Texans' most pressing opportunities for improvement, difficult decisions following playoff bounce
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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!
How Astros could still be in on Bregman, definitely out on another
Jan 20, 2025, 6:05 pm
As we begin another week of free agency, Alex Bregman remains unsigned, but one of the Astros reported targets Anthony Santander has a new home.
Santander has reportedly agreed to a 5-year, $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays. Many were hoping that the Astros would make a play for the switch hitting power hitter, as he would have provided some serious thump.
Now it appears the Astros will enter the 2025 season with one of the weakness outfields in baseball when it comes to offense.
Speaking of Bregman, Astros manager Joe Espada recently told Fox 26's Nate Griffin that the team is still in contact with Breggy despite General Manger Dana Brown telling the media the team decided to pivot after talks stalled with Bregman's camp.
If there still remains a possibility of Bregman returning, one has to wonder if the Astros reported 6-year, $156 million contract offer is still on the table after the club traded for Isaac Paredes to fill the hole at third base. And if they do make a deal with Bregman, what do they do with Paredes?
Also, now that we know how much money Santander commanded on the open market. Which signing would have benefited the Astros the most? Santander at 5-years, $92.5 million, or Bregman at 6-years, $156 million?
Don't miss the video above as we discuss the possibility of Bregman returning, the Dodgers' absurd free agency (that now involves even more deferred money), Billy Wagner, and much more!
