That familiar story came down again and the organization sided with Smith. This decision was not as clear cut as both Smith and Kubiak had their supporters and detractors. Plus, no Reeves was available to help out McNair.

2020​

We know this story and while there was no power struggle, it was yet another example of whether it was Bill O’Brien the coach or William O’Brien the general manager. The power struggle may very well have been between Jack Easterby and O’Brien and just saying that statement out loud confirms how dysfunctional the organization was at that point. I certainly think O’Brien deserved to go, but Easterby should have been show the door and the failure to do so probably set back the organization a season or two.

That brings us to the current day. There were reports that Ryans was yelling at his assistants on the sideline, but he tried to quelch those rumors by saying he was yelling at the officials instead. Maybe that is true. However, there have been whispers already that Ryans was not 100 percent on board with the Caley hire and that he may already be disenchanted with him. That’s how these things always start. It is always a whisper. It is always an unnamed source within the organization. No one will go on the record and the powers that be will make their denials.

However, this is where it comes to a head. Ryans cannot defend two consecutive failed offensive coordinators. The only way he can try to pull it off is by claiming that one of them was not his. Yet, Nick Caserio is an even more precarious position. Ryans is his third head coach. The first two were really a part of the same failed plan to bring in placeholders that could kick the can down the road. Both will have a hard time convincing ownership and the fanbase that they deserve a third bite at the apple.

The main question​

If the losses mount, there will be a reckoning. We asked a series of questions earlier on Wednesday, but it all stems from the same question: is it a coaching problem or a player personnel problem? Of course, the answer could also be both. So far, it looks like the answer could cut both ways. We see other teams with seemingly similar talent levels have more success. Yet, we also see roster construction issues that we have seen the last several seasons.

I will make the same plea that I have made numerous times. Cal and Hannah McNair need their own Dan Reeves. They need an uninterested third party that actually knows football that can sift through the BS and give them some answers. This is nothing against Nick or DeMeco. Neither is a bad guy and that makes this all the more hard. Both will plead their case and do so in convincing fashion. Those of us on the outside looking in will have our own opinions, but since none of us have been an NFL coach or executive we can only give an educated guess. Just expect more whispers to leak out as the season continues. Those whispers will get louder and more direct. It’s already started and it won’t stop by simply firing the offensive coordinator. It won’t stop until the Texans are back in the playoffs or one (or both) of them is shown the door.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...xans-nfl-schedule-record-results-team-history

 

[Houston Texans]

Battle Red Roundtable: Time to Panic?

The Texans have yet to win a game and have the most anemic offense in professional football. The high aspirations to start this season are out the window. It would be a statistical miracle for Houston to make the playoffs… especially with their schedule. Two losses to the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playoff teams with equal aspirations is understandable, but coming out flat against the Jacksonville Jaguars is never acceptable.

This leads us to the question of the week…

Texans are 0-3. Is it time to panic?​

Clayton Anderson​

Panic? No. Come to terms with who you might be? Absolutely. Objectively, they are playing like a team that will be picking top 10 in the ’26 draft. The Colts are the class of the division, while you look like you couldn’t beat a college team right now.I’m so disappinted with the trio of Demeco, Caley, and CJ. They had all offseason to know this was coming. And yet this is what they field. Terrible.

VBallRetired: ​

Well, now we get into philosophical ground. What exactly does panicking look like? If it looks like the entire offense looking seriously at what they’re doing then you absolutely panic. If it’s changing coaches, quarterbacks, and receivers, then yes it is too soon. Only one recent team has advanced to the postseason after going 0-3 and it was your 2018 Texans. I think this version is capable of doing that again, but we need to see something from the offense first. If I hear DeMeco Ryans or QB C.J. Stroud say ‘we are close’ again, I won’t be responsible for my actions. So, as a fan that has no control I’m panicking and panicking big time.

L4Blitzer ​

Panic, maybe not yet. Worry…ABSOLUTELY!!! What is the expression… “luck is with those who don’t need it.” For Houston, back in 2023 and to an extent 2024, they didn’t need the luck per se, but they got it. However, now, when maybe one play or two could turn the tide, luck is not with them. Houston could use it. I know it is coach-speak from Ryans about “we are close”, but Houston is but a few plays from being 3-0.

