In a significant shake-up following another year of underperformance, the Houston Texans have decided to dismiss offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik along with offensive line coach Chris Strausser and assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich. This decision was reported by sources on Friday and signals a clear intent by the Texans’ management to revamp their offensive strategy. While the team achieved a commendable 10-7 record and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs in 2024, the offensive output was far from satisfying—leading to questions about effectiveness and future directions.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans, after a brief evaluation period post-season, seemed to tread carefully regarding Slowik’s tenure, highlighting modest growth yet acknowledging substantial room for improvement. The Texans’ offense ranked 18th in scoring, tallying an average of 22.1 points per game, and was equally unimpressive in total offensive yardage, placing 16th with 329 yards per contest. The team clearly aims to elevate its performance, especially given the ambitious aspirations fueled by the addition of star players.
One of the most glaring issues plaguing the Texans’ offense was the pass protection, a topic that cannot be overlooked. Quarterback C.J. Stroud endured an astonishing 52 sacks throughout the season, tying for the second-highest number in the league. The pressure statistics painted a troubling picture; Stroud faced pressure on nearly 39% of his dropbacks—a figure that emphasizes just how overwhelmed the offensive line was. This miserable experience for Stroud contrasts sharply with his spectacular rookie season, as the offensive line’s failure to adjust to defensive schemes and stunts set the tone for a regression in his performance.
To compound matters, the rapidity with which Stroud was pressured (an alarming 2.59 seconds) shows that the line not only struggled but was consistently outmatched by opposing defenses. Moreover, the Texans faced a staggering number of unblocked pressures, a staggering 52 during the season. Such deficiencies stunted Stroud’s growth and hampered the overall success of Houston’s passing game, leading to a disappointing statistical dip when compared to his breakout rookie year.
In addition to the pressing concerns regarding pass protection, the Texans’ offense exhibited chronic issues, particularly in the critical second half of games. They averaged a league-low of 7.5 points during this time, indicating an inability to adapt and find success when it mattered most. Weeks 7 through 12 were especially bleak, with the Texans failing to score an offensive touchdown at all—an alarming statistic that adds to the narrative of offensive stagnation.
The Texans entered the season with considerable optimism due to the inclusion of Pro Bowl talent such as running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. However, injury woes severely hampered their season, notably when Diggs was lost to an ACL tear in Week 8, further complicating an already challenging situation. Despite Mixon achieving over 1,000 rushing yards, the Texans remained trapped in a cycle of unproductive offense, averaging poorly on critical third downs and red-zone attempts.
As the Texans set out to reshape their offensive strategy, Ryans’ acknowledgment of the team’s previous challenges offers insight into potential future directions. Alongside identifying areas for improvement, the decision to part ways with key coaches suggests a necessary shift in philosophy and execution moving forward.
With a commitment to revitalizing the offensive staff, the Texans offer a blank canvas for incoming talent, signaling an opportunity to reignite the franchise’s aspirations in the competitive landscape of the NFL. Given the team’s recent playoff appearances, the front office’s challenge will be to find the right leadership capable of harnessing the considerable talent within the roster while addressing glaring inefficiencies—thus turning the tide on an underwhelming season and restoring a sense of promise for fans and stakeholders alike.
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