The ninth-year pro had 12 receptions for 140 yards on 14 targets in the game, all career bests for the Texans tight end.
“Dalton has always been that playmaker for us,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Just seeing him continue to thrive in this offense, seeing his connection with C.J., it’s been fun to watch. Every week Dalton finds a way to make a play.”
The circumstances of the day dictated some of that high level of involvement. No. 1 wide receiver Nico Collins missed the game. The running game was nonexistent. Houston’s second-half deficit forced the offense to tailor the attack to the air instead of the ground.
But a productive day isn’t surprising with Schultz, who has been a mainstay of the Texans offense since signing with the team in free agency in 2023. He has two of the top five seasons in receiving yards by a tight end in franchise history, including a Houston-best 82 grabs for a tight end last year.
His work in Sunday’s game was different. It marked only the second time in his career he topped 100 receiving yards. The first time was Houston’s high-scoring 39-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023.
“He’s been huge to me,” said quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has played with Schultz since being drafted. “He’s been great to this team, great to this organization.”
Stroud threw for a career-high 470 yards and five touchdowns on that wild day in 2023, and Schultz was one of three receivers in triple digits.
Stroud said having Schultz has provided tremendous value over his first four years in the league. Not just as a reliable pass catcher, either. Stroud highlighted that Schultz has helped him with operating in the huddle, communicating with teammates and more. Ryans called him one of his smartest players and a future coach.
“Dalton has been a leader since he’s been here,” Ryans said. “It’s who he is just as a man. He cares a lot about his team. He cares a lot about winning. He’s always pulling guys aside, talking to guys.”
But for as good as he played on Sunday, Schultz can’t be the only option clicking against the Indianapolis Colts this weekend for the Houston offense.
There are plenty of options for who could step up for the Texans. David Montgomery and Woody Marks, after combining for just 18 yards on 12 carries against Cincinnati, will be looking to bounce back after forgettable performances. Kayshon Boutte continues to build his chemistry with Stroud after a training camp trade. More multiple tight end sets could also be in the cards after the Texans played mostly with just one on the field versus the Bengals.
“The focus is at an all-time high,” Stroud said. “I don’t think effort was ever an issue, but I think effort is high as well. We’re really just focused. We’re forgetting what’s in the past and moving on to what’s next. I think that’s all we can do and what’s most important.”