There is no way around the fact that the Texans' offense has not been pretty, or particularly good so far this season.
Sure, they scored over 20 points for the first time this season in their 26-0 shutout against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. But remember, that first half when the offense could only muster up two field goals while the Titans missed two of their own, was rough to watch.
Houston ranks 25th in the NFL in total offense; 23rd in both passing and rushing offense, respectively, and 29th in scoring offense with a putrid 16 points per game.
First-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley said Thursday that he is seeing improvement from the offense, especially when they eliminate mental errors and self-inflicted wounds.
“I thought we were more efficient in terms of our execution overall," Caley said. "I thought our operation was much cleaner. I thought we were able to sustain and put together long drives. We got to finish better. But I thought there were positives from that standpoint for sure."
Caley said what the offense needs to still improve on is finishing drives with touchdowns, rather than having to settle for field goals. Credit to Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn for being tied for the second-most 50-plus yard field goals this season, but Houston would obviously prefer turning those opportunities into six points rather than three.
“I think from an improvement standpoint, finishing. Touchdowns, not just settling for field goals and trying to be able to sustain drives as you cross the 50 [yard line]," Caley said. "Those are obviously important things to be able to do. I think in terms of what we've done well, we're a tough team up front. I do. I believe it's extension to the tight ends, to the [wide] receivers. I think you saw an increase emphasis in terms of blocking on the perimeter. I think that there's a lot of positives that have come from that.
"But I think that number one, the toughness, the physicality, our double teams and combinations have gotten better in the run game. I think our protection's improved from week to week. I think those are the biggest takeaways I take in terms of the things that we've done the best so far."
Just for some context on the opportunity in front of this Texans offense: they are facing a Ravens unit that ranks 31st in total defense and will likely be without some of its best players.
Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is out for the season. Safety Kyle Hamilton (groin) did not practice Thursday; nor did cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) or Marlon Humphrey (calf). Inside linebacker Roquan Smith is also not practicing while he deals with a hamstring injury.
Cornerback Nate Wiggins has an elbow injury that held him out of practice earlier this week and he was limited Thursday.
These are some of the best players on the 31st ranked passing defense, 27th ranked rushing defense and one that's allowing more points than any other in the league.
Suffice it to say this Ravens defense is worse than the one the Texans just faced against Tennessee and statistically the worst in football. If they can't get right in Baltimore, they won't get right all.