Mathguy64 said:
Nobody was going nuts over play calling when Nico and Diggs were healthy. CJ has no real WR to lean on and it's showing. Teams are going run blitz and pressure CJ until Nico comes back.
This. Coaches didn't just forget how to coach and CJ didn't forget how to play. The same guys that led the huge turnaround last year are still here.
The fact is the Texans played above their talent last year and won some games they probably shouldn't have. As a reward they got a first place schedule this year versus playing a last place schedule last year. There is going to be some regression. They have to learn how to win when it's expected and how to win tough games.
The Lions are a perfect example of what staying the course can produce. They surprised most people in Campbell's first year (2021). Then, they started 2022 1-6, but finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs in Campbell's 2nd year (2022). In the 3rd year they showed a ton of growth and made it to the conference finals. They never panicked. They showed consistent growth and played through some periodic setbacks.
Anyone who thought Stroud wouldn't ever struggle was a fool. He's still learning. He's a future All-Pro QB.
Texans are about to run off 4 straight wins and get Nico back. They'll go into the Chiefs game 10-4 and will win at least one of the 2 games against the Chiefs and Ravens. They'll finish up with an win over the Titans and enter the playoffs 12-5. They'll make some noise in the playoffs and scare one of the elite teams. They're going to be fine. It's easy to over-react to a bad few games, but they need to stay the course. They'll add some depth in the off-season and next year will make a legitimate Super Bowl run.
