KEEPING THE BAND TOGETHER

Texans' turning point: Decoding the significance of recent franchise-altering moves

Houston Texans Nico Collins, CJ Stroud
The Texans' offense shouldn't skip a beat. Composite Getty Image.

As CJ Stroud was putting together arguably the best rookie quarterback season in NFL history, Texans fans were concerned that Stroud's success would lead to OC Bobby Slowik's departure.

In fact, when DeMeco Ryans announced that Slowik would come over from the 49ers to be the new OC, some people actually wondered if the team made a mistake. They questioned if the Texans should have hired Slowik as the head coach, so Stroud would be assured of having stability as he developed.

It sounds silly now, with DeMeco Ryans already winning the Pro Football Writers of America award for Coach of the Year. But offensive-minded coaches have been the most popular hires over the last several years (the last 5 straight Super Bowl matchups, all offensive head coaches). Especially guys from the Shanahan coaching tree like Bobby Slowik working with a rookie QB. There was legitimate concern that if Stroud did succeed with Slowik as OC, he would immediately move on to be the head coach of another franchise.

And the biggest nightmare for the Texans almost came to fruition, as Slowik has been a hot head coaching candidate this offseason. But now we can all relax, Bobby Slowik has reportedly agreed to a new contract (more money) and will stay with the Texans.

 

With Slowik now in the fold for 2024, Houston needed one more piece to return to the coaching staff to keep Stroud on track for his sophomore season.

Texans QB coach Jerrrod Johnson is in demand and has been interviewing for an OC position with the Saints, Steelers, Patriots, and Bucs.

According to reports, it looks like the Texans got their wish. Johnson has told teams he plans on returning to the Texans in 2024. He like Slowik has agreed to a new deal (with a raise) and will coach Stroud again in 2024.

 

With the Texans coaching staff staying intact, Stroud can build off his rookie season and not worry about having to learn another system, with different terminology and coaching.

Stroud will be challenged enough in his second year, as the league will pick up on some of his tendencies in the offseason. But at least he doesn't have to worry about starting all over with a new staff. Credit to GM Nick Caserio and Texans ownership for recognizing the importance of stability for a young QB who's trying to take his game to the next level after experiencing a ton of success as a rookie.

It's also great to see that this was a situation/organization these coaches wanted to be a part of again. It seems like Slowik and Johnson see something special being built in H-Town, with Stroud taking snaps and DeMeco Ryans leading a talented young squad that's already won a division and a playoff game in their first year.

With the Slowik and Johnson contracts resolved, now we turn our attention to free agency and the draft. And one thing is for certain, the future has never been brighter for the Texans organization. They finally get it, and Houston has a football team they can officially get behind.

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The Rangers beat the Astros, 7-3. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images.

Wyatt Langford homered with a career-high tying four hits and Adolis García added a solo shot to lead the Texas Rangers to a 7-3 win over the Houston Astros on Friday night.

The Rangers jumped on Lance McCullers Jr. (2-4) early. There were two outs with the bases loaded in the first when Evan Carter’s single to right field knocked in a pair to put the Rangers up 2-0.

The AL West-leading Astros cut the deficit to 2-1 when Cam Smith scored on a groundout in the bottom of the inning.

García homered for a second straight game with one out in the third that made it 3-1. Carter walked with two outs before a single from Jake Burger. Jonah Heim’s double to right field scored them both to extend the lead to 5-1.

McCullers allowed six hits and five runs in three innings as Houston’s losing streak reached a season-high four games.

Langford’s blast came with two outs in the seventh to push the lead to 7-3.

Jack Leiter (5-6) yielded five hits and three runs while striking out six in 5 1/3 innings.

Christian Walker singled to open Houston’s fourth before Victor Caratini’s home run to right field got the Astros within 5-3.Burger was replaced in the middle of the sixth inning with discomfort in his left quad.

Houston’s top prospect, second baseman Brice Matthews, went 0 for 4 with with three strikeouts in his major league debut.

Key moment

Heim’s two RBI double in the third that pushed the lead to four.

Key stat

The Rangers forced McCullers to throw 36 pitches in the first inning.

Up next

Houston LHP Framber Valdez (10-4, 2.90 ERA) opposes RHP Jacob deGrom (9-2, 2.29) when the series continues Saturday.

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