How Houston Texans' defense now measures up to other NFL powerhouses
BEST OF THE BEST
14 March
BEST OF THE BEST
The Houston Texans have been aggressive this offseason, making key moves to solidify their defense and reshape their offensive line. Head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio clearly have a vision for a tougher, more disciplined team in 2025.
A defense no one wants to face
The Texans' defense is shaping up to be one of the most formidable units in the NFL. Adding safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was a home run move, as he brings versatility and playmaking ability to the secondary. Houston swapped out Kenyon Green in the trade, improving their defensive backfield while addressing a need. With Gardner-Johnson in the mix, the Texans should have a much better chance of containing elite tight ends like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews—something that has plagued AFC defenses for years. There's no doubt that Jimmy Ward's injury history had to be an important factor in trading for Gardner-Johnson.
The front seven is stacked. Will Anderson Jr. is poised to take a leap, and he’s still joined by Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry, giving Houston one of the best pass-rushing trios in the league. On the interior, Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr., and Tim Settle provide a strong presence. Pass rusher Darrell Taylor and DT Kurt Hinish add even more depth, ensuring a relentless defensive attack.
The secondary, already impressive, looks elite with Derek Stingley Jr. leading the way. If the unit stays healthy, no offense will want to deal with Houston’s defense in 2025. They are built to dominate.
Fixing the offense starts up front
The Texans offensive line struggles in 2024 weren’t just a lazy narrative—they were real. Houston made significant changes, parting ways with three starting linemen from last season. The move wasn’t just about talent, but also coaching, as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach were also replaced. Clearly, the Texans believed the entire operation needed a reset.
One bright spot on the line is new addition Laken Tomlinson. The veteran guard has been incredibly durable, starting at least 16 games in seven straight seasons. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 while playing for the 49ers, where DeMeco Ryans got to see his work ethic up close. His presence should help stabilize an offensive front that desperately needed reinforcements. On Friday, the Texans added more depth on the interior, trading a 2026 6th-round pick for Vikings guard Ed Ingram.
The biggest move on offense was the decision to trade Laremy Tunsil. It wasn’t just about his inconsistent run blocking and impact on locker room culture—this was also a financial decision. The Texans are preparing to pay C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., and Derek Stingley Jr. big contracts in the coming years. Tunsil was going to demand another massive extension, and Houston simply couldn’t afford it.
Weapons for Stroud
Christian Kirk is a solid addition to the receiving corps, stepping into the role previously held by Stefon Diggs. He fits well in offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s system, which values slot receivers. This is the same role Cooper Kupp had with the Rams and Julian Edelman played in New England—both crucial pieces in their respective offenses, and teams Caley coached for.
Speaking of Kupp, the Texans don't appear likely to sign the veteran receiver. And we think that's a good thing due to concerns over his athleticism at this stage. Kupp, who ran an underwhelming 4.62 40-yard dash at the combine, certainly isn't running by anybody these days. But that didn't keep Larry Fitzgerald, who Kupp idolized, from having success late in his career. Fitzgerald managed to bounce back in his 30s with three straight 1,000-yard, 100-catch seasons starting at age 32. Kupp will be 32 this season. So it's possible a bigger slot receiver like Kupp could have a career renaissance like Fitzgerald, but it doesn't sound like Houston will take that gamble.
Looking ahead, the Texans need to draft a receiver and an offensive lineman with their first two draft picks. Stroud needs protection, and Houston needs another weapon to complement Kirk and Nico Collins. Keep in mind, Kirk will be a free agent after the 2025 season.
Final thoughts
The Texans have made bold moves to build a championship-caliber defense while resetting their offensive line. With one of the best defensive fronts in the league and a secondary that can lock down top receivers, Houston should be an elite unit in 2025. The offense still has work to do, but if they nail the draft, this team will be a serious contender once again in the AFC.
Don't miss the video below as the crew from Texans on Tap breaks down all the exciting moves from the Texans' offseason, and much more!
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Thoughts on Rockies-Astros series
After a rough opening loss to the Rockies, where Hunter Brown got knocked around early, the Astros regrouped and took the final two games to secure the series win. Framber Valdez delivered a much-needed dominant outing, a welcome sight after several shaky starts in August. Jason Alexander did his job as well, pounding the zone and keeping Houston within striking distance until the bats broke through.
Christian Walker provided the big swing in the finale with a go-ahead home run late, continuing his red-hot stretch — five homers in his last seven games. On the pitching side, Brian King and Bryan Abreu both turned in strong work to help close the door for Houston.
Yordan’s impact on the lineup
If Walker keeps producing near his career norms and Yordan Alvarez stays healthy, the Astros’ offense has the potential to overwhelm. Yordan’s return was immediately felt against the Rockies, giving the lineup a depth and presence that manager Joe Espada can slot anywhere.
With Jeremy Peña, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Yordan, Walker, Jesus Sánchez, and eventually Yainer Díaz forming the top seven, Houston suddenly looks as deep as any contender. Add Jake Meyers once he’s back, and the order stretches even further.
Sánchez, who snapped out of a brutal 0-for-27 slump, has quietly rebounded. Over his last 11 games, he’s batting .294 with a .529 slugging percentage and two home runs, giving Houston a second left-handed bat to pair with Yordan. Combine that with Correa — who leads the team in batting average since rejoining at the trade deadline — and it’s an offense poised for a major finishing kick.
Lance McCullers moves to the bullpen
McCullers has walked as many or more hitters than innings pitched in four of his last five outings, and command remains his biggest issue. A move to the bullpen doesn’t necessarily solve that problem — in fact, it could make it worse. Walks in relief situations are costly, and McCullers hasn’t shown the consistency to trust in high-leverage spots. A piggyback role, where he follows another starter, feels like a more realistic path for him at this point.
Rotation outlook with Luis Garcia
Luis Garcia could return as soon as Monday if elevated from Sugar Land, but Houston may not need to force a sixth starter into the mix.
Luis Garcia is certainly an obvious candidate to start on Monday, which is also the first day rosters expand from 26 to 28 - https://t.co/xBPB4xaog9 https://t.co/k2oSymidc0
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 28, 2025
If Spencer Arrighetti can build on his last outing and Cristian Javier starts trending upward, the rotation has enough stability to carry Houston through September. Garcia’s return would be a bonus — not a necessity — for a staff that looks like it may finally be rounding into form.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode on Thursday!
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Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!