HOWEVER, there is the other truism that “you are what your record says you are.” For Houston, they are 0-3, with an offense that has more turnovers in the red zone (4) than possessions that resulted in points (2), and only field goals at that. That is the biggest difference.

Best case, Houston enters their early bye at 1-4, presuming that they beat the Titans at home (not a given). I suppose they could upend Baltimore, but…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH….nah, I couldn’t complete that line without breaking out in maniacal laughter. If you are getting 2005 vibes (when the offense was beyond awful) or 2020 vibes (when the Texans only had half a team), then you might not be wrong. It is early, and yes, the Texans have overcome an 0-3 start to get into the playoffs, but the batting average…well, it ain’t good.

Panic? No. Come to terms with who you might be? Absolutely. What I’m most disappointed by is that we were sold all offseason on the “collaboration” and potention innovation of a McVay/New England hybrid attack. At the moment, this offense couldn’t beat a college defense. They have yet to crack 20 points and they are currently ranked 26th in the NFL with a -3 turnover margin. C.J. looks defeated, Caley looks in over his head, and DeMeco’s sound bites are more grating than encouraging. They are capable of so much more than what we’re seeing, but the lack of effective game planning and execution is threatening to crater their season before it even starts. Starting 0-5 is definitely on the board now.

Mike Bullock ​

Not sure “panic” is how I would describe it right now. More like confirmation of negative expectations. Every off-season we get fired up and want to hope this will be the year. Apparently, 2025 is not it. I wasn’t fully convinced Slowik was the problem last year, although he was certainly culpable. But, by that same measurement, Caley is fully NFL (not for long) at this juncture. There’s no excuse for this offense to look this incompetent. And if Demeco Ryans doesn’t want this aimed at him, he’s going to have to take the reins and do something immediately. If Caley is still on the staff by week 5 I’ll be fake-shocked. But the reality is, I no longer expect this franchise to do things winning franchises do…

Kenneth Levy​

I’m in full panic mode… and have zero idea how these other writer’s aren’t. The team is 0-3 and still has to play the Ravens, Bills, Chiefs, Chargers, and undefeated Colts. The offense could not literally be less productive or look less lost in the red zone. Football Insight on Twitter/X illustrated it best.

Texans offense has the fewest red zone trips and zero touchdowns on those trips pic.twitter.com/1KuP4sn17H

— Football Insights (@fball_insights) September 23, 2025

The reason for panic is that this was supposed to be the Texans peak season based on the roster and salaries. Both C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. will warrant massive contracts. After that, Houston will become one of the most top-heavy teams in the league.

Not to mention this offensive coordinator may be the most inept of all of them. Why do we entrust our offense to coordinators who have NEVER CALLED A PLAY BEFORE AT ANY LEVEL? It’s asinine and frankly offensive for it to have gone on this long.

I declare a state of panic.

Joe Critz​

Hm, now that I’ve slept on the shock that was yesterday, I’ll say no. I know it’s hard not to panic after how bad this offense has looked in three games, but I’m trying to give Caserio & Caley some grace with their decision making on that side of the ball. But, DJ Bien-Aime had a quote from the Texans Cookout show hosted by Chancellor Johnson that I saw on Twitter last night that I think strikes the nail on the head: “What I’ve seen from Nick Caley is so alarming…[the offense] is basically…uncooked chicken without seasoning…When you watch the all-22…where is the creativity of getting guys wide open?”

Texans Cookout Week 3:

It’s safe to say, @Djbienaime is not letting Nick Caley anywhere near the grill.

Over 45 minutes of discussion on what’s wrong with the Texans offense

https://t.co/uSObC32moW pic.twitter.com/HwSj3sn9Am

— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) September 22, 2025

I think there are problems with the blocking and penalties, but I don’t think either are a disaster. I think there’s problems with CJ Stroud’s processing, but it’s not a disaster either. I think the rushing attack is mediocre, but again, not a disaster. But, when you throw all of these rough edges into a stew of abhorrently bland offensive scheming, you get a disastrous result. I don’t know if it’s Caley keeping things bland in order to “give Stroud more audible control” and the blame actually rests on Stroud for not changing the offense on the field more, or if Caley is giving Stroud a horrible game plan every week, or if it’s somewhere in the middle. Either way, it’s not working and I don’t know if there’s an easy fix to the myriad of paper cut problems Houston is currently mired in. I also strongly agree with l4blitzer’s point about the quote, “luck is with those who don’t need it.” The Texans were an almost repulsively lucky team in 2023 and 2024, but now that they really need it in 2025, it’s going the other way. Four red zone turnovers can kill even the best teams, so when you’re unlucky like that AND a sloppy team, you’re asking for a losing record.

