Texans Enter Camp with High Hopes and Heavy Expectations
HOUSTON – The sun rises over the horizon as the Houston Texans approach the start of training camp on July 22nd, and all eyes are on quarterback C.J. Stroud—specifically, his shoulder. What was described as “general soreness” during OTAs earlier this spring has reportedly subsided by the time summer workouts wrapped, but any slight issue with the franchise QB is bound to raise eyebrows.
This offseason, Houston made several notable moves. Premier running back Nick Chubb joins the team after suffering a foot injury in December and will pair with Joe Mixon to form a strong backfield duo. They also added former Texas A&M receiver Christian Kirk, recovering from a broken collarbone sustained in Week 8 against the Packers, along with wideout Braxton Berrios, former first-round offensive tackle Cam Robinson, veteran tackle Trent Brown, defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins, linebacker E.J. Speed, and Super Bowl-winning safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
However, those additions came with painful losses. Houston said goodbye to hometown hero Case Keenum, All-Pro wideout Stefon Diggs, veteran receiver Robert Woods, All-Pro lineman Laremy Tunsil, offensive lineman Kendrick Green, linebacker Devin White, cornerback Jeff Okudah, and safety Eric Murray.
The Texans’ 2024 draft class has already made noise in OTAs. Second-round pick Jayden Higgins, a wide receiver from Iowa State, has drawn praise from teammates and media alike. “Boy is nice, man,” said Nico Collins during media availability on May 28. “The type of guys we’re bringing in—these playmakers, man. It’s an honor to share the field with them.” Higgins has been making acrobatic one-handed grabs in coverage, including against second-year cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who impressed as a rookie and continues to develop in his sophomore season.
Higgins’ rise, however, puts pressure on receivers like John Metchie III. Now entering his fourth year, Metchie has yet to solidify his role beyond a WR3 due to inconsistent hands and limited production since returning from a leukemia diagnosis that wiped out his rookie season. Second-round tackle Aireontae Ersery is another name to watch as he competes to replace Tunsil at left tackle.
Offensively, the biggest concern heading into camp is the offensive line. Tunsil’s departure leaves a major gap, despite the penalties he drew last season. Starting center Jake Andrews remains optimistic. “The ball is gonna be run… we’re gonna run the football,” he told Marc Vandermeer on a podcast. “We’re gonna protect CJ. Us five up front, we’re gonna make it our life’s work to not let anybody in his lap.”
Stroud faced serious pressure last season. He held the ball an average of 2.98 seconds per throw—one of the slowest times in the league—and the Texans allowed a 35.2% pressure rate against four or fewer rushers (25th in the NFL). That must improve if the offense wants to take the next step.
New offensive coordinator Nick Caley comes in from the Los Angeles Rams, who fielded the league’s 10th-best passing attack. He inherits a Texans unit that was stuck in the middle of the pack: 18th in points per game (22.0), 16th in yards per game (329.4), and 24th in completion percentage (63.07%) under former coordinator Bobby Slowik.
On defense, the Texans look dangerous. Gardner-Johnson brings Super Bowl pedigree and fits perfectly with DeMeco Ryans’ “SWARM” mentality. Linebacker Christian Harris and safety Jalen Pitre return from injuries, and the front seven is loaded with Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Denico Autry, Sheldon Rankins, Folorunso Fatukasi, and Tim Settle Jr. The defense finished 10th in points allowed (21.4), 2nd in yards allowed (307.5), and led the league in opponent completion percentage (58.27%)—a credit to Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
Still, Houston faces adversity ahead. The Texans have the league’s 8th-toughest schedule, including matchups against the 49ers, Bills, Chargers, and familiar nightmares in the Ravens and Chiefs. And while many still believe in Stroud, he’ll need to bounce back from a sophomore slump that included dips in completion rate, passing yards, and touchdowns, as well as a doubling of his interceptions from 2023.
This season is a proving ground—not just for Stroud, but for Ryans as well. Can he lead this roster to the promised land while Stroud is still on a rookie deal? If not, serious internal discussions could follow. With the talent on hand, the window is open—but only for so long.