Struggles persist in Houston's offense: A look at C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, and the team's offensive inefficiency
Houston Texans Struggle Offensively in Loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Houston Texans faced a tough challenge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, and unfortunately for the Texans, they came up short. The Texans' offense has been struggling this season, ranking last in points per game (14.0) and 29th in total yards per game in the NFL.
The Texans' passing game has been particularly ineffective, with non-Nico Collins receiving targets proving to be a non-factor. The offense is 26th in offensive EPA per play and 28th in offensive success rate through two games. Incorporating more screens and designed targets for Collins and other receivers could help the Texans' passing offense.
One of the biggest issues for the Texans has been their inability to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud, especially when blitzed. On plays where the offensive line wasn't blitzed, linemen were often thrown around, giving up immediate pressures. The Texans have the fifth-highest sack rate allowed in the NFL.
The Texans' inability to run the ball effectively has also been a major problem. Against the Buccaneers, the Texans' performance ranked 26th in success rate and 20th in EPA per carry. The Bucs are a tough team to run the ball against, but the Texans' poor performance against them was particularly noteworthy.
The Texans addressed their offensive line struggles by releasing veteran offensive lineman Trent Brown in September 2025 to make further line changes. For their passing options, they focus on the emerging chemistry between QB CJ Stroud and receiver Nico Collins, who had a breakout season and is expected to be a significant target moving forward.
However, the Texans' offense was dealt a blow when Jake Andrews, the new center for the Texans, did not play due to injury in the game against the Buccaneers.
The Texans had a fourth-and-goal opportunity but were unable to score. The offense was "confused, inefficient and dragging down a defense that is very good," according to analysts.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers' defense was led by Lavonte David, who recorded a wicked coffeehouse blitz that resulted in a sack on C.J. Stroud.
Elsewhere in the league, the Chargers have been successful using play action, despite not being effective in running the ball. Justin Herbert is shredding teams using play action, but Stroud is fifth among qualifying NFL quarterbacks using play action, and he's the only one in the top five with fewer than 10 play-action pass attempts. The Texans are last in the NFL in play-action rate and incorporating more play action into their offense could help offset their inability to run the ball.
Unfortunately for the Texans, it seems that street free agents are unlikely to help improve the situation for their offensive line. The Texans' biggest issues lie up front, particularly in their inability to run the ball effectively. Christian Kirk is still nursing an injury and hasn't played this season.
The Texans will need to find a way to address these issues if they want to turn their season around.
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