![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1761387796_250_bien-aime_dj.png&h=80&w=80&scale=crop.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
DJ Bien-AimeOct 25, 2025, 09:00 PM<\/p>\n
Close<\/a>DJ Bien-Aime covers the Houston Texans for ESPN. He joined ESPN in July of 2022 after covering the New York Jets for the New York Daily News. He’s a former athlete who finished his college career at Louisville. You can catch DJ on ESPN Radio on his show “Talkin’ Texans.”<\/p>\n HOUSTON — After a 2-4 start, the Texans<\/a> have a tough three-game home stretch ahead that could define their season.<\/p>\n The Texans will host the San Francisco 49ers<\/a> (5-2), Denver Broncos<\/a> (5-2) and Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> (4-3), respectively, with a chance to salvage their season. If they were to falter, it could also put them in a hole they can’t climb out of.<\/p>\n Ryans won’t look that far ahead though.<\/p>\n Best of NFL Nation \u2022 Could Justin Jefferson top Jerry Rice’s records?<\/a> “I really don’t care about the three games,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It’s all about the Niners. It’s not about getting on track, it’s about the Niners and playing how we need to play. … I really don’t care about the home stretch at all.”<\/p>\n Since the playoffs expanded to 14 teams in 2020, seven teams have started 2-4 or worse and made the postseason. Those teams are the 2024 Los Angeles Rams<\/a>, 2023 Green Bay Packers<\/a>, 2022 Jaguars, 2021 49ers, 2021 New England Patriots<\/a>, 2021 Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> and Washington<\/a> in 2020.<\/p>\n At least one team has done it each year, but the odds are stacked against you at a 12% clip.<\/p>\n Houston will need more from the offensive side of the ball if it wants to join that trend. Despite the defense entering the week allowing the fewest points per game (14.7) in the NFL, the offense has struggled to score in losses — putting up 14.25 points per game. Thanks to scoring 70 points in their two wins, the Texans’ average sits at 21.2 points on the season (21st) and 304 yards per game (23rd).<\/p>\n Last season, pass protection and run blocking were two of their biggest struggles, and this year has been no different.<\/p>\n Houston’s rushing attack, which is missing Joe Mixon<\/a> — whose status to make his debut this season because of an ankle injury remains unknown<\/a> — has regressed from averaging 117 yards per game (13th) to 106 (18th). This season, Stroud is tied for ninth in sacks (15) and has been pressured the 13th most (74), even though the Texans have played only six games because of the early bye.<\/p>\n Stroud has also seen 20 unblocked pressures, according to Next Gen Stats, tied for eight most, pointing to the consistent miscommunication with protection. On his third-quarter interception in the Texans’ 27-19 loss<\/a> to the Seattle Seahawks<\/a> on Monday, there was a free rusher who got to his feet, which affected the accuracy of his throw.<\/p>\n Stroud says the offensive approach has been “death by a thousand paper cuts,” and to get rolling offensively they must stay on track on early downs.<\/p>\n “That’s where I think some of the playmaking abilities has to come out,” Stroud said. “That’s the thing in this offense, every play just doing your job — even if it means gain of 2 [yards]. That’s what we’re being asked to do. That’s what we’re asked of, so that’s something I’m still getting used to.<\/p>\n “I think when that time comes, we got to find answers, and that’s where\/when the ball is getting out for 2 yards, that’s when I trust wideout [Xavier Hutchinson<\/a>] or one of the guys on the outside to make somebody miss and get 8 [yards]. So, that’s the type of offense we’re living in.”<\/p>\n The latest on the NFL trade deadline \u2022 Tracking every deal<\/a> | Grading moves<\/a> The Texans will be at a disadvantage though after the team’s leading receiver, Nico Collins<\/a>, entered the short week of preparation in the concussion protocol after slamming his head<\/a> into the turf against the Seahawks and will miss Sunday’s game. Like Collins, wideout Christian Kirk<\/a> — who missed Monday’s game with a hamstring injury — hasn’t practiced this week and will be out.<\/p>\n Houston’s passing attack will mostly rely on the Iowa State triplets in Hutchinson and rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins<\/a> and Jaylin Noel<\/a> in their absence.<\/p>\n But that’s no concern to Stroud.<\/p>\n “I really like what [Noel] and [Higgins] have been doing,” Stroud said. “Continue to show up and run great routes like they’ve been doing. I think whatever they’re doing in practice, which has been really good, will get it done in the game. I’m in full faith with them. I think they’re ready, and I’m excited to see them roll.”<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nfl_chasing-jerry-rice_16x9_608x342.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u2022 Why Justin Herbert is running more than ever<\/a>
\u2022 WR Courtland Sutton stands out for Broncos<\/a>
\u2022 Panthers still confident if Bryce Young is out<\/a>
\u2022 Chris Olave, Saints and trade rumors<\/a><\/p>\nThe Houston Texans sit a 2-4 with a crucial three-game home stretch coming up that could define their season.\u00a0Jane Gershovich\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/r1560692_800x320_5-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u2022 Ranking trade candidates<\/a> | Insider buzz<\/a>
\u2022 Barnwell crafts 13 trade proposals<\/a><\/p>\n