“Tank, he’s grinding. Great attitude,” Ryans said at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting, via KPRC’s Aaron Wilson. “Don’t know if OTAs he’ll be there, but I know he’ll back for us at some point this year. As I told Tank, it’s not a matter of getting back to OTAs just to get back, it’s just a matter of getting back in a really good spot physically to where you stay there.

“That’s the main thing. It’s not about how quickly he returns. It’s just about Tank returning because we saw what Tank can do, the playmaking that he provides to our entire team. Just getting him back, whenever that time is, it’s going to lift our team.“

Tank Dell’s devastating injury

In December 2024, Tank Dell suffered a catastrophic knee injury during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, involving a dislocated kneecap and multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL, MCL, and LCL. This devastating injury required two major surgeries and sidelined him for the entire 2025 season as he underwent a grueling rehabilitation process.

Aerial options for C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud’s air attack for the 2026 season is anchored by the dominant Nico Collins, who remains one of the league’s most physical and productive deep threats. Joining him is Jayden Higgins, a dynamic playmaker expected to provide immediate versatility and explosive potential to the Texans‘ offense.

CJ Stroud had a chance to silence his doubters, but failed to do so. In the biggest challenge of his career so far, the Texans quarterback threw four interceptions in the first half. Despite the disastrous performance, head coach DeMeco Ryans has made it clear that he still believes in him.

“I talked with CJ today and my message is the same,” Ryans said on Monday. “Right now, it’s just about him flushing this one. It’s going to be a lot of negative talk, a lot of attention on him. He can’t listen to it all. He’s just got to get back to work in the offseason of going back to the basics, the fundamentals of playing the quarterback position, playing it really well, understanding how we need to play the game to win the game. He understands that already.

“I just told him, ‘Don’t listen to anything. Put your phone away. Don’t listen to anything, because there’s going to be a lot of negative talk out there for you.’ Specifically, I just told him to get away, clear his mind. Because right now, at this moment, I know there’s going to be a lot of attention on him, a lot of negative media, and today, a lot of questions about him.

2026 could be CJ Stroud’s final test

Although the Texans managed to reach the 2026 playoffs, their postseason run was far from impressive. While they defeated the Steelers in the Wild Card round, the victory came largely thanks to their defense rather than Stroud’s play.

When the Texans selected Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they expected him to quickly become the franchise quarterback they had been searching for. So far, the former Ohio State standout has fallen short of those expectations.

Stroud showed promise during his rookie season, leading many to believe he would guide Houston to long-term success. However, his production has declined since then, raising concerns about his development and overall progression.

The quarterback is eligible for a contract extension, but the team is expected to exercise his fifth-year option for the 2027 season instead. At this point, the 2026 campaign appears to be a pivotal year—one that could determine whether Stroud earns a long-term deal or if the Texans begin exploring other options.

The Texans’ ongoing search for a franchise QB

Houston remains one of the youngest franchises in the NFL, having debuted in 2002. In more than two decades, the Texans have yet to find a truly consistent franchise quarterback, and that search may continue.

If Stroud is unable to establish himself as the long-term answer, he would join a long list of quarterbacks who failed to lead the Texans to sustained success, including David Carr, Matt Schaub, Deshaun Watson, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

During the game’s broadcast, DeMeco Ryans said “this team has his back,” when asked about Stroud’s performance. Stroud had 10/26 completions, four interceptions (including a pick-6), only one touchdown and a mere 124 yards.

Rumors started to go around that the Texans could bench Stroud in the second half in favor of Davis Mills, but with that statement, Ryans pretty much assured Stroud as the team’s quarterback despite a disastrous first half. Stroud’s performance during the first two quarters was so bad, even Joe Mixon, who is injured, took to socials to post how he felt.

The Texans are so good, they’re still competed

Stroud sent four interceptions, however, the Texans defense is so good the Patriots weren’t able to get a definitive distance in the first half. Stroud’s interceptions were mostly controlled by the Texans defense also provoking fumbles. The unit is too elite.

Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter are arguably the best pass-rusher duo in the NFL. Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. are arguably the best cornerback duo in the league. They also have a Pro Bowl linebacker like Azeez Al-Shaair. With that defense, they can remain in games even when the offense doesn’t click.

