There were elements that had to blossom for the Houston Texans to post a 3-3 mark heading into their bye week.
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud played at a mature level that had minimal signs of growing pains. The makeshift offensive line held together enough to give Stroud time to engage receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell. The defense and special teams were also creative in coming up with extra possessions.
For the Texans to excel coming out of their bye week, it will take much more counting on the currently developed benefits. Here are four areas where the Texans need to improve in the final 11 games.
1. Red zone
The Texans have the sixth-lowest red zone conversion rate in the NFL at 38.1%. The only team in the bottom-10 with a trajectory for greater things in January are the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 10. All of the other clubs are on the precipice of meeting great expectations or failing spectacularly.
Houston is tied with the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans for the 11th-most red zone trips with 21.
2. First and second down efficiency
Interestingly the Texans are one of the better third down offenses in the NFL with a 44.3% conversion rate. However, the best way to convert a third down is avoid it entirely. Houston is tied with the New England Patriots for the fourth-most third down attempts with 88.
The Texans are tied for the seventh-lowest first and second down efficiency with 4.5 yards gained on average. If the Texans are able to up their efficiency, it will allow them to have more drives end in touchdowns rather than settle for field goals.
3. Missed tackles
As of entering Week 7, the Texans lead the NFL with 60 missed tackles. The top-3 biggest offenders are linebackers Henry To’oTo’o and Denzel Perryman each with eight and defensive end Will Anderson with six. Tightening up should help Houston’s yards per play surrendered at 5.4, tied for 11th-highest in the league.
4. Sacks
Houston is tied with the Chicago Bears for the second-fewest sacks in the league with nine. If the defense is going to want to complement the offense in any way, one of the best would be to frustrate opposing passers. Quarterback hits are also at a premium with the Texans generating 31, tied for the ninth-fewest.
