After CJ Stroud, Texans may have already answered next giant question about rebuild
DYNAMIC DUO
09 November
DYNAMIC DUO
After the Houston Texans' incredible comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, it's hard to find anyone that's more red-hot in the media than CJ Stroud.
And he's not alone. Wide receiver Tank Dell has also made all the media rounds to talk about his connection with Stroud, and his outstanding performance in the win over Tampa.
Former Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins even posted on social media about the Texans standout rookie.
Young Bull going to be special. https://t.co/OPMC1TlSpJ
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) November 8, 2023
If you look at the numbers in the post above, Dell is clearly in elite Texans company. In fact, he's currently averaging more yards per game (65) than Andre Johnson (61) in his rookie year.
Which begs the question, have the Texans found their No. 1 receiver moving forward?
The answer is an emphatic yes! While stature may have some concerned about Dell's ability to produce like a true No. 1, it's important to note that small, quick receivers are dominating in the NFL currently.
Look no further than Tyreek Hill. He's playing at such a high level that he's getting MVP consideration. And let's be real, Dell would have been a first round pick if not for his size.
He's also on pace to record over 1,000 receiving yards his rookie season, and he missed a game due to a concussion.
So what does this mean for the Texans offense and Nico Collins moving forward?
Be sure to watch the video above to find out!
Subscribe to SportsMap Texans on YouTube for our latest video content!
Houston has been blessed to see some good sports teams over the years. Luv Ya Blue Oilers, ketchup & mustard Rockets, Astros dynasty, even the Texans had a period in which they were playoff contenders every season for a few years. While there has been a lot of heartbreak, there's also been some satisfying moments. Despite what some may think, it hasn't been all doom and gloom.
The Rockets ('94 & '95) and Astros ('17 & '22) have both won titles. While the other teams haven't, they've provided enough moments and memories. The one thing I noticed that puzzled me: I don't think all these teams have been competitive and contenders at the same time. Not just that, but have they all been good moving forward? I don't think so.
The Astros could be towards the end of their run. The window can stay open if general manager Dana Brown makes the right moves. As seen in the tweet above, Joe Espada is over the moon about becoming the manager. The players and organization both wanted the move. It was a natural fit to promote him from bench coach to manager. He's been there since 2018 and in MLB coaching since 2006 (a year after he retired from AAA ball). At 48 years old, Espada is young enough to still be able to relate to his players, but experienced enough to teach and lead them.
The same can be said for the Rockets' Ime Udoka (46) and Texans' DeMeco Ryans (39). Both guys are former player who reached the highest professional level in their respective sports. Both were a coach's dream when they played because they were smart and played hard. Both took over teams that were terrible for a while and have been rebuilding. Now they're expected to start working towards contention.
When the Rockets were winning their titles, the Oilers were on their way out of town and the Astros were playoff contenders. When the Astros won their titles, the Rockets were trying to win one of their own in '17, but were the butt of jokes in '22. Meanwhile, the Texans were below .500 in each of those seasons. The 2018–19 seasons were the last time all three made the playoffs at the same time.
I believe we will be seeing a lot more seasons like that coming in the future. Each of these coaches have a presence about themselves. Their players love them and they're smart guys. They know how to get the best out of the teams they're on. They're all former players who can identify with the players of today because of their age and proximity from the game after their playing days were over.
Each team's fan base is excited about the potential. The Astros are the easiest ones to see succeed soon, since they just won a title last year and still have some major pieces coming back. The Texans are enjoying a resurgence under rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Rockets have a little further to go, but the building blocks are in place. I wouldn't be surprised if we see all three teams in the playoffs as early as this current season, or the season coming in the Astros' case. Odds on who wins the next title will get very interesting over the next few years. Who do you think wins the next one? My money is on the team that has white in its colors.