The Texans went from worst to contender in two years and CJ Stroud is the reason. But let's be honest about where this roster still falls short.
Offense: Stroud threw for 4,200+ yards and 28 TDs this season. His pocket presence is elite for a guy in his third year. The connection with Nico Collins is the best WR-QB pairing in the AFC South and it's not close. Tank Dell coming back healthy gives this offense a deep threat that scares every defensive coordinator.
Defense: This is where it gets ugly. The run defense was bottom-10 all season. Teams figured out that if you run between the tackles on early downs, the Texans linebackers get swallowed by blocks. Will Anderson Jr. is a monster off the edge but he can't do everything himself.
What needs to happen this offseason:
- Interior defensive line help. A run-stuffing nose tackle is mandatory.
- Offensive line depth. Stroud got hit way too much in the second half of the season.
- A true RB1 who can take pressure off the passing game on third-and-short.
This team is one good draft away from a Super Bowl run. DeMeco Ryans has built something real at NRG Stadium.
Source: Pro Football Reference, PFF grades, ESPN Stats & Info