Texans' most pressing opportunities for improvement, difficult decisions following playoff bounce

TEXANS ON TAP

Texans' most pressing opportunities for improvement, difficult decisions following playoff bounce
Where do the Texans go from here?Composite Getty Image.

Coming off a disappointing loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs, we examine what went wrong for the Texans, and how they can improve the team this offseason.

Once again the offensive line was the weak link on the team, and according to PFF had their worst performance of the season versus KC, posting a 44.9 pass blocking grade.

Right tackle Blake Fisher struggled the most, recording a 33.7 pass blocking grade. But it wasn't all on him, when he was given help from tight ends and running backs, it didn't make much of a difference. In some ways, attempting to chip pass rushers made things worse for Fisher. The help he was expecting didn't deliver, which caught him off guard.

Clearly the team missed tight end Cade Stover (broken collarbone), as Dalton Schultz was forced into more pass blocking situations where he failed repeatedly and looked like he had no interest in being physical.

Another area of concern was special teams. Kicker Kaimi Fairbairn was a big reason the Texans lost the game, shrinking in clutch situations and further proving he's a significantly worse kicker when he's not in the cozy temperature-controlled confines of NRG.

Considering the outlook in the AFC for the foreseeable future, trusting Fairbairn to perform in Buffalo, Baltimore, or Kansas City in January seems foolish.

But it's hard to believe Houston will move on from Fairbairn due to his contract. And the same goes for Schultz. One way the Texans can minimize Fairbairn's struggles would be to secure a bye in the playoffs next year, and avoid going on the road in the divisional round.

Looking for positives

Despite the loss, the Texans top players graded out well against KC, according to PFF.

Highest graded Texans

NIco Collins 85.5

CJ Stroud 85.3

Will Anderson 81.9

Danielle Hunter 80.8

Laremy Tunsil 75.9

Henry To'oTo'o 74.6

Final thoughts

Anyone with eyes knows that the Texans have to upgrade the offensive line next season. But next on the list has to be the receiving corps. At this point, you can't count on Tank Dell being healthy next season. Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III have been unable to get open in the NFL. So, should the team consider re-signing Stefon Diggs, who's also recovering from a serious knee injury and well into his thirties? That's a big no for me personally.

Hopefully the Texans prioritize youth and spend one of their first two picks on a receiver. A dynamic pass-catching tight end that can actually block should also be considered.

Don't miss the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap breaks it all down!

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The Texans traded out of the first round. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Texans came into this draft with many anticipating they would trade up to address their need on the offensive line. Instead, the Texans elected to trade back to pick No. 34 after agreeing to a deal with the Giants.

The Texans also receive pick number 99, and a 2026 third-round selection.

When Ohio State's offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and Texas receiver Matthew Golden went off the board right in front of them, the Texans decided to go with a contingency plan, it seems.

We'll have to wait until Friday night to see what the Texans do with their picks.

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