The Houston Texans have made a significant decision to overhaul their offensive coaching staff by parting ways with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, along with offensive line coach Chris Strausser and assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich. This move comes after a two-year tenure for Slowik in Houston and is indicative of the struggles the Texans’ offense faced during the 2024 NFL season, despite an overall successful campaign that included an AFC South title and a playoff berth.
The Texans entered the 2024 season with considerable anticipation. Following a playoff appearance in 2023, hopes were bolstered by the addition of Pro Bowl talents like running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. However, the offense failed to live up to expectations, finishing a disappointing 18th in scoring and 16th in total offense. Coach DeMeco Ryans expressed concerns about the output from the offensive unit, recognizing that major improvements were necessary.
While the Texans recorded a 10-7 overall record and advanced to the divisional round, the year was marred by an inconsistent offensive performance. As Ryans noted, “There were challenges throughout the year.” This statement underscores the frustration felt within the organization as the team grappled to find a rhythm, particularly in critical game moments when offensive production dwindled significantly.
One of the most glaring issues for the Texans was their inability to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud, leading to a staggering total of 52 sacks throughout the season—the second-highest in the league. This alarming statistic reveals not just a failure in pass protection but also hints at possible flaws in offensive strategy and execution. Stroud’s pressure rate stood at 38.6%, illustrating the constant duress he faced while trying to execute plays.
The struggles in pass protection were particularly evident against defensive line stunts and twists, as the Texans’ offensive line appeared ill-prepared to respond. This lack of efficiency translated into significant regression for Stroud, who finished the year with 3,727 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, a far cry from his impressive rookie performance.
Another critical factor contributing to the Texans’ offensive shortcomings was their performance in the second half of games. Averaging a league-low of just 7.5 points in second-half scoring illustrates a significant lack of adjustment and execution when the pressure was highest. Additionally, a stretch where the Texans went without scoring an offensive touchdown during Weeks 7 to 12 encapsulates the struggles the unit faced in terms of finding solutions when it counted.
Coach Ryans acknowledged, “Overall, offensively, it wasn’t where we wanted to be,” effectively summarizing the disappointment felt by players, coaches, and fans alike during the season. The inability to capitalize on talent, including Pro Bowl contributors like Mixon and the potentially game-changing abilities of Diggs, raised questions regarding the offensive game plan and adaptability.
The shake-up within the coaching staff signals a broader commitment by the Texans’ organization to rectify the issues plaguing their offense. As Ryans prepares to fill the offensive coordinator position, it is clear that a fresh perspective and new strategies will be essential for maximizing the talents of players like Stroud and Mixon. The decision to let go of Slowik, who was regarded as a promising coach after his previous success with the 49ers, indicates the seriousness with which the Texans approach their desire to contend at a higher level.
As the Texans transition into 2025, the focus will undoubtedly be on rebuilding an effective offensive system that can both protect Stroud and exploit the talents of its skill players. The upcoming offseason will be pivotal in determining whether these changes can yield the desired results and restore the Texans’ status as a competitive team in the AFC South.
Leave a Reply