How NFL insider's warning about Texans offense is becoming reality

RUNNING ON AN EMPTY TANK?

How NFL insider's warning about Texans offense is becoming reality
CJ Stroud hasn't had much luck when targeting Tank Dell. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

We’re just two games into the Texans' 2024 season, and patterns are already emerging in how the top three receivers are being targeted.

It appears Nico Collins (18 targets, 14 receptions) is picking up where he left off in 2023 as the top option for CJ Stroud. Stefon Diggs comes in second with 10 catches in two games.

Which means Tank Dell is the clear third option at this point in the season, with only 4 catches. To be fair, Dell only has one less target than Diggs, but the Stroud-Dell connection hasn't lived up to expectations so far.

However, we have to keep in mind, ESPN Houston's Lance Zierlein heard from a source that Dell could be the odd man out in the offense this year.

So far, that appears to be the case.

Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein share their thought's on Dell's role in the offense, and much more!

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The Astros beat the Cubs, 2-0. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.

Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and Framber Valdez tossed six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday.

Altuve’s 13th home run of the season broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. It was his first extra base hit in 34 at bats and the Astros' only extra base hit of the game.

Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five hits and two walks.

Only one man reached third base against him. He exited with two on and nobody out in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu replaced him and retired Michael Busch, Vidal Bruján and Ian Happ to work out of trouble.

Abreu pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out four of the six men he faced.

Josh Hader retired the side in order in the ninth inning to convert on his franchise record 23rd straight save opportunity to start the season.

Jameson Taillon (7-6) matched zeroes with Valdez until Altuve’s home run on his 107th and final pitch of his outing. He struck out four while giving up five hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings.

The bullpen trio of Ryan Brasier, Ryan Pressly and Brad Keller held the Astros to two hits over 3 1/3 innings.

Key Moment

Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.

Key Stat

The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.

Up Next

The Cubs open a three-game series against the Guardians on Tuesday with LHP Matthew Boyd (7-3 2.65 ERA) against RHP Gavin Williams (5-3 3.68 ERA).

The Astros open a three-game series at the Rockies on Tuesday with LHP Colton Gordon (3-1 3.98 ERA) against RHP Chase Dollander (2-8 6.06 EA).

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