Heading into Sunday's Week 5 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, there were no shortage of nits that could be picked regarding the Houston Texans offense. Whether it be an unreliable ground game, CJ Stroud's mechanics, the lack of a true second option in the passing attack behind Nico Collins, or the play-calling of new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, there was room for the Texans to grow.
But dating back to the 2024 season, the biggest issue -- not necessarily a nit to pick, but instead, a potential franchise-altering problem that desperately needs to be addressed before it's too late -- has been the downright stinky play of the Texans offensive line. That's right. I just called the performances of five very large grown men stinky, so please don't let this get back to them.
In truth, the Texans have been aware that the offensive line's performance has been below average. The stats back that up, as does general manager Nick Caserio's aggressive offseason plan to overhaul nearly the entire unit. But even with so many fresh faces in the group up front, CJ Stroud was still under fire through four weeks this season, and the Texans offense was paying for it.
But in Sunday's 44-10 win over Baltimore, Houston's offensive line played their best game to date in this still-young 2025 NFL season. Stroud was sacked twice, but for the most part, the third-year QB was kept clean for the majority of the game, and accordingly, he had his best game of the season, finishing with 244 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, just 4 incompletions, and a 143.9 passer rating.
(This is where I'm obligated to remind you that the Ravens were playing without half of their defensive starters this week, but you already know that.)
CJ Stroud, DeMeco Ryans Use Post Game Press Conferences to Shout Out Texans O-Line
After the 34-point win, both CJ Stroud and DeMeco Ryans used their time with reporters to give the Texans offensive line their flowers. In fact, praise for his offensive line was the first thing out of Stroud's mouth.
"Our O linemen did a great job and that's where it starts, I think," Stroud said after the game. "I'm one of the best when I get the time and I can deal it out. Our O line did amazing this game and when that happens, (offensive coordinator Nick Caley) is calling a great game and our receivers are running really good routes. We've been getting better at practice every week and I think that's where you see the growth, but it really starts with them."
Later in the press conference, Stroud would go on to shout out each of his offensive tackles individuallly.
"Tae (Aireontae Ersery) has done a great job. First and foremost, his mentality, his effort, he has God-given talent. It just takes some plays," Stroud said. "I think he's done a great job of just weathering the storm, staying committed, staying rooted in what he believes in and that's himself. I'm super grateful that he's on our team. He's going to be a great player in this league. And the rest of our O line does a great job… Tytus (Howard) has been huge. I think he's been playing at an All-Pro level, Pro Bowl level, He looks great, he's holding it down on the right."
Howard and Ersery are ranked 28th and 57th respectively among all qualified tackles according to Pro Football Focus.
Ryans had more to add during his time speaking with the media, noting that it was the group's efforts in the running game that allowed the Texans to rush for a season-high 167 yards on Sunday afternoon.
"I thought our offensive line did a really nice job of protecting," Ryans added. "CJ had a lot of time in the pocket to make those decisions and make the good throws that he made, so really proud of those guys. Also, running the football, we were able to run for over 160 yards. For us to run the ball that way, it's a credit to our offensive line. It all starts there, tight ends, receivers everybody getting involved in blocking and staying with it and our backs did another great job again this week."