Battle Red Blog
After opening the season with three straight losses, Houston has ripped off seven wins in their last nine outings and is suddenly charging toward the postseason.
Most teams that start 0–3 don’t have the talent, composure, or resilience to claw back into contention. Houston is the exception — and that starts with their defense.
The Texans have the league’s best unit, and they’re the reason this season remains alive. They’re fast, physical, and disciplined at every level, turning every matchup into a winnable one as long as the offense holds up their end of the bargain.
Houston’s playoff hopes appeared to evaporate when quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion against Denver, but backup Davis Mills steadied the ship, guiding the team to three straight wins and keeping the Texans within reach.
Stroud returned last this past weekend, and after shaking off early rust, carved up a talented Colts secondary to deliver a fourth consecutive victory. With their franchise quarterback back, and their defense suffocating opponents, the Texans look capable of beating anyone, anywhere.
The inconsistency still lies on offense. Play-calling under offensive coordinator Nick Caley has been erratic, and aggressive in the wrong moments, conservative in others — too often putting the team behind schedule. That was made worse by a struggling offensive line, though Houston appears to have finally settled on a combination that allows Stroud to operate within rhythm.
Early in the season, the organization hesitated to lean on their rookies — a common approach around the league — but frustration mounted as their limited snaps consistently flashed more upside than the veterans playing ahead of them.
That patience finally gave way, and the results are undeniable. Running back Woody Marks has seized the starting role. Second-round pick Jayden Higgins is earning more snaps. Third-rounder Jaylin Noel has taken over as the full-time returner. Rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery has been quietly steady all year.
The youth movement isn’t just underway — it’s reshaping Houston’s identity. The Texans have become one of the most dangerous teams in football at the exact moment contenders start separating themselves, and right now, nobody wants to see them on the schedule.
