The Houston Texans are grappling with a challenging phase following a disappointing 30-6 loss to the New York Jets last Sunday. The team’s performance fell short, resulting in a victory for the Jets. However, it is undeniable that the Texans have been disproportionately affected by injuries, significantly impacting their on-field performance.
The absence of wide receiver Tank Dell was already a significant blow for the Texans, but the situation worsened with key players like tight end Dalton Schultz, leading receiver Nico Collins, linebacker Blake Cashman – a leader in tackles and the top linebacker in defensive coverage – and Will Anderson, who left last week’s game with an ankle injury, all succumbing to injuries. However, the most impactful injury is that of quarterback CJ Stroud, who entered the NFL concussion protocol. Despite his modest performance last week with only 91 passing yards, Stroud ranks second in the league with 3,631 yards, trailing only 66 yards behind Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins.
The timing of these injuries could not be worse for the Texans, who, despite the adversities, remain in contention for a playoff spot in the American Football Conference (AFC). With only four games remaining in the regular season, the margin for error is minimal. Although six AFC teams have a 7-6 record, the Texans, based on conference tiebreakers, currently sit in eighth place, just outside the playoff picture.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasizes that the injury situation cannot be used as an excuse. “For me, with the players we have injured, it hasn’t affected what we’ve tried to do in the slightest. It’s not an excuse. Injuries happen to all teams. We’ve had some, probably more than others, but it doesn’t matter,” confirmed Ryans.
While Ryans maintains the right mindset as the team’s leader, the reality is that it does impact the offensive unit when they lose their top three aerial options. Look at Miami, who lost against Tennessee last Monday and saw a shift in their offensive performance by losing just one player, Tyreek Hill, during the game. The Texans lost three offensive players and their best coverage linebacker in the second half, opening the door for the Jets’ runners to dominate the game.
It goes without saying how much the team changes if star QB CJ Stroud cannot play on Sunday. “We’ll line up on Sunday with whoever is available. Everyone has to give their best performance, and we have to play collectively. Of course, we don’t want players to get injured, but it happens. And sometimes, you lose good players.” This is the reality the Texans are currently facing.
The crucial match against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday presents an opportunity for the Texans to improve their position in the standings and secure their path to the playoffs. This clash is the first of two against the Titans in the next three weeks, with a second meeting scheduled for December 31 at the NRG Stadium.
Despite still controlling their destiny in the postseason, the Texans face a significant challenge in the last month of the season, especially considering the potential absence of their key player, CJ Stroud, due to injury. Achieving a 3-1 record in the last four games becomes a crucial task for the team. The future of the Texans in the 2023 season is at stake, and the team will seek to overcome adversities to secure their playoff berth.
Ryans is optimistic about the players who will now have the opportunity to contribute to the team at a crucial moment in the season. “Now it’s about how we respond. We have to respond in the right way.”
Join us this Sunday on the Houston Texans’ Spanish Radio Network.
11 AM Facebook Live on Telemundo Houston’s page.
Texans vs. Titans Live from Nissan Stadium.
11:30 AM Pre-game on Mega 101 FM in Houston.
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