Stroud is entering a key moment in his career

Next year will be Stroud’s fourth in the NFL. Hence, the former second overall pick will be trying to prove to the Texans that he is the franchise quarterback. That’s arguably what makes or breaks a QB’s career. If he doesn’t get that contract, it’s likely that he won’t be seen as a franchise QB anymore.

The team’s star missed the last few games due to being in the concussion protocol. However, according to DeMeco Ryans in a press conference, later reported by journalist Aaron Wilson, Stroud will return as the starter once he’s 100%.

“Texans C.J. Stroud, Jalen Pitre remain in #NFL concussion protocol. When C.J. Stroud is out of protocol, ‘C.J. will be our starter’. Both Stroud and Pitre are expected to clear and play against #Colts,” the insider reported via @AaronWilson_NFL.

Mills’ recent performances as the Texans’ starting quarterback clearly weren’t enough to keep him in the role, as the coach is betting on Stroud’s talent to lead the team during this crucial stretch of the NFL season.

Mills’ numbers leading the Texans

Stepping in as the Texans’ starter during C.J. Stroud’s absence, Davis Mills delivered mixed results over three games. Mills posted 653 passing yards with a 60.2% completion rate, but struggled notably with ball security, throwing 4 interceptions against only 3 touchdowns.

This inconsistent play, marked by a negative turnover differential, highlights the drop-off in offensive efficiency the Texans experienced without their starting quarterback.

Still in the hunt for the AFC South

The Houston Texans enter a critical three-game sequence, starting with a crucial road divisional clash against the Indianapolis Colts, followed by a daunting trip to the Kansas City Chiefs and a key home game versus the Arizona Cardinals.

The Texans must emerge from this challenging slate with positive results to put pressure on both the Colts and the Jaguars and make a serious run for the top spot in the AFC South standings.

Starting to play in 2002, the Houston Texans quickly forged an identity built on grit and ambition. In just over two decades, the franchise has seen defensive powerhouses and leaders who carried the team through defining seasons.

From the dominance of J.J. Watt to the precision of Andre Johnson, each era brought a new face to Houston’s rise. Their history may be brief, but its moments of greatness have left a lasting impression across the NFL landscape.

Together, these players chart the evolution of a young franchise finding its voice—through records broken, rivalries ignited and performances that turned Houston into a true football city.

J.J. Watt

The legend of J.J. Watt in Houston is defined by an unparalleled combination of on-field dominance and profound civic heroism. He became the franchise’s all-time defensive anchor, achieving the near-impossible feat of earning the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award three times.

His relentless motor, versatility across the defensive line, and ability to score touchdowns made him the most electrifying defensive player of his generation. However, his legacy transcends sacks and tackles for loss.

Following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, he cemented his status as a city icon by leading a massive, global fundraising campaign that raised over $37 million for relief efforts. This act of selfless leadership earned him the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, forever linking his name with Houston’s resilience and community spirit.

Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson was the original pillar of the Houston Texans franchise, the first true star wide receiver whose consistent, record-breaking production provided the offensive identity for the team’s first decade.

Drafted third overall in 2003, he amassed team records in nearly every receiving category, including career receptions and receiving yards. His dominance was particularly notable for his ability to achieve elite numbers despite a rotating and often inconsistent group of quarterbacks throwing him the ball.

He became one of only three players in the Super Bowl era—along with Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson—to lead the NFL in receiving yards in back-to-back seasons. His career culminated in him becoming the inaugural inductee into the Texans’ Ring of Honor.

DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins seamlessly assumed the mantle of the Texans’ star receiver from Andre Johnson, quickly establishing himself as one of the most physically gifted wideouts of his era. His tenure in Houston was marked by stunning catches, elite consistency, and numerous All-Pro selections, showcasing a spectacular vertical game and the ability to win jump balls against any defensive back.

His production peaked during a remarkable run where he posted five 1,000-yard seasons, including a career-high 1,572 yards in 2018. He was a master of his craft, known for his sure hands and precise route-running.

His unexpected and controversial departure in 2020 via trade remains a highly debated topic among the fanbase, but his dominance solidified his status as one of the franchise’s all-time offensive forces.

Arian Foster

The story of Arian Foster is one of the NFL’s great underdog narratives. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009, he transformed into one of the league’s most dominant rushers, shattering expectations and setting numerous franchise rushing records.

