The Houston Texans were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL last season.
That’s a lot to say about a team that made the playoffs, but it goes to show how high the expectations were.
Unfortunately, quarterback C.J. Stroud got most of the blame.
However, though he regressed in his second season, there was only so much he could do behind a shaky offensive line.
Even with Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil, the Texans struggled to give Stroud a clean pocket, and they failed to establish a running game.
That’s why lineman Tytus Howard believes they’re looking for vengeance this season.
Talking to the Houston Chronicle, Howard predicted that the offensive line will take a major leap, as they’re all looking to prove the doubters wrong.
“We’re going to be more nasty up front,” Howard said. “We’re going to get more gritty. Guys finishing more plays. We need more guys on the ground when we get done with them. We just got to be a nastier group up front.”
There are plenty of questions about the offensive line, and its ability to hold up will make or break the team’s aspirations.
Stroud should also have a huge chip on his shoulder after everything that has been said of him since the start of last season, and he should be looking forward to proving that his success as a rookie wasn’t a fluke.
The AFC South will be a tougher division after the moves the other teams made, but the Texans should continue to be the favorites to win it.
But a good defense or stacked offense won’t be able to accomplish much unless those who stand in front of the quarterback do their jobs.
