Can the Houston Texans Overcome Another Slow Start After Falling to 0-3?

A Familiar Struggle for Houston

The Houston Texans find themselves in a tough spot. They have started the season 0-3 for the second consecutive year. Just like last season, these losses have been incredibly close. In Week 1, quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked and fumbled inside the red zone on their final drive against the Buffalo Bills. In Week 3, the defense gave up a game-winning field goal to the Indianapolis Colts with just 16 seconds left on the clock.

Despite the frustration, Stroud remains confident. "We've been here before," Stroud said. "We can get these fixed, and we will."

Offensive Woes and Key Injuries

Houston's offense has struggled to get going. The team is averaging just 18 points and 326 yards per game. Stroud has already been sacked 10 times, which is tied for the second most in the NFL.

A major issue is the absence of Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Without him, the offense has averaged only 11.5 points and 298.5 yards per game over the last two weeks.

The running game has also stalled. Running backs David Montgomery and Woody Marks are being hit at the line of scrimmage on 66.7% of their carries. The offensive line has missed right guard Ed Ingram, who has sat out the last two weeks with a groin injury. Montgomery and Marks are averaging minus 0.3 yards per carry before contact. This has left Houston with the lowest rushing yards from running backs in the league, at just 33 yards per game.

History on Their Side

Starting 0-3 usually means the end of playoff hopes, but the Texans have defied the odds before. Under the current playoff format, 25 teams have started 0-3 since 2020. Last year's Texans were the only team to make the postseason after such a start.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans is not looking at the past, though. "For me, if we're 0-3, obviously I haven't coached good enough," Ryans said. He added that he must coach better to get the team back to winning.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. also believes a turnaround is coming. He recorded 2.5 sacks last Sunday and noted that the team is built to handle adversity.