Here are 2 specific areas Texans should expect bumpy, productive growth
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
22 August 2023
The Houston Texans head to New Orleans this weekend to play their final game of the preseason. With DeMeco Ryans in the fold, many believe they will see a quick turnaround for the defense, but the team's ability to stop the run still looks like an issue based on the results of last week's game.
While the defense has better players and an improved scheme, it's fair to assume the team will have some stinkers along the way back to respectability on defense.
On the offensive side of the ball, CJ Stroud made some good throws and took an important step forward against Miami, playing the entire first half. But the big question heading into the weekend is how much the rookie quarterback will play this Sunday.
Should the Texans start him one more time to get him as much experience as possible before the opener against Baltimore in two weeks? Or have we seen enough from Stroud, and the rest of the starters? DeMeco did say the team is banged up this week and canceled joint practices with the Saints. Is this a sign the team is going to rest their starters and try to have them fresh in two weeks.
Finally, if the Texans' starting offensive line is held out on Sunday, should that preclude them from playing Stroud?
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Alex Bregman’s Red Sox deal contains some mind-blowing details
Feb 18, 2025, 4:37 pm
Alex Bregman could receive the final payment of his $120 million, three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2046.
His deal, announced Saturday, calls for the $5 million signing bonus to be paid on Jan. 15, 2028, according to contract details obtained by The Associated Press.
He gets salaries of $35 million this year and $40 million in each of the next two years, and $60 million will be deferred: $20 million annually. The deferrals are due by June 15 in each year from 2035-46.
Bregman can opt out after the 2025 and 2026 seasons to become a free agent again.
Boston owes $2 million in deferred money in 2035, $4 million in 2036, $6 million annually from 2037-44, $4 million in 2045 and $2 million in 2046.
By deferring the money, the Red Sox lower the contract's average annual value for Major League Baseball's luxury tax.
Now 30, Bregman is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion during nine years with the Houston Astros. He hit .260 with 26 homers and 75 RBIs in the final season of a $100 million, five-year contract, also winning his first Gold Glove.
Bregman's position with Boston is unclear, though second base appears possible. Rafael Devers has been at third for the Red Sox since 2017.
