The Texans’ preseason trip to Minnesota offered a glimpse of both optimism and reality checks. Davis Mills looked sharp leading a touchdown drive, continuing what’s been a strong camp for the backup quarterback. If Houston — knock on wood — ever has to lean on Mills for a stretch, he’s looking capable of keeping things afloat. The offensive line, one of the most important pieces to the Texans’ 2025 puzzle, showed noticeable progress. And the receiving corps made their presence felt, with John Metchie leading the way (five catches, 45 yards) and Jaylin Noel and Braxton Berrios adding a few highlight plays, including a Berrios touchdown.

Is the offensive line improving?

The line’s development is critical after C.J. Stroud took the second-most sacks in the NFL last season. Rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery has been one of the brightest surprises of camp, building on his strong practice work with another good showing against the Vikings. Blake Fisher has slipped in the depth chart, and it appears Tytus Howard is still a possibility at right tackle. Projected starting left tackle Cam Robinson has been banged up. So with injuries still lingering, the Texans have been mixing and matching groups regularly, but the cohesion is starting to show. If this unit keeps trending upward, it changes everything — not just for Stroud, but for the run game.

What should we expect from the running backs?

Speaking of the backs, the group remains in flux. Joe Mixon, fresh off a big 2024 season, is out with a lower leg injury and there’s no clear timetable for his return. Nick Chubb has cleared concussion protocol, and Damien Pierce is back in the mix, giving Houston some depth, if the blocking is there. Against Minnesota, the o-line looked more cohesive and sharper in their assignments. If those holes start opening consistently, every back on the roster will benefit.

This defense is legit

Defensively, this is still where the Texans can flex. The defensive line looks like a potential game-wrecker, and the linebacker group just got a boost with Christian Harris returning to practice. Harris and E.J. Speed bring the kind of speed and explosiveness that fits perfectly in DeMeco Ryans’ scheme. At corner, the Texans remain elite, but the safety position bears watching. C.J. Gardner-Johnson appears to have avoided major knee damage, though there’s no set return date. Jalen Mills was signed for depth, and Jalen Pitre (in theory) could shift back to safety at times while rookie Jaylin Smith or another corner mans the nickel. Ryans has options, and how he deploys them will be worth tracking over the next couple of weeks.

Texans-Panthers

Looking ahead to the Texans-Panthers matchup, all eyes will be on whether Stroud gets a series or two and builds some early chemistry with his new targets. But make no mistake — the microscope is staying firmly on the offensive line. If they keep building momentum now, it could be the difference between a good Texans season and a great one.

There's so much more to break down! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The NFL season is almost upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Texans on Tap podcast, which drops each Thursday during the preseason! More episodes will ramp up when the regular season begins! We'll go live on YouTube after every regular-season game.

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