The Texans’ season came to a frustrating end with a 28-16 loss to the Patriots - and the stat sheet tells a harsh story. Just 241 total yards on offense.
Five turnovers. And a second straight postseason where the offense simply couldn’t get going.
C.J. Stroud, who dazzled throughout much of the regular season, has now turned the ball over seven times across two playoff games. For a young quarterback who looked poised beyond his years for much of the year, it’s a tough pill to swallow - and it’s raised some fair questions about the direction of Houston’s offense moving forward.
Last year, after a 23-14 loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was let go. Now, after an even more lackluster offensive showing in this year’s postseason, the spotlight has shifted to his replacement, Nick Caley.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t offer much clarity when asked about Caley’s future. “With the coaching staff, with our players, I’m evaluating everything as we go throughout the week,” Ryans said. That’s the same kind of language he used last year before parting ways with Slowik, so naturally, it’s raised eyebrows.
But there’s one key difference this time around: Stroud isn’t letting Caley take the fall alone. The second-year quarterback made a point to defend his OC on Monday.
“I want to nip that in the bud as well,” Stroud said. “It’s on me as well.
It’s on everybody. I’m not just going to put it on him.
I’ll raise my hand and say, ‘Me.’”
That kind of accountability matters - especially from a young quarterback who’s already earned the respect of his locker room. Stroud’s willingness to shoulder the blame shows leadership, and it’s a stark contrast from the silence that surrounded Slowik’s exit a year ago.
Still, the reality is this: Houston’s offense has now come up short in back-to-back postseasons. And with several high-profile offensive minds potentially hitting the market - including Mike McDaniel, Brian Daboll, Todd Monken, and Joe Brady - the Texans may find themselves tempted to make another change.
It’s not just about scapegoating after a tough loss. It’s about maximizing the window they have with a young, talented quarterback on a rookie deal. If the Texans believe someone else can unlock another level in Stroud - especially when the stakes are highest - they may not hesitate to pull the trigger.
For now, Ryans is keeping his cards close. But in Houston, the evaluation process is underway. And after another playoff exit marked by offensive struggles, it’s clear that decisions are coming.