Today, the Texans went to Baltimore to face the Ravens for the 2023 season opener. With the outcome not being what fans were looking for, they should not be disappointed or have thoughts of a terrible season. Yes, the score box did have a final of 25-9 in favor of the Ravens, but I will tell you how we can use this game as a building block to become successful for seasons to come.
- The first building block is the rookie quarterback CJ Stroud. While looking nervous in the first couple of drives, CJ settled into his role and 28 of 44 passes for 242 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Yes, Stroud wasn’t able to find the endzone, he managed to limit his turnovers to one fumble against a top defense. More repetitions and professional starts will help the 2nd overall selection of this year’s draft, especially when CJ throws for his first touchdown. The main thing of today’s game, mistakes in the air were not made by the rookie quarterback. This gives him more confidence to help Stroud grow in the future.
2. The second block has to go to the defense, especially rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Anderson ended the game with 4 total tackles and 1 sack but his pressure all game helped fluster opposing Lamar Jackson. The pressure from the whole front seven helped Steven Nelson get an interception and flush Lamar out of the pocket. The Defense as a whole allowed 110 rushing yards and 155 yards passing-wise. As opposed to last year, where the Texans were ranked last in defense, this is a huge step forward. With that being said, the defense will only get better as the season goes on, with the returns of Jimmy Ward, Blake Cushman, and Jalen Pitre, who left the game at halftime with a chest injury. Demeco Ryans has proved with a small sample size, the defensive player’s attributes are highlighted in the scheme. Only good things to come when all players return healthy.
3. The last block and some of you are going to think I am crazy but just hear me out, is the coaching staff. I get it, Demeco Ryans’s clock management skills didn’t even show up to Baltimore. We will chalk that up to inexperience and being a first-year head coach. Rome wasn’t built in a year, it will come with time. In the wise words of Marcus Burnett, “Woosa”.
That isn’t the only thing to come off from this game about the coaching staff. Another plus is Bobby Slowick, Yes I know there were a lot of questionable play calls, again hear me out. This a rookie head coach, rookie offensive coordinator, and rookie quarterback making their debut. There will be some learning curves. One thing to mention in the defense of Slowick, there are 5 injuries (Counting Fant during the game) on the offensive line. Bobby was trying to be conservative while being successful without getting his rookie quarterback killed. Week 5 should be the time when it all comes together. By then your potential pro bowler Tytus Howard and second-round rookie center Juice Scruggs should return. At that time, Bobby Slowick should smooth out some of his speed bumps in his play calling.
I know all Texans fans are looking for a instant success, especially for what they had to deal with in recent years. I’m telling you, be patient and watch this team grow. Make sure you tune in tonight at 7PM Est time to watch the crew of the Texans Fan Battle recap this game.
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