Stroud called for a more aggressive approach after Houston’s loss to Indianapolis, while DeMeco Ryans continues to back offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
The Houston Texans are 0-3, and quarterback C.J. Stroud’s comments after Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts have put even more attention on an offense that has struggled to consistently create explosive plays and put points on the board.
Houston fell 19-17 to Indianapolis after taking a late fourth-quarter lead, dropping the Texans to 0-3 for the second consecutive season. While the defense gave the team an opportunity to win, the offense again struggled to find a rhythm throughout the afternoon.
Stroud completed 16 of 27 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown. After the game, Stroud pointed toward the need for Houston to become more aggressive offensively.
“We can't just play conservative. We gotta be aggressive and attack and not be ‘the attacked,’” Stroud said.
The comment immediately drew attention because it came after another game in which the Texans had trouble putting it together on offense.
That naturally puts some of the focus on offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who took over Houston’s offense this season. Through three games, the Texans have not consistently produced the type of offensive output expected from a unit led by a quarterback of Stroud’s caliber.
However, head coach DeMeco Ryans made it clear Monday that he is not considering a change at offensive play-caller.
Asked whether he would consider replacing Caley as the play-caller or making other significant changes, Ryans gave a direct response: “Nope, we're all in this thing together.”
Ryans also emphasized that the offense is capable of adjusting as the season progresses.
“Every week, everything is changeable,” Ryans said. “It's a matter of doing the things you need to do. One thing about Caley system is he's willing and able to adjust to what you need.”
That leaves Houston with an important challenge heading into Week 4. The Texans do not appear ready to make a major change to their offensive structure, but the production has to improve.
Stroud has maintained confidence in the group despite the 0-3 record, pointing to the talent on the roster and the fact that Houston has previously overcome a slow start. The Texans also received strong defensive play against Indianapolis, including an interception from Reed Blankenship and a forced fumble by Will Anderson Jr. that helped spark Houston's fourth-quarter comeback.
But the offense ultimately could not finish the job.
It's time to take steps forward, and perhaps Stroud's aggressive approach could be exactly what this offense needs to get going.
