HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have transformed their season from a rocky start to a promising playoff berth. After beginning the year with a disheartening 0-3 record under third-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, the team has rallied to finish the regular season with an impressive 12-5 record. Their turnaround culminated in a historic nine-game winning streak, allowing them to clinch a playoff spot, marking them as the first team in NFL history to achieve this after starting a season 0-3.
The Texans’ early struggles included narrow losses, with three defeats by a combined total of just 13 points. Following a 17-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 21, Ryans maintained the belief that his team could turn things around. “We can beat anybody,” said tackle Tytus Howard, reflecting the confidence that began to grow within the squad.
In their fourth game, the Texans faced the Tennessee Titans, where they secured a decisive victory, winning 26-0. Quarterback C.J. Stroud emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “I never thought we were going to just keep losing. We weren’t getting blown out.” His optimism served as a rallying point for the team.
From Adversity to Triumph
The Texans’ journey to the playoffs was not without its challenges. The team experienced a significant setback when Stroud suffered a concussion during a Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos. Moreover, the Texans had to navigate the complexities of implementing a new offensive scheme under first-time offensive coordinator Nick Caley, following Ryans’ decision to part ways with former coordinator Bobby Slowik.
Despite these initial hurdles, the Texans’ offense began to flourish. By Week 4, they ranked 12th in the league for offensive points per game, averaging 23.9, even as they dealt with Stroud’s absence. The defense, consistently strong, finished the season ranked second in points allowed, conceding an average of just 17.4 points per game.
The defining moment of the season occurred in Week 10 against the Jaguars, where the Texans rallied from a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Stroud was sidelined, but backup quarterback Davis Mills led the team to an incredible comeback victory. The defense played a crucial role, limiting Jacksonville’s offense to just 17 yards in that quarter. This win was pivotal, igniting a new level of confidence within the team.
Playoff Aspirations and Future Goals
As the Texans prepare for their playoff debut, they will face the Pittsburgh Steelers, the No. 4 seed in the AFC, on November 10, 2023. The Texans aim to extend their winning streak while challenging the Steelers’ formidable home record on “Monday Night Football,” which stands at 23 consecutive wins.
Ryans expressed pride in his team’s ability to overcome adversity, noting, “We know we can win in any way or fashion, and that’s why I’m more excited about this team heading into the playoffs.” The Texans’ resilience has not only transformed their season but has also instilled a belief within the organization that they can compete with the best teams in the league.
As they look ahead, the Texans are motivated to continue their strong performance in the postseason. With a renewed sense of purpose and the momentum of their winning streak behind them, they are determined to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