Despite that, I still don’t want to panic because I can see this offense progressing to league-average provided fewer penalties and better designs for Christian Kirk and Nico Collins, but I don’t know if it’ll be enough to make the playoffs. I don’t want to say that a conclusion like that is panic worthy, though, because I expect the team to finish in a better place this year than they did last year. I’ll try to use an older team as an example: the 2017 Chargers. This team started 0-4 with new head coach Anthony Lynn, but went 9-3 the rest of the year and barely missed the playoffs. In 2018, they kept the ball rolling, went 12-4 and beat rookie Lamar Jackson in the wildcard. Right now, I’m replacing panic with the hope that something like this will happen.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/group...s-analysis-opinion-tennesee-titans-nfl-week-4

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans: Cornerback Returns to Practice

The Houston Texans have dropped their first three games of the 2025 NFL season and will be looking to bounce back at home against the also-winless Tennessee Titans.

So far, the Texans have been in each game until the very end, mostly thanks to their defense, but there’s only so much the defense can do when the offense isn’t helping. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley has been taking a lot of heat for questionable play-calling and the overall look of the offense.

With that being said, there’s only so much Caley can do with the struggling offensive line assembled by General Manager Nick Caserio. Quarterback C.J. Stroud hasn’t looked like his former self, and a lot of that comes down to constant pressure. He’s uncomfortable in the pocket, which explains the passes he is now missing, that would normally be automatic.

The rushing attack hasn’t helped either. Nick Chubb is still a solid player, but there’s nowhere for him to run behind the offensive line. It might make sense to get rookie Woody Marks more involved, given his ability to break tackles and make plays in space.

There’s still time to turn things around, but the offense needs to get it together fast if the Texans want to salvage their season.

Here’s a look at Friday’s injury report:

LIMITED PARTICIPATION​

-CB Derek Stingley Jr. (Oblique)

FULL PARTICIPATION​

-C Jake Andrews (Ankle)

-OT Tytus Howard (Illness)

-WR Nico Collins (Knee)

Star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. returned to practice today, on a limited basis, and will officially be listed as questionable. That is great news, considering he missed practice entirely on Wednesday and Thursday. His status is still in doubt, despite getting that practice in, but his chances of playing have increased. Veteran Tremon Smith would step in and start, if he were to miss the game.

Everyone else is good to go, and Houston needs to win this game.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...nnessee-titans-cornerback-returns-to-practice

 

[Houston Texans]

Titan sized beatdown; Texans, Woody Marks dominate Tennessee for first win

Texans fans! Welcome to week 4, as our Houston Texans (0-3) faced off against a fellow bottom dweller in the Tennessee Titans (0-3). It isn’t breaking news to say that the home team is in desperate need of a win. Through three weeks, they’ve suffered heartbreaking losses against the Rams, Buccaneers, and most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While the losses have only been by a combined 12 points, Bill Parcells would say “you are what your record says you are!”. Thus, the Texans are staring up at the Colts in the division and are looking for any way to break through today against another winless unit in the Titans.

We at BRB are officially on “Stages of Suck” watch, so there was a major point of emphasis on all the key figures who would be most impacted by the outcome today. That would be Stroud, DeMeco, Caserio, and Caley.

But, we’ll get into that later. Right now, let’s recap!

First Quarter:

(Texans take the lead 3-0 thanks to Fairbairn’s boot)

After a 12 plays and 35 yards, the Texans got on the board via a 47 yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn from the Tennessee 29. 3-0 Texans

Second Quarter:

(Texans extend the lead to 6-0, thanks again to Ka’imi’s kicking proficiency.)

After virtually the same scoring drive (11 plays, 60 yards, 4:37 minutes) as in the 1st Quarter, Ka’imi again delivers the goods with a 43 yard field goal from the Tennessee 25.

