Texans Triumphs, Troubles & Trials In Opening Game
DeMeco Ryans' inaugural game as the head coach of the Houston Texans didn't unfold according to the script, as his team endured a disheartening 25-9 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.
The contest, for the most part, seemed to slip out of reach well before the midway point of the third quarter. However, amidst the challenges, there were glimpses of hope, mainly stemming from the Texans' defense and their promising rookie talent.
Let's break down the noteworthy aspects of Houston's encounter with the Ravens, encompassing the positive, the negative, and the areas that warrant improvement.
The Positives
As mentioned earlier, the Houston Texans' rookie contingent showcased promise and resilience throughout the game.
The No. 2 overall draft pick, C.J. Stroud, demonstrated his potential by amassing 242 passing yards. He completed 28 of 44 attempts, although he failed to secure a touchdown pass or fall victim to interceptions. Stroud also contributed 20 yards on the ground, and while his efficiency wasn't exceptional, he exhibited a growing comfort as the game unfolded.
His sole turnover transpired in the second half when he lost possession of the ball during a sack. However, it's worth noting that this incident primarily highlights the struggles of Houston's offensive line, a topic we'll delve into shortly.
Stroud established a connection with fellow rookie Tank Dell, with the duo collaborating effectively for three receptions totaling 34 yards. Additionally, Stroud distributed the ball to seasoned receivers, with Nico Collins and Robert Woods each securing six receptions, amassing 80 and 57 yards, respectively.
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr., a player the Texans traded up to select as the third overall pick, emerged as one of Houston's standout performers in Sunday's contest. Anderson's performance left a lasting impression, showcasing his immense potential and contribution.
Throughout the game, Anderson displayed his prowess with a remarkable stat line: six tackles, six pressures on the opposing quarterback, and two QB hits. In the fourth quarter, he etched his name into Texans history by becoming the first rookie to secure a sack during Week One.
This accomplishment arrived as he outmaneuvered the Ravens' right tackle on the edge and successfully brought down the elusive Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson, despite a holding penalty against the offense.
It's also worth noting that Anderson's relentless pressure played a pivotal role in an earlier interception by Steven Nelson, highlighting his significant impact on the game.
Despite missing key defensive players such as starting safety Jimmie Ward and the first-stringer at the position, Jalen Pitre, for the second half due to injury, the Houston Texans showcased a commendable defensive performance.
During the first half of the game, the Texans managed to limit Lamar Jackson to a mere 60 passing yards, and they effectively restricted the Ravens to just seven points over the initial two quarters.
Although Pitre's absence became palpable in the latter half of the match, Houston's defense remained resolute, permitting the Ravens to accumulate a total of 265 yards. In addition to this strong yardage defense, the Texans registered four sacks and forced two crucial turnovers, underlining their resilience and ability to make essential stops when needed.
Texans Areas of Concern
While it's challenging to blame Houston's defense for Sunday's defeat, the same cannot be said for the offense, which encountered significant issues.
The Texans took an entire quarter to fully involve running back Dameon Pierce, who had a breakout season in 2022, gaining 38 yards on 11 carries to kick off his sophomore campaign.
Houston's running backs collectively averaged just under three yards per carry, a concerning statistic, particularly when coupled with the fact that they have a rookie quarterback who is still adapting to the NFL. The offensive strategy also raises questions, with the Texans opting for 44 pass attempts compared to only 18 designed backfield runs.
Granted, part of this discrepancy can be attributed to their need to play catch-up for most of the game. It's important to note that Coach Ryans shouldn't bear the brunt of the blame for coming up short on a pair of fourth-down conversion attempts.
The offensive struggles compelled the team to adopt an aggressive approach, albeit with less-than-ideal outcomes. On one attempt, Stroud faced heavy pressure, resulting in an incompletion. At the same time, on the other, Pierce was thwarted in the backfield, shedding light on the ongoing concerns surrounding the Texans' offensive line.
The Disturbing Reality
The situation on the offensive line for the Texans was nothing short of grim, with three starters missing in action, and the impact was palpable. Running lanes for Dameon Pierce was a rare commodity, and C.J. Stroud found himself consistently under relentless pressure.
The rookie QB endured five sacks, putting him on a concerning trajectory that could potentially eclipse David Carr's infamous sack record of 76, established during Houston's inaugural season in 2002. It's noteworthy that this sack tally could have been even higher were it not for Stroud's ability to elude trouble with his mobility.
However, it wouldn't be entirely fair to pin the blame on the individuals stepping in on the offensive line. Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason were the lone starting-caliber players anchoring the front for Houston.
The Texans' front office must bear scrutiny for their perceived lack of preparedness to navigate this precarious situation. With right tackle Tytus Howard undergoing hand surgery early in training camp and lingering doubts surrounding left guard Kenyon Green's availability, the Texans entered the season ill-equipped to address their offensive line challenges.
This predicament leaves them with at least four weeks of uncertainty, given the injuries to key linemen, including George Fant, who filled in for Howard but left the game with a shoulder injury. Should Fant remain sidelined for the upcoming week, the Texans could potentially find themselves without their top two centers and right tackles, a situation that calls for urgent attention and resolution.
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