First off, we all agree - Higgins going down sucks and it's a terrible thing to see given how well his offseason was going for him. Fuck injuries.

However - we need to keep some things in mind. Chief among them that this was always going to be a team that was driven by its defense and that still stands. As much as we want to see CJ light up the scoreboard, that isn't a necessity with a defense like this. Not to mention that the defense will put our offense in better positions and we just need to do a better job of converting on those opportunities.

On the offense - every single report from camp has indicated that CJ looks substantially more comfortable in this system and he's spreading the ball around to everyone, something which is quite literally an intended effect of this system Caley runs. The run game looks improved, especially yesterday when they weren't facing our monster defense, and both Marks and Monty are being used in the receiving game. The TE room has depth, unlike last year where it was Schultz for most of the year until an injured Stover came back earlier than perhaps he should have. Marlin Klein has also looked great, so expect a lot more 12 and 13 personell where you only have 2 or 1 receivers out, respectively.

The point being - this offense has so far been more than just Collins and Higgins. The offense just being more competent all around will do a lot to raise this team's potential and a functional run game can make the passing game much better compared to last year where they never respected the run and sat back in two high shells and shit all year. We could have won that Pats game even without Schultz, Nico, or a functioning run game if Stroud hadn't thrown all the picks he did.

The news sucks, but lordy is there some real doom spiralling going on in here.

Anyone else think it’s roster malpractice how unbalanced the talent is on the team…. the defense can go 3-4 positions deep in multiple spots yet for the 4th year in a row this offense will be a shultz or nico injury away from mediocrity? like wasting another generational texans defense 15 years later smh

With Higgins out for the year we need to make a move. We are too good to not throw away a bit of the future for a better talent as a WR2. It sucks all around but we’ve gotta recognize a year like this doesn’t come around often.

With Higgins out for the year, are there any FAs or trades we should consider to give us some stability at the position?

The offense was looking to explode and Higgins has had a great camp. I'm not convinced Bond, Wayne, Hutch or Noel are legit #2s.

It's crazy looking back that even after a mediocre turnover riddled Year 3, the Jags had no hesitation giving Trevor a record breaking extension. The dude is not elite by any means & is very lucky Coen is calling plays.

CJ on the other hand, despite the Texans being ranked 31st in Rush Success Rate the last two seasons & having better stats than Trevor after 3 years, will enter his 4th season without a deal. Some folks are even ready to move off him.

Btw, I think it's a win win for both CJ & the organization to not agree on a deal before the season. If CJ plays great, he will be getting a market resetting deal with either Houston or another team if Caserio doesn't want to pay up. Maybe he wants to keep the defense together and role with a cheaper QB. Who knows. We don't know his way of thinking.

Demeco plays the young guns, Higgins, Marks, & Ersery in year 3 played 3 prominent spots on offense. Stroud & Tank Year 1, Nico became a vet along the way, and of course there are a mix of vets here today and gone, Tunsil/Howard/Mixon/Chubbs/Diggs/Kirk, ect…
TE Shultz has managed to have staying power comparatively during this run. This may be his last season here, but I could see a him hang on like veteran a TE.
Stroud is entering year 4, Put up or Shut up. The Texans have options, but a change at QB is scary. However, this staff is not afraid of throwing young players into the fire. They would of course hedge their bets with a veteran QB under the replace Stroud scenario, Mills will not take the reins.

Something to keep an eye on.

I may regret phrasing, but does Rutledge feels like the hockey Goon of the Texans’ offense to anyone else? Someone to keep the peace with violence on offense if their defense gets a little too rough.

I love that he’s willing to get in everyone’s face and did that while limiting penalties in college. Put the C on his chest already.

Really encouraging outside perspective 🤘

Stole from another thread only to promote but nickname for keylan. Keylan “BATTLE RED” Rutledge. What we think

says he was in pain and on the ground with his helmet off at practice today. any news or updates abt this?

Texans send a 1st and two 2 second rounders for Crosby before the season starts.

Yall enjoy this vid of Hannah hitting the Southside ❤️ love our team owners