Season Recap
After having the third-worst combined record in the NFL and only winning eleven games in the last three years, the Houston Texans have found their solution to the problem. In 2023, this young Texans team burst onto the gridiron finishing with a ten-win season while capturing a division title for the first time in four years.
“Yeah, we are definitely back,” junior Cayden Akers said. “The team looked really good the whole year”
Led by rookie superstar quarterback C.J. Stroud and first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans revived the culture of their team, while energizing the city after having a successful season and winning a wildcard playoff game 45-14 against the Cleveland Browns. Stroud had an over-the-moon rookie year setting the record for most passing yards in a single game by a rookie quarterback with 470 yards in a week nine game vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that same game, he tied the record for most touchdown passes by a rookie in a single game with five. Stroud is also the current favorite for the NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award after throwing for more than 4,000 yards and totaling 26 touchdowns in his first year.
“Stroud is the best thing that could have happened to us,” Akers said. “He’s a future MVP and Super Bowl champion.”
Keys to Success
Alongside Stroud and Ryans, the Texans had other stars arise during the season. Third-year receiver Nico Collins had a breakout year and a fantastic connection with his new quarterback. Collins totaled more catches, yards, and touchdowns in 2023 than in the previous two years combined.
“Collins is a dog,” Akers said “Stroud and him had a great connection this year. I think they’re going to be even better next year.”
While Stroud helped drastically improve the teammates around him, he wasn’t the only rookie to help boost this squad in 2023. On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans were driven by the third overall pick in the 2023 draft, Will Anderson Jr, who registered seven sacks in his rookie year. And offensively, first-year wide receiver Tank Dell quickly became one of Stroud’s favorite targets on the year as he broke Texans legend Andre Johnson’s rookie receiving touchdowns record with seven touchdowns this year. The third-round pick in 2023 was one of the best rookie receivers, though his season was cut short due to a leg injury in week thirteen.
“Trading up for Will [Anderson] was a great move,” senior Carter Hoefling said. “All of our rookies played above expectations this year.”
Not only did the players play above expectations all year long, but the coaching staff was able to take this team to new heights. Coach Ryans brought life to the defense and boasted the sixth-best defense against the run this year. First-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was able to modernize this offense and allow the players to be comfortable in his system. Slowik was able to help flip this offense around and was a crucial reason for the success of the Texans’ young stars.
“Demeco Ryans really turned this team into contenders,” junior Brandin Sanchez said. “The turnaround was great especially because of how bad we were last year.”
A Glimpse at the Future
While they couldn’t win it all in 2023, the Texans had an unanticipated amount of success in their first year of the Ryans-Stroud era, but what does the future of this team look like? The Texans will hold the 23rd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft via the Browns and the Deshaun Watson trade, where they will look to add another star to help bolster this team.
“I think we need to go get a running back in the draft,” Sanchez said. “More playmakers would be fun to watch.”
The Texans are also projected to have the fifth most cap space, meaning they can spend big money in free agency to bring big-name players to Houston. Already one of the youngest, up-and-coming teams, the Texans’ future looks brighter than ever and should have many more playoff wins.
“We are definitely going to be contending for a while with all the young talent we have,” Sanchez said. “Hopefully Stroud can bring home a Superbowl.”
