Is this the conclusion of the road for the 2023 Houston Texans? A team that not long ago seemed poised to contend for the top spot in the AFC South and secure a playoff berth is now grappling with a series of setbacks that have cast doubt on their postseason aspirations.
The Texans’ recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars dealt a significant blow to their playoff hopes, and while they attempted to rebound against the Denver Broncos, the injury bug struck again. Rookie wide receiver Tank Dell, a rising star, was sidelined in that game, and unfortunately, he will not be making a return this season.
Despite hopes that John Metchie III would step up to fill the void, Sunday’s game against the New York Jets proved otherwise. The Texans, entering MetLife Stadium with a chance to enhance their playoff standing, faced successive blows as Nico Collins, their first 1000-yard receiver in recent memory, suffered a leg injury. With Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz also unavailable, the Texans find themselves depleted in receiving targets.
Adding to the woes, starting quarterback Stroud endured a head injury late in the game, raising concerns about his potential return and form.
The article highlights the perceived discrepancy in treatment between Stroud and a hypothetical situation involving Tom Brady, questioning the fairness of officiating decisions.
Hey, @NFLOfficiating, y'all aren't calling penalties on roughing anymore?https://t.co/KaDD9rqCbf
— battleredblog (@battleredblog) December 10, 2023
In the absence of Stroud, Davis Mills, last year’s starter, took the helm but struggled, completing only 1 of 5 passes for a meager 4 yards.
If Stroud is unable to make a swift and effective return, and Mills assumes leadership once more, the article suggests it might be time for the Texans to shift focus to the 2024 season.
However, there remains a glimmer of hope if Stroud and Collins can recover quickly. The Texans are currently among the “on the bubble” teams vying for a playoff spot, but their chances hinge on the health of key players.
With four games left, including matchups against the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and the Cleveland Browns, the Texans, under the leadership of Demeco Ryans, still have a mathematical chance of securing a postseason berth. Yet, the odds appear challenging, especially if the team continues to grapple with injuries.
The article concludes with a note on player performance, highlighting the unexpected shift in grades between Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr.
Despite initial hopes for Stingley, Gardner holds a higher PFF grade, underscoring the unpredictability of player outcomes in the NFL.
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