The Houston Texans held their own in the first half against the Ravens before Baltimore poured it on in the second half. The defense did well to limit Lamar Jackson, but the offense couldn’t get going with rookie C.J. Stroud under center.
Longtime NFL writer John McClain of the Audacy original podcast “Houtopia” sounded off on the Texans’ lackluster offensive line after the 25-9 loss.
“On offense, they’re going to continue to struggle because the offensive line – running the ball and having time for Stroud to throw,” McClain said (2:53 in player above). “I didn’t like going for it on fourth down and 1 in their end of the field. He’s got a rookie quarterback, a rookie play-caller, an offensive line that’s terrible against a really good defense.”
Stroud threw for 242 yards on 28 of 44 passing in his debut. He also ran the ball four times for 20 yards. Unfortunately, he wasn’t given much protection as he was sacked five times for a loss of 46 yards while fumbling once as well.
It was only one game, but McClain already has significant worries about the Texans’ offensive line.
“If he does it behind this offensive line, he’s doomed to repeat those failures. This is one of the worst O-lines I’ve ever seen.”
The Texans are in the early stages of a rebuild with their rookie quarterback along with first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans. It could be a long season if Houston can’t figure things out to protect Stroud.
Ryans, Stroud, and the Texans will look for their first win of the season when they host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon.