Texans’ Offensive Struggles Put Season at Early Crossroads

The Houston Texans’ struggles continued in their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The offense was dreadful to watch for most of the game, and much like the Rams matchup, a costly fumble proved too much to overcome. The offensive line was bullied throughout, and the run game was middling. Questions about Nick Caley’s offense and C.J. Stroud‘s stagnant development are only growing louder.

Houston’s 0-3 start is troubling, especially after dropping an early divisional game to Jacksonville. Meanwhile, the Colts sit at 3-0 (1-0 in the AFC South). A 0-3 start isn’t a death sentence—the 2018 Texans made the playoffs after an identical start. However, the team cannot afford any more missteps.

Offense Shows No Signs of Life

Through three weeks, the Texans are averaging just 12.7 points per game—last in the NFL, and down from 18.3 points at this time last season. The offense is averaging 172.3 passing yards and 95 rushing yards per game, which is a drop off from last season when the team was 2-1 and averaging 267 passing yards and 102.3 rushing yards per game.

The offseason changes were supposed to spark growth. After parting ways with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and hiring Nick Caley, the expectation was that Stroud would have more control and that new, dynamic schemes would emerge.

That just has not been the case. Instead, the offense has regressed, and the numbers back it up.

Installing a new system takes time, but some signs of progress should be visible. Jacksonville and Chicago have new, offensive head coaches this season, and while their offenses have had their share of growing pains, there’s visible growth in Trevor Lawrence and Caleb Williams.

It’s still too early to say moving on from Slowik was the wrong call, but so far, Caley’s offense hasn’t lived up to expectations.