The Houston Texans have worked hard this offseason to shake things up and create a fresh sense of optimism ahead of a crucial third year in the C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans era.
While there have been changes in various areas of the team, one major source of hope for the Texans, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, is the revamped offensive line.
Offensive Line Struggles in 2024
Despite the Texans repeating as AFC South champions in 2024, they didn’t quite have the same postseason threat as they did the year before. A significant factor behind this was the struggles of quarterback C.J. Stroud, who faced a second-year regression.
Bleacher Report’s Knox pointed out that Stroud’s struggles could be attributed to two things: injuries to key receivers and, more importantly, poor pass protection.
In 2024, Stroud was sacked 52 times, making it clear that the offensive line was a major issue for the Texans. The lack of protection held Stroud back from hitting his potential, and the offense never seemed to click at the level they hoped for.
With that in mind, the Texans’ front office made the offensive line a priority for improvement during the offseason.
Changes to the Offensive Line
Heading into the 2025 season, the Texans’ offensive line will look quite different. Veteran players like Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason have been traded or moved on, while new faces such as Aireontae Ersery, along with veterans like Cam Robinson and Trent Brown, have been brought in.
These changes bring a sense of uncertainty, as different doesn’t always mean better. However, if the new line performs well, it could make a significant difference for Stroud and the Texans’ offense.
A Better Offensive Line Could Lead to Success
For Stroud, improved pass protection could be the key to returning to the form he showed during his rookie year, where he wasn’t under as much pressure and had more time to make plays.
If Stroud gets the protection he needs, the entire Texans offense could thrive, making them more competitive in a tough AFC and positioning them to challenge teams like Baltimore and Kansas City.
As the 2025 season approaches, the hope for Houston lies in whether this revamped offensive line can provide the necessary support for Stroud to regain his form and lead the team to greater success.
The next campaign could be a turning point, and the effectiveness of the new line could be the deciding factor. Only time will tell how these changes will play out, but for now, the Texans are eager to see the results of their offseason moves.
