The NFL’s finest protection cannot catch a break.
On Wednesday, the Houston Texans (3-5) revealed that quarterback C.J. Stroud (concussion) will miss a pivotal Week 10 divisional sport in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3). Fifth-year veteran Davis Mills will begin.
Houston Texans defensive can be examined additional with C.J. Stroud out for Week 10
Stroud’s absence is a serious blow to Houston’s probabilities of sneaking again into the playoff image within the second half of the season. In 26 begins from 2021-22, Mills threw 32 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He averaged 216.6 passing yards per sport, and the Texans went 5-19-1, scoring 16.8 factors per sport and being held underneath 20 factors 14 occasions.
Mills is unlikely to spark a turnaround for an offense that ranks No. 24 in scoring (21 factors per sport). Stroud has had problem producing behind arguably the league’s worst offensive line, making it unrealistic Mills will fare any higher. Per ESPN, the Texans rank final in run-block win price and No. 26 in pass-block win price.
With little hope for offensive enchancment in opposition to the Jaguars, Houston’s protection will as soon as once more be underneath huge stress. It is greater than held up on its finish to this point, rating first in scoring protection (15.1 factors per sport) and complete protection (267.4 yards per sport). It hasn’t been sufficient, nevertheless, with the Texans already 3.5 video games behind the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts (7-2) for the division lead.
A loss on Sunday to Jacksonville could be onerous for Houston to beat. It has two video games remaining in opposition to the Colts, in addition to video games in opposition to the Buffalo Payments (6-2), Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (5-4) and Los Angeles Chargers (6-3). Even when the Texans went 3-2 in opposition to these groups — which is a tricky ask — it will be taking a look at a 9-8 file, assuming it wins its different remaining video games in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals (3-5), Tennessee Titans (1-8) and Las Vegas Raiders (2-6).
The Texans danger losing an elite season from their protection, which is made much more irritating contemplating the offense’s struggles aren’t a shock. Lots of the issues that ailed them a season in the past — an inconsistent run sport, horrible offensive line play — have derailed their 2025.
With the offense flailing, the Texans protection should pitch one thing near a shutout for the staff to have an opportunity of successful. It is a heavy load to bear, and with Stroud out, it is solely getting heavier.
