NFL insiders hint at eye-opening future for Houston Texans offense
INSIDE INFORMATION
07 December
It doesn't sound like OC Bobby Slowik is going anywhere. Composite Getty Image.
One of the nuggets that came out of Nick Caserio's press conference this week, was his thoughts on the job Bobby Slowik has done as an offensive coordinator. When asked if the team has considered sharing the offensive play calling, Caseiro responded with an emphatic, “absolutely not.”
Caserio went on to praise the job Slowik has done this year, and to say the team's struggles in the second half this season is due to execution.
This stance is consistent with what we've heard from Texans insiders that believe Slowik will be back next season. As much as many Texans fans believe a change at OC could help CJ Stroud, who's shown regression this year, it doesn't appear Slowik is going anywhere.
To be fair, most teams aren't looking to replace their coordinators when they're leading their division and marching toward the postseason for the second straight year.
Number crunching
When comparing Stroud's stats to last season, there is a clear dropoff in 2024. But a lot of that has to do with the addition of Joe Mixon, especially when it comes to touchdowns.
Mixon is third in the NFL with 11 rushing TDs, while Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary only combined for 6 over the entire 2023 season. One could argue the passing offense has regressed, but one could also argue the offense overall is more balanced.
Stroud is still Top 5 in passing yards, heading into this week's games. And even if we account for the bye week, Stroud will still be Top 10 after this week's slate of games.
The most concerning number to keep an eye on is sacks. Only one QB has been sacked more than Stroud, who's been sacked 41 times. CJ's protection has gotten better since Juice Scruggs was moved to guard, and Jarrett Patterson was inserted at center.
If Stroud starts getting hit again at a high level, that may be the one factor that could make the front office rethink their plans at coordinator. However, if the Texans do make a change, we expect them to address their o-line coach before any changes at OC.
Be sure to watch the video above for our full breakdown of the Texans offense, the coaching staff, and our thoughts on how the Azeez Al-Shaair suspension will impact the team.
What you need to know ahead of Rockets-Warriors NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup
Dec 11, 2024, 10:25 am
The Houston Rockets (16-8) face the Golden State Warriors (14-9) at home on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. EST, with the Warriors aiming to snap their three-game road losing streak. The game pits two Western Conference contenders looking to solidify their standings as the season progresses.
Key Matchup
The Rockets, currently third in the West, have excelled in second-chance opportunities, leading the conference with 14.2 offensive rebounds per game. Alperen Sengun anchors this effort, averaging 3.4 offensive boards per game alongside his strong all-around performance of 18.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Houston will look to exploit this strength against a Golden State team ranked second in the league in total rebounds per game (48.7), thanks in part to Kevon Looney’s steady 7.9 boards per game.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, fifth in the standings, continue to rely on Stephen Curry's leadership. Curry is averaging 23 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, but Golden State’s struggles on the road and a recent shooting slump (42.9% over the last 10 games) have hindered their consistency.
Offense and Defense
Golden State’s strength from beyond the arc will be tested against Houston’s perimeter defense. The Warriors are averaging 15.2 made three-pointers per game, a sharp contrast to the 11.8 threes allowed by the Rockets. On the other end, Houston will aim to exploit Golden State’s slightly generous defensive field goal percentage of 43.8%.
The Rockets come into the game having gone 6-4 in their last 10 outings, averaging 112.3 points and a stifling defensive effort that has limited opponents to just 107.3 points per game. The Warriors, meanwhile, are 4-6 over the same stretch, struggling offensively with just 107 points per game.
Injury Updates
Houston may be without key contributors Tari Eason (concussion protocol) and Fred VanVleet (knee). The Warriors list Andrew Wiggins as day-to-day with an ankle issue, while De’Anthony Melton remains sidelined for the season.
Betting Odds
The Rockets are slight favorites at -2.5 according to BetMGM Sportsbook, with the total points over/under set at 221.5. Houston’s home-court advantage and rebounding dominance may prove decisive against a Warriors team seeking to find its rhythm.
Both teams have much to prove in this matchup of Western heavyweights. Houston’s continued rise and Golden State’s resolve to end their road struggles will define this pivotal contest.
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