Halftime: Texans: 6, Titans: 0

Analysis: At the half, the teams have combined for 249 yards, three sacks, zero red-zone trips, two missed field goals (Titans, Slye) and five punts. Truly, a toilet bowl affair on the part of both squads.

The defensive performance was outstanding, limited the Titans to 123 yards and 0 red zone trips. Cam Ward went 7-17 for only 83 yards.

However, Nick Caley’s offense responded with 6 points and only 3 more yards total (126). That’s not going to cut it, even against a team like the Titans. Hopefully, they pick things up in the second half.

Third Quarter:

(Texans miss 54 yard field goal, score still 6-0)

After getting the ball first to start the second half, the Texans went 9 plays and 33 yards to set up Fairbairn for a 54 yard field goal attempt. Unfortunately, hs missed wide right to keep the score 6-0.

Fourth Quarter:

(Houston, we have a touchdown! Texans make it 12-0 on a Woody Marks reception)

After a drive in which the Texans went 102 yards (!) on 17 total plays, Cj Stroud capped things off by hitting rookie RB Woody Marks on a 12-yard pass to finally break the scoring seal and increase the lead to 12-0. They went for a 2-point conversion but it was no good.

It’s the first TD in the very young career of the 4th round pick out of USC. Great find by Caserio.

(INT! The Texans’ get their second pick of the season)

With roughly 12:49 on the clock, Titans QB Cam Ward was intercepted by Texans All-Pro Derek Stingley on a tipped pass intended for WR Elic Ayomanor. It was their second INT of the season and first for Sting.

(Another touchdown! Texans extend the lead to 19-0 on deep reception to Higgins)

CJ Stroud finally secured his first game of multiple touchdown passes at the 9 minute mark in the 4th quarter. This happened when rookie receiver Jayden Higgins beat his man and caught a 24 yard long ball to make it 19-0 Houston!

It was the first touchdown reception of Jayden’s career and the 4th on the season for CJ.

(A third touchdown in the fourth! Woody gets into the endzone a second time for a commanding 26-0 lead)

Woody Marks couldn’t be stopped today! Capping off a drive of 6 plays and 41 yards, the rookie took it to the house on a phenomenal run to the left side to push the lead to 26-0. He also took a few ankles along the way.

It was his second of the day and his first on the ground. That gave him both a rushing and passing score for the game. (It might be safe to assume that the Texans have found their RB1 until Joe Mixon makes it back. Again, great job by Caserio)

The Texans defense completed the shutout of Cam Ward and the Titans in the 4th quarter, first victory secured.

Final Score: Texans (1-3): 26, Titans (0-4): 0

Looking ahead:

The Texans have to follow up their best overall game of the season by visiting Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium next week at 12pm.

Maybe they have some juice after all?.. Let’s see how their encore performance goes.

Here is the game by the numbers: (below)

BOX SCORE

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...s-final-score-results-player-statistics-recap

 

[Houston Texans]

Value of Things: By the Numbers

There was very little drama to Sunday’s game between the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. In the grand scheme of things, it feels good to know that you aren’t a complete dumpster fire. That would be the team on the opposing sideline today. So, looking at the numbers doesn’t really tell us anything earth shattering. It was a 26-0 football game. There isn’t a ton that needs to be revealed.

We still look at the numbers anyway because it is another data point. When the season is over and we are looking back at the total team numbers, this one will be one of the ones we look at. We also want to study the relevant numbers to see which ones correlate most strongly with winning and losing. I’m guessing we will see the usual suspects.

The Numbers​

• Total Yards: Texans 65/353, Titans 46/175
• Rushing Yards: Texans 35/129, Titans 18/82
• Passing Yards: Texans 30/224, Titans 28/93
• Sacks: Texans 2, Titans 2
• Third Downs: Texans 6/15, Titans 2/11
• Turnovers: Texans 0, Titans 1
• Penalties: Texans 6/50, Titans 4/35
• Time of Possession: Texans 38:21, Titans 21:39

I don’t want to overstate this. We will see the Titans again and there is always the risk of giving people proverbial bulletin board material. So, any statement that follows should be interpreted as what we have seen through week four. Things could change. Cam Ward will get better and the Titans offense should get better. However, through week four the Titans are visually and statistically the worst team in football. It isn’t even particularly close.

