The Houston Texans may boast a 6-3 record, but their victories have been anything but comfortable. Quarterback C.J. Stroud knows it’s time for a change. In a passionate call to action, the rookie signal-caller is emphasizing the urgent need for the Texans to master the art of closing out games with authority.
Leaving Points on the Field
The numbers paint a concerning picture. The Texans rank just 19th in the NFL in point differential, with their six wins coming by a mere 38 points combined. As offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik pointed out, there’s no secret formula to the team’s second-half woes. It all comes down to execution in crucial situations.
“There’s not one thing a defense is doing in the second half that’s different than what they do in the first half. We’re not doing our job as well. That’s been an emphasis for us.”
– Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik
The contrast between halves is stark. In the first two quarters, the Texans rank 11th in points scored. But after the break, they plummet to 25th. Red zone efficiency tells a similar tale, with Houston falling from the top 10 to the bottom two. Injuries to key weapons like Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs have undoubtedly played a role, but Stroud refuses to make excuses.
Keeping the Energy Alive
For the young quarterback, the key to turning the tide lies in maintaining the right mindset and energy from kickoff to the final whistle. Stroud believes the Texans have been “a little dead” in second halves on the road, lacking the boost from the home crowd. His solution? Bring the juice themselves.
“I believe that we just have to honestly keep the swag, keep the juice on the sideline. We have to be more pumped up. Everybody has to stand up and [root for] each other and celebrate.”
– Quarterback C.J. Stroud
Stroud pointed to the New York Jets’ electric sideline after Garrett Wilson’s sensational one-handed touchdown grab as the kind of infectious energy that can lift a team. He wants to see the Texans match that intensity, with better celebrations and unwavering support for one another.
No More Narrow Escapes
With a marquee matchup against the NFC-leading Detroit Lions on deck for Sunday Night Football, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Houston to prove they can finish what they start. Head coach DeMeco Ryans minced no words about what needs to happen.
“For us, we’ve just got to go out and you’ve just got to finish.”
– Head Coach DeMeco Ryans
The Texans can ill afford to keep “squeezing by” with narrow victories if they hope to keep pace in the hotly contested AFC playoff picture. Against a Lions squad that leads the league in scoring at 32.3 points per game, both a fast start and a strong finish will be imperative.
C.J. Stroud understands what’s at stake. His leadership and ability to galvanize the Texans in the game’s biggest moments will be put to the test under the bright lights of prime time. If Houston can channel Stroud’s sense of urgency and heed his rallying cry, they may just find the formula to slam the door shut on opponents and announce themselves as true contenders.
The path forward is clear. Now, it’s on the Texans to walk it – one complete game at a time.
