Texans Escape With Win, But Offensive Struggles Raise Red Flags
The Houston Texans walked away from Sunday’s matchup with a 23-21 win over the Las Vegas Raiders-but don’t let the final score fool you. This game was far from a convincing performance by an offense that’s shown flashes of brilliance this season. Against a Raiders team that came in riding an eight-game losing streak and ranked in the bottom half of the league in most defensive categories, Houston’s offense sputtered in ways that raise real concerns heading into the final stretch of the season.
Let’s be clear: this was a step backward for an offense that had just dropped 40 points the week before. The Texans didn’t find the end zone on offense until the 7:44 mark of the fourth quarter. That lone touchdown drive was the only offensive spark of the day-and it came long after a pick-six by Derek Stingley Jr. and three Ka’imi Fairbairn field goals had done the heavy lifting to keep Houston in front.
Missed Opportunity Against a Vulnerable Defense
Coming into this game, the Raiders had allowed at least 24 points in five straight contests. In their last three games alone, they’d surrendered over 150 rushing yards per game, more than 340 total yards each time, and 10 total offensive touchdowns. This was a defense that had been gashed repeatedly-and yet, the Texans couldn’t take advantage.
Instead of continuing that trend, Houston’s offense found itself stuck in neutral. Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ front made life difficult from the opening snap.
C.J. Stroud looked unsettled, finishing 23-of-35 for 187 yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 88.6.
That 187-yard total was his lowest of the season, and his 5.3 yards per attempt marked one of his least efficient outings-his third-lowest average of the year.
The ground game didn’t offer much relief either. The Texans managed just 83 yards on 26 carries, a modest 3.2 yards per attempt.
Jawhar Jordan, Nick Chubb (in his return), Dare Ogunbowale, and Stroud all took turns trying to spark the run game, but nothing came easy. Every yard felt like a fight.
To his credit, Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham dialed up a game plan that took Houston out of rhythm. Every throw was contested, every run met resistance at the line of scrimmage.
And while the Raiders didn’t register a sack, the pressure was constant. Houston’s offense went three-and-out four times, including a brutal third-quarter sequence that lost eight yards and drew loud boos from the home crowd at NRG Stadium.
A Reality Check for the Offense
After hanging 40 points on Arizona just a week ago, this performance was a jarring reminder that consistency remains a work in progress for this group. Take away the defensive score and the field goals, and the Texans’ offense put up just seven points. That’s now the sixth time this season they’ve been held to one offensive touchdown or fewer-joining outings against the Rams, Jaguars, Seahawks, Broncos, Titans, and now the Raiders.
It’s the kind of showing that makes you pump the brakes on any serious contender talk. Yes, a win is a win, but this one came with more questions than answers.
Houston’s offensive coordinator Nick Caley now faces a critical test. On a short week, the Texans head west to face a Chargers defense that ranks third in total yards allowed per game and eighth in scoring defense. It’s one of the better units in the league, and it won’t offer the same kind of leeway the Raiders did.
What Comes Next
The Texans are still riding a seven-game win streak and sitting on the edge of an AFC playoff berth. But if they’re going to make noise in January, they’ll need more than just opportunistic defense and special teams. The offense has to find its footing again-and fast.
Stroud has shown the poise and talent to bounce back, but this week will test the Texans’ ability to self-correct. The Chargers will bring pressure, discipline, and a top-tier secondary. Houston will need a smarter, more balanced game plan, and above all, better execution in the red zone and on third down.
There’s still plenty on the line: an eighth straight win, an eleventh overall, and a ticket to the playoffs. But if Sunday’s narrow escape was any indication, the Texans know they can’t afford another offensive letdown.
Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles is shaping up to be a defining moment.