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Stephen Silas' future with Houston Rockets could come down to these 4 critical factors

Rockets Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun
Silas' seat is getting hotter by the day. Composite image by Brandon Strange.
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I've been a proponent of Stephen Silas staying on as Rockets head coach. I believe he's good for the young guys the team is building around. On November 24, I wrote about him potentially being on the hot seat, but he needs time to cook. On December 14, I wrote about how they were looking impressive against playoff caliber teams and the young guys improving. Not even a month later, Silas is at the center of another mob calling for his head. This time, it may be warranted.

After watching the video of Eric Gordon saying there's been no improvement, then seeing John and Lance's reaction, I have some thoughts. First up: Is Gordon bitter about his contract status, or is he truly frustrated? Second: Silas has seemingly lost a grip on guys' attention and/or has an accountability issue. Third: When does Tilman pull the trigger? Does he pull the trigger? If so, then who?

1) If Gordon is bitter about his contract, his words have to be taken in context. Anger can cause a skewed vision of what's going on around you. Don't believe me? Go to Twitter the next time a polarizing issue comes up and read the two sides. Gordon could be angling for his way out so he can go to a contender. Or he's looking for an extension. If he's looking for an extension, this is a strange way to go about it. I think he's frustrated with his contract, and he hasn't seen improvement which is compounding his frustrations.

2) Silas may have lost guys' attention. Body language in huddles, on the bench, and in front of the media suggests there may be an issue. Accountability is a part of this as well. When Jabari Smith Jr appeared to lash out the other day on the sidelines, I knew there was a problem. He doesn't strike me as the type of guy that'll have a poor attitude. Kevin Porter Jr had his struggles with professionalism but seems to have things under control. John Lucas has been a Godsend for this team. While Silas was seen as a player development guy, Lucas has long had the rep as a guy who can help straighten out guys who have issues.

3) Tilman Fertitta is a man used to winning. He turned his family business into a multi-billion-dollar entity. Seeing his team struggle continuously means he won't stand for the rebuild much longer. He wants results. After two consecutive years drafting top talent, this team needs to show more than the ability to win a few games here and there. They should be giving 30-40 wins a run, while also developing players. Now, I'm wondering if over 27.5 wins was a bad bet. Fertitta is undoubtedly wondering about his head coach and if he's the right man for the job.

4) If the trigger was to be pulled (midseason or offseason), I think Lucas would be the ideal candidate to take over. He has a report with the youth movement and is widely respected as not only a basketball lifer, but also a life coach. I championed Silas as the guy for the rebuild based on his previous work. However, if he can't get the team to respond, it may be time for a change. You don't want to lose the locker room this early into a rebuild. These kids will get the idea the team isn't going to win and start looking out for themselves. When Granato said there are rumblings, I believe him. His seat needs to be hot enough to spur change in the way he coaches. If not, there needs to be a change and Lucas needs to take over. He's been in the kitchen long enough with some good groceries. If the meal isn't edible by now, time to get a new chef.

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The Texans will look to get back on track this Sunday against the Colts. Composite Getty Image.

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are looking for answers after their passing game couldn’t get going in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Houston’s passing attack had been a strength all season, and the Texans ranked fifth in yards passing per game through their first six games. But on Sunday at Lambeau Field, Stroud was limited to a career-low 86 yards in the 24-22 loss, which snapped a three-game winning streak.

Stroud was 10 of 21 and didn’t have a touchdown pass for the first time this season. The second-year player was under duress for much of the day and was sacked four times and hit seven other times.

“We have to go back to the drawing board and see what those issues were,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “As we watch the film, we’ll see what happened, starting for me the communication and just guys being on the details of the job.”

The Texans scored a season-high 41 points in a win over New England a week earlier in which Stroud threw a season-best three touchdown passes despite being without star receiver Nico Collins.

They were unable to replicate that success Sunday with Collins out for the second of at least four games after a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve.

Stefon Diggs led the team with five receptions against the Packers, but they only amounted to 23 yards. Tank Dell, who the Texans expected to step up with Collins out, was targeted four times but didn’t have a catch.

Stroud discussed the importance of getting Dell more involved in the offense.

“We have to find a way to try and get him the rock early and often and then go from there,” he said. “It has to be a focus for us, not only just him, but the whole offense clicking early. That is really my job to get the ball out on time and to where it is supposed to go. So yeah, that definitely has to be fixed.”

Ryans spoke about his confidence is getting Dell going.

What's working

The Texans have forced seven turnovers combined in their last two games after they hadn’t caused any in their previous three games.

Houston scored 16 points off three turnovers Sunday. The Texans had two interceptions and recovered a fumble on a punt. In their win over the Patriots, they scored 17 points off a season-high four turnovers.

What needs help

The Texans won’t get to where they want to be this season if Stroud doesn’t get back on track. Before Sunday, last year’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year was averaging more than 262 yards passing a game, giving the team confidence that the problems in the passing game are fixable.

Ryans knows the line must give Stroud more time to throw and said the coaching staff will focus on improving in that area this week.

Stock up

RB Joe Mixon continued to shine Sunday in his second game back after missing three games with an ankle injury. Mixon, who is in his first season in Houston after a trade from Cincinnati, had 25 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay.

Mixon is confident the Texans will rebound this week if they quit making mistakes.

“Does it look I’m worried? I’m not worried at all,” he said. “Like I said, we got a ... good football team. At the end of the day, we are our own worst enemy.”

Stock down

Dell was unable to help Stroud get the passing game going. The second-year player had a solid rookie season with 709 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in 11 games before breaking his leg. But he hasn’t been able to build on that success this year and has just 194 yards receiving with one score in six games.

Injuries

LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), LB Henry To’oTo’o (concussion), CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and S Jimmie Ward (groin) all missed Sunday’s game and it’s unclear if any of these starters can return this week.

Key number

3 — Safety Calen Bullock had his third interception Sunday to tie Dunta Robinson and Jumal Rolle for most interceptions by a rookie in franchise history through the first seven games. He leads NFL rookies in interceptions this season and is tied for third-most among all players.

Next steps

The AFC South-leading Texans (5-2) return to division play Sunday when they host the second-place Colts (4-3), who have won two in a row and four of five.

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