Known for his unique, elusive running style and patience behind the line, he was the engine of the Texans’ offense during their first successful playoff era. He led the NFL in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2010 and remains the Texans’ all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

His success validated the team’s development program and made him an inspirational figure whose philosophical, non-conformist personality set him apart both on and off the gridiron.

Duane Brown

Duane Brown anchored the Texans’ offensive line as the team’s reliable left tackle for nearly a decade, serving as the crucial “blind side” protector for quarterbacks like Matt Schaub. Drafted in the first round in 2008, he immediately established himself as one of the best pass blockers in the AFC, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and a First-team All-Pro nod in 2012.

The durable lineman was instrumental in the team’s first successful playoff runs, providing the stability necessary for both the passing game and Arian Foster’s running attack. His eventual departure in a mid-season trade in 2017—a move preceded by a contract holdout—was a controversial moment that signaled a shift in the organization’s approach to its veteran core.

Matt Schaub

Matt Schaub was the franchise quarterback who presided over the Houston Texans’ first true era of competitive relevance. Traded to the team in 2007, he spent seven seasons as the starter, earning two Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in passing yards in 2009. He was the field general who guided the Texans to their first-ever playoff berth in 2011, achieving multiple franchise records along the way.

His tenure was marked by dramatic highs—including a franchise-record 379 passing yards in one game—but also by a difficult downturn near the end of his time in Houston, often remembered for a highly public string of interceptions returned for touchdowns. Despite the final struggles, he remains the quarterback synonymous with the organization’s initial rise from expansion team to AFC contender.

Kareem Jackson

Kareem Jackson was a versatile and long-tenured fixture of the Texans’ secondary, spending nine seasons with the franchise after being drafted in the first round in 2010.

His defining trait was his remarkable positional flexibility, starting his career at cornerback before successfully transitioning to safety later in his tenure. This ability to adapt made him an indispensable component of the defense for nearly a decade.

His longevity and consistent defensive production—leaving the team tied for the franchise lead in career interceptions—made him an immediate leader and a respected veteran. He embodied the tough, physical secondary that defined the Texans’ best defensive units of the 2010s, consistently making impact plays across multiple defensive schemes.

Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson‘s tenure with the Texans is one of the most complex and ultimately tragic narratives in franchise history. On the field, he was an undeniable star who brought a level of elite quarterback play the organization had long coveted. He led the Texans to back-to-back division titles in 2018 and 2019 and led the league in passing yards in 2020, earning three Pro Bowl honors.

However, the final chapter of his time in Houston became permanently marred by extensive off-field controversy and legal challenges related to misconduct allegations. His subsequent disagreement with the front office and eventual trade to the Browns left a highly polarizing void, cementing his legacy as a figure whose immense talent was overshadowed by scandal and an untimely exit.

Mario Williams

Mario Williams holds the distinction of being the first-ever overall draft pick by the Houston Texans in 2006, a selection that came under intense scrutiny but ultimately provided the team with an elite defensive anchor.

“Super Mario” was a towering defensive end whose speed and power established him as a premier pass-rusher, answering critics by earning two consecutive First-team All-Pro selections and multiple Pro Bowl nods.

He became a foundational piece of the defense, consistently ranking among the league leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. His explosive play was critical in the team’s transition toward competitive relevance in the late 2000s, even though he later departed in free agency, leaving a legacy of immense physical dominance and high-stakes draft significance.

DeMeco Ryans

DeMeco Ryans’ importance to the Texans is uniquely defined by his success in two different eras of the franchise. Initially drafted in 2006, he was the defensive heart of the team, earning the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl selections as a player.

He was a relentless tackler and a quiet leader, captaining the 2011 squad that claimed the franchise’s inaugural playoff berth. His return to the Texans as head coach in 2023 completed a compelling circle.

He immediately implemented a culture shift, focusing on defensive aggression and team discipline. He led the team to a stunning AFC South title and a playoff victory in his first season, becoming the first coach in NFL history to win a division with a rookie quarterback in his first year as a head coach.

C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud represents the immediate hope and spectacular future of the Houston Texans franchise. Drafted second overall in 2023, he became the catalyst for an instant turnaround, delivering one of the greatest rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history.

He was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and led the Texans to an unexpected division title and a playoff victory. His debut was record-breaking: he set the NFL mark for the most pass attempts without an interception to begin a career and became just the fifth quarterback in league history to surpass 4,000 yards in his rookie campaign.

