Are the Houston Texans Finally Back?

The Houston Texans looked like a team searching for answers through the first four weeks of the season.

Sitting at 0-4, Houston had little room for error, and questions surrounding their ability to compete for a division title were becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Two weeks later, the conversation is beginning to change significantly.

Houston has now won consecutive games, defeating the Tennessee Titans 26-3 before delivering their most impressive performance yet in a 34-31 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in London. The win snapped Jacksonville's three-game winning streak and gave the Texans their first back-to-back victories of the season.

So, are the Texans finally back?

There is reason to believe they could be.

The biggest difference has been the offense finding its rhythm behind quarterback C.J. Stroud. Against Jacksonville, Stroud completed 24 of 34 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns, delivering one of his strongest performances of the season despite throwing his first interception of the year. More importantly, he showed the composure Houston desperately needed when the game was on the line.

After throwing that interception in the end zone late in the fourth quarter, the Texans watched Jacksonville tie the game at 31-31. Instead of allowing the mistake to define the afternoon, Stroud responded by leading Houston down the field for another opportunity.

That drive ended with kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn connecting on a 49-yard field goal as time expired.

It was the type of finish the Texans had struggled to execute during their opening four losses. Houston had dropped three one-score games before finally breaking through against Jacksonville, making Sunday's result about more than just another win.

Tight end Foster Moreau also had a strong day, hauling in two touchdown passes, while wide receiver Jaylin Noel recorded a career-high 107 receiving yards and a touchdown. Running back Jawhar Jordan added a 25-yard rushing touchdown in his season debut, giving Houston another spark on the ground.

However, it would be premature to declare the Texans completely back.

Despite the offensive production, Houston surrendered 31 points to Jacksonville and struggled to consistently get off the field on third down. Those defensive issues remain a concern for a team that needs more consistency across all three phases to make a serious playoff push.

Still, the Texans have given themselves something they desperately lacked a few weeks ago. Momentum.

The 0-4 start put Houston in a very difficult position, but their recent performances have shown that this team has not given up on their season and the potential they can reach.

The next challenge is proving these performances were not a temporary surge.

Houston will return home to face the New York Giants next Sunday, which is another opportunity to build on its recent success. A third consecutive victory would further strengthen the argument that the Texans are legitimate contenders to climb back into the AFC South race.

Two wins do not erase four losses, and plenty of work remains. But after Sunday's dramatic finish, the Texans have every reason to believe their season is far from over.