There are other winless teams. However, only the Saints have surrendered more points as I write this and no one has scored fewer points. By the way, the Jets and Dolphins have yet to play as I write this. So, that separation will be even more stark once all of the games are in books. They sit at nearly -70 on the season. For the math impaired, that is an average of nearly 18 points a game. They aren’t just losing. They are getting their doors blown off. Absolutely give credit to the Texans for doing what they should do. That’s where these things get started. Just don’t delude yourself into thinking they are back yet.

The Great​

No matter the quality of opponent, you have to show up and play. The defense showed up and played again. They have surrendered the fewest points of any team in the AFC. Yes, this was a terrible football team today, but they have also played three other teams with three wins on the season. If the season ended today, three of their four opponents would be in the playoffs. This is a championship level defense and that might be even more so once C.J. Gardner-Johnson was released.

Presumably, there are reinforcements on their way in the secondary. As long as the defense is playing this well, this team has a heartbeat. Jacksonville and Indianapolis sit at 3-1 and have a two game lead, but there is still time left to make that up and they see the Colts two times towards the end of the season. If you can imagine, there are things the defense could do better. They could have gotten more pressure on Ward. They could have done a better job against the run. Yet, this one was a shutout. Whatever we may say about the offense, this was an absolutely spectacular performance by the defense.

The Good​

Let’s not mince words, this was not a great offensive performance. Heck, considering the opponent it was probably not even a good one. However, there were some very encouraging signs. The biggest of those was Woody Marks. Marks scored the first two touchdowns of his NFL career. One of them came through the air and one on the ground. It is hopefully a perfect microcosm of the kind of threat that he can be every Sunday.

Nick Chubb had a solid day as he has in every game this season. He hasn’t dominated, but he has been the kind of back the Texans hoped he would be. Naturally, they hoped that would have been a complement to Joe Mixon. Mixon is eligible to come back, but the team is mum about his status. They desperately need someone to be the primary offensive weapon and Marks showed he could be up for the job. Hopefully, he doesn’t have to hold down that job for long.

Jayden Higgins also had his first touchdown reception of the season. The offense has three rookies that have shown they can help in limited action. It is high time that this action not be so limited. It was nice to see at least two of them get in on the action. Nico Collins also had some big catches, so he is at least on pace to have another 1000+ yard season.

The Bad​

There really is no bad in a 26-0 victory. However, that was a crappy football team on the other side. Yes, they will get better and for their sake I hope they aren’t this bad all season, but they were bad on this day. So, this does not mean that the offense is back. If anything, the calls for Nick Caley’s head get to be put on hold for another week. Still, there were some things that we saw that are causes for concern.

For one, it is obvious to anyone watching that Woody Marks, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylen Noel are more talented than some of the players playing in front of them. Smart offensive coordinators figure out how to get their most talented players involved in the offense. If those players are struggling with the whole playbook then you condense it and come up with packages where they can show off their athleticism. Caley did some of that today, but we still haven’t seen nearly enough of Noel on the offensive end.

More than anything, this offense looked like a golf cart with a governor restricting it. This was reminiscent of the Joe Pendry days when the Texans went into max protect but still couldn’t protect the quarterback. They played not to lose. It worked today, but that was due primarily because of the opponent. They see the Ravens next week. He will have to do more to beat a team like that.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...s-statistics-matchup-results-tennessee-titans

 

[Houston Texans]

Sunday Night Football Open Thread – Green Bay Packers at “Dallas” Cowboys

American Hero Case Keenum. | Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Tonight, SNF has an NFC clash featu—aw man, not another Cowboys game. Hasn’t America suffered enough? Fine, fine.

Here’s what you need to know to watch tonight’s game:

Who: Green Bay Packers (2-1) at “Dallas” Cowboys (1-2)

What: Sunday Night Football

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX* (*disputed)

When: Sunday, September 28, 7:20 p.m. CDT

Why: Because apparently Jerry Jones made a deal with Bud Adams to make sure the Cowboys get prime time games no matter how irrelevant they are.

