Why Houston Texans OC may get a pass for CJ Stroud's regression
WHO'S THE FALL GUY?
26 November 2024
The Texans will try to get back on track against the Jaguars on Sunday. Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images.
After another disappointing second half, the Texans offense and CJ Stroud are under fire once again. The offensive line and the playcalling has not been good, but neither has Stroud, throwing two more interceptions against the Titans.
At the end of the day, there's plenty of blame to go around. But at some point, someone is going to have to pay for the offense's regression this year. Many believe it will be OC Bobby Slowik, while others think Houston's offensive line coach will be the fall guy, and Slowik will return next season.
Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein share their thoughts on Houston's struggles, and who they believe is more likely to be fired.
Astros’ pitching holds firm in nail-biter versus Phillies
Jun 24, 2025, 9:59 pm
Cooper Hummel hit a solo home run in the eighth inning and Framber Valdez and two relievers combined for a four-hitter in the Houston Astros' 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.
There was one out in the eighth when Hummel connected off Ranger Suárez (6-2) on his opposite field shot to the bullpen in right-center field.
COOPER HUMMEL BREAKS THROUGH! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/Kpbikzhujn
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 25, 2025
Valdez (9-4) scattered four hits across seven scoreless innings.
Framber was dialed tonight.#VoteStros ⭐️ @budweiserusa pic.twitter.com/69utvHPZZ2
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 25, 2025
Bryan Abreu struck out one in the eighth and Josh Hader struck out two in the ninth for his 20th save.
The Phillies had a chance to get on the board in the sixth. J.T. Realmuto reached on a throwing error by third baseman Isaac Paredes with one out in the inning and stole second base. Valdez walked Otto Kemp but Edmundo Sosa grounded into a double play to end the inning.
The Astros were hitless until Yainer Diaz singled on a grounder to right field to start Houston’s sixth and Hummel followed with a single to right field. Mauricio Dubón grounded into a double play that left Diaz at third before Suárez walked Jeremy Peña. But Suárez struck out Paredes to escape the jam.
Suárez yielded four hits and a run with seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.
Key moment
The home run by Hummel was his second since he was selected from Triple-A Sugar Land on June 14.
Julia Morales caught up with Hummel after the big win!
After the win, @JuliaMorales was seen Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. pic.twitter.com/XlezkpdUnn
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) June 25, 2025
Key stat
Suárez is the first Philadelphia starter to earn nine straight quality starts in his first 10 starts of the season since Aaron Harang did so in 2015, according to stats provided by the Phillies from the Elias Sport Bureau.
Up next
Philadelphia RHP Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.81 ERA) opposes LHP Colton Gordon (2-1, 4.54) when the series continues Wednesday night.
