The Houston Texans must finish the year strong for a memorable playoff run in January

Will this be a December to remember? The Houston Texans certainly hope so. Their upcoming opponents are challenging. First, they will face a resurgent Miami Dolphins team that has won four of its last five games and is clawing its way back into playoff contention. Following that, the Texans will take on the tough duo of Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in back-to-back games against the Chiefs and the Ravens. The Texans’ success in this crucial stretch will largely depend on how quarterback C.J. Stroud performs in these matchups. As my good friend Carla Dawson is fond of saying “if you don’t have an elite quarterback in this league, you’re not going anywhere.”

C.J.’s second year has been anything but elite. His current QBR ranking of 23rd is concerning, but what stands out even more are the circumstances surrounding him. A shaky offensive line, worsened by the injury to Diggs, along with questionable play-calling from Bobby Slowik, have all contributed to these challenges.

There are ready made solutions within the roster. Tank Dell has been largely overlooked as a weapon and TE Dalton Schultz has found the end zone just once this season and that came against a horrendous Jaguars defense.

C.J.’s second year has been anything but elite. His current QBR ranking of 23rd is concerning, but what stands out even more are the circumstances surrounding him. A shaky offensive line, worsened by the injury to Diggs, along with questionable play-calling from Bobby Slowik, have all contributed to these challenges.

There are ready made solutions within the roster. Tank Dell has been largely overlooked as a weapon and TE Dalton Schultz has found the end zone just once this season and that came against a horrendous Jaguars defense.