His poise, intelligence, and immediate success under pressure established him as the young face of the franchise and the dynamic engine behind the team’s current resurgence.

Owen Daniels

Owen Daniels was the dependable, two-time Pro Bowl tight end who provided crucial stability and production in the Texans’ passing game for years. Drafted in 2006, he became the team’s primary receiving threat at the position, known for his sure hands and consistent yards-after-catch ability.

He anchored the offense for over seven seasons, totaling 385 receptions and 4,617 receiving yards with Houston. His quiet reliability made him indispensable during the team’s first playoff runs, providing a necessary safety valve for quarterback Matt Schaub.

While he achieved his Super Bowl ring with the Broncos later in his career, his work in Houston established the benchmark for tight end production within the franchise.

Shane Lechler

Shane Lechler, often regarded as one of the greatest punters in NFL history, brought elite, long-range field position control to the Texans’ special teams unit. After a long, successful run with the Raiders, he joined Houston in 2013 and continued his exceptional career, leading the league in punting yards multiple times.

His dominance was built on immense leg strength and remarkable consistency, earning him multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors over his career. His presence solidified special teams and provided a decisive advantage in field position battles, ensuring the Texans had a specialist whose excellence helped tilt the statistical margins of countless games.

Whitney Mercilus

Whitney Mercilus was a highly productive outside linebacker and a key pass-rushing threat who spent the majority of his career as a staple of the Texans’ defensive front. Drafted in the first round in 2012, he recorded a career-high 12 sacks in 2015 and earned a Second-team All-Pro selection in 2016.

He was a relentless force on the edge, known for his high motor and ability to generate turnovers and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He was an integral component of the team’s defense during their competitive period of the mid-2010s, showcasing the high level of talent that defined the Texans’ defensive draft strategy.

Will Fuller

Will Fuller was the electrifying deep threat whose blazing speed and big-play capability stretched opposing defenses during his time in Houston. Drafted in the first round in 2016, he quickly established himself as a dynamic, game-breaking receiver, often pairing perfectly with Deshaun Watson’s downfield passing ability. His speed was his signature asset.

His impact was immediate, setting a franchise rookie record for receiving yards in a season opener. When healthy, his presence completely altered defensive schemes. Despite his career being hampered by injuries, his spectacular highlights and constant threat to score on any given play make him one of the most memorable offensive weapons in franchise history.

Jadeveon Clowney

Jadeveon Clowney’s time with the Texans is defined by the unique burden of expectations placed upon a No. 1 overall pick. Drafted in 2014, he was hailed as a “once-in-a-generation” defensive talent who would form a terrifying duo with J.J. Watt. While his career never quite reached the consensus Hall of Fame trajectory expected of the top pick, he was a dominant edge presence when healthy.

He was an exceptional run defender and set a powerful edge, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections during his tenure. His legacy in Houston is complex: despite his immense talent and high-level play, his inability to reach the 10-sack mark in any season and his eventual trade in 2019 left fans with a sense of “what if” regarding his ultimate potential.

Johnathan Joseph

Johnathan Joseph was the veteran cornerback whose arrival in 2011 instantly transformed the Texans’ historically weak pass defense into one of the league’s best. Signed in free agency, he became the shutdown corner the franchise desperately needed, providing stability and leadership to a young secondary that included rookie Kareem Jackson.

He was a two-time Pro Bowler and earned a Second-team All-Pro nod, retiring as the franchise leader in both career interceptions and interceptions returned for touchdowns. His intelligence, calm demeanor, and ability to consistently match up against the AFC’s top receivers made him an invaluable mentor and a beloved anchor in the defensive backfield for nine seasons.

Eric Winston

Eric Winston embodied the rugged, unheralded reliability of the offensive line during the Texans’ rise to contention. Drafted in 2006, the towering right tackle became an immediate starter and anchored the line for six seasons, providing critical pass protection for the franchise’s first great offensive period under Matt Schaub and Arian Foster.

His influence extended far beyond the gridiron, as he became a highly respected voice in the locker room and eventually served as the President of the NFL Players Association. His outspoken advocacy for player rights, particularly during the 2011 lockout, defined him as a principled leader whose quiet commitment earned him immense respect across the entire league.

