How Houston Texans can let CJ Stroud cook without getting burned

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CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans passing game has been a pleasant surprise after 5 weeks into the 2023 season. Stroud is currently third in the NFL in passing yards, and looks impressive on a weekly basis.

However, the running game has been a constant issue this season, with the team unable to move the ball efficiently on the ground. Considering the team's success with the passing game, should the team abandon their self-proclaimed run-first mentality and let Stroud “cook” through the air?

Also, with so much money spent on the offensive line, why can't the Texans run the ball with any success? Do we need to be patient, and let the linemen returning from injury develop chemistry? Are the running backs capitalizing on the blocking in front of them?

Head coach DeMeco Ryans said at his Monday presser that he thinks the o-line did a great job of run blocking against Atlanta. But it didn't look like there was much room to run, and several running plays were blown up in the backfield, even when running sweep plays to Tank Dell.

So how should the Texans proceed?

Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down!

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Who will step up this week for Houston? Composite Getty Image.

Make no mistake about it, the Texans have their biggest challenge of the season this Saturday in KC, trying to keep the Chiefs from moving on and possibly winning their third straight championship.

And the level of difficulty goes much further than just a fierce opponent. The Chiefs are fully rested, and the Texans will be short-handed again on offense.

After releasing disgruntled receiver Diontae Johnson and tight end Cade Stover heading to IR, Houston will need someone outside of Nico Collins to make an impact in the passing game. Joe Mixon is a prime candidate to catch some passes this week, but he missed practice on Thursday (ankle) so that will be something to watch.

Not to mention, Robert Woods has missed practice time this week with a hip injury. Which means outside of Collins, the Texans will have to lean on John Metchie III, Dalton Schultz, and Xavier Hutchinson to move the ball through the air.

As opposed to the Chiefs who have a full complement of weapons with Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, and burner Xavier Worthy, with Patrick Mahomes pulling the trigger. Oh yeah, they also have Andy Reid calling the plays.

It certainly appears the Chiefs have the edge of offense, but the Texans defense has gotten healthy at the right time. Especially on the defensive line that gave Justin Herbert fits in the Wild Card round.

X-factors

Tank Dell was Stroud's most effective target against the Chiefs in December, recording over 100 yards and scoring a touchdown. Collins was held to just 60 yards on 7 catches. If that happens this time around, that could spell trouble for Houston. Metchie is now the Texans No. 2 receiver because of injuries, and he got off to a terrible start last week, fumbling on the first offensive play of the game. He's done a decent job of getting open this year, but he's struggled to hold on to the football. The moment can't get too big for him this week. Also, Texans OC Bobby Slowik has to do a better job of calling plays that will keep the team out of third and long situations. Something that has plagued the team all season.

On defense, limiting Mahomes' ability to create big plays with his legs will be key. He escaped through the B gap several times in his last matchup with DeMeco Ryans' defense. Those runs led to first downs and KC's first touchdown of the game.

What does Vegas think?

The Chiefs are favored by 9, and the total is set at 41.5 points.

We have so much more to get to! Be sure to watch the video above for our in-depth preview and predictions for the big game.


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