![Houston Texans fan stays late after the Texans' loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTE2NjAwMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc0OTY2MjMzMn0.FqdR5nG52Wt-Fq0LQvU2s-FeYSdUWRqD4AwQ1gX3X0Q/img.jpg?width=1200&height=800&quality=65&coordinates=4%2C0%2C5%2C0)
Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images
A frustrated Texans fan
After their disheartening 16-10 home loss to the Panthers, I knew several Texans fans that are fed up. They're ready for change. Whether it's a new head coach, new play caller, or whatever, they're tired of the status quo with this team. There are people that put their heart and soul (not to mention a bleep-ton of money) into rooting for a team that doesn't give them much of a return on their investment. As a Saints fan, I know the feeling all too well. Been there. Done that. Got the scars to prove it. I asked a few of them to pen an open letter to Bill O'Brien since he seems to be the crux of much of their collective angst. Here's what they had to say:
Daniel B
Dear Coach O'Brien,
I can't stand your arrogance! You act like someone who's won more than what you have. Your arrogance should match your coaching: average! Win something more than a down division before you run around here thinking you're Bill Belichick.
Sincerely, @htxmyhome
Swan
Dear Coach,
I have a real problem with your stubbornness, and arrogance, especially when it comes to these things: your scheme isn't flexible unless on short notice, you're a poor evaluator of talent who overvalues leadership over talent, too loyal to a staff when it's obvious they're incompetent, refusal to delegate & accept that you can't do it all, poor game management and poor play calling. You’re ruining my quarterback! I would give more detailed answers, but I'm busy right now. Catch me later when I have more free time so I can tell you how I really feel.
With All Do Respect, @BlackSundayTxns
Dre
Dear Bill,
There's a few things I need to get off my chest when it comes to you man: your dumb ass challenges, you act like your sh-- don't stink, and you remind me of Kubiak with your sayings "we're gonna have to fix that" and "we're gonna have to look at the film." Either fix whatever you need to fix, or go back to college coaching! I never have a problem with Lil Dre having to go home sad after an Astros game because he's seen them win and win big so he knows that team plays hard. Until then, I'll root for the Cowboys chump!
Kindest Regards, @DRDREon290
Raul
Dear William James O'Brien,
First off: yes, I called you by your government name because you I'm not calling you anything other than what your parents named you, William. I no longer let you ruin my days with your foolishness. Matter of fact, I went to the casinos in the middle of that debacle against the Panthers. I’m not wasting any more of my time and money on a team coached by someone like you until you prove me wrong!
Later William, @CobosQue
As you can see, Texans fans aren't pleased with Bill O'Brien. Personally, I'm tired of writing the same crap over and over again when I watch Texans games. On The Sideline podcast we recorded today, I expressed some of the same concerns. One of my mentors, Craig Shelton, expressed some concerns as well. He said he's not a Texans fan, but wants the team to do well because Houston is his hometown. He also said he feels bad for fans who spend their hard-earned money supporting this team, only to get nothing back in return. That conversation took place a few years ago and still rings true to this day. I truly hope this team turns it around and does so quickly. This fanbase deserves more than what this organization has given them. As a resident of this city and a person who writes recaps of this team, I hope they improve and turn into a consistent AFC contender, as well as a Super Bowl threat. I'm tired of purgatory for this team. I'm tired of the fans having to suffer through mediocrity. This city and it's football fans have been through enough dammit! Give them a consistent winner, or get your ass out of town O'Brien!
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
The Houston Texans have a big challenge in store as they look to start the season with a win against the Colts this Sunday. When these two teams met in Week 2 last year, the Colts dominated the Texans, despite losing their QB Anthony Richardson to a concussion after the first quarter.
Keeping Richardson contained on Sunday will go a long way in increasing the Texans' chances of coming home with a win. The Texans defense will have their hands full containing the Colts backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Scoring touchdowns with their wide receivers could prove difficult, as the Texans allowed the second-fewest TDs (10) to the receiver position in 2023.
Limiting running back Jonathan Taylor will also be a top priority. While the Texans had an elite defense against the run last season, they struggled with Taylor in Week 18 as he almost rushed for 200 yards.
Houston's D allowed only four carries to running backs in 2023 that went for 20 or more yards. Two of which were to Taylor in the final game of the regular season.
Finally, DeMeco Ryans and company have to find a way to get pressure on the QB. They only had one QB hit and zero sacks on Richardson and Garner Minshew the first time they faced off last year.
On offense, the Texans have two big x-factors to watch for on Sunday. The offensive line that suited up to play the Colts in Week 2 last season is completely different from this year.
The o-line was ravaged with injuries to start the 2023 campaign, so we expect a big jump in productivity in the trenches this year.
Another big addition in 2024 is the presence of running back Joe Mixon. The running game only produced 2 yards per rush in Week 2 against Indy last year, so there's clearly room for improvement.
Be sure to watch the video above for our in-depth preview of Texans-Colts!
And catch Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) live on our SportsMapTexans YouTube channel following every game this season!