Connor Barwin

Connor Barwin was the energetic and versatile linebacker whose breakout season was instrumental in the Texans’ 2011 defensive resurgence. Drafted in 2009, he initially played defensive end before shifting to outside linebacker, where his relentless motor and athleticism truly shined under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

His most memorable single-game performance came in 2011 when he set a then-franchise record with four sacks in a single game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though his overall tenure was relatively short, his high-energy production and position flexibility were crucial elements that helped transform the Texans’ defense into an AFC powerhouse, earning him a place among the team’s most effective pass rushers.

Dunta Robinson

Dunta Robinson was a high-risk, high-reward cornerback and one of the first major foundational draft picks in franchise history, selected 10th overall in 2004. He immediately lived up to his draft status, winning the PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year Award after his debut season.

His career in Houston was marked by his aggressive, physical playstyle, which often generated big hits and turnovers. While he became the first player in Texans history to receive the franchise tag, his contentious contract negotiations and eventual departure defined the early struggles of the franchise to retain homegrown talent. He left the team as the all-time interceptions leader, cementing his place as a dynamic but complicated figure in the secondary.

Steve Slaton

Steve Slaton’s brief but brilliant run with the Texans established him as the franchise’s first true rushing sensation. Drafted in the third round in 2008 as a projected third-down back, he shattered expectations, being thrust into the starting role and leading all rookie running backs in rushing yards with over 1,200. His rookie campaign was defined by explosive speed and quickness, instantly becoming a fan favorite.

His success was pivotal in helping the Texans’ offense set new franchise records in yards and production during the late 2000s, often getting stronger as the season progressed. Although injuries tragically cut short his tenure and explosive production, his rookie year remains one of the most exciting individual debut seasons in team history.

Danieal Manning

Danieal Manning was the veteran safety whose arrival in 2011 was key to transforming the Texans’ struggling defense into a top-tier unit. Signed in free agency, he provided the necessary veteran presence and playmaking skills to elevate the defensive backfield. He brought versatility, playing both free and strong safety, and was a reliable tackling presence

His impact was immediate, helping the defense flip its narrative from one of the league’s worst to one of the best in a single season, paving the way for the team’s first playoff berth. His four seasons in Houston cemented his reputation as a hard-hitting, intelligent veteran who thrived under the disciplined defensive system of Wade Phillips.

Amobi Okoye

Amobi Okoye holds a unique piece of NFL history as the youngest player ever drafted in the first round of the modern NFL Draft, selected 10th overall in 2007 at the age of 19. His early career in Houston was marked by remarkable promise, as the defensive tackle earned the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month award for September 2007.

His legacy is defined by his record-breaking youth and his subsequent personal battle for survival. After his initial four seasons with the Texans, his career was tragically interrupted by a diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, which required him to be placed in a medically induced coma. His fight to return to the NFL after overcoming such a rare and severe illness is a deeply moving story of human resilience.

Chester Pitts

Chester Pitts is the embodiment of the early Texans’ fighting spirit and a true organizational original. Drafted in the second round of the inaugural 2002 NFL Draft, he became the first player in franchise history to start every game he played with the team during his eight seasons in Houston. This streak of durability and consistency made him the cornerstone of the offensive line.

A former college walk-on, his journey from a grocery bagger to an indispensable NFL starter is a testament to perseverance. His consistent presence provided the necessary foundation for the offense during the franchise’s difficult expansion years, and his enduring commitment to the Houston community, highlighted by his charitable foundation, solidified his reputation as a true local legend.

Domanick Williams

Domanick Williams (formerly Domanick Davis) immediately established himself as the premier offensive star in the early years of the Texans franchise. Drafted in 2003, he won the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award and proceeded to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. He was a versatile threat, combining powerful running with exceptional receiving skills out of the backfield.

He was the initial offensive focal point that gave the Texans an identity outside of their expansion status. Although his promising career was tragically cut short after only three seasons due to a knee injury in 2005, his explosive production and immediate success made him the first great running back in team history.

The veteran running back has been sidelined with a foot injury since the offseason and was placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list in late August — a move that has kept him from seeing any game action alongside his teammates so far this season.

Nick Caserio spoke to the media about the situation and, while stopping short of confirming a return date, revealed that the team will wait a few more weeks before having a clearer picture of Mixon’s physical condition.