TV: NBC, Universo

Radio: Westwood One

Streaming: Fubo*, Hulu + Live TV*, NBC Sports, NFL+*, Peacock*, SlingTV*, YouTubeTV* (*subscription required)

Enjoy the game, y’all.

Go, Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/gener...en-thread-green-bay-packers-at-dallas-cowboys

 

[Houston Texans]

The Day After the Day After: Reliving the Houston Texans’ shutout of the Tennessee Titans

The Day After the Day After…when the raw, immediate emotions from the aftermath of a game diminish into the realm of clarity and the proverbial (or literal) hangover no longer haunts the mind. With that, a review of Week 4:

The kids are alright. The narrative of the season for Houston has been the offense, or appalling lack thereof. Averaging 12.7 points/game coming into the matchup doesn’t inspire confidence, and for nearly 3 quarters, that pessimism was well-founded, as Houston only had 6 points on the board. Then after a key conversion (more later), the Texans offense found another gear. On three straight possessions, the Texans scored three straight touchdowns, to include two TDs in the red zone! The first TD came via the air from CJ Stroud to Woody Marks. The next was also off the arm of CJ Stroud, this time to top draft picks Jayden Higgins. The last TD came on Marks’ legs. Three TDs, two rookies. Throw in another solid day in punt returning from Jaylen Noel and some improvement from Tackle Aireontae Ersery, and yeah, for this game, the rookies are doing just fine.

Where the game turned: 2 and 33 at the HOU 18, 4:06 3rd quarter: What is it about the Texans needing to convert ridiculous down and distances to get their offense going? Prior to this point, this game was on pace to be a non-chemical replacement for anesthesia, with Houston holding on to a 6-0 lead. Houston suffered back-to-back significant penalties that took a 1st and 10 (holding, offensive pass interference) to 1st and 30. The subsequent run play resulted in a 3-yard loss. Not a lot of play-calls for converting 2nd and 33. Yet, Stroud takes the snap in shotgun, steps back a couple of paces, and then throws a long pass to a streaking Nico Collins, who is running a simple go route along the sideline against L’Jarius Sneed, who either misread the coverage, thinking there would be safety help, or just got plain beat. 37 yards later, Houston converts, setting the stage for a 20-point 4th quarter. This has shades of the Wild Card game when a Texans’ offense couldn’t get going, but after a bonkers 3rd and 19 conversion late in the 1st half of that game (this after nearly botching a shotgun snap), it seemed to settle Stroud and the offense towards a more productive game. This is a fascinating development, but not a formula for long-term success.

Run.The.Ball: One thing that can help a struggling team, especially a QB under mad duress, is to leverage the running game. That success has been a bit limited. Yet, even in Houston’s losses to Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, you wonder if the team just didn’t try to run the ball enough. Sure, Tampa Bay’s interior defensive line gave the squad some problems, but even on that infamous goal-line stand, Houston only ran the ball once in three plays at the 1. Against the Jags, Houston’s two main backs, Chubb and Marks, averaged over 4 yards a carry (4.2 and 4.5 yards respectively). Yet, they only got 15 combined carries in a game that Houston never trailed by more than one score. Sometimes Slowik might have been too reliant on running the ball, but Houston could do well to try to run it a bit more. In this game, Houston’s primary backs got 30 rushes (17 for 69 yards for Marks, 13 for 47 for Chubb). That isn’t quite over 4 yards a carry for those two, but 30 rushes for the running backs can really help out a QB, keeping some pressure off Stroud. A less harried Stroud is a more effective Stroud (22 of 28, 233 yards, 2 TDs, only 2 sacks). Helps when there is a healthy Ed Ingram at guard (quite a few runs followed his blocking) as well.

Was it the Texans finally getting right or are the Titans that bad? This was a much needed win for Houston on so many levels. That the offense put up 20 points in the 4th quarter was really, really important. Getting a shutout from the defense had to feel good after close loses the last three weeks. But you must account for the Titans. They were competitive for three quarters, and the Titans D’ kept them in it. However, by the 4th quarter, the Titans just seem to shut down. Second year coach Brian Callahan gave up play-calling this week, but it clearly didn’t make his life any easier. Then you have Cam Ward providing the mantra for their 2025 season (“We [KITTEN]”). Usually teams breaking in rookie QBs get some degree of grace period, but the Titans are in the midst of a 10-game losing streak across two seasons. Another bad performance or two, and Callahan is the 1st coach sacked, upsetting the betting markets that had Dolphins’ coach Mike McDaniel as the favorite for that “honor”.

