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Texans Offense Thrives Through Full-Team Effort Against 49ers

Originally posted on The Lead | By Cody Taylor | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 11:09 PM ET

The Houston Texans (3-4) were triumphant over the San Francisco 49ers (5-3), winning 26-15. It is Houston’s first win this season over a team with a winning record, and an important step forward.

After Houston’s awful showing in Seattle, it was a relief to see the offense function the way it did. This was the offense that everyone was hoping to see after the bye week, and it was imperative that they bounced back from their trip to the Pacific Northwest.

One game under .500 is a step in the right direction from their 0-3 start, and the planning for Denver starts now. While Denver’s defense is much better than San Francisco’s, Houston should be able to build off of their win for next week.

Stroud and the Offensive Line Were In Sync

C.J. Stroud had his best showing of the season last week, throwing for 318 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.

The offensive line held up for him all game and did not allow a sack for the first time this season. Stroud had time to navigate the pocket and get the ball delivered to his playmakers.

The mess in Seattle would have destroyed any quarterback’s confidence; this bounce-back game was needed to keep the season alive. The protection also allowed Stroud to make two successful quarterback sneaks in 4th-and-1 situations.

7⃣ 8⃣1⃣

: @nflonfox pic.twitter.com/WXyBCDHWAk

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 26, 2025

Woody Hit the Mark

If Woody Marks is on the field, magic can happen.

There is a noticeable difference in the offense when Marks is on the field versus when it’s Nick Chubb or Dare Ogunbowale. Chubb’s style is downhill power running, and Ogunbowale is a pass-catching specialist out of the backfield.

When Marks is on the field, it can be a run or a pass, as he brings a more dynamic level to the offense. Marks had 62 yards rushing and 49 yards receiving, continuing to impact the game as a dual-threat option. As the season has progressed, his involvement has grown and it continues to help the offense.

No Collins, No problem

Star wide receiver Nico Collins was out due to a concussion suffered in the Seattle loss, but that didn’t hinder the offense.

In fact, it opened the door for Stroud to rely on his other playmakers and not solely Collins.

Xavier Hutchinson had five receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. Jaylin Noel (63 yards) and Braxton Berrios(38 yards) each also had five catches. Jayden Higgins (34 yards) had four catches and a touchdown.

CJ Stroud with time & building chemistry with Jaylin Noel pic.twitter.com/FMAMzKvTCn

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) October 26, 2025

While Collins is Stroud’s most trusted receiver, his injury proved to be important to see how much the QB could trust the rest of the receivers. Even when Collins returns, Stroud needs to lean on the others to keep the offense fluid and less predictable for defenses to attack. That is the key for the offense to turn the season around.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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