“He is making progress. . . Over the next few three or four weeks probably we’ll get more information here,” the General Manager stated on his press conference. “But, taking one day at a time.”

What happened to Mixon?

The Houston Texans are still operating without veteran running back Joe Mixon, who has missed the entire 2025 season after sustaining a foot/ankle injury during an offseason workout. Mixon was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, which ruled him out for at least the first four games.

While the 29-year-old is now eligible to be activated, General Manager Nick Caserio stated on Tuesday that there is no set timetable for his return.

In the meantime, the Texans’ backfield has relied on a shared workload between veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks. Mixon, who ran for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, remains a significant question mark for the team’s offensive outlook.

Getting back into AFC South contention

The Houston Texans are suddenly surging in the AFC South race, riding a two-game winning streak to climb back into contention. After a dominant 44-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Texans now sit at a 2-3 record, putting pressure on the division leaders.

With the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars currently atop the division with 4-1 records, Houston is now just two games back in the loss column. While the schedule stiffens ahead, C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ offense have shown flashes of their potential, proving they are far from out of the hunt as they enter their bye week looking to build on their momentum and close the gap on their AFC South rivals.

Ryans reflected on the performance after the game, according to reporter Aaron Wilson. He expressed pride in the team for stepping up and executing well across all phases.

“Proud of all of our guys for the way they showed up today and executed in all three phases of the game. Guys played the game the right way. We finished it the right way. Couldn’t be more proud of everyone, just as an organization, for us to come up here, our first win in Baltimore means a lot to a lot of people here. Proud for all of our guys being a part of that,” Ryans said.

Houston entered the matchup with a 1-3 record, coming off their first win over the Tennessee Titans after losing their first three games. A road win against Ravens in Baltimore was especially significant, marking the first in franchise history.

How the Texans played vs Ravens

The Texans controlled the game from start to finish, holding a 24-7 lead at halftime. Baltimore didn’t reach the end zone until the third quarter when Henry scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown.

CJ Stroud had a standout performance leading the Texans’ offense, completing 23 of 27 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. His play was the best of his NFL season so far, providing Houston with the firepower needed to dominate the Ravens.

The Texans now look ahead to their next matchup as road opponents. They will enjoy a bye week before resuming action against the Seattle Seahawks on October 20 at 10 p.m. ET.

The Texans could look to take advantage of Baltimore’s injury concerns. Jackson remains questionable with a hamstring issue, while the Ravens are already without cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf), defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), and linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring).

Even with Jackson’s status uncertain, the Texans have made it clear they are preparing as if the former NFL MVP will play. During a press conference, Ryans was asked if Houston has tried to simulate Jackson’s skill set in practice. His response showed both honesty and respect.

“We cannot replicate Lamar Jackson. I have no one here who can help me,” Ryans said with a laugh in a video posted by Houston Stressans on X. “It’s very difficult to replicate Lamar. You try sometimes, maybe put receivers or other skilled players at quarterback, but it’s not the same.”

Ryans praised Lamar Jackson

The 41-year-old coach, now in his third season leading the Texans, went on to heap praise on Jackson, who continues to be regarded as one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks.

“When you see Lamar on a Sunday, you see that’s a bad man. Nobody can replicate him. He’s a special player, all in a league of his own. We don’t even try to replicate him,” Ryans said.

The Texans have been steady defensively despite their inconsistent record, and they will look to pressure whoever lines up under center for Baltimore in Week 5. If Jackson is unable to play, veteran backup Cooper Rush is expected to take over.

They say winning breeds more winning — and losing can do the same. That’s exactly the trap the Texans must avoid. The NFL season always offers a shot at redemption, but there’s little room left for error if Houston wants to take control of the division once again.

Following the narrow one-point loss to the Bucs at NRG Stadium, it was Stroud himself who spoke to the media and expressed his desire to have a serious, closed-door conversation with his teammates in order to quickly turn things around.

“As a team, we’ve just got to stay together,” the QB said during his press conference. “Everybody’s going to talk crazy — ‘we suck, we this, we that.’ At the end of the day, we’ve got to stay together and mesh well. Be honest and have hard conversations. I think right now we need more confidence, at least on offense, confidently playing better together. I think that’s a big thing.”

Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay marked the second straight defeat for DeMeco Ryans’ team, as the Texans also dropped their season opener at SoFi Stadium against the Rams.