FUN WITH NUMBERS:

3: Number of shutouts in team history. With the 26-0 win, Houston logged its third shutout in franchise history. The first came in 2004, when the Texans blanked the Jacksonville Jaguars 21-0. The next shutout came in 2010, when the vaunted Frank Bush defense (heavy on the sarcasm here folks) busted out a 20-0 shutout over…the Tennessee Titans. Given some of the personnel and coordinators that Houston had over the past 15 years, it is remarkable that Houston hadn’t pitched another shutout until now. Of course, the last team shutout is somewhat overshadowed by an event that typified the day for both teams…and was arguably the greatest highlight in this player’s history (which is really saying something).

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2.09: Time it took Jeffery Simmons to sack CJ Stroud in one play. If you though his sack of Stroud was a lighting quick play, you weren’t wrong. The fastest jump of snap most will ever see without being offsides (.32 seconds) and the stopwatch proved it. It was fortunate that Stroud didn’t fumble on that play.

GAME BALLS

RB Woody Marks: 119 total yards and 2 TDs on this offense will move you to the top of the TDATDA Game Ball rankings

Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke: Calling your first game as DC and pitch the 1st shutout in 15 years for Houston? The Most Interesting Defensive Coordinator in the World gets a game ball.

Titans DT Jeffery Simmons: A Titan with a game ball? Well, they are well represented in another list, so it would only be fair to acknowledge a Titan that did actually try. His 4 TFLs and 1 Sack highlight just how much of a terror he was to the Texans Oline.

SHOULD BE FORCED TO CLEAN UP AFTER JOHN MCCLAIN FINISHED UP AN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT RIBS SPECIAL AT ONE OF THE NRG CONCESSION STANDS WHILE LISTENING TO HIM GO ON ABOUT HOW HOUSTON SHOULD’VE DRAFTED ALL BAYLOR PLAYERS:

Titans PK Joey Slye: Perhaps a bit uncharitable to go after someone on the opposing team in a beatdown, but the Titans were very much in this game, especially in the 1st half. Honestly, the game should have been a 6-6 tie at halftime. Both FG attempts were inside of 50 yards and were kicked indoors. Can’t miss those.

CB L’Jarius Sneed: Yeah, you owned your trash-talking about Collins from earlier in the week, but to get burned on the game-changing route the way that you did? Gotta call that one out, especially if you are paid to be the #1 CB.

GM Nick Caserio: Sign Cam Robinson to a $14M one-year deal, only to watch him get beat out by a 2nd round rookie who is still kind of a raw prospect, then decide to flip him to Cleveland for minimal cap savings and throwing in a members’ reward 7th rounder for but a mere 6th? Yes, we all know what 6th round picks mean to Patriots’ alum, but still…not the best look here.

The good news is that Houston snaps its 3-game losing streak. The bad news is that Houston has to go to Baltimore, to play a wounded Ravens team at a place where the Texans have never won, and most of the games have been certified nightmares for Houston. Kickoff slated for this coming Sunday at noon CDT on CBS/Paramount+

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/analy...ouston-texans-shutout-of-the-tennessee-titans

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens: Opening Odds

The Houston Texans just won their first game of the season against the Tennessee Titans, and will be looking to bring that momentum into Baltimore, against the Ravens, who are facing a wide range of injuries heading into this matchup.

Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, and linebacker Roquan Smith have all been ruled out for this weekend, and their star quarterback Lamar Jackson is not guaranteed to play, after suffering a hamstring injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.

If Houston wants to seriously turn their season around, they have to take advantage of a beat up Ravens team, that has looked off, regardless of the injuries sustained recently.

OPENING ODDS​

As you can see, the Texans will be entering Baltimore as slight underdogs, and that will change even more if Jackson is ruled out, but it will take a lot for him to miss this game. Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to get in on the action.

Houston’s defense has been good all season, and will show up when it matters, but the offense has been what has held the team back, but this past game may be the confidence boost that has been needed to get things on the right track.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...uston-texans-vs-baltimore-ravens-opening-odds