NFL analyst lays out 'institutional problem' with Houston Texans offense
red flags
07 November
Is the Texans offense too predictable? Composite Getty Image.
It's no secret that the Houston Texans are having some real issues with protection, which is causing CJ Stroud's numbers to dip and the team to lose games.
Stroud has only tossed one touchdown pass over his last three contests, which clearly isn't sustainable if the Texans want to compete with the top teams in the AFC.
After watching the Texans film from last Thursday's game against the Jets, NBC Sports' Chris Simms noticed some issues plaguing the Houston offense.
Simms was quick to point out that he believes Texans OC Bobby Slowik is “not doing enough” to help CJ Stroud. He sees Houston's offense as a very basic version of the Shanahan scheme, which opposing defenses have seemingly figured out when attacking Houston's protections.
He would also like for Stroud to take over the role of calling out the protections, instead of leaving it up to the center. In this case, it's Juice Scruggs making the calls. A second-year player that has less experience in the Texans' offense than Stroud. (Scruggs missed about half of last season due to injury, and spent time at guard).
Simms makes the case that since Stroud is not in charge of protection, he may not know where the pressure is coming from.
ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime recently confirmed that this is not the case. Scruggs does make the calls, but Stroud knows what the protection calls are. He referenced a story from September where guard Shaq Mason discussed this very topic.
Here’s right guard Shaq Mason confirming this from a story back on Sept 11. pic.twitter.com/maBNAAJzMM
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) November 7, 2024
So if Stroud is fully aware of the protection calls on each play, it would suggest that the poor left guard play, and the predictability of the Texans sliding protections when they get certain looks as the main problems Bobby Slowik has to get corrected.
Jarrett Patterson should start at left guard this week after returning from a concussion. That could immediately give the o-line a boost, even if he's just average. If Patterson does play a decent game, and Stroud is still running for his life, Slowik and his scheme will have nowhere to hide.
Be sure to watch the Simms video above as he shows some examples from the Jets game to illustrate his points.
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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code SPORTSMAP at checkout. Get your tickets now!
How Astros GM's latest comments hold major clues for on/off field decisions next season
Nov 11, 2024, 4:58 pm
While a lot hasn't happened yet in free agency, we did learn quite a bit from Astros GM Dana Brown at the GM meetings. In the video below we'll focus on the offense, and later this week we'll drop a video covering the pitching.
Before we get to the players, we found it interesting that Brown met with both hitting coaches after the season, and basically came to the conclusion that the ineffectiveness of the offense falls more on the players than the coaches. Pointing out that the players have had success in the past under the same coaching.
So both Alex Cintron and Troy Snitker appear to be safe heading into the 2025 season. Houston did make a change with their third base coach. Gary Pettis will not be returning, and he'll be replaced by former Diamondbacks third base coach Tony Perezchica.
Perezchica is considered an infield specialist, whom they hope can elevate the play on the infield. One has to wonder if he's been brought in to improve Shay Whitcomb's play at third base, especially if Alex Bregman leaves in free agency.
Outfield outlook
As far as the players are concerned, it looks like we received some answers for the plan in the outfield, if we read between the lines.
Brown believes Chas McCormick has the potential to bounce back after a down season with the bat. He envisions McCormick as the team's starting left fielder.
Based on these comments, we believe the plan is for Chas to start in left field, with Jake Meyers returning to center. Brown's comments also lead us to assume Yordan Alvarez will be in the DH role most of the time. Which makes sense after several injury scares in his career.
However, Dana also said a move at the trade deadline could be a possibility should McCormick continue to struggle in 2025. The club may also use a platoon in the outfield with a left-handed hitter.
Speaking of which, Houston traded for left-handed outfielder Taylor Trammell recently, and he should get some opportunities this spring. But based on his past performance in the big leagues, we're not expecting much.
And considering Brown's comments about top prospect Jacob Melton, we don't anticipate he'll make the team even if he has a good spring.
Finally, Reggie Jackson and the Astros have decided to part ways. Which makes us wonder, does this move mean Brown will have more authority with one less voice in the room?
And could this also signal that Jeff Bagwell's days as an advisor could be numbered?
Don't miss the video above for the full discussion!
For Astros’ conversation, catch Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo on our Stone Cold 'Stros podcasts!Episodes drop on Mondays and bonus episodes are released on Wednesdays when the news cycle dictates._______________
Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code SPORTSMAP at checkout. Get your tickets now!
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