Learning from mistakes

While the first two games of the season have ended in tough losses for Houston, the road ahead is still long. Breaking the losing streak next week will be crucial, and doing so will require the team to learn—above all—from what not to do moving forward in order to achieve better results.

“It’s a long season. It’s week two,” Stroud said. “Hopefully, we learned our lessons and learned to put teams away and learn to put points on the board. We can say a bunch of different things and what could have went right, but at the end of the day, it’s about winning games. And those last plays that are in between those are the games, those are the plays that you end up winning or losing on.”

AFC South in jeopardy

The Texans’ tough start to the season comes with an added challenge: surprisingly to many, the Indianapolis Colts are off to a 2-0 start, standing as the sole leaders of the AFC South. If Ryans can’t get the team back on track soon, his dynasty in the division could be in serious jeopardy by year’s end.

If the Texans want to establish themselves as serious contenders in the AFC South, securing a home victory will be absolutely crucial. Of course, that’s easier said than done.

That’s something Ryans fully understands. In fact, he considers Mayfield one of the top quarterbacks in the league for a variety of reasons, and knows he’ll need to be fully prepared for what the Bucs’ signal-caller can bring to the field.

“Baker’s doing a really nice job. The thing that sets him apart, where I’ve seen him grow as a quarterback, [is] how he escapes the pocket. Whether that’s keeping his eyes downfield to find open receivers or just scrambling to get the first down. He does a really great job. He’s gutsy, he has everything you want. Quarterback, tough guy, he scrambles to make plays; running and pass.”

Over the course of his NFL career, the former Browns quarterback has recorded two wins and two losses against Houston. On Monday, he’ll look to tip that record in his favor.

The game plan to stop Mayfield

Throughout his NFL career, Mayfield has established himself as one of the most solid quarterbacks of his generation. Ryans knows he can’t leave anything to chance — even if stopping the former Oklahoma standout will be anything but easy.

“He scrambles to make plays, run and pass. So, you just have to play together,” Ryans said. “That’s what we preach all the time is the rush, staying after it, playing together, and our guys in coverage, we have to make sure we’re plastering and staying in coverage, covering the guys twice because we know he can escape from anywhere.”

CJ Stroud will be without one of his key weapons

The Houston Texans’ offense is facing a significant challenge with the prolonged absence of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon. The team has placed Mixon on the Non-Football Injury list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season.

This is a major blow to a unit that was expected to lean on the RB’s ground game to complement quarterback C.J. Stroud’s passing attack. Following their opening-day struggles, concerns are mounting, especially after head coach DeMeco Ryans offered a cryptic update, with a major admission about Joe Mixon’s future with the team.

While the Texans have a solid depth chart, the void left by Mixon’s production and on-field presence will be difficult to fill.

That game was a thriller, with then rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud leading a 39-37 comeback win for the Texans. When looking back at that day, however, Mayfield emphasized on Ryans’ impact on the Texans’ growth.

“It starts with DeMeco Ryans,” Mayfield told Bucs reporter Casey Phillips, via @tmilrealdeal on X. “Just the type of guy he is, the type of leader, a guy who was a successful NFL linebacker– he’s going to demand that his guys play extremely hard, and that’s the one thing I remember [from 2 years ago]. They fly to the ball. It presents a tough task for us, but we’ll see what we can do.”

Ryans turned the Texans around

Mayfield’s praise for Ryans makes absolute sense. The former San Francisco 49ers assistant made an immediate impact upon being hired by Houston in 2023, leading the team to the AFC South title en route to its first playoff appearance since 2019.

The Texans made it to the Divisional Round for the second straight season on Ryans’ watch in 2024, losing to eventual Super Bowl LIX runners-up Kansas City Chiefs in a game that didn’t lack in controversy.

A challenging test for Mayfield and the Bucs

This year, Ryans and company are looking to bounce back from a 0-1 start though, having suffered a narrow, 14-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in their season opener in California.

Therefore, Mayfield and the Buccaneers (1-0 after beating the Atlanta Falcons 23-20 in Week 1) know their upcoming visit to the NRG Stadium will probably force them to bring their A-game. Last time out in Houston, not even a 37-point performance was enough to claim the win. Will the Bucs find a way to victory Monday night? One thing is for sure: an entire nation will be watching.