(Photo : Andy Lyons/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 06: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans talks along with his workforce throughout the third quarter in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Houston Texans are via to the playoff after their 23-19 victory over AFC South Division rivals Indianapolis Colts.
This will probably be Texans’ first playoff look since 2019. Interestingly, their marketing campaign ended that yr by bowing to Indianapolis within the Wild Card Playoffs stage.
They received one higher from their rivals this time. But it’s greater than that for the Texans and gamers.
Stroud and Texans followers had been emotional after the sport and so they have each proper to really feel that approach.
They weren’t anticipated to make the playoffs this yr and the previous seasons have been depressing.
Bookmakers put their possibilities of successful the Super Bowl at +20000 however after the win over the Colts, it’s now at +8000.
This time feels completely different for individuals who assist the Texans. Stroud, chosen second total within the 2023 draft, believes their time is now after being the laughing inventory prior to now seasons.
There are nonetheless video games to play however supporters ought to take this season as a win. Fans can savor all the nice issues that occurred in 2023 with out worrying for the long run. They have one thing to construct on and listed here are three of them:
1. CJ Stroud is the long run.
A pure passing quarterback within the NFL? CJ Stroud is the man. The Texans received in them a franchise with a metal of coronary heart.
In 15 video games this season, he recorded a passer ranking of 100.8 with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
His rookie season is as sensational as it may be after breaking data right here and there. He is the primary participant within the league to have 900 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns with 0 interceptions in his first three profession begins.
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He additionally surpassed Kansas City Chiefs and two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes because the youngest participant to report 450+ cross yards and 5 TD in a sport.
There is much more to speak about Stroud’s statistics however one factor is for positive, he isn’t afraid of huge moments.
He confirmed that in a game-winning drive within the victory in opposition to Tampa Bay in November and one other clutch play that led his workforce to 30-27 win in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals.
In their final two much-needed wins to make the playoffs, he recorded a median of 118.4 passer ranking and three contact downs.
2. DeMeco Ryans is the appropriate coach for the job.
There had been doubts concerning the hiring of DeMeco Ryans as Texans head coach however sport by sport, he has confirmed the naysayers fallacious.
He’s had stints as a defensive coach with different groups however that is the primary time he turned the principle designer of an NFL squad.
Stability is what he delivered to the workforce ever since taking on for Lovie Smith at the beginning of the season.
His teaching type is a tad completely different from what the normal coaches preach. He is a locker room favourite who encourages everybody for the nice issues issues they’ve executed.
He is teaching the best way he needed to be coached and that’s large for a younger squad just like the Texans.
He needs to construct connections along with his gamers first earlier than implementing methods and schemes.
“The best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten about coaching is that the players don’t care about how much you know, they’re focused on how much you care,” Ryans advised KPRC 2.
That tradition is now translating to wins.
3. They want improved defensive.
The line of defense was final within the NFL in 2022, ending with 170.2 yards per sport allowed.
They improved this season however accidents stored the workforce from fulfilling their potential. Coach Ryans know there may be nonetheless rather a lot left to be desired.
The line of defense depth chart has room for enchancment with Juice Scruggs and Kenyon Green but to mature within the function.
Edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson Jr., along with defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankins additionally proceed to overlook time.
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