Texans Cruise Past Cardinals Behind Balanced Attack and Opportunistic Defense
Some Sundays are just easier on the heart. After weeks of nail-biting finishes and edge-of-your-seat drama, the Houston Texans gave their fans something rare: a stress-free afternoon.
From the opening whistle to the final kneel-down, there was never a moment where the result felt in doubt. The Texans jumped out early and never let go, cruising to a comfortable win over the Arizona Cardinals - a welcome breather after a six-game stretch defined by high-stakes finishes.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a win. It was a statement in control, execution, and complementary football. And while the Texans have found different ways to win this season, this one was all about the offense.
A Clean, Clinical Performance
The box score tells a story of balance and efficiency:
- Total Yards: Texans 399, Cardinals 307
- Rushing Yards: Texans 143, Cardinals 72
- Passing Yards: Texans 256, Cardinals 231
- Turnovers: Texans 0, Cardinals 2
- Third Down Conversions: Texans 7-of-13, Cardinals 5-of-12
- Punts: Texans 1, Cardinals 3
The Texans didn’t just win - they controlled the flow of the game. They won the turnover battle, dominated time of possession, and punted only once. That kind of offensive rhythm is something fans haven’t always seen from this group, and it’s a credit to the growing chemistry on that side of the ball.
What’s been quietly impressive all season is how this offense has taken care of the football. That’s not just a quarterback stat - it’s a reflection of coaching, protection, decision-making, and situational awareness. Credit to offensive coordinator Nick Caley, whose unit continues to improve in the areas that don’t always show up on highlight reels: turnovers and sacks allowed.
The Offense Steals the Show
Let’s not bury the lede - this game was won by the offense. Yes, the defense has carried the spotlight for much of the season, but Sunday was a showcase for what this offensive unit can do when it’s clicking.
C.J. Stroud didn’t need to be Superman, but he was sharp, efficient, and in command.
He distributed the ball within the flow of the offense and made smart decisions all afternoon. If this wasn’t his best game of the season, it was certainly one of the most complete.
And then there’s Jawhar Jordan. Elevated from the practice squad just before kickoff, Jordan made the most of his opportunity - 15 carries, 107 yards, and a spark the Texans didn’t know they needed.
It’s the kind of performance that can change a player’s trajectory and force a coaching staff to re-evaluate the depth chart. Jordan’s burst and vision stood out, and while Woody Marks sat with an ankle tweak (one that head coach DeMeco Ryans said wasn’t serious), Jordan made a case that he belongs in the mix moving forward.
Defense Holds Steady, Even on an Off Day
The Texans' defense has been the backbone of this team all season, and while this wasn’t their most dominant outing, it was still more than enough. Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett found some success - more than most have against this unit - and the Cardinals managed 20 points, which is saying something against this Texans defense.
But context matters. Houston jumped out to a 17-0 lead early, and from that point on, the defensive strategy clearly shifted.
With a cushion, they played softer coverage, focused on eliminating big plays, and forced Arizona to grind their way down the field. It wasn’t flashy, but it was smart football.
And once again, Kamari Lassiter made his presence felt. The second-year corner snagged his fourth interception of the season - building on a rookie campaign that already had fans excited. Lassiter is starting to look like a foundational piece in this secondary, and his growth from Year 1 to Year 2 is exactly what you hope to see from a young defensive back.
Red Zone Woes Still Linger
If there’s one area that continues to raise eyebrows, it’s the red zone. The Texans scored on eight possessions, but only three of their seven red zone trips ended in touchdowns. That’s a 43% clip - and for a team with playoff aspirations, that’s not going to cut it in January.
It’s not a new issue. Coming into the game, the Texans ranked 30th in red zone touchdown percentage.
Outside of a few exceptions - notably the Jacksonville and Baltimore games - this has been a season-long struggle. Sunday’s numbers didn’t help that narrative.
It’s a strange contrast: the Texans are average or better in most offensive categories, but the red zone has been their Achilles' heel. Whether it’s play design, execution, or something else entirely, it’s an area that will need to be addressed if this team wants to make noise in the postseason.
Looking Ahead
With a matchup against the Raiders on deck and a tough two-game stretch to close the season, this win came at the perfect time. Not just for the standings, but for the psyche. It was a reminder that this team can win in different ways - and that the offense is capable of carrying the load when needed.
The Texans are still figuring out exactly who they are. But if they can clean up the red zone issues and continue protecting the football the way they have, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.
For now, fans can take a deep breath. No heart palpitations, no last-minute drama - just a clean, convincing win. And after the rollercoaster this season has been, that’s worth savoring.