Typically when a team starts 0-2 there is reason to panic. Consider that the most recent team in the 17-game schedule format to recover from 0-2 and qualify for the playoffs were the Cincinnati Bengals last year.
The Houston Texans are a special case. Although they have failed to secure a victory through their first two contests, the 0-2 start doesn’t seem as foreboding and ominous as it is in, say, Los Angeles where the Chargers have struggled for a fortnight.
Buy Texans TicketsAccording to Ryan Smith from Pro Football Focus, the panic meter in Houston should be low for fans.
Much like the Carolina Panthers, the Texans invested an early pick to draft their quarterback of the future in C.J. Stroud. Stroud’s stats look good to the naked eye (626 yards, no interceptions) but he has been fortunate with three turnover-worthy throws in the first two weeks that didn’t result in giveaways.
Wide receiver Nico Collins has been a bright spot, as his 89.0 overall grade ranks fourth among 113 qualifying receivers. On defense, Steven Nelson’s 84.2 overall grade ranks third among 98 qualifying cornerbacks. 2023 third overall pick Will Anderson Jr. (72.1 overall) is off to a strong start to his career, leading the team with seven pressures through two games.
The frustration for Texans fans is they are well aware of the winning ingredients sprinkled throughout the team. Stroud has the fourth-most passing yards so far, and Collins is also among the ranks in top-5 receiving yards. Anderson has shown himself to be a defensive rookie of the year candidate. Even cornerback Tavierre Thomas has demonstrated he can locked down opposing slot receivers. Yet these supposed victorious elements have yet to coalesce into a Texans win.
Houston may get its chance Sunday in Week 3 at TIAA Bank Field when they take on the defending AFC South champion Jacksonville Jaguars.
